TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
TIKHONAIRE
A Year in Review of St. Tikhon’s Seminary
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GRADUATING SEMINARIANS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Administration, Faculty & Staff Profiles
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Administration
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Faculty
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Staff & Staff Teams Seminarian Profiles
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Graduating Class of 2011
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Seminarians
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Seminarian Families
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Our Community
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Priestly Ordinations
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Diaconal Ordinations
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Events of 2010-2011
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Community Life
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Our Community Giving Back
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St. Tikhon’s Monastery Brotherhood
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Community Spotlight
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Projects, Benefactors & Reports
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Projects
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Project Donors
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Scholarship Donors
60
Benefactors
62
Reports
65
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - TABLE OF CONTENTS
Articles
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“Fr. Alexander Atty Installed as Seventh Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary”
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“The First 300 Days”
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“The Struggle with Change”
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“Our Challenge Is To Serve”
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“Reflections On the Future” (Online Exclusive)
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“Why Not Join the Army of Christ?” (Online Exclusive)
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“The Priest as Advocate”
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“The Priest as Exemplar”
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“The Priest, Crucified”
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“The Priest as Sacrifice”
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“The Priest as Intercessor”
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Faculty & Alumni Publications
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Faculty Publications
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Alumni Publications
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STS Press Publications
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In Memoriam
✠Grant rest eternal in blessed repose, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who are fallen asleep, and make their memory to be eternal!
Metropolitan Christopher of Libertyville-Chicago Metropolitan John of Nicea Metropolitan Khrisane of Vyatka and Sloboda Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos Presiding Hierarch of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A.
Bishop Tikhon of Arkhangelsk and Khomogorsk Bishop Zosima of Yakutsk and Lensk Metropolitan Epiphanios of Bryoula
Administration, Faculty & Staff
✠ “What, then, does the priesthood mean? It means to be an enduring witness to human suffering and to take it upon your own shoulders. To be the one who warms the leper at his own breast and who gives life to the miserable through the breath from his own mouth. To be a strong comfort to every unfortunate one, even when you yourself are overwhelmed with weakness. To be a ray of shining light to unhappy hearts when your own eyes long ago ceased to see any light. To carry mountains of others’ suffering on your shoulders, while your own being screams out with the weight of its own suffering. “Your flesh will rebel and say, ‘This heroism is absurd, impossible. Where is such a man, where is the Priest you describe so that I may put my own suffering upon his shoulders?’ Yet, nevertheless, He exists! From time to time there awakens within us the priest of Christ who, like the Good Samaritan, will kneel down by the side of the man fallen among thieves and, putting him upon His own donkey, will bring him to the Church of Christ for healing. And He will forget himself and comfort you, O man of suffering.”
Fr. George Calciu Homily on the Priesthood and Human Suffering April 5, 1978
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - ADMINISTRATION
SEMINARY ADMINISTRATION His Beatitude, Met. Jonah President
His Grace, Bp. Tikhon
Fr. Alexander Atty, DMin
Rector Lecturer in Liturgical Practice
Dean and Chief Operating Officer Professor of Pastoral Theology
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FACULTY - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
FACULTY
His Grace, Bp. Michael, PhD
David Ford, PhD
Christopher Veniamin, PhD
Professor of New Testament and Ethics
Professor of Church History
Professor of Patristics
Harry Boosalis, PhD
Mary Ford, PhD
Fr. David Hester, PhD
Professor of Dogmatic Theology
Associate Professor of New Testament
Professor of Patristics
Insurance Systems Group Inc. Michael G. Herzak • (800) 860-3075
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - FACULTY
Fr. Daniel Kovalak
Fr. John Kowalczyk
Fr. David Shewczyk
Lecturer in Pastoral Practice
Director of Field Education, Lecturer in Pastoral Practice
Assistant Director of Field Education
Fr. David Vernak
Fr. David Cowan
Ivan Roumiantsev
Lecturer in Liturgical Practice
Lecturer in Homiletics
Instructor of Iconography
Pioneer Construction Company Inc. 116 W 11th St. Honesdale, PA 18431 • (570) 647-0050
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FACULTY - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk
Fr. Timothy Hojnicki
Fr. David Mahaffey
Lecturer in Scripture (Philadelphia Campus)
Lecturer in Liturgical Practice (Philadelphia Campus)
(Philadelphia Campus)
Fr. Gabriel Nicholas Instructor in Greek
Kh. Olga Atty Lecturer in Old Testament Prophets
Fr. Alexey Karlgut
Fr. Michael Meerson
(Endicott, NY Campus)
(Endicott, NY Campus)
Not Available for Photographs
St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church Louisville, KY • (502) 454-3378 • www.stmichaelorthodoxchurch.org
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - STAFF
STAFF
Fr. Dionysius Swencki
Sergei Arhipov
Fr. Nilus Lerro, PhD
Chief Financial Officer
Registrar & Head Librarian
Director of Student Affairs
Christopher Patton
Katherine Atty
Mary Sernak
Assistant to the Dean in Administrative Affairs
Administrative Assistant to the Dean
Administrative Assistant
Franklin Homeowners • Flood Insurance www.premierflood.com • (888) 567-9600
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STAFF - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Vasili Dubee
Alexander J. Atty
Robert Roth
Director of Building and Grounds
Volunteer
Volunteer Librarian
STAFF TEAMS Website/IT Team
Reclamation Team
Christopher Patton - Projects Manager Joel Wilson - Web/Email/Publications Robert Gauvain - IT/Network/Systems Administration Abraham Labrada-Santiago - Photography Dn. Marty Watt - Reporting/Consultations
Vasili Dubee - Projects Manager Fr. Zachary Lynch - Carpentry/Electrical/Demolition Dn. Thaddeus Franta - Carpentry/Electrical/Demolition Dn. Ian Shipley - Carpentry/Electrical Moses McPherson - Carpentry/Demolition Michael Rodgers - Electrical/Demolition Jim Seickel - Outside Consultations
Culinary Team Alexis Baldwin - Chef Veronica Baldwin - Assistant Chef
Michael G. Crofton, President & CEO The Philadelphia Trust Company
Seminarians
This Year’s Seminarians & Their Families
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GRADUATING SEMINARIANS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Grant, O Lord,
a long life, peace, health, salvation and furtherance in all good things to the graduating class of 2011, and preserve them for many years! âœ
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - GRADUATING SEMINARIANS
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2011
Adrian Beldie-Ulmer
Christian Nicholas Buck
Dn. James Cheriyan
Dn. Thaddeus Franta
Joseph Hazar
Matthew Howell
Congratulations to the Graduates of 2011 from Bishop Michael
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GRADUATING SEMINARIANS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Fr. Methodios Ingalls
Vladimir Kantor, MD
Abraham LabradaSantiago
Fr. Thomas Langdon
Fr. Zechariah Lynch
John Malcom
Very Reverend Dr. D. Alexander Atty & His Beloved Family South Canaan, PA
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - GRADUATING SEMINARIANS
Joel Mathew
Dn. Daniel Meyer
Benedict Sheehan
May God grant you many years! Fr. Patrick Smith
Dn. Matthew Snowden
Very Reverend John and Mat. Eugenia Nehrebecki
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SEMINARIANS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
SEMINARIANS
Nick Aiello
Alexis Baldwin
Edward Batchko
Fr. Andreas Blom
Matthew Brown
Andrew Carpenter
St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Dundaff, PA
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIANS
Shinto David
Jesse Dominick
Robert Gauvain
Philip Halliwell
Kyle Housley
Benjamin Huggins
St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church 301 Struthers-Liberty Rd. • Campbell, OH 44405
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SEMINARIANS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Moses Ibrahim
Simona Irime
Monk Michael
Novice Kenneth
Dn. Daniel Mackay, PhD
Dn. Matthew Markewich
Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church 1034 Second Ave. • Alpha, NJ 08865
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIANS
Paul McDonald
Moses McPherson
Arseny Mikhalev
Todd Mokhiber
Gabriel Monforte
Jeff Morrison
In Loving Memory of Dr. Alex & Mary Jane Atty
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SEMINARIANS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Crispin Obico
Fr. Milorad Orlic
Roman Ostash
Dn. Michael Pasonick
Abraham Philip
Michael Rodgers
Simon S. Russin Funeral Home Plains - Wilkes Barre, PA • Keith S. Russin, Supervisor
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIANS
Dn. Ian Shipley
Joel Wilson
Andrew Temple
Dn. Marty Watt
Philadelphia, PA Campus
Endicott, NY Campus
Nathan Clausson Edward Komelski Seraphim Reynolds James Carpenter Theodore Gregory Gregory Hubiak
Gregory Aidinov Ilya Arnopolskiy Mark Bohush David Chow John Hawronick Joseph Kosinski Monk Stavros (Lever) Sean McNulty Symeon Peet Michael Pylypsiw Gregory Sagan Gregory White
Students Enrolled in St. Tikhon’s Seminary Diaconal Formation Program
St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral 8598 Verree Road • Philadelphia, PA
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SEMINARIAN FAMILIES - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
SEMINARIAN FAMILIES
Aiello Family
Baldwin Family
Nick & Beverly Jenna, Carly, Lucia, Aileen, Xander (grandson)
Alexis & Veronika Aidan, Isaak (not pictured)
Batchko Family
Beldie-Ulmer Family
Edward & Krista Dorian, Hunter, Elena, Julia
Adrian & Mihaela
Keystone Propane Services Inc. Throop & Greentown, PA • (800) 598-5047
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIAN FAMILIES
Blom Family
Brown Family
Fr. Andreas & Mat. Theodora Anna & Theodor
Matthew & Elizabeth Elias & Genevieve
Franta Family
Gauvain Family
Dn. Thaddeus & Velislava
Robert & Elizabeth (with child) Alexei, Xenia, Veronike
Edwards & Russin Funeral Home Edwardsville, PA • Susan Sarenecki-Medura Supervisor
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SEMINARIAN FAMILIES - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Halliwell Family
Howell Family
Philip & Tatiana Anna, Michael, Helen, Nikolai
Matthew & Anastasia Luke, Hanna, Emma
Huggins Family
Ingalls Family
Benjamin & Lauren Gabriella, Beniah, Moses, Mariam
Fr. Methodios & Kh. Danielle Victoria, Philip, Solomon
In Loving Memory of Igor Brasowski and Gerald “Jerry” Castellano
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIAN FAMILIES
Langdon Family
Lynch Family
Fr. Thomas & Mat. Sarah Rosie, Bridget, Martina
Fr. Zechariah & Mat. Natalia Isaiah, Aidin, Trinity, Arseny, Serafima
Mackay Family
Markewich Family
Dn. Daniel & Maria Lucy
Dn. Matthew & Rebekah Katherine
John T. Howe Oil Co. Lake Ariel, PA • (570) 698-5821
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SEMINARIAN FAMILIES - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
McPherson Family
Meyer Family
Moses & Ruth
Dn. Daniel & Sh. Elizabeth (with child) Nonna, Macarius
Morrison Family
Sheehan Family
Jeff & Patti Genevieve, Benjamin, Cecelia
Benedict & Maria, Xenia (grandmother), Anna Miriam, Irene, Cassiani, Edith, Seraphima
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 67 Saratoga St. • Cohoes, NY 12047
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIAN FAMILIES
Shipley Family
Smith Family
Dn. Ian & Priscilla Jessica, Evan, Lydia
Fr. Patrick & Mat. Kristin Caitlin, Madeline, Ellen
Snowden Family
Watt Family
Dn. Matthew & Sh. Hannah Peter, Aida
Dn. Marty & Candice Sarah (not pictured), Jonathan
All Saints Orthodox Church Hartford, CT • www.allsaintshartford.org
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SEMINARIAN FAMILIES - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Families The Housley Family The Kantor Family The Orlic Family The Pasonick Family
Wilson Family
Not Available for Photographs
Joel & Theressa Mara, Winifred, Liam (not pictured)
Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church 1228 Second Ave. • Berwick, PA 18603
Our Community
Ordinations & Events Throughout the Year
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ORDINATIONS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
ORDINATION of Fr. ZECHARIAH | Synaxis of the Archangels
Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church 98 W. 28th St. • Bayonne, NJ 07002 • (201) 779-0489
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - ORDINATIONS
ORDINATION of Fr. THOMAS | St. John Chrysostom
Martin Caufield Memorial Works Honesdale PA • (570) 253-3300
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ORDINATIONS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
ORDINATION of Fr. PATRICK | Feast of St. Nicholas
Hunter Roofing Corp. 500 E. Sixth St. • Wyoming PA 18644 • (570) 693-3877
2011 TIKHONAIRE - ORDINATIONS
ORDINATION of Fr. METHODIOS | Feast of Theophany
In Loving Memory of William, Mary Jane & Tanya Gilbert
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ORDINATIONS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
ORDINATION of Dn. JAMES
ORDINATION of Dn. DANIEL
June 5, 2010
June 20, 2010
Reverend Fr. Vasily Gilbert (Class of ’79) & Matushka Nancy Gilbert
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - ORDINATIONS
ORDINATION of Dn. IAN
ORDINATION of Dn. ZACHARIAH
November 8, 2010
January 4, 2011
Saint Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral Allison Park PA
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ORDINATIONS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
ORDINATION of Dn. ANDREAS
ORDINATION of Dn. MATTHEW
February 5, 2011
February 20, 2011
Holy Cross Orthodox Church Williamsport, PA • (570) 322-3020
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - ORDINATIONS
ORDINATION of Dn. MATTHEW March 12, 2011
To all of Christ’s newly-ordained clergy: May He grant you a blessed ministry for the furtherance of His Kingdom.
ΑΧΙΟΣ! ΑΧΙΟΣ! ΑΧΙΟΣ! Holy Apostles Eastern Orthodox Church 17 Platt Ave. • Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
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EVENTS TIMELINE - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
EVENTS OF 2010-2011
Fr. Alexander Atty & Family Arrive at St. Tikhon’s Seminary Toward the beginning of the fiscal year, assuming his role as the new Dean of the seminary, Fr. Alexander and his family (Kh. Olga, Katherine and Alexander) joined the community at St. Tikhon’s on July 4, 2010. Many renovations were initiated almost immediately and Fr. Alexander worked hard to prepare for his new position in spite of a difficult recovery process. In January 2010 Fr. Alexander was diagnosed with cancer. Thanks be to God he was recently declared “cancer-free”, but chemotherapy and other cancer-related treatments continued into the Fall semester. Kh. Olga worked hard to spend time with the wives and teach a course on the Prophets of the Old Testament to the second year seminarians in her spare time. Katherine served as Secretary, replacing Mat. Dorothy Sulich, and Allexander joined the construction crew helping out with various renovations throughout the seminary.
John Paluch & Mat. Dorothy Sulich Retire Toward the beginning of the 2010 Fall semester, both John and Mat. Dorothy retired. John was an official part of the seminary community for 42 years, most recently acting as Director of Building and Grounds. Mat. Dorothy was part of St. Tikhon’s for for 27 years acting as Secretary for the Dean. We ask that God would grant them both a pleasant retirement and many years!
Vacation Church School From August 16-21, 2010 Vacation Church School was held at the seminary for over 30 children. This year’s theme was, ‘The Theotokos: Icon of Love.’ Mat. Tamara and Fr. David Cowan organized the week alongside many community volunteers and families.
Clergy and Faithful of the Frackville Deanery (OCA) Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - EVENTS TIMELINE
Labor Day Hog Roast The Seminary community came together on Monday, September 6, to enjoy a beautiful day filled with new faces, food, and fun.
First Week Retreat
Nativity of the Theotokos
On Wednesday, September 1, the returning seminarians joined with the new for the beginning of the year retreat. Then the entire student body met with the monastic community for divine services, and then the new seminarians received the blessing from Bishop Tikhon to wear the cassock.
On Wednesday September 8, St. Tikhon's Seminary and Monastery communities were blessed to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, His Eminence, Archbishop Seraphim, His Grace, Bishop Tikhon and His Grace Bishop Melchizedek.
Annual Alumni Picnic The annual Alumni Picnic was held on Thursday, September 16, despite the less-than-perfect weather conditions.
New Wives Meet Faculty, Staff & Administration St. Tikhon's Seminary wives had the chance to meet during the annual faculty, staff and administration meet-and-greet on Thursday Sept. 9. Returning wives spent time with the new wives joining the community as well.
Graduates from the seminary came to share words of hope and encouragement to the new students and to make themselves available to the community.
40th Anniversary of the Fall Lecture Series In previous years the Lecture Series had always been held on Tuesday nights at the seminary. This year, in cooperation with the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, they were held more than once a week, and at various parishes in the area in order to offer something back to the community surrounding the seminary.
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church 980 Bridle Path Rd. • Bethlehem PA 18017
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EVENTS TIMELINE - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Founders Day 2010 On October 9, many from the local community came to South Canaan to participate in the annual Founders Day celebration. We enjoyed a lovely meal in the seminary gymnasium. Special thanks were given to the Century Association who are dedicated to continually raising support for the St. Tikhon’s Community.
Fr. Alexander Atty Installed as New Dean On Saturday, October 30 in a Service of Supplication, Fr. Alexander Atty was officially installed as the seventh Dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah presiding. Also in attendance for this historical event were His Grace Bishop Tikhon of Eastern Pennsylvania and the seminary’s former dean, His Grace Bishop Michael of New York and New Jersey. (See Installation Article on p. 60)
St. Nicholas Day Play
Christmas Caroling
The entire community came together on Sunday, December 5 to be treated to a wonderful performance of the annual St. Nicholas Day play performed by the seminary’s children and community volunteers. Rebecca Markewich, directed the pageant and Nick Aiello played the part of St. Nicholas.
Also on Thursday, December 9, several families and seminarians spent the evening continuing a tradition established recently of caroling at the local hospital and nursing home. St. Tikhon’s alumnus Seraphim Hanisch organized and conducted the seminary singers for the occasion.
Martha Mossner Retires On Thursday, December 9, the seminary’s beloved cook, Martha Mossner was honored for her many years of dedicated service. Martha retired at the end of the Fall Semester. Her love for the community was well-known and she will be missed. May God grant her many years!
Yeselavage Rug 577 Main St. • Eynon, PA 18403
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - EVENTS TIMELINE
Annual Marriage Retreat
Beginning of the New Year On January 24, members of the St. Tikhon’s Community participated in the annual March for Life event in Washington D.C. As it does each year, this event brought hundreds of thousands of people to the lawn of the White House to draw national attention to silent holocaust of abortion.
On January 29, Dr. Albert Rossi, of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, joined us for this year’s annual Marriage Retreat. He offered words on the sacrament of marriage and provided the student body with a number of resources that will assist them, not only their own lives, but that will also equip them to counsel others in their future vocations.
Pre-Lenten Celebration On Friday, Feb. 18 the seminary community enjoyed a celebration before the start of the Lenten season. The festivities included live music provided by Harry and the Dogmatix and was held at the Lake Ariel Fire Station Banquet Hall.
“Clean” Week at the Seminary Successful
Fr. David & Rozanne Rucker of OCMC Visit the Seminary
On Wednesday March 2, the St. Tikhon's Seminary Community underwent an extensive deep cleansing in preparation for the beginning of the Great Fast. Nearly every student, faculty and staff member, (even some of our alumni) as well as Fr. Atty himself, participated in this historic event as we removed two 30-yard construction dumpsters filled with old and useless materials, and then a third dumpster-sized load was hauled away little-by-little in the back of several pick-up trucks.
Fr. David Rucker of OCMC and his wife Rozanne, visited the seminary on March 28th. Fr. David spoke about the primary goal and practical approach of those serving as new missionaries in other countries (and parishes): “Learn the language, learn the culture, and love the people.”
St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Nanticoke, PA 18634 • www.stjohnsnanticoke.org
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COMMUNITY LIFE - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
COMMUNITY LIFE
Orthodox Church of St. Herman of Alaska 133 W. Broad St. • Shillington PA 19607 • (610) 777-3553
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - COMMUNITY LIFE
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church 401 E. Main St. • Wilkes Barre, PA 18705
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COMMUNITY LIFE - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 1018 Barber Lane • Joliet, IL 60435
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - COMMUNITY LIFE
Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church Edwardsville PA
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OUR COMMUNITY GIVING BACK- 2011 TIKHONAIRE
OUR COMMUNITY GIVING BACK St. Tikhon’s Seminary Mission Choir The Mission Choir is a choral group from St Tikhon's Seminary and Monastery dedicated to God through the Church's primary evangelistic and teaching tool: Her Liturgical worship; directed by Benedict Sheehan, the members strive to bring life and invigoration to the parishes visited throughout the year. Here is the schedule of locations that were visited throughout this past school year: Sept 26th Nov. 7th Nov. 12-14 Feb 19-20 Feb 26-27 Mar 16 Mar 19 Mar 20 Mar 23 Mar 26-27 Apr 2-3 Apr 10
Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church Minersville, PA Assumption of the Holy Virgin Clifton, NJ St. Vladimir’s Seminary Crestwood, NY St. Andrew's Orthodox Church Baltimore, MD Holy Trinity Orthodox Church State College, PA St. Philip's Orthodox Church Souderton, PA Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Mechanicsburg, PA Christ the Savior Orthodox Church Harrisburg, PA Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Camp Hill, PA St Andrew’s Orthodox Church Sagamore Hills, OH Archangel Michael Orthodox Church Broadview Heights, OH Christ the Savior Orthodox Church Paramus, NJ
Christ the Savior Orthodox Church 5501 Old Locust Lane • Harrisburg, PA • www.christthesaviourhbg.org
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - OUR COMMUNITY GIVING BACK
40th Annual St. Tikhon’s Seminary Fall Lecture Series
Oct. 11 - His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah "Stewardship of Divine Life" Holy Cross Church, Williamsport
The Fall Lecture Series was originally initiated to offer adult education to parishioners and members of the community within driving distance of the seminary. It became evident that the seminary was no longer a central enough location, so this year, in cooperation with Bishop Tikhon and the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, the lectures were held more than once a week at various parishes throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was very successful and certain lectures are still available to watch online at: www.ustream.tv/user/DOEPA/videos.
Oct. 14 - Fr. Gregory Jensen "Salvation in the Original Church" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick
Sept. 23 - Fr. Wilbur Ellsworth "Discover Original Christianity" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick
Oct. 14 - Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk "The Words of the Lord After the Fall" Part 2 Webcast from St. Stephen Cathedral, Philladelphia Oct. 16 - Fr. Gregory Jensen "Salvation in the Orthodox Church" and "Contemporary Psychology & the Spiritual Life" St. John the Baptist Church, Edwardsville Oct. 18 - Fr. Alexander Atty "Stewardship of Faith" Holy Cross Church, Williamsport Oct. 19 - Fr. Theodore Petrides "Difficult Decisions Concerning Birth & Death" All Saints Church, Olyphant Oct. 21 - His Grace, Bishop Tikhon "Christian Worship and Personal Sanctification" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick
Sept. 28 - Wesley J. Smith "Bioethics: Creating a Culture of Death?" St. Tikhon's Seminary, South Canaan
Oct. 21 - Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk "The Words of the Lord After the Fall" Part 3 Webcast from St. Stephen Cathedral, Philladelphia
Sept. 28 - Wesley J. Smith "Bioethics: Creating a Culture of Death?" St. Stephen Cathedral, Philadelphia
Oct. 28 - Fr. Michael Demko "Sacraments & Symbols of the Holy Church" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick
Sept. 30 - Fr. Raymond Browne "Church History: An Uninterrupted Journey" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick
Nov. 4 - Fr. Michael Demko "Orthodox Hymnology" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick
Oct. 4 - Fr. Andrew Damick "Stewardship of Creation" Holy Cross Church, Williamsport
Nov. 11 - Fr. Michael Demko "Holy Images" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick
Oct. 7 - Fr. Michael Demko "Scripture and Tradition of the Church" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick Oct. 7 - Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk "The Words of the Lord After the Fall" Part 1 Webcast from St. Stephen Cathedral, Philladelphia
Nov. 18 - Fr. Michael Demko "Coming Home: Personal Testimonies" Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick
Holy Spirit Orthodox Church 102 Rt. 284 • Wantage, NJ • www.holyspiritorthodox.org
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OUR COMMUNITY GIVING BACK - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Administration & Faculty Schedule Fr. Alexander Atty, Dr. David Ford, Dr. Harry Boosalis, Fr. John Kowalczyk and Fr. David Vernak collectively spent nearly every weekend, after the Fall Lecture Series, traveling and offering spiritual talks and retreats for parishes and gatherings throughout the U.S. Dec. 4 - Dr. Harry Boosalis Spoke in Baltimore, MD Dec. 4-5 - Fr. Alexander Atty Retreat in Elmira, NY Dec. 11 - Fr. Alexander Atty Spoke in Pittsfield, MA Dec. 12 - Dr. Harry Boosalis Spoke in Philadelphia, PA Dec. 18 - Fr. Alexander Atty Nativity Retreat in Emmaus, PA Jan. 22 - Fr. Alexander Atty Revitalization Retreat in Wilmington, DE Feb. 25-27 - Fr. Alexander Atty Revitalization Retreat in Niagara Falls, NY March 12-13 - Fr. Alexander Atty Retreat On the Sunday of Orthodoxy Lexington, KY March 13 - Dr. Harry Boosalis Speak in Lancaster, PA March 18-20 - Dr. Harry Boosalis Retreat in St. Paul, MN March 19 - Fr. Alexander Atty Women's Retreat in Plainfield, NJ
March 26 - Fr. David Vernak OCF Retreat at Rutgers April 2 - Dr. Harry Boosalis Speak in Rochester, MN April 2 - Dr. David Ford Lenten Lecture at Princeton University April 5-7 - Fr. Alexander Atty Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Clergy Family Retreat at Antiochian Village April 9 - Dr. Harry Boosalis Speak in Emmaus, PA April 30 - Fr. Alexander Atty Deanery Parish Council Conference, Watervliet, NY May 7 - Fr. Alexander Atty Deanery Parish Council Conference, Rochester, NY May 14 - Fr. Alexander Atty Deanery Parish Council Conference, Endicott, NY June 4 - Fr. Alexander Atty Deanery Parish Council Conference, Paramus, NJ June 11 - Fr. Alexander Atty Deanery Parish Council Conference, Trenton, NJ June 17-19 - Dr. Mary Ford Annual Summer Conference, Crestwood, NY June 18 - Fr. Alexander Atty Deanery Parish Council Conference, NYC June 25 - Fr. Alexander Atty OCA Deanery Parish Council Conference, NYC July 29 - Fr. John Kowalczyk Prison Fellowship International in Toronto, ON
Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord 228 North 12th St. • Brooklyn, NY 11211 • The Very Reverend Wiaczeslaw
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - MONASTERY BROTHERHOOD
ST. TIKHON’S MONASTERY BROTHERHOOD Christ is Risen! St. Tikhon’s Monastery greets the Seminary Community and all the Pilgrims on this 107th Pilgrimage to St. Tikhon’s Monastery. The great St. Tikhon Patriarch of Moscow’s vision for the Monastery and Seminary began on that first pilgrimage with the hope that the Monastery would be able to breathe Orthodox spiritual life into the future priests of America and subsequently the entire Church, knowing that our Orthodox Life is quintessentially a Liturgical Life in which we offer up everything in a ceaseless Anaphora to Christ our God. The monastery Brotherhood has an
unconditional and undying support to the Seminary and to all those who teach, live and learn here. We pledge our lives to Christ so that others may receive and live the Orthodox way and spread it to the great nation in which we live. It is with joy and love that we impart our blessing, our prayers, and our lives to you and to the entire Church again on this day and forevermore. May God bless you one and all. Christ is Risen! With love in the Risen Lord, Igumen Sergius Abbot of St. Tikhon’s Monastery
Saint Mary Orthodox Church 217 First St. • Coaldale, PA 18218 • www.stmarysnativity.org
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
Community Spotlight
Ivan Rumiantsev, Iconographer
Ivan was born in 1972 in Moscow, Russia. His father was a graphic artist. In 1987 he entered the Moscow School of Fine Arts where he majored in restoration and preservation of easel paintings and tempera art. In 1991 he obtained his diploma after completing an internship at the All Russia Scientific Research Institute of Art Restoration and graduated with a major in tempera art restoration. Ivan served in the Russian military for some time where, upon finding out about his talent, his commanding officer removed him from the rank and file and set him up in a studio on the base where he was permitted to do his work in peace. There he fulfilled his military obligation. Once he completed his studies Ivan became an icon restorer at Moscow's Epiphany Cathedral. He was "Chief Restorator" when the Orthodox Church in America invited him to Pennsylvania. He is currently the Instructor of Iconography at the seminary as well as the artist in residence. He has written several icons in the monastery chapel, in many of the local parishes, and is often commissioned for private iconographic work as well.
Most recently he was contracted for the renovation of All Saints Church in Olyphant, PA after the parish suffered a terrible fire in 2006. He has completed the vast majority of the new iconography in the building and is expected to be honored at the parish’s Re-consecration Celebration scheduled for Saturday September 17th, 2011. For more information about his work at All Saints, or to view the completed iconography please visit the parish’s website at www.allsaintsolyphant.org. Ivan holds an icon workshop in the Fall and Spring semesters. Fees are extremely reasonable and the student will keep the icon(s) that he/she writes during the course of the instruction. For inquiries regarding participation in these workshops please contact the seminary at (570) 561-1818. ✠ Ivan Rumiantsev has been a part of the St. Tikhon’s Community since first coming to America in 2001. He lives with his wife, Xenia, and his two daughters, Sasha and Angelina, on the seminary campus. A portfolio of his iconography is available to view on his website, www.icons-rum.com.
Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Weirton, WV
Projects, Benefactors & Reports
Exciting Improvements & Financial Transparency
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PAID PROJECTS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
PAID PROJECTS
PAID
PAID
Public Face of Seminary Building
New Kitchen & Dining Hall
This project has been paid for by a generous donation from Mrs. Mona Marich Hanford in loving memory of her father Fredrick Marich and grandfather, Archbishop Amvrossy (Merejko). The donation for the administration building will pay for a new entry, front lobby, glass security doors, receiving area for visitors, major renovations to the administration wing offices and hallway, a new metal roof as well as other major facade changes. Thank you Mrs. Hanford!
In addition to funding a new public face for the seminary, Mrs. Mona Marich Hanford has also donated funds for a new stateof-the-art kitchen and refectory - including all stainless appliances, lunch counter, flooring, tables, chairs and lighting. This donation was also received in loving memory of her father Fredrick Marich and grandfather, Archbishop Amvrossy (Merejko). These renovations are scheduled to take place during the summer of 2011. Again, thank you Mrs. Hanford!
Guest Room #1 Renovations for one of the seminary’s guest rooms has been paid for by a donation from a long-time seminary supporter and Board of trustee member Mat. Nina Stroyen. Thank you Mat. Nina!
PAPILDET& ED COM
Seminary Bathrooms The renovations of all bathrooms within the main seminary administration building have been paid for by a generous donation from Mr. Paul Chernay. Thank you Mr. Chernay!
POAMIPLDET& ED C
Before
After Shared Guest Bathroom Administration Bathroom Handicap Accessible Bathroom
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - PAID PROJECTS
Telephones & Network
Security System (Phase 1) The first phase of the seminary’s new security system has been paid for entirely by a generous donation from Mrs. Julia Grabowski.
POAMIPLDET& ED C
A new Voice Over IP phone networking system has been paid for by long-time seminary supporter and Board of Trustee member Mr. George Nakonetschny.
Ford 15-Passenger Van
The first phase of the security system includes initial monitoring hardware and software as well as escortedentry access for the front of the administration building. Thank you Mrs. Grabowski!
PAID &
A donation for a new seminary van to TED COMPLE be used for seminary trips (such as Mission Choir) was donated by Mrs. Mona Marich Hanford. The funds came from a portion of the major bequest that was given in loving memory of her father Fredrick Marich, as well as her grandfather, Archbishop Amvrossy (Merejko). Once again, thank you Mrs. Hanford!
This new solution is estimated to save the seminary roughly $5000 – $6000 every year. Thank you Mr. Nakonetschny!
PAID
Married Student Housing New Monastery Boiler The seminary arranged for the purchase of a new boiler system for the monastery church to be paid for as part of the major bequest given by Mrs. Mona Marich Hanford. Total cost of the new Boiler was $9k. Finally, thank you Mrs. TED Hanford! COMPLE
PAID &
A very generous initial pledge has been made by the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) to secure the purchase of a building for new married student housing. A project mailer that has been produced is scheduled to go out this Spring which contains giving metrics and project costs, including the several naming opportunities available. Please contact The Office of the UNDED Dean with any questions you F Y L L A I PART may have at (570) 561-1818. GRESS
& IN PRO
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SEMINARY PROJECTS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
PROJECTS IN NEED OF FUNDING New Windows
New Boiler System A new self-regulating and on-demand, boiler system was recently installed to replace the old converted coal-powered boilers. In order to bring them into compliance with code specifications and energy standards a major re-piping job was also necessary. This new system has already yielded greater results than expected and has saved the seminary 30-40% on its heating oil bill this winter.
Old Windows Phase 1 - A donor is needed for the remaining $2015. Phase 2 - A donation of $3600 is also needed for the 24 downstairs windows.
So far we have raised $9,375 of the $24,500 total cost for the new system.
Old Boiler
New Boilers
Guest Room #2 Donors are still needed for the second of the seminary’s three guest rooms. This room can be sponsored for $3500 and comes with naming rights.
TED
COMPLE
Before
After
Guest Room #3 Donors are still needed for the third of the seminary’s three guest rooms. This room can be sponsored at $3500 and comes with naming rights.
Before
After
TED
COMPLE
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARY PROJECTS
Security System (Phase 2)
Faculty Offices Remodeling Consisting of complete remodels of existing faculty offices including doors, paint, flooring and lighting. The estimated cost is $3500 per room.
Computer Lab To consist of seven new iMac computers for student use as well as a new network hub and commercial-grade lab furniture. Estimated cost is $15,000 with a naming opportunity available.
Classroom Updates Much needed updates to existing classrooms including ceiling projectors, screens, furniture, faculty lecterns, paint, and new lighting. Estimated cost is $15,000 per classroom with naming opportunities available.
Archbishop Kyprian House
Phase 2 of the new security system will include three additional keyless entry points in the main building, wireless network extenders, main dormitory access and monitoring hardware. Estimated cost is $9500.
Energy Reduction & Production Renewable resources moving toward self sustainability and "Green Campus" designation will allow for reduction in energy costs and even earn revenue in energy production.
Community Garden A key move toward fostering a responsible community and a step toward a selfsustaining food resource. Estimated cost is $12,000 with a naming opportunity available. Many repairs are needed for the white guest house adjacent to the seminary, including but not limited to, flooring for seven rooms, remodeling of the main bathroom, tub sink, vanity, toilet, lighting, new boiler system, replacement windows, insulation, carpeting, tile, paint, deck repairs, as well as electrical updating. A donor is being sought for the already-completed repairs that were necessary at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year as well as for the major renovations still required. The estimated total cost for the first phase of renovations is $12,000.
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PROJECT DONORS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
PROJECT DONORS - FALL APPEAL 2010 Adamczyk, Gene Beldie-Ulmer, Adrian Csernica, Charles B. Cushner, Margaret Fedorko, Patricia Grudinoff, Gregory & Helen Kiechel, Gary L. Krempasky, George P. Kwoka, Tanya J. Anonymous Anonymous Sheean, Leon & Barbara Mitchell, Scott Seraphim Stefero, V. Rev. John & Denise
Married Student Housing
25.00 250.00 250.00 100.00 1,000.00 100.00 100.00 200.00 500.00 75.00 1,000.00 100.00 2,000.00 250.00
Heating & Utilities Anonymous Alimpich, Nadejda Calderon, Thomas Dinoff, James Dorogy, Mark & Diane Homyak, Harold Kane, Maria N. Anonymous Kohudic, Peter & Nancy Schoucair, Jed & Ghada Anonymous
50.00 50.00 25.00 150.00 5,000.00 25.00 50.00 100.00 4,000.00 25.00 150.00
New Windows Bednarik, Betty Chlus, Mitchell & Mary Jane Dantinne, Richard & Linda Houser, Lena Kohudic, Peter & Nancy Lucas, Kathryn V. Sobolowski, Jane Wasilko, Marsha Ann
Archbishop Kyprian House 10.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 1000.00 250.00 50.00 25.00
Argyrakis, John & Linda Kwoka, David & Dianne Vonlindern, Paula
100.00 25.00 100.00
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - PROJECT DONORS
Bezkorovainy, Anatoly & Marilyn
Fall Appeal 2010 - $500 Face/$500 Library
1,000.00
Grabowski, Julia
Fall Appeal 2010 - Security
10,000.00
Hotrovich, Mat. Anna
Fall Appeal 2010 - Faculty Office Repairs
25.00
Kovalycsik, Anna R.
Fall Appeal 2010 - Office Chairs
10.00
Jarotsky, Charles
Fall Appeal 2010 - Basic Transportation
40.00
Kiegler, Richard A. Kimball, Daria King, John & Dorothy Kirwan, John & Susan Klodnicki, Rev. Nicholas & Veda Sokol, Fr. Dn. Paul Smith, Lawrence & Janet
Fall Appeal 2010 Fall Appeal 2010 Fall Appeal 2010 Fall Appeal 2010 Fall Appeal 2010 Fall Appeal 2010 Fall Appeal 2010
20.00 50.00 10.00 100.00 25.00 500.00 25.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Total 29,240.00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Παράκλητος” (para-klee-tos) is the Greek term from which words such as Helper, Comforter and Champion are derived. It can be found most commonly in the Scriptures when referencing the Holy Spirit. (i.e. John 15:26)
What is advocacy? The word “advocacy” is defined as “... the series of actions taken and issues highlighted to change ‘what should be’ into ‘what is.’” If viewed from this context, then there is no better word or phrase that could depict the exciting events we have witnessed this year at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. As we have laid out on this and previous pages, many of the Reclamation Projects have already found sponsors willing to assist with this
historic endeavor. However, as is the case with all great undertakings, real progress only occurs by way of a steady and determined forward movement. The kind of change that carries with it any lasting significance is a result of a clear and true vision that is constantly renewed and never wavers from the mark. As it stands, many more Advocates are needed. Please give as you are able so that we might continue to renew this most sacred trust. Thank you for all that you have done to this point. Thank you for assisting with the reclamation and preservation of this historic Orthodox treasure that is St. Tikhon’s Seminary!
Fr. Alexander Atty Dean and Chief Operating Officer
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SCHOLARSHIP DONORS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
SCHOLARSHIP DONORS • Scholarship Tikhonaire 2011 • JoAnne Olejnick in Honor of Parents Mary & Ray Pisaneschi • Holy Ascension Orthodox Church (Albion, MI) • St. Philip Orthodox Church (Souderton, PA) • Church of Christ the Savior (New York, NY) • The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America • Corinne F. Dovekas Scholarship Endowment • Matushka Mildred Soroka Scholarship Fund • Geoffrey & Ruth Battersby Scholarship • Dn. Zachariah & Mrs. Shirley Skariah Scholarship • Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America Scholarship • Anonymous Donors • Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Scholarship • Plinio and Matilde Atena Memorial Scholarship • Cynthia Barb Scholarship • Nicholas and Pearl Berezniak Scholarship • Teresa Dobrowolska Bratic Memorial Scholarship Endowment • Radovan Bratic Memorial Scholarship Endowment • Fr. George Burdikoff Scholarship • Bushallow Family Scholarship • Foma Filipovich Pushka Bushallow Memorial Scholarship • Betty Jo Chernay Memorial Scholarship • Paul Chernay Scholarship • Theodore and Dorothea Cimos Scholarship • Norman and Janet Cross Scholarship • Katherine DeLarm Scholarship • Olga Disko Memorial Scholarship • Very Rev. Daniel Donovan Memorial Scholarship • Very Rev. Michael & Mat. Anna Dziama and Son Peter Scholarship • Dr. George J. Farha Scholarship • Theodore and Elizabeth Fedora Scholarship • Fr. Alexander Fedoronko Memorial Scholarship • Fr. Richard and Mat. Cassiane Flom Scholarship
• Franklin Homeowners Assurance Company Scholarship Endowment • John Fritz Memorial Scholarship • Mary B. Fritz Scholarship • Julia Grabowski Scholarship • George and Elie Haddad Scholarship • George Hasenecz Memorial Scholarship • George and Elaine Heider Scholarship • Fr. Paul Holoviak Memorial Scholarship • Christine Hotrovich Memorial Scholarship • John and Mary Ann Hrywnak Scholarship • Archpriest Michael Hutnyan Memorial Scholarship • Jobby and Suja Jacob Scholarship • David Jarrett Scholarship • Suresh and Molly John Scholarship • Laura Jones Scholarship • Anthony Jubinsky Memorial Scholarship • Archpriest Stephen Karaffa Memorial Scholarship • Peter and Nancy Kohudic Scholarship • Stephen and Anna Kopestonsky Scholarship • Jim Kopoulos Memorial Scholarship • Dr. Nicholas Kostich Memorial Scholarship • Kotzer Karpato-Russ Scholarship • The Ivan V. Koulaieff Educational Trust Fund Scholarship • John and Helen Kowansky Scholarship • George and Mary Lescisin Scholarship • Karen Mashare Scholarship • Stevens and Carolyn Mafrige Scholarship • Dr. and Mrs. Nawar E. Mansour Scholarship • Matushka Karen Mahaffey Memorial Scholarship • Joseph and Anna Martin Memorial Scholarship • David and Jennifer Myres Scholarship • John and Margaret Morris Scholarship • John and Lesa Morrison Scholarship • Mutual Fire Foundation Scholarship • Mutual Fire, Marine and Inland Insurance Company Scholarship Endowment
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - SCHOLARSHIP DONORS
• Stefan and Barbara Nafranowicz Scholarship • Alla Nakonetschny Memorial Scholarship • Archpriest Michael Nakonetschny Memorial Scholarship • Archpriest John and Matushka Eugenia Nehrebecki Scholarship • Elsie Skvir Nierle Scholarship • OCA Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Scholarship • OCA Archdiocese of Washington Scholarship • OCA Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship • OCA Diocese of New England Scholarship • OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey Scholarship • Mary Opalak Scholarship • Dr. Behzad and Barbara Parhizgar Scholarship • Lydia Pelitsch Scholarship • Peter and Margaret Pilip Scholarship • Raymond and Mary Pisaneschi Memorial Scholarship • Protopresbyter Joseph Pishtey Memorial Scholarship • Fr. Basil Prisacarou Memorial Scholarship • Peter and Sue Radakovich Scholarship • Mary Romanchak Scholarship • Mark Ropchock Scholarship • Robert H. Roth Scholarship • The Russian Orthodox Theological Fund Scholarship • Spero Samer Memorial Fund • David Sawaged Memorial Scholarship • Hani and Lamya Sawaged Scholarship • Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America Scholarship • Father Roman (Serdynski) Memorial Scholarship • Archpriest Andrew Shuga Memorial Scholarship • Mary Skvir Memorial Scholarship • Joseph Skvir Memorial Scholarship • Smerznak, Medak and Kidwell Scholarship • Helen Sobolowski Memorial Scholarship • Very Rev. John and Khouria Elizabeth Sommer Scholarship • Archpriest Pavel Soucek Memorial Scholarship • George Staley Scholarship
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Patrick and Judy Stanley Scholarship Dr. Natasha Stavisky Memorial Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. Steve Stolaruk Scholarship Kory Warr Scholarship Fr. William and Popadja Mary Anne Weir Scholarship William and Maria Witiak Memorial Scholarship Endowment Christ the Savior Church Scholarship (Chicago, IL) Christ the Saviour Church Scholarship (Harrisburg, PA) Christ the Saviour Church Scholarship (Paramus, NJ) Holy Apostles Mission Scholarship (Mechanicsburg, PA) Holy Ascension Church Scholarship (Frackville, PA) Holy Cross Church Scholarship (Williamsport, PA) Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos Monastery Scholarship (Weaverville, NC) St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Scholarship (Allison Park, PA) St. Andrew Church Scholarship (Baltimore, MD) St. Barnabas Ministries Scholarship (Oklahoma City, OK) St. Elijah Church Scholarship (Oklahoma City, OK) St. John the Evangelist Church Scholarship (Memphis, TN) St. Mary Church Scholarship (Coaldale, PA) St. Michael Church Scholarship (Jermyn, PA) St. Michael Church Scholarship (Broadview Heights, OH) St. Michael Church Scholarship (Louisville, KY) St. Nicholas Church Scholarship (Pittsfield, MA) St. Paul Church Scholarship (Houston, TX) SS. Peter and Paul Church Scholarship (East Herkimer, NY) St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Scholarship (Washington, DC)
Thank You!
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BENEFACTORS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
BENEFACTORS The St. Tikhon’s Seminary Century Association Forty years ago, a group of dedicated Orthodox Christians formed the Century Association to insure the best possible future for St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary. The primary purpose of the Association is to provide spiritual support and financial assistance for the educational programs offered by the Seminary. Through annual membership contributions, donations, and fund raising projects such as our annual festival, the Association has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Seminary. This funding allows the Seminary to continue to provide the highest quality of theological education and spiritual formation to men who are preparing for Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. St. Tikhon’s graduates also serve the spiritual needs of Orthodox faithful in educational and musical positions, strengthening the bonds of Orthodox fellowship throughout the world. St. Tikhon’s Century Association is governed by a Board of Directors under the direction of a spiritual advisor. The Board meets regularly, and the annual meeting is held each October at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. Following our annual meeting, we enjoy a potluck
reception at the residence of His Grace, Bishop Tikhon, Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. Our major fund raising project each year is an annual festival. For the past two years, “Hospitality a la Russe” in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has been a very successful event featuring food, fun, fellowship, and a concert by the Kovriga Balalaika Orchestra. Each January the Century Association hosts a luncheon for Seminarians in honor of St. Tatiana, the patron saint of students. After a brief introduction to the Century Association, students enjoy a special meal and a decadent dessert table prepared by members and friends of the Association. Please consider joining the Century Association as we continue in our dedication to protect the sacred and holy work of our Seminary. Joining the Century Association confirms your love of God and His Holy Orthodox Church, and your sincere interest in strengthening our Faith for future generations. Our children, their children, and the generations to follow are depending on us.
The following churches and organizations have become members of The Century Association: Carpatho Russian Citizens Club Orthodox Church of St. Gregory of Nyssa Protection of the Virgin Mary “O” Club Russian Brotherhood Organization of the USA Saint John of Damascus Auxiliary Saint Nicholas Church, Mission Outreach Committee Saint Stephen O.C.F. (F.O.C.A. #82) Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church South River "R" Club
Hudson, PA Columbus, OH Merrillville, IN Philadelphia, PA Poway, CA Bethlehem, PA Philadelphia, PA South River, NJ Minersville, PA Union Dale, PA South River, NJ
Grant rest eternal in blessed repose, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants, the departed members of St. Tikhon’s Seminary Century Association, who are fallen asleep, and make their memory to be eternal!
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - BENEFACTORS
Members of St. Tikhon’s Seminary Century Association His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, Honorary President His Grace, Bishop Tikhon, Honorary President The Very Reverend Joseph Martin, Spiritual Advisor Sarah B. Jubinski, President Mary Sernak, Vice President Mat. Gloria Martin, Secretary Matushka Dorothy Sulich, Financial Secretary Kathryn Fedirko, Treasurer
Syosset, NY South Canaan, PA Wilkes-Barre, PA Bethlehem, PA Mayfield, PA Wilkes-Barre, PA South Canaan, PA Jermyn, PA
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, and the community of St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary join the officers of the Century Association in expressing their gratitude to the following individuals who have become members of St. Tikhon’s Seminary Century Association: ARIZONA Harold Homyak Eleanor M. Phillips Kay Slanta ARKANSAS Rev. Fr. John Maxwell CALIFORNIA Laura A. Bochnak Michael Habib Joseph & Sophia Laychak Igor Olenicoff Protonitsa Mary Anne Plefka-Weir V. Rev William Weir COLORADO V. Rev. Paul S. Fedec CONNECTICUT Helen Sinchuk Allen George A. Coke, Jr. Barbara Ann Dixon Fr. Vladimir Horoszczak Doris G. Johnson Mat. Elizabeth Pishtey - In Memory of Archpriest Joseph Pishtey, Class of 1944 DELAWARE Mrs. Nicholas Holowatch Margaret Roman
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Phoebe Felk FLORIDA Rev. David & Mat. Mary Balmer Wasil & Anne Boyko Mrs. Helen K. Cvirko Richard & Victoria Boyko Fullwood John & Rebecca Hanchak Pauline Karnillow Rose Minarick John M. Peregrim Dennis J. Woomer, M.D. GEORGIA Rev. & Mrs. George Alexson Dr. Gail Glushko V. Rev. & Mrs. Dimitri Oselinsky V. Rev. John W. & Denise Stefero ILLINOIS Agnes P. Fryntzko Mat. Eva Hubiak Thomas & Mary Kincaid Mr. & Mrs. Michael Obmascik Fr. Michael Prevas & Family INDIANA Gene Adamczyk Mat. Nadine Brown Fr. David & Kh. Diane Moretti
MARYLAND Ms. Martha Baxtresser Jim & Rosalie Luster V. Rev. & Mrs. John Mason MASSACHUSETTS Rt. Rev. Bishop NIKON Fr. Vasily & Mat. Nancy Gilbert MICHIGAN V. Rev. Lev & Mat. Victoria Kopistiansky Dr. John Kopin Mrs. Elaine Petouhoff MINNESOTA James & Mary Ann Brinda John & Barbara Leschisin MONTANA Archpriest John W. Anderson NEW HAMPSHIRE Deborah M. Donlick NEW JERSEY Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Abig Anonymous Theodore & Anna Babich Philip Benedict Benda Nicholas & Pearl Berezniak Paul & Eleanor Boshko Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Boulle
Robert M. Boulle Mr. & Mrs. Michael Burak John & Elena Croker Michael D. Drake V. Rev. George P. Hasenecz John & Anne Hutnyan Peter & Florence Junda Tanya Kwoka Martha W. Lutz Mary Macinsky Zoran Milkovich John & Olya Monchak Mr. & Mrs. Stefan Nafranowicz V. Rev. John & Eugenia J. Nehrebecki Barbara N. Penn Leo & Nell Radionoff V. Rev. W. Sophrony Royer Manya Shark H. Lynn Siry Betty Swizz Fr. David & Mariam Vernak Mr. & Mrs. John Wanko Dr. Robert E. Weger Milan & Roza Zivanov
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NEW YORK Rt. Rev. Bishop Michael Jeanne & Alexander Alexandrovich Anna Bahan Jeanette Z. Bely Michael Brand John Buckla V. Rev. Daniel Degyansky Joseph Domanick George Dorosko Mat. Dolores Dzury Archpriest Alexander & Carol Garklavs Mary Gelement Fr. & Mrs. Sergei Glagolev Mr. & Mrs. Bruce D. Keeler Olga & Daniel Koshansky Alexander W. Luckanick, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ludemann Mr. & Mrs. Stephen L. Melnick Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Mitchko Walter Palchik* Lydia Pelitsch Dennis & Pauline Somple Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Tarbay William & Eleanor Wasilko Bernice Yarosh NORTH CAROLINA Nonna Skumanich OHIO Raymond J. Asik, In Memory of Sandra Asik Mary E. Bezbatchenko Drs. John & Judy Blebea Wasil Glushko Mary Gresko Ms. Susan A. Guzy Barbara J. Kolesar Mr. Paul Laskovich Ms. Helen Livosky Subdn. & Mrs. Paul T. Maty Dr. & Mrs. Nicola B. Nicoloff Patricia Ann Pavelchak Pauline Petronek Margaret Petty Leon & Barbara Sheean Patricia A. Thompson Jerome & Cynthia Yurch PENNSYLVANIA Most Blessed Metropolitan Theodosius Most Blessed Metropolitan Herman Rt. Rev. Bishop Tikhon
BENEFACTORS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
A Friend of the Seminary A Friend of the Seminary A Friend of the Seminary A Friend of the Seminary V. Rev. Dr. Alexander Atty Sergei & Irene Arhipov Alice Boga Dr. Harry Boosalis John & Florence Boyko** Fr. Martin & Mat. Heidi Browne Thomas L. Casper Paul Chernay Emma Collins Jamie Davis Mrs. Marie Derkasch Stephen G. Doncevic V. Rev. Archpriest Daniel & Mat. Delores Donlick* Rdr. Thomas & Melissa Donlick Martha Dorosh Michael & Mary Dorosh Damian A. Drasher Elizabeth Dutko Kay Fedirko Theodore & Elizabeth Fedora Alexandra Fedorchak Joseph & Pauline Fetsko Betty Figura Drs. David & Mary Ford Annabel Franchak Subdn. Vasily Gardecki V. Rev. Daniel & Mat. Mary Geeza Mat. Elizabeth Geeza Roy & Eileen Glisan Patricia Stetz Grammes Miss Elsie Herman John A. Hockin William Hudak Mary Huniak & Family Archpriest James & Matushka Natalie Jadick Peter & Sarah Jubinski Dr. & Mrs. Peter D. Jubinski Stephen Karas Rose M. Kennedy Archdn. & Mrs. Alexei Klimitchev George Kopestonsky V. Rev. & Mrs. T. Stephen Kopestonsky V. Korba Atty. John Krisa Igor & Aleutina Kropov Mr. & Mrs. John Kuchmanich Mat. Helen Kuchta Gloria Woolever Kundrat Metro Lazorack Fr. Nilus Lerro Mrs. Michelle Lovell
John W. Lozo, Jr. Robert (Seraphim) Mack Steve & Jean Malec Ralph Mamay Archpriest Joseph Martin Mat. Gloria Martin Marina Martin Kathryn Mason Frances Meholic Joseph & Olga Mikus Helen Panco Moncovich John J. Moses, Sr. Martha Mossner Mr. & Mrs. John Nayduch Elsie Skvir Nierle John & Kyra Nightingale Arlene Oakill Michael Oluich Nicholas Orser Martin S. Paluch Dr. George J. & Elaine Pazin Lonnie Polli Maria Proch Marie Proch Jerusalem Pugh Mat. Irene Rachko V. Rev. Daniel & Mat. Theodora Ressetar Nicholas D. Ressetar Robert H. Roth Joseph Russian Jack & Kathryn Semenko Mr. & Mrs. Peter Senio Mary Sernak Mr. & Mrs. George Serniak V. Rev. & Mrs. David Shewczyk Mrs. Olga Shewczyk Helen Shurina Basil, Eva, Anna & Helena Smith Samuel A. Sokolik, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Sovyrda Gloria Spitko Dr. Eli & Paula Stavisky Joan Stetz Mat. Nina Stroyen Mat. Dorothy Sulich Basil & Irene Sumple V. Rev. Dennis & Mat. Marion Swencki Irene Swirdovich Jerome Tarris Nicholas Tatusko Wash Telepchak Mary Tihanitch Mat. Fran Vansuch V. Rev. Claude Vinyard Olga Onufer Woodward Rosemary Ziegenfuss
John Zoranski Anna Zupko TEXAS Ed & Jody Oppermann Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Rogers Anna Tanchak VIRGINIA Dr. & Mrs. Frank Dellermann John & Pat Ihnat Larisa V. Looby Apolinary J. & Elizabeth Manchuk Gregory Meholic, DDS Vera Repella Meiss V. Rev. Andrew D. & Tanya Nelko & Family Dr. Gennady & Donya Platoff John Slanta Daniel Wartonick Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Zangos WASHINGTON Alexander & Marie Popoff WISCONSIN V. Rev. & Mrs. Alexis W. Fedec V. Rev. Vladimir & Virginia Lecko CANADA Fr. Theodore Gove * Life Member ** Deceased Life Member
Thank You!
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2011 TIKHONAIRE - REPORTS
OPERATIONAL REPORTS Board of Trustees Approves Dual Degree Program
St. Tikhon’s Seminary Board of Trustees His Beatitude, the Most Blessed Jonah ex officio President of the Board of Trustees His Grace, the Right Reverend Tikhon ex officio Vice President of the Board of Trustees The Very Reverend Alexander Atty ex officio Hieromonk Sergius (Bowyer) ex officio Representative of St. Tikhon’s Monastery His Grace, the Right Reverend Michael (term expires 2013) Leda Dzwonczyk (term expires 2011) Secretary of the Board of Trustees David R. Jarrett (term expires 2011) Treasurer of the Board of Trustees Michael G. Herzak Mat. Nina Stroyen Subdeacon Nicholas Blick Alexander Bratic Paul Chernay Mat. Nancy Gilbert John Malinchok George Nakonetschny Hani Sawaged Protodeacon Michael Wusylko V. Rev Kunnathu P. Geevarghese V. Rev Emilian Hutnyan Ron Royhab The Very Reverend Joseph Martin Eli Stavisky The Very Reverend Theodore Boback The Very Reverend Daniel K. Donlick The Very Reverend Sergei Glagolev The Very Reverend Yaroslav Sudick Walter Palchik
(term expires 2011) (term expires 2011) (term expires 2012) (term expires 2012) (term expires 2012) (term expires 2012) (term expires 2012) (term expires 2012) (term expires 2012) (term expires 2012) (term expires 2013) (term expires 2013) (term expires 2013) (term expires 2014) (term expires 2014) Alumni President Trustee Emeritus Trustee Emeritus Trustee Emeritus Trustee Emeritus
At its recent Spring 2011 meeting, the Board of Trustees of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary unanimously voted to implement and promote the dual BA/MDiv degree program. The Seminary has been authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its accrediting agency, The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), to offer this 5 year program which will permit a candidate to complete his undergraduate requirements and to satisfy the academic requirements for the Master of Divinity degree. The Board authorized the Dean and Chief Operating Officer, V. Rev. Alexander Atty, to actively promote this program to interested candidates who meet the entrance requirements for the successful completion of the dual degrees. Eligible candidates for both degrees will have already completed some required undergraduate courses and will be able to apply those credits toward the completion of the dual degree program. It is expected that BA/MDiv candidates will spend a minimum of 5 years at the seminary campus, completing their priestly formation requirements, as well as the academic requirements of both degrees. The two degrees, the Bachelor of Arts in Orthodox Theology and the Master of Divinity degrees will be awarded together at the completion of all requirements for both degrees. Father Atty was especially pleased that the Board initiated and is promoting this program. As he has been travelling around the country, representing St. Tikhon’s Seminary, he has been meeting many young Orthodox men with a calling to the Priesthood and appropriate Orthodox Theological formation, who will benefit from the availability of such a program. Interested individuals should contact the Seminary for more information. Nancy Gilbert, Member, Board of Trustees
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REPORTS - 2011 TIKHONAIRE
FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY Transparency is one of the key ingredients in any healthy relationship. For a relationship to be genuine and not contrived there must be an understanding on the part of both parties that the person the other is seeing and thoughts and attitudes that are being conveyed do accurately represent the actual views of the person expressing them; anything less than this is simply posturing and façade. The administration of St. Tikhon’s Seminary maintains and promotes a strict adherence not only to state and federal guidelines but also requires that all individuals acting on behalf or in name of the organization are able and willing to at all times give a true and accurate accounting
of their actions - whether spiritual or professional - that might be thought to threaten the integrity of the St. Tikhon’s Community as a whole. As an educational institution, financial reports regarding income, expenses and allocation are always available. Our fiscal year ends on June 30, and within 90 days we will have audited numbers available for those who have good reason to request them. Fr. Dionysius Swencki Chief Financial Officer St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
Articles
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Fr. Alexander Atty Installed as Seventh Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary by Christopher Patton On Saturday October 30, 2011 in a short Moliben at St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church Fr. Alexander Atty was installed as the seventh Dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. The Service was presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah (OCA). Also in attendance for this historical event were His Grace Bishop Tikhon of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania (OCA) and His Grace Bishop Michael of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (OCA). There are no services prescribed for the installation of a new seminary dean. There are no complicated calculations requiring four books and three languages to script it correctly. It was a simple thanksgiving service, the kind we celebrate at many points of the year when “Thank You” isn’t enough or when two choruses of “Many Years” doesn’t convey the gravity of the moment. His Beatitude presented Fr. Atty with a gift towards the conclusion of the service, a new and somewhat oversized pectoral cross. With great seriousness and intention he removed the cross Fr. Atty had been wearing up until this point and placed it on the small tray. Then picking up the new and surprisingly heavy one he turned to the people in attendance exclaimed loudly “Axios” and then made no effort to contain his joy as
the crowd almost too excitedly responded back the same. It is worth mentioning that a typical thanksgiving service has no such element. These things are reserved for such solemn events as ordinations. However in a very similar way in which a saint is “made” in the Orthodox faith it is with the sense of recognizing something that God has already revealed as opposed to us causing the thing itself to occur. This one aspect of the entire event is so striking however because it represents a significant change of heart on the part of the Metropolitan who had only one year earlier expressed some concern regarding the future direction of the institution. It was with grateful humility that those present were able to bear witness to the Holy Spirit addressing those concerns and to watch the Metropolitan as he placed the new cross around Fr. Atty’s neck and embraced him with a sense of relief and hope. He then presented him to the congregation for yet another Axios. The new cross had settled against the embroidery on the collar of his riassa with a weight more like a mantle than a yoke. Fr. David Hester, the Rector of St. Mary’s Antiochian Parish in WilkesBarre, PA, hosted this remarkable occasion that witnessed this favored son of the Antiochian Archdiocese become the new Dean and C.O.O. of one of America’s premier theological institutions. Even before the hierarchs arrived the normal hushed tones and whispers of what is a typical “still-in-thesanctuary” speaking voice had been replaced with audible belly-laughs and conversations crackling with vibrant energy. It was clear that those who had gathered for the occasion were anticipating something more substantial. Afterwards it was moving to watch clergy from all over the NEPA valley as well as priest from many of the other various jurisdictions, from all over the country,
all greeting one another with a congratulatory embrace and each taking away from the evening a sense of accomplishment. Until his election by the Board of Trustees of St. Tikhon’s Seminary Fr. Alexander served the Antiochian Archdiocese as the pastor of one of the nation's largest pan-Orthodox parishes, Saint Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church, Louisville, KY. He served in this capacity for over thirty years and with the help of the parish community he was able to enjoy considerable success in ministering to the needs of both the Orthodox faithful and the non-orthodox in the greater Louisville area. As mentioned by Fr. Alexander in his speech at the reception held in his honor immediately following the service “I believe the election of an able-minded person with an administrative background, with no regard for jurisdictional differences, shows a great amount of foresight and a real thirst for the unity we claim to still seek in this Church in America.” He went on to thank not only the Board of Trustees of St. Tikhon’s Seminary but also the Orthodox Church in America as well as Metropolitan Phillip and the Antiochian Archdiocese for their insight and vision and for their willingness to put faith into action for the betterment of the entire body of believers that comprise this culturally diverse American Orthodox tapestry. He pledged in front of representatives from the many Orthodox backgrounds to hold fast to the founding principles of the institution and to also strive with every breath to enable St. Tikhon’s to fulfill that holy calling for which it was purposed: To prepare leaders to go out and to preach the Gospel to all nations and to prepare pastors to lovingly leading Christ’s Holy Church. ✠
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The First
300 Days
An interview with Fr. Alexander Atty Q: How would you rate your first year? A: Anyone who knows me understands that I do not think in those terms exactly. The way I gauge success is when the task is finished. I will say we have completed a number of projects this year, more than what I thought we would realistically. Q: What do you consider to be your most important accomplishment so far? A: Well, honestly just digging down deep enough to see where we stood and how much needed to be done was probably the biggest accomplishment, it was certainly the most time consuming. That part of it is ongoing and can be the most difficult if you allow it to be. It’s why they have sayings like “If something
can go wrong, it will.” Only here it’s more like unraveling a giant ball of twine, only you don’t know when you begin pulling on the end, how big it’s really going to be. I told you when I agreed to this interview that I am my own worst critic so I hope you aren’t expecting me to sit here and brag on our accomplishments because when you compare them to what still needs to happen, they don’t seem as attractive. Q: You’ve already answered my next question which was, have you accomplished all you had hoped to this first year? A: Well, let’s remember the year isn’t over yet. We still have many building projects that are getting
Christ the Savior Orthodox Church 365 Paramus Rd. • Paramus, NJ 07682
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ready to start and there will be a whole crew of people here, myself included, working throughout the summer on things.
Seminary. As soon as I mentioned the name, this woman whom I had never met before became angry and the conversation got very heated right there in the cereal aisle “It’s awful what went on up there!” She Q: Anything specifically that you would like to said. “Everyone involved should be defrocked!” She bring attention to? didn’t really understand what she was saying mind A: It’s all laid out very well in this last appeal you she just knew that she was hurt, that perhaps we completed. In the next few weeks we hope to start some injustices had occurred, and that those concerns on the administrative building changes. We will be were not being addressed or if they were being putting a whole new front on this building. It’s going addressed there was no real effort to communicate to look nice. It’s going to look like a place that people how this was being done to the larger orthodox community. She felt like it was just another example can be proud of attending. of things being swept under the rug. I was attempting to calm her down because Q: Forgive me for asking this next question but how would you answer the criticism that you are people were starting to look at the excited woman talking loudly to the just cleaning the priest in the grocery “outside of the cup” so She asked where my parish was store. She told me she to speak? and I explained that I was the dean of attends a local parish A: That question St. Tikhon’s Seminary. As soon as I here in the valley and gets to the heart of a lot mentioned the name, this woman whom both her and her friend of truth. Honestly we’ve used to give several already spent a great I had never met before became angry thousand dollars a year amount of time and and the conversation got very heated to the school but haven’t effort into changing the right there in the cereal aisle. in the past few years inside of this cup. Even because you could never right now there is cleaning being accomplished with the several be sure where your money was going. This is not the first time I have heard these administrative changes and faculty changes that have already occurred along with the development of thoughts expressed. This same story repeats itself, on several programs that will ensure the faculty and staff a loop, in conversations I have with people I meet are always in a state of constant evaluation both on a while traveling parish to parish, and there are personal level and how we relate corporately as a hundreds of stories like this. I can see on your list of team. There are no easy or quick answers to some questions that you intend to ask what I see as some of issues because the problems didn’t arise overnight. the biggest obstacles for us to overcome, well that’s Some of them are foundational issues, and I don’t just it. Trust. Restoring people’s trust. But as I said before, trust on this level wasn’t lost in a year so it mean the building necessarily. won’t be magically restored because we paint some offices and hang some pictures. It’s very difficult to Q: Would you care to elaborate? A: I would love to but, you see, that’s another show the inside of the cup to people. I wish I could, I problem. I can’t without ruffling feathers and hurting really do. That can only happen over time and through feelings. I had a woman come up to me in the grocery genuine conversations and by building and re-building store about two weeks ago. She asked where my parish actual relationships. Unfortunately, people normally was and I explained that I was the dean of St. Tikhon’s welcome that level of contact only slowly, after they
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can watch changes happening from a safe distance away. Our modest efforts that we have made to the institutional aspects of this community are my attempts to make the outside of the cup reflect the inward changes that have already and are continuing to be made.
Q: Some people are calling what you are doing here a “Revolution” of sorts. Do you see yourself in that way? A: No, I am not comfortable with that word. Revolutions are most always bloody and violent things. I do not like connotation ...Trust on this level wasn’t lost in a year so that Q: Some of the things being associated that were mentioned it won’t be magically restored because we with the good work in the recent appeal paint some offices and hang some pictures. we are doing here. letter include Besides we are not remodeling some of changing anything about the place that was good or the many bathrooms. There were some offices beneficial. redone, all the guest rooms, the boilers… St. Tikhon’s is a wonderful and historically A: The boilers were a major project. We are priceless treasure. It has a culturally rich legacy and already seeing returns on that investment. Over a my appreciation of that is enriched every day it seems. third of the gas bill was cut out immediately and that I am honored to be included in the ranks of the great will help with everything else. The phone system was Church leaders who have served in this capacity and I another money saving project. We were paying for intend to work as hard as I can for as long as I can to phone lines that we didn’t need and couldn’t find! protect its legacy. This alone should save the seminary around $5,000 a year. Q: As with any great change, there is often an equally strong push in the opposite direction by Q: The appeal mentioned a new boiler for the those who would just as soon see things stay the monastery church as well. That was given as a gift? way that they are. Have you experienced this here A: It is our church building as well. We cannot and how have you handled it. A: By the Grace of God is how I have handled expect the monastery to pay for everything. We have a community here. The finances between the two it, and sometimes even that gets touchy. Mostly institutions were finally completely untangled which because I care so much and invest so much of myself is good and essential for each to be healthy and into what we are doing here that sometimes my sustainable for the long term. But the shared nature of emotions get to me. But to answer your question, yes our lives here is perhaps the most positive aspect of there has been some of that kind of resistance to our community. The monastery life and the seminary change. Not as much as I thought there would be life can never be “untangled” so to speak, nor would surprisingly, I came prepared for a fight, but it turns we want it to be. It’s one of those foundational out most people want this place to flourish and to be elements about St. Tikhon’s that is absolutely healthy. Most people are good and still value work necessary and beneficial for everyone now that each ethic and honest integrity. For every letter I get institution has its own identity and we were able to complaining that they liked the plastic coat rack that clearly define the boundaries of what that means. The had been sitting in the same corner for thirty years I monastery church is our chapel and that chapel receive ten more thanking me for moving it. needed a new boiler. It seemed like a no brainer to me.
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Q: It’s difficult to tell whether you are being children were placed in my arms and the first time I metaphorical here. walked into this building as the Dean. I had been in A: (Laughing) Well, in this case there was a this building and on these grounds dozens of times in my life, but it changes the first time you walk in under literal coat rack so I guess I mean both. I will say that yes, of course, with a lot of change those circumstances. You feel the enormous weight of the place. It is a lot to carry. comes some resistance to time I see His Grace change that you have to For every letter I get complaining Every Bishop Michael I wonder expect. In any situation where you have to lead and that they liked the plastic coat rack how the man is still smiling. inspire other human beings, that had been sitting in the same whether it’s the parish or corner for thirty years I receive ten Q: It seems like he was given an extremely running a business, it’s the more thanking me for moving it. difficult task, an times when no one seems to impossible weight to carry care at all that you have to be concerned with. Those are the times that should and then asked to walk it across a tight-rope. A: However it happened no one can debate the stick out like a red flag that, either the people you are leading are apathetic and just going through the progress that was made here under his leadership, all motions or it is us the leaders who are. This happens this despite having to navigate obstacles that would more times than we want to admit to ourselves. have ended a lesser man. Anything we hope to This is something that we intend to teach to accomplish here, anything we change or build, will be each person who comes here to prepare for ministry in done so on top of the ground work he labored the Church. No matter where you go, when you are ceaselessly to create. He would still be here giving called upon to be the impetus for change there will be everything in him had he not been asked to put those a few people who will have to be “convinced” so to same skills to work for all of us on the national church speak because they see themselves as “gate-keepers.” I level. I have nothing but the highest respect for that do not fault people for their hesitation to major man. change, and as I said before we aren’t talking about many people at all. The few objections that get raised Q: So, what did you tell the woman at the grocery? about anything are almost always people just seeking A: I told her what I have said to everyone who clarification. I understand its “change” in general that has approached me in that way with those types of they are responding to. They would have a similar concerns. I listened to the things she had to say. I reaction if I were to sneak into their house and replace engaged her as a person. I showed her nothing but the type of bran flakes they had eaten every morning respect and I may even have apologized for anything for 30 years. that might have happened before my time but at the same time I assured her that St. Tikhon’s is internally Q: Except you didn’t sneak in here. You were asked a very different place now and that we are working to come and serve the Church in this capacity. hard to ensure that outwardly we reflect those A: Exactly! This Community was entrusted to changes as well. If I had my way I’d replace every wall me and it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. The floor to ceiling the roof included with solid seemost important moments in my life were when through glass. That’s how much I believe in my something was being placed delicately in my hands for faculty and staff. That is exactly how we as Orthodox me to protect. The first time the Lamb was placed in Christians should live out our lives. If we are working my hands at my ordination, the first time each of my hard to build up the kingdom then there shouldn’t be
May God bless St. Tikhon’s Seminary! from parishioners of St. Basil’s Church in Simpson, PA • Fr. Joseph Lucas, Pastor
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an issue with this. I obviously can’t afford to build a glass building so the only option is to be as Q: Last question because I want to respect our transparent in everything I say and do and require the scheduled time. What would you say to someone same thing from every member of this Community. It who might want to be more involved in the many is what I promised I would do because it is the only changes going on here but still have reservations thing I know how to do. It is the only thing I have because of the past, or for any reason? found to be helpful in my years of pastoral experience. A: I invite anyone and everyone to take time to I explained to that woman that all of her come and see. Come sit down with me. My door is concerns were being addressed diligently and always open; though it seems the more I say that the methodically but that it wasn’t being done just so she less time I actually have. If I am not available come would start donating money again. I explained these speak with my staff, with the students, with the things are being done to ensure the health and faculty. Sit down with the people who really know sustainability of the St. Tikhon’s Community. I what’s going on here now. Do not wait for our once a explained that these things were going to be done year Memorial Day Pilgrimage event. There are daily whether or not she supports this institution the way services at the Monastery Church so there is no “bad she has in the past or in any way ever again. Her day” to visit, just please be understanding of time support is welcome of course as is everyone who constraints. Let my office know when you are coming might read about this, but it is the health and welfare so I can try to set some time aside and if that is not of the community that possible I will make is my main concern. every attempt to see to I invite anyone and everyone to take The difficulty for it that someone from me personally is that time to come and see. Come sit down with my staff is able spend at s o m e t i m e s g o o d me. My door is always open - though it least a few moments intentioned people trick does seem the more I say that the more with you. themselves by using the past here as an excuse full my schedule becomes. to not help. They do this by not bothering to make this place part of their lives Q: I know your time is becoming an increasingly and just write it off or dismiss it because of some of its rarer and rarer commodity so I won’t keep you any previous circumstances. That is where I stand on the longer. Thank you for this talk. I know some whole issue of “The Before.” Whatever happened people will find it very helpful. ✠ “before” already happened. I cannot change the past. That is why our slogan of Reclaiming the Past by Ensuring the Future is so important to me. We now have to deal with the reality of this place as we have received it. There is more than one type of sticking your head in the sand. I mean, why wouldn’t someone want to get behind the people who are giving up their entire lives to bring about the same changes you claim to desire? The people who do this become in their hearts the same obstacles to progress as the ones who sat defiantly insisting that “everything was just fine.”
Holy Resurrection Cathedral Wilkes Barre, PA
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The Struggle with Change by Nick Aiello become aware of the fact that we process theology and spirituality through our individual historical help not being struck by the changes underway. It perspectives and values - that God makes use of our seems as if the entire school is under construction. whole lives (and background) when we’ve made And if you were here from years past, as you walk ourselves ready to be His instrument. through the administration building you’ll also see While it’s true and correct for us to hearken several new faces - and probably notice old ones no back to the time of St. Tikhon of Moscow and the longer here. wonderful ecclesial vision he left us - his American I had not visited the seminary before I arrived children; we have to in 2009 to begin studies, but also remember the I came to realize that you cannot I realized fairly quickly that Russia he returned to the school has a very distinct understand the culture of the seminary and the immense identity and is part of the unless you understand this larger impact Communism local and regional culture. would have on the history and culture. An identity forged through American Church, and the decades of struggling for this emerging American indeed all Americans, during most of the life of this Orthodox Church. A struggle that may involve school. How insulated you had to be, being of Russian classrooms and papers, but has been molded decent (or perceived Russian by Americans), during nonetheless in the historic, cultural, crucible of Slavic, much of the Cold War. immigrant, Cold War Orthodoxy. Struggling in a steel-mill or coal-mine to make I came to realize that you cannot understand a living, but grateful your children (through education the culture of the seminary unless you understand and your hard work) will have more opportunities this larger history and culture. We converts, than you. Struggling with your ethnic identity which, (especially as new students), often want to believe now that you are an American, is the enemy. Even only theology and spirituality form identity. However contending with other Orthodox because of your as we begin our study of both history and theology we desire to incorporate English into the services and
Even if you’re new to St. Tikhon’s seminary, you can’t
St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church Corner of Walnut & Hudson • Jermyn, PA 18433
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provide an Orthodoxy that will be accessible to American born English speakers. This seemingly endless contention, and the worldview born from it, is the culture this seminary was born into. And the struggle continues. With Communism swept from the earth and the multiplicity of Orthodox jurisdictions ministering to their individual ethnic groups, (and the converts that attach themselves to them), as well as a united Russian Church under the Patriarch of Moscow, the new battle is for the identity of the American Church itself. The recent scandals and problems in the OCA have only heightened the reality that St. Tikhon’s Seminary remains near the center of the struggle - and the center of the solution. You’re probably asking yourself, what does all this have to do with beautifully remodeled bathrooms? The physical changes and additions: remodeled administrative building and the coming new kitchen and refectory and roof, potential married student housing, are part of a greater change. As are some of the policy changes such as the increased attendance at divine services, Byzantine liturgies, absorbing the cost of the meal plan to allow all married students and their families to join single
...policy changes such as the increased attendance at divine services, Byzantine liturgies, and the absorption of the cost of the meal plan to allow all married students and their families to join single students and staff at lunch.
students and staff at lunch. As well as elimination of the head table in the dining-hall, spiritual readings at lunch during Great Lent and a closer canonical adherence to fasting on regular Wednesdays and Fridays. We’ve also seen improved communication among students and staff with the inclusion of school email - not to mention an updated seminary web site. But these are all things and ideas, the product of real change. The real change of course is the people. The dean of a seminary or college is essentially the Chief Executive Officer, in the case of our new dean, Fr. Alexander Atty, he’s also the Chief Financial Officer and the head of Operations. To fully grasp the changes he’s implemented (as well as understand where the future is headed), we have to understand not only the history of the seminary, but also the historic context in which he comes to us as our dean. It was a dramatic context for many of us who began in 2009. I left Oregon with my wife and two daughters that summer to attend seminary in the Fall. By the time we had reached Arizona, a Hieromonk from St. Paisius monastery told me he heard from a reliable source the school was closing. By the time we reached Oklahoma I was able to access the web site and find enormous comfort in the steady words of our Rector, Bishop Tikhon, who reassured all that the seminary was in fine shape. It had the feel of yet another crisis averted in a string of crises that seemed to go back to almost the beginning. And as we all know, the struggles continue. This is the context into which Fr. Atty has come. I had someone ask me about the improvements to the seminary recently, assuming things are better now than they were in the past. While that does seem to be the case, it’s not the perspective I have, that
May Christ Our God Bless Fr. Alexander Atty & St. Tikhon’s Seminary - Very Reverend Fr. Dimitrie Vincent & St. Thomas Albanian Orthodox Church
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history I believe teaches. I and has a Questioning the immediate past Pennsylvania don’t see an old and new Russian American wife seminary or staff, I see a is like calling attention to the ship who is the daughter of a new effort in the struggle, needing to be scrubbed and painted priest that has spent his and the essence of what long life ministering in while ignoring the fact that it has this seminary is has not this region. survived years in the open sea in changed. What I see, what Fr. Atty clearly I t h i n k h i s t o r y i s hurricane conditions. understands the history revealing, is actually the and context of this school, opposite: that what we have with this dean is the of the great struggle he and it share. As an active latest caretaker of the vision and newest leader in this priest in the Antiochian Archdiocese he also ongoing struggle. If anything, his policies are an represents the pan-Orthodox future of the seminary attempt to reconnect with the best part of the and indeed the American Church. And the course he is seminary’s past (both immediate and distant) in order charting for the future, which will include yet more to secure its future. changes and improvements in the years ahead, is The analogy of the seminary as a ship on a based on that understanding as much as the course journey is the best way I can describe my view of what setting itself. has happened - and what is now happening. We have a The destination, the struggle, remains the same new captain and significant crew changes, but the ship - bringing Orthodoxy to America by raising up and remains the same. We are setting a somewhat equipping future leaders of all jurisdictions. Leaders different course, but the ship has sailed with these who will have to pilot their own ships and navigate the winds before and the destination remains the same. rough waters. Who will continue to struggle with Questioning the immediate past is like calling change - not in the negative sense of having to change, attention to the ship needing to be scrubbed and rather, in the sense of change as the grace of God. ✠ painted while ignoring the fact that it has survived years in the open sea in hurricane conditions. The fact Nick Aiello is a Reader in the Orthodox Church in that it is still intact and afloat, still sea-worthy after so America, from the Diocese of the South and is completing many challenges is a testament to great leadership and his second year at St. Tikhon’s. He and his wife, Beverly, a committed crew. Bishop Michael, with the help of live in West-central Oklahoma and are working hard to Matushka Dorothy and Fr. Alexander Golubov, who lay the foundation for a new mission there. are no longer here, with the rest of the staff who are, as well as the board of trustees, brought this ship safely through these rough seas to the calm harbor we now enjoy. But make no mistake, this vessel is not being re-fitted and re-staffed in order to remain in harbor. It is continuing its historic Make no mistake, this vessel is not journey and the course is set for the open sea once being re-fitted and re-staffed in order to again. It is not a remain in harbor. It is continuing its coincidence its new leader was born and historic journey and the course is set r a i s e d i n E a s t e r n for the open sea once again.
Holy Ascension Church 756 N 2nd St. • Lykens, PA 17048
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Our Challenge is To Serve An Interview with His Grace, Bishop Michael Q: Your Grace: Just days ago, you served your first Q: During thirty-seven years as a priest, you Holy Pascha celebration as the Bishop of New York work ed with bishops as secretary, dean, and New Jersey at your cathedral in the heart of chancellor, advisor, educator of candidates for New York City. What impressions came to your ordination, and finally as diocesan administrator mind as you led the celebration of the greatest prior to your enthronement. You observed the life event in the history of creation in the midst of the and work of the bishop as closely as any priest biggest city in the U.S.? could possibly have done. Now that you are a A: I think the thing that struck me the most in bishop, how are your impressions of the that celebration was that on Holy Friday and on episcopacy different from what you might have Pascha we made the procession around the city block anticipated prior to your consecration? What has in Manhattan that the Cathedral is part of… and so, surprised you? A: Bishop John (Martin) used to say that were walking in between the clientele of some of the most famous restaurants in New York, and the surprises are always good… and so I’ll choose to garbage that’s lining the streets of New York City answer the question that way. I think what really because they didn’t pick it surprised me is the ...we are fighting for our children in up on Good Friday… and we dedication of so saw pious people bowing a secular culture in the midst of atheism m a n y c l e r g y t o a n d s h o w i n g s i g n s o f in universities, in a society that is serving the Church in respect and curiosity… and a challenging time of politically correct. we saw Hells Angels, and we secularism. We saw at least one jeerer... but I think it was a great struggle in competition with the world – we are witness of the Risen Lord, and the Faith that fighting for our children in a secular culture in the established the Universe, in the greatest city in the midst of atheism in universities, in a society that is world. It was like Paul preaching in Athens or giving politically correct. The common denominator is really witness to Caesar in Rome… that’s what impressed me not the high moral standards of the Faith – and these the most. priests are just so valiant in their outreach to try to be
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faithful to their people… in caring for them and Then, as Dean, you led the Seminary to an even sustaining the Faith, and doing the services – against higher measure of stature with the attainment of the grain of all of that. And so I think that has accreditation from ATS and the implementation of impressed me. The faith of the people that we now the Diaconal Formation Program in Philadelphia. have in the churches that is sustained amidst that Then, within four months of your enthronement as dynamic, is surprising. It is easy to look in a chancery Bishop of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, office at numbers, and look at statistics, and be you affirmed your enduring commitment to concerned about trends, but I think what is theological education by opening another surprising is the quality of the reality. It is all about Diaconal Formation Program, based within your Christ’s dying for people… that is the tangible reality; diocese, that is linked to St. Tikhon’s. What future and to have seen it in my priests and to have seen it in direction, or directions, do you believe that so many people across the Orthodox theological ...to share in the joy of someone Diocese is what has education on this surprised me the most. who has offered his life to the Church, continent must take? A: I firmly believe sometimes his wife and children’s lives Q: You often said as a that the Church has to priest that one of your as well, and to be able to actualize continue the process of greatest joys was to serve that, calling upon the grace of the personal formation – a s s e c o n d p r i e s t Holy Spirit, is just incomparable. spiritual formation, first alongside your former and foremost. That students. As someone who has formed hundreds of cannot be compromised. I think that there is a priests and led them around the altar to their growing tendency to want more classes online, bishops for ordination, what is it like for you to distance-learning based programs – I think that is a now ordain them? danger that the Church has to avoid. On the other A: Oh, wow! Well, it is really a defining hand, I think that we can train people to use those moment of my first year to have ordained people. It is formats to educate people who will be using an incredible joy to be not only part of this inspiring computers for their education, to learn, to grow in the commitment to Christ that we celebrate and proclaim Faith. I do not see anything wrong with sharing Axios, but to actually be the celebrant of it – to be able seminary lectures and a whole series of things with to share the laying on of hands that was given to me the laypeople for them to grow. with them… On the other hand, it is such an awesome But I do not think that you can form a deacon responsibility – and it is kind of scary, because the or a priest without formation, personal formation. I vessel is unworthy. This is a bad analogy, because I also think that we do need to make personal formation am not worthy of the analogy, but it is like John more accessible to the demographics that we face baptizing Jesus – it is just an unworthy feeling. But, I right now. Much of the Church is not in the think that to share in the joy of someone who has Northeast, and so new seminarians need to come offered his life to the Church, sometimes his wife and better prepared, better spiritually formed in advance children’s lives as well, and to be able to actualize that, of seminary. Maybe the Diaconal Formation Program calling upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, is just is an attempt, since some of these people will incomparable. eventually go to seminary, to prepare them off campus to come to seminary – to make it easier for them, Q: You came to St. Tikhon’s Seminary as a faculty given their “married / dad” status. I think the trend in member when the M.Div. Program was quite new. the Church, which I personally am against, is to have
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priests that work part-time. Again, I think that the full-time priest is the way we are going to grow the Church. That is my view, but if that is not where we’re going, we need to prepare priests to have a profession that’s respectable and consonant with the vocation of the priesthood. I don’t want guys packing boxes in grocery stores and driving buses. I wouldn’t want my son doing that – I would want him doing something else, like teaching or doing chaplaincy work. Certainly for my spiritual sons it’s even more important, because they’re the frontline of the priesthood. I think we need have to have programs that prepare them if that’s what they’re going to be facing. It seems to be the trend in other dioceses, and there are certainly priests in my diocese that work. That component has got to be there if that’s the trend of the 21st century.
and national church events, and in a week you have two holy days, a funeral, the balance has to be there. My teaching to my students – and this is a quote that I’ve said a million times – is that, as important as it is to be the priest, to be the pastor, to be the rector of the parish, still, you can’t minimize the responsibility of being a husband and a father, because those are personal vocations. Only you can be your wife’s husband, and only you can be your children’s father. Someday, somebody else will be the pastor of the parish you are serving, but you will always be your wife’s husband… you will always be your children’s father. They can’t get that from anybody else but from you, and that can never be minimized, so it is really important that that balance is struck. You need to say, “no one else can serve the liturgy at my parish, but I don’t have to go to every meeting of every organization. When Tommy has a Q: As Dean of St. Tikhon’s, you were deeply ball game or Susie has a recital, I can be there.” committed to supporting the health and stability Because, there is not going to be another first recital; of the family lives of married seminarians. Now as there is not going to be another playoff game. The a bishop with dozens of priestly families under challenge in seminary is to learn that. It’s a difficult your archpastoral care, what advice would you give experience…it’s rough, but it is what parish life is to today’s seminarians, about... you don’t belong to Only you can be your wife’s their wives, and their yourself, you belong to your families about how best to husband... your children’s father. wife, your family, your spend their time and Someday, somebody else will be the parish. That whole balance focus their priorities has got to be meted out in pastor of the parish you are serving, during their seminary the best measure possible. but you will always be your wife’s experience? A : I t h i n k t h e husband… you will always be your Q: It seems clear that the Church today faces seminary experience is children’s father. unprecedented challenges really a good preparation for priestly ministry in the sense that that for so much in keeping its young people within the fold of the You have actively engaged this issue of your time in seminary, husbands and wives are Faith. separated because husbands are in class, liturgical already in your Diocese with your presence at St. services, community service, Mission Choir trips, field Andrew’s Camp in the summer and with retreats work, and other projects. They’ve got to prioritize and activities for altar servers, teens, and younger their time in such a way that they balance being a children. What does the Church need to do to successful seminary student and a husband, and maintain that genuine connection between young perhaps a father. Certainly in parish life, when you people and the Orthodox Faith as they grow into have to do services and instructional classes and young adulthood and make their own decisions counseling, and deanery events, and diocesan events, about their faith?
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A: The only thing you can do is give the most then they can remember the Church loved them, they preparation possible. They need to know that the can remember that we keep the door open, and want Church loves them, they need to know that the them, and bring them back if that happens. Hopefully Church needs them for its future. We have to provide it doesn’t happen, but if we can’t do anything, it them with every opportunity to grow spiritually, to speaks for itself. The other thing, of course, is that these are our grow in the Faith education-wise, and so every opportunity that the parish has to spend its time, kids, as parishes, as dioceses, so when we send them talent, and treasure on youth education, on youth off to college it’s so important that we connect them to the rest of the Church. activities, on youth Our Lord gave personhood to So if they’re not going to fellowship, is so important. be in my parish for the It is the same for the children. Our Church is the only diocese, and the national Church in Christianity that makes a next four years, I have to make sure they’re in some Church. When I was child at the time of his baptism, 40 parish. I have to call the growing up, I was in a days or even earlier, a full member priest of the college they parish where that’s where I are going to, and say, spent most of my time. We sacramentally, with Baptism, “You find a family to pick had a basketball team, we Chrismation, the Eucharist. him up, and bring him to had a young adult Bible study, a junior youth group, a parish ethnic dance church and bring him to dinner,” and he may want go troupe, we had the altar servers… so every day of the to dinner more than Church, but that is all right. week you could be in Church with the services. And Because you are sending your child, the parish’s child, people did that. For us it was a big deal to go to the into an anti-Christian environment… [where they are seminary for a retreat as a junior high school kid. faced with] atheism, evolution, immorality. There are Today if you’re in French I class, you could go to Paris social activities, and things that may be good, but still with your school. How does the Church compete with compete with the Church. All of those things are on that? Rolling over and playing dead is not the answer. college campuses. If there is an OCF, great, but still Okay, so it’s much more difficult times… there probably is not a priest serving the Liturgy there Secularism – the school system playing hockey and on Sundays. We have to do this. Parish councils have soccer Sunday mornings, all these things are real got to help their priests in taking that responsibility of challenges. But the Church has got to think outside not letting kids fall through the cracks. It happens, the box and offer programs where kids know that the but we shouldn’t let it happen – it is a failure on our Church cares about them, and they’ve got to be watch. We have to be there. Our Lord gave personhood to children. Our trained in loving the Lord. It’s not going to happen in any other way. Obviously it begins in the family. We Church is the only Church in Christianity that makes a can’t do in a few hours a week, what has to happen in child at the time of his baptism, 40 days or even the family, but that doesn’t minimize our earlier, a full member sacramentally, with Baptism, responsibility from doing those kinds of things. I tell Chrismation, the Eucharist. That is how important a these kids that the reason we do it is because the child is in Orthodoxy, but we can’t let that be lost. And Church loves them, because the Lord loves them – and the message that Christ died for that person out of they may stray even if you do those things, but love, is not a message you are going to get in the hopefully you will have created a memory, that when world, so if we do not repeat it loud and clear, as the the world which can offer them no meaning to life, clear single message against the cacophony of the but offers them the cold reality of depersonalization,
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noise of the world, whose fault is it? Ours. It has to be a priority.
That becomes the challenge. If it is not the work of the Gospel, of the Lord, then it is sin, St. Paul says. We can use it for good or evil, like we can use a knife – to cut out a bullet or stab somebody. How to use the Internet is the challenge of these times.
Q: People communicate now much differently than they did when you became a parish priest. We send messages to one another much more quickly, easily, and it could be said impersonally, than we Q: Preaching has been one of your favorite aspects did ten or twenty years ago. How should the of the priesthood. How has your perspective on Church be engaged – or avoid being engaged – in preaching, or your approach to preaching, the use of forums like the Web, YouTube, changed now that you are the archpastor Facebook, Skype, and other emerging modes of preaching in periodic visits to your parishes, in communication? What concerns do you have the presence of the priest and the flock? regarding the contemporary communication A: The big difference is... when I was in a “explosion?” parish, within a year I knew that parish well, and my A: I think one of the great blessings of my first sermons were designed specifically for the spiritual year as a bishop is the incredible web site that my growth of that particular parish. Sometimes now, diocese has. My Director of Communications, Fr. Ken visiting a parish as the Bishop, I find that I am Stavrevsky, and Fr. John Parsells [of Orthodox Web preaching to the proverbial choir, because that parish Solutions] have done a great job of promoting the is already at the level I’m trying to get to with that activities and efforts and educational projects of the sermon – and I do not know that yet. I’m still learning diocese. Many people know about us through that the different levels of maturity where my parishes are connection. It is like when I became Dean of St. – the different needs that they may have. I continue Tikhon’s Seminary, and I watched many students to preach at every service. I mean, obviously, the make initial contact with the Seminary via the Gospel is the content of my preaching, it’s not politics Internet. or social questions, it’s the Gospel, which is always The danger, of relevant. Our Lord, [Communication technology] can have course, is that we can of course, knew d o g r e a t d a m a g e negative components if the Church does not every individual and [with these forms of make the Gospel alive in that format... If it is group as He traveled communication]. into a village, not the work of the Gospel, of the Lord, then First of all, there is a because He was God. d a n g e r o f d e - it is sin, St. Paul says. We can use it for good But, I think that I personalization, and or evil, like we can use a knife – to cut out a obviously have to that has to be avoided learn each bullet or stab somebody. at all costs. I think community and there is also the danger of not checking what we’re where they are spiritually. doing against the Gospel, whether in the form of Having said that, I think that there are gossip, innuendo, false rumors, or accentuating the generally questions in parish life in the church right negative. It is a different form of communication. now, that I can hit home with a lot. My concern for The movie was a great thing; now we have X-rated sacramental life, my worry that we’ve gone from one movies. Television was a great thing, and so on. All Confession and one Communion, once a year, with these things can have negative components if the fear and trepidation, to frequent Communion Church does not make the Gospel alive in that format. sometimes without sincere repentance-filled
Fr. Daniel & Mat. Theodora Ressetar Harrisburg, PA
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Confession that almost ...my worry that we’ve gone from one much longer am I m a ke s C o m m u n i o n Confession and one Communion, once a going to stand here?” casual, scares me; so then it dawned year, with fear and trepidation, to frequent And that is a theme I talk on me that I have this a b o u t . L o v i n g t h e Communion sometimes without sincere brief experience, and services, appreciating repentance-filled Confession that almost then I will be going the tradition as it has makes Communion casual, scares me; back to the warmth of been handed down to my everyday us, and keeping it alive as genuine theocentric existence... and for them their brief experience is that worship in a society that would like to make it about the Church provides them a hot meal and a warm “me,” what “I” think, what “I” want, what “I” like to blanket, against their whole life of being out in the see, about shorter services... people would like that, cold, and the hunger and the poverty of the street. So but we are not even spending two percent of our time it hits home very poignantly when you are out there in church. The importance of family, youth, and realize what the reality is for these people that education, of the parish as a family, the Diocese as a you are encountering. family, I think those are important things. The Church will never be exempt from its responsibility in Matthew 25 – to take care of the least Q: You have always reminded your students that of the brethren. It’s not an option. In the city of New the Lord’s judgment will hinge not on the York and in upstate New York, certainly we have high precision of our piety but on our concrete numbers of homeless and unemployed people, and the expressions of love for His people. Serving as you Church needs to reach out. At the same time, we have do in a region that encompasses such a broad got a lot of people in the city and throughout the spectrum of wealth and poverty, how do you think country who don’t have Orthodoxy and we have that that the Orthodox Church can enhance Her challenge – to apply both Matthew 25 and Matthew 28 tangible outreach to those beyond our doors who without excuse. Our Lord does not say, “if you’d like are either spiritually impoverished, materially to do this, then do it.” It is not about doing what I feel impoverished, or both? like doing. The parishes need to be actively engaged A: This will be a more important question as in these things not because it is “nice,” or beneficial to people are more and more un-churched. We are not them, but because it is what the Lord said. It is not an going to be debating who said what at a given option. I travel in the city and the state where there is Ecumenical Council. We have to show them the love such high unemployment, and I see the homeless that are just unbelievable of God in Christ Jesus. in numbers – and I was out there for two hours, I have parishes that watching those run soup kitchens, or thinking, “How much longer am I going to that are that fill a van up and stand here?” And then it dawned on me that parishes doing their job in the go to a given location name of the Lord, it in New York City, open I have this brief experience, and then I will the doors, and feed be going back to the warmth of my everyday is a great thing to see and be a part of. I people on the spot. I existence... and for them their brief rode on a bus did that one day in experience is that the Church provides them transporting December 2010. I was homeless people o u t t h e r e f o r t w o a hot meal and a warm blanket, against where they could get hours, thinking, “How their whole life of being out in the cold...
Jim Sickle Compact Excavating
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food... dedicated a soup kitchen... rode in the van with the food that comes to Harlem; they are there doing that every day. I am not doing it every day. But it is a blessing to know that the Church is doing that work – the work it is supposed to be doing. There is so much more work to be done. Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you.” Our challenge is to serve them.
together. We can be praying together, concelebrating, witnessing to the Faith by learning it, sharing it, teaching it. OISM does these things one weekend a semester. The Assembly of Bishops does it one meeting per year. Now we have committees working on various tasks to bring about a greater cooperation. I think those are things the seminaries can do. We can visit each other, we can come to understand that a Q: You are one of several canonical Orthodox seminary is a seminary; priests are priests, parishes bishops located in New York and New Jersey. are parishes; dioceses are dioceses. The wrappings are What should the seminaries be doing differently, different, the essence is the same. We are fighting the or continuing to do, to further the understanding same battles, hopefully have the same priorities. and realization of Orthodox unity on this Hopefully those things are happening in the seminary continent? experience. If we learn somehow that “this seminary A: If the seminaries could share the vision that is different from another” or “that seminary is not as Orthodox Christian is Orthodox Christian, and create good,” then that is not good. We need to do the work brotherhoods that transcend jurisdictional divides, of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church at all times – especially in praying together, the seminaries. ✠ We are fighting the same battles, praying sincerely for the unity of the hopefully have the same priorities... If we Church, working learn somehow that “this seminary is together in being formed and forming different from another” or “that seminary is the Church... if the not as good,” then that is not good. We need seminaries can help to do the work of the One, Holy, Catholic one another, if and Apostolic Church at all times – somebody from one jurisdiction gives a especially in the seminaries. scholarship to somebody from another, if we can actively bridge that Bishop Michael celebrated his first year anniversary as divide in praxis, not only in theory – then I hope that archpastor of the Diocese of New York & New Jersey on it will continue as these seminarians become future May 1, 2011. As former dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, deacons, priests, and bishops of the Church. The HIs Grace possesses a unique and practical perspective on Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement [OISM] is crucial the direction of the seminary, the diocese and the Church – it is like a forerunner for the Assembly of Bishops, in in America. Eis polla eti, Dhespota! the sense that it is jurisdictions sharing the vision and working together to realize the one Church that, in one very real sense – eucharistically – we already have. You know, the things we can do cooperatively in terms of outreach in times of disaster, of need, on the streets of New York for the hungry and homeless, those things that the seminarians can do together right now, are things that bishops and priests can do
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Reflections On the Future An Interview with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah Q: Your Beatitude, I just want to take this time Q. People tend to have a very natural to thank you for coming to visit with us at St. resistance to change. It’s something that we Tikhon’s. If I am not mistaken this is the first have had to work very hard here to overcome. time your schedule has allowed for you to be Is resistance to change something that you here since Fr. Atty has taken the helm. Have have encountered as Metropolitan? you had an opportunity to take a tour of our A. Change is a difficult thing for most rapidly evolving people. Our culture, Our culture, however, has campus? however, has embraced A: This is indeed embraced change as no other culture change as no other seems to have in history. Every aspect the first time I have had culture seems to have in of life from technology to family t h e o p p o r t u n i t y to history. Every aspect of come to St. Tikhon’s in structure - has changed radically in life - from technology to a long time, since last the past decades. family structure - has fall. Unfortunately, my changed radically in the plans to come during Great Lent needed to be past decades. The Church, however, has remained altered, somewhat at the last minute. I am, largely the same. While this is fine liturgically, however, delighted to be back, and delighted to doctrinally and morally, it does not work in terms see the changes that are taking place at the of how the Church ministers to the society around seminary under Fr. Alexander’s capable guidance. us and to people of the new generations. We have Already some major improvements in the facilities to both be rooted in the stability of the Tradition, will make life more pleasant for all who use them. and use our creativity to discern how we can convey the Gospel to a new generation with totally
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different presuppositions. We have to discern humble and good pastors, real servants of Jesus new styles of ministry, because what worked for Christ. There are also many good priests who our grandparents may longer work now. We have have been trained elsewhere; but this is what to be creatively engaged with the culture, to stands out for me, in particular, about the express the unchanging Truth to a world spinning graduates of St. Tikhon’s. out of control. We have to be willing to stand up and bear witness to the Truth of the Gospel, and Q. At Fr. Atty’s instillation you mentioned in be willing to be scorned and rejected, as we your speech that you believed Fr. Atty was exercise our basic role as the conscience of definitely the right man for the right time as society. Just because the government says far as St. Tikhon’s was concerned. Do you still something is legal does agree with this Just because the government says not mean it is moral or assessment and how something is legal does not mean it is just. We must stand for would you rate the moral or just. We must stand for what what is true and just, progress thus far? no matter what the is true and just, no matter what the cost. A. As I spoke at cost. It is a matter of It is a matter of love of our brethren: we Fr. Alexander Atty’s love of our brethren: we must speak the truth in love. installation, I did then must speak the truth in and do now believe love. Of course, if there is no love, there is no that he is the right man for the job. He has made truth either. I have to deal with this every day as an excellent beginning, and is just starting to Metropolitan, assessing the winds of change, and understand whom he is working with, their trying to discern what course must be taken. strengths and weaknesses. He loves the students, and is devoted to making their lives better in the Q. You have had opportunity to meet many seminary. He has a vision for the seminary, not different priests in your travels. Is there only the physical plant, but the entire life of the anything that stands out in your mind about community. He has put a new team in place. St. Tikhon’s graduates? Keep up the good work! A. Indeed I have met many priests across the country. I have always been very positively Q. Your Eminence I spent a great deal of time impressed by the graduates of St. Tikhon’s, as trying to come up with the perfect way to men well prepared to serve the Church. Many phrase the next question but in the end each have a great love of the services, and serve them version of the question seemed less than well. There is a great love for monasticism and honest. Our beloved dean reminded me that the spiritual life among graduates, and many have our administration is not one that indulges in a deep personal spiritual striving and personal word sophistry and that if I have a question to discipline. They have a sense of the Church’s ask then I should just be straightforward and order and discipline, and obedience. Many are direct. There was a time, not too long ago,
Fr. Jason and Kh. Anna DelVitto • St. George Orthodox Church Bridgeville, PA • www.stgeorgebridgeville.org
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when you were “concerned” about the future Board needs some further development, as do the of St. Tikhon’s. There was a suggestion about Alumni. And we have the opportunity for our some type of merger with St. Vladimir’s. Are seminaries, not only STOTS and SVOTS, but also you still “concerned” about the future of our Holy Cross and the others, to develop a closer seminary and what has or hasn’t happened to relationship and “cross-pollinate” and encourage change your mind in this regard? one another. This is already beginning. A. When I became It is true that When I became Metropolitan, across the board, across Metropolitan, one of the one of the first crises we were faced all denominational lines, first crises we were faced w i t h w a s a m a s s i v e with was a massive budget shortfall the seminaries with ATS budget shortfall at St. at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, along with a c c r e d i t a t i o n a r e struggling with the Tikhon’s Seminary, along a crisis in morale, both of students financial crisis. The with a crisis in morale, and faculty. enrollments are both of students and faculty. Through the heroic efforts of the Dean, declining. Some endowments are inaccessible What then Father, now Bishop Michael (Dahulich), that because they are “under water.” was overcome in a short amount of time. Working opportunities does this pose? Can the seminaries together with him and with Bishop Tikhon, I saw work together in greater collaboration, St. Tikhon’s as being in good and capable hands. complementing each other’s programs? What will Now with Fr. Atty, I am also very confident in the make them grow? Most importantly, what does the Church need? What kind of programs can one leadership of St. Tikhon’s. This is not to say that I am not concerned. do well that the other can’t? What is the best use I am concerned, but now in a totally different way. of resources? These are the kind of questions we Now I am concerned that we discern the have to pose, in order to develop and make the opportunities presented by the new and present best use of the schools we have. St. Tikhon’s has situation, and want to encourage the Seminary to an important role to play in that future. take advantage of them. St Tikhon’s is a critically important element Q. The people here in the community enjoy in the life of the Orthodox Church in America. I your visits. We are in the midst of a great would like to see a more solid financial base, a renewal. I know that renewal is something you much bigger endowment, to help the Seminary have spoken at great lengths about in regards weather financial storms such as we are going to the entire American Church. I remember through now. The facilities need radical updating, during my time as a Protestant we used to say and this is just beginning. There are opportunities the word “revival.” Do you believe that revival for outreach that the Seminary needs to examine, is something that can or is happening in this both to build a more diverse student body, but Church in America? also to be more responsive to the Church. The
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A. There is Renewal and revival are what we opportunity and creatively discern God’s will in the nothing wrong with are about as Christians: it is also new situation, and put it the word, or concept, called repentance. Repentance is not into action. Of course, the “revival.” We can see dour and dark, but rather, about former leads to death. It is this renewal or revival “being renewed in the transformation only by being creatively happening at St. engaged that we can go Tikhon’s with the new of your mind.” It’s about turning These things Dean a n d again to God, and letting Him inspire forward. demand tremendous administration, the you with a new vision for your life. courage and the renewed facilities, But this is what and especially, a very strong and good morale. willingness to change. Renewal and revival are what we are about as repentance is all about. It is what real renewal Christians: it is also called repentance. and revival is about. We have to let the dead bury Repentance is not dour and dark, but rather, their dead, and move on. For us, as Orthodox about “being renewed in the transformation of Christians, we have to turn and constantly refocus your mind.” It’s about turning again to God, and on our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will lead us into all letting Him inspire you with a new vision for your truth. This is the kind of renewal we need life. It’s about turning not only from sin, but personally and corporately. from old and entrenched ways that no longer work, to listen to God and put His will into action. Q. On behalf of the entire St. Tikhon’s How often we get stuck in old habits and ways of Community I want to thank you for your visit. doing things, which even if they don’t really work, On behalf of the office of the Dean I want you are more or less comfortable and become to think of this place as a place of refreshment adequate. We don’t like to change. But, the and a place of renewal and to not hesitate to Christian life is about change, because it’s about visit us as much as you would like in the repentance; not only on a personal level, but an coming year. A. I am most grateful to come and visit St. institutional level. We have to change and adapt to new situations presented to us. We have to Tikhon’s, and do indeed now experience it as a constantly assess our actions by the standard of breath of fresh air, spiritual refreshment, and the Word of God, and see how we can better peace. I thank God for you all there, faculty, staff, conform ourselves to God’s will. students, and pray for you always, asking that Our Church in this country is challenged by God lead you according to His will! I look forward enormous changes and to my next visit with great For us, as Orthodox Christians, opportunities. We can joy! The Blessing of the we have to turn and constantly either see them as a Lord be upon you! ✠ threat, and retreat; or refocus on our Lord Jesus Christ, we seize t h e Who will lead us into all truth.
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Why Not Join the Army of Christ? An Interview with His Grace, Bishop Matthias Q: Your Grace: What are your impressions as you Q: The economic recession of the past three years reflect on the months since your election to the or so has hit particularly hard in the Midwest, the episcopacy, and the days leading up to your heart of American industry. In your observation consecration? What is it like to become a Bishop? thus far, what particular challenges do the A: When I was nominated in October, it was recession and its lingering effects pose to the rather unbelievable. It became a reality in November Diocese of the Midwest – not just financially but when the Holy Synod elected me, but was still pretty spiritually, both for parishes collectively and for individual struggling persons and families? How overwhelming. I moved to Chicago in January, started do you think the Church in that region can best administering the diocese and visiting parishes. It was respond, or is responding already, to those the perfect transitional time, because over those challenges? A: I think the Midwest Diocese is responding several months, it gave me the opportunity to get used to what was becoming a reality. It was a little by little, to those challenges. Even the country as a whole, as step by step process. The last couple of weeks or so Americans, we are so used to having everything that [before the consecration], it was more a question of we want; and it is almost like this is the kind of looking forward to the consecration. I would no situation that teaches us priorities – what is really longer be in the middle of being a Bishop-elect with a important! Actually, I think [these circumstances] locum tenens, but to eventually being on my own. may even lead to people thinking more in the spiritual The consecration realm - once they realize that I visited a parish, for instance, was really awesome – it life is not about possessions was just such a Spirit- that is declining in membership; and and wealth. f i l l e d w e e ke n d , v e r y they know that the parish may not There is no uplifting, very emotional, question that the parishes are very spiritual and so many grow numerically, and they have struggling – it is difficult to things I cannot really turned the parish into an outreach pay bills, to keep the church describe in words. going; but I think people who center for the homeless.
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are really committed to the Church realize that these You find out how the Church heals their souls, the are difficult times and they make the Church a souls of children, despite the fact that they have gone priority. through things most adults have not experienced in I visited a parish, for instance, that is declining their life. in membership; and they know that the parish may Also, going there as a priest taught me how not grow numerically, and they have turned the parish important mission work is – to reach out to the people into an outreach center for the homeless, for those who are in the communities surrounding your church. who need to be fed. They actually have computers set As I said at my consecration banquet, in the Midwest up in the basement of their hall to help people locate we all have to be mission minded – we all have to jobs who may be unemployed, reaching out to people think of ourselves as mission churches, to obey the in that way. That may eventually bring people into the Commission of Christ and to baptize all nations and church as well. Instead of spread the Good News. … children, not having parents, bewailing the fact that Also, in my own they are having hard times, or having gone through difficult times experience with this, they make the best of it. I in their past - different forms of abuse. when I was a younger think that is a good thing, priest, there were not You find out how the Church heals a positive thing. And we mission teams going to their souls, the souls of children, will get through it. places throughout the It is a difficult time, despite the fact that they have gone world. For seminarians and of course, the diocese through things most adults have not in my diocese, at least, I is not able to do certain would like to begin a things because of limited experienced in their life. program where, before funding. It is a test in someone is ordained to itself – being able to continue to grow and do the work the priesthood, they would at least go on one mission of the Church, and reaching out to the un-churched, trip in the summer – to experience Orthodoxy outside and to the people who do not attend any church in this country. I think it is really a valuable thing for your area, regardless of the economy. their formation in the priesthood. Going on a mission trip can be a life-changing experience and certainly Q: You have traveled many times to the Hogar would be a benefit to the seminarians studying for the Rafael Ayau orphanage in Guatemala, baptizing priesthood. and chrismating scores of new Orthodox Christians there and maintaining an ongoing Q: Continuing on the theme of your experience in pastoral relationship with that community. How Guatemala: In American Church life there is does that experience influence your approach to always a tension between the need to offer prayers pastoral, and now archpastoral, care? and charity for suffering persons overseas, and the A: I think that as much as I may have done at need to offer prayers and charity for suffering the orphanage and with the monastery in Guatemala, persons “here at home.” As a pastor who has lived I have benefitted from them so much more. It really and ministered in both of those worlds, how do teaches you the fundamentals of the Faith and how you think that priests should guide their flocks in people can be committed to Christ regardless of the navigating that tension between the need abroad poverty they have to deal with – especially the and the need at home? children, not having parents, or having gone through A: It is the whole idea of the Church being difficult times in their past - different forms of abuse. larger than the building – the Church as the Body of
St. John’s Camp Programs Indiana • www.saintjohnscamp.org
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Christ. We have to recognize that our own individual Not only did this happen, it happened parishes cannot be so isolated that we do not care completely, where my wife was now gone, and my about other people as well. Sometimes, parishes have children were in college, and I was completely alone. I that mentality – but they do not realize that being visited monasteries for that spiritual healing and also involved with parishes outside themselves benefits for that community. I visited mostly women’s them. We have to learn from different experiences of monasteries, because I offered my liturgical services different people and not have blinders on. We have to to them. They always seemed to need priests for realize that there is a unity in diversity, and the services, for the Eucharist. I went to offer my C h u r c h i s b e a u t i f u l w i t h t h a t d i v e r s i t y. services, but I also learned from the monastics, Understanding different cultures, different parishes, especially during my time on Mount Athos. I know different worship, just adds to the whole completeness from the tradition of the Church that you’re either a of the Faith. married priest or a monastic. I felt strongly about that In Guatemala, the nuns wanted the mission tradition and I knew that I would eventually be teams to come there for the express purpose of not tonsured. I thought of taking monastic vows as more having the children believe they were the only a re-commitment to my priesthood. Rather than Orthodox Christians in the world – because they did having one foot in the monastery and one foot in the believe that until the mission teams came. Then, they family, I tried to blend the two. I think the experience began to realize that the Orthodox Faith exists helped to deepen my understanding of my spiritual throughout the entire world. It broadened their life. existence. It is important to understand this. In Guatemala, the nuns wanted Q: One of the mos t Orthodoxy is not limited pressing questions in the mission teams to come there [so] to one ethnic group, but is our churches today is, the children [wouldn’t] believe they open to the entire world. “How are we going to were the only Orthodox Christians in keep our youth in the Q: After the repose of the world. [After the teams came], Church?” Your own your wife, Pani family – your son, Fr. Jeannette, you spent a they began to realize that the Matthew, your daughter, Orthodox Faith exists throughout the significant amount of Rachel, and their time in monasteries. entire world. children – bear witness You took monastic vows that it can be done. in 2003 and served in a parish and at Christ the Your new Diocese spans a wide spectrum of rural Saviour Seminary as a priest-monk, so you bring and urban lifestyles, young mission churches and several years of life experience as a monk, older parishes well into their second century. combined with decades of experience as a parish What is your vision for youth ministry in the priest with a family, to your new obedience as Diocese of the Midwest? Bishop. What qualities, disciplines, or insights has A: In my early priesthood, there was not an your monastic experience added to your ministry? active OCF. We did not have mission teams going to A: Both my children were in college when my do mission work; we did not have youth camps. I wife became ill. After losing her to leukemia, it was a think all those things have just added to the Church very difficult time for the family, as well as for me tremendously... re-emphasizing what I said about the seminarians needing mission work: getting any young personally. It was the experience of the “empty nest.” person to go on a mission trip is a life changing
St. Stephen the First Martyr Orthodox Church Crawfordsville, IN 47933 • www.sstfm.org
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experience. It helps solidify the faith of a young the seminaries can best prepare men – and their person to have that experience. You see a great deal families – to thrive in parish ministry? What kind of people’s lives change. of graduates do you expect the seminaries to In my experiences with my own children, deliver to you? youth camps – time with Orthodox youth is very A: I think the seminary experience is a very important. Sometimes in our parishes, the kids are in important one. Living together in community is very a minority at school – their friends are not Orthodox. important. I know for the students, it’s a great At youth camps, they share the same faith, and the sacrifice to come to seminary as a married man, friendships go on possibly with children. I had plans to go into the throughout their lives. My It’s very stressful and very son and his wife both Marines. When I met my ordaining difficult, but at the same worked at camp – that is bishop, Bp. JOHN (Martin), he was time, I think it kind of what brought them strengthens you for what together. They got married fully vested. He just took a few you have to face. As minutes to talk to me as a high school at Camp Nazareth. Those difficult as seminary may are the key things to graduate. And he asked me, “Why not be, it prepares you for the emphasize – camps, OCF, join the Army of Christ?” real world. I think that mission work. I love being St. Tikhon’s is a good with young people. And I would like to try to visit all preparation place, not only is it academic, and you the camps going on in my diocese and keep that have tremendous professors, but having the connection with the youth as a bishop, because I think monastery there. You can participate in the services it is very important. and have a glimpse of the monastic life and it really Even in my own life, I tell the story of how helps form you spiritually, liturgically, as well as the when I visited the seminary [of Christ the Savior, in academic side of it. I think that is one of the major Johnstown, PA], I had plans to go into the Marines. factors in the strength of St. Tikhon’s. When I met my ordaining bishop, Bp. JOHN (Martin), From what I understand, at St. Tikhon’s they he was fully vested. He just took a few minutes to talk [also] do field work, and seminarians do internships at to me as a high school graduate. And he asked me, parishes at times, and that is all good experience. No “Why not join the Army of Christ?” That was the matter how much preparation or experience you have, tipping point for me to decide to go to seminary. If he the reality is that when you are in a parish, you deal had not given me those few minutes of his life, my life with things you may not have expected. There could have taken a different path. I think it’s very sometimes is no way to prepare you for what you are important that we have that connection with youth. going to face. I believe the importance of seminary is that it sets your mind to think theologically, and rely Q: In our seminaries – both among faculty and spiritually on God’s grace – and no matter what you among students – there is continual discussion face, with the combination of good thinking and about how exactly to “pack” both a broad spirituality, you can make the right decisions. ✠ theological education and serious pastoral formation into a three-year curriculum. But at Bishop Matthias received a Master of Divinity from St. some point, seminary leadership has to say, “This Tikhon’s Seminary in 2000. He was consecrated Bishop of is how far we can teach and train the students... the Diocese of the Midwest on April 30, 2011 in Chicago. and their bishops and their mentors have to take Eis polla eti, Dhespota! them the rest of the way.” How do you feel that
Fr. Michael and Kh. Vicki Nasser • Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission Bowling Green, KY • www.holyapostlesbg.org
The
PRIEST
as...
The Priest as Advocate
The Priest as Sacrifice
Taken from “The Orthodox Pastor” by Archbishop John Shahovskoy
Taken from “Papa-Dimitri Gagastathis, the Man of God”
The Priest as Exemplar
The Priest as Intercessor
Taken from “The Diary of a Russian Priest” by Alexander Elchaninov
The Priest, Crucified Taken from “The Spiritual Counsels of Father John Kronstadt”
by Fr. John Oliver
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The Priest as Advocate Taken from “The Orthodox Pastor” by Archbishop John Shahovskoy “The pastor has still another task: to attract the soul that has strayed, surrendered itself to the spirit and ideas of this world, lured by the champions and exponents of that spirit. The pastor then has to follow the way of the Cross, struggling for that soul, suffering for it, praying for it…and using every opportunity to draw it away from the wrong path and direct it to the right one. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’ The soul is saved when the will of God meets the will of man and captivates it. The will of the pastor, captivated by the Divine will, must in its turn carry the will of another man to a meeting with the will of God. How multifarious are the stages and aspects of the struggle to save a soul! “The pastor comes to see that he has to wrestle not only with the evil human will (which is seldom wholly evil), but, in truth, with the evil will of demons as well. The full force of the sixth chapter of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians is revealed to him, and he begins to understand more clearly and more fully than ever before that his whole personal experience, skill and knowledge, even all his faith, are of little avail in the struggle against these dark forces, apart from the grace which comes from above; that only the grace of the Holy Spirit is the true force and fulfillment of all his hopes and wishes as
a priest. Far from making him passive, this conviction gives him especial daring. Having no hope in his own power and experience, he comes to trust in the power of God and to know that ‘when I am weak, then I am strong’ [2 Cor. 12, 10]. He makes every effort, since ‘The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force’—and take it not only for themselves but for another as well. Our ‘violence’ is prayerful love of God and man, realized in life—love, in answer to which the Divine blessing descends upon the world. “A priest believes that every heart-felt prayer reaches God (though it may not be fulfilled in accordance with our wishes). And, similarly, every pastoral effort helps to build up the Kingdom of God. The priest’s hidden work includes penitence for the sinner. To develop the faculty of feeling penitence on another’s behalf, the priest must, each time that he hears about sin or sees it, turn his mental gaze to the throne of God and say, ‘Lord, forgive him…Lord, cleanse and strengthen Thy servant.’ Through the practice of intercession, it becomes a holy habit of the heart not to condemn a sinner, but to commiserate with him, heaving at least a sign of penitence on his behalf. This pastoral love, hidden from the onlookers’ eyes, rests upon the pastor’s own practice of genuine penitence.” ✠
George and Elaine Heider Sportsman's • Johnstown, PA • (814) 536-5318
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The Priest as Exemplar Taken from “The Diary of a Russian Priest” by Alexander Elchaninov Advice to Young Priests: On Speaking ✠ Every sermon, every lesson, has meaning and value only when it is the result of personal spiritual experience and knowledge. Every sermon pronounced only with our lips is dead and false, and those who listen always unmistakably feel it. ✠ Prayer during lessons on religion is the most important element in this teaching. At the same time, it is a way of repeating the prayers which have been learned, changing them according to the circumstances—an approaching feast day, a holy day, Lent, sickness, a happy or sad event. On Personal Appearance ✠ How important is one’s clothing! A whole complex of feelings, ideas, movements of the soul, is linked to clothes, to uniform. In
particular, I feel that the Priest must not wear civilian clothes. When he removes his Priestly garb, he inevitably acquires an “un-Priestly” feeling, and in some measure betrays his Priesthood. On Pastoring ✠ In our pastoral practice, little attention has been given to how a Priest should direct unbalanced, hysterical people, whose psychological state is abnormal. According to my observations, the tension of prayer and the effort of fasting often only contribute to increase their inner chaos; these exercises not only fail to straighten them out, but do them obvious harm. Here personal methods are required, methods sometimes the opposite of those applied to normal people. ✠ It is necessary to recommend the reception of the holy sacraments as frequently as
In loving memory of Frederick Marich
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possible. A lesson attended only once a year teaches nothing. ✠ One must not hesitate to visit even those families which are the most dubious from the viewpoint of the Church. I know from experience that they will be pleased; everywhere you will be received with great joy, they do not let you go, they thank you. ✠ Pastoral work must be personal and creative. On Helping Others ✠ You cannot cure the soul of others or “help people”, without having changed yourself. You cannot put in order the spiritual economy of others, so long as there is chaos in your own soul. You cannot bring peace to others if you do not have it yourself. ✠ Often, we help other people, not by a series of conscious acts, directed upon their soul, but rather by influencing them through our spiritual gifts, without ourselves seeing or knowing how we do so. Once Antony the Great asked a visitor, who said nothing at all, “Why do you not ask me anything?” and the other answered, “It is enough for me to look at you, holy father”.
On Confession ✠ Try to bring it about that all who come to confession take away with them at least one good habit—for instance, an obligatory prayer twice a day, a prayer at noon, abstaining from judging others, etc. This good habit must be insistently grafted, we must constantly check up on it, and then it becomes a necessity. ✠ Hear each person’s confession as if it were his last confession before death. The Priest listens to heart-rending confessions, listens to them with complete sympathy, and at the same time does not grow exhausted, does not break down under this avalanche of human sin and sorrow: for—thanks to the grace of Priesthood—the weight of it all does not fall upon his heart. Thus must we live. On Death ✠ To the relatives of the dead, you must speak of the Resurrection of Christ. Advise them to read about Resurrection in the Gospels, and about the wanderings of the soul of the dead, of its tragic condition; about the necessity for the relatives to pray for the deceased. This takes the mind off selfish sorrow, and stops them thinking about the corpse of the dead person (this question troubles many people).
On Renunciation ✠ Every man who is a Christian, and especially the Priest, must always be ready to renounce everything in God’s name, if God demands it.
In loving memory of Archbishop Amvrossy(Merejko)
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The Priest, Crucified Taken from “The Spiritual Counsels of Father John Kronstadt” is most terrible to man? Death? Yes, our souls from dead works, to enrich ourselves death. None of us can imagine without terror with virtues, and not to sorrow inconsolably how he will have to breathe his last. But for the dead. Let us learn to meet death brethren, do not fear, and do not sorrow without dread, as the decree of the heavenly beyond measure. By his death Jesus Christ Father, which, through the resurrection of Christ from the dead, has conquered our For a true Christian, death is but has lost its terror. death, and by his “Sometimes resurrection he has a sleep until the day of resurrection, when greatly afflicted laid the foundation for or a birth into a new life. you wish to die. It is our resurrection. easy to die—it does Every week, every Sunday, we solemnize in the risen Christ our common future resurrection not take long; but are you prepared for death? from the dead, and begin beforehand the life Remember that after death the judgment of You are not eternal, to which this present temporal life is your whole life will follow. prepared for death, and if it were to come to but a short, narrow and most sorrowful way. “For a true Christian, death is but a you, you would shudder all over. Therefore do sleep until the day of resurrection, or a birth not waste words. Do not say that it is better to into a new life. And in solemnizing every die; rather, ask how you can prepare for death week the resurrection of Christ, and with it in a Christian manner. By means of faith, by our own resurrection from the dead, let us means of good works, and by bravely bearing learn continually to die in sin, and to rise with whatever happens to you, so that you may be
“What
Congratulations, class of 2011! Ferris and Jody Atty and family
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able to meet death fearlessly, peacefully, and become like unto the beasts that perish? Let without shame, not as a rigorous law of us lift up our hearts! nature, but as a fatherly call of the eternal, “A terrible truth. Impenitent sinners heavenly, holy and blessed Father unto the after death lose every possibility of changing everlasting kingdom. for good, and therefore are unalterably given “For man the earthly life, life in the up to everlasting torments (for sin cannot but body, serves only to prepare us for life eternal, torment). This is proved by the actual state of which will begin after the death of the body. some sinners, and by the nature of sin itself— Therefore we must, without delay, make use of to keep the man its prisoner, and to close this present life to every way of escape. A true Christian so behaves in prepare ourselves for “But for the this life that it may prepare him for that other life to come; grace of God, what and as on weekdays we the life to come. He does not think sinner would have work for this life, so on what will be said of his deeds here, returned to God? For it Sundays and other holy but of what will be said in heaven... is the nature of sin to days we must work darken our souls and to wholly for the Lord our God. bind us hand and foot. But the time and place “A true Christian so behaves in this life for grace to act is here alone: after death there that it may prepare him for the life to come. are but the prayers of the Church, and these He does not think what will be said of his prayers are effective only for penitent sinners deeds here, but of what will be said in heaven; —that is, only for those who are able to accept he represents to himself that he is always in God’s mercy, able to benefit by the prayers of the presence of God, of the angels and of the the Church, by the light of the good works saints, and bears in mind that one day they which they have taken with them out of this will bear witness of his thoughts, words and life. Impenitent sinners are undoubtedly deeds. lost.” ✠ “They sin greatly who neglect to educate themselves spiritually for eternal life in the age to come. How can we forget our final destiny? How is it possible to be so ungrateful to the Creator, who created us after his own image and likeness, incorruptible, and for union with himself; who redeemed us by his cross, and opened to us the gates of the kingdom of heaven? How is it that many of us
Best wishes to the new administration and seminarians of St. Tikhon’s! Richard and Jennie Gelles and family
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The Priest as Sacrifice Taken from “Papa-Dimitri Gagastathis, the Man of God” “In 1972, my youngest daughter, Chrysoula,
Calybitis left secretly. So did St. Alexios, the decided to become a nun. This came about man of God, as well as many others. That’s by God’s providence. I was very glad, but I where I based my decision to act in such a knew that I would face many difficulties from manner! What else could I do? “One Saturday afternoon, Presbytera Presbytera. Indeed, I went through much suffering from her part—even more than in gave me much trouble, nagging about the years of the guerillas. It defies Chrysoula’s leave and blaming it on me. description… The day Chrysoula was to go off Indeed, I was to blame, because I knew that to the monastery, she came to me secretly this was the way of God, and I also desired it and took my blessing. She had told to be so. I told her a couple of things that I Presbytera that she would go for a few days ought to—namely, that she should be glad to Athens for some medical examinations. If and proud that we were made worthy to offer I would tell Presbytera on that occasion, only a gift to God and to the Most Holy Theotokos God knows what would have happened. But —but she would not listen. I kept silent. In the evening, I went to the issue needs to be I entreated them to strike Satan serve Vespers in the handled with brains parish church. On my and not with pains… I who troubles Presbytera and me way back, I passed by have read the lives of through her. And what a wonder! the Archangels, as the saints and I know When I returned home, Presbytera usual. I didn’t know in t h a t o t h e r s a c t e d came and asked forgiveness for all what mood I would similarly, too. St. John
that she had said that evening…
Fr. Michael and Kh. Donna Laffoon St. Mark Orthodox Church • Irvine, CA • www.st-mark-church.org
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find Presbytera at home. I put on the stole happened by God’s provision—I realize— and did the supplication prayer of the especially for my soul to be relieved, because Archangels. I entreated them to strike Satan really that night, Satan attempted hard to who troubles Presbytera and me through her. swallow me through Presbytera. He was And what a wonder! When I returned home, struck though by the grace of God through Presbytera came and asked forgiveness for all those people. that she had said that evening… “On November 23, 1972, we went with “On February 12, 1972, Friday evening, Presbytera to see Chrysoula (Nun Isidora) in Presbytera pestered me again for two whole the monastery. Presbytera was very glad. hours on Chrysoula’s Now at last, after all They asked Presbytera what was the trouble she gave issue. I was reading the Lives of the Saints wrong with her. She said she was sad me so many years— and pretending that I about Chrysoula. Then all three of first with the guerillas was hearing nothing. them started admonishing Presbytera, a n d l a t e r w i t h I was only praying saying things like “You must be glad Chrysoula—she mentally to the Most and proud that you’ve offered a gift to realized the real worth H o l y T h e o t o k o s , the Most Holy Theotokos.” of the Church. Many entreating Her to parishioners also who enlighten Presbytera, give patience to me, visited the monastery call Presbytera happy. and strengthen Chrysoula. What could I do— She is so glad and proud now…Anyway, what it was already dark—where could I go? I had I suffered from her did me actually good. already been by the Archangels and made a She worked to give me a wreath, so that I also prayer. I had also to celebrate Liturgy next might expect some wage from God.” ✠ morning… At the heated point of the discussion, somebody knocked on the door. It was the village doctor, accompanied by the nurse and the midwife. They had come to see me. They asked Presbytera what was wrong with her. She said she was sad about Chrysoula. Then all three of them started admonishing Presbytera, saying things like “You must be glad and proud that you’ve offered a gift to the Most Holy Theotokos,” etc. They stayed on for two hours. Presbytera was tamed down completely. This
In loving memory of Michael and Helen Mikula
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The Priest as Intercessor by Fr. John Oliver A mong
the most urgent functions of the priesthood - the bishop, the priest, the deacon - is the practice of intercession. An advocate for the people before their God, and an instrument of God for His people – this binds the modern priest to a cord of intercessory ministry that begins at least with Abraham and his intercessions for Ishmael, for Sodom, and for Abimelech; that winds through the prophets and the apostles and the Mother of God whose own mediation for the world begins at the moment of her humble acceptance before the Archangel Gabriel; and, finally, extends through those saints who articulated a Christology that calls for the priest to offer himself as a living sacrifice, like a lamb led to the slaughter in the manner of the Christ, the Great High Priest. The business card of a modern priest carries many titles – often more than we prefer – but the priest as “intercessor” is neither a title nor a job description; it is an energy that drives him, especially in times of exhaustion. Intercession is the tears that fall from his eyes.
There is no shortage of examples of powerful intercession in the Orthodox tradition – biblical or patristic, ancient or modern. We are as inspired by King Josiah, whose repentance on behalf of his rebellious people is recorded in II Kings, as we are by St. John of Kronstadt, whose limitless empathy for his people is recorded in writings by him and about him. We are as moved by the pastoral heart of the Apostle Paul, who interceded constantly for his convert churches, as we are by the giant heart of St. Silouan, whose intercessions for enemies – indeed, for the whole world – inspire many priests today. We read of three men – Moses, Aaron, and Hur – who worked together to keep the arms of Moses lifted cross-like until the Israelite defeat of the Amalekites was secured. Just like a clergy brotherhood, each man was an intercessor, but they were stronger when they worked together. We also read of three men, in an account by St. Barsanuphius, whose prayers, he believed, preserved the entire inhabited world from
Orthodox Vision Foundation Charles and Marilee Ajalat
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catastrophe. Each of those three men – whose names are known only to God – was an intercessor, and they, too, worked together to intercede. The Gift of Personal Holiness There is a scene in The Brothers’ Karamazov, the novel by the Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, that features a long, thoughtful passage by the elderly monk Zossima who is nearing the end of his life. Father Zossima is a moral center in the story, and has spent years nurturing his spiritual children (one of the Karamazov brothers among them). In this passage, he tells those under his care that they will come to a point in their spiritual lives when they will not think it strange or unusual to ask forgiveness from the birds. “That sounds senseless,” Fr Zossima says, “but it is right.” Then the good monk mentions this, which touches on the beauty, the urgency, of intercessory prayer: “Everything is like an ocean, all is flowing and blending; a touch in one place sets up movement at the other end of the earth.” This sense of the inter-connectedness of all things, that there exists a fundamental unity to all life, that a touch in one place sets up movement in another, that all humanity is like a finely woven fabric where all threads are in some kind of relationship with one another, and that the true intelligibility of the cosmos is accessible only to those who know and love Jesus Christ – this is the glory of both the lay and the ordained priesthood of God. When the holiness of God enters through the surface of our world – especially in the form of a saint or pious intercessor – the ripples go forth and somehow raise all that exists toward the Kingdom of Heaven.
It is our belief that when a human being becomes “Christified,” or “Christ-like,” he draws down the holiness of Christ not just into his own self, but, because he is a created being and therefore shares that commonality with other created things, the christified human being draws down the holiness of Christ into all creation. “A single saint is an extraordinarily precious phenomenon for all mankind,” wrote Fr Sophrony Sakharov in his wonderful book on St. Silouan. “By the mere fact of their existence – unknown, maybe, to the world, but known to God – the saints draw down on the world, on all humanity, a great benediction of God.” After all, everything is like an ocean. “Everything is like an ocean,” Fr Zossima said, “all is flowing and blending; a touch in one place sets up movement at the other end of the earth.” Our belief as Christian clergy provides not only profound implications for how we live, but encouragement when we feel as if our lives and ministries are without significance, meaning or influence. Because of what theologians call “the unity of humanity on the level of being,” each person who does a righteous deed, no matter how minor, sends ripples of redemption through the world. Each person who overcomes evil, no matter how minor, inflicts a huge defeat on cosmic evil. Remember our earlier observation by Fr Sophrony: “A single saint is an extraordinarily precious phenomenon for all mankind. By the mere fact of their existence – unknown, maybe, to the world, but known to God – the saints draw down on the world, on all humanity, a great benediction of God.”
Elder Construction and Associates www.elderconstruction.com
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Pious intercessors reveal, in a special way, how life in Christ is the key to the effective intercession of the priesthood. Their greatness, even of the saintly ones living today, is found especially in that benediction of God that they call down upon the world. In a very real way, we are alive today because of the piety and prayers of men and women unknown to us, unknown to the world. These are, as St. James writes, the righteous ones whose “effective, fervent prayer” matters much. So, in ways both seen and hidden, known and unknown, appreciated and ignored, the holiness of pious intercessors, without exaggeration, keeps creation together. And here is a sobering thought, provided by St. Silouan: “Prayer keeps the world alive, and when prayer fails, the world will perish…I tell you,” he continues, “that when there are no more men [or women] of prayer on earth, the world will come to an end and great disasters will befall…when the earth ceases to produce saints, the strength that safeguards the earth from catastrophe will fail.” So, because of Fr Zossima’s “ocean” of everything, because in Christ “all things consist,” both the vice of sinners and the virtue of saints send ripples through all that exists. Do you get the sense that each of us, simply by virtue of being alive - but especially because of the prayers that clergy offer, even if feebly, at the holy altar possesses the potential for greater influence than we can possibly imagine? Be encouraged: to “put on Christ” in thought or word or deed – however minor it may appear to you, however hidden or unnoticed – is used by God in extraordinary ways. Every virtuous act is another string in the great chord of holiness that suspends the world and keeps it from falling
into desolation. There is no private act or private thought, for good or for evil, because we are connected in mysterious but real ways. “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed,” says Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, “there is nothing hidden that will not be known.” Each single act of holiness is like a stone thrown into an ocean – the ripples go forth and we do not know who they touch or where they end. The intercessory prayers of the Church raise to God the desperate hopes of numberless, faceless, but precious lives; the Church can dry the tears of hurting children; the Church can lift the hearts of suffering persons everywhere. Nothing offered to God in faith returns to us empty. Nothing offered in love returns to us without changing someone, somewhere - especially ourselves. As St. Basil the Great said, “Whoever sheds a fervent tear for the hardships of his fellow human being, heals his own wounds.” ✠ Fr John Oliver graduated from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in 2004. He is currently the Priest at St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church in Murfreesboro, TN in the Antiochian Archdiocese.
The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration Ellwood City, PA
Faculty & Alumni Publications
Publications from St. Tikhon’s Seminary
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FACULTY PUBLICATIONS Remember Thy First Love Translated by Dr. Christopher Veniamin Archimandrite Zacharias is a disciple of Elder Sophrony and a member of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, England. Remember Thy First Love is a graphic description of the three stages in the Christian life according to Elder Sophrony of Essex (1896 1993), disciple of St. Silouan the Athonite (1866 1938) and founder of the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, England. In Remember Thy First Love, which complements The Enlargement of the Heart (2006) and The Hidden Man of the Heart (2008), Elder Zacharias details the nature and purpose of the first grace given at the beginning of the Christian spiritual odyssey, the experience of the apparent withdrawal of grace, and then our final adoption as children, by which we become heirs of God and joint-heirs of Christ (cf. Rom. 8:17). “The writings writings of of Archimandrite Archimandrite Zacharias Zac “The evince that inspiration which is born of the undistorted vision of Christ in glory glory.” Dr. Christopher Ch hristoph her Veniamin was born born and raised in London, England, of Greek Cypriot parents. A love for the Church and a desire to learn more about the Orthodox faith came as a direct result of growing up in the spiritual climate of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, England), founded by his spiritual father, Archimandrite Sophrony Sakharov. Available online at www.thaborian.com
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Taught by God by Dr. Harry Boosalis The second book in his series, Taught by God: An Introduction to Orthodox Theology written by Dr. Harry Boosalis was published by STS Press in May 2010. The present study is comprised of preliminary lectures in Orthodox theology. While intended for first-year Master of Divinity students at St. Tikhon's Seminary, its introductory level of approach and reader-friendly style is suitable for anyone interested in the ancient spirituality of the Christian East. Based on Holy Scripture and patristic teaching, this study refers to the writings of a variety of Orthodox theologians, especially those from Eastern European backgrounds. This book is original in that it preserves its teaching purpose by maintaining a practical approach as well as an appropriate level of language. T augght bbyy G o d: A n IIntroduction ntroduction ttoo O Taught God: An Orthodox Theology is ideal for any layman who seeks to iintroduce ntro oduce h imself tto, o, o ncrease h i knowledge of, the Orthodox approach to theology and himself orr iincrease his spiri itu uality. spirituality. Harry M. Boosalis is Professor of D Dogmatic Theology at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota of Greek-American parents, Dr. Boosalis grew up at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. Upon graduation from Seminary, he served his home parish as a lay assistant and youth director under the tutelage of his life-long parish priest, Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris. He went on to pursue his doctoral degree in Greece under the direction of Prof. Georgios Mantzaridis. Available online at www.stspress.com
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ALUMNI PUBLICATIONS Ancient Christian Wisdom and Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Therapy by Fr. Alexis Trader Fr. Alexis Karakallinos (John Trader), a 1992 graduate of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, recently completed his doctoral studies in theology at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki where he received a Ph.D., summa cum laude. His ground-breaking doctoral dissertation was completed under the direction of Professor Anestis Keselopoulos, whose own work, Passions and Virtues According to St Gregory Palamas, Father Alexis had previously translated into English. The faculty of the theological school referred to his dissertation as an important advance in pastoral theology and one of the best works to ever pass through the University. Fr. Alexis' doctoral research has recently been published by Peter Lang Publishers as part of their American University Stud dies series, serries, un nder tthe he title: Ancient Anci Studies under Christian Wisdom and Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy: A Meeting of of Minds. Minds. This This work work should should prove to be an important contribution to the discussion of Meeting relationship between ancient an thee relationship and contemporary approaches to healing and a useful tool for whos striving for sanctification is challenged by unresolved pastors who are guiding those whose psychological difficulties. l d a B.A. in Chemistry h Fr. Alexis received (cum laude) with a minor in Religious Studies from Franklin and Marshall College in 1987, an M.A. in Divinity from the University of Chicago in 1989 and an M.Div (summa cum laude) from St Tikhon’s Seminary in 1992. After entering St Tikhon's Monastery in 1988, Fr. Alexis was appointed Lecturer in patristics at the Seminary. In 1996, he went to the Monastery of Karakallou on the Holy Mountain of Athos. In 2005, he became the serving priest for the Monastery of Nea Kerdyllia, a dependency of Karakallou Monastery, where he continues to serve as a father confessor. Available online at www.amazon.com
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Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick Are you an Orthodox Christian who wonders how to explain to your Baptist grandmother, your Buddhist neighbor, or the Jehovah’s Witness at your door how your faith differs from theirs? Or are you a member of another faith who is curious what Orthodoxy is all about? Look no further. In Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick covers the gamut of ancient heresies, modern Christian denominations, fringe groups, and major world religions, highlighting the main points of each faith. This book is an invaluable reference for anyone who wants to understand the faiths of those they come in contact with— as well as their own. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick is the pastor of St. Paul Orthodox Church in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. He is a 2007 summa cum laude graduate of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, graduating with Distinction with honors in Church History, with an M.Div. thesis entitled "The Archbishop’s Wife: Archbishop Aftimios Ofiesh, the American Orthodox Catholic Church, A merican O rthodox C atholic C hurch and the Founding of the Antiochian Archdiocese (1880-1934)." (1 1880-1934 4)."" addition his pastoral St. Paul's, Fr. Andrew is the author of the Roads From IIn n ad ddition tto oh is past torall work k att S Emmaus weblog, tthe he Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy podcast, and the Roads From Emmaus podcast on Ancient Faith Radio). His book, Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy, was recently published by ((both both o nA ncient Fa aith R adio). H is b Conciliar Press in May 2011 2011. Available online at www.conciliarpress.com
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Prayer of the Publican by Fr. Joseph Lucas Fr. Joseph Lucas graduated summa cum laude from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in 2010. The sayings of the Desert Fathers have inspired Christians for generations. In Prayer of the Publican, Joseph Lucas takes a fresh look at this classic text to see what these ancient sages tell us about dikaiosyne - the righteousness of man and God's justification. From the workshop of the desert comes an approach to justification with implications for both personal spiritual renewal and ecumenical dialogue. "What do the Fathers of the Christian East say about the meaning of justification and righteousness? Whereas "justification" became an important doctrine in the Roman Catholic Church and in the various Protestant denominations, the Eastern Orthodox Church did not develop such a teaching. And yet the language of dikaiosyne is common to both the Septuagint and the New Testament, read and interpreted d by by all the Greek Gree Fathers. In Prayer of the Publican, Joseph Lucas explores read the u sage and and understanding understanding o i the usage off di dikaiosyne in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers. In the Semitic min ndset, tthe he ssearch earch ffor or ttruth ruth iiss ma a mindset, manifested in "doing the truth" (the Greek πράττειν is more imp portant than than "to o be"). be"). These These monastic mo important fathers and mothers interpreted Scripture through the of the the aascetic scetic llife, ife, d evelo oping a view of "justification" exemplified in the Parable of the lens of developing Publican and the Pharisee: to be ju justified by God, you must actively condemn yourself. The mortification of self-love and egocentricity - those sources of biological death - leads to the rebirth through baptism and repentance unto life in the kingdom." Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxim (Vasiljevic), Bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Western American Diocese "Joseph Lucas has provided a very welcome and illuminating study of dikaiosyne in the writings of the Desert Fathers. His study offers a very fine treatment of the varied meanings of dikaiosyne in these writings, as well as the role of dikaiosyne in the spiritual lives of the Desert Fathers. His appendix on the reception of the Desert Fathers is an added bonus." Rev. Dr. John D. Jones, Department of Philosophy, Marquette University Available online at www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org
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The Giver of Life by Fr. John Oliver Fr John attended Seattle Pacific University, and graduated with a degree in English from Malone University, in Canton, Ohio. Baptized into the Orthodox Church as a young adult in 1992, Fr John was ordained to the priesthood in 2003. In 2004, he graduated summa cum laude from St Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. Later that year he joined the faculty of St Tikhon’s to lecture in Old and New Testament and American Religious History. During this time, Fr John served as assistant priest at St Philip Orthodox Christian Church, in Souderton, Pennsylvania. He is the author of two books. Most recently, Giver of Life: The Holy Spirit in the Orthodox Christian Tradition, was published by Paraclete Press Spring 2011. Reflecting on the relationship of the Holy o tthe he Church, Church, tto o tthe he w orld, an Spirit to world, and to the human person, Giver of Life looks to the impressiive biblical and d liturgical liturggical tradition tra impressive of Orthodox Christianity. This is a book weighty in co ontent b ut accessible iin n ton ne,, n ot aan academic study of the mind, but a content but tone, not liveed experi ience off th he h eart. lived experience the heart. His first book, Touching Heaven: Disc Discovering Orthodox Christianity on the Island of Valaam, published by Conciliar Press 2008, includes a foreword by now Metropolitan Jonah. The book’s narrative style is both engaging and brilliant. Fr. John walks the reader through their own questions about coming to the Orthodox faith in such a non-intrusive way that by the end it is unclear whether it was he or they that finally comes to terms with the life changing events of the conversion story. This book has been provided to many inquirers and catechumens over the past few years to accompany them on their journey to the faith. Available online at www.paracletepress and www.conciliarpress.com, respectively
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STS PRESS PUBLICATIONS The New Chrysostom by Bishop Artemije "Thirty years have passed since Bishop Nikolaj departed from this world to a much better one, to God's eternal world. Long before, however, this great man from Lelic, the Bishop of Ochrid and Zica of blessed repose, was rightfully known as our New Chrysostom... it is my pleasure to reveal some more facts about him than are generally known by the people of Lelic in particular, by the Serbian people in general, and by the Orthodox and Christian world at large. I am aware of my modest means in contrast to the complexities and greatness of the person and works of Bishop Nikolaj. However, as his closest compatriot and neighbor, I will attempt to present his evangelical life and his varied and prolific pastoral work, beginning with his birth in Lelic in 1880 and ending with his blessed repose in America in 1956."
The T he U Universe niverse a ass Symbols Symbol & Signs bbyy N Nikolai ikolai V Velimirovich elimirovich “It is clearr ffrom rom this th his that whoever rreads the natural without k nowing the the spiritua al ccontent ontent aand nd ssignificance of what he knowing spiritual has read read, reads death death, sees death death, ap appropriates death. Also, whoever considers visible nature as the only reality and not as a riddle in the mirror of the spirit, does not know more than the child who may recognize letters but is far from understanding written words. And again, whoever looks at a visible thing as at something absolutely real and eternal by itself, as the ancient Hellenic naturalists did, and their modern followers do, is certainly an analphabetic idol worshipper. He sees the letters but cannot guess their meaning. Spritual reality belongs to eternity while the symbols of that reality belong to time.� Available online at www.stspress.com
✠Glory to God for all things.
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