On Thursday, October 1, 2015, Rector Archimandrite Luke (Murianka) and fifteen seminarians visited the well-known Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, Massachusetts. The museum was founded in 2006 and contains over 1,000 icons from pre-revolutionary Russia. This is the largest collection of icons in North America, as well as, one of the largest private collections of icons outside of Russia.  Currently, the museum is exhibiting three special collections: 30 rare feast day icons, rare Royal Doors from a 16th-century church outside of Moscow, and twelve festal row icons.

On the guided tour, seminarians were told about the history of icon painting, the specifics about the museum, and the particular history of each icon at the museum. For many seminarians, this was the first time that they had encountered rare, ancient icons from Russia. This trip furthered their understanding of the process of making icons, the history of iconography, and their use in the Liturgical life. While on the tour, seminarians were able to test their knowledge about the subject matter.  Many times seminarians explained to their tour guides particulars about Russian history, and the Orthodox Church.

Following the tour, Fr. Luke and the seminarians enjoyed a meal together in Clinton and seminarians spoke about their impressions of the museum and its beautiful icons. This was an enriching excursion for all of the students and Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary hopes to make this trip an annual part of the school year.