Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary held its Sixty-Fourth Annual Commencement on Sunday, May 27, 2012. The ceremonies began at two o’clock in the afternoon with a Thanksgiving Moleben served by Archimandrite Luke and the Monastery Clergy in the monastery church. The clergy, faculty, and students then processed to the Seminary Hall for the Commencement.

The ceremony began with the Russian and American national anthems, sung by the Holy Trinity Seminary Choir under the direction of third-year student Nicholas Kotar.

Archimandrite Luke, the Rector and Acting Dean, gave an opening address in Russian encouraging the graduating students to continue their progress in learning: “Never forget your books. Continue always to find the time to further your knowledge…Quench not the Spirit!” Fr. Luke then introduced Archimandrite Meletios Webber, the commencement speaker. Fr. Meletios is the abbot of St. John of San Francisco Orthodox Monastery (OCA) in Manton, California. Fr. Meletios gave an engrossing talk on asceticism and its absolute necessity in spiritual life. He called upon the audience to look upon asceticism in a positive sense, as “training the body for glory.”

Following the commencement address, Fr. Luke awarded diplomas to graduating students. Five students received the Bachelor of Theology: Dimitrii Anopochkin (Cum Laude), Ivan Denisenko, German Gatyskii, Evgenii Poznyak, and Sergei Tuygin (Cum Laude). Reader Matthew Long  received certificates for successfully completing the Correspondence Program in Theological Studies.

Top students in each class then received awards: Aleksandr Brooks in first year; John Martin in second year; Nicholas Kotar in third year; Anthony Williams in fourth year; and Dimitrii Anopochkin and Sergei Tuygin in fifth year. For academic excellence first-year students Aleksandr Brooks and Stanislav Matveev received stipends of $700 and $300 respectively, courtesy of Michael Andreev of the Jordanville Monument Company.

Sergei Tuygin then made a valedictory speech expressing his heartfelt gratitude for his experiences at Holy Trinity Seminary. Following his words, Fr. Luke closed the ceremony with prayer. After Commencement, all gathered on the lawn for refreshments.

Dear in Christ Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters!

My words of greeting are primarily directed to our graduates but I also speak to  those students who remain here to complete their studies.

You have accomplished a great spiritual struggle, which has now been crowned with a Gift of the Holy Spirit shed upon you at the church services and through all of the ceremonies celebrated today. In so much as your seminary struggle has taken place within the walls of our holy monastery the spiritual experience you have gained and the knowledge of God and yourself will be for you always a priceless treasure. Many who have fought in a war have later recalled about their experiences as the richest, most impressive, and fruitful of their lives, despite the horrors they also endured. Although you have not always been aware of the fact, you also have been on the spiritual battlefront struggling with many visible and invisible enemies. If you can pause for a moment today and later in your lives you will understand the great significance, the richness of your life here. The Lord said, “I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly".

All of the subjects taught in the Seminary from Catechism, Greek, church singing to Dogmatic Theology and Patrology are presented only as modest indicators of the direction you should continue your spiritual, theological education. Never forget your books. Continue always to find the time to further your knowledge. It is far too easy to become engrossed in triviality— the Lord commands us to,”… remember the one thing needful.” Quench not the Spirit!

Science tells us that clouds are primarily formed from the water that evaporates from the oceans. Let me offer you an image from nature to hold in your spiritual memory. Imagine two radiant clouds hovering above a vast ocean. One cloud is the peace that comes from Above and the other is Joy in the Lord. They are suspended above an ocean of gratitude, from which they are formed. Remember in all things never to complain but to be sincerely grateful, and the Lord will send you peace and joy!

Thank you!
Archimandrite Luke