St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - News Releases News Release Beginning of Year Marked by Feast and Primatial Visit, 32 New Students

Crestwood, NY—The seminary began its academic year celebrating the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (the birth of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God). A two-day orientation  period for new students was highlighted by a Vigil service on Wednesday evening, and a hierarchical Divine Liturgy Thursday, presided by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, primate of the Orthodox Church in America and president of the seminary.

After the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude remained on campus for brunch, where he met and gave his blessing to each seminary student. In his words to the student body, Metropolitan Herman spoke of the importance of theological education, and the right perspective that it gives on our life. In the aftermath of the tragic hurricane on the gulf coast, this perspective becomes all the more vital. Life can end in a flash, before we know it: we must redeem the time, live here and now consciously under the grace of God.

The seminary welcomed another large entering class this year, with 32 new full-time students. Together with 66 returning full-time students and several part-timers, overall enrollment at the seminary continues to be on the increase.

Construction on one of the two new Lakeside apartment buildings is complete and is now being occupied by nine student families.  The second nine-unit building is scheduled for completion in November.  These buildings are situated at the campus’s high-elevation point, with a beautiful view onto Crestwood Lake.

This is a busy and joyous time of year for the seminary, for which we are grateful to the Almighty God.

Also see: photographs of the Vigil, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, and festal brunch with His Beatitude.