Part 2 of the 75th Anniversary Gala.

Here is the second of Archpriest John Behr's four meditative talks to St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary's community during the first two days of Great Lent on the topics "Our Response to the Call of God," "Holding Our Tongue," and "Holding Our Mind." Father John, the Dean of St. Vladimir's, was this year's leader of the rigorous annual retreat that marks the beginning of the Great Fast for seminarians, faculty, and staff at St. Vladimir's

At its commencement exercises on Saturday, May 31, 2014, St. Vladimir's Seminary awarded diplomas in three programs to 21 graduates: four Master of Theology, eight Master of Divinity, and nine Master of Arts degrees. Among the graduates were five priests and one deacon, who will join the ranks of alumni clergy serving the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches in the U.S. and around the world. Archbishop Job (Getcha) gave the commencement address.

On October 27, 2014, Fr. Nicholas Andruchow from Project Mexico was the Missions Night speaker at St. Vladimir's Seminary.

Well-known theologian, composer, and author Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, Chairman of the Department of External Relations for the Moscow Patriarchate, delivered an academic address at St. Vlad's on November 8, 2014, on the topic of primacy in preparation for the 2016 Great and Holy Council. He was also given an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.

This year's commencement address was delivered by The Most Reverend Elia, Metropolitan of Oulu, Orthodox Church of Finland, the first St. Vladimir's Seminary graduate to be consecrated a bishop in Western Europe.

Bishop Anba Suriel of the Coptic Diocese of Melbourne, Australia, speaks at the annual Lenten retreat at St. Vladimir's Seminary.

Dr. Paul Meyendorff delivers the commencement address at the 2016 graduation at St. Vladimir's Seminary on May 21. Dr. Meyendorff is retiring after 29 years of teaching Liturgical Theology at the seminary.

This is two of three lectures that Fr. Chad Hatfield delivered at the Parish Life Conference of the Antiochian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, held in Phoenix, Arizona, June 28-July 3, 2016.

This is the final of three lectures that Fr. Chad Hatfield delivered at the Parish Life Conference of the Antiochian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, held in Phoenix, Arizona, June 28-July 3, 2016.

On February 27–28, 2017, Priest David Mezynski, associate dean for Student Affairs at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, presented four lenten reflections during the two days of intensive liturgical services that annually mark the beginning of Great Lent for the seminary community. Using a story-telling format and employing a variety of sayings from the desert monastics, Father David focused on the theme of gratitude as the fruit of repentance, and especially pinpointed two main obstacles to true repentance: 1) feeling no awareness of sin, with a consequent refusal to change; and 2) possessing a despairing attitude, with a consequent inability to receive forgiveness.

St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary held its annual open house, Orthodox Education Day, Saturday, October 7, 2017. This year’s timely theme was “Modern Martyrs: Christians of the Middle East and North Africa.” In his keynote address titled, “Dying, and Behold, We Live: Martyrdom in the New Testament,” biblical scholar the Reverend Dr. George Parsenios, Associate Professor of New Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Sessional Professor of New Testament at St. Vladimir’s, focused on the writings of St. Paul and the Gospel of Saint John, texts that indicate how suffering is connected to assimilation to Christ and being “in Christ.” Father George emphasized how the actions of both ancient and modern martyrs continue to teach us that “the meaning of life is death,” and “that if you want to live the Resurrection, the only path is to carry the Cross.”

Dr. Christine Chaillot speaks about the relations between the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches. She gave her talk on Orthodox Education Day, held at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Saturday, October 7, 2017. Referring to her latest work, The Dialogue between Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches, Dr. Chaillot explains the initial dispute that split the two church bodies in the 5th century following the Council of Chalcedon, and she also informs us about contemporary ongoing official dialogue and current increased rapprochement between the two faith communities.

During Missions Weekend 2017, held at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary October 20–21, Metropolitan Ambrosios (Zographos) of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea, laid a patristic foundation for missionary work by Orthodox Christians, using 16 principles from the writings of St. John Chrysostom. His fascinating and uplifting talk was titled, “St. John Chrysostom’s Constitution for Christian Witness: Universal Principles and Their Relevance for Korean Orthodox Identity.”

Priest Anthony Roeber, Ph.D., professor of Church History at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, presented four Lenten talks to the entire seminary community on February 19–20, 2018, as they gathered in Three Hierarchs Chapel for worship and reflection to mark the beginning of the season of Great Lent. Father Anthony based his talks on the “Great Farewell Discourse” of our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of St. John (John 14–17). Focusing on the words, “That they may be one, as we are one” (John 17.21), he challenged Orthodox Christians to love, trust, and seek unity with others—whether they are inside or outside the borders of the faith.

The 2018 Commencement at St. Vladimir's Seminary, held May 19, was truly a blessed occasion. In addition to graduating 20 students from the Class of 2018, the seminary also awarded honorary doctorates to three distinguished figures for their contributions to the Orthodox Church: composer Mitered Archpriest Sergei Glagolev, Dr. David Bradshaw, chair of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Kentucky, and Protodeacon Peter Danilchick, seminary trustee emeritus and former ExxonMobile executive. Hear the Commencement Exercises in their entirety, which included remarks from His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and the Commencement Address from Dr. Bradshaw.

St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVOTS) celebrated two milestones at the 2018 edition of Orthodox Education Day (OED) on Saturday, October 6: fifty years of OED and fifty years of St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVS) Press. The day included several highlights befitting the historic celebration, including a passionate call to spread the Gospel as individuals in addition to supporting Orthodox evangelistic enterprises such as SVS Press and Ancient Faith Ministries, delivered by Ancient Faith co-founder John Maddex.

At its Commencement Ceremonies Saturday, May 18, 2019 St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) conferred degrees upon twenty-two graduates, including fourteen Master of Divinity, three Master of Arts, and five Master of Theology students. The Seminary also awarded two honorary doctorates, one to His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East (Syriac Orthodox Church) and longtime Seminary Trustee Alex Machaskee. Hear the Commencement Exercises in their entirety, which included remarks from His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and the Commencement Address from Orthodox Church in America Chancellor Archpriest Alexander Rentel.

Saint Vladimir's Seminary entered into its annual, two-day Lenten Retreat on Clean Monday and Tuesday, March 15 and 16, 2021. Four talks delivered over the two days followed the theme of "Ora et Labora: The Foundations of Spirituality According to the Rule of St Benedict of Nursia." In this reflection, Dr Vitaly Permiakov, the Seminary's assistant professor of liturgical theology, leads a meditation on "Praying Together."

Dn. Michael continues exploring the role of Scripture in the Orthodox Church and examines common proof texts used to defend Sola Scriptura—a premise that is not so much erroneous as it is impossible.

Dn. Michael continues his study on fasting in an age of self-gratification and excess.

Dn. Michael continues his introduction to the Ecumenical Councils and asks the question "Why does truth matter?"

Dn. Michael continues his look at the Council of Nicaea, the first salvo in a centuries-long battle for Truth. At stake is the doctrine of the Incarnation.

Today, Dn. Michael unpacks the Fifth Ecumenical Council which addressed Monophysitism and Origen.

Dn. Michael continues his discussion of Anthony Bloom's book, Beginning to Pray. He emphasizes the importance of humility when approaching our Lord in prayer.

Joel Miller stands in for Dn. Michael and continues the series "In But Not Of." In today's lesson, Joel teaches on the life of St. Athanasius.

Dn. Michael shares his conversion story in this two-part lecture given at the Missions and Evangelism Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. His series, "In But Not Of," will continue next week.

Dn. Michael shares the four New Testament sources from which we can learn about evangelism.

Dn. Michael Hyatt begins continues his look at Chapter 7 of Time and Despondency written by Dr. Nicole Roccas. What are the steps available to us to combat despondency? He shares two more in this episode: gratitude and confession/community.

Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. In part 2, they talk about the priority of pleasing God in our marriages.

In this class, Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt address sex in the marital relationship as a means to holiness as they continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

Domingo 16 de Febrero Pd. Nicolás predico sobre el arrepentimiento sin desesperación. No es bastante a conocer sus pecados pero cada uno tiene que tener esperanza en la misericordia del Señor. Lucas 15:11-32 Sunday February 16 Fr. Nicholas preached about repentance without despair. It is not enough to know your sins but everyone has to have hope in the mercy of the Lord. Luke 15:11-32

Domingo 16 de Marzo Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre la grandeza del Señor y sobre la importancia de la teología apofático en la Iglesia Ortodoxo, que Dios no es. Marcos 2:1-12 Sunday 16 of March Fr. Nicholas preached about unknowingness of the Lord and about the importance of Apophatic Theology in the Orthodox Church, what God is not. Mark 2:1-12

Domingo 23 de Marzo Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre Domingo de la Cruz y los labores que tenemos para recibir la salvación que es gratis. Marcos 8:34-9:1 Sunday 23 of March Fr. Nicholas preached about Sunday of the Cross and the work we have in order to receive salvation which is free. Mark 8:34-9:1

Domingo 30 de Marzo Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre la liberación de pecado en la vida de Cristo. Reflejó sobre el consejo de San Juan de la escalera y la carta San Pablo a los Hebreos. Hebreos 6:13-20 Sunday 30 of March Fr. Nicholas preached about the liberatioin from sin in the life of Christ. He reflected on the consel of St. John of the Ladder and the letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebreos 6:13-20

Domingo 11 de Mayo Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre como el amor para Dios puede dar nos la fuerza para evitar parálisis del espíritu. Hechos 9:33-42 Sunday May 11 Fr. Nicholas preached about how the love for God can give us the strength to avoid spiritual paralysis. Acts 9:33-42

Domingo 20 de Julio Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre la salvacion y como Dios utiliza toda la creación para salvarnos. Él utiliza personas, oraciones, nuestros hijos y hasta nuestras vocaciones. Tenga tus ojos abiertos a la misericordia del Señor. Santiago 5:10-20 Sunday July 20 Fr. Nicholas preached about salvation and how God utilizes all of creation in order to save us. He uses people, prayers, our children and even our vocation. Open your eyes to the mercy of the Lord. St. James 5:10-20

Domingo 14 de Septiembre Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre como el acto de evangleizar puede salvar uno. Sí la vida es dificil pero por el mensaje de la Cruz podemos receibir la paz de la verdad. 1 Cor. 1:18-24 Sunday September 7 Fr. Nicholas preached about how the act of evangelizing can save a person. Yes life is difficult but through the message of the Cross we can attain true peace. 1 Cor. 1:18-24

Domingo 21 de Septiembre Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre el sacrificio de Dios y como nosotros podemos seguir Su ejemplo y haga sacrificio en nuestras propias vidas. Pd. Nicolás usó el ejemplo como nosotros sacrifica cuando escuchamos a otros. (Evangelio de San Juan Capitula 19) Sunday September 21 Fr. Nicholas preached about the sacrifice of God and how we can follow His example and make our own sacrifices in our lives. Fr. Nicholas used the example of how we sacrifice when we listen to others. (Gospel according to John Chapter 19)

Domingo 9 de Noviembre Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre el poder de tus oraciones. Cuando uno tiene un necesidad de ayuda, sus peticiones tienen mas fuerza. La cosa es que todos tienen necesidad de ayuda pero aveces lo olvidamos. Reflejemos tambien sobre la vida de San Nectarios y su influencia en oración y como por sus intercesiones ha beneficiado mucha gente. (Lucas 8:41-56) Sunday November 9 Fr. Nicholas preached about the power of your prayers. When someone has a need for help, his or her petitions have more strength. The reality is that all have a need for help unfortunately we sometimes forget it. We also reflected on the life of St. Nectarios and his influence through prayer and how through his intercessions many people have benefited. (Luke 8:41-56)

Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre el razón para la Navidad y la importancia que uno debe tener su propósito muy claro si no puedes ser distraído de la voluntad del Señor. (Efesios 5:8-19 ) Fr. Nicholas preached about the reason for Christmas and the importance how a person should have clear purpose so that they do not get distracted from the will of the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-19)

Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre los líderes de Cristo y como en su ejemplo de ser buenos siervos de Dios nosotros podemos afirmar el camino que llega hasta la salvación. (Hebreos 13:17-21) Fr. Nicholas preached about the leaders of Christ and how in their examples of being good servants of God we can affirm the path that leads to salvation. (Ephesians 5:8-19)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre el bueno y como el bueno llega por las lágrimas. Él reflejó sobre la sabiduría de San Juan de la escalera y su consejo sobre arrepentimiento. (Marcos 9:17-31) Fr. Nicholas preached on goodness and how goodness comes through tears. He reflected on the wisdom of St. John of the ladder and his insight concerning repentance. (Mark 9:17-31)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre el poder de la resurrección para guiarnos en una vida de rectitud. No debes robar. (Hechos 5:1-11) Fr. Nicholas preached about the power of the resurrection which guides in the life of rectitude. One should not steal. (Acts 5:1-11)

Padre Nicolás predico sobre la alegría de Dios que nos da la fuerza para aguantar el sufrimiento. (Juan 17:1-13) Fr. Nicholas preached about the joy of God and how it strengthens us to persevere through the suffering we experience. (Juan 17:1-13)

Padre Nicolás predicó como Dios nos enseña en la biblia como santificar nos. Y cada uno de nosotros podemos ser un santo también. (Mateo 10:32-38) Fr. Nicholas preach how God teaches us in the Bible how to be holy. And how every one of us can be saints also. (Mathew 10:32-38)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre como el mensaje del Señor está puesto en tu corazón. Nosotros tenemos que guardar un lugar santo para cultivar aquel mensaje. (Romanos 2:10-16) Fr. Nicholas preached about the message of the Lord that is placed in our hearts. He emphasized that we need to cultivate that place which cares for the message within us. (Romans 2:10-16)

Padre Nicolás predico sobre el entendimiento de la Iglesia sobre el matrimonio entre hombres y mujeres. Él consejó que todos deben estar cuidadoso que no sean engañado de las mintiras del mundo. (1Timoteo 3:13-4:1) Fr. Nicholas preached about the understanding of the Church concerning marriage amoung men and women. He advised that all should be careful not to be fooled by the lies of the world. (1 Timothy 3:13-4:1)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre la importancia para tener gozo en nuestros corazones y no dejar las cosas del mundo a quitar nuestra alegría. (Lucas 9:18-22) Fr. Nicholas preached about the importance of having joy in our hearts and not to let the temptations of the world take away our happiness. (Luke 9:18-22)

Padre Nicolás predicó que nosotros debemos asumir que cada persona quiere recibir la salación por la Iglesia Ortodoxo. Y nosotros vamos a predicar la salvación por nuestras acciones de amor. (Hebreos 2:2-10) Fr. Nicholas preached that we should assume that every person wants to receive salvation through the Orthodox Church. And we preach this salvation through our actions of love. (Hebrews 2:2-10)