09.10.09 - Beginning of Fall Semester

The school year began a bit later than usual this year (September 23rd), though the way it began was familiar – with a common worship service led, on this occasion, by seminary teacher, Rev. Bradn Buerkle. The reason the semester was shortened this fall was in order that students could be present and help at the General Synod without missing lessons. Many of them took advantage of this opportunity, and took part in this important moment of our church life.

Five new students joined the student body this year; after passing their entrance exams they were all accepted into the first year class. Three of the students are from European Russia – Alexandra L (from St. Petersburg), Ivan (from Volgograd) and Oleg (from Kazan.) The student body's geographic scope is widen by a representative from Siberia – Anastasia from Irkutsk and Alexandra D from Transnisteria (a breakaway region of Moldova).

The first “block” of lessons is already behind us – for two weeks the seminary hosted Dr. Paul Wu from the United States as he led an intensive course in pastoral care and counseling. In addition, we again have guests teachers from St. Petersburg – A. Mashtakova from St. Petersburg State Univeristy and Boris Tikhomirov from the Orthodox Spiritual Academy. Later H. Krech from Germany will arrive again to teach liturgics.

While the semester will be a short one, let it be a fruitful and blessed one for all of us!