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# Fourteen Midwest Seminarians Prepare for New Academic Year
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/fourteen-midwest-seminarians-prepare-for-new-academic-year/
- Published: 2026-08-19T14:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:07:14.000Z
- Description: Fourteen men from across the Midwest Diocese are beginning another year of preparation for service as Orthodox priests.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, OCA, Seminary, St. Tikhon's Seminary, St. Vladimir's Seminary, Orthodoxy in America, Vocations

**CHICAGO —** [Fourteen seminarians](https://domoca.org/fourteen-seminarians-preparing-for-the-new-academic-year/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTyibdwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAGJyaWQRMUd5YWxkVHZhdW0wenY2N29zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeEAmlfphkmI4EhgjmQLvhvhPRpHKtRWSujVoGLb1r5A1tln0AtbfYW2-XtHw%5Faem%5FszMOiekvibfZW3DnrdIrNw) from the Diocese of the Midwest are preparing to begin or continue their theological education and priestly formation as the 2026–27 academic year approaches, with students enrolled at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and St. Tikhon Seminary.

The seminarians represent parishes across the diocese and are entering formation at a time when the number of people entering the Orthodox Church is increasing. The diocese said the growing number of men discerning a vocation to the priesthood is a source of encouragement as it looks toward the future of its clergy.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/07/oca-diocese-of-the-midwest-hosts-fourth-annual-seminarian-retreat-f07103a55575.jpg)On this topicOCA Diocese of the Midwest Hosts Fourth Annual Seminarian Retreat](https://uoj.news/news/oca-diocese-of-the-midwest-hosts-fourth-annual-seminarian-retreat/)

Among the seminarians are men from Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, Nebraska, Kansas, Ohio, Illinois, and other parts of the diocese. Abp. Daniel expressed gratitude for the seminarians and asked the faithful to support them throughout their formation.

“We are greatly blessed by the growing number of men who desire to prepare for the priesthood,” Abp. Daniel said. “I ask everyone throughout the Diocese to pray for them.” The Archbishop [addressed the seminarians](https://domoca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/146-TO%5FSEMINARIANS2026.pdf) directly, encouraging them to learn to "pray, labor, rejoice, and bear one another's burdens as brothers in Christ."

Both seminaries will hold orientation programs before classes begin Sept. 7 and 9, respectively. The Diocese of the Midwest is also encouraging its faithful to pray for an increase in priestly vocations and for the seminarians as they discern and prepare for ministry.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/diocese-of-midwest-launches-chicago-m-div-program/) that the Diocese of the Midwest launched the Chicago M.Div. program.