Seminary Students and Staff Visit Cathedral in Portland, Oregon
A Memorable Visit to the Holy Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Cathedral
On April 18, staff members and students of Saint Photios Orthodox Theological Seminary, as well as several members of Etna’s Orthodox Christian community, took a road trip to the Holy Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, Oregon.
The Cathedral is under the Hierarchal oversight of His Eminence, Bishop Auxentios of Etna and Portland, who is also the Rector of the Seminary. For most of those from Etna, this was their first time visiting the parish in Portland.
Upon arrival on Saturday afternoon, the parishioners served a delicious meal, after which Vespers was celebrated in the Cathedral. Following Vespers, the visitors were invited to an informal gathering in which they were able to greet and share time with the Portland parish community
The next morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral. Father Alexander Hahr, the first student of the Seminary to be ordained a Presbyter, gave a homily about repentance; a fitting subject for the Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt, whose life exemplifies the virtue of repentance.
Following a beautifully prepared and delicious Agape meal served in the Cathedral’s dining hall, Pedro Petrenko, a third-year student at the Seminary, delivered a presentation on the topic of Fasting. This was followed by a lively question-and-answer session, during which students enthusiastically answered questions about the Seminary addressed to them by the local parishioners. The students gave individual testimonies regarding their personal journey to study at the Seminary and described their aspirations as future graduates. It was a heartfelt discussion that touched all present.
Father Photios Cooper, the Rector of the Cathedral, expressed his gratitude that so many people came to visit the Cathedral; he spoke about the importance of Orthodox Christians coming together for fellowship in a setting where they may encourage one another. Father’s pastoral experience illustrated the profound benefits both for the Seminarians and students as well as for the parishioners to meet in person and to share time as a wider community of Orthodox Christians.
The road trip to Portland, Oregon, was also a wonderful way for us to meet many of the Seminary’s supporters and to spread awareness about the work being done in Etna for the sake of the Orthodox Church.
The students and staff of the Seminary are indebted to the clergy and parishioners of Holy Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Cathedral for the gracious hospitality and love you showed us! God-willing, we look forward to a return visit!