The 25th Anniversary of the Founding of St. Herman Orthodox Theological Seminary

St. Herman’s Seminary
Kodak, Alaska

November 1, 1998

St. Herman Seminary
Kodiak, Alaska

Your Grace, Bishop INNOCENT, Reverend Clergy, dearly beloved:

Today is a significant day for Saint Herman’s Seminary. It is a significant day for all of us who have gathered here to celebrate and reflect on the life and contributions of a school that is vital to the work of this venerable diocese.

This anniversary, as with all anniversaries, has a history. We look back on the past, we assess the present, and we contemplate the future. When looking on the past of Saint Herman’s Seminary I recall its humble and courageous beginning in Kenai. In 1973 a young priest, Archpriest Joseph Kreta, his wife Marie and their children came from New York City to Alaska. Sent by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America, Father Kreta was appointed chancellor of the Diocese and was, until the election of a new bishop, responsible for overseeing virtually every facet of Church life in Alaska. During the early years of his tenure Protopresbyter Joseph Kreta founded Saint Herman’s Pastoral school. The dream of many in and outside of Alaska had begun to be fulfilled. A faculty was established, a curriculum was formed, and students from the diocese entered a new adventure of spiritual foundation and academic study.

Within these formative years Saint Herman’s Pastoral school earned the respect and recognition of the Holy Synod. Consequently Saint Herman’s received the distinguished title of “Theological Seminary.” Through the combined talents, courage and determination of Protopresbyter Joseph Kreta, the school’s dean for 23 years; Archbishop GREGORY (Afonsky), the schools distinguished Rector; and the many faculty and staff who unselfishly labored here, the priceless gift of theology was offered to every student. Because of this noble offering, Saint Herman’s Seminary gained the respect and love of clergy and faithful throughout the entire Church in North America.

It is this love and respect that has continued to provide the school with the necessary encouragement for its continued development. It is the love and respect of the diocese — of its clergy and faithful— that confirms the need for Saint Herman’s Seminary. Indeed all of us who are here this afternoon recognize this need. Consequently, we who are now part of this anniversary celebration must make every effort to assist the seminary in realizing its potential for being a center of spiritual and academic formation for the venerable diocese.

We are all aware that Saint Herman’s Seminary is in a state of transition. I want to stress the term “transition” since recent rumors were announcing the school’s demise. Let me emphasize here that our school is not dead! While it presently functions on a limited basis, it has withstood the ugly denunciation and assaults of those who would impede the work of the seminary as well as the work of the diocese.

As the past generated a foundation upon which to build a seminary that would meet the many needs of the vast diocese, we need to see the present as an opportunity to forge ahead. We need to see the present as a time to recommit ourselves to restoring the seminary’s reputation. I am sure that we are all aware that the smooth transition we had all hoped for did not take place. Indeed, the seminary finds itself in a difficult stage of its development. Yet, it is my conviction along with the rest of the Board of Trustees that much good will result from our present challenge. Yes, the seminary finds itself in a weakened state. Yes, there is need to restore an infrastructure in which bishop, dean, faculty, students, and local parish can again function as a cohesive whole, guided by a common vision to serve and build up the body of Christ in Alaska. And, yes, there is the need for the seminary to be financially sound.

The present needs of the school are very real! But I, for one, receive comfort and hope from the words of Saint Paul who reminds us that in weakness the strength of God is revealed. The Apostle speaks of the cross of Christ which in the eyes of the world is the symbol of weakness, but for the believer it is the revelation of the Lord’s power and glory. The seminary is founded on the cross which is the basis of the Gospel. Because of this foundation we can anticipate the voices and actions of those who would disparage and weaken the seminary. We can anticipate the many trials that come with operating a school dedicated to preaching and sharing the kingdom of God. But at the same time we can stand on the foundation of the cross from which we work together—from which we make an offering to God of our talents and energies—so that the light of Christ may again shine brightly from our beloved seminary.

The future of Saint Herman’s Seminary begins now. The work begun in the past beckons us to continue. The work begun in the past will only bear fruit if we continue to develop a school that never ceases to offer the unchanging Gospel in an ever-changing culture.

Today we look back on the humble beginnings of Saint Herman’s Seminary. As we celebrate the accomplishments of its dedicated faculty and alumni let us be moved by their labors and continue the work that has been started. Let us use the present as a time to develop and improve the vision and scope of the seminary. For when there is a light shining in the darkness, those seeking its warmth and comfort will draw near and serve the Lord in this vast vineyard.

The future of Saint Herman’s Seminary begins now with a people dedicated to the Gospel of salvation, people here and throughout Alaska. They will not allow the work of the seminary to stop, will not allow the light of Christ to be hidden beneath the bushel of fear or indifference. Beloved in the Lord, our work is before us. Our school needs us so it may continue the venerable missionary legacy of the Alaskan saints. Together we are called to make a commitment to the school so that the Orthodox Church in Alaska may faithfully serve and guide all people who hunger and thirst for new and eternal life in Christ.