The Convention is slated to take place at the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel July 20-23, 2018. The All-American Council opens on Monday, July 23 and runs through Friday, July 27.
According to Dr. David Drillock, Chair of the OCA’s Department of Liturgical Music and Translations, a rehearsal for the weekend services will be held at the hotel on Saturday, July 21, at 3:45 p.m. Additional rehearsals for services throughout the week will be announced at the AAC. All convention and AAC singers are encouraged to attend the rehearsals and sing in the choir at all services.
The 19th AAC services [Vespers on Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday Vigil; Hierarchical Divine Liturgy plus an Addendum; and Akathists on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday] are available for downloading on the AAC website and below.
Lone Butte, BC, Canada: Monks release second volume of highly acclaimed Orthodox hymns in Gregorian Chant
A second volume of adaptations from Gregorian chant is now available from the monks of Holy Transfiguration Hermitage, Lone Butte, BC.
Gregorian Chant has its roots in ancient Hebrew and Greek Music. It developed alongside Byzantine Chant, with which it has strong affinities.
The volume provides musical scores and pointed texts of the cyclical prayers of the Octoechos—stikhera, troparia, etc.—as well as psalms and canticles, various festal hymns and lenten modes. It includes helpful notes on performance and details with regard to the Gregorian originals from which the adaptations were drawn.
Volume 2 and the earlier Volume 1 are now available for downloading, as is an additional recording featuring music from Pascha and idiomela from Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pentecost and a selection of Nativity hymns.
The monastic community wishes to thank everyone who has generously supported this unique project.
Vranje, Serbia: Chaplain James Sizemore concelebrates with Serbian chaplains
Lt. Col. James Sizemore, an Ohio National Guard chaplain attached to Saint Gregory of Nyssa Church, Columbus, OH, concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Vranje, Serbia on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
The invitation for Father James to participate in the Liturgy, with the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Pohomije of Vranje, stems from the strong, 12-year partnership between Ohio and Serbia which, for more than a decade, have worked together to promote regional stability and develop civil-military relationships as part of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.
The following day, Father James and two Serbian Armed Forces chaplains, Priests Vedran Kostic and Goran Sandic, concelebrated an early morning multinational Divine Liturgy in the field for soldiers from Serbia, the United States, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Before his return to the US on June 22, Father James also served a Panikhida at the Memorial Chapel for the Land Forces Headquarters in Nis, where he also met His Grace, Bishop Aresnije of Nis.
Normal, IL: Holy Apostles Church celebrates 20th anniversary
Priest David Gresham and the faithful of Holy Apostles Church here celebrated their patronal feast and the 20th anniversary of their community on Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Concelebrating with Father David at the festal Divine Liturgy were Priest Basil Ferguson, Priest-in-Charge of Saint Raphael of Brooklyn Mission, Quincy, IL; Priest Danial Doss, attached to Saint Luke Church, Palos Hills, IL; and Priest James Ellison, Rector of Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Urbana, IL.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the anniversary celebration continued on the grounds of the parish’s recently paid-off church property. Highlights included a group picture, picnic meal, and afternoon activities for all ages. The day ended with the celebration of Great Vespers.
Holy Apostles held its first Divine Liturgy on the Great Feast of the Nativity in 1997. Shortly thereafter it was organized as a mission station sponsored by Saint Joseph Church, Wheaton, IL. In 2001, with the appointment of Priest John Dickson Brown as Pastor, it was granted mission status. Due to the community’s rapid growth, it was granted full parish status in 2013.
Cincinnati, OH: Fr. Steven Kostoff’s “Monday Morning Meditations” now available
For nearly 20 years, members of the parish, as well as friends from near and far, have been receiving Father Steven’s weekly meditations via email or through the “Orthodox Christian Meditations” blog. His writings also have appeared regularly on the web site of the Orthodox Church in America. Now, at long last, a selection of Father Steven’s reflections is available in book form.
“Father Kostoff’s meditations trace the pathway, throughout the Orthodox liturgical year, that leads the reader from the goal of ‘bringing our minds and hearts back to the reality of God’ to our ‘becoming more human’ through an ever-deepening communion with the God of Love,” writes Archpriest John Breck. “These marvelously inspirational reflections can enlighten the spiritual journey of anyone who longs to behold the Face of Christ.”
The volume may be ordered directly from Kaloros Press by sending an email to michael.breck@kalorospress.com.
Registration for the 19th All-American Council [AAC] the Orthodox Church in America, slated to be held in Saint Louis, MO July 23-27, 2018, will close on Monday, July 9.
Clergy and lay delegates who have yet to register for the Council should do so online before the deadline. Delegates and observers are reminded that their applications need to be approved by their respective diocesan hierarchs.
The Delegate Handbook, which contains the AAC agenda and a full set of instructions for participants, is available online, as are the reports of the Church’s Officers and the OCA’s Departments and Institutions. Delegates are reminded to download and print the Handbook and reports, which can be placed in binders that will be distributed at the AAC registration desk.
In related matters, those desiring to register for the formal dinner only may do so at the registration site by selecting the “formal dinner only” option. The cost for attending the dinner is $75.00. The cost of the dinner is included in the registration fee of those who registered as delegates and weekly observers.
The Board of Trustees of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary [STOTS] here announced on Thursday, July 5 that Archpriest John E. Parker III, D.Min, has been named as the school’s new Dean. The announcement was made by His Eminence, Archbishop Michael [Dahulich], Ph.D., Archbishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey and the Rector of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary.
Currently the Rector of Holy Ascension Church, Mount Pleasant, SC, Father John succeeds Archpriest Steven Voytovich, who has served as the Seminary’s Dean for the past five years.
Father John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree (major in Spanish Language and Literature and minor in German) at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, where he met his wife Jeanette in 1993. After their marriage in 1994, he taught Spanish for three years at the Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA, before doing full-time youth ministry at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli, PA. In 2001, he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry [TESM], Ambridge, PA, and served for a brief period as Curate at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Sullivan’s Island, SC.
During his last year at TESM and his time at Holy Cross, he and Jeanette, along with their two sons, discovered the Orthodox Faith. On July 7, 2002, the family was received into the Orthodox Church at Holy Ascension Mission, Mount Pleasant, SC. They moved to Yonkers, NY in August 2002, where Father John began studies at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He was ordained to the diaconate by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, in November 2002, and to the priesthood by His Eminence, the late Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas and the South of blessed memory, in April 2003. Father John pursued a Master of Theology degree, which he earned in 2004. His thesis was titled “The Sanctity of Chastity: An Orthodox Approach to Homosexuality.”
Since June 2003, Father John has served as Pastor of the very mission into which he and his family were received into the Church. There, fueled by the remarkable gifts, talents, and generosity of the local faithful, they built a parish family well known for its warm, southern hospitality and a commitment to excellence in sacred music and arts. This hospitality spills out into two weekly 12-Step Addiction communities the parish hosts—the “We’ve Been Waiting for You” AA meeting and Charleston’s only Sexaholics Anonymous meeting, especially devoted to freeing men from slavery to pornography.
From 2006-2008, Father John and his flock built and completed a remarkable Byzantine temple to honor the Lord’s Holy Ascension, which has become a center for music and arts festivals, workshops, and symposia, including an annual iconography workshop led by world-renowned iconographers.From 2006-2008, the parish built and completed a remarkable Byzantine Temple, to honor the Lord’s Holy Ascension; there, music and arts festivals, workshops, and symposia are held, including a now-annual iconography workshop led by world-renowned iconographers.
Father John has written more than 170 essays on Orthodoxy for Charleston’s Post and Courier, the Carolina Compass, and the Moultrie News. For the past decade, he has offered bi-annual lectures on Orthodox Christianity at the College of Charleston. He was active in Campus Ministry at the Citadel, where his two sons, Zachary (a math major, wishing to teach) and Sebastian (a mechanical engineering major, wishing to work in aviation), are rising juniors.
In 2011, Father John was appointed Chair of the Department of Evangelization oof the Orthodox Church in America. He has overseen the Church Planting Grant Program; has worked to build bridges to the Orthodox Faith with Anglicans and Evangelicals; and has hosted a regular podcast on Ancient Faith Radio, titled, “Lord, Send Me.” He has given talks and retreats on missions and evangelism in many of the dioceses of the OCA, in several Antiochian parishes, and internationally in Finland and Greece. For five years he has served on the Board of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.
In December 2017, Father John earned his Doctor of Ministry degree at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary. His D. Min. project was titled “Radechesis: A Radical Return to the Roots of Christian Catechism.” Father John and Matushka Jeanette, who earned her DNP in 2016 and serves as a Nurse Practitioner, will relocate to Saint Tikhon’s at the beginning of the new academic year.
In accepting the position, Father John stated, “Saint Tikhon’s has a remarkable and rich history; I am beyond humbled to be invited to serve where the saints have walked, and where our new saints are being formed.
“I hope that my experience of a vision for heavenly beauty and the warmth of Christian hospitality at Holy Ascension, in love for and imitation of Jesus Christ, will encourage and inspire those near and far to see, encourage, and support such a vision in the mission and efforts of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary,” Father John continued. “And I pray the Lord that my experience in missions and evangelism, as a son of the Diocese of the South, and as a priest shaped by the rich brotherhood of the Carolinas Deanery, will prove worthy and welcome gifts to share with the future clergy and lay leaders of the Orthodox Churches of our land, and perhaps beyond.”
Members of the Orthodox Church in America’s Pension Board concluded their quarterly meeting at the Chancery on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. In addition to routine business, the independent auditors of Baker Tilly presented their draft audit report, which included an unmodified opinion on the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Board members also discussed plans for the upcoming 19th All-American Council [AAC]. They extend an invitation to all clergy and their wives, employees and parish officials at the AAC to attend the open house they will host on Thursday, July 25 from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. The reception will provide opportunities to ask questions and learn about the Pension Plan in detail.
The OCA Pension Plan serves over 350 active participants and more than 175 retirees, widows, and beneficiaries. The Plan is the only approved retirement vehicle for OCA parishes and clergy. Participation is required of all clergy and parishes. The Plan is available for all full-time Church workers. A wealth of information and resources concerning the Plan is available on-line.
Pension Board Trustees include His Grace, Bishop David, Episcopal Moderator; Priest Gleb McFatter, Chairman; Archpriests Matthew Tate and John Zdinak; and Theodore Bazil, Matushka Mary Buletza Breton, and Barry Gluntz. Maureen Ahearn serves as Pension Administrator.
OCA Archivist Alexis Liberovsky, left, with Conference goers.
With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, Alexis Liberovsky, Archivist of the Orthodox Church in America, participated in the Fort Ross Dialogue Conference in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, and conducted preliminary research at the Russian State Historical Archives in Saint Petersburg in May 2018.
The Conference’s formal proceedings opened on Monday, May 21 with several hundred participants in attendance. Welcoming remarks were offered by Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Representative of the Russian President on International Cultural Cooperation; Alexander Pankin, Deputy Foreign Minister; Thomas Leary, Minister-Counsellor for Public Affairs of the US Embassy in Russia; Andrey Nikitin, Governor of the Novgorod Region; and others. The remainder of the opening day was devoted to archives and museums, with both American and Russian specialists delivering brief presentations on the contents of their respective collections, especially those associated with Russian-American relations or collaborative projects they have undertaken. Alex presented a paper on the history of the formation of the OCA Archives.
The second and final day of the conference was devoted to cybersecurity and energy issues.
“I was the first Church representative to be invited to speak at a Fort Ross Dialogue conference—six have been held in the US and two in Russia since 2012,” Alex explained. “While many of the presentations during the archival segment of the conference touched upon the history of the Orthodox Church in both Russia and America—particularly Alaska—my own presentation was the only one that offered a perspective from the Church. In conversation with persons who have significant input towards the content of the Fort Ross Dialogue Conferences, I suggested that representatives of both the Russian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church in America be invited to speak in order to not neglect exploration of the spiritual contributions of the Church to the history of Russian-American relations.
Archives of the St. Petersburg Diocese.
“The conference allowed me to connect or reconnect with several Russian and American archivists, historians and specialists, including Yury Matveev and Elena Agalakova, Foreign Ministry officials who had visited the OCA Archives two years ago; Larisa Rogovaya, Director of the State Archives of the Russian Federation; and Alexander Petrov of the Russian Academy of Sciences,” Alex continued. “Dr. Petrov had conducted research in the OCA Archives in 2013, at which time he had met with Metropolitan Tikhon. He will be returning to the US this fall for additional research focusing on analyzing the creation and preservation of traditions in the OCA and to what extent these traditions have been inherited from Russia or are unique to the American Church.”
Alex also established new connections with Sarah Sweedler, CEO of the Fort Ross Conservancy; Inga Yumasheva, a member of the State Duma; and Nikita Krylov, Senior Expert of the Information and Document Research Department of the State Historical Archives, who was his co-presenter at the conference.
“Mr. Krylov is a faithful Orthodox Christian who is the leading expert on Church-related material in the State Historical Archives and greatly assisted my research at that repository upon my return to Saint Petersburg after the conference,” Alex added.
A member of the OCA Archives Advisory Committee, Archpriest Vladimir von Tsurikov, also spoke at the conference in his capacity as Director of the Museum of Russian Art, Minneapolis, MN.
“While the brevity of the conference provided little time for detailed discussion of concrete future collaboration, it brought together a unique and diverse group of archival specialists and laid the groundwork for fruitful cooperation among them and the institutions they represent,” Alex said. A booklet titled Archives and Museums of Russian America, published in conjunction with the conference, includes an article authored by Alex that prominently highlights the OCA Archives.
After the conference, Alex returned to Saint Petersburg, where he conducted research in the State Historical Archives, which contain the files of the Imperial government during the period that the city served as Russia’s capital.
“Among these collections are the Archives of the Holy Synod, which contain much material on the Church in America from its establishment in 1794 until the 1917 Revolution,” Alex explained. “There is also material on the Church in America contained in the repository’s other collections—archives of other government entities in Imperial Russia. During my three brief days at the State Archives, I was only able to begin to familiarize myself with the very extensive holdings related to the Church in America, spanning several hundred cards in the catalog, and made note of those of highest importance for future study.”
An archival display highlights the life of St. John Kochurov.
“The material on our Church in the State Historical Archives is significant and fascinating,” Alex continued. “Included in the collections are documents handwritten by the North American saints, most importantly by Saints Innocent and Tikhon. These archives provide for us the proverbial ‘other side of the coin’ in documentation on the Church America. Numerous documents, including both those sent from America to the Church in Russia, of which, in some cases, no copies were retained in America, and those detailing discussion and decisions of the Holy Synod and other government ministries on the Church in America, that are held in the State Historical Archives, must be thoroughly researched to construct a fuller picture of our Church’s history.”
Alex also visited the Archives and Museum of the Saint Petersburg Diocese, whose collections date back to the 1940s and also include resources on the Church in America.
“The Fort Ross Dialogue provided significant visibility for the Orthodox Church in America and its Archives,” Alex concluded. “Already, I have been extended an invitation to the next Fort Ross Dialogue conference in San Francisco in October 2018. As to archives in Russia, extensive research on the Church in America is needed at the Russian State Historical Archives in Saint Petersburg as well as other repositories in Russia, in order to continue developing the narrative of our Church’s history.”
Prague’s historic SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral.
Father Daniel concelebrated the anniversary Divine Liturgy with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Rastislav, Primate of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia; His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of Prague; and visiting hierarchs and clergy at the historic Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral in the Czech capital on Thursday, July 5, 2018.
During the celebration, Father Daniel shared greetings from Metropolitan Tikhon, who called the commemoration “a sign of the ‘unity of the spirit in the bond of peace’ which brings together the Orthodox Church in America and the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands.”
Greetings of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon to
His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of Prague and the Czech Lands
The 1155th Anniversary of the Evangelization of Moravia
Prague, Czech Republic
July 5, 2018
Your Eminence,
Dear Brother in Christ:
Archbishop Michael with Fr. Daniel Andrejuk.
The coming to Great Moravia of Saints Cyril and Methodius 1155 years ago was the beginning of their apostolic labors as preachers of the Gospel of Christ in the Slavic tongue. We learn in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles the wonder and amazement on the Day of Pentecost: “...We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” [Acts: 2: 11]. As the holy brothers initiated the evangelization of Moravia and its people and culture, they were blessed by God to bring the joy of Pentecost to their missionary task.
It is fitting to commemorate and celebrate the memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius, not simply as an event of the distant past, but as a living reality today. The fruit of the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Equals-to-the-Apostles, is to be seen in the Czech Lands and among the vast numbers of peoples speaking Slavic tongues.
It is also fitting to remember that in the time of Saints Cyril and Methodius the Churches of the East and the West were united in faith and in mission. The labors of the saints expressed a fundamental harmony of missionary purpose and evangelizing energy between the Church of Rome and the Church of Constantinople. Today we are witnesses to the desire of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches to rediscover this harmony and to learn to walk together as witnesses to the Good News of Jesus Christ for a troubled and wounded humanity.
Fr. Daniel Andrejuk with Metropolitan Rastislav.
It is a great joy to send our greetings and congratulations through Archpriest Daniel Andrejuk, our Representative to the Patriarchate of Moscow and Dean of Saint Catherine-in-the Fields Church in Moscow. His presence at your celebration is a sign of the “unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” which brings together the Orthodox Church in America and the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands. May the holy energy of Pentecost inspire our Churches in their common path speaking of “the mighty works of God” to our peoples in their own tongues.
With love in the Lord,
Your brother and concelebrant,
+ Tikhon
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada
The May and June 2018 “Pastoral Changes”—the official announcements of ordinations, assignments, releases, etc. affecting the clergy of the Orthodox Church in America as issued by the Office of the Chancellor, Archpriest John Jillions — are now available.
The agreement was signed Monday, June 25 at the Faculty in Sibiu by Archpriest Chad Hatfield, SVOTS President, and Priest Nicolae Chifar, Dean of Saint Andrei Saguna Faculty of Orthodox Theology. The signing of the agreement was attended by His Eminence, Archbishop Laurentiu of Sibiu, Metropolitan of Transylvania, who blessed the agreement between the two institutions. SVOTS Director of Web Services Alexandru Popovici, a native Romanian, and teachers of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology were also present.
“It is important for us to understand that signing this agreement is only a beginning, and with the help of God we believe that this agreement will evolve and change,” said Father Chad. “It is very important for us, those studying theology as a minority in different cultures, to have strong ties with the theological faculties of the mother countries, where Orthodoxy is well rooted in the culture of those countries.”
At the signing, Archbishop Laurentiu awarded Father Chad the “Sagunian Cross for Priests” and welcomed him back for future visits to Sibiu. Father Chad presented His Eminence and members of the Faculty with books published by Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Press.
The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was one of three icons that were untouched by the fire.
According to multiple media reports, the West Sacramento Fire Department quickly responded to an 8:00 a.m. call alerting them of a fire that engulfed the interior of Holy Myrrhbearing Women Church on Thursday, July 12, 2018.
While the blaze was quickly entinguished, the church suffered significant damage, not only to its interior—the iconostasis and altar area were especially hard hit—but also to its bell tower. No one was in the church at the time, and an investigation to determine the cause of the fire is underway.
According to KCRA-TV 3, an unidentified person called 911 to report flames coming from three church windows. Fire Department representative John Heilman told KCRA reporters that crews arrived to find the church fully engulfed in flames.
Before and after photos of the church interior.
“Investigators believe the fire originated somewhere in the altar,” long-time parishioner Constantine Baranoff told reporters. “So that’s where most of the damage appears to be.”
In what Baranoff called “a miracle,” three large icons—the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Saint Nicholas and Saint John of San Francisco—were barely touched by the fire.
“We’ll start cleaning up and decide how we’re going to rebuild this church,” Baranoff said.
Upon learning of the tragedy, His Eminence, Archbisihop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West contacted Archpriest Matthew Ismailov, Rector, and pledged to visit the parish on Monday, July 16.
Donations for reconstruction efforts may be sent to the Holy Myrrhbearing Women Church, 833 Water Street, West Sacramento, CA 95605. A GoFundMe relief fund also has been set up to help the church.
Before and after photos of the church interior.
At the heart of the West Sacramento community for over 100 years, Holy Myrrhbearing Women Church traces its roots to the early 20-th century arrival of Russian and other Slavic immigrants lured to the region by work for the railroad, food processing plants, and agriculture. As major waves of Russian immigrants began to arrive in San Francisco and the Sacramento area in the 1920s, plans to establish a church were initiated in 1925, and funds were collected to buy land on the corner of Hobson Avenue and Water Street.
While the church was being built, services were held in a private home. One of the first resolutions made by the parish was that parishioner labor alone was to be used in building the church. Many parishioners who worked on the railroad, with the permission of their supervisors, began using railroad equipment and materials to build the church. Women played a major role in the effort — they were not only involved with fundraising, but also with the actual construction of the church. These “Lady Builders” inspired Archpriest Vladimir Sakovitch to suggest the name Holy Myrrhbearing Women for the church.
The bell tower also sustained significant damage.
Construction of the church was completed during the pastorate of Archimandrite John [Zlobin], who served the parish from 1927 until 1933. A hall was erected in the late 1940s during the pastorate of Archimandrite Varnava [Karateev].
Shortly after the end of World War II, a new immigration of Russians arrived in the Sacramento area from war ravaged China and Europe, significantly increasing the parish’s membership. A third wave of immigrants from the former Soviet Union followed in the early 1990s. While the majority of these immigrants are zealous Protestants, some are of the Orthodox Christian faith, and many have found a spiritual home at Holy Myrrhbearing Women Church.
The word “pilgrimage” means “a journey of spiritual significance.” And every year, the month of August proves to be significant for two monastic communities of the Orthodox Church in America observing their annual pilgrimages marking the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.
Mother Christophora and the sisterhood of the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA, extend an invitation to join them for their 50th Anniversary Pilgrimage August 5-6, 2018.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and His Eminence, Archbishop Nathanial will be among those joining the sisterhood and pilgrims for the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, August 5 at 9:30 a.m. The Vigil for the Great Feast of the Transfiguration will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by supper for all pilgrims.
On August 6—the Great Feast of the Transfiguration—the Akathist “Glory to God for All Things” will be sung at 9:00 a.m. The greeting and vesting of Metropolitan Tikhon will follow at 9:30 a.m. in preparation for the celebration of the festal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and the traditional blessing of fruit. After enjoying a catered lunch at 1:00 p.m., the Sacrament of Holy Unction and anointing will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. The Pilgrimage will draw to a close with the celebration of Vespers at 5:30 p.m.
The Monastery of the Transfiguration was established in the late 1960s as the fulfillment of the dream of Mother Alexandra, the former Princess Ileana of Romania, to provide a community in which Orthodox Christian women from all backgrounds could live the monastic life and benefit from the liturgical cycle in the English language. She fell asleep in the Lord on January 21, 1991. Mother Christophora, the current Abbess, was elected in 1987, and since then the monastery has continued to develop, both spiritually and physically.
The Monks and Nuns of New Skete, Cambridge, NY, will open their annual Pilgrimage on Saturday, August 11, with the celebration Matins at 8:00 a.m. Metropolitan Tikhon will preside at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.
At 1:30 p.m., Alexei Krindatch, Researcher Coordinator for the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, will offer a presentation titled “Singing an Old Song in a New World: How Orthodox Christian Churches Contribute to America’s Diverse Religious Landscape.” Also on the Pilgrimage schedule are activities for children, tours of the monastery’s churches, a guided hike, and an iconography demonstration. The day will close with the celebration of the Vigil and a Healing Service at 5:00 p.m.
New Skete was established in 1966 by a small group of Byzantine Rite Franciscan monks who were joined by seven Poor Clare nuns from Indiana three years later. The communities embraced Orthodox Christianity and were received into the Orthodox Church in America in 1979. In 1983, eight dedicated parish members expressed their desire to live in accordance with the monastic way of life and formed the Companions of New Skete.
As widely anticipated, the 19th All-American Council [AAC] of the Orthodox Church in America will open in Saint Louis, MO on Monday, July 23, 2018. Hundreds of OCA and guest hierarchs, clergy and lay delegates, youth, and observers are expected to attend the week-long gathering, as well as the 92nd annual National Convention of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America [FOCA], slated to be held at the historic Saint Louis Union Station Hotel—the AAC site—July 20-23.
Throughout the AAC, the OCA’s communications team will provide regular press releases, updates and galleries on the OCA web site and social media. Once again, Orthodox Web Solutions will offer daily coverage, while Ancient Faith Radio will podcast plenary sessions 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 live. {Plenary sessions 3 and 5 are breakout sessions and, as such, will not be aired.]
The AAC theme is "For the Life of the World," inspired by the classic work of the same name by the late Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann.
As noted in the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, “the All-American Council is the highest legislative and administrative authority within the Church. The Council brings together the various elements of the Church to bear witness to her identity, unity, and mission.”
Fifty-five individuals representing 23 parishes from multiple dioceses of the Orthodox Church in America, as well as the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, participated in the Small Parish Forum at Saint George Cathedral here July 12-14, 2018.
Jointly sponsored by the Orthodox Church in America’s Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania, the Diocese of the Midwest, and the Bulgarian Diocese, the Forum—the fifth in a series initiated in 2014—had as its theme ““Equipping Parish Leaders for Discipleship and Change”. The program was facilitated by Joseph Kormos, Parish Development Ministry Leader for the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania.
His Eminence, Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania and His Grace, Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest welcomed the participants and offered their insights throughout the three-day gathering.
Individual sessions explored the foundations of discipleship, key roles for parish councils, approaches for leading change, key ministry efforts for parish leaders and case studies of small parish life in which attendees define action strategies for parish renewal . Nine speakers offered remarks of various length along with video contributions and open discussion and small group breakout sessions. Among the presenters were
Archpriest Thomas Soroka, Rector Saint Nicholas Church, McKees Rocks, PA, who explored an understanding of Orthodox Discipleship.
Priest Stephen Frase, Priest-in-Charge at Saint Ephraim the Syrian Chapel, Athens, OH, who equipped attendees with tools for dialogue and decision making in meetings.
Archpriest Peter Baktis, Rector of the Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Mission, Princeton, NJ, who helped attendees to focus on “Engaging with the Future: Mission Vision and Values.”
Paul Finley, Director of FOCUS North America’s Saint Herman House of Hospitality, Cleveland, OH, who inspired and exhorted attendees to stimulate ministry and outreach beyond the walls of the parish.
Matushka Michelle Jannakos, who offered perspectives on effectively collaborating with parish rectors and their families.
Priest Jonathan Bannon, Rector of Christ the Savior Church, Rockford, IL [ACROD] and a frequent Forum contributor, who joined the session remotely and offered an update on initiatives within his parish.
Archpriest Steven Belonick and Ralph Sidway, who contributed video presentations.
“One important product of the Forum was the development of a set of Principles of Orthodox Leadership,” said Mr. Kormos, who facilitated a number of workshops on related themes. “During the session attendees worked to cull a list of proposed principles listing leadership attitudes and abilities. In addition, as follow up and encouragement for attendees to engage their parishes in productive new efforts, attendees will be eligible to apply for a cash Small Parish Development Grant to be offered later this year.”
The program began with a presentation by Archimandrite Sergius, Abbot of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, who focused on the prayer of the heart. He referenced a number of patristic fathers and elders to reinforce a number of points that included dialogue versus monologue in the prayer, prayer as actualization of personhood, and prayer as union with God.
Archimandrite Sergius, right, addresses clergy on prayer.
Melissa Wertman, Assistant Director of the Wayne County [PA] Drug and Alcohol Commission, offered a presentation on the dynamics and specifics of addictions, including the opioid epidemic. She offered resources available in Wayne County that clergy could utilize in their respective communities.
Dr. Paul Witek, STOTS Registrar and Director of Academic Affairs, introduced his wife, Donna Witek, Associate Professor and Information Literacy Coordinator for University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library, who offered a very helpful and relatively unbiased developmental approach to assessing where one spends time and energy on the web. She included several examples relative to our Orthodox Church’s “current events.”
Donna Witek addresses issues related to social media.
Dr. Albert Rossi, retired Pace University Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, spoke on the realities of internet addiction. Using lecture, video and other resources, he shared helpful insights and resources for clergy in assisting the faithful, sharing insights into his ongoing work with clergy and faithful to punctuate points related to internet addiction, as well as addition in general.
Archpriest Steven Voytovich, STOTS Dean and Department Chair of Pastoral Arts and Praxis, reflected on numerous traumatic incidents he had encountered in his ministry, especially those related to parish community involvement, and how clergy and their parishes can offer support in the wake of such traumas. He also shared resources in how clergy can pursue training in crisis response to prepare them to offer meaningful support when called upon.
Fr. Steven Voytovich speaks on dealing with crises.
Thursday afternoon’s session offered an opportunity for open discussion on topics raised earlier in the week and other concerns raised by participants. Priest Matthew Fuhrman, a recent STOTS graduate and military chaplain, shared ways clergy can effectively minister to military veterans returning from active duty. Priest James Chuta, Spiritual Advisor for the OCF at Bucknell University, spoke about supporting the ministry of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship [OCF] and offered resources for pastors to connect parish graduates with colleges with active OCF chapters. Finally, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, STOTS Rector and Chair of the Scripture Department, responded to questions posed by participants related to recent events in world Orthodoxy.
Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary [SVOTS] is pleased to announce the honoring of two recently retired and distinguished professors, Archpriest Dr. Paul Nadim Tarazi and Dr. Paul Meyendorff. The seminary’s Board of Trustees has bestowed the title of “Professor Emeritus” on both Fr. Paul and Dr. Meyendorff in recognition of their many years of outstanding service to the Seminary and the Orthodox Church.
“Father Paul Tarazi and Dr. Paul Meyendorff have given so much of their lives to Saint Vladimir’s and its alumni,” said Archpriest David Barr, Chair of SVOTS Alumni Association. “They have inspired so many of our clergy and laity as professors at Saint Vladimir’s. They have taught priests, bishops, and laity throughout North America. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for their service to Christ and His Church.”
Father Paul served as a professor at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary for more than 40 years before his retirement in 2014. He taught courses in Old and New Testament, Biblical Hebrew and Greek, and Academic Arabic. Father Paul also taught at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA and at Saint John of Damascus Institute, Balamand, Lebanon. A well-known scholar and speaker, Father Paul’s many publications include the three-volume Old Testament Introduction [SVS Press], four-volume New Testament Introduction [SVS Press/ OCABS Press], and numerous scholarly articles. Most recently, he authored The Rise of Scripture [OCABS Press].
“I am thankful to Fathers Alexander Schmemann and John Meyendorff for having invited me in 1976 to teach scripture and scriptural languages at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary,” said Father Paul. “Their offer presented me with a golden opportunity to teach many generations of Orthodox leaders in those fields.”
Dr. Meyendorff was the Father Alexander Schmemann Professor of Liturgical Theology at SVOTS from 1997 to 2016 and is an alumnus [SVOTS Class of 1975]. He also served as Academic Dean and as Associate Editor at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary [SVS] Press. Currently, he retains his position as Editor of Saint Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly, a position he has held for more than 15 years. Dr. Meyendorff remains active in ecumenical work, and has participated in the Faith and Order Commission of both the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. He is also an advisor to the Office of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations of the Orthodox Church in America. He is the author of several articles and books, including from SVS Press Russia, Ritual, and Reform: The Liturgical Reforms of Nikon in the 17th Century; the Orthodox Liturgical Series study The Anointing of the Sick, a translation of The Service of the Anointing of the Sick; and a translation, introduction, and commentary of On the Divine Liturgy by Saint Germanus of Constantinople.
“Saint Vladimir’s has from its beginning stood in the vanguard of Orthodoxy in the West, and I am grateful to have been a part of that tradition since my childhood, as an altar boy in the chapel with Father Schmemann, as a member of the choir during my high school years, as a seminarian, and finally as a professor for many years. It is a glorious tradition, and one I hope endures for generations to come,” said Dr. Meyendorff.
Archpriest Chad Hatfield, SVOTS President, was pleased to see the honoring of the two professors move forward as the Seminary works on revisions of its bylaws.
“Even with the revisions of the seminary’s bylaws leaving sections suspended, it was important that we not delay the granting of Professor Emeritus status to these two distinguished professors,” he said.
Dr. Tudorie with SVOTS President, Fr. Chad Hatfield. Photo credit: Alexandru Popovici
Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary [SVOTS] has appointed Dr. Ionuţ-Alexandru Tudorie to the position of Academic Dean. The Seminary’s Board of Trustees selected Dr. Tudorie, a native of Romania, on July 18, 2018 after the Academic Dean Search Committee had narrowed down the list of possible candidates to two. The announcement concludes an extended and carefully-undertaken search process that began at the start of the 2017-2018 academic year.
“There is no doubt that Dr. Tudorie brings with him extraordinary gifts and achievements that will benefit the seminary greatly,” said Archpriest Chad Hatfield, President of SVOTS. “Coming from Europe, he follows in a long-standing SVOTS tradition of importation of ‘rising stars’ from abroad.”
Dr. Tudorie has most recently served as professor of Byzantine History and Medieval Church History at the University of Bucharest. He brings expertise in Church History, Byzantine Studies, and Patristics to SVOTS in addition to proficiency in multiple languages.
“The great history of 80 years of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary with its plethora of outstanding professors, from Fathers George Florovsky to John Meyendorff and Alexander Schmemann, who shaped the theological research in their respective fields of study, would compel anyone to want to follow their footsteps,” said Dr. Tudorie. “That is why I am feeling so blessed and thankful to be given the opportunity to join this renowned institution of Orthodox learning and formation.”
Dr. Tudorie, 41, holds doctorates in both Theology and History from the University of Bucharest. Additionally, he has been the director of two advanced research projects and has served as secretary of his department and member of the Commission for Quality Education at the University of Bucharest. His research has received financial and intellectual support from prestigious international institutions, including the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study, Dumbarton Oaks Library and Collection, New Europe College, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Romanian Academy, National Council for Scientific Research, and Institute for Research in Humanities (University of Bucharest). He comes to SVOTS highly recommended by scholars at Dumbarton Oaks. He is the author of many publications and scholarly works. [See detailed listing and Dr. Tudorie’s CV.]
The official search for a new academic dean began in the fall of 2017. A search committee was formed, chaired by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon. In addition to Father Chad, the committee also consisted of Archpriest Philip LeMasters, Archpriest David Barr, and Dr. Frank Cerra from the Board of Trustees, and SVOTS faculty members Archpriest Alexander Rentel and Archpriest Sergius Halvorsen. Trustee Dr. Melody M. Thompson served as a consultant on the committee.
“I want to thank His Beatitude and the members of the Academic Dean Search Committee for their labors in this long and meticulous process,” said Father Chad. “I also offer my appreciation and gratitude to Dr. John Barnet, who served capably and diligently in the interim during the search for an academic dean, and who will play a critical role in this upcoming period of transition at the seminary.”
The Search Committee was tasked with finding a visionary and inspiring Academic Dean with the skills, energy, and experience to advance the academic mission and current programs of the seminary as well as to develop new programs to meet the needs of the Church and the world in the 21st century. The Board of Trustees considered numerous factors and several candidates during the process that began with the original Search Committee’s work. In May 2018, the Search Committee presented two final candidates, including Dr. Tudorie, to the full Board of Trustees for consideration. A desire for further careful reflection and discussion extended the search process to July, when extensive, full-day interviews of both candidates were carried out before deliberations and a final decision.
Dr. Tudorie becomes the first academic dean of SVOTS under the seminary’s new governance model, which was adopted in 2016. The position differs from the defined role of the seminary Dean prior to the new governance model. The academic dean will serve as the chief academic officer, whose primary responsibilities are to lead and supervise the faculty and to oversee all academic activities of the seminary, under the supervision of the seminary’s President. The Academic Dean is appointed by the Board of Trustees and reports directly to the President.
“The challenges that the Church is facing in the 21st century require from an institution of theological higher learning a very clear strategy towards its programs of study,” said Dr. Tudorie. “I believe that my experience will facilitate my transition into the academic leadership role required to help carry out this important work.”
“With this new structure firmly in place following the appointment of Dr. Tudorie,” added Father Chad, “Saint Vladimir’s Seminary is positioned to accelerate significant growth plans aligned with our Vision 2020, ushering in the next era of graduate Orthodox Theological Education in North America.”
Hierarchs, clergy and faithful from across the US, Canada and Mexico began arriving in Saint Louis over the weekend of July 21-22, 2018 for the 19th All-American Council [AAC] of the Orthodox Church in America. They joined hundreds of participants in the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians of America’s 92nd annual National Convention, which opened July 20.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon arrived in Saint Louis on Saturday, July 21, at the historic Saint Louis Union Station Hotel, where he was given a warm welcome by members of the Holy Synod of Bishops, AAC and FOCA Convention participants, members of the AAC Local Planning Committee and clergy and faithful representing area parishes.
On Saturday evening, the hierarchs and faithful attended Great Vespers in the hotel ballroom, which has been transformed into a beautiful chapel for the week. On Sunday morning, Metropolitan Tikhon and the members of the Holy Synod concelebrated the Divine Liturgy, which was well attended by AAC and FOCA delegates alike, after which AAC delegate and observer registration and vendor displays and exhibits opened.
Prior to the AAC’s official opening plenary session on Monday, July 23, several OCA dioceses will hold their annual assemblies at the AAC site.
The AAC will officially open with the celebration of a Service of Prayer on Monday evening, after which Metropolitan Tikhon will call the Council to order. Highlights of the opening plenary session include welcoming remarks by His Grace, Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest on behalf of the Preconciliar Commission; a greeting by Serge Schmemann, son of the late Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann; a video presentation introducing the AAC theme, “For the Life of the World,” inspired by Father Schmemann’s classic book of the same name; and the Address of Metropolitan Tikhon, followed by questions and answers.
Guest hierarchs and representatives of several of the world’s Orthodox Churches will be in addendance for all or part of the week. Among them are His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Metropolis of Chicago, Ecumenical Patriarchate; His Eminence, Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe of the Patriarchate of Alexandria; His Grace, Bishop Flavian of Cherepovets and Belozersk of the Patriarchate of Moscow; His Grace, Bishop Longin of New Gracanica and Midwest America of the Patriarchate of Serbia; His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of Prague of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia; and His Eminence, Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and All Finland. Representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Exarchate for Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe will be Archpriest Serge Sollogub.
As detailed in the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, “the All-American Council is the highest legislative and administrative authority within the Church. The Council brings together the various elements of the Church to bear witness to her identity, unity, and mission.”
Delegates and observers from across North America continued to arrive on Monday, July 23, 2018 at the historic Saint Louis Union Station Hotel, where His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, officially opened the 19th All-American Council [AAC] after the celebration of a Service of Prayer for the Beginning of a Council.
The members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America were present, as well as episcopal dignitaries representing the Churches of Constantinople, Alexandria, Russia, Serbia, the Czech Lands and Slovakia, and Finland. Clergy and lay delegates and observers, as well as youth participating in a special parallel program during the week, filled the assembly hall as a warm welcome was extended by Tom Chulick of the Saint Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce. His Grace, Bishop Paul of Chicago, representing the host Diocese of the Midwest and the Preconciliar Commission which he chaired, also addressed the assembly and thanked all those who helped organize the AAC. The Local Organizing Committee was represented by Archpriest Timothy Sawchuck and Robert Butchko, local AAC co-chairs, who presented a plaque commemorating the AAC to Metropolitan Tikhon on behalf of Lyda Krewson, Mayor of Saint Louis.
The theme of the 19th AAC—For the Life of the World, based on the classic work by the late Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann—was introduced by his son, Serge Schmemann, who spoke of his father’s inspiration and legacy. He explained that the book was originally written in the early 1960s as a study guide for a gathering of some 3,000 Christian college students in Ohio, at which Father Alexander was the keynote speaker. Serge went on to share numerous anecdotes concerning Father Alexander and his understanding of “the fullness of life, not reduced to pettiness and ‘religion’ with a small ‘r’” inasmuch as Christ came into the world “to inaugurate new life, not a new ‘religion….’ Wherever a Christian looks, he or she finds Christ and rejoices in Him.” This, Serge continued, was an expression of his father’s keen sense of “transforming every event, even the simplest of everyday acts, into a celebration of life…. And his embrace of life was contagious.”
In his opening address, Metropolitan Tikhon highlighted the visionary ministry of Saint Tikhon of Moscow. Drawing on some of Saint Tikhon’s writings, he especially noted that during his tenure as Bishop and later Archbishop of North America from 1897 until 1907, he encouraged the active involvement of the laity in the life and mission of the Church in America and called upon clergy and laity alike to share their faith with others with the intention of inviting every member of the Church to “take part in the Body of Christ.” It is in this same spirit that the 19th All-American Council is now gathering in the ongoing attempt “to witness to the identity, unity and mission of our Church ‘for the life of the world.’”
Metropolitan Tikhon continued by sharing insights into his newly released booklet, Of What Life Do We Speak? Four Pillars for the Fulfillment of the Apostolic Work of the Church, printed copies of which were given to all registered AAC attendees. He went on to explain that the document “is not a strategic plan or program,” but rather “a framework for the ongoing work and growth of the Orthodox Church in America.” While, he added, it is “not intended to be comprehensive;” rather, “it is we who need to be comprehensive” in guiding the Church through today’s increasingly stormy waters. Themes introduced in Of What Life Do We Speak will serve as the subject of focused forums slated to be presented later in the week.
Metropolitan Tikhon also addressed a number of timely issues facing the Church today, internally and externally, including the forthcoming restructuring of the OCA Chancery team that will take place after the AAC, while inviting his listeners to rededicate themselves to the evangelistic mission of the Orthodox Church in America.
Archpriest John Jillions, Chancellor, focused his presentation on the Journal of the late Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, while Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, Secretary, reported on the work of the Chancery, thanking everyone whose hard work makes the administration of the OCA possible. Melanie Ringa, Treasurer, outlined the positive financial status of the Church. Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak, Director of the Stewards of the OCA, thanked those who supported its Church-wide campaign and challenged the assembly to increase their support.
Two major decisions were taken at the plenary session. The first was a proposed amendment to the Statute of the OCA, calling for the periodicity of the All-American Council to be changed from every three years to every four years. With 210 delegates voting in favor of the change and 203 delegates voting against it, the necessary two-thirds majority was not obtained to pass the amendment.
Statute revision resolutions to change the periodicity for audits by the Audit Committee of all OCA accounts, clarifying the election of at-large members of the Metropolitan Council, the right to canonical process, the composition of the Synodal Court, and related matters all passed.
Following the report of the Audit Committee, which noted that the Church’s financial records are in excellent shape, Archpriest John Dresko, Chair of the Metropolitan Council’s Finance Committee, presented highlights of how the financing of the OCA has worked in the last three years, since moving to proportional giving at the 18th All-American Council. He invited Melanie Ringa to explain what the proposed resolution would mean to each individual diocese, as well as to the Central Administration. The resolution detailed how each territorial diocese, with the exception of Canada, Mexico and Alaska, are to remit their annual financial obligations for the work of the Chancery for 2019 through 2021. After considerable discussion, the resolution carried.
During the plenary session, brief videos showcasing the work of the dioceses were aired. His Grace, Bishop David of Alaska, spoke movingly about the plight of Orthodoxy in his territory. He then presented the prestigious Order of Saint Innocent Award to Mary Anne Khoury for her nearly two decades of tireless work supporting the Alaskan Orthodox. The videos can be viewed here:
Tuesday afternoon’s third plenary session consisted of individual forums meant to unpack the “Four Pillars” of Metropolitan Tikhon’s visionary work, Of What Life Do We Speak?. Topics included Spiritual Life, Care of the Clergy, Stewardship, Missions, Community, External Affairs. Each forum, facilitated by a panel of speakers, invited attendees to take part in the conversation. A second round of the same forums will be offered on Wednesday afternoon, July 25.
During the 19th All-American Council’s fourth plenary session on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, a variety of greetings and reports were offered.
The session opened with greetings from His Eminence, Metropolitan Nathanael of the Metropolis of Chicago of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on behalf of His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, after which Archpriest Serge Sollogoub, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Exarchate for Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe, read the greetings of His Eminence, Archbishop John of Charioupolis, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Archpriest Serge Sollogoub
After enjoying videos from the Orthodox Church in America’s Archdiocese of Canada and the Dioceses of Eastern Pennsylvania, Mexico, and the Midwest, Priest Gleb McFatter and Maureen Ahearn, OCA Pension Plan Chair and Administrator respectively, offered their report and encouraged all clergy to participate. Archpriest John Jillions, Chancellor, then presented highlights from the report of the Office of Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations and the Sexual Policy Advisory Committee before Archpriest Chad Hatfield summarized in his report the work of the Metropolitan Council, of which he is a member-at-large.
Priest John Parker and Archpriests Chad Hatfield and John DunlopArchpriest Kirill Sokolov
Several OCA institutions offered presentations on their current work and ministries. Archimandrite Sergius, Abbot of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery, South Canaan, PA, presented a report on monastic life, while the Deans of the OCA’s three seminaries— Archpriest John Dunlop, Dean of Saint Herman’s Seminary; Archpriest John Parker, newly appointed Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary; and Archpriest Chad Hatfield, President of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary [part 1, part 2]—offered detailed reports on the progress and growth of their respective schools. Afterwards, the recently appointed Dean of the Representation Church of the Great Martyr Catherine, Moscow, Russia, Archpriest Daniel Andrejuk, spoke of his work as the OCA’s Representative to the Moscow Patriarch. Archpriest Kirill Sokolov then presented the Report of the Board of Theological Education.
