On May 16, 2015, Archpriest Daniel Donlick marked the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood. Many clergy concelebrated with Metropolitan Tikhon at the Monastery Church, followed by a festive luncheon in the monastery trapeze that was attended by former and present students, family members, and the St. Tikhon’s community.

Fr. Daniel was Director of Admissions and part-time faculty member from 1971-1977. He served as registrar beginning in 1978, and in 1988 he was named to the newly established post of Academic Dean in 1988, a post he held until 1994 when his illness forced him to retire. He was also Associate Professor of History. Since then, he has remained a mentor and confessor to seminarians and their families at St. Tikhon’s.

During his tenure as Academic Dean, Fr. Donlick oversaw and in many ways shouldered much of the initial burden for preparing the institution for accreditation. This monumental effort resulted in the Seminary being granted Associate Membership in the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in January of 1994. This is a most significant achievement for the life of the seminary, but when asked about this, he still saw his most significant work in preparing young men to serve the church, fulfilling the mission of St. Tikhon’s Seminary.

Fr. Daniel also took the opportunity to present his own gifts to the Seminary and Monastery during the celebration, to the Seminary he gave a new chalice set for use in the chapel, and to the Monastery he offered a lovely censer for use in the monastery church.

St. Tikhon’s Seminary has established a Scholarship in Fr. Daniel’s name, as a living tribute to his efforts to support vocations over now several decades. Contributions to this scholarship are most welcome!

In having reflected on Fr. Daniel’s life, ministry, and contribution to the seminary, it seemed most appropriate to further honor Fr. Daniel with a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, at graduation on Saturday! May God grant Archpriest Daniel, Matushka Dolores, and their family many blessed years!