Rest In Peace

STOTS alumnus Protopresbyter Michael (Mihajlo) Doder, and his wife Protinica Zorka both died of COVID only eight days apart in December.

Be mindful, O Lord, of all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection unto eternal life, especially Father Michael Doder and Matushka Protinica Zorka; pardon all their transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, whether in word, or deed or thought.  Shelter them in a place of brightness, a place of verdure, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing have fled away, and where the sight of Thy countenance rejoiceth all the Saints from all ages.  Grant them Thy heavenly Kingdom, and portion of Thine ineffable blessings, and the enjoyment of Thine unending life.

Archpriest John Chupeck, retired Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Syracuse, NY, fell asleep in the Lord on February 10, 2021.

Father John was born on May 17, 1944 to John and Mary (Homisak) Chupeck in Simpson, PA. He is the middle of five children: two older sisters Pauline (Somple) and Dorothy (Kantor), younger brother (Archpriest Joseph), wife Ellen (Holowatch) and younger sister Irene (Govrusik).

Father John graduated from Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, PA in 1965. Metropolitan Ireney ordained him to the diaconate on December 19, 1966 and to the priesthood on December 25, 1966 at Protection of the Virgin Mary Cathedral, New York, NY. Father John was then assigned to Saint Michael’s Orthodox Church in Pueblo, CO. In 1969, he received a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College. Later that year he was assigned to Saint Michael’s Orthodox Church in Old Forge, PA where he simultaneously served on the faculty at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary. In 1978 Father John served at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Herkimer, NY, then transferred to Syracuse, NY.

Upon arriving in Syracuse, Father John was the associate pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church for 23 years and served at Saint Michael’s Orthodox Church as needed. Father John was appointed rector of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Syracuse in 2001 and retired in September of 2020.

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

"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

At the invitation of Fr. Chad Hatfield, President of St. Vladimir's Seminary, Fr. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's presided and preached on the Sunday of Orthodoxy at St. Vladimir's Seminary's Three Hierarchs Chapel. 

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.

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

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

The Mitred Archpriest Daniel D Ressetar fell asleep in the Lord on the morning of January 20, 2021. He was born March 28, 1927 in Edwardsville, PA to Archpriest Dimitri and Matushka Margarita Ressetar. He married Theodora (Prislopsky) in 1958. A graduate of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Archbishop John (Garklavs) of Chicago and to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Dmitri (Magan) of Philadelphia in 1958. Father Daniel served parishes in Eastern Pennsylvania and as a United States Air Force Military Chaplain. Continuing in his family’s tradition, he was an accomplished church musician and singer. He was awarded the Saint Innocent Award (Silver Class) by the Holy Synod in 2003 and the Mitre in 2017. He retired in 2006 and remained active at Christ the Savior Church in Harrisburg, PA as pastor emeritus.

He is survived by his wife, Matushka Theodora, and his three sons, Nicholas, Gregory, and Alexander.

May Father Daniel’s memory be eternal!

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

https://m.facebook.com/sainttikhons/videos/archpriest-daniel-donlick-stots-1965-awarded-miter/407470053802368/

Memory Eternal! Archpriest James (Iakovos) Doyle, who served as the STOTS professor of Patristics and Old Testament from 1975 until 1979, fell asleep in the Lord this week. Please keep Father James and his loved ones in your prayers. Christ is Risen!

Visitation and Funeral Services will be at:

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 

13631 S Brainard Ave, Chicago, IL 60633

Visitation:

Monday, Jan. 18,  2;00 to 9:00PM

Funeral:

Tuesday, January 19,  8:00AM 

Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, IN

Due to Covid restrictions space is limited for funeral service on Tuesday, Jan 19th. Please contact 773-646-2999 by 5pm Sunday, Jan 17th to leave a message for a reservation and a member of the church counsel will call back to confirm.

At the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the feast of Holy Theophany (6 Jan. 2020), Reader Anthony Saunders was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Grace, Bishop Alexis of Bethesda, locum tenens of the Diocese of Sitka and Alaska at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1mqmODldRo

Deacon Anthony is from the Diocese of the Midwest under his Eminence, Archbishop Paul. His wife and his two daughters were in attendance for this joyous occasion.

By Nathanael Belt