St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - Events Two-Day Retreat Begins the Lenten Season March 14-15, 2005

SVS held its annual two-day retreat on the first two days of Great Lent (March 14-15, 2005). No classes were scheduled, so that students and faculty could spend these days observing a more full cycle of prayer: Matins, the Sixth Hour, the Ninth Hour, Vespers, Compline, and the Canon of St Andrew of Crete, which is celebrated in four parts during the first week of Great Lent.

On Monday evening the seminary welcomed His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman who came to preside at the evening services of Compline and the Canon of St Andrew of Crete.  At the close of the service His Beatitude offered words of encouragement for the seminary community in its observance of Great Lent, asking forgiveness of all.

The Sixth and Ninth Hour prayer services on both days were concluded with meditations offered by this year's retreat leader Fr Vladimir Berzonsky. Fr Berzonsky is rector of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Parma, Ohio, and alumnus of SVS, class of 1965.