|
| 
Welcome to the St. Herman Seminary website!
|
| At their recent meeting held from May 7-10, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America elevated the Rector of St. Herman Seminary to the dignity of Archbishop. May the Lord grant many years to His Eminence The Most Blessed BENJAMIN, Archbishop of San Francisco and the West, locum tenens of the Diocese of Alaska. Axios! Axios! Axios!
|
| By God's mercy, it is with great joy that the Alaskan Orthodox Texts project celebrates its seventh year of existence and sixtieth electronically published text. This project was inaugurated on May 1, 2005, as a volunteer parish project of All Saints of North America Orthodox Church in Hamilton, Ontario (Canada), with the blessing of the Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America for Alaska and Canada. The rector of All Saints, Fr. Geoffrey Korz, commented, "We knew that St. Innocent Veniaminov, St. Jacob Netsvetov, and many other faithful Orthodox Christians left a rich literary legacy in the Native languages of Alaska, so we were very interested in locating and making available the primary source materials for their biblical, liturgical, and educational translations."
Over the years, the parish's web development team has managed to locate and electronically publish a total of 60 texts and manuscripts in a diverse collection of Alaskan languages: Unangan-Aleut, Alutiiq, Tlingit, Yup'ik, and Russian, dating as far back as 1816. The latest text published is a series of two bilingual Unangan-Aleut/Russian sermons delivered by Fr. Alexander Panteleev (later Bishop ALEXEI) on Akutan Island in 1910 during one of his many pastoral journeys throughout the Aleutian Islands.
"When this project started 7 years ago, we merely had hoped to publish one text, but here we are at number 60, with about another 20 manuscripts still to go! The extent and richness of the Alaskan Orthodox literary legacy is greater than we could have imagined," continued Fr. Geoffrey. "It is our hope that, through the prayers of all saints who have shone forth in Alaska and North America, the Lord Jesus Christ may continue to bless this work, so that the work of the saints may not die but live and declare the works of the Lord" (Ps. 117:16, LXX).
Visit www.asna.ca/alaska to download Alaskan Orthodox Texts electronic publications in PDF format.
We at St. Herman Seminary share the vision of supporting the continuation of our Native Alaskan languages and the proclamation of the Gospel among all our peoples.
|
|
 |
Special speakers continue relationship between seminaries - 04/26/12
On Thursday and Friday, April 26-27, the students and faculty of St. Herman Seminary took time off of classes to participate in seminars held by visitors from St. Vladimir's Seminary. As has been his habit for the past few years, Fr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor of St. Vladimir's and former dean of St. Herman's, brought special speakers to supplement our normal curriculum. In his own presentation, our seminarians considered with him an often-neglected element of pastoral formation, that of pastoral character. The associate dean for student affairs at St. Vladimir's, Fr. David Mezynski, presented a session on desert spirituality, focusing on the background and role of asceticism in the Christian life, giving counsel from the letters of St. Barsanuphius. Also speaking was Ian Jones, a 2009 graduate of St. Vladimir's who currently is pursuing doctoral studies at Fordham University. His presentation of "Animals and Orthodox Theology" was of particular interest, given the Native Alaskan hunting ethic and traditional interaction with the created world. The class considered the words of St. Basil the Great and St. Isaac the Syrian as well as the example of such saints as St. Seraphim of Sarov and our own St. Herman of Alaska, whose restoration of the human image through Christ drew wild animals to them as was true of Adam in Paradise.
In addition to speaking to the seminarians, Fr. Chad met with the seminary wives over "tundra tea" and led their retreat to the women's monastery on nearby St. Nilus Island. Our guests joined in our prayer of the Akaathist to St. Herman with the Kodiak community before venerating the Saint's relics, with Fr. David providing a reflection after the prayers.
This ministry organized by Fr. Chad is the result of an endowment generously established by a supporter of St. Vladimir's Seminary and provides an opportunity to continue to ongoing and growing relationship between our two seminaries.
(58 images)
|
|
|
 |
Walking with Christ - 04/08/12
Christ is risen!
Like Orthodox Christians around the world, our seminarians had the opportunity to "walk with Christ" through the triumph of our Lord's raising Lazarus from the dead and entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the final week of our Lord's ministry, Passion, death, and glorious rising from the dead. Although some went to other villages on Kodiak Island, many remained to celebrate the most holy time of the Church year with the faithful of Holy Resurrection Cathedral here in Kodiak. They assisted with altar service, singing in the choir, and reading Scripture as well as decorating the church for the services. Now, as we prepare to begin classes again, the spirit of the joy of our Lord's Resurrection fills our hearts as we continue to help prepare our students for service in the Church.
(59 images)
|
|
| Documenting Russian Alaska on film
At the St. Herman Pilgrimage last year, young moviemaker Dmitry Trakovsky came not only to connect with his Russian heritage but to photograph the Pilgrimage. In addition to experiencing the Pilgrimage, Mr. Trakovsky witnessed the ordination of St. Herman Seminary student Fr. Michael Nicolai. This visit also produced a seed about a future film project about Russian Orthodoxy in Alaska. This project tentatively is entitled "Arctic Cross" and is the focus of a recent article in the Anchorage Daily News. Visit http://www.adn.com/2012/04/01/2401472/young-filmmaker-hopes-to-capture.html to learn more about this promising project.
Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/04/01/2401472/young-filmmaker-hopes-to-capture.html#storylink=cpy
|
|
 |
Joy at an ordination - 03/18/12
On March 18, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, second-year seminarian Jason Isaac was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Grace, Bishop Benjamin. locum tenens of the Diocese of Alaska.
Deacon Jason was joined by his Matushka Theresa and five children at St. Innocent Cathedral in Anchorage. Deacon Jason's parents and St. Herman Seminary graduates Fr. Maxim and Matushka Theodora of St. Paul Island also were prayerfully present at the ordination. Deacon Jason will complete his seminary studies, preparing to serve the Diocese of Alaska upon his graduation.
We pray that the Lord will grant many fruitful years of ministry to His servant, the newly ordained Deacon Jason and Matushka Theresa. Axios!
(31 images)
|
|
|
 |
Special speakers impact seminarians - 03/05/12
From March 5-9 visiting speakers from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology addressed St. Herman seminarians, impacting them greatly.
Fr. Luke Veronis, veteran OCMC missionary to Kenya and Albania and director of the Mission Institute of Orthodox Christianity, presented "The Missiology of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania" as we focused on the priority of missions in the Orthodox Christian life. Through his presentation, several students commented they were made aware of the global Orthodox community and the need of people throughout the world to experience the salvific work of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dr. Philip Mamalakis, assistant professor of Pastoral Care and director of field education at Holy Cross, led a seminar on Orthodox Christian marriage and parenting. His presentation meets a great challenge here in Alaska and resulted in the staff and students being excited about the possibility of this presentation to be shared with the clergy of our Diocese in the future.
Accompanying them were two seminarians from Holy Cross, who experienced hospitality from the Seminary, Holy Resurrection Cathedral, and St. Innocent Academy communities. Our guests were able to experience our banya, good Kodiak food, and the graciousness of our students as well as a pilgrimage to Spruce Island.
Our hope is that this event will be the first of many opportunities St. Herman Seminary has in working with our sister seminaries to bear witness to the Orthodox Christian faith here in North America.
(121 images)
|
|
| Tlingit student interviewed
Cyril Williams bears the distinction of being the only Tlingit currently attending St. Herman's Seminary. However, he is not the first. The late Fr. Michael Williams, the Seminary's first graduate, was Tlingit as well. He also was Cyril's father. Cyril admits that he's not sure why he's there. Because he is estranged from his wife, he cannot seek ordination to the priesthood. However, seminary is for those who want to learn about the Orthodox Church and its teaching, and Williams badly wants to learn. "It's pretty amazing to find myself understanding a lot more of the Scriptures and church services than I ever did," he said. Yet much remains a mystery. "I'm overwhelmed being here; it's almost like being a kid again. I'm learning that I have so much to learn." One of the many things Williams is learning is the variety of tones and melodies that are sung in various languages in church services. "When I come to church, we have all these different tones that we can sing. They change every week. It is totally amzing, all these different ways to sing." He can hear parts of the service in Yup'ik, Alutiiq, and Slavonic in addition to English. He looks forward to hearing his Native Tlingit in the services. As a child Williams heard Tlingit words, but he and his siblings were discouraged from speaking them. "My grandparents and uncles discouraged me from speaking Tlingit." Williams grew up in the Southeast village of Hoonah, but he had to adjust to "city life" when the family moved to Sitka in 1969. He was 11 at the time. "It was pretty devastating--physically, psychologically, and spiritually--going from a mud-puddle road to blacktop. In Hoonah I knew where I could get food to live on. (We were very poor.) In Sitka I couldn't go to the beach to get cockles, gum boots, China man caps." Williams' father fished cod, halibut, and salmon. His mother, Emily, worked in the canneries. Once an Orthodox seminary was opened in Kenai, Michael decided to enroll. The seminary later relocated to Kodiak. After ordination, Fr. Michael Williams served parishes in Hoonah, Sitka, and Juneau. Cyril said he paid a heavy price for being a priest's kid. When the Williams family walked down the street, people would confront his parents, reminding them of their "drinking days," he said. "They yelled and screamed at us. My parents would make us put our heads down." Williams also suffered abuse from church members. The painful ordeal was made worse by his elders' response. "They said, 'Don't talk about it. You'll shame your family.' "I thought the abuse only happened to me. Once my parents died, I found out differently as I listened to my brothers and sisters tell about the insanity they went through."
Williams decided to be self sufficient as soon as possible. When he was 14 he got his first job, working for the Forest Service in a summer youth program at 90 cents an hour. When Williams got punished for something he didn't do, he decided to run away from home. "Dad said I'd come home crying. That became a strong driving force in my life never to go back. I lived anywhere and everywhere I could, just so I wouldn't be at home." Williams said he and his father later were reconciled. "I was blessed in that I did have respect for my dad." In 1976 Williams enlisted in the Army, spending tours in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Guam, and Australia. He stayed in the military for 16 years. About half that time he was away from his family. Once Williams was back in Alaska, he settled into the routine of regularly attending church services. Somewhere along the line he had a falling out with God, he said. "I decided I didn't have to do this any more. My brothers and sisters didn't go to church, so why should I?" Attending St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Juneau for what he thought would be a final visit, Williams made a break with the church in which his father was ordained. "I felt at peace and walked out. I felt like a burden had been lifted. I was happy." "I went to other churches, but I never found the peace I had found in the Orthodox Church. Something was missing. I had wanted to close the door on the Orthodox Church." But he didn't close it tightly. In December of 2010 Williams went inside the Cathedral in Sitka, telling himself that he would let go of the demons of the past. Before the service was over, he realized he had no intention of leaving the Orthodox faith. In the fall of 2011 he enrolled in the seminary that schooled his father. Now a student, he is hungry to learn more about God and the Orthodox Church. He is acquiring insights that he wished he would have had when he was younger. "I'm here because my Heavenly Father chose me," said Williams. "I wouldn't be here on my own. I regret that I didn't come earlier." At times Williams has doubts about his decision to attend seminary. "I think I'm too old, that I don't belong here. But God doesn't want me dancing in confusion anymore. He wants me right where I'm at. I'm at a stage in my life where I'm too afraid to disobey God. I don't want to know the consequences of disobeying Him." Now his faith in God is "more of a personal relationship," Williams said. "Before I kind of, sort of, prayed. Now I talk to God on a daily basis. I realize that I belong to Him. Getting on my knees is far easier than I expected; being submissive is easier than I would have expected." (adapted from "Son of first St. Herman's Seminary graduate attends school," an article written by Mike Rostad for the Kodiak Daily Mirror)
|
|
 |
This is the faith which has established the universe! - 03/04/12
On the first Sunday of Great Lent every year, Orthodox Christians gather to commemorate the restoration on this day in 842 of the Holy Icons to the churches after a prolonged persecution by the iconoclastic emperors. To mark this occasion, the Seminary community joined with our brethren from St. Innocent's Academy at Holy Resurrection Cathedral for the Liturgy and procession of the Icons, culminating in the reading of the Synodikon of Orthodoxy:
"As the prophets beheld, as the Apostles have taught, as the Church has received, as the teachers have dogmatized, as the Universe has agreed, as Grace has shown forth, as Truth has revealed, as falsehood has been dissolved, as Wisdom has presented as Christ awarded. Thus we declare, thus we assert, thus we preach Christ our true God and honor . . . in words, in writings, in thoughts, in sacrifices, in churches, in Holy Icons; on the one hand worshipping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord, and on the other hand honoring as true servants of the same Lord of all and accordingly offering them veneration. This is the Faith of the Apostles, this is the Faith of the Fathers, this is the Faith of the Orthodox, this is the Faith which has established the Universe!
(0 images)
|
|
|
 |
Preparation for Pascha - 02/27/12
One of the most spiritually intense times at the Seminary
occurs during the first three days of Great Lent when classes are cancelled so
the Seminary community can gather for a more full liturgical celebration of Lenten
services (Matins, the Hours, Vespers, Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew, and
the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts). In addition, the seminarians were privileged
to hear our Lenten Retreat speaker Fr. Thomas Andrew speak on the realities of
parish ministry in the Diocese of Alaska.
(11 images)
|
|
|
 |
Well done, good and faithful servant - 02/03/12
As we in Kodiak gathered at Holy Resurrection Cathedral to pray the Akathist to St. Herman last night, we learned of the repose of the servant of God the Protopresbyter Joseph Kreta. It seemed appropriate that his panikhida was prayed immediately after our prayers to St. Herman, to whom in the minds of us in Alaska Fr. Joseph's name is inexstricably linked. A man used mightily of God in the Diocese of Alaska, in his ministry at Holy Resurrection Cathedral, and as the founding dean of St. Herman Orthodox Seminary, he will be greatly missed. We extend our most sincere condolences to Matushka Maria and the rest of Fr. Joseph's family and assure them of our continued prayers for them and for the repose of the soul of the newly departed servant of God, the Protopresbyter Joseph.
This morning a panikhida was prayed at the seminary, in which our Dean, Archpriest John Dunlop, told the students that the greatest legacy of Fr. Joseph is that our seminarians remain faithful to their calling to prepare to serve the Church and people of Alaska.
As we consider the life of this faithful servant of the Lord we echo the words of the Wisdom of Solomon: "The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and they are at peace. God proved them and found them worthy for Himself. As gold in the furnace hath He tried them and received them as a burnt offering. Those who put their trust in Him shall understand the truth, and such as be faithful in love shall abide with Him; for grace and mercy is to His saints, and He hath care for His elect."
As we rededicate ourselves to the work begun by St. Herman and continued by the Protopresbyter Joseph, may we hear those words of Christ that Fr. Joseph no doubt hears from the Lord he served so faithfully: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord."
May his memory be eternal!
(0 images)
|
|
| Daria Safronova finds niche in Russian America's first colony
by Mike Rostad
Kodiak Daily Mirror
February 3, 2012
Shelikov and Baranov came to Alaska to conquer. Daria Safronova, Church Slavonic language and Russian church history instructor and archivist at St. Herman's Seminary, is not here to colonize, but to be colonized by the Native people of Alaska.
Most of her neighbors on campus are Native Alaskans, mainly of Yup'ik Eskimo, Aleut and Tlingit origin, whose cultures she is trying to understand. She is also trying to learn Alutiiq, the first language of Kodiak Island.
Safronova, 35, also teaches Russian at Kodiak College.
As an archivist, Safronova is continuing the work of the late Lydia Black, who also was from Russia.
Safronova is a linguist who studied Latin, Old English, Gothic and ancient Germanic languages at the University of St. Petersburg, where her parents were professors. She is a doctoral candidate at the Ohio State University Department of Slavic Languages and Literature.
"All of my degrees, to some, may seem chaotic, but they are needed here," she said.
Safronova considers her move to Kodiak and the way things have worked out "miraculous and providential." Those are unlikely words from someone who calls herself a "Soviet child."
You couldn't be incorporated into (Soviet) society without being a Communist."
Born in St. Petersburg in 1976, Safronova "grew up the epitome of a Soviet child, caring about other children. I didn't live for myself. We were good Soviet people. I never had much money but I did not really need it.
"We had all the Christian values without the doctrine of Christianity. We didn't have Jesus Christ, but Marx and Lenin. The Bolsheviks, during the Russian Revolution, substituted the concept of Christ with Lenin and Marx and Engels. They created an unholy trinity."
Her father "became an important man from an obscure Siberian village," she said.
Serving the Russian Army during World War II, he lost both legs below his knees after stepping on a land mine. Yet, after he was equipped with prosthetic legs, he could dance and drive a car. He became the dean of St. Petersburg State University. He taught history of the Slavs and the influence of Orthodox missionaries Cyril and Methodius.
Her mother taught Russian at the university.
In spite of living in a supposedly atheistic family, Safronova was exposed to people of faith.
"I never read a Bible as a child, but I knew it through the works of Feodor Dostoevsky."
Through reading Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, Safronova understood that something was missing in her life. After the main character in the novel reads the Bible, he is converted.
"You couldn't find Bibles in Russia."
That changed after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Safronova's father started publishing Bibles and created a society for biblical studies at the university.
"He said it was impossible to study the Slavic culture without understanding the mission of St. Cyril and Methodius, missionaries to the Slavs. They united the tribes of the Slavs."
Like many of her peers, Safronova was baptized into the Orthodox Christian faith.
Expected to continue her parents' legacy as a university professor, Safronova studies language and literature of the University of St. Petersburg.
In 1998, she received a master's degree in the department of English philology and translation studies.
While she was in the process of writing her dissertation, an acquaintance called her out of the blue, asking her to go to America to teach one year.
"You must give your answer in five minutes," her friend said. Without hesitation, Safronova, a true adventurer, said "yes."
She spent the first four years in the Massachusetts teaching Russian language and culture, English and Russian literature and translation studies and taking courses she liked.
"I started a Russian club. It was an incredible time. Everyone loved me. It became my home."
She learned that it's best to "operate by hat you have in common," she said. "That redefined my life. One shouldn't focus on differences but similarities."
The same principle applies in Kodiak, she said. Whether Baptist, Catholic or Orthodox, "The language of the Gospel can unite us all."
Once Safronova left Massachusetts, she taught at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and finally, Ohio State University.
She worked at the Resource Center for Medieval Slavic and taught Russian literature while pursuing a doctorate in Slavic languages and cultures.
While at OSU, "My mind opened," she said. Instead of focusing on the Slavs, she saw them as part of a larger cultural production.
During her time at Ohio State, she went to Arizona and traveled on bicycle to a Navajo reservation.
"My heart was with the Native people," said Safronova, who was given the name "white dove."
She also visited St. Anthony monastery, where the chapel displayed an icon of St. Herman of Alaska, who lived and died on Spruce Island near the city of Kodiak. When she learned about St. Herman, a Russian from Valaam, she was inspired to come to Kodiak.
Arriving on the island in summer 2010, Safronova taught Russian at Saint Innocent Academy for three weeks.
Father Paisius DeLucia, dean of St. Innocent, is "strict but loving," Safronova said.
"Mary (his wife) is the gentlest spirit and best cook in the world. Anna Spencer (the secretary) kindly gives to lost pilgrims in her wonderful house.
"The souls of these often troubled boys and girls who attend the academy seem to undergo a miraculous transformation. They transform into a team of do-gooders."
While In Kodiak, Safronova made contact with St. Herman Seminary's dean Father John Dunlop, whose college friend happened to be the director of the research library at OSU.
When Safronova returned to OSU, she started preparing to return to Kodiak, where she was assured of work She also changed the focus of her doctoral dissertation from Scythianism, a Russian literary movement associated with Mongolia, to the revival of Eastern Orthodoxy on Kodiak Island.
|
|  Fr. Joseph Kreta, left, and Fr. Paul Merculief at 1973 opening in Kenai | Fr. Joseph Kreta, left, and Fr. Paul Merculief at 1973 opening in Kenai |
|  Fr. Joseph Kreta visits Kodiak in 2010 | Fr. Joseph Kreta visits Kodiak in 2010 |
|  In front of All Saints of Alaska chapel on Kodiak campus 2010 | In front of All Saints of Alaska chapel on Kodiak campus 2010 |
|
Fr. Joseph Kreta helps get St. Herman Seminary started
The St. Herman Seminary community has been keeping Protopresbyter Joseph Kreta in our prayers after hearing of his very serious illness. Please keep our founding Dean Protopresbyter Joseph, Matushka Marie, and their family in your prayers. What follows is a brief description of the work Fr. Joseph accomplished in founding St. Herman Seminary, first printed in the 1985 history of St. Herman Seminary, The Arctic Willow: A History of an Alaskan Seminary.
HISTORY OF ST. HERMAN SEMINARY
The future of Orthodoxy in Alaska looked pretty dismal that autumn day in Kodiak, Alaska, as the faithful met for the 1972 Diocesan Assembly. More Priests are Needed
Nine priests serving the needs of 84 Orthodox Christian parishes scattered over an area one-fifth the size of the Lower 48 United States at a time when the Diocese of Alaska was in spiritual turmoil. The Diocese had the feeling of being orphaned after its bishop, now Metropolitan Theodosius, was transferred to the East coast. Just a handful of church schools to teach the youth and virtually no one trained to start new ones. On the brink of bankruptcy, only faith kept the Diocese functioning. Solution to the mountainous problems was to increase the number of laborers in this "vineyard of the North." Clergy from the Lower 48 could not be expected to come to needy villages where there were no homes for them and their families; no salary; and lack of communication, since in many areas, English was not the language of the people. One alternative was to send Native Alaskans to the Orthodox seminaries located in New York and Pennsylvania. But financially, this was very impractical. Only three Alaskans had graduated from the schools on the East coast. A Viable Solution
But there was a more viable solution. Archpriest Joseph Kreta, administrator of the Diocese, addressed the body on that September day with the proposal that the Orthodox Church start its own pastoral school and train its own priests, readers, teachers, and leaders. Although admitting there was little chance of success, the delegates agreed the idea was a good one. Unanimously they approved the proposal and scheduled an opening for February of 1973. This was the beginning of St. Herman's Pastoral School. Just two years before faithful from all over the country and other nations had gathered in Kodiak for the canonization of Father Herman, the only saint of the Orthodox Church canonized in this hemisphere.
Committees were formed and functioned with the feeling that this was an impossible task. Little groundwork was done. However, as Scripture says, "With God, all things are possible." At a meeting called in Kenai, the Kenaitze Indians of Cook Inlet invited several Church leaders to visit the newly acquired Wildwood Station. This former Air Force facility had been turned over to the corporation only days earlier, and the Board was hard at work establishing priorities to utilize the facilities as soon as possible, in the most fruitful manner. A Home for St. Herman's SeminaryWithin minutes of that meeting between the Church and Corporation leaders, a handshake sealed the agreement whereby Wildwood Station served another purpose, and St. Herman's Pastoral School had a home. A compound of three buildings at the station was converted into school offices, faculty and staff quarters, married and single student quarters, and dining area. The Wildwood chapel, which also had classroom facilities, was transformed into a traditional Orthodox chapel. Volunteer carpenters and laborers from many miles away pitched in and helped. The library was made available as well as the gymnasium and auditorium. The physical plant was ready. People began exclaiming, "With God all things really are possible!"But who was going to teach these Alaskan students and take care of other seminary matters? Father Joseph Kreta flew to Anchorage and made an appointment to meet with Father Paul Merculief, his wife, Matushka Elizabeth, and their five children. Coming to the new seminary would require tremendous sacrifices from Fr. Merculief. He had a job with which he supported his family and kept up mortgage payments on this home and car. He had been assigned to the St. Innocent parish in Anchorage. At that first meeting, the Merculiefs recognized this high calling as the Will of God and an opportunity to help their people. They agreed to have Fr. Paul quit his job, put their house up for sale, and start packing. There was no salary guaranteed at St. Herman's Pastoral School and if there was one, it would be sub-poverty level. Few people would give consideration at working for such a sum. In their faith and love of God, the Merculiefs picked up their cross and followed Christ's calling. Sister Victoria Schnurer, a graduate from St. Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood, New York, was in charge of a home for girls; this gave her a true sense of fulfillment. Also, she had an opportunity to teach at the University of Alaska. But upon the first invitation to work and teach at St. Herman's , she left all and followed. Joanna Buttlar quit her job as a secretary and joined the little caravan going to Kenai. She volunteered secretarial and other services at the school. This little group--Father and Matushka Kreta, their three children, the Merculiefs; Sister Victoria; and Joanna Buttlar--moved to Kenai in minus 40-degree weather. They became the original administration, faculty, staff, office personnel, and caretakers of St. Herman's School. Following his consecration in May 1973, Bishop Gregory of Sitka and Alaska, offered his assistance at St. Herman's. He taught several courses. The school received a certificate of approval from the Alaska Department of Education and a board of trustees was formed. His Beatitude Metropolitan Ireney became president; Bishop Gregory, vice president; other members were His Eminence Archbishop Kiprian, rector of St. Tikhon's Seminary in South Canaan, Penn.; the Right Reverend Alexander Schmemann, dean of St. Vladimir's; U.S. Senator Ted Stevens; and Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative. Ted Stevens was the school's keynote speaker at its first banquet. Saint Herman's Pastoral School was blessed in February of 1973, with Metropolitan Vladimir officiating. There were 12 students. St. Herman's Move to KodiakIn the summer of 1974 the school relocated to Kodiak, a community situated on the north end of Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska. This was a very significant location for the seminary, taking into consideration that Russia's first missionaries to Alaska landed here in 1794. Among them was Father Herman. Kodiak is considered the home of the oldest Orthodox parish in North America. Land was given by the Orthodox Church in America, about 100 yards east of the church. The land overlooks the Near Island Channel, which is flanked by canneries. On the Feast of St. Herman in August, groundbreaking for the new school took place. Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church became the center for the seminary. In the small church basement students attended classes, studied, and dined. The basement also served as a library. Classes were conducted in the choir loft as well. And where did the students sleep? A room in the Kodiak Island Borough building was a dormitory. Later, a 2-story house near Potato Patch Lake also served in that capacity. The building was St. Herman's first piece of real estate. In time, St. Herman's would grow in numbers--and stature. About the time construction of the seminary's first building got underway, the Holy Sobor of Bishops on the other side of the continen5t officially recognized St. Herman's as a theological school. The school's first building consisted of 10 living units upstairs and a kitchen and dining hall, classroom and office downstairs. Later, the office was converted into a student chapel.
|
|
 |
Winter in Kodiak - 02/01/12
Although much of the United States is enjoying a mild winter, in Kodiak we--and most of Alaska--have been hit with an especially snowy and cold winter, breaking the record for the usually mild Island. In fact, many say that this is the hardest winter they've seen in Kodiak since records have been kept! However, although we keep praying for "seasonable weather," we hope you enjoy the pictures of our snow-covered campus and remember us in your prayers.
(22 images)
|
|
| Orthodox witness of Nativity
Starring celebrates light of faith in dark world by Mike Rostad Kodiak Daily Mirror January 6, 2012
Because most Orthodox faithful in Alaska use the Julian calendar in observing church holidays, they celebrate Christmas on what in Jan. 7 of the widely used Gregorian calendar.
It's an opportunity for the community to celebrate the birth of Jesus without the secular trappings of Santa Claus, elves, reindeer and mounds of extravagant gifts.
The Feast of Nativity--also known as "Russian Christmas" on the island--occurs Saturday and will be celebrated in morning and afternoon services at island Orthodox churches.
The focus of the celebration, as well as the 40-day fast preceding it, is on Jesus. The Nativity fast provides "a way of making our hearts like that manger or cradle that will receive Christ," said Father John Dunlop, dean of St. Herman's Seminary. "It is a way of purifying our hearts and minds, repenting of our sins, so we can truly receive Christ with joy. Also we have remembrance of Old Testament forefathers such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob . . . and how they prepare us for the birth of the Messiah."
In the Advent fast, "We live like Adam did," said Irenaios Anderson, deacon at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral, associate dean of academics at St. Herman's Seminary and instructor of Old Testament and homiletics. "We remove rich foods from our diet, such as meat and dairy products. Adam did not eat meat. He was a vegetarian. So, too, we are seeking to re-enter Paradise. By fasting, we remind ourselves from where we have fallen.
The Nativity fast calls the faithful to "look at our responsibilities to the poor," Anderson said.
Ultimately Nativity transforms the whole human race, restoring what was lost in the Fall in Eden, Dunlop said. That transformation was expounded on by the Church fathers.
"The point of the Orthodox celebration of Nativity is that God has come to us to heal our spiritual sickness, to conquer death, to renew us," Anderson said. "The joy is that God did not send a messenger, an angel, but He came Himself. That's joy. That tells us how important we are."
Alluding to the opening passage in the Gospel of John, Dunlop said that Christmas is a time to acknowledge that "the light has entered the darkness and overcome it. Being a dark time of the year, physically, we get a sense that God has visited his people . . . That Christ is Emmanuel.
"The joy of Nativity is that God has become a man in Jesus Christ, the Almighty appearing as a vulnerable infant in the cavern or manger that God becomes a little child," Dunlop said. "What an incredible condescension it is that the Creator of heaven and earth can become a child in a manger. There is warmth and love that's there. You can feel it, in particular, in Alaska with the celebrations we have here."
Perhaps the most colorful Nativity celebration in alaska is starring, A Ukrainian custom brought here by Orthodox missionaries. In this tradition, a decorated star is taken from the church into the homes where the faithful sing Nativity hymns and petition God to "grant many years" to the hosts, who, in turn, offer food and gifts to the star bearers.
Starring hearkens to the Scripture account of the gift-giving by the Magi, Anderson said.
"We follow the star from home to home, bringing the joy of the Nativity. We bring the gift of Christ. Christ is God's gift to the world and we share that gift with all those around us."
In places such as the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, home to many of the seminarians, starring is a highlight of the Nativity feast.
"The hosts give everyone gifts who come to their house," Dunlop said. "Gift-giving is very much a part of the starring experience, especially from that region."
Dunlop said celebrating the Nativity feast in Alaska has provided him much joy as a priest.
"I enjoy the folk element and customs and traditions of Alaska, such as the starring and feasting. This is a unique connection between winter celebrations and elements in Native cultures that connect and blend with the celebration of the birth of Christ."
|
|
 |
Seminarians serve at local services - 01/06/12
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Seminarians who stayed in Kodiak during the break served at the Altar and in the choir for the Nativity services. After the liturgical services seminiarians joined the faithful of Holy Resurrection Cathedral in "following the star." More photos to come. . . .
(30 images)
|
|
|
|
Nativity, St. Herman, and slaviiq - 12/25/11
As we draw near to celebrate the Nativity of Christ, we also remember our patron, St. Herman of Alaska on December 25/26. As our neighbors celebrate the coming of Christ on December 25, we in Alaska remember the one who brought us the light of the Gospel, both by his words and deeds.
Perhaps no other activity is so identified with the Orthodox Church in Alaska at this time of the year as the custom of starring (slaviiq). Here are some thoughts on this custom; may the light of Christ illumine your hearts during this blessed season!
The Story of Starring
The custom of following a large
pinwheel-shaped “star” from house to house (and in some places even from
village to village), singing Orthodox Christian hymns and Christmas carols
originated in the Carpathian Mountains, an area on the border between Russia,
Poland, Slovakia and Romania. The peasants in this region observed the Feast of
the Nativity of Christ by composing folk carols and “following the star” as the
Magi did, to worship the newborn Savior.
How this custom arrived in Alaska really is not
known. Certainly there were frontiersmen and settlers in Siberia who brought
the custom of “starring” here and some eventually and remained in Alaska when the
territory was part of the Russian Empire (1741–1867). They sang these hymns and
folk carols and taught them to their wives and children, and the custom has
survived since that time.
Within Alaska,
customs differ, with lots of singing and then feasting and even gift giving in
the Yup’ik homes along the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers.
In Bristol Bay, along the Nushagak River and around Lake Iliamna, there is less
visiting and the singers travel more quickly around their own village before
heading for the neighboring communities, where most households give a gift “to
the star” as a donation to the parish church the singers represent. Many homes
host elaborate memorial dinners during the holiday, if a family member has
passed away during the previous year.
The repertoire everywhere
includes the tropar of the Feast: “Thy
Nativity, O Christ Our God, has shown to the world the light of wisdom, for by
it those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star to adore Thee…”
the ancient hymn that inspired the custom of “starring.”
The singers in most regions
enter each house singing “Glory to God in the Highest,” the song of the angels
at Christmas, which in Slavonic is “Slava
v vyshnikh Bogu,” from which the name Slaaviq is derived. We give slava (glory) to God, praising Him for
sending His Son and adoring Him as Emmanuel, God with us.
The most popular folk carols
include “Nebo i Zemlya” (Heaven and Earth), “Divnaya Novina” (Glad Tidings) “Nam
Rodilsya” (He is born for Us) and “Vefleyemi Novina” (There is Joy in Bethlehem).
Everywhere, the singers
conclude with the hymn “Mnogaya
Leta” (God grant you many Years), invoking His blessing on all who have
participated in the celebration and asking God to grant them prosperity, peace,
and health for many more blessed years.
(3 images)
|
|
|
 |
"All who love Nicholas the saintly . . ." - 12/19/11
With the coming of the feast day of St. Nicholas, the fall semester at St. Herman Seminary comes to an end. After the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the staff and students of the seminary enjoy a feast (and a little candy for the children) before many head back to their villages for the Nativity break. We also enjoy the presence of several of the faithful from Holy Resurrection Cathedral as together we share the joy of the day.
(42 images)
|
|
|
 |
Early Christmas message - 12/14/11
Although we won't be celebrating Nativity for a while, we wish to give an early Christmas greeting. Here in Alaska, the Nativity of
Our Lord is celebrated with special zeal and joy. On wintry nights following the liturgical celebration, carolers
follow the “Star of the East” from home to home, bearing the glad tidings of
our Savior’s birth. Like the Magi and wonder-struck shepherds, young and old
alike, adore the newly born Christ child. So, on behalf of the Seminary students and staff, we wish you a most blessed Nativity season.
(0 images)
|
|
|
 |
Addressing addiction and recovery - 12/05/11
On December 5-9
St. Herman Seminary held a seminar on substance abuse counseling for our
students. The speakers at this event were the Seminary’s adjunct instructor in
substance abuse, Floyd Frantz, who is a missionary with the Orthodox Christian Mission
Center. For the past 11
years he has served as director of the St. Dimitrie Program, a treatment
and outreach ministry in the Archdiocese of Cluj in Romania, which focuses on community
education and treatment of substance abuse. Also speaking were Fr. George Aquaro, priest at St. Matthew Church (Antiochian
Archdiocese) in Torrence, California, a recently accepted missionary
candidate with OCMC. Fr. George spoke on the spirituality of addiction and
recovery and hopes to bring that experience to Alaska. Joining him were Fr. Andrew Harrison
from St. Luke Church in Palos Hills,
Illinois, who has extensive
experience in family systems and addictions programs, and Dr. Basil
Spyropoulos, a psychiatrist with experience in substance abuse treatment and education.
Fr. Andrew spoke on how addiction affects the family, and Dr. Basil spoke on
the disease aspect of substance abuse.
All of our
speakers have served with the St. Dimitrie Program in Romania, an Orthodox country that
suffers much from substance abuse. St. Herman Seminary is unique in that it is
the only Orthodox Seminary in North America
that provides training in substance abuse counseling training as a part of its
standard curriculum.
Our speakers
expressed appreciation for their time among the students and will continue to
be involved in our training program.The seminar was well received by the
students and will serve as a springboard for future substance abuse counseling
training at the Semi nary and, God willing, in the Diocese of Alaska as well.
(143 images)
|
|
|
 |
St. Herman Hermits
Everyone needs a little time off. For our students, that means spending one evening a week playing basketball in the Kodiak city league. The student-initiated basketball team St. Herman Hermits plays other teams from Kodiak, giving the seminarians an opportunity to take their faith to the courts. The seminary families enjoy getting out and cheering on the team and spending time together. Go Hermits!
(32 images)
|
|
|
 |
From My Youth - 11/21/11
Recordings of the St. John's Girls Octet from the early 1970s have been re-released on a CD entitled "From My Youth: An American Orthodox Journey," available from Musica Russica. The octet was invited by the then-newly elected Bishop of Alaska, His Grace GREGORY (Afonsky), on a 6-week tour of Alaska, where they sang before thousands of Native Alaskan Orthodox faithful. This CD was launched in connection with the 16th All-American Council of the OCA. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of this CD will be donated to St. Herman's Seminary. Visit www.musicarussica.com or call 1-800-326-3132.
(0 images)
|
|
|
 |
Alaska at All American Council - 10/31/11
From October 31 to November 5 the All American Council of the OCA met in Seattle. Due to the Diocese of the West hosting the AAC so near to us, we were able to send 50 delegates from the Diocese of Alaska. Both the Seminary and the Diocese had displays and were able to share the life of our Diocese with the many people who stopped to visit our booths. Seminary staff Fr. John Dunlop, Archimandrite Juvenaly (Repass), and Dn. Irenaios Anderson attended the Council as well as seminarians Fr. Michael Nicolai and Dn. Andrew Wasillie. Our seminarians spent many hours in assisting the work of the Council, and our heartfelt thanks goes to them and the many volunteers who made this Council possible. The clergy of the Diocese led the 500-plus delegates in prayer at the Akathist to Our Lady of Sitka. It was a wonderful opportunity to visit our brethren in the "Lower 48" and remind them of God's work in His northern vineyard.
(0 images)
|
|
|
 |
Continuing the work of the Alaskan saints - 09/24/11
On September 24 we celebrated the feast of All Saints of Alaska (originally the feast day of the Alaskan martyrs St. Juvenaly and St. Peter the Aleut). On this day the mission from Valaam Monastery arrived in Kodiak not only to provide for the religious life for the members of the Russian-American Company but also to bring Orthodox Christianity to "the Americans," as the monastics called the Native peoples of Alaska.
We celebrated Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy, after which new seminarians were blessed to wear the cassock. With joy we continue the apostolic labors of St. Herman, St. Juvenaly, St. Innocent, St. Yakov, St. Peter the Aleut, and "men, women, and children known only to God."
(103 images)
|
|
| Thoughts of a recently ordained priest
On September 16, 2011, the Kodiak Daily Mirror published the following interview journalist Mike Rostad had with Fr. Michael Nicolai, fourth-year seminarian at St. Herman's and recently ordained priest: Newly ordained priest Michael Nicolai has been inspired by family members, elders, teachers and priests, but when asked to identify a powerful force that influenced him to pursue the Orthodox priesthood, he referred to a book whose title doesn't sound particularly spiritual or theological. The book I Dare You was recommended to him more than 10 years ago, when Nicolai first attended St. Herman's Seminary. "Archimandrite Innocent put in a seed that bothered me many years," Nicolai reflected. Even though he left the seminary after a year, he kept telling himself to come back. He made good on his urging. He is now a fourth-year student. As the title implies, the book carried a "be all that you can" message. "It made you want to do more. It clicks your mind," and whets the appetite for adventure. "All the things I learned and wanted to learn was because of that book." When Nicolai first attended the seminary, he intended to be some king of church leader, such as a Sunday School teacher. "I didn't know what to expect when I first came. I wanted to learn more about our church. There is a lot of stuff I didn't understand. That first year helped me a lot." Nicolai said the book helped him in other areas. Growing up around construction and mechanics, he said the book pushed him to learn more about these trades. After his first stint at St. Herman's, Nicolai worked as a journeyman electrician, confident that he was up for the challenge. But books can go only so far in shaping a person. Nicolai has had mentors who helped him along the way. Many of the words were spoken in Yup'ik, Nicolai's first language. Nicolai grew up in the Kuskokwim River village of Kwethluk, which spawned many priests who shared their wisdom. If Nicolai is tempted to think too highly of his position or view it as just another job, he will remember the words of Fr. Stephen Epchook (also a St. Herman's Seminary graduate) who said, "All glory belongs to Jesus Christ," Nicolai recalled. In understanding that "we gain humility." That wisdom came from the mouth of Nicolai's grandfather. A visiting priest also had words of wisdom for someone such as Nicolai, who was considering the priesthood. Some of his best advice came from his family. Nicolai will never forget what he learned from his great-grandparents, Wassillie and Anna Andrew. Their influence is like the Orthodox cross he wears around his neck. Their love and wisdom are always with him and that knowledge gives him a sense of peace and security. "My great-grandparents played a big role in raising me." He also recalls the words of his grandfather, Wassillie Nicolai, whose son, Fr. Martin Nicolai, is also a priest. "My grandpa once told me that "if God calls you, your heart is going to get soft." Nicolai learned by watching the behavior of his elders, such as his father-in-law, Fr. Stephen Heckman, rector of Transfiguration of Our Lord in Pilot's Station. "He has been a good example of a good spiritual father," Nicolai said,. "Watching him serve and helping people makes me think that's a good thing." Heckman's daughter, Roseanne, Nicolai's wife, has been helpful in her own way. "My wife helped push me," Nicolai said. "It pays to have a good wife." It also pays to have a good mother. Margaret Ayapan, Nicolai's mother, "pushed us to go for the greater good," he said. "She taught us not to profit for ourselves only, and that everything is given by God." In July, when Nicolai went to his village for a diocesan conference, he told his mother he was leaning strongly toward ordination. "My mom confirmed my decision," he said. "She gave me more strength. When I told her that I was going to get ordained, she said she felt like her life's work was complete. "Going home helped me a lot to prepare for the service" of ordination, Nicolai said. "It was more of a spiritual trip for me than anything else. I didn't know what to expect when I went home. My family was very positive and very happy that I was going to go through with (the ordination). Many family members traveled to Kodiak for the service, which occurred during the annual St. Herman's Pilgrimage and was officiated by Orthodox Church in America's Metropolitan Jonah Paffhausen. "For some reason, I was in prayer" during the service, Nicolai said. "I felt that a part that was missing got filled." Bea Dunlop, one of Nicolai's teachers, was one of many Orthodox faithful who witnessed the ordination. "When I saw his family drawing near to the royal doors to watch, I felt strongly that this was the right thing. I was very moved by the whole thing," she said. Nicolai holds a title of ordination, but he has yet to receive a certificate of graduation. He has one more year of school at St. Herman's. "It's a good thing to be ordained before I graduate," he said. He'll have a whole year to adjust and learn more about the services before being sent to a parish. "Seminary is a good place to be trained," he said. "I can be corrected here." Right now Nicolai is "waiting for orders," he said. "There's always a church in need. I want to go where the need is." Wherever Nicolai is sent, he will consider his wife and their children. "It's not just me that was ordained, it's all of us," he said.
|
|
 |
Feast in Port Lions - 09/21/11
Seminary priests and several seminarians travelled to the Native Village of Port Lions, approximately 20 miles by air from Kodiak, to celebrate the patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos Church with the faithful. The village was founded by the people of Afognak after the destruction of their village in the tsunami of 1964. St. Herman Seminary graduate Fr. Alexei Knagin, originally from Port Lions, celebrated with Fr. John Dunlop, Archimandrite Juvenaly (who currently is serving the church there), and student clergy Fr. Michael Nicolai and Dn. Andrew Wassillie.
(14 images)
|
|
|
 |
Baptism: a new beginning - 09/10/11
On September 10 the Seminary community welcomed a new addition as Tikhon Peter Askoak was baptized in the Seminary chapel. We offer our thanks to God and "Many Years" to Tikhon, his family, and sponsors. At the beginning of this school year when we are welcoming the addition of a new class of seminarians, we celebrate the new beginning of Baptism and the growth of the Church.
(8 images)
|
|
|
 |
2011-2012 Academic Year Begins - 08/30/11
On August 30
St. Herman Seminary began orientation for the 2011–2012 academic year. Now our
students are settling in to the cycle of classes and worship at the seminary,
gaining practical ministry experience at Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Kodiak in the areas of Altar
service, singing in the choir, and teaching church school. This year we welcome
7 new students,
bringing our community to 15 full-time students, from various regions of Alaska and with varying
life experiences. This year we have students from among the Alutiiq, Aleut, Athabascan,
Tlingit, and Yup’ik peoples . . . as well as a couple of non-Native students
from our Diocese. We also are excited about having 25 children on campus! As we
grow together in community we look forward to a new year of training future
clergy and laity for “the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12) in Alaska.
We also
welcome a new faculty member, Daria Safronova, a doctoral candidate from Ohio State
University. A native of Russia, Daria has 8 years of experience in
teaching Russian and most recently has served as a graduate research associate
at the Hilandar Research Library and Resource
Center for Medieval
Slavic Studies, which possesses the largest collection of medieval Slavic
manuscripts on microform in the world. She will be teaching Slavonic as well as
Russian Church History and Literature at the seminary as well as overseeing the
care of the Diocesan Archives and the seminary library. In addition, she will be teaching Russian at Kodiak College,
our local branch of the University
of Alaska system.
(4 images)
|
|
|
 |
Pilgrim from Greece - 08/23/11
On August 23-24, St. Herman
Seminary was graced by a visit from Archimandrite Methodios (Alexiou), who travelled to Alaska from Greece. Fr.
Methodius made pilgrimage to Spruce
Island and venerated the
relics of St. Herman. While here Fr. Methodius spoke with the faculty and
seminarians about his ministry with the youth of St. Gregory Palamas Cathedral
in Thessaloniki.
Visit www.neoiagp.gr to learn more about the
good work that is being done among the youth in Thessaloniki.
(5 images)
|
|
| Gift to help the seminary
Recently a generous donor of St. Vladimir's Seminary--who wishes to remain anonymous--established a newly endowed fund that will enable St. Vladimir's to help support our seminary. The donor created a permanent endowment of $80,000 that will enable St. Vladimir's to continue programs at St. Herman Seminary.
St. Vladimir's has a long history of supplying our seminary with faculty. Recently Archpriest Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir's and former Dean of St. Herman's has conducted seminars here at the seminary in Kodiak.
Seminary Dean Archpriest John Dunlop commented: "The historical link between the two schools is paving the way to closer cooperation, particularly in the field of missions and evangelism. We trust that God will give more opportunities for our seminaries to cooperate in our common vision to serve the Church."
St. Herman Seminary gratefully acknowledges its debt to such gracious benefactors of St. Vladimir's Seminary that allow our ministry to continue.
|
|
 |
Transfigured marriage - 08/19/11
Seminary Dean Archpriest John Dunlop and faculty member Archimandrite Juvenaly joined Diocesan Chancellor Archpriest Michael Oleksa and the clergy and faithful of the Yukon Deanery at the annual Yukon Deanery Conference. The conference took place during the Feast of Transfiguration at St. Seraphim of Sarov Church in Lower Kalskag and was hosted by Priest Nikolai Isaac, a St. Herman Seminary graduate. The conference theme was "Marriage in the Orthodox Church." Fr. John spoke on various aspects of marriage, which then were discussed by hundreds of participants from area villages. Area clergy and faithful enjoyed the majestic forested setting of the Upper Kuskokwim, fruitful discussion, and joyful services. The conference was the perfect setting for the seminary to continue its pastoral and educational ministry to the Diocese of Alaska.
(73 images)
|
|
|
 |
Welcoming pilgrims to Kodiak - 08/07/11
At the
St. Herman Pilgrimage this year we welcomed His Beatitude Metropolitan JONAH,
His Grace Bishop BENJAMIN, and His Grace Bishop MAXIM of the Western Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America to
Kodiak. Also present were many clergy, monastics, and pilgrims, including some
members of the OCMC mission team that ministered in Old Harbor.
Pilgrims
venerated the relics of St. Herman and visited Spruce Island, where the Saint
ministered to all he met, especially the Native people of Kodiak and Spruce
Island, who continue to venerate St. Herman as they always have.
So many
people helped to make this Pilgrimage happen. Among them were the skippers of the
boats who transferred people from Kodiak to Spruce Island, the clergy and
faithful of Holy Resurrection Cathedral and St. Innocent Academy, "those who
serve and those who sing," those who put in extra hours preparing the "new"
Cathedral gift shop and serving the Pilgrims as well as those who worked extra hours at Monk’s
Rock, providing hospitality and service to all those who
attended, the faithful who came from Kodiak and the rest of the Diocese of Alaska, . . . and the people of Kodiak, who opened their arms to make pilgrims
feel at home. Finally, a special thanks to the Sisterhoods of Holy Resurrection
Cathedral in Kodiak and Nativity of Our Lord Church in Ouzinkie, who provided
food and hospitality to our guests. As usual, our brethren of St. Innocent
Academy offered openhearted hospitality and joyful singing to the Pilgrimage.
The
Pilgrimage culminated with the ordination of Deacon Michael Nicolai to the Holy
Priesthood. The presence of several Diocesan clergy and their families helped
make this a joyful and memorable event. May God grant the newly ordained Father
Michael and his family many years! Axios, axios, axios! Fr. Michael will be entering
his fourth and final year of seminary this year and serving on Kodiak until his
graduation, then ministering elsewhere in the Diocese of Alaska.
(57 images)
|
|
|
 |
Go into all the world - 07/29/11
The St. Herman Seminary community welcomed Presbytera Renee Ritsi and the OCMC mission team to Old Harbor to Kodiak for their orientation. Led by Fr. John Parker, priest of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church (OCA) in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, this pan-Orthodox team will be leading a youth camp in Old Harbor. The orientation began with Presbytera Renee giving an introduction to OCMC and Orthodox missions and Seminary Dean Fr. John Dunlop welcoming the team with a brief history of the Church in Alaska, focusing on Kodiak and Old Harbor. The team learned more specifically about Old Harbor and ministry on the island from Fr. Innocent; Dn. Irenaios Anderson gave an introduction of cross-cultural communication and missiology; and Matushka Bea Dunlop spoke on Patristics and cross-cultural teaching and ministry among Native peoples.
At the end of orientation the Seminary community was invited by the Team to a dinner, before they headed out to Old Harbor for a week of ministry. The Alaskan apostolic mission continues!
(69 images)
|
|
|
 |
Sailing into Kodiak harbor - 07/21/11
On July 21 the people of Kodiak welcomed the crew of the Pallada, a training vessel of the Far Eastern State Technical University of Fisheries based out of Vladivostok. The cadets, most from Kamchatka, enjoyed shore leave in Kodiak. In return, the people of Kodiak were invited on board to learn about Russian America, including a presentation of a Russian perspective on Alaskan history. In addition to introducing people to Russian explorers, special attention was given to the place of St. Herman and St. Innocent in the history of Russian America. The Pallada next sailed to Sitka before visiting other American Pacific ports.
(27 images)
|
|
|
 |
Working as service - 07/13/11
From July 13-20, St. Herman Seminary hosted a mission team from the Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukie, Oregon. Led by Archpriest Matthew Tate, a dozen youth and adult leaders worked on several projects at the Seminary and Holy Resurrection Cathedral. While here the team was able to venerate the relics of St. Herman and make pilgrimage to Spruce Island. It was a joy to have them here . . . they even made the front page of the local newspaper!
(27 images)
|
| |
|
| 
| 
