Metropolitan Nicholovos meets with the Dean of St. Tikhon's

His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan, received the newly appointed Dean of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary the Very Reverend Father Dr. John E. Parker III, at the Chancery of the #NEDiocese. 

Father John succeeds Archpriest Steven Voytovich, who has served as the Seminary’s Dean for the past five years. Our Diocesan Metropolitan congratulated Archpriest John Parker on his appointment, and offered his prayers and blessings.

His Grace, and Father John were able to discuss matters related to the importance of theological and pastoral formation of candidates to Holy Ordination. Discussions on how St. Tikhon’s Seminary can work with the #MalankaraChurch, in ensuring proper training can be given to the future pastors of the Church also took place over a sumptuous lunch. 

Established in 1938, St. Tikhon’s Seminary is a theological institution of higher education under the Orthodox Church in America. St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary seeks to fulfill its guiding mission – “The primary mission of the Seminary lies in providing the necessary theological, liturgical, spiritual, and moral foundations for Orthodox men to become, as God so wills, good shepherds of His Holy Orthodox Church.” Fulfilling this mission for the almost 80 years, St. Tikhon’s Seminary has acted as a major center of formation for those seeking to serve the Orthodox Church in various ministry capacities within North America and abroad. 

#STOTS currently has four seminarians of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, with Reverend Father M. K. Kuriakose serving as the Professor for Malankara Studies. The beautiful Seminary campus also has a Chapel reserved for seminarians of our Malankara Church, to observe the all the canonical hours of our liturgical tradition.

Also present during discussions were Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Thomas Paul and Reverend Father Eldo Alias.