The day of Commencement tends to be one filled with many words: words of congratulations, words of gratitude, words of challenge and encouragement. I believe I can speak for the graduates today in saying that we find that we ourselves are "worded out!" During our years here at St Vladimir’s, we have written, spoken, sung, preached, asked, and confessed many, many words. As Fr Tom has often reminded us, when Christ returns, we will be held accountable for any "vain word" which we have uttered. In this regard, I intend to keep my comments very brief.

I suppose it is human nature to ask questions, and if this is true in general for humanity, it is certainly true for the seminary student. Without a doubt, many questions have been posed and debated on this campus with the goal of understanding, being enlightened, even that of getting an "answer."

What we are prompted to remember today is that, during our studies here at St Vladimir’s, we have been blessed with many answers—perhaps not always solutions, but answers. They have come from our professors, our father confessors, the staff, other students and their families, and the entire St Vladimir’s worshipping community. Ultimately, these "answers" were convincing only insofar as they pointed us to The Answer, Christ Himself. Answers to our questions do not always, perhaps not even often, come in the form of the words in which they were posed. The most compelling answers bear an incarnational weight; that is to say that they are not so much spoken but lived. They are revealed tangibly in the lives, the witness, and the love of people around us.

One cannot help but be reminded of a question once posed to Christ by a rich young man, "Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" (Mt. 19:16-30) This is a question typical of a seminarian, for it exists in the realm of "theology." What is interesting about Jesus’ response is that He relocates the question from the realm of "theology" and legalistic adherence to the commandments of the Law to something much more: "Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’"

In short, Jesus reveals that the answer to the young man’s question is not "theological" but "Incarnational." To enter into eternal life requires not just words or ideas but action motivated by love.

We have been blessed here at St Vladimir’s to have been witnesses to such Incarnational "answers." Much of our growth and learning has come from those who have been "Christ-bearers" to us

As we who are graduating today are in the unique position of looking both backward in time at our life here, and looking ahead to whatever our futures hold, it is particularly fitting to say, "Thank you." We have learned and grown very much here and are grateful not just for the information you have provided us but the Incarnation you have inspired in us.

To thank you in a very tangible way, we the graduates of St Vladimir’s Seminary, 1997, would like to present a gift to the seminary. (Fr Tom, would you please come forward)

It has come to our attention that the lectern used in the altar area to hold the liturgical books during the services needs to be replaced. Therefore, on behalf of the St Vladimir’s Seminary Graduating Class of 1997, I would like to give to you a donation to purchase a new lectern for that purpose. St Vladimir’s has given so greatly to us, and we desire in some small part to give also as we prepare to leave this place.

Thank you, and may God guide and bless St Vladimir’s as it continues its ministry of education and Incarnational witness to Christ.