St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - News Releases News Release SVS Commencement Exercises Conclude the 2003–2004 Academic Year

Crestwood, NY—The class of 2004, consisting of seventeen students in four academic programs, was graduated from St Vladimir's Seminary at commencement exercises on Saturday, May 15. Metropolitan HERMAN, president of the seminary, was assisted by Bishop BASIL of Wichita (AOCA), and Bishop SERAPHIM of Ottawa (OCA), in conferring eleven Master of Divinity degrees, four Master of Arts degrees, and three Master of Theology degrees. Bishop DIMITRIOS of Xanthos (GOA), a member of the seminary's Board of Trustees, was also present at the ceremony, as was Archimandrite Luke (Murianka), Dean of Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary, Jordanville, NY.

The keynote address was given by Bishop BASIL, well-loved alumnus (M.Div. '73) and friend of St Vladimir's Seminary. He spoke to the graduates of Christ's words, "You did not choose me but I chose you, and ordained you to go and bear fruit…" (John 15:16). He recalled how as a seminarian three decades ago he would often reflect on these words, prominently written on an icon of Christ in the Three Hierarchs Chapel, with feelings of both comfort and concern. There is comfort in being chosen by Christ, but also a sobering responsibility in the command to "go and bear fruit." He then explained how it is by cultivating humility—the mother of all virtues—that we are able to fulfill this command throughout our lives.

Other talks given by students reflected on the seminary experience. Co-valedictorians Jeremy Sean Davis and Vitalijs Permjakovs both expressed gratitude for what they had received during their three years at St Vladimir's and interpreted the trials and joys of seminary as meaningful through the cross of Jesus Christ. Justin Patterson, a middler in the Master of Divinity program, spoke as salutatorian on behalf of students who would remain behind. He reminded the community of the diverse—sometimes extraordinarily eclectic—backgrounds represented at the seminary. He spoke of the sacrifices that many—whether faculty members or seminarian's wives—make in order to devote themselves to the work of the seminary. The only explanation for such a place as St Vladimir's, he concluded, is each individual's devotion and obedience to Jesus Christ.

A complete listing of degree candidates and their thesis titles, together with photographs, are available on this website.

The Saint Basil the Great Award for Academic Achievement, given annually to one senior, middler, and junior of the Master of Divinity program who has ranked highest in academic achievement that year, was given to graduating seminarian Richard Paul Rene. The middler and junior recipients will be announced at the start of the fall 2004 semester.

Dean John Erickson expressed great pride in the class of 2004, who as a whole, he said, demonstrated exceptional merit in both academic performance and service to the Church. Commencement Day ended with refreshments outdoors on the porch of the Germack Building, where graduates' family members, friends, and the entire community celebrated the joyful conclusion to another academic year.