On Friday, November 21, 2008, following the feast of the Archangel Michael and the Bodiless Hosts, three seminarians went to St. Vladimir's seminary for the Fall 2008 meeting for the Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement, a student organization which allows seminarians from the different seminaries of North America to become better acquainted with one another. Other seminarians came from St. Tikhon's Seminary, Holy Cross School of Theology, and even St. Herman's Seminary in Alaska.

The meeting commemorated the memory of St. John of Kronstadt, celebrating 100 years since his repose. On Saturday morning, following common morning prayers and breakfast, an Akathist was sung in English to St. John in the Church of the Three Hierarchs, which was served by Rev. Alexander Rentel, a Saint Vladimir’s Seminary professor. Afterwards, the students gathered in the Metropolitan Antony Bashir Auditorium, where Hierodeacon Ioasaph (McLellan), presented a talk on St. John. The speech was very warmly received. Dr. Peter C. Bouteneff, a professor and the faculty liaison to OISM from St. Vladimir’s Seminary, shared his thoughts and gratitude on the speech, on the OISM event, and on the common bond of the seminaries in general. A lively question and answer session with Hierodeacon Ioasaph followed.

After Lunch on Saturday, a general assembly meeting was held in the same auditorium. At the beginning, His Eminence, the newly elected Metropolitan Jonah of the OCA addressed the seminarians. He gave an inspirational speech concerning the seminarian's future, emphasizing leadership and missionary work in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially in the country where we live. He talked about marriage and monasticism, and encouraged all to find their calling. He candidly answered questions about his own views. All were grateful for the opportunity to become better acquainted with Metropolitan Jonah.

After Metropolitan Jonah departed, the OISM board led a discussion of business items such as the spring 2009 meeting of OISM, the possibility of an additional “spiritual retreat” at a monastery, and how to find funding to help pay for plane tickets for seminarians from St. Herman's in Alaska. OISM appeals to any party interested in supporting seminarians from St. Herman's for the purpose of regular participation in the OISM community.

After the general assembly, the meeting officially closed by singing the troparia to the patron saints of all the participating seminaries. A tour of St. Vladimir's was given, followed by supper in the refectory. Great Vespers was served in the church by Fr. Alexander. The service was sung in English by participating seminarians.

We would like to express our gratitude to Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary for hosting this meeting, and to all who made this event possible. We look forward to future possibilities to strengthen the bonds between the participating theological seminaries on this continent.