Metropolitan Herman presides at St. Vladimir’s Seminary Commencement

Professor John Erickson, SVS Dean, and His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, SVS president, confer degrees upon the 2005 graduates.

CRESTWOOD, NY [OCA Communications] — His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, presided at commencement exercises at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary here on Saturday, May 21, 2005.

Together with the seminary dean, Prof. John Erickson, Metropolitan Herman presented degrees to 29 graduates.

Also present for the commencement were His Grace, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, auxiliary of the Greek Orthdoox Archdiocese of America, and His Eminence, Zachariah Mor Nicholovous, Assistant Metropolitan of the American Diocese of the Indian Orthodox Church.

Thirteen graduates received Master of Divinity degrees, while an additional twelve graduates were awarded Master of Arts degrees. Two graduates were awarded Master of Theology degrees, and two additional students received Doctor of Ministry degrees were conferred.

The day opened with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the seminary’s Three Hierarchs Chapel, during which Metropolitan Herman ordained Deacon Barnabas Powell, a 2005 graduate, to the holy priesthood. Father Powell later received the Saint Basil the Great Award for Academic Achievement.

Mr. Constantine Triantafilou, executive director of International Orthodox Christian Charities, delivered the commencement address. Drawing upon his numerous experiences in the humanitarian aid ministries abroad, he challenged the graduates to love God by loving His People.

Seminarian Nicholas Belcher served as valedictorian, while Deacon Joshua Lollar delivered the salutatorian address.

Click here for photos of the St. Vladimir’s Seminary 2005 Commencement Exercises.