St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary celebrates 85th anniversary
On March 8-10, 2024, Archangel Michael Church, Broadview Heights, OH helped to celebrate St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary’s 85th anniversary.
The gathering brought together hierarchs, clergy and STOTS alumni, along with faithful from the area. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon of America and Canada welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago to the Diocese of the Midwest, along with His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and Bishop Irenej of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
On Friday, the seminary Board of Trustees met in the Woodside Event Center and attended a special dinner at the Shoreby Yacht Club. On Saturday, the Memorial Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest John Memorich, as St. Tikhon’s Seminary choir sang responses, followed by a luncheon. Archimandrite Sergius, Abbot of St. Tikhon’s Monastery, brought with him the Miracle-working St. Anna Icon for the weekend. That evening Vespers was served, again with the seminary choir singing responses. Following this, a festive congratulatory banquet honored STOTS board chairman, and our parishioner, Reader Michael Herzak as he stepped down from his position after eleven years of service.
On Sunday, a hierarchical liturgy was concelebrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, His Eminence Archbishop Michael, and His Grace Bishop Irinej. Also serving were Archpriest Alexander Rentel, Chancellor of the OCA, Archpriest John Memorich, Rector, Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, Archpriest John Kowalczyk, Professor of Practical Theology, and Priest Paul Witek, Dean of students, Protodeacon Peter Ilchuk, Protodeacon Alexander Kichakov, and Protodeacon Daniel Kovalak. The seminary choir and the parish choir sang the responses.
Following the liturgy, Bishop Irinej presented His Beatitude with relics of St. Nikolai (Velimirovich) of Zhicha for the seminary, with a very moving, personal testimonial and remembrance. A brunch for all our honored quests and visitors was held in the parish Event Center.
Over $79,000 was raised that weekend for the benefit of St. Tikhon’s Seminary.
The faithful and parishes of the Orthodox Church in America are urged to intentionally pray for vocations and to support the seminaries, students, faculty, and their families. It is also vital to commit to financially support the three OCA seminaries as they continue the necessary work of providing exceptional education and spiritual formation for the future leaders of the Orthodox Church.
Parishes are reminded of the resolution approved at the 16th All-American Council in Seattle, which calls for parishes of the Orthodox Church in America to allocate 1% of their budget towards the support of these seminaries.
If you want to know more about supporting our seminaries, their work, or learn more about vocation and theological formation, seminary contact information is available here.