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St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary celebrated it’s 80th anniversary this past week, from Thursday to Saturday October 11-13. Events included a presentation on relics given by Fr. John Perich on Friday morning, as well as a talk given by Fr. Dan Geeza about memories of St. Nikolai Velmirovich, who served as rector of the seminary in the mid 1950’s. Thursday evening a moleben was offered for the installation of the new dean, Fr. John Parker, followed by a reception in the Seminary Gym. On Friday night, following Vespers a grand celebratory banquet was held at the Hilton Hotel Ballroom in Scranton, PA. At this banquet members of the Board of Trustees and distinguished alumni were recognized; His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman in particular was given flowers and an icon of the Theotokos in recognition of his long service to the seminary. Entertainment was provided by seminary alumni/staff band, “Harry and the Dogmatix.” Saturday morning, the monastery church was full for a hierarchical liturgy with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon. During this service His beatitude elevated Fr. John Parker, now officially installed as the new Dean, to the dignity of Archpriest, in recognition of his service while in the Diocese of the South, as well as investing him with both the Kamilavka and the Dean’s Cross, which has been passed down from Dean to Dean at St. Tikhon’s. At this time, 3rd year seminarian Joseph Sharman was also ordained by His Beatitude to the Holy Diaconate, followed by a celebratory reception.
In all, a great sense of joy permeated the events. May God grant us all at St. Tikhon’s not simply 80, but even 80 times 80 more years to shine as a light of Orthodoxy in America!
Write-up by Seminarian John S. Parker
Photos by Seminarian Peter Kamilos. Additional Photos by Victor Lutes may be found here.
