A Place of Study and Worship

Seminary life is an intense experience and an important testing ground for one's vocation in the Church.  A day in the life of a seminarian begins with worship at 7:30 a.m. with matins and vespers at 5:00 p.m.  Classes, research, study, community service, fellowship, and meals complete the day. 

One of the advantages of a St Vladimir's education is the fact that a great number of faculty members live on campus and worship with the students.  They are accessible not only during office hours and in the classroom but also on an informal basis. 

A Place to Learn Service

Students in residence offer a potion of their time to work assignments at the seminary.  Community service has a two-fold purpose: first, it teaches Christian obedience and service to the community; second, it helps the seminary maintain its fees at an unusually affordable level, making St Vladimir's one of the least expensive graduate schools in the country.  Community service assignments are drawn up by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and include work in the seminary library, bookstore, kitchen, chapel, grounds, maintenance, and other various areas of need.  Six hours of weekly community service are required for each non-married student, and four hours weekly for married students.

A Place of Fellowship

The seminary provides and encourages numerous opportunities for students and their families to enjoy fellowship.  Seminary events include a community picnic at the beginning of the year, a community Thanksgiving dinner, a St Nicholas Day gathering, a Paschal community meal, as well as a talent show and and many other occassions for community gatherings and cookouts throughout the school year.  At these events, the lives of seminary families and students come together for fellowship and fun as friendships develop and grow for a lifetime.

A Place of Activity

Throughout the year, the seminary hosts numerous conferences, symposiums, and meetings that attract influential theologians, hierarchs, priests, and lay persons who gather to discuss and debate important theological issues of our times.  These noted personalities make St Vladimir's Seminary an exciting place to study.  Our students benefit personally from these meetings and exchanges.

A Place of Care

The seminary recognizes that it has a responsibility to care for the welfare of each student and provides this care in a variety of ways. First, spiritual direction is a necessary element in the formation of all Orthodox Christians and most particularly in the lives of those who will serve the Church.  The clergy on campus are available to provide pastoral care and spiritual direction.  Second, when professional help is required, the seminary provides a Student Assistance Program whereby students and their families can receive free, short-term counseling and guidance from reputable counselors off-campus. 

"St Vladimir's...the beloved seminary where I experienced the true Christian community, and where seminarians even now are being well trained and prepared to face all types of situations that challenge their faith, and to carry the Gospel of salvation."

+Elias
Metropolitan of Beirut
Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East