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Metr. Tikhon Welcomes New Academic Year at OCA Seminaries
Metr. Tikhon began the new academic year with visits to both OCA seminaries, urging seminarians to shape their studies and lives according to the Cross of Christ.
SOUTH CANAAN, PA — Metr. Tikhon made archpastoral visits to St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in September, meeting with seminarians and marking the beginning of the new academic year.
Metr. Tikhon visited St. Tikhon’s Seminary on September 3–4 accompanied by Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), and Archpriest David Bozeman, OCA Secretary. He met with seminarians and staff, attended services at the monastery church, and welcomed new and returning students during a breakfast presentation. He encouraged them to “be steadfast in your faithfulness to the tradition of the Church, but be creative in doing so.”
On September 13, Metr. Tikhon traveled to St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY, where he presided at the festal Vigil for the Exaltation of the Cross. The following morning, he celebrated the hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Bp. John of Worcester and New England of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, Bp. Benedict of Hartford and New England, and clergy and deacons of the seminary.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Metr. Tikhon congratulated Dean Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, the seminarians, their spouses, and families on the beginning of the academic year. Reflecting on the feast and seminary formation, he urged the students to “give a Cross-wise shape to all your actions and thoughts.”
Metr. Tikhon told the seminarians that their formation at St. Vladimir’s should be understood through the perspective of Christ’s Cross. He encouraged them to embrace the spiritual challenges of their vocation rather than avoid them, saying, “May the Cross that we lift up today ever be a source of strength and consolation for each of you.”
Photos: oca.org
Following the Liturgy, Metr. Tikhon joined the seminary community for a meal and addressed the seminarians and their families, emphasizing Christ as the foundation of their studies and formation. He then departed for Washington, D.C.
Previously, the UOJ reported that St. John Camp announced the 2026 Emmaus Retreat for Oct. 10.
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