More than 70 family members, friends, parishioners of local churches, and alumni of St. Vladimir's turned out to honor Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Allison Park, PA, on Sunday, October 27, in celebration of "Father Tom's" 50th Anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. The event, which was sponsored by St. Vladimir's Seminary Alumni Association and hosted by the parish community at the cathedral, began with a Molieben of Thanksgiving served by Cathedral Dean The Very Rev. Michael Senyo, with choir responses led by The Very Rev. Thomas Soroka, rector of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, McKees Rocks, PA.The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor/CEO of St. Vladimir's, as Master of Ceremonies for the event, made two significant announcements. First, the "Father Thomas Hopko Scholarship Fund," which provides seminary scholarship aid for sons and daughters of priests, was recently fully funded with $100,000 in total donations; and second, a faculty–staff duplex on the seminary campus will henceforth be known as "The Hopko House."
Other notable participants in the celebration included The Right Rev. Melchisedek, bishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania; The Most Blessed Theodosius, former Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of All America and Canada; The Rev. Dr. John Jillions, chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America; The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, dean of St. Vladimir's; Catherine Hopko Mandell, daughter of Fr. Thomas; and members of The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA, where Fr. Thomas and his wife Anne often attend services. Additionally, Fr. Thomas Soroka made a presentation of an icon of Christ on behalf of Ancient Faith Radio, a media outlet for which Fr. Thomas Hopko has done 300+ podcasts.
Father Thomas served as Dean of St. Vladimir's Seminary from 1992–2002, and retired with the distinction Dean Emeritus. From 1968–2002 he taught courses in Dogmatic Theology, Practical Theology, Homiletics, and Spirituality at the Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Warren, Ohio (1963–68)), Wappingers Falls, NY (1968–1978), and Jamaica Estates, NY (1978–1983). Married to Anne Schmemann in 1963, the Hopkos have five married children (a son and four daughters), 16 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Father Thomas and his wife Anne now live in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.
Antiochian scholar and author Dr. Bradley Nassif (SVOTS '85), professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University, recently participated in an international meeting between Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Evangelical church leaders held in Albania during the first week in September, 2013. Convened at the invitation of Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, the conference gathered 46 Eastern and Oriental Orthodox and Evangelical leaders from 20 different countries at St. Vlash Monastery in Albania, for the first international consultation of the Lausanne-Orthodox Initiative.
Addressing the topic "Tradition, Catholicity and the Mind of the Church," Dr. Nassif reminded his audience that when Orthodox Christians say one thing, Evangelical Christians often hear something completely different. In frank discussion and a spirit of respect and hospitality, participants wrestled with the challenging issues of proselytism, canonical territory, salvation, justification, and theosis, resolving to continue to journey together with a second international gathering already being planned for the early autumn of 2014.
"One aspect of my scholarly work has been devoted to building bridges between the Orthodox and Evangelical worlds in North America and around the world," notes Dr. Nassif. "I was in Albania to continue my work in this area." He adds that Fr. John Meyendorff, former Dean and Professor at St. Vladimir's, and his Fordham University doctoral advisor and seminary mentor, profoundly influenced the direction of his academic career.
"He showed me how an Orthodox theologian must bear witness to the Church while also embracing all that is good, right, and holy in the wider Christian world," explains Dr. Nassif. "I first met Fr. John when I was a student at St. Vladimir's. His greatness was everywhere evident, so I determined to follow him around like a little puppy, learning everything I could from every class he taught. If I didn't take the class for credit, I audited it."
Dr. Nassif continued to learn from Fr. John, right up to the year of his repose. "A few months before he died, Fr. John introduced me to the Moscow Patriarchate, in an effort to build bridges between the Russian Orthodox Church and western missionaries from the Protestant evangelical tradition," remembers Dr. Nassif. "Our last conversation was held over the crackling telephones of Moscow, as he guided me on how to proceed with the dialogue. I continue this work today, along with my main research on the classical theology and spirituality of the early and Byzantine Church."
In 1996, Dr. Nassif served as the general editor and contributor for a memorial volume for Fr. John, titled New Perspectives on Historical Theology: Essays in Memory of John Meyendorff(Eerdmans, 1996) Contributing scholars for the book included Jaroslav Pelikan, Geoffrey Wainwright, Veselin Kesich, and Robert Taft, S.J.; Dr. Nassif's essay in the book was pulled from a revised chapter from his doctoral dissertation under Fr. John Meyendorff, and was titled "Spiritual Exegesis in the School of Antioch."
The theme of ecumenical engagement with evangelicals has been the backdrop for several of Dr. Nassif's recent publishing projects. Bringing Jesus to the Desert, with Evanglical publisher Zondervan, and The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality, with Oxford University Press, introduce Western Christians to Eastern spirituality.
Dr. Nassif is currently Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University in Chicago. He has been a teacher for the Antiochian House of Studies, and the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkeley, California. He serves as a consultant for Time and Christianity Today magazines. In addition to his Ph.D. from Fordham University and M.Div. from St. Vladimir's, he hold two Masters degrees, one in New Testament Studies from Denver Seminary, and one in European History from Wichita State University. He is a member of Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church in Warrenville, Illinois.
The Very Rev. Dr. Steven Voytovich, a licensed professional counselor who spent many years of his career in the field of pastoral care and education, has been named dean of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, effective August 18.
He succeeds The Very Rev. Dr. Alexander Atty, who retired for health reasons after serving as dean for the past three years.
Father Steven has earned three advanced degrees from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, NY, including a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1999. His thesis was "Orthodoxy and CPE: Education for Ministry Beyond the Liturgical Setting." He holds two masters degrees from St. Vladimir's, including a Master of Divinity Degree, with Commendation for Thesis, in 1990. His thesis topic: "The Ministry of Those Who Suffer." In 1991, he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Liturgical Music and served as choir director of the St. Vladimir's Seminary octet.
He also earned a Master of Arts Degree in Community Counseling from Fairfield University, in Fairfield, CT, in 2005, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1986.
Father Steven brings to this position years of experience as a parish priest, an educator, a presenter at seminars and retreats, a contributing writer for various religious publications, and a frequent presenter at OCA events.
His Grace, Bishop Michael, Ph.D., Rector of St. Tikhon's Seminary and Bishop of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, stated, "I am well pleased that Fr. Steven will be joining St. Tikhon's Seminary as our Dean. His pastoral, leadership, academic and work related credentials are superb and we look forward to Fr. Steven moving St. Tikhon's to new heights. On behalf of the board of trustees, faculty, staff and students we welcome him and offer our prayers for his new ministry."
In 2007, Father Steven represented the OCA and was plenary presenter at the Ninth International Congress for Pastoral care and Counseling held in Krzyzowa, Poland. He served as communications and public relations officer from 2004 to 2007. He also represented the OCA at International Congresses held in Accra Ghana in 1999 and Bangalore, India, in 2004.
Father Steven serves as Director of the OCA's Department of Institutional Chaplaincies, for which he cocreated and coordinated the OCA Seminarian Internship Program. The Department supports Orthodox Christian men and women serving in institutional chaplaincy roles. From April 2010 until joining Saint Tikhon's Seminary, he worked as director of Clinical Pastoral Education at Episcopal Health Services, Long Island, NY. During that time, he was attached to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in New Britain, CT, as a supply priest for the Connecticut Deanery, but continued serving in multiple capacities within the OCA.
Father Steven was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Beatitude Metropolitan Theodosius in 1991 and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace, Bishop Job, then of the Diocese of New England.
Over the years, he has served as pastor of Three Saints Orthodox Church in Ansonia, CT; Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Waterbury, CT; St. Alexis Orthodox Church in Clinton, CT.
Father Steven, 50, and his wife, Matushka Cindy, live in Guilford, CT. Matushka Cindy is choir director at Three Saints Church in Ansonia, CT, and is a marketing representative for Stony Creek Urgent Care facilities in Branford and Orange, CT.
Of his appointment as Dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, Father Steven said: "In accepting this position I look forward to supporting St. Tikhon's mission of providing quality theological education including personal, spiritual, and pastoral formation to those whom God has called to serve His vineyard."
The Very Rev. Peter Baktis Ch (COL) USA, a military chaplain and member of St. Vladimir Seminary's Class of 1985 (M.Div.), recently earned the highest degree offered by The Army War College, the senior service school for that branch of the military. His graduation on Friday July 26 marks the first time an Orthodox chaplain has been selected to attend the Army War College and thus receive both a Masters in Strategic Studies plus the certification required for all senior assignments, the Joint Professional Military Education Level 1 (JPMEP1). Out of approximately 100 eligible chaplains, six per year are selected to attend the College.
A priest in the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), Fr. Peter has been assigned as the Command Chaplain for the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), the first Orthodox chaplain to receive this post. "This is a direct reporting unit to the Department of the Army," noted Fr. Peter. "My responsibilities are to supervise, mentor and coach 37 chaplains assigned to the Command all over the world. I will travel throughout the year to Asia, Europe, and Australia as well as various locations in the United States."
Father Peter will also be the advisor to the Commanding General of INSCOM on all religious matters. In addition to developing and implementing programs to help the soldiers and families throughout the Command, he'll also provide counseling and assistance to those assigned to INSCOM's headquarters in Ft. Belvoir, VA.
The Very Rev. Dr. Michael Kovach, the last surviving member of the first graduating class of St. Vladimir's Seminary in 1943, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday morning, July 12, 2013, at Mount Joy Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy, PA. He was 94 years old.
After his marriage to the former Olga A. Hubiak (+2011), he was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood, going on to serve the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America (Metropolia) for 27 years and the Orthodox Church of America (OCA) for 42 years. He also spent 26 years on the faculty at Millersville University, having earned his Ph.D. in American History from the University of Pittsburgh. Most recently, he was attached to Christ the Saviour Church, Harrisburg, PA.
Other community involvement included 20 years of service on Channel 12’s Board of Trustees, two terms on Governor Thornburg’s Pennsylvania Heritage Commission, and two years as president of the now defunct Cliosophic Society of Lancaster, PA. For 14 years, he served as spiritual advisor for the Orthodox Society of America and regularly wrote articles for the fraternal’s publications. He received numerous church-related honors, including the prestigious Saint Innocent Award in recognition of his outstanding ministry.
Father Michael was commissioned during WWII as a U.S. Army Military Chaplain. In 2010, he was honored at the Seminary's annual campus open house, Orthodox Education Day, which that year celebrated the theme, "For God and Country." The day honored Orthodox Christian serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, especially military chaplains.
In lieu of flowers, contributions for the establishment of a religious education fund may be sent to Christ The Saviour Church, 5501 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109.
On March 1–2, Fr. Caleb (SVOTS '07) and Mtka. Nicole Abetti and the community of St. Jacob of Alaska Mission in Northfield, VT, hosted the first of a series of "Holy Conversations." The all-day discussions about contemporary moral issues are in the works for dioceses throughout the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) as part of the stated goals of the OCA's 2011 Strategic Plan adopted after the 16th All-American Council in Seattle, WA. Titled "Holy Conversation on Marriage and Sexuality," the inaugural session in White River Junction, VT included two St. Vladimir's faculty members and several alumni who served as speakers and members of a panel.
After the opening remarks by His Eminence the Rt. Rev. Nikon, archbishop of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese, The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, dean and professor of Patristics at St. Vladimir's, and The Very Rev. Andrew Tregubov (SVOTS '95), presented the patristic and iconographic perspectives in their talks. On Saturday morning a panel discussion commenced with participants Dr. Albert Rossi, adjunct professor of Pastoral Theology, educator and author Mtka. Jennifer Mosher (SVOTS '09), The Rev. Theophan Whitfield (SVOTS '10), and Sister Nonna Harrison. Lastly, attendees participated in workshops to process the day's information.
"On Friday evening," said panelist Mtka. Jennifer Mosher, "Fr. John spoke on how becoming human does not fully happen until we die, and how the creation of male and female is unique to humanity in the creation account. Father Andrew then spoke about iconography and how the creation of man and woman, the love of the Trinity, the love of the Theotokos and Child and the love of married couples such as Anna and Joachim, are depicted therein. After the talks there was some time for questions, and some stayed even later for further discussion."
Saturday's panelists continued the dialogue. Dr. Rossi described male/female differences in psychology and relationships, Sr. Nonna compared and contrasted monasticism and marriage, Mtka. Jennifer explored marriage as the context for children and family life, and Fr. Theophan outlined the pastoral response to the most difficult questions regarding marriage and sexuality. These presentations offered much content as grist for the workshops that followed the lunch break.
"People asked questions or made comments about homosexual relationships, contraception, how youth relate to one another and to adults in our quickly evolving and high tech culture, the influence of media on people's expectations for their relationships and their family life, among many other things," noted Mtka. Jennifer. "It was intimate and friendly, and people engaged in a positive way. New England is a small diocese; we know Archbishop Nikon well and he was very much in the midst of the event speaking, answering questions, and sharing insights."
"The purpose of these Holy Conversations is to better communicate Orthodox Christian teachings on these issues and to discuss how they can be applied faithfully, charitably and effectively," said The Rev. John Vitko when the Vermont pilot program was announced in February. Father John, who chairs the Strategic Plan Committee and is the rector at St. Luke Church in McLean, VA, also noted that "an implementation team led by Priest Caleb Abetti will continue to work on identifying an appropriate format for conducting such conversations."
Alumnus Deacon Richard Howrilka (SVOTS '02) fell asleep in the Lord on Monday afternoon, January 7, 2013. Funeral services will be held at St. Gregory's Church, Seaford, New York, and St. Michael's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Binghamton, New York. Viewing and service times at St. Gregory's will be Thursday, January 10, 2013, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. (viewing); 7:30 p.m. Parastas. Divine Liturgy and interment will take place at St. Michael's on January 11 and 12 respectively.
Father Deacon Richard Howrilka was raised in the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox community in Endicott, New York where he was active in the choir and singing the traditional "Prostopinije" music. After graduation from S.U.N.Y. Binghamton, he received a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University in New York City, and worked in the financial industry of Wall Street. After years of contemplating his calling to the Holy Priesthood, and with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, he enrolled at St. Vladimir's Seminary, from which he graduated in 2002 with a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained as a deacon by Metropolitan Nicholas on October 12, 2003. Deacon Richard is survived by his wife, Diana, and daughter, Lydia.
On Saturday, December 29, 2012, The Very Rev. Paul Shafran (SVOTS ’1945) celebrated his 65th anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood by presiding at the Divine Liturgy in Three Hierarchs Chapel at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary, his alma mater, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow clergy. Father Paul, who briefly served parishes in the Byesville, Ohio area during his days as a young pastor, most recently is Pastor Emeritus of St. Vladimir Church in Trenton, NJ. His actual date of ordination is December 28, 1947; he was elevated to the Holy Priesthood by the hand of Archbishop Nikon (de Greve of Brooklyn) at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection, New York City.
The Right Reverend Michael (Dahulich), bishop of New York, and the New York and New Jersey Diocese, Orthodox Church in America, prayed on the solea during the service, thus giving Fr. Paul the honor of being the main celebrant at the altar for the occasion. Concelebrating were fellow clergy The Very Rev. Joseph Lickwar, chancellor of the New York and New Jersey Diocese; The Very Rev. Daniel Skvir, rector of Holy Transfiguration Chapel, Princeton, NJ; The Very Rev. Sergius Kuharsky, currently attached to Annunciation Church, Brick, NJ; and The Very Rev. Steven J. Belonick, rector of Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church, Bridgeport, CT.
At the end of Divine Liturgy, His Grace Michael praised Fr. Paul’s ministry and likened his service to the Church to that of the Apostles John and Paul, who labored with “energy, commitment, and faith.” “In the seventh decade of his priesthood,” noted Bishop Michael, “Father Paul continues to go from place to place to serve tirelessly, fearlessly, and selflessly as a priest of God. In him, we get a glimpse of an imitation of the holy apostles.”
Bishop Michael mentioned the many faceted ministries that Fr. Paul exercised over the years, including his faithfulness as a concerned pastor; his ability to “think out of the box” and especially his forward thinking in building up an endowment for his former parish in New Jersey; his commitment to theological education, both as an instructor at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and as a long-time member of its Board of Trustees; his dedication to the care of the elderly as a Board of Trustees member at Ss. Cosmos and Damian Adult Home on Staten Island; and his more humble and less known ministry as a confidant to many clergy and hierarchs.
Acknowledging Fr. Paul’s long and broad church service, Bishop Michael presented him with a new vestment, a palitza, with an icon of the Incarnation depicted on one side and an icon of the Resurrection depicted on the other. “The icons are in recognition of the beginning and height of our salvation in Christ Jesus,” noted Bishop Michael.
His Grace also observed that people attending the celebratory Liturgy represented nearly every aspect of Fr. Paul’s ministry. In conclusion, Bishop Michael praised Fr. Paul’s wife, Matushka Mary (née Obletiloff) as an example of “full support” of her husband’s priestly ministry, and wished them both “many more years of health, in order to show forth the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
Recognizing Fr. Paul’s loyalty and dedication to St. Vladimir’s Seminary were The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, dean, and The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor, who presented him with a gramata that paid homage to his accomplishments and exemplary service on behalf of the Seminary. During the deanship of The Very Rev. Dr. Georges Florovsky [1949–1955], Fr. Paul had served as Instructor of Liturgics at St. Vladimir’s, beginning in 1951. Now a Trustee Emeritus of the Seminary, Fr. Paul also accomplished much in his capacity as a Board of Trustees member over the decades. He was instrumental, for example in acquiring two important collections for the seminary library: part of Fr. Florovsky’s private collection and the personal library of Archimandrite Anthony Repella. Fellow seminary Trustees Thomas Zedlovich, Anthony Kasmer, and Tatiana Hoff were on hand to honor Fr. Paul on the occasion.
As an alumnus, Fr. Paul encouraged and energized his fellow graduates. In 1959, he organized and co-chaired the first “Liturgical Conference”—the precursor of the Seminary’s long-running annual “Liturgical Institute of Music and Pastoral Practice"—in order to provide ongoing education for seminary graduates. Father Paul’s charming correspondence to his fellow alumni about a similar subsequent conference that he organized—with his brother-in-law and fellow alumnus, The Rev. Alexander Warnecke—is captured in the Seminary’s archives, in a letter dated 1962:
The beautiful but complex Liturgical Tradition of the Orthodox Catholic Church requires the priest to have a thorough knowledge of not only the external rubrics of the divine offices, but also a full understanding of their history and theology as well. The theme of this year’s Liturgical Conference will be the Lenten Triodion and Lenten Worship, with four lectures: “Origin of Lenten and Paschal cycles”; “General structure of Lent”; “The Presanctified Liturgy”; and “Holy Week”. The Very Rev. Father Alexander Schmemann will be the lecturer. At the conference, expenses will be kept at a minimum—somewhere in the vicinity of $9. This will include all meals (good and plenty) and lodging (ditto). To cut travelling expenses, we suggest that priests organize car pools in their cities or localities, and travel together. We are also reminding every priest to bring his rasa, cuffs, epitrahilion, service book, and pectoral cross. Let’s have a large turnout. If you come, you won’t forget it; but, if you stay home, you’ll regret it.—The Very Rev. Paul Shafran, to all St. Vladimir’s Alumni
After the presentations, Fr. Paul thanked both Bishop Michael and Frs. John and Chad for their “eloquent and kind words.” He also expressed his gratitude to God for being able to serve, for the very first time, at the seminary chapel’s altar, which was a gift from Matushka Mary and him, in honor of Fr. Paul’s parents, Stephan and Rosalia Shafran. In so doing, he quoted the Psalm: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy continues forever.”
Following the Divine Liturgy and presentations, the congregation and clergy enjoyed a brunch in the chapel undercroft, where Fr. Daniel Skvir acted as Master of Ceremonies. “Father Paul will serve as a model for generations of priests,” he said, noting Fr. Paul’s ready defense of the Orthodox Christian faith, pastoral care, knowledge of liturgics, and respect for concelebrants at the altar. “It is good for us to be here, in the words of the Apostles,” concluded Fr. Daniel, as he invited past parishioners and friends to fete Fr. Paul with further reminiscences and fond memories of his pastorate.
It is with hope in the Resurrection that we mark the repose of Khouria Joanne Bitar, who fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday morning, December 30th, after a long battle with cancer. Khouria Joanne is survived by her husband, Archpriest Elias Bitar (SVOTS '75 & '01), who retired as Lecturer in Liturgical Music at St. Vladimir's Seminary in 2011, after decades of service; and children, Katrina (SVOTS '09), Sister Ignatia, Martha, and Antony.
Services with be held at St. George Anitohian Orthodox Church, Little Falls, NJ, as follows: Wednesday, January 2nd, Viewing and Trisagion Service from 5 to 9 p.m.; Thursday January 3rd, Funeral Service at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be at St. Nina's Monastery, Union Bridge, Maryland.
Poughkeepsie, NY (SVS Alumni) - Saint Vladimir's Alumnus Mr. Ludwig Djaparidze ('90), fell asleep in the Lord peacefully at Vassare Brothers Medical Center here on Monday, December 3, 2012 at the age of 55.
Ludwig was born in Paris, France on January 1, 1957. He was married in 1997 to his wife Irina Kilasonia. Ludwig was a graduate of Wesleyan College, and St. Vladimir's Seminary. He was an avid musician and served at the Choir Director at St. John the Baptist Church, Spring Valley, NY.
"Those who knew Ludwig will remember him as a unique and beautiful soul. Indeed a man hard to forget," said classmate and current SVOTS faculty Dr. Peter Bouteneff.
In addition to his loving wife Irina, he is survived by his children Dina, Konstantine, Megi, David and Jason, daughter-in-law Candace, son-in-law Avtandil and grandchildren Giorgi, Mya and Alexander.
