Amidst the snow and ice (and finals!), the St Vladimir’s Seminary community gathered in their chapel for two special services on December 13, 2007. An early morning Divine Liturgy was celebrated for the feast day of St Herman of Alaska. Fr Chad Hatfield, Chancellor, who lived for several years in Kodiak, Alaska, delivered the homily. Fr Chad reflected on the life of St Herman and with a few brief and inspiring stories encapsulated this beloved saint’s faithful and steadfast ministry in the face of great hardships.

December 13th also marks the anniversary of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann’s falling asleep in the Lord. Breaking away from their desks and library carrels piled high with books; the students came to the chapel for a memorial service (panikhida) for Fr Alexander, who served as Dean of St Vladimir’s Seminary from 1962 to 1983. His leadership and vision influenced and inspired generations of Orthodox Christians in America and around the world. Fr Steven Belonick, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and SVS alumnus (‘77) who studied under Fr Alexander offered a eulogy about his former professor.

The full text of Fr Steven Belonick’s talk is available on this web site.

Photographs from the Divine Liturgy, the library, and the memorial service are available below (click "Read More" if images are not visible).