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The 2024-25 academic year has begun at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, Yonkers, NY, Saint Herman’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kodiak, AK, and Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan, PA.
St. Vladimir’s Seminary
St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) began its 2024 Fall Semester on Thursday, August 22, with a Moleben for the Beginning of the New Academic Year. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the moleben. He encouraged the new students to approach their studies with dedication and humility. Interim President and Academic Dean, Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, also addressed the incoming class of 32 students, commending their commitment, leaving behind comfortable careers and homes, to pursue studies at seminary.
This year’s incoming class includes men and women from the United States, Canada, Ukraine, and Serbia, representing eight Eastern and Oriental Orthodox jurisdictions. The incoming students are pursuing degrees in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Theology (Th.M.), and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) programs. The incoming students join the SVOTS student body for a total of 95 students.
In addition to welcoming new students, St. Vladimir’s introduced new faculty members and staff, including Assistant Director of Chapel Music and Director of Admissions Mr. Zachariah Mandell and Rev. Dn. Dr. Harrison Basil Russin, who is serving as Associate Dean for Residential Life in addition to his position as Assistant Professor of Liturgical Music.
St. Tikhon’s Seminary
On Monday, August 26, 2024, St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS) welcomed its incoming Class of 2027, consisting of 15 first-year seminarians from five different dioceses of the Orthodox Church in America, the Antiochian Archdiocese, and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey, Rector of St. Tikhon’s, led the orientation sessions along with the Dean and Director of Student Life, V. Rev. John Parker, and Rev. Ignatius Gauvain.
For the first time, the seminary also held a “Family Orientation” on August 22-23, giving spouses and children of the seminarians an opportunity to meet the community and learn about life at the seminary. The event concluded with a Southern BBQ Night, encouraging fellowship among the families and the wider seminary community.
The week of orientation also included the annual Fall Beautification project, during which students worked together to prepare the campus for the new academic year. This year’s effort was particularly special, as it added the finishing touches to extensive renovations across the campus, including updates to dormitory housing, the library, gymnasium, and soon-to-be-finished fitness center.
St. Herman’s Seminary
St. Herman’s Seminary in Kodiak, AK, began its academic year with an All-Night Vigil for the Dormition of the Theotokos on the evening of August 27, continuing into the morning of August 28. Following the Vigil, the community enjoyed a beach picnic before resuming orientation activities later on August 29. Matins began the day, followed by orientation led by the V. Rev. John Dunlop, with the assistance of the Seminary Chaplain, Rev. Michael Nicolai and Rev. Dn. Thomas Rivas from the Chancery of the Diocese of Alaska.
St. Herman’s Seminary welcomes a class of nine students this year, comprising four single students and five married students. The community has three fourth-year students and four second-year students.
The students and faculty gathered for weekend services at the All Saints of Alaska Chapel, marking the beginning of this new year of both spiritual and academic formation for service in Christ’s Church.
Click here to read more about His Beatitude’s seminary visits
The faithful and parishes of the Orthodox Church in America are urged to intentionally pray for vocations and to support the seminaries, students, faculty, and their families. It is also vital to commit to financially support the three OCA seminaries as they continue the necessary work of providing exceptional education and spiritual formation for the future leaders of the Orthodox Church.
Parishes are reminded of the resolution approved at the 16th All-American Council in Seattle, which calls for parishes of the Orthodox Church in America to allocate 1% of their budget towards the support of these seminaries.
If you want to know more about supporting our seminaries, their work, or learn more about vocation and theological formation, seminary contact information is available here.
