On Wednesday, July 28, at 7:00 PM ET, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon will be hosted by Archpriest Thomas Soroka to discuss and formally announce the 20th All-American Council which will take place in Baltimore, MD on July 18-22, 2022. His Beatitude will address various aspects of the All-American Council and will introduce the theme as approved by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America. His Beatitude will also entertain questions which can be submitted through the comments section.
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His Grace Bishop Alexis, Bishop of Bethesda, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Sitka and Alaska and of the brotherhood of St Tikhon’s Monastery, was the first OCA bishop to ordain several fathers on the Holy Mountain of Athos to diaconal and priestly orders during the month of July 2021. The Holy Monastery of Karakallou.
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Today, Thursday, July 15, 2021, marks the 55th birthday of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, STOTS Graduate 1993.
Eis polla eti, despota! May God grant you many years, Your Beatitude!
https://www.oca.org/news/headline-news/many-years-your-beatitude07152021
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Protostavrophor Adam Yonitch, Jr., Lt. Col. USAFR, 70, of Hempfield Township, died Sunday, July 11, 2021, in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. He was born April 27, 1951, in Latrobe Hospital, a son of the late Adam Sr. and Irene (Bilky) Yonitch, grandson of the late Janko and Martha (Baltich) Yonitch. He graduated from Franklin Regional Junior-Senior High School in 1970, and from St. Tikhon’s Russian Orthodox Seminary in South Cannan, PA in 1975. He also received a Master of Science in religious studies from Marywood College in Dunmore, PA. He married his wife, Roberta Lee Bazala, on May 8, 1976, at Holy Ascension of Our Lord Serbian Orthodox Church in Youngwood. He was ordained Deaconate at St. Sava Cathedral in Parma, OH by Bishop Sava, ordained to the Holy priesthood at Holy Ascension of Our Lord Serbian Orthodox Church in Youngwood. He then studied under Fr. Nenad Resonovich before being assigned to his first parish. He was an Air Force veteran, accepted as equal to MS Divinity and commissioned as the first American-Serbian Orthodox Chaplain in the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he had served at Andrews AFB, Washington, DC, Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, Ramstein AFB, Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wright Patterson, Dayton, OH, and FE Warren Cheyenne, Wyoming. Fr. Adam served the Serbian Orthodox community from his ordination in 1976 until his retirement in 2016, during which he served at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Carmichaels, PA, Holy Ascension of Our Lord Serbian Orthodox Church, Youngwood, St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, Johnstown, Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, Lebanon, PA, as well as serving during active duty, the Moshannon Valley Corrections Prison Chaplain, and substituted for parishes when necessary. Roberta and Adam enjoyed traveling to Disney and going to new places to eat. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and James Keating. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Roberta Lee (Bazala) Yonitch; his son, SPC Damian Yonitch (Wendy), of Somerset; and his daughter, Mira Yonitch (Nelson), of Dawson. He was Djedo to his four grandchildren, Mercedes, Zander, Zoey, and Reavyn Arianna, who were his entire world. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, John J. Bazala (Rebecca), of Rillton; sister-in-law, Donna Madrashin, of Adamsburg; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 PM Tuesday at Holy Ascension of Our Lord Serbian Orthodox Church, 24 N. 3rd Street, Youngwood where a burial service will begin at 6 PM with His Grace Bishop Irinej officiating. Liturgy and interment will begin at 10 AM Wednesday in Holy Ascension of Our Lord Serbian Orthodox Church, Youngwood with Fr. Rumen Stoychev and guest clergy officiating. Interment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont with Full Military Honors accorded by the American Legion, Post 981, South Greensburg Honor Guard.
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On Saturday, July 10, with the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, His Grace Bishop Alexis of Bethesda, locum tenens of the Diocese of Alaska, began an extended visit to his former monastery, the Sacred and Stavropegial Monastery of Karakallou on Mount Athos. His Grace is visiting with the blessing of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and at the invitation of Elder Philotheos, Abbot of the monastery.
Elder Philotheos and the brotherhood formally received His Grace and his entourage upon their arrival at the doors of the monastery and processed into the Catholikon where a Doxology was served.
His Grace Bishop Alexis made this visit chiefly so that he could preside at the liturgical celebrations for Saints Peter and Paul, the main feast of the monastery. The celebration of this feast followed the Athonite order for a panegyric service and began Sunday evening, July 11, and ended mid-morning on Monday, July 12, the day of the feast. After the festive meal, Bishop Alexis offered a sermon to the monastics, distinguished guests, and pilgrims who had gathered at the monastery for the feast.
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On July 4th, 2021, Deacon Sergey Kakorin was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace Bishop Alexis of Bethesda, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Sitka and all Alaska. Father Sergey graduated from Saint Tikhon’s Seminary with a Master’s in Divinity, class of 2021. Father Sergey’s family, including Matushka Irina, daughters Daria, Anastacia, Anna and son Matthew were present for the joyous occasion.
By Nathanael Belt
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July 1, 2021 [South Canaan, PA] — Saint Tikhon’s Monastery is pleased to announce the fall 2021 launch of a new residential Music Program. The Saint Tikhon’s Residency in Music provides comprehensive training for Orthdox church music leaders amidst the rich and demanding liturgical life of America’s oldest Orthodox monastery. Residents receive both classroom training and on-the-job experience under the expert guidance of the members of St. Tikhon’s Monastery music staff as well as nationally renown guest faculty.
The Music Program is a combination of monthly topical weekend workshop intensives and residency training. The weekend intensives are open to the public, starting Friday evenings and ending Sunday afternoons. Non-resident participants may choose to attend one, several, or all of the weekend intensives. Techniques and skills are presented and briefly coached in the weekend intensives. Residents are then given the opportunity to implement the techniques and skills presented in the intensives as leaders-in-training of services and ensembles at St. Tikhon’s Monastery.
Weekend Intensive topics include: Conducting Technique, Music Theory & Score Analysis, Vocal & Ensemble Technique, How to Train Beginner Musicians, Choral Literature & Church Music History, Composing & Arranging, Ensemble Administration, and the Memorial Day Pilgrimage Festival Choir.
Residency training includes: the 8 Tones, Order of Service, Ear Training, Keyboard Skills, Spirituality, Finale! software, Composition class, Vocal Performance class, Conducting class, Service & Rehearsal Prep coaching, Sacred Music Seminar, and Spirituality.
Residents will also have the opportunity to contribute to the many exciting musical projects happening at St. Tikhon’s including the Grammy-nominated Saint Tikhon Choir, the St. Tikhon’s Music Resource online music catalogue, the arrangement of new settings of hymnography, and the publication of new music collections.
The program begins in October 2021 with the first weekend intensive. Entrance exam, auditions, and admissions interviews will occur during weekend intensives. To be put on the mailing list and be kept up to date on program news and registration information email the directors at sttikhonsmusic@gmail.com.
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On July 1, 2021, Deacon Jacob Ramsey was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and the Diocese of New York and Jersey and rector of our Seminary at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Endicott, NY. Co-serving with His Eminence were Mitred Archpriest Joseph Lickwar, Chancellor of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, Archpriest Alexey Karlgut, parish rector and Dean of New York State, Archpriest Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk, Dean of New York City, Archpriest Gary Breton, Dean of New Jersey, Archpriest David Cowan Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese and a multitude of clergy from the Diocese and various jurisdictions. A festive meal took place after the Liturgy.
Many years to the newly-ordained Priest Jacob, Matushka Anastasia, Stephen, Nicholas and John!
By Subdeacon Andrew Bohush
Photos: Subdeacon Matthew Ortiz
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Dear Friends and Benefactors of St Tikhon's,
One hundred-fifty three begins with one.
I write to ask you to be that one.
I have the blessing to introduce you to some *very great* Orthodox leaders and teachers, on June 30, via Livestream on two channels:
1. youtube.stots.edu
2. www.facebook.com/sainttikhons
You will meet:
His Eminence, Archbishop Makarios of Kenya, the head of the Makarios III Seminary in Nairobi, Kenya--and hear about his amazing journey, starting at 20 years old, with St Sophrony of Essex.
Fr MP George, a most humble and joy-filled priest of the Indian Orthodox Church, who teaches at the Seminary in India, as well as at St Tikhon’s.
Fr Paul Siladi, a delightful Romanian Orthodox priest, who teaches Missiology (Mission) on the Faculty of Theology at the University in Cluj, Romania.
Dr Jeffrey and Karen MacDonald--OCMC Missionaries in Albania. Dr Jeff teaches Church HIstory at Shen Vlash, the seminary in Durres, Albania.
Fr John Chakos, OCMC Missionary in Guatemala--with the most intriguing stories about the Orthodox Seminary in Guatemala, way, way out in the country.
Fr Teemu Toivonen, who teaches Pastoral Theology on the Orthodox Faculty in Joensuu, Finland.
Fr Bassam Nassif, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, St John of Damascus Orthodox Institute at the University of Balamand, Lebanon.
Hear the beautiful stories of these dear Orthodox Christians. Enrich your life by learning about the joys and struggles where they serve. Experience the interconnectedness of Orthodoxy across the globe.
In a sentence:
Visit Seminaries around the world,
and sustain the one in your backyard.
If you are already a Sustainer of St Tikhon's (giving an automated, monthly gift to St Tikhon's)--Thank you!
If you are not:
Please become one right now. It will not take more than a few minutes of your time. A few minutes to be one on whom we can count to help form priests for the Orthodox Churches!
153 starts with 1.
We are casting our net onto the other side of the boat, hoping to "catch" 153 additional sustainers, with the coming feast of the Holy Apostles, through whom Jesus is drawing the world into His net.
Please be the first one of 153 by clicking HERE.
Click HERE to ask me, "Why 153?"
More details soon.
HERE is the poster--share it if you will.
Sign up now, and I'll send you a download--a beautiful song written and recorded by our dear friend and award-winning actor and recording artist, Jonathan Jackson.
To all who are already generous donors and faithful Sustainers, thank you all!
Yours gratefully in Christ,
Fr John
PS we need your help TODAY to reach our goal this week. Please do so HERE.
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On June 29, 2021, on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Dn. Jeremy McKemy was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, TX by the hand of newly consecrated Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth.
The Feast was characterized by true apostolic joy and brotherly love, with concelebration by brother hierarchs from across the Orthodox Church in America, as well as other hierarchs from the wider Orthodox world. The Liturgy was presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon with brother concelebrants His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of the Church of Georgia; His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West; His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania; His Eminence Archbishop Alexander of Dallas and the South; His Eminence Archbishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest; His Grace Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa; His Grace Bishop James of Sonora of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia; and His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland. In the Divine Liturgy, Archimandrite Gerasim (Eliel) was consecrated Bishop of Fort Worth, as an Auxiliary to His Eminence Archbishop Alexander of Dallas and the South. Dn. Jeremy was then ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Gerasim as the first ordination conferred through the grace of his episcopacy. It was a truly historic and unforgettable day which now marks the beginning of Priest Jeremy’s priestly ministry.
The following day, Priest Jeremy concelebrated his first priestly liturgy for the Feast of the Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles at St. Barbara’s Orthodox Church in Fort Worth, in which Bishop Gerasim was enthroned as Bishop of Fort Worth.
Many years to the newly ordained Priest Jeremy McKemy and his wife, Matushka Mei Lei. AXIOS!
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On June 10, 2021, on the Great Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, seminary graduate Jacob Ramsey was ordained by His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey and Rector of our Seminary. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and the diaconal ordination took place at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott, NY. A festive meal took place after the Liturgy.
Many years to the newly ordained Deacon Jacob, Matushka Anastasia, and to their sons Stephen, Nicholas and John!
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It is with great excitement that we announce the ordination of Sergey Kakorin to the holy diaconate. Sergey was ordained during the Memorial Day Liturgy (5/31/2021) by His Beatitude, Met. Tikhon.
Sergey just graduated from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary two days before his ordination. Rather than immediately returning home to the West Coast, Sergey, his wife, and his children will spend the summer near St. Tikhon’s Seminary and Monastery where he will receive further instruction and training as a deacon. God willing, later in the summer, he will be ordained to the holy priesthood.
Axios, Deacon Sergey!
By Deacon Jeremiah McKemy, STOTS Graduate 2021
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On the evening of Friday, May 28, Saint Tikhon’s Seminary presented the beginning of its 2021 Commencement addresses online. With a prayer and welcome by the Dean, Father John Parker, and with a word of greeting from Michael Herzak, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the presentation began. Viewers were treated to an octet beautifully performing the Paschal hymn by former seminary rector, Saint Nicholai of South Canaan: Christ God is Risen! Let us Rejoice! Then, from Ireland, the Commencement Address was presented by Jonathan Jackson, a celebrated actor, author, and singer. Jonathan spoke about Christ at work within the lives of priests and other ministers of the Church, focusing his talk around the works of Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland. Referencing modern elders and Holy Fathers, Jonathan went on to dramatically emphasize the martyrdom that our life is centered upon, as Christ emptied Himself as a martyr for all creation. Jonathan inspired viewers to transform their suffering into something glorified and ultimately bound to God. Quoting the Patron of Ireland, Jonathan concluded that “‘this is the way we repay God for correcting us and taking notice of us: We honor and praise His wonders before every nation under heaven.’” He then challenged the graduating class to do just this.
Following the announcement of those students who were graduating with honors, the seminary’s Rector, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, offered encouragement to the graduates; recognizing that the world is mired in sin, His Eminence explained that servanthood to all--including the Lord--is the secret to success as Christian leaders in the fallen world. His Eminence zealously charged the graduating class to “pray faithfully, serve humbly, teach uncompromisingly, preach boldly, evangelize tirelessly, celebrate joyously, and love sacrificially,” imitating the Saints who have been a part of the Saint Tikhon’s community. Father John, after introducing the new format of the Tikhonaire, introduced His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, who offered the Presidential Address. As President of the seminary, His Beatitude exhorted the graduates to reflect on their experience in seminary in order to see how they have been prepared for their vocations ahead: “In order to truly know Christ, one must know oneself.” Each of the speakers offered prayers for the graduates, and Father John concluded with a reminder that the Lord commands that those whom He sends out are to make disciples of all nations.
Beginning on the morning of Saturday, May 29, a Primatial Divine Liturgy was served in the Monastery Church with two hierarchs, eleven priests, three deacons, numerous servers, a full choir, and a multitude of believers. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a wonderful brunch was offered to all present, followed by the procession of the graduating class and the dais party into the seminary’s Convocation Hall to the singing of the Paschal Troparion. The in-person ceremony began with a Molieben served by His Beatitude and the newly-ordained Deacon Athanasios Kombos. And after a brief word of introduction from Father John Parker, the class valedictorian was offered the opportunity to speak. Reflecting on how his class had once been described as “sober,” Father Peter Simko discussed the importance of joy in sharing the Orthodox Christian Faith, emphasizing its necessity in living the Life of Christ. The ceremony continued with a presentation by Father Patrick Burns, the Alumni Association President, who conferred the “Alumnus of the Year” awards to Father Yaroslav Sudick, and to the late Father Nicholas Timpko of blessed repose. Next, Father David Hester was honored by the seminary on the occasion of his retirement; he was presented with a newly painted icon of Saint Tikhon of Moscow alongside his patron, King David. The commencement ceremonies concluded with closing words from His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, and His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, as well as the presentation of the Class of 2021 icon of Christ the True Vine by Ryan Miller, the student body president, and the presentation of a large icon of the calling of Saints Andrew and Peter to the school by Mitch and Jan Vanduyn. Following the conferral of degrees and a gift from Dr. David Ford to each student, a closing prayer gave way to celebrations among everyone in attendance. Congratulations to the STOTS Class of 2021! Many years!
By Priest Peter Simko, STOTS Graduate 2021
The Program of 79th Commencement Ceremony of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary can be found HERE.
The photos of 2021 Graduates can be seen HERE.
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St Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary invites you to a 5-day interactive experience with the remarkably talented Anna Conomos, internationally renowned Storyteller and gifted communicator, to develop powerful communicat ion skills and learn to captivate your audience.
Learn the following:
The structure of a narrative + Creating atmosphere with effective use of props and space + Vocal dynamics and soundscapes + Powerful physicality and gesture
Methods for delivery to captivate young and old + The camera as audience and the screen as a stage + Audience interaction techniques + Story films
Click HERE to register.
Click HERE to see the flyer
In a world where true communication is being challenged, where many people have lost the art of listening and distractions abound, the need for effective and powerful communication and engagement is becoming ever more important. Being able to present, deliver, educate and perform in a way that is captivating, memorable and appealing to every age, background and ability is key to winning your audience, bringing your narrative or presentation to life and making it relevant in the here and now, speaking to heart of your listener, generating unity, inspiration and opportunities that you never imagined possible.
Anna’s practical, specialised training utilises powerful storytelling techniques and stimulating interactive exercises to develop virtual and in person performance skill sets that will allow you to engage and interact with the public, harness on-screen opportunities and overcome perceived limitations.
Continuing Education 2021
From the Housetops, or the Laptops:
The Power of Narrative to Proclaim the Gospel, or
An Intensive Course in Effective Communication in Our Digital Days
June 14-18, 2021 - $149
Daily, 900am-1130am EASTERN &
Daily, 900am-1130am PACIFIC
Two Daily Sessions, to relieve the vast time difference from coast to coast and from Greece, where our host will be.
In practically one day, nearly every Orthodox priest became a televangelist.
Many teachers and professors needed to teach through a camera.
Practically every Summer Camp was moved online.
Our new situation requires Clergy, Professors and Teachers, Camp Directors, and others to learn an entirely new form of communication.
Before the Course: Participants will send a simple, a five-minute version of your 'story' i.e: sermon, bible story, presentation, Sunday school workshop, performance so that Anna can tailor the course to suit your particular needs. The story can be written, audio recorded or (even better) filmed! Just a simple mobile phone camera will suffice. Participants can send more than one story, the more variety the better! Please submit as soon as possible and no later than the first week of June to anna@ performancestoryteller.com.
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ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY OPENS SEARCH FOR DIRECTOR OF THE SAINT PATRIARCH TIKHON LIBRARY
POSITION DESCRIPTION
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary invites applicants for a full-time Director of the Saint Patriarch Tikhon Library. As a member of the Seminary Administration, the Director reports to the Dean of the Seminary, and Chairs the Seminary’s Library Committee. The Director also serves a member of other Committees as appointed by the Rector or Dean of the Seminary. A review of applications for this position will begin on 1 August 2021, with the position open until filled.
DUTIES
The Director of the Saint Patriarch Tikhon Library oversees the overall functioning of the Library and Information Services, partners with the Seminary Faculty to support the development of graduate-level research practices in Seminary students, as well participates in curriculum development activities. As an integral member of the teaching and learning community, the Director plays a creative role in fostering a climate conducive to supporting the teaching, learning, and scholarship of members of the community.
Individual responsibilities of the Director will include:
Providing for the quality and integrity of on-going Library services, including: acquisitions, cataloging, and circulation activities;
Advising the Dean on the resource needs of the Library in the preparation of the Seminary’s annual budget;
Leading the design, implementation, and assessment of Library policies, services, and programs;
Supervising the development of the Library’s collections and services commensurate with the academic, research, and information needs of the Seminary community, as well as the Library’s other user groups;
Supervising and coordinating the maintenance and development of the Seminary’s institutional archives;
Providing resources and services to patrons of the Library;
Promoting research services to faculty and students in support of the curriculum;
Receiving all gifts to the Library and supervising their cataloging and use;
Conserving the Library’s print and non-print media, equipment, and other information resources;
Supervising and evaluating the quality and performance of voluntary library staff members and assigned student workers;
Holding primary responsibility for strategic planning and accreditation review activities related to the Saint Patriarch Tikhon Library;
Encouraging inter-library cooperation, and representing the Library in maintaining cooperative resource-sharing arrangements and consortial agreements with other academic institutions and libraries;
Bringing such matters to the attention of the Dean that are appropriate and necessary to keep him fully informed, and to enable him to meet his responsibilities; and
Performing other duties as assigned which are within the scope and nature of the position.
FAITH COMMITMENTS
Due to the mission and purpose of the Seminary, the successful candidate must be a faithful member of the Eastern Orthodox Church and a regular and engaged participant in its sacramental life. Candidates applying for the position must also agree to support and advance the established mission and purpose of the Seminary, which can be found HERE.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of an American Library Association (ALA) accredited Master’s degree either at the time of hire or within one academic year from the date of hire is required. Academic background in Theology or a related area is preferred.
Given the nature of the Seminary’s mission and purpose, the possession of academic study at an Orthodox institution of higher education within a candidate’s background is preferred, however is not required for consideration.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Possession of 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in an academic library is preferred.
As noted above, a review of applications for this position will begin on 1 August 2021, with the position open until filled. Please submit a letter of application, current curriculum vitae, and a list of references to the Search Committee at employment@stots.edu.
Position Status
Full-time administrative position, with health care and pension benefits. Salary commensurate with academic credentials and experience, with details available on candidate request. The Director may be eligible for concurrent appointment to the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor based upon academic qualifications and experience (i.e., the possession of an ALA approved Master’s degree as well as a second Master’s or Doctoral degree in Theology or a closely related area).
ABOUT THE SEMINARY
St. Tikhon’s Seminary is a tightknit community of Orthodox Faith and Learning nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Pocono region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 1938, St. Tikhon’s Seminary has dedicated itself to the spiritual, pastoral, liturgical, and academic formation of those who seek to serve the Orthodox Church in positions of either ordained ministry or lay leadership.
The Patriarch Tikhon Library is an in-depth collection of primary and secondary resources dedicated to supporting the aims, objectives, and mission of the Seminary; the scope of content of its Master of Divinity curriculum; and the needs of its Faculty, students, staff, and public research patrons. The Library’s print, non-print, and digital media holdings consist of approximately 50,000 items in the form of monographs and periodical titles.
Background Check
Any offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, which will include a criminal history check. Please note that prior convictions, including felony convictions, will not necessarily bar an individual from employment, but each case will be examined separately.
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ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY OPENS SEARCH FOR
FACULTY POSITION IN DOGMATIC/ SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
The Faculty of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary invites men and women candidates to submit applications for a full-time position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Professor of Dogmatic/Systematic Theology within the Seminary’s Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program, with a starting date of 1 September 2022.
The successful candidate will offer graduate level courses in several areas that include: Foundations of Orthodox Dogmatic Theology; Cosmology; Christology and Anthropology; and Ecclesiology, Soteriology, and Eschatology. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the supervision and mentoring of students undertaking theses or senior honors projects in areas related to Dogmatic/Systematic Theology. In addition to teaching responsibilities, it is expected that the successful candidate will engage in ongoing scholarly publication, will be actively involved in institutional service in such areas as curriculum design, programmatic assessment, and institutional self-study through participation in standing faculty committees and working groups of the Seminary. Finally, it is understood that the successful candidate will be an active participant in the broader life of the Seminary community, taking part in convocations and formal events called together by the President, Rector, and/or Dean of the Seminary.
The Seminary seeks candidates who possess a broad knowledge of Orthodox Dogmatic / Systematic Theology, demonstrate sound teaching ability in engaging students within the classroom, as well as demonstrate the ability to conduct academic research within their discipline. As the Master of Divinity program is primarily aimed at forming individuals for pastoral ministry, the successful candidate must possess the ability to direct coverage of disciplinary subjects towards the goal of pastoral formation. The successful candidate must be a faithful member and engaged participant in the sacramental life of the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as agree to support, advance, and embody the established ethos of the Seminary as articulated in its formative mission and purpose, which can be found HERE.
Academic Qualifications
Position Candidates must either already be in possession of a terminal research doctorate (e.g., Ph.D.,Th.D., D.Phil., S.T.D., etc.) during the application process or will be in possession of a research doctorate at the time of hire. Given the nature of the Seminary’s mission and purpose, academic background from an Orthodox institution of higher education is desired, but not required for consideration.
Applications for this position must be received by 1 August 2021. Please submit a cover letter of application, current curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation to the Search Committee at employment@stots.edu.
Faculty Status
Assistant, Associate Professor, or Professor (Based upon previous professional experience and qualifications)
Full-time revolving three-year term appointment position, with health care and pension benefits. Salary commensurate with Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank, with salary information available upon candidate request.
About the Seminary
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary is a tightknit community of Orthodox Faith and learning nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Pocono region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 1938, St. Tikhon’s Seminary has dedicated itself to the spiritual, pastoral, liturgical, and academic formation of those who seek to serve the Orthodox Church in positions of either ordained ministry or lay leadership.
Background Check
Any offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, which will include a criminal history check. Please note that prior convictions, including felony convictions, will not necessarily bar an individual from employment, but each case will be examined separately.
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Archpriest Nilus Lerro fell asleep in the Lord on Holy Wednesday afternoon, April 28, 2021, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, NY.
Ordained a deacon in 1971 and a priest in 1972, Father Nilus converted to Holy Orthodoxy in 2006. He served for a number of years as the Director of Student Life and Instructor at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.
After his retirement from Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, Father Nilus was attached to the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection, Manhattan, NY, where he was an assistant to Archimandrite Christopher (Calin) until his health limited his activities. He continued on, however, as a father confessor to the parishioners of the Cathedral parish and several Orthodox clergy and faithful in the greater New York City area, until his recent move to an extended care facility.
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Arvo Pärt’s a cappella choral work, O Holy Saint Nicholas, will be premiered in New York City in the Fall of 2021.
The premiere will take place during the opening of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center Ground Zero site, performed by Schola Cantorum and guest conducted by Benedict Sheehan (Grammy Nominated). The work was commissioned specially for this occasion by the Schola Cantorum and its founder and artistic director Nektarios S. Antoniou, who serves also as Archdiocesan Director of Culture & Principal Cantor at the National Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York.
The new choral work (lasting ca. 15 minutes) is based on the English text of a prayer from the Orthodox liturgy, taken from the troparion of the feast day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. Arvo Pärt has used this same text before – in the third part of his choral work Triodion and in Russian in Alleluia-Tropus, a work written for vocal ensemble.
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Palm Sunday was all the more glorious this year. Not only were we celebrating the Entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem, but here at St. Tikhon's, we had the joy of witnessing the ordination of the seminarian Athanasios Kombos to the holy diaconate.
His father has visited several times during Nasi's time here at seminary, and was able to travel up and join in with an affirming "axios" for his son's ordination as well. The newly-ordained deacon's wife and boys were also present for this momentous next step for their family in the service of the Church, and we all pray they will enjoy many years of labors full of the grace and joy of Christ.
Dn. Athanasios and family are spending this summer down in his home diocese, the Diocese of the South, in an internship with Pr. Jason Foster at Nativity of Our Lord parish near Shreveport, Louisiana.
By Dn. Ignatius Strange
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Ordination of Sub-deacon Shojil Abraham
"I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service." (1Tim 1:12)
By the grace of God, third-year seminarian, Shojil Abraham was ordained to the Holy Order of the Sub-Diaconate on Saturday, March 20th, by the hands of HG Zachariah Mar Nicholovos (Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese) at St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Levittown, NY.
Guests included clergy from across the diocese, Very Rev. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and seminarians from both St. Vladimir and St. Tikhon seminaries.
The absence of Very Rev. Dr. Mathai Yohannan Sankarathil Chor Episcopos, Vicar of St. Thomas Orthodox, was truly felt but the newly ordained sub-deacon was able to visit with our beloved Valiya Achen prior to the ordination service and receive his blessing. Achen was very much an integral part in the newly-ordained's upbringing and formation. While he wasn't able to join in person due to his health, we firmly believe his prayers were with Sdn. Abraham throughout the service and will be a fortress for him throughout his ministry.
Following the ordination service, was a public meeting under the leadership of HG Mar Nicholovos and Rev. Abey George, Assistant Vicar, St. Thomas Orthodox Church in Levittown, to congratulate and recognize the newly ordained Sub-Dn. Abraham. In their words of felicitation, both HG Mar Nicholovos and Fr. John reminded the newly ordained Sub-Deacon and all the faithful in attendance, on the importance of being a humble servant leader.
May God grant you many years! - AXIOS!
By Renin Cherian
http://stotsindianorthodox.blogspot.com/2021/03/ordination-of-sub-dn-shojil-abraham.html
00020
St. Tikhon's Seminary recently witnessed the ordination of one of it's second-year seminarians to the diaconate. Mark Makarios comes to us from the Antiochian Archdiocese. He and our other Antiochian students have regularly graced our seminary chapel with beautiful Byzantine melodies and enlightened our classrooms with a slightly different perspective on topics that are not easily solved, all reminders that the Orthodox Church is more diverse than any one culture, language, or parish.
Bishop Thomas of the Antiochian Archdiocese ordained Mark to the diaconate at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wilkes-Barre on March 14th, 2021. Many of his classmates, our dean, Fr. John Parker, and Mark's wife, Marian, were able to join in the celebration of this newly-ordained deacon of the Orthodox Church, saying:
Axios!
00021
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit." (John 15:16)
By the grace of God, third year seminarian, Antonios Roby Antony was ordained to the Holy Order of the Sub-diaconate on Saturday, March 13th by the hands of HG Zachariah Mar Nicholovos (Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese) at St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (Floral Park).
Guests included clergy from across the diocese, Very Rev. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and seminarians from both St. Vladimir and St. Tikhon seminaries.
Following the ordination service, was a short public meeting under the leadership of HG Mar Nicholovos and Rev. Gregory Varghese (Vicar of St. Gregorios) to congratulate and recognize the newly ordained Sub-deacon Antony. In their words of felicitation, both HG Mar Nicholovos and Fr. John reminded the newly ordained Sub-deacon and all the faithful in attendance, on the importance of being diligent stewards in the Lord's vineyard and the task of ministering to the needs of the Church in this country.
AXIOS!
By Renin Cherian
00022
It is with great excitement that we announce the ordination of Subdeacon Maximus Gibson to the diaconate. The newly-ordained Deacon Maximus was ordained this past Sunday on one of the preparatory Sundays for Great Lent. He was thrown straight into the deep end: his first service was a Vigil to the Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, and the Vigil service is a liturgical challenge. He is well prepared and learning fast.
It was particularly poignant to watch Deacon Maximus and his godfather, Deacon Michael Rehmet, who was serving at the ordination, exchange looks from time to time during the service. Any ordination is full of meaning and importance, but this one seemed to have a little extra something.
Looking on, also, were Deacon Maximus's wife, Michelle, and daughter, Madeline. We all were blessed to be able to join in this significant next step in the lives of the Gibson family as they continue to prepare for a life of service to Christ's Church.
Deacon Maximus, axios!
By Dn. Ignatius Strange
00023
On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the seminary community was singing the Saint Tikhon’s blues
Whether they experienced him with or without the mustache, hundreds of seminary students have had the honor of studying theology under Dr. Harry Boosalis over the years, from Cosmology to Christology to Eschatology. While first-year seminarians might at first feel rather befuddled upon hearing Doctor Harry’s very first query (“Do you know Jesus?”), no student can walk away from his courses without a deeper appreciation for how precious man is in the sight of God, as well as a deeper appreciation for the professor himself.
“Wow!”
Outside of class, Dr. Harry has always been ready to meet with students to discuss life in “NEPA,” a potential thesis idea, or their future pastoral ministries (“How are you gonna explain that to the yiayias in your parish one day?”). He has visited church communities to give clear and understandable presentations on Orthodox theology. And with his intimate connections to the monastic brotherhood of the Holy Monastery of Iveron, Dr. Harry has led a number of trips with both students and professors to Mount Athos (with pit stops in Thessaloniki to boot). Travelling alongside one of their favorite Greek professors, members of the Saint Tikhon’s community have had the opportunity to visit the Panayia’s Garden in preparation for ordination or other ecclesial vocations in the world. And even those students unable to visit Iveron—along with its cherished “Portaitissa” icon of the Theotokos—have nevertheless travelled a somewhat shorter distance with Dr. Harry to witness the streaming of the “Kardiotissa” icon of the Mother of God right here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“Should we take a break? Let’s take a break— You know what? Let’s keep going…”
But Dr. Harry’s role in the community extends beyond his love for the Panayia and her Divine Child: he has been the headliner of countless extracurricular events in the community, starring as the bass guitarist for such bands as “the Clerical Errors” and “the Dogmatix.” The many children of Saint Tikhon’s have always been ready to get up and dance for the band’s renditions of classic Motown hits and Beatles tunes; likewise, the seminarians who have spent time playing or singing alongside Dr. Harry are usually quick to commit to reunion gigs, especially in order to promote the school to which Dr. Harry has devoted his many talents for decades.
“I don’t know… Is that what you believed in your former tradition?”
While those unforgettable one-on-one theology quizzes have certainly elicited fear and trembling for seminarians lax in note-taking, the familiar voice and gleeful laughter of Dr. Harry has always been a comforting sound (which is no doubt why some of his unique mannerisms have lovingly been emulated by portions of the student body throughout the ages...). Even in the various books authored by Dr. Harry, many of which have been published by the Monastery’s press, one can read his simple yet profound paragraphs—exploring the wisdom of modern Elders and the boldness of the Early Fathers—with his exact tone of voice in mind.
“You know what guys? Why don’t we save that for next semester? Is that okay?”
But, alas, the time has finally come for Dr. Harry to move on. Newly a citizen of Greece, the beloved professor leaves behind so many students and alumni, faculty and administration, friends and neighbors who will never forget how his efforts and his charm have enhanced their lives. The Saint Tikhon’s students celebrated him with a personalized concert dedicated to his love for music, and the graduating class even honored him with the prestigious Father Alexander Atty Service Award on Tuesday. He was also presented with heartfelt messages from all of his colleagues, not to mention a freshly composed icon of Saints Tikhon of Zadonsk and Tikhon of Moscow, alongside his own patron, the venerable Hieromartyr Haralambos. As Dr. Harry Boosalis steps down from his role at this school, we all wish him many blessed years and safe travels, and we sincerely pray that the Most Holy Lady might protect and shelter him all the days of his life.
00024
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
I am pleased to announce our First Annual St. Nicholai Lecture, scheduled for Tuesday, March 23, 7:00-8:30PM.
The Lecture is the spring coefficient to the October St. Tikhon Lecture, and is to be scheduled each Spring, on or around March 18, the Feast of St. Nicholai.
Our inaugural lecture will be given by His Grace, The Rt. Rev. Irenej (Dobrijevic), Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church. His Grace is an alumnus of St TIkhon's. His Grace wrote his M.Div. Thesis on St. Nicholai, "Bishop Nicholai Velimirovich: A 1921 Mission to America."
The Lecture will be entitled, "St. Nicholai: His Last Years".
Students are expected in person for the evening. It will be livestreamed for the benefit of the wider world through our youtube and facebook pages.
Limited space is available for others. Please ask me directly.
Please mark your calendars to be present for March 23, 7:00-8:30PM.
Glory to God for all things.
Your Servant in Christ,
Fr. John Parker
00025
On the Great Feast of the Nativity of the Lord, 2020, the faithful of Saint Tikhon’s gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ, as well as to honor one of their own: Archpriest Daniel Donlick, a faithful priest of the Orthodox Church for over fifty-five years, was led by Archimandrite Sergius, Abbot of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, and Archpriest John Parker, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, to stand before His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon. Father Daniel prostrated, arose, and bowed his head before the hierarch.
Current seminary students easily recognize Father Daniel from his role as the primary confessor at Sunday morning Liturgies and Presanctified Liturgies. Though COVID-19 has complicated things a bit, Father is nevertheless a familiar face. Walking into the Monastery Church before almost anyone else has arrived, the sound of his footsteps and his white cane--familiar signals of his presence--are almost as comforting as his joy-laden countenance and his greeting to everyone he encounters: “Glory to Jesus Christ!” Father Daniel has served as the spiritual father for a host of seminarians (past and present), but also for parishioners of the Monastery. They go to him knowing that, through his simple ministry, they will have a powerful experience of the Spirit. This is because they can see that Father Daniel has a genuine and pious soul, a soul that desires the Lord. By his counselling, Father conveys living hope to his spiritual children. He encourages each one of them lovingly. He speaks from the heart and he listens with a palpable concern and a focus that is unmistakable. Kneeling at the Panikhida table before the Gospel and the Cross, God’s healing presence and forgiveness are received--and Archpriest Daniel conveys it to each penitent with the prayer of absolution.
But Father Daniel’s ministry extends beyond this service to his spiritual sons and daughters. At the Little Entrance of the Christmas Liturgy, the Metropolitan took the opportunity to give a word of summary about Father Daniel’s contributions to the Church:
“It is my joy and honor to present to you this miter [...] in recognition of your fifty-five years of service as a priest, which you have offered--not only as a priest in the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, serving Olyphant and Jermyn, and being a significant contributor to the mission in Stroudsburg (which now is a thriving parish)--but above all to present this award to you here at the Monastery Church of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk in the midst of the communities that you have so faithfully served throughout your priesthood, especially as a professor, as the Registrar, and as the [Academic] Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, wherein you were instrumental in bringing the seminary to achieve [...] accreditation, both on the state level, and with the Association of Theological Schools. But above all, in whatever role you served, you were indeed a Father to those that you served, inspiring them to become good priests, deacons, and lay workers in the vineyard of our Lord. And since your retirement, you also continue that ministry as a confessor and spiritual father for many here in the Monastery Church, especially those who are here to serve as seminarians and are on the path to ordination. In all these things, Father Daniel, you have shown yourself to be full of Christ-like humility, of Christ-like love, and as Saint Paul instructs: you never gave milk, but you always gave solid food to those that [have] come to you for direction and guidance, including the Primate of the Orthodox Church of America, who is here because of your original encouragement to come to seminary and follow the Lord--and not to delay.”
His Beatitude was honored to present Father Daniel’s name to the rest of the Holy Synod as a potential recipient of the miter, the highest award for presbyters in the Orthodox Church in America. The Synod recognized Father’s worthiness and unanimously approved the bestowing of this dignity on Father Daniel. This priest, who has touched so many lives over the course of his vocation, is a 1965 graduate of the seminary he still ministers to as a beloved pastor, mentor, and friend. His myriad contributions continue, and the faithful ministry of the Mitered Archpriest Daniel Donlick, along with his wife, Matushka Dolores, will surely be felt for generations to come.
By Priest Peter Simko
00026
SOUTH CANAAN, PA – Today, St. Tikhon’s Seminary proudly celebrates the 45th Anniversary of Archpriest John Kowalczyk’s Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. Father John is the longest-serving adjunct faculty member of our theological school, teaching in the Department of Pastoral Praxis since 1987, and serving as Director of Field Education.
Father John is a graduate of St. Tikhon’s Seminary (1975), Marywood University (M.S. in Religious Education in 1981), and the Moscow Theological Academy (Candidate of Science in Theology in 1996).
He received full privileges for group psychotherapy from Fairview Hospital and Medical Staff in 1994, and serves as contract chaplain at S.C.I. Waymart’s Forensic Treatment Center, where he has completed over 7,500 Preliminary Religious Assessments on forensic inmates for the Treatment Team since 1987. Through his efforts, St. Tikhon’s seminarians are able to pursue semester internships in prison ministry at the S.C.I. Center in nearby Waymart as part of their field education.
He was recently appointed executive member of the Board of Directors of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry, having previously served as secretary of the organization for ten years. He has traveled extensively throughout the country on behalf of OCPM, advocating for prison inmates in need of Christ and pastoral care. He has addressed the All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, the National Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, and the Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, on behalf of OCPM.
He has been a guest lecturer at Drexel University’s College of Medicine for the past three years, and most recently presented a workshop at the Annual Forensic Rights and Treatment Conference, entitled “Exploring the Spiritual Dynamic of Healing When Working through Bereavement, Especially When Dealing with the Trauma of Death Notification for the Mentally Ill Inmate.” He has also guest lectured at Marquette University, Villanova University, and the University of Scranton.
He has written numerous articles on Prison Ministry and has been interviewed several times by Ancient Faith Radio regarding the work of prison ministry and the OCN. He has also produced numerous teaching videos on prison ministry, available on the official OCPM website.
The son of Walter, of blessed memory, and Zofia Kowalczyk, Fr. John was born in Dresdenko, Poland. He immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1958 and grew up in Yonkers, NY. He was married to the former Katherine Labick on October 12, 1975; she has worked together with him throughout his career, as Matushka in the parish, and bursar in the finance office at the Seminary. They are the proud parents of two children, Sophia (married to Robert Wolf) and Nicholas.
Father Kowalczyk was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on December 14, 1975 by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Ireney, of blessed memory, at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers, New York. Over the next ten years, he served as an assistant priest at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Minneapolis, MN; rector of St. Mark’s Church in Wrightstown, PA; and rector of Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church in Philadelphia, PA.
On February 1, 1985, Fr. Kowalczyk was transferred to St. Michael’s Church in Jermyn, where he has faithfully served the large parish family there for the past 35 years. His pastorate in Jermyn has been marked by significant improvements of the church complex: an expansion of the temple, the addition of numerous beautiful icons, and the renovation of the parish hall, as well as monumental spiritual and numerical growth of the community.
Over these many years, he has shepherded diverse flocks of immigrants from overseas, native-born North Americans, and those who have chosen Holy Orthodoxy as the one, true Faith. He has been personally committed to the growth of each one of his sheep, leading them in “The Way” of Christ, and to the growth of the parishes and dioceses he has served, as well as the entire Orthodox Church in America.
During the past four decades of service in the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, he has served as Diocesan Chancellor to three hierarchs (Archbishop Herman, Archbishop Tikhon, and Archbishop Mark). He also worked from 1987 to 2005 as the Editor of the Eastern PA publication, Your Diocese Alive in Christ. During that time, he provided the “Interview with the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church” and “Canonization of Fr. Alexis Toth by the Orthodox Church in America” in St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly, and “The Millennium Pilgrimage” in The Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Father John has been one of the earliest members and a long-time champion of Orthodox Christians for Life, the pro-life movement of our Church in this country. He has appeared on the national stage for decades and walked with hierarchs, clergy and laypersons alike in the annual “March for Life” in our nation’s capital almost every year. He has authored An Orthodox View of Abortion, published in 1977 by Light and Life Publishing, Minneapolis, MN, and he has also written numerous articles on the Sanctity of Life.
Additionally, he has served as the Guest Speaker at the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black, and at the Annual Christianity Conference.
On the world scene, he represented St. Tikhon’s Seminary at the SYNDESMOS International Theological Conference in Poland (1989), Moscow (1992), and Finland (1998). He is the recipient of four prestigious awards: the Order of St. Mary Magdalene, presented by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Vasily of Poland, of blessed memory; the Jeweled Cross and the Order of St. Innocent, awarded by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America; and the Jeweled Cross, presented by His Holiness, Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow, of blessed memory.
An exemplary priest, an outstanding professor, and a loving pastor, Father Kowalczyk is best known for his teaching on “the ministry of presence” – the need for those in ministry to be present, to “be there,” for those in difficulty – to listen with one’s heart as well as one’s ears – and to offer the empathy of Christ, the Good Shepherd Who loves us more than we love ourselves.
In congratulating Archpriest John on his 45th Anniversary, Archbishop Michael, Rector of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, lauded his remarkable service: “Your many and varied labors have not been for your own glory or personal gain, but that the Holy Church might be strengthened. We give thanks to the Lord for all you have done in His Name with excellence over the past 45 years, together with Matushka Kathy, who has been the consummate help-mate and co-laborer in your ministry.
“On this milestone anniversary, it is my joy to join with all those who love you throughout our Church in wishing you good health, much happiness, and continued success in your every effort on behalf of our Lord. May your work in the Vineyard of Christ continue to prosper, and may the Holy Spirit by whose grace you were ordained to the Priesthood continue to guide you for many blessed years to come. Mnogaya Lyeta!”
Physical Address:
178 St. Tikhon's Road
Waymart, PA 18472
Mailing Address:
Post Office Box 130
South Canaan, PA 18459
Phone: 570-561-1818