2012 Tikhonaire

2012 TIKHONAIRE ST. TIKHON’S ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Back cover sponsored by: The Philadelphia Trust Company Inc. • 1760 Market St. • Philadelphia, PA 19103

TWO THOUSAND TWELVE

TIKHONAIRE

A Year in Review of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

Our Father in Christ, Archbishop Dmitri Fr. Matthew Jackson (STOTS 2006)

“For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel.”

(1 Corinthians 4:15) After many fruitful years of ministry in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Eminence Dmitri, Archbishop of Dallas and the South, reposed in the Lord on August 28, 2011. The founding Bishop of the Diocese of the South, Vladyka Dmitri worked tirelessly to share the fullness of the Christian faith with the people of his “native lands.” The Synod of the OCA gathered in Dallas, at St Seraphim Cathedral, which he had founded, for his funeral services from August 29 - September 1 of last year.

Vladyka and his sister converted to Orthodoxy in their late teens, in 1941 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas. Their conversion was blessed by his mother, since he could honestly say that the center of the Church is Christ. He was drafted into the Army in 1943, and was trained to work with linguistics, in particular, Japanese.

He even worked as a Japanese translator on the staff of General Douglas MacArthur’s Pacific campaign theatre during World War II.

Vladyka was born Robert Royster on November 2, 1923.

He grew up Teague, Texas, raised by faithful Baptist parents. His Eminence often credited his mother for providing a solid Christian foundation for he and his sister, and a particular focus on Christ - a focus that was to be his central tenant as a pastor. It has often been said that he preached only one homily - “who is Christ?” He also made it a conscious point to mention Christ in practically every conversation, calling constantly to mind the Founder and Author of our Faith.

After his military service, Vladyka Dmitri went to university. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, and a Master’s Degree in Spanish in 1949 from Southern Methodist University. He also completed two years of post-graduate studies at Tulane University in New Orleans. After that he returned to his home in Dallas.

In 1954, as a subdeacon with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Eminence petitioned for a blessing to found an English-language parish in Dallas. He was ordained deacon and priest later that year, and assigned to the newly created St. Seraphim Orthodox Church. In 1958, St. Seraphim parish was received into the OCA (Metropolia at the time). As priest at the new English-language parish, Fr. Dmitri also worked with the Spanish speaking populations around Dallas, translating the services into Spanish and preaching the Gospel. He also worked tirelessly to spread the faith among his “hometown” Texans, looking for every opportunity to share with them the fullness of the faith of Jesus Christ, once and for all delivered to the Saints. Vladyka also taught Spanish at SMU during this time, to guarantee a stable income and to ensure he could continue his work with the Church.

During this time in Dallas, Fr Dmitri found time to help his sister operate her own restaurant, and he published many articles on Orthodox faith and life in St Seraphim’s weekly bulletins. Orthodox works in English were rare in those days, and the new priest did what he could to address it. He was a gifted preacher and teacher, able to relate to many people on many different levels of life. The parish of St Seraphim grew steadily, by the grace of God and the struggles of His Eminence.

In 1966 and 1967, Fr. Dmitri attended St. Vladimir’s Seminary, and in 1969 he was elected to the episcopate and consecrated on June 22, 1969 as the Bishop of Berkley, assistant to Archbishop John [Shahovskoy] of San Francisco. In 1970, he was reassigned as Bishop of Washington and Auxiliary to His Beatitude, Metropolitan Ireney. On October 19, 1971, Bishop Dmitri was elected Bishop of Hartford and New England, and when parishes in Mexico were received into the OCA in 1972, he also became the Exarch of Mexico (given his knowledge of Spanish). In 1978, the Synod of Bishops took the important step of creating the Diocese of Dallas and the South. The Diocese was essentially comprised of all of the states not yet within another Diocese - it stretched from New Mexico to Florida, and as far north as North Carolina. Bishop Dmitri became its first ruling hierarch, taking Saint Seraphim Church as his Episcopal See. Vladyka Dmitri travelled constantly around the new Diocese, planting new missions and encouraging the faithful in their Christian lives.

When the Diocese was founded, there were about six parishes and missions - by the time of Vladyka’s repose that number had grown to nearly 70. Pastors were encouraged to live a very simple life of loving their people and preaching Christ. Many people fondly remember the times they spent with Vladyka - full of joy, full of life, full of love - his very presence changed the room. People listened to him, they followed his suggestions, not because he was the Bishop and therefore in charge, rather, people followed him because he was a true shepherd to them. He fed his flock, and in return, the flock loved him.

From the creation of the Diocese of the South in 1978, Vladyka was elevated to the rank of Archbishop in 1993, and he even served as Locum Tenens of the OCA for the few months but he put little stock in titles or positions, and never sought out such things for himself. He cared for the things of Christ, and not for the trappings of the world. After many years of tireless work for the Gospel in his Diocese, Vladyka requested, and was granted, retirement in March 2009.

He spent his few years of retirement peacefully, filling his time with writing commentaries on the Scriptures, prayer, services, and receiving guests as his strength allowed. The people of his cathedral, and his Diocese, loved him, and many came to help him as his strength was waning. When it was announced that his earthly life had come to its end, the people of the Diocese of the South (and others as well) mourned the loss of their father. By his love and his example he had given birth to the Diocese, he was our father in Christ, and now his intercessions for us continue in the Kingdom without end.

Archbishop Dmitri (Royster) 1923 - 2011 How can we sum up the life and ministry of such a great man of God? His guiding light in all things was Christ - if Vladyka were to have us remember one thing, that would be it. He measured his steps and his decisions by Christ, and called on us all to do the same. He was a strong and capable pastor, loving and truly concerned about his flock, and always holding up Christ as the ultimate goal in all things.

May his memory be eternal!

2012 TIKHONAIRE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Administration, Faculty & Staff Profiles

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Administration

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Faculty

10

Staff & Volunteers

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Seminarian Profiles

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Graduating Class of 2012

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Seminarians

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Seminarian Families

25

Diaconate & Distance Learning Students

25

Our Community

31

Priestly Ordinations

32

Diaconal Ordinations

38

Events of 2011-2012

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Wives & Community Activities

51

Our Community Giving Back

55

Field Education

59

St. Tikhon’s Monastery Brotherhood

60

St. Tikhon’s Alumni Association

62

Alumni Ordinations

64

The Rich Tapestry of St. Tikhon’s

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St. Tikhon’s Hidden Dimension, by Fr. Nicklas Aiello

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2012 TIKHONAIRE - TABLE OF CONTENTS

Articles

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75

A Letter from Your Dean

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Our Expectations of the Priest | From a Bishop’s Perspective

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Our Expectations of the Priest | From a Layman’s Perspective

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Our Expectations of the Priest | From a Seminarian’s Perspective

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Interview With Fr. Alexander Atty | “In His Own Words”

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Interview With Fr. Adam Sexton | “Man On Fire”

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Progress

89

Seminary Under Construction | The Seminary’s New Public Face

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Married Student Housing Program

99

Founders, Benefactors, and Beautifiers

105

St. Tikhon’s Seminary Board of Trustees

106

St. Tikhon’s Century Association

107

Scholarships

114

Financial Accountability

115

Faculty & Alumni Publications

117

Faculty Publications

118

Alumni Publications

120

www.stots.edu/tikhonaire Read it online or download the special iBook edition available for your iPad & iPhone that includes extra photos and videos from the past year at St. Tikhon’s!

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IN MEMORIAM - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

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!

Pope Shenouda III Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria His Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri Protopresbyter Joseph P. Kreta Archpriest Andrey Somow Archpriest Theodore Soroka Archpriest Michael Romanchak Archpriest Victor Runcanu Archpriest Simeon Oskolkoff Archpriest Joseph Nelson Archpriest David Shank Priest Alexis Tinker Priest Lawrence Zalikowski Protodeacon Blagoy E. Nicoloff Protodeacon Nicholas Dzubay Protodeacon Wilhelm Friesen Deacon Michael Savko Deacon John Zarras Igumen Simeon [Weare]

Matushka Lubova Oskolkoff Matushka Ruth Kuchta Matushka Natalie Kiryluk Breyan Matushka Jeanne M. Homik Matushka Eleanor Kosko Krell Matushka Joanna Pianovich Matushka Barbara Pavelchak Prifteresha Mary Page Matushka Pauline Warnecke Popadia Marina Eleonora Dimitroff Preoteasa Eleonora Lazăr Matushka Anna Voytilla Matushka Olga Hubiak Kovach

Administration, Faculty, and Staff

“Holiness is not something that is accomplished by individuals.”

– Metropolitan Anthony Bloom

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF

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SEMINARY

ADMINISTRATION

Metropolitan Jonah President

Bishop Tikhon

Rector Assistant Professor of Liturgics

V. Rev. Alexander Atty, DMin

Dean, Chief Operating Officer Assoc. Professor of Pastoral Arts & Praxis

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ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

FACULTY

Harry Boosalis, ThD Professor of Dogmatic Theology

David Ford, PhD

Professor of Church History

Christopher Veniamin, DPhil

Bishop Michael, PhD

Mary Ford, PhD

V. Rev. David Hester, SEOD

Assoc. Professor of New Testament & Pastoral Theology

Assoc. Professor of New Testament & Spirituality

Professor of Patristics

Adjunct Associate Professor of Church History & Patristics

St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church Louisville, KY www.stmichaelorthodoxchurch.org

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF

Sergei Arhipov, MSIS

Fr. Michael Meerson, PhD

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Fr. Daniel Kovalak

Asst. Prof. Church Slavonic, Head Librarian, Registrar

Adj. Asst. Professor of Scripture

Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Arts & Praxis

Fr. John Kowalczyk, Cand. Th.

Fr. David Shewczyk

Fr. Nilus Lerro, PhL

Sr. Lecturer Pastoral Arts & Praxis Director of Field Education

Sr. Lecturer in Pastoral Arts & Praxis, Assoc. Dir. Field Ed.

Lecturer in Comparative Theology & Spirituality, Dir. Student Affairs

St. John the Baptist Church Nanticoke, PA

Thank you St. Tikhon’s for all the generous support during our time of need!

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ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Hieromonk Gabriel (Nicholas)

Fr. David Vernak

Lecturer in New Testament Greek

Lecturer in Pastoral Arts & Praxis

Paul Witek, PhD

Benedict Sheehan

Lecturer in Pastoral Arts & Praxis Asst. to the Dean, Academic Affairs

Instructor of Music

E & J Compact Excavating

P.O. Box 95 Waymart, PA 18472 570-488-6439

Fr. John Sorochka

Lecturer in Pastoral Arts & Praxis

Ivan Roumiantsev

Instructor of Iconography

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF

Fr. Alexey Karlgut Lecturer in Liturgics (Diaconal Program)

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Fr. David Mahaffey

Lecturer in Pastoral Arts & Praxis (Diaconal Program)

Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk Lecturer in Scripture (Diaconal Program)

Fr. Anthony Sabbagh Instructor of Arabic & Byzantine Chant

Fr. Leonid Schmidt

Lecturer in Spirituality (Diaconal Program)

Fr. Jason Vansuch Lecturer in Liturgics (Diaconal Program)

Fr. Timothy Hojnicki

Lecturer in Pastoral Arts & Praxis (Diaconal Program)

Fr. David Cowan

Lecturer in Pastoral Arts & Praxis (Diaconal Program)

Not Available for Photographs

Robed in Majesty

(garbshop@gmail.com) Custom Made Ecclesiastical Attire Outlet

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ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

STAFF

Fr. Dionysius Swencki Chief Financial Officer

Christopher Patton

Vasili Dubee

Assistant to the Dean, Media & Public Affairs

Director, Building & Grounds

Kh. Olga Atty

Administrative Assistant, Seminary Secretary

Monk Michael (Juk) Volunteer Library Asst.

Sarah Jubinski

Library Consultant

Jeff Bostic

Volunteer Library Asst.

Mary Sernak Bursar

Robert Roth

Volunteer Library Asst.

St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Dundaff, PA Congratulations to the Graduates of 2012 from Fr. Dennis

Not Available for Photographs

Seminarians This Year’s Seminarians & Their Families

“In the spiritual life, there is no such thing as a career.�

Archimandrite Sophrony

2012 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIANS

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GRADUATING CLASS of 2012

Fr. Nicklas Aiello

Fr. Andreas Blom

Fr. Philip Halliwell

Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Vancouver, WA

Holy Theophany Orthodox Church Colorado Springs, CO

St. John the Baptist Monastery Essex, England

Fr. John Hogg

Br. Kenneth (Kasovac)

Saba Attala Makhouli

St. George Orthodox Cathedral Pittsburgh, PA

Monastery of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk South Canaan, PA

St. George Orthodox Church Kofer-Yassif, Palestine

Congratulations to the Graduates of 2012 from Bishop Michael

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SEMINARIANS- 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Dn. Matthew Markewich

Arseny Mikhalev

Todd Justin Mokhiber

St. Basil Orthodox Church Watervliet, NY

Holy Trinity Seminary Jordanville, NY

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Niagra Falls, NY

Fr. Milorad Orlic

Roman Ostash

Abraham Philip

St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church Philadelphia, PA

St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Alpha, NJ

St. Gregorios Orthodox Church Yonkers, NY

Very Reverend Dr. D. Alexander Atty & His Beloved Family South Canaan, PA

2012 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIANS

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Fr. Ian Shipley

Andrew Temple

Dn. Joel Wilson

St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church Santa Rosa, CA

St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Orthodox Church Rocky Hill, NJ

St. Stephen the First Martyr Orthodox Church Crawfordsville, IN

Grant, O Lord, a long life, peace, health, salvation, and furtherance in all good things to the graduating class of 2012, and preserve them for many years!

Congratulations and Best Wishes Class of 2012!

George L. Heider Inc. DBA Sportsmans

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SEMINARIANS- 2012 TIKHONAIRE

SEMINARIANS

Alexis Baldwin

St. John the Evangelist Mission Tempe, AZ

Matthew Brown

Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Albion, MI

Dmitry Bolbot

Konstantinos Brown

Andrew Carpenter

Volodymyr Chaikivskyi

Holy Trinity Seminary Jordanville, NY

St. George Orthodox Church Richmond Hill, ON, Canada

Congrats 2012 Grads!

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Modesto, CA

St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Alpha, NJ

Insurance Systems Group Inc. www.orthodoxinsurance.com (800) 860-3075

2012 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIANS

Shinto David

St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church Detroit, MI

Moses Hibbard

St. Matthew Orthodox Church Green Bay, WI

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Jesse Dominick

St. Tikhon’s Monastery South Canaan, PA

Sorin Hindoreanu

Sts. Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church Lilburn, GA

Robert Gauvain

St. Herman of Alaska Minneapolis, MN

Dn. Benjamin Huggins

Holy Theophany Orthodox Church Colorado Springs, CO

Fellowship of Orthodox Churches in America God’s Blessings to the Class of 2012

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SEMINARIANS- 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Moses Ibrahim

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Alex Koranda

Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church Burr Ridge, IL

Simona Irime

All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church Chicago, IL

Joseph Landino

Church of the Redeemer Los Angeles, CA

Franklin Homeowners • Flood Insurance www.premierflood.com • (888) 567-9600

Daniel Kirk

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Butte, MT

Gregory Levitsky

St. George Orthodox Church Howell, NJ

2012 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIANS

Michael Lillie

Holy Archangels Orthodox Church Phoenix, AZ

Theophan Mackey

St. Anthony of the Desert Mission Las Cruces, NM

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Nazar Lukashov

Nativity of the Theotokos Russian Orthodox Church Novosibirsk, Russia

John Tariq Maseeh

Moscow Patriarchal Church Thailand

Fr. Daniel Mackay

St. John the Wonderworker Serbian Orthodox Church Eugene, OR

Paul McDonald

Sts. Constantine & Elena Orthodox Church Indianapolis, IN

Congratulations Class of 2012!

St. John Orthodox Church Campbell, OH • www.stjohnthebaptist-campbell.org

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SEMINARIANS- 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Moses McPherson

St. Demetrios Orthodox Church Camarillo, CA

Jeffrey Morrison

Holy Theophany Orthodox Church Colorado Springs, CO

Pdn. Milan Medaković

Gabriel Monforte

St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Cleveland, OH

St. Basil’s Orthodox Church Simpson, PA

Chrispin Obico

Michael Rodgers

Holy Protection Cathedral New York City, NY

St. Maximus Orthodox Church Denton, TX

Very Reverend John and Mat. Eugenia Nehrebecki

2012 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIANS

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Philadelphia, PA Nathan Clausson, John Black, James Carpenter, Theodore Gregory, Gregory Hubiak, Richard Jendras

Endicott, NY Dn. Michael Pylypciw, Dn Simeon "Terry" Peet, Mark Bohush, Sean McNulty, Gregory White, Demitrios Richards, Gregory Iadnov, David Chow, Ilya Arnopolskyy, Dr. Mark Hoeplinger, Fr. Stavros Wever

Matthew Romanchak St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Mayfield, PA

Dn. Marty Watt St. Paul the Apostle Orthodox Church Dayton, OH

Diaconal Program

SEMINARIAN FAMILIES

Aiello Family

Fr. Nicklas & Mat. Beverly Jenna, Carly, Lucia, Aileen, Xander (grandson)

Baldwin Family Alexis & Veronika Aidan & Isaak

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church 980 Bridle Path Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18017

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SEMINARIAN FAMILIES - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Blom Family

Fr. Andreas & Mat. Theodora Tuva, Theodor

Gauvain Family

Robert & Elizabeth Alexei, Xenia, Veronike, Anna

Three Saints Orthodox Church

26 Howard Ave. Ansonia, CT 06401-2208

Brown Family

Matthew & Elizabeth Elias & Genevieve

Halliwell Family

Fr. Philip & Mat. Tatiana Anna, Michael, Helen, Nikolai

2012 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIAN FAMILIES

Hibbard Family

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Hogg Family

Moses & Karmin Hannah, Noah (not pictured)

Fr. John & Darcy

Huggins Family

Kirk Family

Dn. Benjamin & Lauren Gabriella, Beniah, Moses, Mariam

Daniel & Anne Phoebe (not pictured)

Simon S. Russin Funeral Home

Plains-Wilkesbarre, PA Keith S. Russin Supervisor

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SEMINARIAN FAMILIES - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Landino Family

Joseph & Maria Gabriella, Katerina, Mario, Rosalia, and Sophia (not pictured)

Mackay Family

Fr. Daniel & Pres. Maria Lucy

Congratulations to the Class of 2012!

Lalame Inc. • Ecclesiastical Fabrics

Lillie Family

Michael & Melanie (with child) Dorothy, Viktoria, Isaac

Mackey Family

Theophan & Kristi Maya

2012 TIKHONAIRE - SEMINARIAN FAMILIES

Markewich Family

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McPherson Family

Dn. Matthew & Rebekah Katherine, Daniel

Moses & Ruth (with child)

Morrison Family

Orlic Family

Jeff & Patti Genevieve, Benjamin, Cecelia

Fr. Milorad & Pda. Milena

St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Mayfield, PA Archpriest John Sorochka, Pastor

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SEMINARIAN FAMILIES - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Shipley Family

Fr. Ian & Mat. Priscilla Jessica, Evan, Lydia

Watt Family

Dn. Marty & Candice Sarah, Jonathan

Wilson Family

Dn. Joel & Theressa (with child) Mara, Winifred, Liam, Micah (brother)

In Loving Memory Matushka Karyn Mahaffey - From your loving family

Our Community Ordinations & Events Throughout the Year

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ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

DN. ANDREAS BLOM ORDAINED to the HOLY PRIESTHOOD

by HIS BEATITUDE METROPOLITAN JONAH | May 11, 2011

St Elizabeth Orthodox Christian Church • www.stelizabethtn.org 321 W McKnight Drive Murfreesboro, TN 37129

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD

DN. DANIEL MACKAY ORDAINED to the HOLY PRIESTHOOD

by HIS GRACE BISHOP MAXIM | July 30, 2011

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

33 Convent Ave. Norwich, CT 06360

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ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

DN. PHILIP HALLIWELL ORDAINED to the HOLY PRIESTHOOD

by HIS GRACE BISHOP IRÉNÉE | October 9, 2011

Hunter Roofing Corp.

500 E. Sixth St. Wyoming, PA 18644 (570) 693-3877

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD

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DN. IAN SHIPLEY ORDAINED to the HOLY PRIESTHOOD

by HIS GRACE BISHOP MICHAEL | February 1, 2012

Vladika Insurance Agency (570) 876-3940 www.vladikainsurance.com

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ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

DN. JOHN HOGG ORDAINED to the HOLY PRIESTHOOD

by HIS GRACE BISHOP JOHN | February 5, 2012

John T. Howe Oil Co.

Lake Ariel, PA (570) 698-5821

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD

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DN. NICKLAS AIELLO ORDAINED to the HOLY PRIESTHOOD

by HIS BEATITUDE METROPOLITAN JONAH | April 22, 2012

All Saints Orthodox Church Hartford, CT www.allsaintshartford.org

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ORDINATIONS TO THE DIACONATE- 2012 TIKHONAIRE

PHILIP HALLIWELL ORDAINED to the HOLY DIACONATE by HIS GRACE BISHOP IRÉNÉE September 4, 2011

Country Trails General Store South Canaan, PA

JOEL WILSON ORDAINED to the HOLY DIACONATE

by HIS GRACE BISHOP MATTHIAS December 13, 2011

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ORDINATIONS TO THE DIACONATE

BENJAMIN HUGGINS ORDAINED to the HOLY DIACONATE by HIS GRACE BISHOP BENJAMIN January 6, 2012

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To all of Christ’s newly-ordained clergy: May He grant you a blessed ministry for the furtherance of His Kingdom.

ΑΞΙΟΣ! ΑΞΙΟΣ! ΑΞΙΟΣ!

Christ the Savior Orthodox Church

5501 Old Locust Lane Harrisburg, PA www.christthesaviourhbg.org

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ORDINATIONS TO THE DIACONATE- 2012 TIKHONAIRE

JOHN HOGG ORDAINED to the HOLY DIACONATE by HIS GRACE BISHOP ANTHONY January 15, 2012

NICKLAS AIELLO ORDAINED to the HOLY DIACONATE by HIS BEATITUDE METROPOLITAN JONAH | March 25, 2012

Christ the Savior Orthodox Church 365 Paramus Rd. Paramus, NJ 07682

2012 TIKHONAIRE - COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE

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EVENTS of 2011-2012

Commencement - May 27, 2011 Faculty look on as 2011 graduates hold their newly received Master of Divinity Degrees. Honored guest speaker for the commencement was Archimandrite Zacharias of Essex.

Cornerstone Music Festival - June 30 – July 3, 2011 In a missiological, ministry-of-presence effort, several members from both St. Tikhon’s and St. Vladimir’s communities attended the Cornerstone Music Festival and celebrated divine services throughout the week. Orthodox books, materials and conversations were offered to young attendees in order to bring the Orthodox Christian faith to those who may have never encountered it before.

May 29, 2011 - Memorial Day Pilgrimage Clergy and faithful gather at the tomb of Metropolitan Leonty for a memorial service after Liturgy.

August 12-13, 2011 - OCA & ROCOR Bishops Concelebrate for Patronal Feast Day In an unprecedented expression of unity, Bp. Tikhon of Philadelphia (OCA) and Bp. George of Mayfield (ROCOR) concelebrated the Vigil and Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk.

St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church Corner of Walnut & Hudson Jermyn, PA 18433

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COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Orientation & Opening Retreat - August 29, 2011 The opening retreat for the 2011-2012 academic year was held August 29th-September 4th. Guest speakers Fr. Chrysostomos and Fr. Jason Delvitto gave a retreat that several of the third year seminarians described as “spiritually sobering” and “encouraging for our final year.”

Alumni Picnic - September 15, 2011 Every year the St. Tikhon's Alumni Association provides food and drinks for what has become one of the most beloved social activities of the school year. This year the picnic was held in the gymnasium and was surprisingly wellattended despite the uncooperative weather.

September 12, 2011 - Wives Meet & Greet The wives of the incoming seminarians received an opportunity to meet the faculty and staff of the seminary over dinner.

October 1, 2011 - St. Tikhon’s Mission Choir Releases New CD of Russian, Georgian & Byzantine Chants A CD can be purchased at the bookstore, online at stspress.com or amazon.com, or downloaded in iTunes (just search for “St. Tikhon’s Mission Choir”).

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church Livonia, MI www.orthodoxlivonia.org

2012 TIKHONAIRE - COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE

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Annual Founders Day Celebration - October 9, 2011 The faithful turned out in large numbers to participate in this year’s Founders Day Celebration.

October 22, 2011 - Annual Trip to Local Cider Mill St. Tikhon's Community gathered to go to Ritter's Cider Mill in Hamlin, PA. Because of its popularity, this event has taken on a life of its own over the past few years to become one of the most well-attended community outings.

Bp. Thomas Visits St. Tikhon’s - October 28, 2011

November 10, 2011 - Met. Gabriel Visits St. Tikhon’s Metropolitan Gabriel Mar Gregorios, of Thiruvananthapuram Diocese in Kerala, India, visited St. Tikhon's Seminary, accompanied by Fr. V.M. Shibu, Vicar of the St. Gregorius Church in Bensalem, PA.

Myrhh-streaming Iveron Icon Visit - November 12, 2011

Holy Apostles Mission Mechanicsburg, PA www.holyapostleschurch.org

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COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

OISM at Jordanville - November 12, 2011 The Annual Fall OISM (Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement) event was held this year at Jordanville in New York. Representatives from each of the seminaries attended the event to discuss ideas that would allow for a more open and collaborative relationship between them.

Bp. Maxim Visits St. Tikhon’s - November 19, 2011 His Grace Maxim, Bishop of the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church visited for a pastoral visit.

November 17, 2011 - Dual Firsts: First Liturgy in All Saints Chapel and First Children’s Liturgy At the request of the homeschooling co-op, and with the blessing of Abbot Sergius, the children of the community led the way to initiate the newly renovated All Saints Chapel (the old icon repository) by singing and reading for the first Divine Liturgy in the chapel.

December 7, 2011 - Annual St. Nicholas Day Party In the evening a large number of the community gathered for what has become one of the more well-attended events of the year. The children played games, the adults sang seasonal music, and everyone had a wonderful time, and St. Nicholas even made an appearance!

Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church Clifton, NJ www.holyassumptionclifton.org

2012 TIKHONAIRE - COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE

Bp. Matthias Visits St. Tikhon’s - December 12/13, 2011 Following a tradition established by the late Archbishop Job, Bishop Matthias of the Diocese of the Midwest (OCA) took the diocesan seminarians and their families to dinner and spent time meeting with them to answer questions about the diocese and potential future plans.

Seminary Receives New Seal - January 10, 2012 A new hand-painted seal was presented to Fr. Alexander Atty by our resident iconographer, Ivan Roumiantsev. The seal of the seminary, which consists of the Icon Not Made With Hands, the institution’s name and inaugural year, is now displayed as the centerpiece of the newlyremodeled administrative building.

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December 25, 2011 Feast of Nativity Monastery Church during Nativity (above). Members of the community sang Christmas carols to neighbors in Carbondale (right).

January 6, 2012 - Feast of Theophany and Great Blessing of the Waters by His Grace, Bishop Tikhon

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2012!

St. Vladimir's Church Trenton, NJ • www.saintvladimir.org

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COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Annual Marriage Retreat - January 21, 2012 Dr. Philip Mamalakis, Asst. Professor of Pastoral Care at Holy Cross Seminary, led the retreat this year focusing on informing and educating the students regarding new resources available to them when the time comes for them to lead others in a parish setting.

Annual St. Tatiana Luncheon Hosted by The Century Association - January 26, 2012 Fr. Alexander Atty thanked the representatives from the association and stressed the enormous role they play in the life of the community. He also encouraged the seminarians to consider membership in this worthwhile organization .

January 23, 2012 - Community Participates in Annual Sanctity of Life Event in Washington, D.C. Representatives from the St. Tikhon’s Community traveled to Washington D.C. to join up with groups from both St. Vladimir’s and Holy Cross seminaries to present a unified presence in the 39th Annual March for Life.

February 10, 2012 - Pre-Lenten Party The seminary community came together before the start of the Lenten season. It was a wonderful time of fellowship for all who attended. The festivities included live music provided by “Harry and the Dogmatix.”

St. Stephen's Cathedral Philadelphia www.ststephencathedral.org

2012 TIKHONAIRE - COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE

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First Meal in New Dining Hall - February 13, 2012 The seminary community enjoyed its first meal together in the new dining hall. The renovations continue and soon will include a commercial-grade kitchen as well.

First Seminary Blood Drive - February 21, 2012 This year, seminarian Fr. John Hogg arranged for the seminary to hold its first blood drive with the Red Cross.

This surprisingly well-attended, yet draining event, was an opportunity for our community to give back to those in need.

February 15, 2012 - Metropolitan Jonah & Bishop Daniel Visit His Grace, Bishop Daniel of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church visited the seminary to meet with his students and tour the campus grounds. His Beatitude also visited with the seminarians to offer spiritual encouragement at the outset of Great Lent.

February 21, 2012 - Fr. John Meffridge Visit Fr. John spoke at length on several topics relating to parish administration and pastoral care and drew from his many years of dedicated service as the pastor of St. Ephraim Antiochian Orthodox Church in San Antonio, TX.

St. Nicholas Church • www.stnicholaspittsfield.org 1304 North St. Pittsfield, MA 01201

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COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

STOTS Defeats SVOTS in Annual Basketball Game February 24, 2012 For the second consecutive year, St. Tikhon's defeated St. Vladimir's in the annual basketball competition. With a final score of 66-57 this exciting game saw several lead changes with St. Tikhon’s rallying from a 12 point firstquarter deficit. They marched back and were ahead by as many as 14 in the fourth quarter.

Fr. John Nehrebecki Visit - April 5, 2012 Fr. John spoke to Dr. David Ford’s “Orthodoxy in America” class about the particular need for priests who are new in a parish to truly love their flock, and to bring necessary changes through patience, careful teaching, and gentleness.

April 2, 2012 - Seminary Raises $30k to Support Alumni Displaced by Fire in Rectory “The love and support of people who have helped us during this time has been both overwhelming and sobering,” said Fr. Adam Sexton (STOTS 2008) as he was presented checks and donations for over $30,000 that had been raised on his family’s behalf by the seminary's Sexton Relief Fund.

April 8, 2012 - Palm Sunday The handing out of palms during the anointing at Matins.

Congratulations to Roman Ostash, Class of 2012!

St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Alpha, NJ

2012 TIKHONAIRE - COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE

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Making of the Holy Chrism Begins - April 9, 2012 Ingredients for the Chrism were blessed and the oil and holy water were mixed on Great and Holy Monday. From Monday to Thursday morning, clergy volunteers from all over the country stirred the contents while reading the Gospels, each day and throughout each night.

Seminarian Chrispin Obico Chrismated - April 12, 2012 Becoming the first to receive Chrismation after the new Chrism was consecrated, Chrispin Obico, a former Roman Catholic, was received into the Holy Orthodox Church at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church by Metropolitan Jonah.

April 12, 2012 - Holy Chrism is Consecrated On Great and Holy Thursday, the Chrism was presented to His Beatitude for Consecration during the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. The consecration of Holy Chrism is reserved to autocephalous churches. Parishes receive Holy Chrism for local use from the Primate of their respective autocephalous Church. As such, the distribution of Holy Chrism to parish communities offers a visible sign of unity within the Church.

Keystone Propane Services Inc.

(800) 598-5047 • www.keystonepropane.com

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COMMUNITY EVENTS TIMELINE - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

PASCHA! April 15, 2012

Paschal Party at the Atty’s

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Wilkes-Barre, PA V. Rev. David Shewczyk - Pastor

2012 TIKHONAIRE - WIVES & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

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Wives & Community Activities

Wives events, the community education co-op, and other extra-curricular activities.

St. Tikhon’s Wives Activities

Kh. Olga Atty, Coordinator

The activities of the Saint Tikhon’s seminary wives are as varied as the group itself. Composed of the wives of the married students, faculty members, wives of faculty members, staff members and staff members’ wives, we are young and old, born Orthodox and convert, some of us have grown children, some of us have young children, some of us are employed outside the home and some are not, some of us home school our children and some of us send our children to school each morning. The thing that binds us together is that we are Orthodox Christian women whose husbands or who ourselves “live, teach, learn, and work” at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

At the beginning of each school year, we have a Meet and Greet activity where we formally meet our newest members; they meet us, the rector, the administrators, and faculty and staff members.

Some of our other activities include coordinating the Saint Nicholas Day celebration, the pre-Lenten party, our own version of Meals-on-Wheels in which we provide meals for seminary families who have newborns or illnesses, children’s play group, our annual talent show, retreats, choir directing classes, meal exchanges, book club, clothing exchanges, monastery visits, church school retreats, and social activities where we have the opportunity to just relax and enjoy being in each other’s company.

We are here together for just a short period of time and it is a time in which we face many challenges and, often, life-changing events, especially the one where our husbands are ordained! So for us, it is also a time to be spiritually nourished and to grow into the wife that God has intended us to be!

The students’ wives making introductions at the Meet & Greet.

Plains Meat Market

5 Hudson Rd. Plains, PA 18705-2015

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WIVES & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Wives & Community Music Instruction Maria Sheehan, Instructor

It was 4:55 on a Saturday afternoon. The phone rang.

“Hello.” “Hi. Quick! Vespers starts in 5 minutes! Can you sing Tone Two for me? I don’t know how it goes!”

Catching up with an old friend on the phone: “So, how’s the parish?” “Oh, good... except I have had to do a lot of emergency choir directing lately. Our choir director was sick for weeks and our substitute choir director is his wife.

So, she was either taking care of him or being sick, too.”

The new priest’s wife tells of her visit to their soon-to-be parish: “Well, we’re going to a mission. It’s a really wonderful community.” “Have they got a choir?” “I think so. There were only a couple of folks singing the time we were there, though. And it didn’t sound like they knew the services very well. They were asking me all sorts of questions as though I knew what to do, just because my husband went to seminary. I guess we’ll be learning together.”

What can the wife of a priest do when thrown into a sudden responsibility for the choir without training, experience, or sometimes even sufficient musical skill?

Stories like these are far too common. There will always be that funeral, baptism, memorial, weekday service, what

Volunteer-led activities were a welcome addition for those in the community.

have you, from which the choir will be absent. The family of the priest is invariably called upon to help out.

The St. Tikhon’s Seminary women were invited this spring semester to a free, two and a half hour long, weekly class on church music. The class was taught jointly by Benedict Sheehan, STOTS music instructor and choir director, his wife, Maria, and Matushka Olga Atty, who all donated their precious time to this worthy cause.

Together, their accumulated choral experience spans more than 80 years!

Among the topics covered in the course were the following: the eight tones, choral vocal technique, directing the vocal warm-up, analysis of intervals and chords, the spiritual challenges of church singing and choir directing, order of service and Russian church music history. Needless to say, the ladies were spectacular students. Their musical skills ranged from professional performers and instructors to folks who had never sung before. Yet they were all coming with little to no training in church music. Their enthusiasm, gratitude, diligence and intelligence made for fast learning and beautiful work. With Godʼs help, we will continue to offer this desperately needed class in future years as well.

Many activities were offered during the evening for those who work during the day.

Saint Andrew Orthodox Church Maple Heights, OH (216) 475-9365

2012 TIKHONAIRE - WIVES & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Community Education Cooperative Patti Morrison, Teacher

53 body and its functions. The older children focused on the human body and on chemistry.

The second unit of classes offered was in Art History. The children learned about various artists, their styles and famous works of art. They also listed to classical pieces, learned about the instruments used, and how different instruments are used to elicit different responses. The students then used their journals to draw, and copy excerpts from poems studied in class.

The third unit offered was choir. The children in this class were all reading-age children, and they were taught hymns and music from the Divine Liturgy. This year we had the first children's choir for Divine Liturgy held in the Monastery’s new All-Saints Chapel. The children learned different styles of music and did very well.

A group of the younger children receive a lesson on the human body.

The St. Tikhon’s community was blessed to have numerous families that participated in a Community educational co-op. Children from ages 3-12 were invited to attend workshops led by the wives of the seminary community. There were three units of study covered in the classes offered this year.

First was a science unit, which was split up between younger and older children. The younger children mainly focused on animals and their habitats, and on the human Respectfully listening to the homily during the community’s first Children’s Liturgy

It has been a good year and so many children of the seminary community have grown together, educationally and spiritually.

The children line up after Liturgy on the Sunday of Orthodoxy

Ray's Shursave Market

686 Roosevelt Hwy, Waymart, PA

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WIVES & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Pysanky Egg Decorating Workshop Led By Cindy Davis On Sunday, March 11, Cindy Davis led a pysanky workshop for the St. Tikhon's Community, traditionally offered during Great Lent. About 30 members from the monastery community and seminary attended the workshop.

Pysanky is the Ukranian art of egg decorating which uses melted wax, a kistka (stylus), and dyes to achieve a detailed design. Alternating between waxing and dying, and working from light to dark, the final design is revealed when the wax is completely melted off.

One of the children dips her egg in dye during one of the stages of coloring.

The Sheehan girls completed a combined 45 eggs in the time it took anyone else in the workshop just to do one.

Carefully applies wax designs.

Joseph W Scotchlas Funeral Home Simpson, PA www.scotchlasfuneralhome.com

2012 TIKHONAIRE - OUR COMMUNITY GIVING BACK

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Our Community Giving Back

Various ways in which we are able to invest our talents for the building up of Christ’s Church.

MISSION CHOIR A Note from the Director Benedict Sheehan

What a full and fruitful year it has been! We started the year off at a run with two engagements in September, including participating in the re-consecration of All Saints’ Church in Olyphant, PA. The video recording of that event was released online and got a front page listing on the prominent Roman Catholic website. When October rolled around, we were off again to perform at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Education Day—a first for a St. Tikhon’s choir, as far as I know—and this was followed shortly thereafter by the release of our latest CD, “Bless the Lord, O My Soul: Chants of Orthodox Russia, Georgia, and Byzantium.” The public reception of this exciting mix of traditional chant selections from various times and places has been overwhelmingly positive, including a highly favorable review in the Musica Russica Christmas 2011 CD catalog. (The album is available directly from St. Tikhon’s Bookstore, and also online through iTunes and Google Music.)

In addition to our trips to some wonderful parishes, including St. Philip’s in Souderton, PA. (Antiochian), St. Michael the Archangel in Southbridge, MA. (Romanian), and St. Mary’s Assumption in Worcester, MA. (Albanian), another highlight of our fall semester was a very warmly received public concert at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church,

The Mission Choir sings at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Carbondale

right near the Seminary in Carbondale, PA. While Mission Choir’s work for St. Tikhon’s has always included outreach to Orthodox parishes throughout North America, it also plays a vital role in connecting the Seminary with people here at home, both Orthodox and non-Orthodox alike.

After a well-deserved rest over the Christmas holidays, Mission Choir resumed its duties with an even busier schedule for the spring semester. A major highlight came

Martin Caufield Memorial Works • Honesdale, PA (570) 253-3300 www.martincaufieldmemorialworks.com

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OUR COMMUNITY GIVING BACK - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

The Mission Choir at St. Vladimir's Parish in Trenton, NJ

in February, where we were invited to collaborate with Holy Trinity Seminary and the Eastern American Diocese Youth Choir (ROCOR) in performing a widely publicized concert at St. Michael’s Church in Philadelphia (Moscow Patriarchate). The concert was entitled “Two Roads Diverged at the Wood,” and told the story, both in song and in spoken word, of the spiritual journey of the Wise Thief toward his meeting with Christ at Golgotha. The event was remarkable in that it brought together young people from at least seven Orthodox jurisdictions, four seminaries, and from all over the East Coast, and was coordinated almost entirely online through Facebook and other social networking sites.

Over the rest of the spring semester, in the midst of balancing full course loads and an even fuller liturgical schedule with the onset of the Paschal cycle, the Mission Choir managed to make trips to St. John Chrysostom Antiochian in York, PA; Sts. Peter & Paul in Lorain and St. Andrew’s in Maple Heights, OH; Christ the Savior in Harrisburg, PA; Christ the Saviour in Paramus, NJ; Holy Resurrection in Cathedral Wilkes-Barre, PA; St. Andrew’s in Baltimore, MD; and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Philadelphia (again). To finish off the year, Mission Choir will once again collaborate with Holy Trinity Seminary and the E.A. Diocese Youth Choir in singing the Divine Liturgy at St. Tikhon’s 108th Annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage—definitely a first in St. Tikhon’s history—and then, with God’s help, will go straight into recording another studio album.

Our deepest and most heartfelt thanks go out to all who supported the seminary on our behalf this year, and we’re looking forward to the many blessings next year will undoubtedly bring through the mercy and bounty of our loving God! St. Tikhon’s Mission Choir often travels across the country. This summer they will be touring the West Coast. If you have a parish or upcoming event and would like to sponsor a trip for the mission choir, please contact the Office of the Dean at 570-561-1818, or email info@stots.edu to find out more.

The Mission Choir at Christ the Savior in Harrisburg, PA

St. Michael's Church Old Forge PA • www.stmof.org Wishes Many Years to the 2012 St. Tikhon's Graduates!

2012 TIKHONAIRE - OUR COMMUNITY GIVING BACK

ADMINISTRATION & FACULTY SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS Fr. Alexander Atty June 2011 4 - Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Paramus, NJ 11 - Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Brooklyn NY 18 - Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow NY 25 - Saint Vladimir Orthodox Church, Trenton, NJ

September 2011 20 - Eastern Dioceses Clergy Retreat, Antiochian Village, Pittsburgh, PA 13 - St. Vladimir Orthodox Church, Trenton, NJ

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March 2012 2-4 - Archangel Gabriel Antiochian Orthodox Mission, Lafayette, LA 9-11 - St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Christ the Saviour Mission, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada 17 - Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Lorain, OH 18 - St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Maple Heights, OH 24 - St. Raphael of Brooklyn Antiochian Orthodox Mission, Chantilly, VA 25 - Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, Harrisburg, PA

April 2012 March 31-April 1 - Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Paramus, NJ 7 - Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Long Island, NY 8 - Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre, PA 28-29 - St. Andrew Orthodox Church, Baltimore, MD

May 2012

December 2011 3-4 - St. Patrick Antiochian Church, Warrenton, VA 9-11 - St. Mark Antiochian Church, Irvine, CA 16-18 - St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church, Greensburg, PA

5-6 - St. Stephen's Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA

January 2012 14-15 - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Elkins Park, PA 29 - St. John Antiochian Orthodox Church, Memphis, TN

February 2012 4-5 - St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church, York, PA 11-12 - St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church, Inverness, FL 18 - St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, Steelton, PA 22 - Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary, Boston, MA 25 - All Saints Orthodox Church Olyphant, PA

Fr. Alexander Travels to India for Student Ordination July 23 through August 3, 2011, Fr. Alexander Atty, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary and Board of Trustee member John Malinchok travelled to Mumbai (Bombay), India to witness the ordination of STOTS alumnus Fr. James Cheriyan. They both described the event as a spiritually enriching experience in which the relationship between St. Tikhon’s Seminary and St. Thomas Orthodox Seminary were strengthened and valuable insight gained regarding the Orthodox Community and how St. Tikhon’s Seminary

St. George Antiochian Church Niagra Falls, NY

Congratulations To Sdn. Todd Justin Mokhiber Class of 2012!

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OUR COMMUNITY GIVING BACK - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

can better help equip the future leaders and teachers within the Malankara Orthodox Church.

Dr. Harry Boosalis 2011 July 19 – August 5 - Boosalis Family Participates in OCMC Mission Trip to Kenya September 2-4 - Western American Diocesan Assembly of Serbian Orthodox Church Los Angeles, CA October 10 - Holy Cross Orthodox Church Williamsport, PA December 10 - St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Edwardsville, PA

2012 January 16-20 - 14th Annual Clergy Seminar Los Angeles, CA March 3 - St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Houston, TX March 4 - St. Savas Serbian Orthodox Church Houston, TX March 15 - Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Chicago, IL March 24 - Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church Berwick, PA March 31 - Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Wilkes-Barre, PA

Dr. David Ford December 10th, 2011 - St. Paul Orthodox Church Emmaus, PA February 17-20, 2012 - Antiochian Village Bolivar, PA April 20, 2012 - All-Saints Orthodox Church Olyphant, PA

Dr. Mary Ford June 17-19, 2011 - SVS Summer Conference Yonkers, PA February 17-20, 2012 - Antiochian Village Bolivar, PA

Fr. John Kowalczyk February 9-11, 2012 - Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) in Oklahoma July 30, 2011 - Prison Fellowship International Toronto Canada

Dr. Christopher Veniamin September 19-20, 2011 - Antiochian Village Bolivar, PA

Fr. Nilus Lerro April 8, 2012 - Holy Resurrection Cathedral Wilkes-Barre, PA

Fr. Daniel Kovalak September 22, 2011 - Holy Resurrection Cathedral Broadview Heights, OH

In Loving Memory of Igor Brasowski and Gerald “Jerry” Castellano Nicholas & Katherine Brasowski • Corning, NY

2012 TIKHONAIRE - FIELD EDUCATION

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Field Education “… for I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” (Matt 25) Field Education Program Fr. John Kowalczyk

Mindful of the unchanging philosophy that the future pastor‘s scholastic achievements and theological competence are to be actualized and expressed in a life of personal integrity, humility, compassion, and service to God‘s creation, the Field Education Program concentrates on the practical formation of dedicated pastors and spiritual counselors who will lovingly and courageously shepherd the flock of Christ entrusted to their care.

During the years of his future pastoral ministry, the seminarian will be confronted by an array of situations that will require of him not just abstract theological knowledge, but also tact and pastoral sensitivity, wisdom and objectivity of judgment, as well as creativity in a personal and individual approach to the challenges of life.

This will hold especially true when he will be called to provide pastoral care in situations of acute clinical and emotional distress, to individuals who have lost a measure of human freedom and dignity, and often endure in various stages of confinement in homes and institutions, rehabilitation programs, and centers: the sick, the dying, and the bereaved; those who are confined to nursing and convalescent homes; the imprisoned, the mentally ill, and those caught in self-destructive patterns of alcohol and substance addiction or abuse.

Representatives from the field education program with school administration and seminarians at the 2011 Field Education Awards Ceremony.

Complementary to the prescribed course work taken in the classroom, as well as the faith experience of a rich liturgical life of the Seminary community, which together provide the necessary academic, spiritual, personal, and professional foundations for students to become pastors and workers in Christ‘s Holy Church, the Seminary‘s Field Education program provides the student with practical training and facilitates direct on-the-job experience in ministering to the spiritual, emotional,, and physical needs of people in an array of authentic situations requiring understanding of different aspects of clinical pastoral care. Under the direct supervision of individuals who professionally provide such clinical pastoral care in the various broad fields and specialties of pastoral ministry, future pastors are challenged to become a functional part of the treatment team, to acquire proper pastoral skills, attitudes, and approaches, and otherwise learn to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-life situations in different community settings.

Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Saddle Brook, NJ Bless the 2012 Seminary Graduates

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THE MONASTERY BROTHERHOOD - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

The Monastery Brotherhood America’s Oldest Orthodox Monastery A Letter from the Abbot

Igumen Sergius

Beloved of God, Christ is Risen! St. Tikhon’s Monastery Brotherhood greets the Seminary Community and all the Pilgrims on this, the 108th Pilgrimage to St. Tikhon’s Monastery.

We rejoice with all of the new graduates and pray that God will strengthen and protect them as they go forth to labor in His vineyard.

Indeed, the Monastery goes with our graduating class in their hearts through the formation they have received while studying here on these hallowed grounds on which Saints have walked.

Novices package soap to be sold in the monastery book store.

The Brotherhood strives to remain faithful to the vision of our great Founder, St. Tikhon of Moscow, who saw the Monastery’s liturgical life as the key to the solid formation of the future priests of the American Orthodox Church.

We give thanks to God for another year, for our growing monastic community and for the continued support of the faithful of the American Orthodox Church.

We ask God’s blessing upon you all and ask for your continued prayers and support as we strive to continue to live this vision of our Father, the great St. Tikhon of Moscow.

With Love in the Risen Lord, Igumen Sergius Abbot of St. Tikhon’s Monastery

Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral

591 N Main St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705 www.orthodox-wilkesbarre.org

2012 TIKHONAIRE - THE MONASTERY BROTHERHOOD

LIFE at the MONASTERY

Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Frackville, PA

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ST. TIKHON’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

St. Tikhon’s

Alumni Association

News and updates from your alma mater

An Update from Your President

Fr. Theodore Boback

Each year the St. Tikhon’s Alumni Association hosts its Annual Alumni Picnic. This is a respected and honored community event in which alumni young and old gather to share stories and to welcome the newest additions to the Seminary Community.

Reception at AAC in Washington This year the association hosted a reception at the 16th All-American Council in Bellevue, Washington. In addition to the reception the Alumni Association held a short business meeting with the election of officers.

Several Board of Trustee members from the seminary were in attendance at the reception and thanked the Alumni Association for all they have done and continue to do in support of St. Tikhon’s Seminary.

75th Anniversary Trips to The Holy Land This year the Alumni Association would like to invite everyone to join in

Current students and alumni at the annual Alumni Picnic

the 75th Anniversary of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary by participating in an Orthodox Christian Pilgrimage and Educational Tour to Israel and Jordan in May 2013. In addition a second 75th Anniversary Tour will take place in July 2013. This time the pilgrimage will be to Russia. Both pilgrimages will be led by His Grace Bishop Michael (Dahulich) former dean of the seminary and current faculty and Board of Trustee member. For more information please contact: Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky at 607-797-1058 or at ortouts@gmail.com.

John Malinchok, Trustee, St. Tikhon’s Seminary

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ST. TIKHON’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Alumni Database & Section on www.stots.edu Also this year the Alumni Association is pleased to announce that it will be working in collaboration with the Media and Public Affairs Office at St. Tikhon’s Seminary to produce a comprehensive Alumni Listing Database as well as an exclusive Alumni-only portion of the seminary website that will include places for parish updates, Alumni Announcements, as well as a place for private and public discourse on the things that really matter to graduates of our illustrious alma mater.

Happy 50th Anniversary!

In other news, we would like to wish a very happy anniversary to the class of 1962 who celebrates their 50th year since graduation. They include: Archpriest John Kluchko

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Memory Eternal!

Three alumni as well as four matushki fell asleep in Lord this 2011/12 academic year. We pray that God grant rest eternal to: Protopresbyter Joseph Kreta (STOTS 1952) Archpriest Michael Romanchak (STOTS 1950) Archpriest Theodore Soroka (STOTS 1954).

Matushka Barbara Pavelchak, wife of Archpriest Daniel Pavelchak (STOTS 1956) Matushka Joanna Pianovich, wife of Archpriest Eugene Pianovich (STOTS 1950) Matushka Eleanor Krell, wife of the late Priest Adam Krell (STOTS 1959) Matushka Ruth Kuchta, wife of Archpriest John Elias Kuchta (STOTS 1952).

Archpriest Alexis Fedec Deacon Peter Mahalley

May God grant peace and comfort to their families and may their memory to be eternal!

Archpriest Nicholas Timpko Archpriest Paul Pascavage (deceased) Archpriest James Mason

President | V. Rev. Theodore Boback Office: 410-276-3422 Email: tboback@aol.com Vice President | V. Rev. Joseph J. Gallick Residence: 508-481-2028 Email: jgall41080@aol.com Secretary | V. Rev. John Onofrey Residence: 610-777-3553 Email: jonofrey@aol.com Treasurer | V. Rev. David Mahaffey Residence: 610-866-6057 Email: otyetz@hotmail.com

Archpriest John Kluchko Archpriest Alexis Fedec Deacon Peter Mahalley Archpriest Nicholas Timpko Archpriest Paul Pascavage Archpriest James Mason (top to bottom, left to right)

Corresponding Secretary | Rev. Timothy E Hojnicki Residence: 717-645-5281 Email: thoj@hotmail.com

In Memory Archpriest Paul Pascavage

June 18,1962 “A Priest forever…” - Your Family

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ALUMNI ORDINATIONS - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

ALUMNI ORDINATIONS

Dn. Daniel Meyer Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

Dn. Alex Valens Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

by His Grace, Bishop Benjamin

John Nightingale Ordained to the Holy Diaconate

by His Grace, Bishop Tikhon

Hdn. Philip Majkrzak Tonsured to the Lesser Schema as Hieromonk Herman

by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah

St Basil Orthodox Church (OCA) Simpson, PA Congratulations Class of 2012!

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ALUMNI ORDINATIONS

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Dn. Vassileos Hillhouse Ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Nikitas

John Malcom Ordained to the Holy Diaconate

by His Grace, Bishop George

Dn. Thaddeus Franta Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

by His Grace, Bishop Michael

Dn. James Cheriyan Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

by His Eminence Kyrillos

Holy Cross Orthodox Church Williamsport, PA www.holycrosswilliamsport.org

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ALUMNI ORDINATIONS - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Dn. Matthew Snowden Ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace, Bishop Antoun

Matthew Howell Ordained to the Holy Diaconate

by His Eminence, Archbishop Joseph

Dn. John Malcom Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Hilarion

Dn. Leonid Schmidt Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

by His Grace, Bishop Michael

Wayne Bank Honesdale, PA • www.waynebank.com Serving Wayne, Lackawanna, Pike & Monroe Counties

2012 TIKHONAIRE - ALUMNI ORDINATIONS

Nikolai Breckenridge Ordained to the Holy Diaconate

by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah

Dn. Andrew Kishler Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

by His Eminence, Archbishop Joseph

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To all of Christ’s newly-ordained clergy already in the field: May He grant you a blessed ministry for the furtherance of His Kingdom.

ΑΞΙΟΣ! ΑΞΙΟΣ! ΑΞΙΟΣ!

Fr. Daniel & Mat. Theodora Ressetar Harrisburg, PA

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THE RICH TAPESTRY OF ST. TIKHON’S - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

The Rich Tapestry of St. Tikhon’s

Reflections from seminarians representing nearly every jurisdiction of Orthodoxy in America.

Orthodox Church in America Seminarian Alexis Baldwin, Resident Chef

I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and grew up in Mississippi— Hoosier by birth and southern by grace. I lived in Greenville, MS and the Delta Blues Festival was right down the street from our house— literally. I also lived in the deep South, specifically Hattiesburg and Laurel, MS. This is the home of deep fried food: catfish, hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes, and fried chicken, and cornbread— soul food. This is undoubtedly where my fondness of food comes from.

The deeply religious and hospitable south was the place my parents moved my sister and I to, at a young age, because in their words, it was a place “to raise a family.” In my senior year of high school, we moved to Arizona. There I met my wife, Veronika. We were high school sweethearts. I completed my undergraduate at Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH in 2007. I lived a lot of places and visit Indianapolis often to see all my family, but Mississippi is still where my heart is.

Being a seminarian at St. Tikhon's has been great blessing for my family and I. My wife and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to

cook for the seminary. Cooking and eating with others really builds community. We have gotten to know people better. St. Tikhon's is a diverse tapestry of backgrounds and jurisdictions.

Orthodox parishes across America— regardless of jurisdiction are, in reality, filled with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, people from all jurisdictions!

From my perspective, as a seminarian from the OCA's Diocese of the West, the diversity is more than just “unique”. The experience has both enriched and invigorated myself and so many others here. We are a family here at St. Tikhon's. We pray together, we struggle together and we are transformed by Christ together. In this way, the experience of diversity and family at St. Tikhon's is preparing us for parish life.

Why? Because our parishes are the same way.

Orthodox parishes across America—regardless of jurisdiction are, in reality, filled with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, people from all jurisdictions! God-willing, we are able to take the prayer-filled experiences we have had here out into the world with us.

All Saints Orthodox Church • www.allsaintsolyphant.org Corner of Willow & Grant, Olyphant, PA. 18447

2012 TIKHONAIRE - THE RICH TAPESTRY OF ST. TIKHON’S

Antiochian Archdiocese

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Russian Patriarchal Church in Thailand

Subdeacon Todd J. Mokhiber

As I draw near to the end of my time in seminary, I think back on all of the wonderful times I have had. There have been so many wonderful experiences that have helped me grow not only as a human being, but also as a Christian. I am forever indebted to my brothers here at the seminary who have been by my side through thick and thin throughout the last three years. I am also greatly indebted to Antiochian Archdiocese who has supported me financially, but more importantly through their love and prayers.

I am forever indebted to my brothers who have been by my side through thick and thin throughout the last three years.

During my time here I was assigned to serve at St. Mary Antiochian Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Fr. David Hester and the parishioners welcomed me with opened arms as if I had been missing from their midst for years. I felt as if I had never left my parish back in Niagara Falls, NY. It was a blessing to be able to be able to serve Antiochian rubrics and to be able to practice my chanting on a weekly basis. The Antiochian students were blessed each October to meet with Metropolitan Philip in Englewood, NJ. We were treated to a wonderful Arabic meal and had the opportunity to meet with our brothers from St. Vladimir’s, and Holy Cross Seminaries. Being with them reminded me that when you love God, you become one with others that love Him. I will never forget the love that the faculty, staff, and Fr. Alexander Atty showed me at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. I will always be grateful to Fr. Sergius who has been my spiritual father and has guided me throughout my time here.

Seminarian John Tariq Maseeh

I am John Tariq Maseeh, and I am Pakastani. I was born to a Roman Catholic family. My family is very devoted and outwardly active as Christians living among the Muslim population where I am from.

Being a child from a Christian home in Pakistan is very different than in other parts of the world. There is no cultural support to be Christian. The population is 97% Muslim, so every day you become a witness for Christ just by being who you are. This is sometimes very difficult because of the number of fundamentalist Muslims you encounter by just going through a normal day.

Being a child from a Christian home in Pakistan is very different than in other parts of the world. There is no cultural support to be Christian. The population is 97% Muslim, so every day you become a witness for Christ just by being who you are.

I attended the Mary-Hill School of Theology in Manila, Philippines where I studied Pastoral Ministry and English. It was while studying Church History that I first began to have questions about the Orthodox faith. Unfortunately there were no Orthodox Churches I could visit to ask questions when I returned to Pakistan. Someone mentioned to me that there was an Orthodox presence in Hong Kong, so I began a correspondence with Archpriest Dionisy Pozdnyaev who is under the Moscow Patriarchate.

Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church 54 Park Avenue Meriden, CT 06450

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THE RICH TAPESTRY OF ST. TIKHON’S - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

After many months of study and reflection my spiritual director, Archpriest Dionisy understood the importance of me being able to have a living experience of my new found faith so that I can know it not just intellectually, but experientially. I went to live for a time with an Orthodox community in Thailand. Here I was baptized and able to begin an encounter with a living expression of the faith that I had studied so much about.

My experience in Thailand was very fruitful and reconfirmed within my heart what I knew was a vocation to become an Orthodox priest and to return by the Grace of God to Pakistan to help with missionary efforts there to bring an Orthodox presence to the people of Pakistan.

I have been very welcomed by the St. Tikhon’s Community. I see here the same living Orthodoxy that I had encountered in the community in Thailand; a faith that is not only read about, but one that is a living experience of truth. I am grateful for my time here and look forward to being able to share this faith with the people of my country or wherever God sends me to serve His Holy Church.

Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate Protodeacon Milan Medaković

I am Protodeacon Fr. Milan Medaković of the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchal Church. I was born in Buffalo, New York and raised in Saint Stephen’s Serbian Orthodox Church. My Godparents were the parish priest and his wife: Protopresbyter Miodrag and Protinica Borjana Djurich. Proto Miodrag was known throughout the American Serbian Church as a “people’s priest” due to his pastoral approach to his service in the

Holy Ascension Church

756 N 2nd St, Lykens, PA 17048

Church. He inspired me at a very young age to pursue theological study. I remember wanting to be just like him.

After high school I served in the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. After the Navy I received my undergraduate degree from the Iona College –St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. I then pursued a career, at various nuclear power plants, in the areas of radiation protection and regulatory affairs.

What I enjoy most is being able to live and study where our great Bishop and Saint Nikolai Velimirović taught and lived out his last days in exile.

I am really enjoying my time here at St Tikhon’s.

What I enjoy most is being able to live and study where our great Bishop and Saint Nikolai Velimirović taught and lived out his last days in exile. It is a joy to have his relics present and to visit the room where he departed this life.

Another thing that I greatly appreciate at St. Tikhon’s is that all that we learn and study is directed to the pastoral situation of a priest in a parish. I believe that this will be of great benefit for me realize my childhood vision of being a “people’s priest” like my Godfather, Proto Miodrag.

Finally, I greatly enjoy the dialogue that I have with those that have converted to Orthodoxy and are currently studying at St. Tikhon’s. It helps me to understand what people outside of the Church believe and practice. I am very grateful for them because I see how truly ignorant I am of other faiths having been in the Church all of my life.

I really believe that that God’s people would have been cheated if I did not have this experience at St. Tikhon’s.

2012 TIKHONAIRE - THE RICH TAPESTRY OF ST. TIKHON’S

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Subdeacon Abraham Philip

I consider it a privilege to be given the chance to reflect on my own, as well as my brothers’, experiences here at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. It was about three years ago, that I was sitting in my college library looking up information about St. Tikhon’s, and something caught my eye. One of the articles described the seminary as a place where “Saints have lived, prayed, walked, and taught”. There was an indescribable rhythm and grace to those words which in-turn peaked my curiosity, and would, in due time, begin to pierce my heart.

My interactions here at St. Tikhon’s have been of life changing proportions. As an Indian Orthodox student, I daily experience the words of St. Paul who said:

He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, … so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being…

Before coming to our seminary here in South Canaan, I thought I was “close” to God, and therefore I was above the need to “seek” Him. However, the stories of the saints that walked on these grounds challenge me to define my supposed “closeness” to God. The classes here, along with the stories of my brother seminarians, most whom have converted to Orthodoxy from various other backgrounds, helped

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me to see where I was falling short in my own life.

But perhaps more importantly, my overall experience here taught me about where I need to be, what I need to do to get there, and how I can help other get there as well.

It is in this context that I understood what it means to stay at, in every sense of the word, a “Saintly place”. I remember how my father had wanted me to attend seminary in India, but at the suggestion of H.G. Geevarghese Mar Ivanious, he came here for a visit. H.G. Mar Ivanious had said that the holiness in this place was “tangible”, and upon entering these grounds my father understood what His Grace meant by those words.

Now as I prepare to bid adieu to these blessed grounds, I hope and pray that the lessons that were etched in to my heart by the saintly hands of this place, will forever remain unto the glory of God, and for the building up of His Holy Church.

Ukranian Orthodox Church Seminarian Theophan Mackey

I met and married my wife in the same, small Ukrainian Orthodox mission where I was chrismated, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. During different discussions about our future plans, the call to seminary and the priesthood came up as real possibility. Shortly after a prayer to make God’s will known to us, a deacon who had graduated from St. Tikhon’s moved into the area and started serving at the our local mission. With our priest’s encouragement and the guidance of this deacon we started to make plans for a trip north to visit. We visited in the spring of 2011 and it strengthened our resolve. In short order we sold our house, resigned our jobs, made arrangements for housing, and received the blessing of Bishop Daniel to attend seminary.

God Bless Fr. Alexander Atty & St. Tikhon’s Seminary from V. Rev. Fr. Dimitrie Vincent & St. Thomas Albanian Orthodox Church Farmington Hills MI 48336

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During the summer we settled in as my wife looked for work. Shortly before the start of the school year, she found a job teaching in the specialty she was trained in. The first semesters of seminary have taught me, more than anything else, how deep the well of Tradition is in the Orthodox Faith. There is always more to learn and a greater trust in Christ waiting for us.

God has provided all that we have needed through the generosity of friends, family, and strangers. We have felt more than welcome here and are looking forward to the two years of hard work and growth that lie ahead.

Romanian Orthodox Church Simona Irime

We, as Orthodox Christians are called to become one in Christ, our Lord. This oneness is of heart and mind, and not of ethnicity. Yes, I am Romanian, by birth, but first I am an Orthodox Christian.

When you are a cradle Orthodox Christian, born during the terrible Communist Regime, your faith is a tremendous gift from God, passed down by your ancestors who preserved the one true faith brought by Saint Andrew, the Apostle to our lands.

In the midst of our entire history, our faith became an essential element of our existence, tradition, and culture. We were not just Romanians, we were Orthodox, having our faith embedded in our being, in our blood. Our fathers and mothers stood fast in front of numberless attempts from different conquerors who tried to impose their own beliefs upon our people, shedding their blood in confessing the one true faith.

This is a tremendous statement for all of us, as we are all called to confess Christ in our daily life, in every word, deed and thought. Our faith is a living faith that goes beyond ethnicity and culture. We encounter this here, at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary. The blessing to study here enables me to experience our faith in a unique way. I come from All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago as my home parish, I live at a Greek Monastery, I study at an OCA Seminary, and I have a spiritual father who serves in ROCOR and is a convert.

We are all called to confess Christ in our daily life, in every word, deed and thought. Our faith is a living faith that goes beyond ethnicity and culture. We encounter this here, at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary. The blessing to study here enables me to experience our faith in a unique way.

We are all members of the One Holy, Catholic Church, no matter what our background is. While we come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, we remain Orthodox Christians that are formed for our tasks in the life of the Church, where we offer the talents God has bestowed upon us for the glory of His name and for the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Body of Christ has many members who speak different languages and have unique cultures.“Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Cor. 12:27) We meet in the Church and go beyond the individual language, ethnicity and culture; we experience Christ Who is “the same, yesterday, today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8)

Comfort Inn I-84, Exit 17 Lake Ariel, PA (570) 689-4148 www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa092

2012 TIKHONAIRE - THE RICH TAPESTRY OF ST. TIKHON’S

Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) Reader Gregory Levitsky

Coming from a parish background in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), I encountered several pleasant surprises upon coming to St. Tikhon’s.

My first impression was one of my own mistaken assumptions.

ROCOR’s main seminary, Holy Trinity in Jordanville, New York, is also paired with a monastery, although the seminarians there live virtually as monastics, eating meals with the monks, living in the monastic dormitory, and sharing obediences. I had prepared myself for readings from the Lives of the Saints and no meat at mealtimes for the next three years! What I found instead was an opportunity for lively discussions and making acquaintances over meals – during Great Lent, when we enjoy spiritual readings and eat lunch in silence, the importance of this discussion can be felt in light of its absence – the fellowship that seminarians share at mealtime is a central part of the day, and really frames one’s experience here.

A fellow freshman, a convert to Orthodoxy, approached me and asked my forgiveness – my being asked to read had caused him to be envious, and he apologized for judging me in his heart. I was absolutely blown away Second, I was given an opportunity to be deeply humbled. During the first few days of “freshman” orientation, I was randomly approached during the Liturgy and asked to read the Epistle that day. I read

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it and thought nothing of it. A day or two later, though, a fellow freshman, a convert to Orthodoxy, approached me (seemingly out of the blue) and asked my forgiveness – my being asked to read had caused him to be envious, and he apologized for judging me in his heart. I was absolutely blown away. Coming from a relatively insular Orthodox background (although I only came “back” to the Church in my mid-teens, my circle is one of mostly cradleOrthodox Christians), my experience with converts to Orthodoxy was fairly limited, and this fresh, pure attitude toward the faith hit home and woke me up the sincerity with which the seminarians here approach their responsibilities and their faith.

St. Tikhon’s has demonstrated what a dynamic, multi-jurisdictional, and vigorously American Orthodoxy might look like.

This would not be my last touching experience with convert classmates. I have not tired of telling anyone who asks about seminary, about the significant impressions made on me by those who have recently and conscientiously made the journey to Orthodoxy.

That includes those who have read more of the Fathers and the Lives of the Saints, who are more intimately familiar with the nuances of Church politics and Orthodox ethics, and who strive more diligently to live an Orthodox life of prayer and loving self-sacrifice.

Perhaps most significantly, as someone coming from a predominantly Russian émigré community, St. Tikhon’s has demonstrated what a dynamic, multijurisdictional, and vigorously American Orthodoxy might look like. Despite the occasional ribbing, there is no animosity between jurisdictions, and what stands out above all is a respect for what everyone’s background can bring to the table in our constant mission to win souls to Christ.

Family First Healthcare – Dr. John Schultz Weirton, WV • (304) 723-3967

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St. Tikhon’s

Hidden Dimension

A final reflection from third year seminarian, Fr. Nicklas Aiello The continuity of the last couple years at St. Tikhon’s is obvious: The progression of the remodeling and repairs − the change of the physical appearance that is so obvious.

However as I think about the last three years the thing that strikes me strongest is something you can’t see and isn’t taught, but is − and has always been − a significant part of the experience here for most of the students. It is also something I initially reacted against and frankly, rejected.

However in the years since that formative encounter I have to say I’ve come to look at the encounter differently. And in fairness to the young priest, I think I know what he meant and have even come to appreciate it. Not that the study or services are not important. The study and services are why (or should be why) we come to seminary − and should be the focus of our lives here. I think what he meant is that, unlike the studies and services, the place of friendship, of the fraternal bond that so many will experience, is not (and of course can not be) planned or structured as the study and services are.

During my first few weeks at St. Tikhon’s I had a very profound experience after the ordination of a new priest. It had been several years since I had seen an ordination and it was a particularly wonderful service. Afterwards as I was walking back to the dorm with a classmate we passed the newly ordained priest who was getting into his car. As we passed we asked for his blessing and he, seeing we were new seminarians, (himself a recent graduate) shared with us the fruit of the wisdom he had gleaned during the last three years: “The friendships you make here are more important than learning services and writing papers. Don’t get caught up studying and forget to develop relationships!” My immediate thought, and the one that remained with me for some time after that, was that whatever qualifications they were using for ordination to the priesthood weren’t working very well.

And yet the relational bond is in my opinion an extraordinarily important part of the seminary experience at St. Tikhon’s. Living for three school years apart from my wife, the biblical, theological and historical studies occupied my focus and attention and were invaluable. The services strengthened and enriched my soul and simply made the separation not only possible but enormously profitable. However the relationships, and not just the easy, enjoyable ones, but the challenging (even sometimes frustrating ones), provided a sense of purpose and calmed my heart. I’ve spent the last three years yearning to return home to my wife, but for the last few months as I’ve reflected on the reality that I’m about to leave here for good, what has occupied my thoughts and weighs on my heart, is parting from the strangers I met here three years ago that have become brothers to me − that I have grown to love.

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Weirton, WV

Articles

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ARTICLES - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

and students. The expectations I have are those that have been given by the Holy Orthodox Church and its teachings. We are expected at all times to be Christlike in conduct speech, thought, and practice. As a seminary community, we are expected to be the bastion of principle and virtue. We have to be vigilant in making certain that each of us behaves in a Christian manner in all we do and say and in how we treat each other.

My expectation is that everyone we come in contact with knows that we are Orthodox Christians and are doing what we have been commanded to do by our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Letter from Your Dean Fr. Alexander Atty

Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This year the theme for our annual Tikhonaire is Expectations – expectations of a bishop of his priests, a parishioner of his priest, and a seminarian of his potential priesthood.

We are expected at all times to be Christ-like in conduct speech, thought, and practice. As a seminary community, we are expected to be the bastion of principle and virtue.

As the Dean of this seminary, I also have expectations – expectations of the administration, faculty, staff,

The Church gives us the perfect recipe liturgically, but that which we have been given in our Liturgy is not a checklist for us to do and mark off as done. We have to internalize all that is taught, sung, and prayed in our Liturgy. To study here or work here we have to be the living example of the Gospel. We find that often times we are not the example that we should be. As a former parish priest of over thirty years, I have found in some instances humble people in parish life are more humble than those of us that “know” more or claim to know more. My expectation is that everyone we come in contact with knows that we are Orthodox Christians and are doing what we have been commanded to do by our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The entire Church has a right to have that expectation of all of us. The bar is raised high and the cost of not fulfilling it too much for any of us to pay.

We must rise up to meet the challenge that is before us and to exceed expectations – all of us!

With love in Christ, V. Rev. D. Alexander Atty, D. Min. Dean & C.O.O.

2012 TIKHONAIRE - OUR EXPECTATIONS OF THE PRIEST

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Our Expectations Of the Priest

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE of A BISHOP “Thou Art A Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek” His Grace, Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America

I have been asked to address my expectations for those who serve in this Diocese as deacons and priests. The last few weeks as I have been visiting parishes, I have spoken on this subject a number of times to clergy and laity. I believe that you will find my expectations somewhat different than those who send their seminarians to be educated, as well as those who come of their own desire. I have been charged with preparing my clergy and laity for service in the Kingdom of God. This means service in the Kingdom of God, both in the church militant and church triumphant. I see our churches being a hospital for sinners, of whom I am chief. This being the case, I come to the clergy as a sinner and I send others to the clergy so that they might be made whole and pleasing to God. It is my expectation that the clergy of this Diocese will be ministering the sacraments to strengthen the faithful and empower them to perfect the world around them.

The clergy and the laity of this Diocese are expected to mirror Christ and His Saints so that those who are looking for the Kingdom of God will be attracted to it by their presence. We are a sacramental Church and thus this is a sacramental Diocese.

I see our churches being a hospital for sinners, of whom I am chief. This being the case, I come to the clergy as a sinner and I send others to the clergy so that they might be made whole and pleasing to God. I expect the priests and deacons of this Diocese to serve the liturgical services of the church and take what the liturgical life of the church has offered them to the area which they are assigned to. To the Orthodox, this means not only preaching the Good News with word and deed, but giving the sacraments both within the parish and outside of the parish if a person’s situation does not allow them to come to church. The priest and the deacon can teach in the traditional manner, but their teaching must take flesh in what they do. If they are successful in this, then as a matter of fact, that which they have received from the liturgical life of the church can also positively

Saint Mary Orthodox Church www.stmarysnativity.org 217 First St. Coaldale, PA 18218

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affect those people who have not become Orthodox, but are waiting for the Orthodox to invite them.

I think it would be good here to offer a model day in the life of an Orthodox clergyman. Every day must begin with prayer. Ideally, this can be the morning private prayers followed by the offering of a liturgical service for the faithful. At the conclusion of this service, the clergyman, by use of the many forms of media available in our world today, can speak to the faithful with a daily spiritual message. He can also answer questions of individuals by use of the internet and technology.

Every day must begin with prayer.

Ideally, this can be the morning private prayers followed by the offering of a liturgical service for the faithful.

From here, depending on the time of year, the clergyman can begin his day of visitation. This can include home blessings, hospital visits, spending time with shut-ins, social visits, and more. This offers the laity the opportunity to be refreshed, renewed, and informally confessed. Time during the day should be given for moments of prayer that can coincide with the daily hours prescribed by the Church. Once again, ideally, evening service can be offered, possibly concluding with teaching time and social gatherings which can be offered at the church as people return from work and school. In these evening hours, it is most important that the clergy maintain their own personal church in their homes.

Married clergy must be attentive to their family’s spiritual health. The clergyman, his wife, and their children must do what is necessary to maintain their own spiritual health. Time should be set aside in the evening before the day ends with prayers before sleep. What I have offered here can and must be adjusted by the personal circumstance of the specific clergyman. What is most important is that we listen for what God commands us to do. We must be open to His Word and obedient to His command.

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE of A LAYMAN Expectations of a Parish Council Member for a New Priest Edward Hojnicki, Jr.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Recently I was asked by Fr. Alexander Atty to write this article on the expectations of a parish council member for their newly assigned priest. At first I was very eager and happy to do this. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized what an undertaking this was on such an important and at times intense topic. Hopefully with an open mind from the reader, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will be able to convey some helpful points from “this side” of parish ministry. I don’t want to be overly harsh and step on toes, but Fr. Alexander asked for my honest opinion, and so I will be as open and honest as I can in the hope that it can be beneficial to all!

Hopefully with an open mind from the reader, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will be able to convey some helpful points from “this side” of parish ministry.

I will start off by saying that I was born and raised in the Orthodox Church and have served the Church in various capacities since I was in my 20’s. Each experience brought its own challenges and obstacles in attempting to serve the parish. I don’t think my opinions are one sided because my son is a priest, the Rector of Holy Apostles Mission in Mechanicsburg, PA, so I have experience and have been exposed to both sides of the fence, so to speak.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord 228 North 12th St. Brooklyn, NY 11211

2012 TIKHONAIRE - OUR EXPECTATIONS OF THE PRIEST

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As a young adult in the 1970’s, a product of mostly Slavonic services, I did not find much in my Church that was relevant to me. It was only by the dedication, encouragement, and perseverance of a newly ordained priest who took an interest in his “lost sheep” and who made sure that we all understood what all of this meant that I became involved. For this I am eternally grateful. He was not a pushover by any means, but we also knew without a doubt that he loved us, and challenged us to be better Christians. While many times it was difficult, and at times feelings were hurt, ultimately he taught us that through the Cross joy comes into the world. I firmly feel our parish, and my understanding and participation in the life of the Church were saved through his priestly ministry.

He has to spend all his time at the Church, but always be visiting hospitals, nursing homes and the shut-ins and college campuses. He is also expected to devote all his time to his parish, but be a good husband and father, too.

He has to be Orthodox to the core, but not too strict on his

So, what does a parish expect of their new priest? Since a priest is not “hired” by a parish, but assigned by their diocesan bishop, the arrangement is like an arranged marriage. The bishop, knowing his parish and his priest, pairs them together with the hope that this “marriage” will blossom. When this is done well, there is a union that blossoms into a community of love and trust where the priest truly serves as a father to his children, and in return the people love and respect him. The flip side is also true.

Sometimes there are issues from the get go causing stress and problems for all involved. Regardless, the priest and the parish council need to work together. There is only one way, the way of Christ!

Since a priest is not “hired” by a parish, but assigned by their diocesan bishop, the arrangement is like an arranged marriage.

Sometimes in a parish the expectations for a newly assigned priest are too high. Some expectations are that the priest needs to be young and energetic but have much experience. He has to have a nice voice, but not be showy, he has to know everything theological, be a CPA, and have general contractor credentials. He is expected to be able to help everyone with every problem that they might have.

“Some men go into seminary wanting to be like God, and some priests come out thinking they are.” Some people also think that they are the employers, and the priest is the employee. This is wrong too! people. We read this and chuckle, but so many times we think this way. In a similar manner, many times a priest comes into a parish expecting to teach these “backwards people” how to be Orthodox… as if we weren’t doing it for the last 90 some years… I was once told by an old friend and priest that “some men go into seminary wanting to be like God, and some priests come out thinking they are.”

Think about it! Some people also think that they are the employers, and the priest is the employee. This is wrong too!

One important expectation should be that people want to be taught. People want to learn. Unfortunately all too often how this is accomplished seems to be the dilemma.

New priests come into parishes and before they know their people, they change the way things are done. I told my son to visit his people and learn who they are before trying to lead them towards something greater. If you don’t know them, how can you even begin to help them?

Everyone knows the horror stories where the priest comes in and changes the way things are done. Granted if there is something sinful or just plain heretical it would be expected that those things would be stopped. But when it is just a local tradition that a new priest might not like, a hasty change can be the end of a honeymoon and the beginning of a world of pain for everyone involved.

Holy Spirit Orthodox Church

102 Rt. 284 Wantage, NJ • www.holyspiritorthodox.org

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How many damaged relationships between a priest and his people came over something that was ultimately inconsequential? Timing is everything. People expect to be taught by their priest. More than that, people want to be loved. If they feel they are loved, they would do anything if asked! It would be so much more effective to lovingly teach the people, and explain over time so the community understands what is happening. From personal experience, when this is done, the people initiate the necessary change because their father in Christ would have brought them to this understanding.

be taught why something is wrong. I was once told by my dad when I first became an officer in the Fire Department, that an officer is respected if he is firm, but fair. A priest should teach their people and never assume, and not just dictate orders. Understandably there will be good and bad times, however the priest and the parish need to strive to communicate and work together to avoid a “divorce.”

If one willing to serve the Church cannot take criticism, then he should not become a priest. Even our Lord didn’t have a 100% approval rating…

Fr. Alexander, in his article in the recent St. Tikhon’s Seminary Advocate says that, “the ability to listen is one of the most important social skills that a person can hope to acquire in his or her lifetime.” The parish council wants the priest to listen to them, to hear their concerns and complaints, and to help them. People need a priest to listen to them. No one wants to be talked down to, or barked at. People need to have a fatherly ear to listen to them and lead them towards Christ. Feedback is important so both the priest and the parish council can recognize the problem and work together to come to a solution. Having established the relationship where they know and love one another, then this feedback can be done in an open and honest way to recognize problems, exchange ideas, and stay informed. Expression of one’s thoughts and ideas allows for learning and understanding each other. People expect the priest to have a thick skin. If one willing to serve the Church cannot take criticism, then he should not become a priest. Even our Lord didn’t have a 100% approval rating…

Now there is nothing wrong with a priest being firm. We expect that! What is needed and what people expect is that if there is a concern or an issue that requires the father of the community to assert himself, people need to

I ask you not to judge my words, but to listen to what I have offered as thoughts for a journey. I leave the newly assigned priest these final thoughts: When you go to your new parish, remember this: We are God’s children that have been given to your care. We want to learn! Love us, teach us, but before you change anything take the time to know your people. Teach your parish about the changes that need to be made, give change time, be patient with us, and treat us the same way you want to be treated. Love your people and they will do anything for you. If your intent is to “rule” them, expect some friction, and possibly apply for the “see the country” plan in your parish ministry… The marriage will work if God is put first and decisions are based on what is best for the entire community.

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE of A SEMINARIAN “I am not worthy, Lord, to be here, but do for me whatever your love wishes.”

Seminarian Jeff Morrison

“I am not worthy, Lord, to be here, but do for me whatever your love wishes.” –from a letter written by Elder Porphyrios in Wounded by Love, just before his repose As I was standing in the dimly lit St. Tikhon’s monastery church for a Lenten service recently, both grateful and

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 1018 Barber Lane Joliet, IL 60435

2012 TIKHONAIRE - OUR EXPECTATIONS OF THE PRIEST burdened in my heart, this wondrous prayer came to me.

It is possibly my favorite prayer and one I often reflect on in times of doubt or hardship.

“I am not worthy, Lord, to be here…”

At the word "here" I stopped and considered what that meant precisely. Currently completing my second year as a seminary student, by a divine mystery of God’s calling–“you and your family are supposed to be here, Jeff”– and as a response and a choice I made, to move across the country from Colorado Springs with my wife, Patti, and our three young children.

“I am not worthy, Lord, to be here…”

I am not worthy to be here– to be here specifically at the seminary, as a seminary student. I am not worthy of the life I have been given, to be alive and breathing and blessed. I am not worthy… AND, even so, I can trust God’s love for me, and surrender myself to it, to Him, to His plan, that we are working out together.

He respects my freedom so much that He doesn't force me to do anything. But as I pray this simple prayer of Elder Porphyrios, I am asking Him to come, to guide and direct, to fill and heal my steps.

81 "How am I supposed to remember all of the deacon's movements, and petitions, and where to walk when… although we do have a book. But what if I forget my book?"

"My priest back at home seems to know and remember all this church history stuff as he talks to people, not to mention all the nuances of world religions and worldviews… but I am fairly certain I can't remember a good part of last semester's history class, and that was just a fragment…"

In other words, the spiritual weight of our unworthiness is combined with weights of the logistical "nuts and bolts" realities of ordination. This is combined with the "under the spotlight" expectations others will have of us as clergy, and the reality that our families will also be under a spotlight. Not to mention the fact that we'll be dealing with PEOPLE, and even the people-people here feel overwhelmed by this at times. We feel the burden of ordination… but, our overwhelmed feelings can lead us to genuinely pray and move towards healing and hope:

The priest must know that God is LOVE, and that He relates to us out of the reality of His love for us. With this knowledge, with this experience of God in our lives, we have great hope, and can surrender all things to Him with peaceful confidence.

This is where I start any reflection of what I, a seminary student, think a priest should be like. I am trying to make the Elder’s prayer my simple motto for these seminary years, and for all of my life. I believe that this attitude is the prevailing one among my brothers here at the school.

We understand ourselves as unworthy of the task. Not in a manufactured way because we believe "That is how we should feel," but with a genuine and reflective humility that comes only from being very aware of the reality of sin and our deep need for God. As if that awareness weren't enough to make us truly wrestle with ordination, there are plenty of other things that could derail us, such as:

"I am not worthy, Lord, to be here…"

Equally, the truth revealed in the second half of Porphyrios’ prayer needs to be anchored in our heart and mind: “…but do for me whatever Your love wishes.”

The priest must know that God is LOVE, and that He relates to us out of the reality of His love for us. With this knowledge, with this experience of God in our lives, we have great hope, and can surrender all things to Him with peaceful confidence. A priest must know and live in and out of the love of God. He must daily surrender his life, his parish, his family, his plans and hopes, all to God who is Love.

Orthodox Church of St. Herman of Alaska

133 W. Broad St. Shillington, PA 19607 (610) 777-3553

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A profound confidence in the love of God, and a daily willingness to surrender to Him is the only way to survive the immense challenges of ordination. There is nothing easy about cultivating, living out, and genuinely living this way. And yet we, as seminarians, must press on with determination along this path of God-centered living.

is the reality and the one thing needful that is so challenging to consider for me personally. This is why the themes of Elder Porphyrios’ prayer are so crucial.

To be sure, the Elder’s prayer and these principles apply to all Christians. But the priest as shepherd of the flock, as intercessor, as celebrant of the Divine mysteries, and as representative of Christ on the planet in an obvious form, must all the more seek to embody the prayer.

The beautiful and healing weightiness of the priesthood is presented to us quite effectively here at the seminary. We are taught in the classroom about the priesthood, and we can watch many priests in action all around us. The vivid reality of priestly duties in the liturgical life of the Church happens daily just up the road from the classrooms in the monastery church. We watch the awesome wonder of the priests with the bread and the wine, the Body and Blood of our Lord. We are aware of the confessions happening regularly in a number of places in the church, and of the amazing role the priest plays in this life-saving gift. We, too, partake of it regularly here. We see the priest at baptisms, crownings, and funerals, and recognize the profound significance of his role.

Who the priest is, his relationship with God, his love for others and for the world, is vital to any other actions he would perform. This is the reality and the one thing needful that is so challenging…

However, I am realizing more and more that the priesthood is much more than what he does liturgically and sacramentally, although the importance of these things cannot be overstated. Who the priest is, his relationship with God, his love for others and for the world, is vital to any other actions he would perform. This

Yeselavage Rug

577 Main St. Eynon, PA 18403

The bar for the priesthood is so high, as are the stakes— human beings and their eternal destiny. But the priestly challenge becomes inviting and more attractive when we remember how much God loves His creation, and particularly humanity, and how that love ties in so enormously to the role of the priest. St. John of Kronstadt had this to say to pastors of the Church:

Remember that to God man is a great, precious being, but that this great creature, after having fallen into sin, became an infirm creature, subject to thousands of weaknesses. Love him, honor, him, but at the same time bear with his infirmities, weaknesses, passions and pain. – My Life in Christ The mercy and love of God is so profound for His lost sheep, the people that He has created and is calling back home. The priest is meant to represent Him, to be His voice, to love and courageously call God’s sons and daughters to come back home. God will give this kind of love to the priest, and will help him. But he must understand this purpose of the priesthood, and embrace it, trusting in God to help him daily to fulfill his duty to love.

And so I come back to where I started. Truly, God through the Elder’s prayer enables me to stay here at the seminary.

It is my hope that God will help and enable all current and future priests to join the Elder in heartfelt, genuine prayer, in order that we all may live out and share the hope of the Gospel to all the ends of the earth.

“I am not worthy, Lord, to be here, but do for me whatever Your love wishes."

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Interviews

Exclusive interviews from this year

AN INTERVIEW with FR. ALEXANDER ATTY

Q. Could you explain for our Antiochian readers how a priest in our Archdiocese came to serve as the Dean and COO of a seminary for the Orthodox Church in America (OCA)?

In His Own Words

A. Firstly I should point out how passionately I believe in Orthodox unity in America. The Church of God is one. The only time there is ever an obstacle to that unity it’s because man has placed it there. When the Board of Trustees here asked me to consider becoming Dean of the Seminary any hesitation I had didn’t come from jurisdictional questions. My only hesitation was having to leave my parish in Louisville. I am closer to some of the people at St. Michael’s than I am to some of my own family members. We built something wonderful there. It took a lot of hard work and it took a lot of time but when I left there was a healthy vibrant parish filled with faithful who loved God and weren’t afraid of doing the work necessary to get results. So make no mistake, I am proud of my heritage. I was born in the Antiochian Church, ordained, served, brought up my children, and will eventually be buried there.

Ginny Nieuwsma, Editor, oca.org & antiochian.org Q. Fr. Alexander, these last few years have presented you with daunting health challenges. How are you doing these days?

A. Really depends on who you ask. For my own piece of mind I’ve limited myself to only the opinions of my doctors. This last scan I had done showed remarkable improvement. The doctors were pleased but determined to keep at this thing until they were satisfied that they had this thing beat. I have some of the best doctors in country working on this but that’s only half the job. Many, many people have my situation in mind when they sit down at home to do their prayers or when they are commemorating the names of the sick before the Holy Chalice. I believe that it is because of their prayers and faithfulness that I am showing signs of improvement. I feel my strength returning every day, my mind and heart are focused, and I feel a profound resolve to continue working for the betterment of St. Tikhon’s Seminary as long as I have breath in my body.

Q. We notice that you do a great deal of speaking–5 retreats in March alone! What topics do you focus on in your talks, and what do you learn as you interact with the faithful in parishes throughout the US and Canada?

A. It is important that the Dean of the school visit with the faithful. Many of the faculty members also go to the

Clergy and Faithful of the Frackville Deanery (OCA) Diocese of Eastern PA.

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parishes as does the mission choir. This gives the school a much more broad exposure among the faithful. I give talks based on my education and experience. Talks on parish growth, parish management, living the faith, I have been asked to hold clergy retreats and speak on what it means to be a good pastor. Being a good pastor to the people of God is the theme that runs through any of the talks I give. If you are a good pastor, if you really love and take care of your people, the parish will rise up to meet your effort and you will have a successful parish. This is why St. Tikhon’s has always been particularly significant to me and my family. If you look at its beginning you will notice that it wasn’t created by some formal decree, it happened organically as a result of need and the acknowledgement of that came several years later. The parishes needed pastors, the faithful built a place to educate those pastors, they uniquely situated the place at a monastery, they brought in educators and then they sent those men out into parishes to love and protect the people of God. I am honestly not sure it ever had to be more complicated than that. As I travel I always stop to make mental notes of the different parishes I visit. I am encouraged by what I see. There is a very vibrant atmosphere in the parishes I visit, I see it everywhere I go, but especially in the Antiochian parishes I have been asked to visit. I find it greatly encouraging.

responsibility. I have many other “hats” that I am required to wear here but they all make me very tired. This is the “hat” that rejuvenates and strengthens me.

The staff at St. Tikhon’s Seminary is very important to me.

They have a youthful energy and passion for what is right.

Much like the faculty, they want to see this place flourish and be the best it can possibly be. They believe in it so much that, in many ways, they sacrifice their entire lives to ensure it. This is a remarkable type of dedication in this day and age. You cannot simply put an ad in the paper to find that type of dedication. It is this dedication that keeps me motivated. It helps me to wear my less favorite “hats.” It helps me find the strength to be on the road every weekend, to talk to donors, to plan events, to schedule appointments etc.

The greatest single challenge for orthodox seminarians today is the same for parish priests; everything has to be held in tension and all given their proper place.

Q. What are your primary responsibilities as STOTS Dean and COO, and how important is your staff in the accomplishing of these goals?

A. The responsibility that I enjoy the most is working hands on with the students. I make every attempt to impart any wisdom I have managed to acquire by the Grace of God that might contribute in some way to their formation. Hopefully they can learn from experienced advice and save themselves from any unnecessary strife or difficulty. I stress to them the same things I emphasize in my talks; pastoring the people of God. It is a very serious

A. Fr. David Hester and Fr. Anthony Sabbaugh also instruct here. Fr. David Hester teaches courses in Liturgics and occasionally courses in philosophy and church history and Fr. Anthony instructs the Antiochian students in Byzantine Chant.

Q. Describe for our readers the greatest challenges facing today's seminarians. How can parishioners support them, as well as their families, throughout their years of study?

A. The greatest single challenge for orthodox seminarians today is the same for parish priests; its balance. Marriage, interior life, studies, speaking engagements, finances… all these things have to be held in tension and all given their proper place. It can be difficult for anyone. The Antiochian Archdiocese has a very good support system in place for paying student tuition, but this doesn’t begin to address the personal expenses. Between the academic and service schedule it is nearly impossible for students to hold even part time employment. Almost always the seminarian wife

Saint Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral Allison Park, PA

Q. Are there other Antiochians involved with the work being done at St. Tikhon's?

2012 TIKHONAIRE - INTERVIEWS is unable to find employment because her attention is required at home with the children. This is why almost every student is reliant on either their parish community or family and friends to support them in some way financially while they are here.

There are many programs set up but the one that stands out is the “Adopt a Seminarian” Program that was started several years ago. $7500 a year or $3250 a semester will pay for a seminarian education. Many parishes show their support around Christmas time by purchasing gifts for the family. There is a place on our website to donate, just make sure and include the name of the student if it is for a particular one. You can also just drop a check in the mail.

Q. What gives you the greatest hope, as you work with the students at St. Tikhon's?

A. The zeal and passion of young people and also their blind optimism. As a priest of 36 years this is where I receive my hope for our future. It inspires me to not get frustrated when the difficulties come. St. Tikhon’s students are very unique and they always have been. They leave their families, jobs, and support systems to come here to our very remote location. The winters are cold, the sun goes away for what seems like months at a time, though this past winter wasn’t so bad thankfully, but still they come here despite financial difficulties, despite everything and they do what hundreds of men and women before them have done; they overcome. This ability to meet and overcome adversity is evident once they move into a parish situation. The monastic presence in our community is by far the single greatest contributor when it comes to that particular aspect of their formation. The significance of being able to witness that life of sacrifice, to see their faithfulness day in and day out is inspiring to us all. The ability to have a real encounter with this monastic presence in their everyday lives is something unique to the spiritual formation of St. Tikhon’s students.

Fr. Alexander I would like to thank you once again for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions.

It was my pleasure I am always open to conversations like these. Let me know if there is ever anything else you’d like answered in the future.

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AN INTERVIEW with STOTS ALUMNUS, FR. ADAM SEXTON An Interview with Fr. Adam

Christopher Patton, STOTS Media & Public Affairs On the morning of Sunday, March 4, 2012 the rectory of the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Nanticoke, PA caught fire while the priest, Fr. Adam Sexton (STOTS 2008), his family, and their entire parish community were only a few yards away inside the Church. On Tuesday, April 3, 2012 Fr. Adam sat down with a member of the St. Tikhon’s Community to describe what happened and to tell us how even in a moment of certain tragedy, God’s Grace will sustain us and turn tragedy into opportunity.

Q. Fr. Adam I know you have told this story many times in the past few weeks but I was hoping that you could take us through the events of the fire again for those who might be hearing about it for the first time.

A. It was the morning of March 4th and we had just finished the Anaphora. For your non-Orthodox readers that is the place where the Holy Spirit descends and in some ineffable way the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. This is the most solemn and prayerful part of the entire service which is why I was surprised when my oldest came running into the altar and from the side he was waving at me indicating he needed my attention. At first I ignored him because this was not his first time serving in the altar and he should have known better. My son always serves as and acolyte with me and it is a source of great joy for me that he does so, however, today for some reason he had decided to be a pest and wouldn’t stop waving his arms around.

After a couple minutes of this when it was time for the choir to sing I took a couple steps over to where he was standing. I remember thinking at the time that I was going to have to offer some gentle

Reverend Fr. Vasily Gilbert (Class of ’79) & Matushka Nancy Gilbert

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It was at this point that I looked back to my oldest and said, “Is it really on fire?”

“Yes!” It was at that point that I said, “Well, go tell your mother.” correction to him. This is where he blurted out “The house is burning!” Now it’s important to understand that my son is one of those personalities where “all too many things” matter a great deal to him. He is a worrying personality so sometimes I give a different priority when he brings me a message of doom than I would if someone else were to. I look out of the corner of my eye and I can see through the window that a number of men are walking around outside in the customary yellow and black outfits of the Nanticoke Volunteer Fire Department. It was at this point that I looked back to my oldest and said, “Is it really on fire?”

“Yes!” he said, obviously frustrated that I hadn’t listened sooner. It was at that point that I said, “Well, go tell your mother.”

The irony is it was that comment that everyone keyed in on as if I was some brave soldier who refused to leave his post, but as you can see that wasn’t exactly the complete story.

Q. It’s because the “Brave soldier refusing to leave his post in the face of adversity” story makes much better television than “discerning father in middle of important task reacts with caution to child noted to occasionally cry wolf.”

A. (Laughing) Yes, I suppose I would be less likely to read that paper.

Q. Also, I have to take exception with one of your details because you said that “The irony is it was that comment…” and the true irony of the situation is how you know what colors are customary for the Nanticoke Volunteer Fire…”

A. Oh yes! Did I leave that out? (Laughing) Yes, it is worth mentioning that I also am a volunteer with the Nanticoke

Volunteer Fire Department. Best fire department this side of the Mississippi.

Q. Best for the money, anyhow.

A. (Laughing) Yes, precisely.

Q. So now it’s to which point in the service?

A. It was to where I shut the Royal Doors and begin priest communion. This is when I looked back to my son and said “Is everyone out?” “I think Josiah is still in there,” he said. As a parent, that makes your heart just stop as you might imagine. If there was a moment where I would have considered “leaving my post” it would have been at the thought of some harm coming to one of my children.

That’s when I told him to tell his mother to come over to the side where I could whisper to her and I said, “Do you have all the kids?” She said that she did so we picked up the service where we left off.

When I took out the chalice to the people I announced, “In case you aren’t aware that noise outside is just the rectory burning down, but everyone is out and accounted for and we are all safe. But what I need from each and every person here is to please say a little prayer for the men that are over there right now risking their lives.”

Q. Do they know what caused the fire yet?

A. Apparently it was some kind of malfunction with the water heater. It ended up setting the entire basement on fire. The rectory is a very typical type of construction for this area. They call it “balloon-frame” and because the way in which the walls were made it makes it very easy for fire

This is when I looked back to my son and asked,“Is everyone out?” “I think Josiah is still in there,” he said. to travel anywhere and everywhere. Luckily, in our case, the fire only made it up to the second floor. Anyone who has been through a bad house fire knows it’s not the fire necessarily, but the smoke that does the most damage.

In Loving Memory of William, Mary Jane & Tanya Gilbert

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Especially when the fire department has such a good response time, like they do in Nanticoke.

Q. Best volunteer fire department in the country?

A. For the money. (Laughing) Q. So after communion of the faithful what happened?

A. Well, this was the Sunday of Orthodoxy and it was time for the procession around the Church, but I also knew that marching with heavy icons over wet ground with Sunday dress shoes and tripping over hoses would have made an awkward situation even more awkward so we did the procession inside the building.

I also installed my new parish council that day and got to stand before them and say, “This is where I make the baptism by fire joke.”

I also installed my new parish council that day and got to stand before them and say, “This is where I make the baptism by fire joke.”

Q. (Laughing) Well, they did certainly get to hit the ground running with the amount of work they immediately had to begin doing on the very first day. I imagine a lot of detail work goes into the recovery from something like that. Between looking at plans and speaking with contractors to making arrangements for you and your family, they certainly have their work cut out for them.

A. And there are no better people suited for that than my council. When we were in seminary I can remember hearing horror stories of just awful situations between priests and parish councils. By the Grace of God, we have been spared that in Nanticoke. They are a fine group of people and I am honored to serve the Church with them.

They have rallied around the situation in way that can only be described as miraculous and I appreciate them greatly for it.

Q. Which brings me to my next point - the outpouring of love and generosity that has come to help you and your parish community as a result of the fire has been nothing short of a miracle. The donations began coming in to the school the same day we posted the article online and today we presented you with checks and donations totaling over $30,000. That is just what we managed to raise here at the seminary. Were you surprised at the way the people responded to this situation?

A. In many ways I was. I wasn’t surprised that people helped, I expected that they would but the part that surprised me was both the speed and magnitude by which they responded. I made the joke already that the fire wasn’t even out yet and we had just stacks and stack of clothes and food. It was as if they had it sitting at home already and just had to walk down the street to gather a very impressive amount of disaster relief. My wife and I aren’t really accustomed to being fussed over. We have learned to live within our means and to stretch a dollar so in some ways learning to just step back and accept generosity was the biggest struggle in the beginning, for us personally.

Q. How have you learned to allow for that and why.

A. Someone whose council I appreciate greatly took me aside after I mentioned that our insurance money would more than pay for this and told me “This isn’t about you.”

“You have no right to try to control the process going on in these people’s lives.” He was correct and I hadn’t even considered it. Some people look for excuses not to give, but the real miracle is that some people are looking for excuses to give. Some who haven’t been to a service in years have shown up or sent in their support or have mailed a thoughtful letter. If I have learned anything from my time at St. Tikhon’s it that when you are in the presence of a miracle it’s better to get out of the way as much as possible and not try to control it. My family and I are so thankful for this outpouring of love and generosity.

Q. Now that the excitement of a shared crisis is over, do you believe the same people will continue to be active in the parish? Do you believe that this tragedy will serve as a

Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church

98 W. 28th St. Bayonne, NJ 07002 • (201) 779-0489

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springboard for renewal in your parish and the surrounding area?

A. Are you asking me if this literal fire will light a metaphorical fire under people?

Q. (Laughing) Yes, that would be one way to put it.

A. (Laughing) I am honestly not sure if we are even “out of the frying pan” yet. We still have a long way to go with the rebuilding. Maybe this will serve as fresh starting point

The rebuilding process will be slow and laborious and will involve lots of meeting and planning committees but that’s okay. It is within the minutia of life that we find our salvation. for some, and then again maybe it will not. I’m not sure it will change the direction of the parish either way. I love and care about these people with everything in me. I am honored to serve them in the capacity I currently am and will continue to put my all into it. But you are correct in that the rebuilding process will be slow and laborious and will involve lots of meeting and planning committees but that’s okay. It is within the minutia of life that we find our salvation. Salvation is most assuredly an “our” and “we” dynamic and not an “I” and “mine”; I am honored to go through this hardship with the people here at St. John’s.

My job is not to use this as a way to get people back to Church. My job is to simply love and serve the people of God and this I will gratefully do for the rest of my days.

I want to thank you for taking this time to speak with us so candidly about this episode in the history of your parish. I am certain that many people will find your optimism in the face of diversity very refreshing and gain a sense of encouragement from being able to observe our conversation.

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 67 Saratoga St. Cohoes, NY 12047

Be sure to read more in our online edition of the Tikhonaire:

www.stots.edu/tikhonaire

Progress

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Seminary Under Construction Latest news about renovations at the seminary

THE SEMINARY’S NEW PUBLIC FACE July, 2011 Construction begins.

July, 2011 The old main entrance to the seminary building: Entire portions of the seminary had to be sectioned off while the construction was underway.

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July, 2011 The overhang in front of the north entrance being torn off by the bulldozer.

July, 2011 All three porches were removed for the construction of new entrance ways.

July, 2011 The north entrance concrete foundation had to be completely redone.

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July, 2011 The new foundation laid for the new main entrance

August, 2011 The old, leaky roof was found to be structurally unsafe. New supports were built and old, worn out shingles were removed

August, 2011 A new, energy-efficient tin roof began to be installed.

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August, 2011 Scored concrete on the side of the building prepare for stones to be overlaid.

August, 2011 New sidewalks were laid, connecting all three entrances and providing a safe walkway beside the main road in front of the seminary.

October, 2011 New entrance-ways, stone stairways and container walls around the south side of the building underway.

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October, 2011 New entrances near completion.

November, 2011 South side entrance completed.

November, 2011 Interior of main entrance nears completion.

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November, 2011 The original cornerstones placed prominently in the main entrance they remain a lasting and visible sign of the school's heritage.

November, 2011 The construction of the circles to hold the seminary seal over the main entrance way.

November, 2011 Woodwork is placed above main entrance way.

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December, 2011 All new lighting adorns the front of the seminary building.

January, 2012 Resident iconographer, Ivan Roumiantsev, presents Fr. Alexander with the completed new seminary seal that will adorn the entrance.

January, 2012 After six months the renovations to the public face of the building are complete.

Before After

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RENOVATIONS INSIDE THE BUILDING

August 1, 2011 – A group of faithful from St. Andrew's Parish in Baltimore, MD visited the seminary assist with the building renovations.

August 11, 2011 – The hallway in the Administrative wing was repainted and each of the doors replaced.

Largely thanks to last year’s seminarian construction crew, led by Director of Buildings & Grounds, Vasili Dubee, here is one of the remodeled offices in the administrative hallway.

The guest room hallway was also remodeled.

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December, 2011 The new dining hall underway.

The wood for the trim of the newly remodeled dining hall was purchased from a local supplier.

January, 2012 James Constable and his sons Daniel and Matthias: Constable owns a contracting company in Warrenton, VA and mentioned feeling compelled to give of his talents to assist with some of our renovation projects after hearing Fr. Alexander speak at his parish.

February, 2012 The seminary’s first meal together in the newly completed dining hall on February 13. Seating capacity is triple that of the old dining area.

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Married Student Housing Program The Next Phase of Growth As many of you may be aware of by now, St. Tikhon’s is at the beginning of a major improvement campaign to raise money for married student housing. This has been a priority for this institution for several years now and represents the next phase of growth for our seminary community.

Currently, upon moving to St. Tikhon’s, new married students and their families must search for and find properties to rent or purchase for the duration of their three years at seminary. This is difficult to do as most, if not all the students move from a considerable distance. To further complicate things, there is very little housing immediately around the seminary. Usually students must find housing several miles away from the seminary grounds, meaning they will spend at least half an hour of every day in the car driving to and from seminary.

For the last several years, the seminary has worked with incoming married students to find rental properties that are suitable for their family’s needs.

While this has worked out well for a few of the families, others end up in situations where they end up overpaying for the property, or they find themselves having to contact the landlord for repairs.

The Married Student Housing Program solves all of these problems by providing clean, spacious, and affordable housing right down the road from the seminary grounds.

This project requires a tremendous amount of resources though, and will require that those in the Church do their part to ensure for the long term sustainability of the program.

We have recently mailed to our supporters a brochure that was developed over the past several months, in tandem with a promotional video that was unveiled at the most recent Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) Convention in Washington, DC. Already the amount of support for this project has been very encouraging. Since the development of both the flyer and the video, FOCA has pledged $300,000 to the endeavor and has taken their place as the second of our two “Cultivator” level supporters – for this we are eternally grateful. The FOCA organization has been a tremendously generous supporter of our institution in the past and with this most recent gift has provided us with a very good start to this long-overdue campus enrichment project.

Please take a moment to look at the brochure included on the next two pages and prayerfully consider your or your parish’s participation in this very necessary seminary program.

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Founders, Benefactors, and Beautifiers

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY BOARD of TRUSTEES

President: The Most-Blessed Jonah (Paffhausen), M.Div, M.Th., Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada Vice-President: The Right Reverend Tikhon (Mollard), M.Div., Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, Rector of St. Tikhon’s Seminary Chief Operating Officer: The Very Reverend Alexander Atty, D.Min., Dean, St. Tikhon’s Seminary Secretary: Leda Dzwonczyk Treasurer: David Jarrett Ex Officio: The Very Reverend John A. Jillions, D. Min., Ph.D., Chancellor, Orthodox Church in America The Very Reverend Theodore Boback, President, Alumni Association The Very Reverend Igumen Sergius (Bowyer), M.Div. Representative, St. Tikhon’s Monastery

Members: The Right Reverend Michael (Dahulich), Ph.D. Bishop of New York and New Jersey Alexander Bratic, J.D. Paul Chernay The Very Reverend Kunnathu P. Geevarghese, M.D. Matushka Nancy Gilbert Michael G. Herzak, Chair The Very Reverend Emilian Hutnyan John Malinchok The Very Reverend Joseph Martin George Nakonetschny Ron Royhab Henry Sawaged John P. Schultz, M.D. Eli Stavisky, D.M.D., F.I.C.D., F.A.C.D., Vice-chair Matushka Nina Stroyen, Ph.D. Protodeacon Michael Wusylko, M.D. The Very Reverend Daniel Donlick, Trustee Emeritus The Very Reverend Sergei Glagolev, Trustee Emeritus Walter Palchik, Trustee Emeritus The Very Rev. Yaroslav Sudick, Ph.D., D.D. Trustee Emeritus

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St. Tikhon’s Century Association 41

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 three years, “Hospitality a la Russe” has been a very successful event featuring food, fun, fellowship, and concerts by the Kovriga Balalaika Orchestra and the Podoben Chorus.

--------------------------------------------If you would like to become a member, please send a check or money order made out to “St. Tikhon’s Century Association” and send it to: St. Tikhon’s Century Association P.O. Box 130 South Canaan, PA 18459 Membership levels include: Lifetime Membership for $5,000 10-year Membership for $1,000 One year Membership for $100 (Simply note in the Memo field on your check which member level you are donating toward.)

Edwards & Russin Funeral Home Edwardsville, PA Susan Sarenecki-Medura Supervisor

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CENTURY ASSOCIATION - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

THE CENTURY ASSOCIATION’S HOSPITALITY a la RUSSE 2011 (Left) Bishop Tikhon Accepts a Check on Behalf of the Seminary from the Century Association.

Traditional Russian music for the evening was provided by Kovriga Balalaika Orchestra. (Below)

Sts. Peter & Paul

Uniondale, PA

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THE CENTURY ASSOCIATION’S FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION 2012

St. Stephen the First Martyr Orthodox Church Crawfordsville, IN • www.sstfm.org

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CENTURY ASSOCIATION - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

CENTURY ASSOCIATION’S ST. TATIANA LUNCHEON 2012 (Right) St. Tatiana, the patroness of Seminarians.

Century Association President, Sarah Jubinski, addresses the community about the progress and importance of the Century Association’s goals. (Below)

St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church Springfield, MO • www.saintthomasoca.org

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NEW OFFERINGS from THE CENTURY ASSOCIATION (Below) The Century Association’s new flyer produced this year.

Hanya’s Kitchen

The Orthodox Herald Recipe Collection This collectible cookbook includes over 270 recipes that were originally published in the Herald plus several letters from Hanya to Totya Maria! A unique chapter covers feasts, fasts & folklore! Recipes specific to fast and feast days with personal notations

by Mat. Nina make this a story book - not just a cookbook! HANYA’S KITCHEN is available from members of the Century Association and additional information for purchasing the cookbook will be available soon. All proceeds benefit the seminary.

Christ the Savior Orthodox Church Chicago, IL • Priest John Baker

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CENTURY ASSOCIATION - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

MEMBERS of THE 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, New York South Canaan, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Mayfield, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania South Canaan, Pennsylvania Jermyn, Pennsylvania

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 Protopresbyter William Weir Protonica Mary Anne Plefka-Weir COLORADO V. Rev. Paul S. Fedec CONNECTICUT 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 John & Rebecca Hanchak Pauline Karnillow Rose Minarick John M. Peregrim Dennis J. Woomer, M.D.

GEORGIA V. Rev. & Mrs. Dimitri Oselinsky Archpriest John & 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 MARYLAND 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 NEVADA Helen Sinchuk Allen NEW HAMPSHIRE Deborah M. Donlick NEW JERSEY Mr. Arthur Abig Anonymous Theodore & Anna Babich

Philip Benedict Benda Nicholas & Pearl Berezniak Paul & Eleanor Boshko Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Boulle Robert M. Boulle Mr. Michael Burak John & Elena Croker V. Rev. George P. Hasenecz John & Anne Hutnyan Peter & Florence Junda Mrs. Martha W. Lutz Mary Macinsky John & Olya Monchak 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 NEW YORK Rt. Rev. Bishop MICHAEL Anna Bahan Jeanette Z. Bely Michael Brand Nicholas & Katherine Brasowski John Buckla V. Rev. Daniel Degyansky Joseph Domanick Michael D. Drake Mat. Dolores Dzury Archpriest Alexander & Carol Garklavs Mary Gelement Fr. & Mrs. Sergei Glagolev Mr. & Mrs. Bruce D. Keeler Alexander W. Luckanick, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Stephen L. Melnick Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Mitchko Walter Palchik*

2012 TIKHONAIRE - CENTURY ASSOCIATION Lydia Pelitsch Dennis & Pauline Somple William & Eleanor Wasilko Bernice Yarosh NORTH CAROLINA Nonna (Berdy) Skumanich OHIO LTC Raymond Asik, USAF (Ret.) Mary E. Bezbatchenko Drs. John & Judy Blebea Bill Glushko Mary Gresko Barbara J. Kolesar Mr. Paul Laskovich Subdn. & Mrs. Paul T. Maty V. Rev. Andrew D. Nelko, Mat. Tanya & Family 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 HERMAN Most Blessed Metropolitan THEODOSIUS Rt. Rev. Bishop TIKHON V. Rev. Dr. Alexander Atty Sergei & Irene Arhipov Mara E. Beckage Alice Boga Dr. Harry Boosalis Jeff Bostic John & Florence Boyko Fr. Martin & Mat. Heidi Browne Paul Chernay Emma Collins Jamie Davis Mrs. Marie Derkasch Stephen G. Doncevic Archpriest Daniel & Matushka Donlick, Dean Emeritus, St. Tikhon’s Seminary* Subdn. Thomas & Melissa Donlick 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 Dan & Jean Jubinski Peter & Sarah Jubinski Stephen Karas Rose M. Kennedy Archdn. & Mrs. Alexei Klimitchev George Kopestonsky V. Rev. & Mrs. T. Stephen Kopestonsky Koranda, Sem. Alexander 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 Robert (Seraphim) Mack Stephen Malec Ralph Mamay Archpriest Joseph Martin Mat. Gloria Martin Marina Martin Kathryn Mason Frances Meholic Paul G. Miller Helen Panco Moncovich John J. Moses, Sr. Martha Mossner Mr. & Mrs. John Nayduch Elsie Skvir Nierle Fr. Dn. John & Kyra Nightingale Arlene Oakill Nicholas Orser Magdalene Paglieri Martin S. Paluch Dr. George J. & Elaine Pazin Lonnie Polli Maria Proch Marie Proch Mat. Irene Rachko Fr. Daniel & Mat. Theodora Ressetar Nicholas D. Ressetar Robert H. Roth Joseph Russian Nancy A. Sabol Mr. & Mrs. Peter Senio Mary Sernak Mr. & Mrs. George Serniak V. Rev. & Mrs. David Shewczyk Mrs. Olga Shewczyk 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. Fr. Dennis & Mat. Marion Swencki Irene Swirdovich Jerome Tarris Nicholas Tatusko Mary Tihanitch

113 Mat. Fran Vansuch V. Rev. Claude Vinyard Rdr. Edward J. Wawruch Olga Onufer Woodward Rosemary Ziegenfuss John Zoranski A Friend of the Seminary A Friend of the Seminary A Friend of the Seminary TEXAS Fr. David & Kh. Diane Moretti Ed & Jody Oppermann Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Rogers Anna Tanchak VIRGINIA V. Rev. & Mrs. George Alexson Ms. Martha Baxtresser John & Pat Ihnat Larisa Looby Mrs. Elizabeth Manchuk Gregory Meholic, DDS Mrs. Donya Platoff John Slanta Daniel Wartonick WASHINGTON Alexander & Marie Popoff Sharon Figura Schrenzel WISCONSIN V. Rev. Alexis & Mat. Alexandra Fedec Archpriest Vladimir & Matushka Virginia Lecko CANADA Fr. Theodore Gove Member Organizations Carpatho Russian Citizens Club, Hudson, PA Orthodox Church of St. Gregory of Nyssa, Columbus, OH Protection of the Virgin Mary “O” Club, Merrillville, IN Russian Brotherhood Organization of the USA, Philadelphia, PA St. John of Damascus Auxiliary, Poway, CA St. Nicholas Church, Mission Outreach Committee, Bethlehem, PA St. Stephen OCF (FOCA #82), Philadelphia, PA Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, South River, NJ Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, Minersville, PA Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, Union Dale, PA South River "R" Club, South River, NJ

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SCHOLARSHIPS - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Scholarships Corinne F. Dovekas Scholarship Endowment Teresa Dobrowolska Bratic Memorial Scholarship Endowment Radovan Bratic Memorial Scholarship Endowment Franklin Homeowners Assurance Company Scholarship Endowment The Ivan V. Koulaieff Educational Trust Fund Scholarship Elsie Skvir Nierle Scholarship Fr. Michael Romanchak Memorial Scholarship The Russian Orthodox Theological Fund Scholarship Hani and Lamya Sawaged Scholarship Mary Skvir Memorial Scholarship Joseph Skvir Memorial Scholarship Smerznak, Medak and Kidwell Scholarship William and Maria Witiak Memorial Scholarship Endowment The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America Geoffrey & Ruth Battersby Scholarship Dn. Zachariah & Mrs. Shirley Skariah Scholarship Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Scholarship Cynthia Barb Scholarship Fr. George Burdikoff Scholarship Betty Jo Chernay Memorial Scholarship Paul Chernay Scholarship Theodore and Dorothea Cimos Scholarship Dr. George J. Farha Scholarship Theodore and Elizabeth Fedora Scholarship Fr. Richard and Mat. Cassiane Flom Scholarship 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 Archpriest Michael Hutnyan Memorial Scholarship David Jarrett Scholarship Archpriest Stephen Karaffa Memorial Scholarship Peter and Nancy Kohudic Scholarship Stephen and Anna Kopestonsky Scholarship Kotzer Karpato-Russ 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 Stefan Nafranowicz Scholarship Alla Nakonetschny Memorial Scholarship Archpriest Michael Nakonetschny Memorial Scholarship Archpriest John and Matushka Eugenia Nehrebecki Scholarship OCA Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania 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 Mark Ropchock Scholarship Robert H. Roth Scholarship Spero Samer Memorial Fund David Sawaged Memorial Scholarship Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America Scholarship Helen Sobolowski Memorial Scholarship Archpriest Pavel Soucek Memorial Scholarship George Staley Scholarship Dr. Natasha Stavisky Memorial Scholarship Kory Warr Scholarship Fr. William and Popadja Mary Anne Weir Scholarship 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) 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 (Broadview Heights, OH) St. Michael Church Scholarship (Louisville, KY) St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (Bethlehem, PA) Matushka Joanna Pianovich Memorial Scholarship Joanne Olejnick Scholarship Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America

2012 TIKHONAIRE - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

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Financial Accountability A Statement from Your Chief Financial Officer

TUITION FEE SCHEDULE as of FALL 2011 Application Fee

$15.00

One-Time

Tuition Deposit (Non-Refundable)

$200.00

One-Time

Registration Fee

$15.00

Per Semester

Student Activity Fee (Non-Refundable)

$350.00

Per Semester

Dormitory Residence Fee

$1,800.00 Per Semester

As always, our audited financials are available on our website at www.stots.edu/financials.html

Graduate Credit

$105.00

Per Credit Hour

Your contributions change lives and the responsibility to account for each individual contribution is a constant priority.

Undergraduate Credit

$95.00

Per Credit Hour

Audit Credit

$35.00

Per Credit Hour

Graduation Fee

$50.00

One-Time

Fr. Dennis Swencki

Each fiscal year our financial accountability is audited by a professional CPA firm. We are very pleased to report that once again we have merited an Unqualified Audit which is the highest standard one can achieve in this process. But this is only a very small part of the work that occurs each day in our constant diligence to provide timely and accurate information to not only the Board of Trustees of St. Tikhon’s but also to our faculty, staff, administration, and most important of all to our many benefactors and supporters.

Fr. Dionysius Swencki Chief Financial Officer St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

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FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

What are the seminary’s sources of income?

How does the seminary spend the money that comes in?

2011

2011

2010 2010

Faculty & Alumni Publications

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FACULTY PUBLICATIONS - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Faculty Publications

Dr. Christopher Veniamin

Remember Thy First Love

St. Gregory Palamas The Homilies

The Saving Work of Christ

The Enlargement of the Heart

The Hidden Man of the Heart

On the Saints

Mary the Mother of God

Ecclesial Being

Christ, Our Way and Our Life

St. Athanasius Orthodox Church

Nicholasville, KY • www.athanasiusoca.org

2012 TIKHONAIRE - FACULTY PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Harry Boosalis

Dr. David Ford

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The Joy Of The Holy

Knowledge of God

Women and Men in the Early Church

Taught by God

Marriage As A Path To Holiness

All of these titles and more are available at:

www.stspress.com

St. John the Forerunner Orthodox Church Indianapolis, IN • www.stjohn-indy.org

Orthodox Spiritual Life

Dr. Mary Ford

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ALUMNI PUBLICATIONS - 2012 TIKHONAIRE

Alumni Publications

Igumen Sergius (Bowyer) Seeds of Heaven and Hell in the Heart

Igumen Sergius (Bowyer) Why Monasticism?

Fr. Alexis Trader Ancient Christian Wisdom

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy

Fr. John Oliver Giver of Life

Fr. John Oliver Touching Heaven

Fr. Joseph Lucas Prayer of the Publican

The Universe as Symbols & Signs

Orthodox Web Solutions www.orthodoxws.com

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Glory to God for all things.

2012 TIKHONAIRE ST. TIKHON’S ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Back cover sponsored by: The Philadelphia Trust Company Inc. • 1760 Market St. • Philadelphia, PA 19103

TWO THOUSAND TWELVE

TIKHONAIRE

A Year in Review of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary