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Visiting Scholars

St. Vladimir’s Seminary welcomes visiting scholars for short-term visits and extended stays to conduct research in The Father Georges Florovsky Library and meet with members of the faculty, if requested. The Florovsky Library currently holds approximately 160,000 volumes and receives over 330 periodicals. This collection is considered one of the richest resources available on the North American continent for research on Eastern Christianity. It is especially strong in the areas of Orthodox church history, Orthodox theology, philosophy, and culture. In addition to the extensive collection of books and periodicals, the Library also possesses several important archival collections, including The Father Georges Florovsky Papers, The Father Alexander Schmemann Papers, and The Skvir–Buketoff Music Collection, as well as the Official Archives of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA; finding aid link here).

St. Vladimir's Seminary is able to host visiting scholars when classes are in session, from the beginning of September until mid-December, and from mid-January until the end of May. Please visit the Academic Calendar for specific dates. A visiting scholar is normally a professor, researcher, postdoctoral fellow, or holder of an academic position at an accredited university or seminary. We also consider requests from independent scholars, journalists, clergy, and those with a demonstrable need for access to the Seminary’s library and archives.

Visiting Students. In addition to visiting scholars, the Seminary also considers requests from Visiting Students. A Visiting Student is defined as a doctoral candidate, doctoral student, or masters-level student in good standing at another accredited institution whose dissertation or thesis research would benefit significantly from access to the Father Georges Florovsky Library and consultation with seminary faculty. Prospective Visiting Students must follow the same application procedure as Visiting Scholars, with the required letter of reference coming from the student’s primary dissertation or thesis advisor. The request must clearly state the research purpose and have the support of a St. Vladimir’s faculty sponsor. Visiting Students are considered guests of the Seminary and are not enrolled in any of its degree programs; they do not receive academic credit and are subject to the same conditions regarding accommodations, background checks, and visa requirements as outlined below.

Space is limited and requests to visit are granted in accordance with the following procedures and under the conditions described below:

  • Approval of Request. All requests for Visiting Scholars or Students for short-term visits (of no more than three days) or extended stays at the Seminary must be submitted for approval at least one month in advance to Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. John Barnet at jbarnet@svots.edu.
  • Letter of Reference. Requests for extended stays must include a letter of reference. The Seminary will conduct a background check prior to any visit longer than three nights.
  • Purpose of Visit. Requests should explain the reason for the visit, which normally includes using the library and meeting with faculty, and must have the support of a faculty sponsor. Visitors who would like to attend classes, whether formally or informally, are encouraged to enroll in one of the Seminary's degree programs, either the Master of Theology degree (an advanced theological degree normally completed in one academic year) or the Master of Arts degree (which may also be completed in one year by qualified students).
  • Accommodations. For on-campus accommodations, whether for short-term visits or extended stays, please email visitors@svots.edu to make arrangements. While on campus, visiting scholars are expected to follow all seminary policies and are encouraged to attend daily chapel services.
  • Visas. International visiting scholars are responsible for securing their own visa, as the Seminary is only authorized to approve certification requests for an F-1 visa application for full-time students enrolled in one of its degree programs.
  • Background checks. Any visitor to St. Vladimir's Seminary staying longer than three nights must consent to a background check. This is in accordance with Seminary, OCA, and federal policies.

A schedule of fees for on-campus accommodations (including housing and food) and library circulation privileges is available upon request.

Transportation to and from the Seminary is the responsibility of guests. Those who would like to visit the Seminary and who require off-campus accommodations are encouraged to contact visitors@svots.edu for recommendations. St. Vladimir's has special rates with the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites (559 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY 10710) and SpringHill Suites (109 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe, NY 10707; 914-984-9010). You can email visitors@svots.edu for a special promotional code rate for SpringHill Suites.