Commencement 2024

Congratulations to our Graduates! Many Years!

On Sunday, May 26, a commencement ceremony was hosted at the Saint Photios Orthodox Theological Seminary for the graduating Class of 2024! Novice Nathan of the Saint Gregory of Sinai Monastery in Kelseyville, California, and Novice Jeffrey of the Saint Gregory Palamas Monastery in Etna, California, were awarded their diplomas for completing the Bachelor of Theology Program. Additionally, both graduates were also awarded the Certificate of Iconology and the Certificate of Iconography, together with Schemanun Eupraxia of the Convent of Saint Elizabeth the Grand Duchess of Russia in Etna, California, and Ms. Tatyana Snegirev, all of whom successfully completed the Iconography Certificate Program.

The Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Dr. Patapios Hagiogrēgoritēs, the Dean of the Seminary, delivered the opening remarks and introduced the Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Patrick Hagiosinaïtēs, who gave the commencement address. Father Patrick is both the Abbot of the Saint Gregory of Sinai Monastery and a Visiting Instructor at the Seminary.

Father Patrick, who teaches in the Seminary’s Iconography Certificate Program, spoke about his experiences studying under the renowned iconographer Leonid Alexandrovich Uspensky (1902–1987). In sharing his journey to become an Iconographer, Father Patrick emphasized that we must endeavor to stand in awe before tradition when reading the writings of the Church Fathers, when learning about the Divine Services, and when working out our callings to serve the Church in whatever capacity that may be. Father’s humble approach and his recounting of his life experiences touched all in attendance.

The Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Gregory Hagiogrēgoritēs, the Director of Spiritual Life at the Seminary, presented Brother Nathan and Brother Jeffrey their degrees. Afterward, the two graduates gave short individual speeches expressing their love and gratitude for the Seminary.

Schemanun Mother Justina Hagielisavetissa, the Director of the Iconography Certificate Program, presented Mother Eupraxia, Brother Nathan, Brother Jeffrey, and Ms. Snegirev with the Certificate of Iconology and the Certificate of Iconography.

The Most Reverend Bishop Dr. Auxentios of Etna and Portland, the Rector of the Seminary, closed the ceremony by giving great thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ and to all those who have helped the Saint Photios Orthodox Theological Seminary to grow and to succeed.

After the official ceremony, the students of the Seminary and the nuns of the Convent of Saint Elizabeth the Grand Duchess of Russia completed the day’s festivities by hosting a festive banquet in the Dining Hall of the Seminary.

We are exceedingly grateful to all those who helped make Commencement 2024 a reality. Please consider making a gift to the Seminary, so that there will be more worthy graduates in the Seminary’s future, from across the country and around the world, who will go on to serve the Orthodox Church. To our benefactors and donors, please know that your support is so important and deeply appreciated!

Congratulations to our 2024 Graduates!