Orthodox Education Day 2004
- a joyous gathering!

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On Saturday, October 2, 2004, St Vladimir's Seminary welcomed hundreds of guests who traveled to the seminary's campus for a full day of prayer, fellowship, musical entertainment, good food, book browsing, and of course, educational workshops. This year's theme: "I Have Chosen You: Reflections on John 15:16."

The day's events began at 9:30 AM with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Herman, primate of the Orthodox Church in America and president of St Vladimir's Seminary, presided. Concelebrating with him were Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas and the South (OCA), Bishop Savas of Troas (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America), and Bishop Tikhon of South Canaan (OCA), as well as numerous priests and deacons from various jurisdictions. Responses were sung by singers from the choirs of St Vladimir's Seminary and the guest choir of St George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, participants could choose from American, Canadian, Greek, Indian, Middle Eastern, Romanian, Russian, or Serbian cuisine. After lunch, Archbishop Dmitri gave the keynote address on the day's theme to a full audience beneath the main tent.

Singers from the choirs of St Vladimir's Seminary were first to perform in the festival of music that began at 2:00 PM. Following them was an outstanding performance of traditional Georgian songs and dances by the Dancing Crane Georgian Dance Theater. The choir of St George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral concluded the musical program with beautiful Orthodox hymns.

Afternoon workshops expounding on the day's theme were given by V. Rev. Sergei Glagolev (OCA); Rev. Mark Leondis, lecturer in religious education at St Vladimir's Seminary and director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the GOA; Prof. Richard Schneider, visiting professor in liturgical art at St Vladimir's Seminary; and V. Rev. Dr Paul Tarazi, professor of Old Testament at St Vladimir's Seminary. 

Various other afternoon activities were available to visitors: The seminary library was open from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and two guided tours of campus were also offered. Fifty youth and young adults enjoyed an ice cream social with Rev. Michael Anderson, director of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry of the OCA. Children occupied themselves with colorful craft projects beneath the children's activities tent.

A memorial service was held at 4:00 PM in the Three Hierarchs Chapel. Great Vespers at 5:15 PM concluded the day.