St Vladimir’s Seminary holds 34th Annual Education Day

- On Saturday October 6, 2001 St Vladimir’s Seminary held its 34th Annual Orthodox Education Day. After the day began with rain and wind, the afternoon cleared and became an enjoyable fall day for the many faithful who attended this year’s event.

In the morning, the Divine Liturgy was con-celebrated in the main tent by His Beatitude Metropolitan THEODOSIUS, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America and His Eminence Archbishop HERMAN of Philadelphia and rector of St Tikhon’s Seminary. Protopresbyters Robert Kondratick, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and Thomas Hopko, Dean of St Vladimir’s Seminary also served with 8 other priests from around the New York area. The Boston Byzantine Choir and the St Vladimir’s Seminary Chorale sang the responses.

Mrs Hooda Germack, a longtime supporter and benefactor of the Seminary was honored during Lunch for her many years of generosity.

Following Liturgy, a full schedule of events took place across the campus of the Seminary. Reflecting on the Theme for this year’s “Ed Day”, “Serving Christ in Our Neighbor: Reflections on Matthew 25” Fr Thomas Hopko delivered the keynote address. Additional workshops and discussions were led by Fr Michael Anderson, Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adults for the OCA, Fr David Ogan, Director the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Service and Arlene Kallaur, Director of Humanitarian Aid for the OCA.

During the “Festival of Music” portion of “Ed Day”, the Boston Byzantine Choir of St Mary’s Church, Medford, MA sang under the direction of Mr Charles Marge. They were followed by the “Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir”, a pan-Orthodox Choir from the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT), directed by Mr Alexei Shipovalnikov.

Additional events included Children’s Activities, The Office of Youth & Young Adults for the Orthodox Church in America, highlighting their new website, was one of many exhibits from a variety of Orthodox Services and Organizations. In conjunction with the Seminary’s large display of publications for sale, one of the more recent book series, those for children were highlighted by Book Signings by Dorrie Papademetriou & Niko Chochelli.

Later in the afternoon, in Three Hierarchs Chapel, a Memorial Service was held with special commemorations for those who perished during the attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Western Pennsylvania.

Education Day 2001 drew to a close with Great Vespers also being celebrated in Three Hierarchs Chapel.