New Academic Year brings with it new Seminarians!
The 2020-2021 Academic year began on September 9th, 2020 following the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. This year's incoming class has a total of thirteen students out of which one is from the Northeast American Diocese and three are from the Diocese of Southwest America of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
Incoming seminarians of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church studying at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary are as follows:
Anish Mathew, 1st year M. Div. - Diocese of Southwest America
- Anish was born on the mean streets of Los Angeles, California however he is currently enjoying the pristine beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania where he lives with his wonderful wife of four years (Rachel Mathew). He loves drinking coffee, hiking in the mountains, pretending to play the guitar, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Anish is a member of St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Los Angeles. He completed his Bachelors in Biochemistry (wow) with a Minor in Theatre Arts and then moved to Colorado for four years to become a Physical Therapist. The desire to come to seminary has been in his heart for many years and he is very grateful for this opportunity to serve the Church.
Renin Cherian, 1st year M. Div. - Diocese of Southwest America
-Renin was born in Thiruvalla, Kerala but raised in the great state of Texas. He is a member of St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral, Houston. He completed his Bachelors in Nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Houston in 2014. Following graduation he completed his CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) as well as TNCC certifications (Trauma Nursing Core Course) and worked in the Neurosurgical ICU for the last six years.
Prior to coming to seminary, he served on the parish Managing Committee (2015-2016), taught numerous grades in Sunday School (2013-2020) and served as the council representative for the Houston/San Antonio/Austin region for the MGOCSM of the Diocese of Southwest America (2010-2012).
Justin Varghese, 1st year M. Div. - Northeast American Diocese
-Justin Varghese hails from the busy city of New York. Born and raised in Staten Island; Justin is no stranger to the cold winters so staying here at St.Tikhons wont be a problem for him...the silence in the night on the other hand, may need some getting used too.
Justin received his Masters in Social Work and wanted to continue his educational career by attending Seminary to further educate himself on the faith. Justin served as the youth leader, choir director, and lay leader for countless years at his home parish (Mar Gregorios Orthodox Syrian Church of India). Justin also served as a member in the Liturgical Choir (Orthodox Chamber Choir). Justin loves ginger ale, sports, ginger ale, singing, ginger ale, learning new traits and the culinary arts. Justin lives by the verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” -Philippians 4:13
Renin Cherian, 1st year M. Div. - Diocese of Southwest America
-Renin was born in Thiruvalla, Kerala but raised in the great state of Texas. He is a member of St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral, Houston. He completed his Bachelors in Nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Houston in 2014. Following graduation he completed his CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) as well as TNCC certifications (Trauma Nursing Core Course) and worked in the Neurosurgical ICU for the last six years.
Prior to coming to seminary, he served on the parish Managing Committee (2015-2016), taught numerous grades in Sunday School (2013-2020) and served as the council representative for the Houston/San Antonio/Austin region for the MGOCSM of the Diocese of Southwest America (2010-2012).
Justin Varghese, 1st year M. Div. - Northeast American Diocese
-Justin Varghese hails from the busy city of New York. Born and raised in Staten Island; Justin is no stranger to the cold winters so staying here at St.Tikhons wont be a problem for him...the silence in the night on the other hand, may need some getting used too.
Justin received his Masters in Social Work and wanted to continue his educational career by attending Seminary to further educate himself on the faith. Justin served as the youth leader, choir director, and lay leader for countless years at his home parish (Mar Gregorios Orthodox Syrian Church of India). Justin also served as a member in the Liturgical Choir (Orthodox Chamber Choir). Justin loves ginger ale, sports, ginger ale, singing, ginger ale, learning new traits and the culinary arts. Justin lives by the verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” -Philippians 4:13
Reuben Thomas, 1st year M. Div. - Diocese of Southwest America
- Reuben is from Houston, TX and is also a member of the St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral, Houston (no, that's not a typo). He completed his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin, and worked in the construction industry in Dallas and Houston for a few years before deciding to join Seminary. Reuben brings with him many TalenTs including but not limited to knowledge of the tonal hymnography of the Holy Church. Prior to coming to STOTS, Reuben served as the council representative for the Houston/San Antonio/Austin region for the MGOCSM of the Diocese of Southwest America. He was also a Sunday School teacher from 2014-2017.
We look forward to this upcoming year as we begin this new journey and ask that you please keep us in your prayers!
Incoming Malankara Class in St. John Chrysostom Chapel
(Left to Right)
Anish Mathew, Reuben Thomas, Justin Varghese, Renin Cherian
Incoming Class with Archbishop Michael (Rector) and Fr. John Parker (Dean of STOTS) 
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