On Friday, January 29, 2010, Dr. John Zebrun led a seminar on the topic, “Approaching Mental Illness: An Introduction for Students of Orthodoxy” in the Seminary’s hall.  Before receiving his doctorate at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, J. Zebrun graduated from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary (New York state) with degree of M.Div. and from his youth took part in divine services both on kliros and in the altar.  He is well acquainted with parish life and problems of pastoral care.

His talk covered topics, from the field of psychotherapy, with which a presbyter will have to deal with in our day.  Dr. Zebrun underlined the importance of cooperation between a pastor and doctors and not to minimize the role of medicine in helping the sick.  Psychological instability of a parishioner may be caused by a physical ailment which can be diagnosed only by turning to the help of a specialist.

The speech was joined by active participation from the audience, which included not only students, but also professors of the seminary, and residents and pilgrims at the monastery.   Audience questions always received detailed answers, reflecting the speaker’s rich experience in his profession.  The students and instructors of Holy Trinity Seminary and the monastery brotherhood would like to thank Dr. John Zebrun for visiting and to wish him success in his difficult and beneficial work. We hope to see him again within our seminary and monastery!