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Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary [STOTS] celebrated it’s 80th anniversary October 11-13, 2018.
On Thursday evening, a Moleben was celebrated for the installation of the seminary’s new Dean, Archpriest John Parker III, followed by a reception in the seminary gym. Other anniversary events included a presentation on relics by Archpriest John Perich on Friday morning, as well as a talk given by Archpriest Daniel Geeza, who shared memories of Saint Nikolai Velmirovich, STOTS Rector in the mid-1950s.
On Friday evening, following the celebration of Vespers, a grand celebratory banquet was held at the Hilton Hotel Ballroom, Scranton, PA, during which members of the STOTS Board of Trustees and distinguished alumni were recognized. Among them were His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, retired, who was presented with flowers and an icon of the Theotokos in recognition of his long service to the seminary. Entertainment was provided by the seminary’s alumni/staff band, “Harry and the Dogmatix.”
On Saturday morning, the Monastery Church of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk was full for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, at which His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon presided. Concelebrating with His Beatitude was His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, STOTS Rector. During the Liturgy, Metropolitan Tikhon elevated the newly installed Dean, Father John Parker, to the dignity of Archpriest in recognition of his service while serving the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the South. Father John also was presented with the kamilavka and the Dean’s Cross, which has been passed down over the years from dean to dean at Saint Tikhon’s. During the Liturgy, Metropolitan Tikhon ordained third-year seminarian Joseph Sharman to the diaconate, after which a celebratory reception was held.
In all, a great sense of joy permeated the anniversary events.
May God grant Saint Tikhon Seminary’s not just 80, but “80 times 80” more years of radiance as a light of Orthodoxy in America!
Photo credit: Subdeacon Roman Ostash
