Matushka Thekla and Father Chad Hatfield (Focal Point Photographics)St. Juliana Society

The Seminary Wives Program took on a new look in 2010, which reflected the ongoing revisions of the new curriculum. The name of the program was changed and placed under the patronage of St. Juliana of Lazerevo. The newly formed "St. Juliana's Society" has endeavored to help prepare future clergy wives for their roles in parish life. It has been the aim to bring in a variety of speakers to cover topics that have been suggested by former graduates and 2nd- and 3rd-year student wives.

Meetings are on alternate Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. generally at the Hatfield home. Programs in 2012 ranged from liturgical instruction offered by Hierodeacon Herman, lecturer in Liturgical Music, to guest speakers such as Mtka. Suzanne Senyo from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA.

"I remember what it was like being a young clergy wife entirely clueless as to what was expected of me and how to deal with the challenges of parish and mission life. In our meetings we create a venue for their questions about what happens after seminary, and try to equip them with the tools they will need," explains Mtka. Thekla Hatfield, the group's coordinator. "We also bring in speakers who offer spiritual encouragement and counsel."

Upcoming programs for 2013 will include Pres. Renee Ritsi from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and Kh. Krista West of Portland, OR, who will speak about the history and care of liturgical vestments.

Women's Group

The Women's Group is run by the Seminary wives, and is specifically aimed at planning events to encourage fun and fellowship for all the women on campus, whether they be staff, faculty wives, or students.