The feast of the Three Hierarchs, the patronal feast of the seminary, was celebrated on February 12th, 2025 at Holy Trinity Monastery Cathedral in Jordanville, NY.

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, ruling bishop of the Eastern American Diocese and First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad led the divine services. His Eminence was co-served by His Eminence, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, and His Grace, Bishop Luke of Syracuse, rector of the seminary. The Myrrh-Streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Theotokos was also present at the feast and was miraculously overflowing with myrrh.

The seminary choir sang many of the responses, and readers read a number of the texts in Greek, as has become the custom in Jordanville for this particular feast day. Several seminary alumni also traveled to Jordanville to participate in the seminary’s patronal feast.

Prior to the Lord’s Prayer, 1^st Year CTS program student Subdeacon John Rosner was ordained to the diaconate by His Eminence, Archbishop Gabriel. Deacon John was thereafter ordained to the Holy Priesthood three days later (on the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple) by His Grace, Bishop Luke of Syracuse. After spending 2 weeks in Jordanville, serving at the monastery at all the daily services, Fr. John will return home to Canada to serve as the rector of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos Parish in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

The Divine Liturgy was followed by a meal at the monastery trapeza. Afterwards, everyone was cordially invited to the seminary hall for a wonderful “tea”. Remarks were offered at the reception by His Grace, Bishop Luke, Dean Nicolas Schidlovsky, Archpriest Serge Lukianov, His Eminence, Archbishop Gabriel, and His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas. Many thanks to all who helped prepare the reception, including Igumen Cyprian, Hieromonk Ignaty (Deputy Dean of Students), and seminarian Monk Peter. Also, profound gratitude is expressed by the monastery and seminary communities to Priest Nektary Yangston for bringing The Hawaiian Iveron Icon to be present at the celebration of the seminary’s feast day. Many of the faithful were able to venerate this precious image of the Mother of God. Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

We ask that your prayers be added to ours, that the Lord our God may bestow strength upon Fr. John, his wife and family, as he enters into this new level of service in Christ’s Holy Vineyard.

 AXIOS to Fr. John!