Fr. Voytovich installed as Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary
During festivities and services marking the 75th Anniversary of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary here on Thursday, October 10, 2013, Archpriest Dr. Steven Voytovich was installed as the seminary’s new Dean.
Father Steven, a licensed professional counselor who spent many years in the field of pastoral care and education, began his duties on August 18, 2013. He succeeds Archpriest Dr. Alexander Atty, who retired due to health after serving as Dean for the past three years.
Father Steven brings to this position years of experience as a parish priest, educator, presenter at seminars and retreats, contributing writer for various religious publications, and frequent presenter at Orthodox Church in America events.
Upon his appointment, His Grace, Bishop Michael, Ph.D., Seminary Rector and Bishop of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, stated, “I am well pleased that Father Steven will be joining Saint Tikhon’s Seminary as our Dean. His pastoral, leadership, academic and work related credentials are superb, and we look forward to Father Steven moving Saint Tikhon’s to new heights. On behalf of the board of trustees, faculty, staff and students, we welcome him and offer our prayers for his new ministry.”
In 2007, Father Steven represented the OCA and was plenary presenter at the Ninth International Congress for Pastoral care and Counseling in Krzyzowa, Poland. He served as communications and public relations officer from 2004 to 2007. He also represented the OCA at International Congresses held in Accra, Ghana in 1999, and Bangalore, India in 2004.
Father Steven serves as Director of the OCA’s Department of Institutional Chaplaincies, for which he cocreated and coordinated the OCA Seminarian Internship Program. The Department supports Orthodox Christian men and women serving in institutional chaplaincy roles. From April 2010 until joining Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, he worked as director of Clinical Pastoral Education at Episcopal Health Services, Long Island, NY. During that time, he was attached to Holy Trinity Church, New Britain, CT, as a supply priest for the Connecticut Deanery, but continued serving in multiple capacities within the OCA.
A native of Minneaoplis, MN, Father Steven was ordained to the diaconate by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius in 1991 and to the priesthood by His Grace, Bishop Job, then Bishop of the Diocese of New England. Over the years, he has served as pastor of Three Saints Church, Ansonia, CT; Holy Virgin Mary Church, Waterbury, CT; and Saint Alexis Church, Clinton, CT.
Father Steven received three advanced degrees at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY, including a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1999. His thesis was titled “Orthodoxy and CPE: Education for Ministry Beyond the Liturgical Setting.” He holds two masters degrees, including a Master of Divinity degree with Commendation for Thesis, which he received in 1990. His thesis topic was “The Ministry of Those Who Suffer.” In 1991, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Liturgical Music and served as choir director of the seminary octet. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, which he received in 2005, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota, which he earned in 1986.
Father Steven, 50, and his wife, Matushka Cindy, who was marketing representative for Stony Creek Urgent Care in Branford and Orange, CT, recently relocated to South Canaan.
Of his appointment as Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, Father Steven said, “In accepting this position I look forward to supporting Saint Tikhon’s mission of providing quality theological education, including personal, spiritual, and pastoral formation to those whom God has called to serve His vineyard.”
A photo gallery of the 75th Anniversary Divine Liturgy may be viewed here.