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The Orthodox Church - March 1997

Metropolitan Theodosius welcomes Archbishop Spyridon
to St. Vladimir's Seminary

CRESTWOOD, NY — His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America and President of Saint Vladimir's Seminary here welcomed His Eminence, Archbishop Spyridon of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to the school's campus on the occasion of the 14th annual lecture in memory of the late Protopres-byter Alexander Schmemann.

The occasion marked Archbishop Spyridon's first visit to the seminary since his enthronement as Primate of the Greek Archdiocese in September 1996. Several years ago, he had paid a visit to Saint Vladimir's during his tenure as Metropolitan of Venice, Italy.

The Rev. Alkiviadis Calivas, President of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA, delivered the lecture titled "Worship in the American Context: Issues of Liturgical Inculturation" to a capacity audience in the Kunett Auditorium. Father Calivas emphasized the importance of liturgy as a means of bringing the reality of God's presence into the lives of contemporary Americans.

Metropolitan Theodosius [second from left] with Archbishop Spyridon [center] and Archbishop Herman, Bishop Seraphim and Archbishop Kyrill at St. Vladimir's Seminary.

Among the other hierarchs present for the Vesper Service and lecture were His Eminence; Archbishop Kyrill of Pittsburgh and Western PA; His Eminence, Archbishop Herman of Philadelphia and Eastern PA; and His Grace, Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada.

Prior to the lecture, the Very Rev. Thomas Hopko, SVS Dean, celebrated Great Vespers for the Eve of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs, patrons of the seminary chapel. After addressing the congregation, Metropolitan Theodosius welcomed Archbishop Spyridon, who thanked him, his brother hierarchs, and the seminary community for welcoming him so warmly.

In his remarks, the Archbishop lauded Father Schmemann and two other deceased SVS Deans, Fathers Georges Florovsky and John Meyendorff, citing their efforts "to make the fruits of their works accessible not only to academics, but to men and women who strive to live out their faith in their everyday existence."

Earlier the same day, faculty members from Saint Tikhon's Seminary, South Canaan, PA joined their SVS counterparts for a special seminar with Father Calivas. Among those participating was the recently-appointed Dean of Saint Tikhon's Seminary, the Very Rev. Alexander Golubov.

[ The Orthodox Church - March 1997 - p. 4 ]