On the Seventh Sunday of Pascha, in addition to the appointed celebration of the Commemoration of the 318 God-Bearing Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, Holy Trinity Seminary held its Commencement ceremony at the conclusion of the 75th academic year. The Divine Services for the weekend were celebrated by the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolian NICHOLAS, along with members of the monastery clergy and some distinguished alumni.
The Graduation ceremony began in the afternoon with a formal procession to the Holy Trinity Cathedral where a Moleben of Thanksgiving was served by the Metropolitan and other clergy. Following a photograph of the Hierarch with the Seminary faculty, students and alumni, a procession was made to the Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov Hall in the Seminary building where the remainder of the day’s events were to take place.
Since His Grace, Bishop Luke, Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary was abroad at the time of the Commencement, his opening remarks were read by the Master of Ceremonies, Deacon Michael Pavuk. Following this, the gathered body listened to the commencement address delivered by Archpriest Peter Perekestrov (B.Th. Class of ’78) entitled “Ever Ancient, Always New”. This was followed by some remarks by the Seminary Dean, Dr. Nicholas Schidlovsky, who then awarded degrees to the five Bachelor of Theology, three Master of Divinity, and seven Certificate in Theological Studies students graduating as part of the class of 2023.
After the awarding of the degree, Metropolitan NICHOLAS and Archpriest Serge Lukianov addressed those gathered with some reflections based on their own time at Holy Trinity Seminary. A number of students in the non-graduating classes were recognized and received award for Academic Excellence and Diligence. Following this, Reader Oleg Cruz and Leo Grabowski, valedictorians of the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity graduating classes respectively, offered their collegial addresses before the ceremonies concluded with a prayer and all were invited to enjoy a celebratory reception on the Monastery lawn.
Glory to God for all things!
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