It's fall. The leaves change, the weather gets brisk, and days shorten as the new semester goes into full swing.  It’s the perfect time for a barbeque.

 

On Tuesday afternoon, September 25, 2012, the student body of Holy Trinity Seminary held a barbecue behind the dormitory. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and salmon patties (for the monastics) were on the grill. While waiting for the food to cook, the seminarians played soccer and frisbee, as well as enjoyed conversation and the fall scenery. After a prayer led by Dean of Students Hieromonk Cyprian, the hungry group lined up at the grill, which continued to smoke until shortly before Compline.

This was the first student gathering of the school year. Fr. Deacon Ephraim Willmarth (HTS 2011), the Dean's Assistant, organized the barbecue to encourage student camaraderie. "It's already freezing, winter comes soon, and we are trying to take advantage of the good weather," he said.

The student body this year is very diverse, representing ten countries and nearly all regions of the United States. One can hear up to six languages within the seminary walls. Thankfully, the Orthodox faith, along with the common table of fellowship, transcends national and cultural boundaries.