On the Feast of the Three Hierarchs, leaders from Orthodox Christian seminaries across the United States met on our campus to continue informal discussions that began among them nearly five years ago. Besides representatives from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS), participants were from Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) and St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS).
The substance of their discussions centered around coordinating inter-seminary activities and exploring other avenues of cooperation on every level—from board members to seminarians. Besides regularly reflecting upon matters of mutual interest, the group this past year jointly coordinated a graduation class retreat.
"Of course," noted St. Vladimir's Seminary's Chancellor, Archpriest Chad Hatfiled, "Our most pressing mutual challenge is funding, and I believe that this will remain at the top of the list of our common concerns."
Our Dean, Archpriest John Behr further noted, "These particular meetings are informal gatherings—purposefully so, in order that our meeting times and agendas remain flexible. We look forward to continuing to work closely together for the benefit of our students and to further the work of theological education in this country."