The Fifty-fifth Commencement Exercises at Holy Trinity Seminary

The Fifty-fifth Commencement Exercises took place at Holy Trinity Seminary on May 19/June 1, 2003, under very festive circumstances. In the absence of the Rector, The Most Rev. Metropolitan Laurus, his vicar, The Rt. Rev. Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan, was invited to preside at the ceremonies. The hierarchal Liturgy celebrated the morning of Commencement was graced by two ordinations. One of the new graduants, Deacon Sergei Serzhanov, was ordained to the priesthood while a monk from Holy Trinity Monastery's dependency in West Virginia, Father Andrew, was elevated to the rank of hierodeacon.

At 3:00 His Grace, Bishop Gabriel, led a Thanksgiving Moleben in the Cathedral with co-celebrants from the faculty of the Seminary. The Commencement Exercises began shortly after the Moleben. In Metropolitan Laurus' absence, the Acting Dean of the Seminary, Archimandrite Luke, read the Rector's short greeting.

Bishop Gabriel followed with an address to the graduands and all present on the importance of Holy Trinity Seminary's legacy and the influence which it has now and, with God's help, will continue to have on future generations of our flock. The keynote speaker, Professor Marina Victorovna Ledkovsky, then offered very inspiring words on the spiritual importance of seminary education. She quoted the New Martyr Bishop Theodore of Volokolamsk who encouraged his theological students to take advantage of their youth and enthusiasm to bring the message of Christ to a world filled with troubled souls. Professor Ledkhovsky also emphasized the positive changes which have take place in the academic life of the seminary in recent years while expressing her wish that such improvements would continue in order to enrich the souls of future students. All were moved to gratitude by her kind and inspiring words.

Awards for academic excellence were given to Eugene Seremetiev in first year, Michael Ovchinikov in second year, Radomir Plavcic in third year, and Rassaphore-monk Anempodist in fifth year. Awards for outstanding motivation were awarded to Nikolai Kostur and Michael Ovchinikov.

Rassaphore-monk Anempodist addressed those present on behalf of the graduating class with words of gratitude to the Seminary for its labors in the education and training of students for service of the Church. Four students completed their studies this year.

Archimandrite Luke, in conclusion, thanked His Grace, Bishop Gabriel, the teachers, assistants, and especially the Brotherhood of Holy Trinity Monastery for all their efforts and struggles in making this day a festive celebration filled with spiritual joy in the Lord!