On May 16^th the part-time seminarians and their professors descended upon the spiritual center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and the campus of Saint Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ. Over the next two days they served and sang at the divine services and took their final examinations. 

Friday morning saw His Eminence Archbishop Daniel serving the Divine Liturgy with the newly ordained Deacon Maksym Zhuravchyk who is a recent graduate of the seminary. 

Father Harry Linsenbigler and Father Anthony Perkins instructed the seminarians in Dogmatics and Old Testament studies during the past semester and completed their courses during the retreat. In the evenings, Father Theophan led liturgical practicums aimed at preparing the seminarians for possible ordination in the future. 

Besides capping the semester’s academic work, these semi-yearly retreats, one in May and one in December, facilitate camaraderie among the part-time and full-time seminarians and help form bonds and friendships that will serve as support in their respective ministries. Shared experiences, both academic and social, are important components of the seminary experience. 

Many good things are on the horizon for Saint Sophia Seminary, growth and change. These students are important in the future health of the seminary and the UOC of USA and Orthodoxy at large, and the future is looking bright indeed.