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# Abp. Alexei Delivers Commencement at St. Herman Seminary
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/87135-abp-alexei-delivers-commencement-at-st-herman-seminary/
- Published: 2026-05-14T18:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:09:11.000Z
- Description: Abp. Alexei called new Readers in Alaska to preserve reverence and traditional Orthodox piety during St. Herman Seminary commencement ceremonies.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Orthodox Church in America, Archbishop Alexei of Sitka, St. Herman's Seminary, Tonsure

**KODIAK, AK —** Abp. Alexei of Sitka and Alaska tonsured three new Readers at St. Herman Seminary on May 10, recognizing Pavel Messenbrink, Andrei Denicola, and Nikolai Fisher during [commencement](https://odosa.org/news/shscommencement2026) ceremonies in Kodiak. The Diocese of Alaska said it rejoices in their commitment and prayed they would strengthen Orthodox life in the parishes they serve.

Several seminarians and community members also received merit awards for service and academic diligence. Among those honored was Matushka Rachel, who is retiring after years of service as the seminary’s Yup’ik language instructor.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/05/87131-abp-alexei-supports-closure-of-marshall-liquor-store-f213dbd3dd1e.jpg)On this topicAbp. Alexei Supports Closure of Liquor Store in Alaskan Community](https://uoj.news/news/87131-abp-alexei-supports-closure-of-marshall-liquor-store/)

In his commencement address, Abp. Alexei urged the newly tonsured Readers to embrace reverence, discipline, and traditional Orthodox piety. “The Church gives a blessing and says, ‘Now begin more deeply,’” he told graduates. He also said, “The Reader is a man who lends his voice to the Church,” and later encouraged them to “Carry the Psalms. Carry the prayers. Carry the old ways.”  
  
Abp. Alexei's full commencement speech can be found [here](chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://files.ecatholic.com/32228/documents/2026/5/2026%20Commencement%20Address%20PDF-2.pdf?t=1778616547000).

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/86871-abp-alexei-celebrates-namesday-in-anchorage/) that Abp. Alexei celebrated his namesday in Anchorage.