On the cutting edge of issues related to clergy concerns, St Vladimir’s Seminary addressed the problem of addictions. Friday, February 15, 2008 was set aside and dedicated to this pertinent and pressing issue in two different and equally relevant sessions. The morning dealt with addictions in general with a focus on substance abuse and the effects of addiction on families. The afternoon session tackled addictions and temptations through technology. St Vladimir’s Seminary wants to ensure that future clergy and church leaders are prepared to help their parishioners with new problems, old problems, and old problems manifesting themselves in new ways.

The Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that over 27% of Orthodox Christian clergy members completed coursework on substance abuse in theology school compared to 17% of Catholics and 13% of Protestants. The report also stated that, “Just over a quarter (25.8%) of all schools of theology and seminaries require individuals preparing for ordained ministry to take any courses dedicated to providing information or pastoral counseling training about the nature and consequences of alcohol and drug abuse and addiction.”

Parish priest and professional counselor, Fr Steven Voytovich, shared anecdotes and examples from his pastoral experience providing a lively discussion on a heavy topic. Fr Steven holds three degrees from St Vladimir’s Seminary including an Masters of Divinity (SVS ’90), Master of Arts in Liturgical Music (SVS ’91) and a Doctorate of Ministry (SVS ’99). As well as being a full-time parish priest at St Alexis Orthodox Church in Clinton, CT, Fr Steven also serves as the Director of Pastoral Care at the Hospital of St Raphael in New Haven, CT.

The afternoon session, “Addictions and Temptations through Technology” was led by Theo Nicolakis, Director of Information Technology for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Mr Nicolakis presented the danger of pornography through emerging technologies and discussed the growing access and availability of adult content through the internet and mobile devices. He familiarized the student body with parental control options of some cell phone providers and encouraged parents as well as parish priests to speak openly about the dangers. 

As a member of the executive committee of the Religious Affiliation Against Pornography, Mr Nicolakis presented some fascinating and disturbing facts. One of the most scandalous was that when religious gatherings occur in hotels there is usually a marked increase in the amount of pornography ordered.

The strategies discussed in the morning about general addictions set the tone for looking at pornography as another addiction. This context was a critical reminder that pornographic addiction needs to be recovered from following other addiction recovery models.

A gallery of photographs is now available.