The Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement (OISM) met at St.
Herman Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kodiak,
Alaska from Saturday October 14 - Tuesday
October 18. This event marked the first time in the history of OISM that a
meeting was held at St. Herman's, our nations most northwestern Orthodox
seminary. In addition to the entire student body of Saint Herman's Seminary,
eleven students from Saint Tikhon Seminary, South Canaan, PA; Saint Vladimir
Seminary, Crestwood, NY;
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline,
MA; and Holy Trinity Seminary, Jordanville,
NY participated in the gathering.
Participants from the "lower-48" began their pilgrimage on Friday by
touring sites in downtown Anchorage,
including the Cupola Café and Russian
Orthodox Museum,
which are operated by the Diocese of Alaska. Later that evening they attended
Vigil services for the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God at St.
Innocent Cathedral. On Saturday they attended the consecration of the Pokrov
Chapel, followed by Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Bishop
NIKOLAI. This was a double blessing for the participants, not only because many
had previously celebrated the services on the New Calendar, but also because
the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God (Pokrov) is the patron feast
of OISM.
Following a festive luncheon in honor of the ladies society St. Innocent
Cathedral community, participants boarded their flight to Kodiak. They arrived
at Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Kodiak just in time for Vigil, and were
welcomed by the dean of St. Herman Seminary, Fr. Chad Hatfield. Fr. Chad
reminisced how there were many who doubted that an OISM meeting would ever be
convened at St. Herman Seminary, but by the intercessions of St. Herman of Alaska,
and the grace of God, this event was made a reality.
After Divine Liturgy on Sunday students enjoyed fellowship with the community
at Holy Resurrection and spent some time introducing themselves. Next Fr. Chad
and several SHS students led visitors on a tour of All Saints of Alaska Chapel
and the rest of the seminary campus. The seminary chapel is a replica of the
first Orthodox Church building in North America,
formerly located on the site of Holy Resurrection Cathedral, and was
constructed in 1994 as part of the Bi-Centennial celebration of the Orthodox
Church in America.
Following the tour of the campus, participants were treated to panoramic views
of the entire area from atop Pillar Mountain,
and then spent the remainder of the afternoon hiking Fort
Abercrombie Park.
The park is a former military installation which still contains much evidence
of its past, such as large gun stations, fox holes, and a bunker, as well as
several interpretive posters explaining the history of the park and other
natural features.
Upon returning to campus students gathered at All Saints Chapel to celebrate
Great Vespers in commemoration of St. Yakov, which was followed by a potluck
meal at the seminary dining hall. After the meal participants were entertained
by Y'upik dancing and more fellowship with the entire SHS community.
On Monday Divine Liturgy was celebrated for St. Yakov, then a group of 31 made
preparations for their trip to Spruce
Island via a fishing boat operated
by one of the native Orthodox faithful. They departed from the Port
of Kodiak to the village
of Ouzinkie, where they docked for
a quick visit to the Nativity of Christ Church, and a trip to the village
general store to load up on supplies.
Upon reaching Monks Lagoon participants were loaded onto a small boat and
transported to the shores of Spruce Island
for lunch and an afternoon of hiking its sacred grounds. As those who had
already landed awaited the rest of the pilgrims, one could sense a change in
their countenance as they came into contact with the land that Saint Herman
sanctified by his God-pleasing life over 200 years ago. The afternoon on Spruce
Island was crowned with an Akathist
Service to St. Herman, celebrated at SS. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Chapel.
The return trip to Kodiak was marked with a sober spirit, and a deepening of
relationships between the students and faculty who made this remarkable
pilgrimage together.
Tuesday was the last day of the encounter. SHS returned to its normal schedule of
morning Matins and classes, and visitors were invited to join their brothers
and sisters by sitting in on classes. They also visited other points of
interest in town, and made one last trip to Holy Resurrection Cathedral to
venerate the relics of St. Herman. Almost the entire seminary community
gathered in the parking lot to see their guests off, as they made their way to
the Kodiak Airport.
In Anchorage another event awaited
the pilgrims- dinner with His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI and other members of the diocesan
community. His Grace spent quality time with the group talking about life in
the Diocese Alaska, his exciting travels, as well as his time as a student at
Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, PA,
as well as his own involvement with OISM. He also gave everyone a gift bag and
his blessing as they made their way back to the Anchorage
Airport for travel to the East
Coast.
Author's Note: The hospitality with which we were greeted from our very
first moment on arriving in Alaska,
until the time we left, was an example for all of us of how we should treat our
fellow Orthodox, as well as the society of which we are a part. Real unity can
only take place where there is a real relationship, and a real relationship
takes time, sacrifice, and love. I can say without reservation that time,
sacrifice, and love were poured out abundantly by the Diocese of Alaska
and St. Herman's Seminary. We are especially thankful to all our benefactors,
to our respective seminary administrators, who permitted us to participate in
this event; to Fr. Chad Hatfield and the community of SHS for their
hospitality, event coordination, and friendship; and to His Grace Bishop
NIKOLAI for his blessing to travel in the Diocese and for his hospitality.
May we always be mindful that it is God who provides the increase as the
influence of OISM amongst our seminaries continues to grow; and may He grant
real relationships and unity to all Orthodox Christians in America.