On Thursday, August 31, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, PA, to participate in the student orientation for the new academic year and the 8th Annual Alumni Retreat and Gathering, sponsored by the Saint Tikhon’s Alumni Association.
On Thursday morning, His Beatitude was welcomed to the seminary by Archpriest John Parker, Dean, Archpriest Patrick Burns, Alumni Association President, and seminary staff, students, alumni, and their families. His Beatitude addressed seminarians in the Convocation Center, welcoming them to the seminary on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops and the seminary Board of Trustees. In his address, he encouraged seminarians to maintain their discipline and enthusiasm and to always trust in Christ. At the conclusion of his address, His Beatitude answered questions from seminarians and alumni before blessing first-year seminarians to wear cassocks. Following lunch, Father Andrew Stephen Damick, Chief Content Officer of Ancient Faith Ministries and Saint Tikhon’s Seminary alumnus, led the first of two seminars entitled “Preaching the Gospel in a Land of Confusion.” After vespers and matins in the monastery church, a cookout was hosted by the Alumni Association.
On Friday, September 1, the Ecclesiastical New Year, His Beatitude attended the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the monastery church. Later in the morning, His Beatitude participated in the Alumni Association’s annual business meeting before departing for Virginia.
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