Lecture by Dr. Vera Shevzov

Holy Trinity Seminary was treated to a lecture by Vera Shevzov, Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion and Biblical Literature at Smith College, entitled "The Rite of Orthodoxy in Pre-Revolutionary Russia" on Friday, March 11. Dr. Shevzov, an alumna of both Yale and St. Vladimir's Seminary and author of the new book, Russian Orthodoxy on the Eve of Revolution, spoke about the Rite of Orthodoxy - the service traditionally performed in cathedrals on the Sunday of Orthodoxy (the first Sunday in Lent) - as practiced in and perceived by Russian society, paying particular attention to the manner in which the Church defended this Rite in the face of opposition from the secular intelligentsia. Dr. Shevzov's talk was warmly received by the assembled students and was followed by a period of questions and answers and informal conversation.

During the first week of Lent, as is customary, students were relieved from class in order to attend the full cycle of daily services. On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 20, the Rite of Orthodoxy was held in Holy Trinity Cathedral following the Divine Liturgy, served by Metropolitan Laurus and monastery clergy. Protodeacon Joseph Jarostchuk intoned the Rite of Orthodoxy itself. Our students' understanding of the Rite was greatly enhanced by the lucid explanation given by Professor Shevzov one week earlier.