The 57th Annual Commencement of Holy Trinity Seminary was yesterday.
To many, it came and went without notice. To those present, at both the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy served by his Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, his Grace Bishop Peter, 17 priests, 6 deacons and servers, it was a most spiritually rewarding and glorious event.
During The Hours, a seminarian was Tonsured Reader.
The Commencement included an address given by Professor Nikolas Lupinin. His talk was most enlightening. During the talk he stated “…Orthodoxy is a way of life…”. This is nothing ‘new’ to any Orthodox Christian. Yet, everything he said in these few words, resounded in the context of his address.
Rather than ‘try’ to recall the entire address, suffice it to say that it was excellent. I wish I had a copy, as it was “one of those articles” that should be kept for future reference. Personally, I thank God for giving Professor Lupinin the words, and for the Professor’s accepting and delivering the address.
Later there were responses from the graduates. A Deacon, Nicholas I believe, gave a very beautiful response. It tied the entirety of the day into exactly why the graduating seminarians were, in fact, there. God has truly given him a gift; his remarks proved that.
The day was truly festive, and very rewarding. A Priest, whom I know and love dearly, watched his son graduate. If his son has only a small portion of his father’s Orthodox love and spirituality, he will be an outstanding Orthodox Priest.
In parting, I said to Father,
“You must be very proud of your son.”
His response was the encapsulation of the entire day,
“Thank God.”
John