Saint Tikhon Seminary Obtains Recognition by ATS Accrediting Commission

Following submission of a Readiness Report and a personal visit by an official of the Association of Theological Schools’ Commission on Accrediting, Saint Tikhon Orthodox Theological Seminary here was informed during the last week of June 2002 that it has been granted candidate status for a two-year period extending from June 2002 through June 2004.

This achievement brings the seminary one step closer to full accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools.

Dr. Louis Charles Willard, ATS Director of Accreditation and Institutional Evaluation, recommended the granting of candidate status to the ATS Commission on Accrediting after his visit to the seminary.

“In recognition of this achievement, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I wish to commend the Very Rev. Alexander Golubov, our Academic Dean, for his tireless labors in bringing this to fruition, along with all those who worked with him,” said His Eminence, Archbishop Herman of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, Rector of Saint Tikhon Seminary. “As we proceed toward this final goal of full accreditation for Saint Tikhon Seminary, I ask for your prayers and continued support of our theological school.”

The next step in the accreditation process involves submission of an initial self-study by December 1, 2003 after participation in an ATS self-study workshop.

“Established in 1938 on the grounds of Saint Tikhon Monastery, the seminary has been responsible for educating hundreds of individuals who today serve as bishops, priests, deacons, and lay Church workers in North America and abroad,” according to the Very Rev. John Matusiak, OCA Communications Office. “Under the leadership of Archbishop Herman, the seminary has developed an outstanding faculty, greatly expanded its library and resources, increased its enrollment, and worked diligently toward obtaining full ATS accreditation.”