Bsp. Vasily Returns to St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Blesses New Icons

Bsp. Vasily presides over Divine Liturgy at SVOTS. Photo: Seminarians Scott Strickland and Andrew Neel

YONKERS, NY — His Grace Bsp. Vasily (M.Div. ’04) returned to St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary for the first time since his episcopal ordination this past weekend. A former full-time faculty member, Bsp. Vasily now serves part-time while overseeing the Diocese of the West of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).

Joining him on campus was Archpriest Kirill Sokolov (M.Div. ’07), fellow alumnus and faculty member, who traveled from California for the intensive week of the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program, a release from SVOTS states. Both participated in the celebration of the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels and the Bodiless Powers of Heaven, with Bsp. Vasily presiding at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.

Pictured (from left): Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, His Grace Bsp. Vasily, Archpriest Kirill Sokolov, and Archpriest Alexander Rentel. Photo: Seminarians Scott Strickland & Andrew Neel

During his visit, His Grace blessed four new icons of the Holy Evangelists, donated to the Seminary chapel in memory of the late Archpriest Paul Lazor (+2020), beloved former rector of Three Hierarchs Chapel and longtime dean of students. The seminary expressed heartfelt gratitude to Matushka Natasha Lazor for her generous gift in her husband’s memory.

The weekend concluded on a joyful note with a performance by the seminary children’s choir, directed by alumna and staff member Laura Ionescu (M.Div. ’25).

Previously, UOJ reported Abp. Daniel of the OCA visited seminarians at St. Vladimir's and St. Tikhon's.

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