To the Hierarchs, Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church in America:
With great joy we announce the beginning of the residential seminary phase of our Holy Three Hierarchs Theological Institute, located at Holy Unmercenaries Church in Alsip (Chicago) Illinois. Below we re-print the announcement and invitation sent to our faithful in the Chicago area. Though we realize that it may not be possible for those afar off to attend the inaugural ceremonies, we want very much for all of you to know of this great event and to keep us in your prayers.
We are pleased to be able to invite you to a series of events centering on the celebration of Holy Pentecost and the dedication of the residential program of the Holy Three Hierarchs Orthodox Theological Institute. This program is unique in the history of our church and requires much prayer. The hierarchical moderator for the seminary, Metropolitan Moses of Portland and the West, will be present for the Hierarchical Liturgy on Sunday, June 3.
Since its founding in the Fall of 2011, the theological institute has conducted classes online. It is necessary, however, that students be engaged not only through our online classes, but by participating in tutorials in person and services in church. The residence program that we are developing begins to fill this need for at least some of the seminarians. Two or three students will live in a seminary house across the street from Holy Unmercenaries and Saint Nektarios parish. While continuing their online classes, they will be studying Byzantine Chant, New Testament Greek, and Modern Greek. Proximity to Holy Unmercenaries will provide the students a chance to develop an active liturgical prayer life and to study the practical application of the typikon.
Beyond their own studies, the seminarians in residence will fill critical gaps in the operation of the online classes, providing support staff for professors and performing clerical and administrative duties. When needed, they will also be available to help in the various missions of our parishes, for example, if a chanter is needed in a parish for major holidays. In this way, the seminary will train future priests and chanters, while caring for the current needs of the parishes of our Synod and the needs of the seminary. This assistance has begun already.
On Sunday afternoon, following Divine Liturgy we will be holding a benefit luncheon, to help ensure the future of this endeavor. While the creation of the residence program will allow the seminary to run more economically, funds are needed to ensure its success. The funds will ensure that the rent and utility for the building is maintained, tuition, scholarships, textbooks, transportation and salaries for the instructors. Please see the enclosed RSVP card for more information about the benefit luncheon. We pray that many of you could attend this event to support our Synod in this endeavor.
We live in a very volatile world and these days are becoming more difficult for many Orthodox Christians to live a pious life. This seminary will not only help our youth but also help our Metropolis flourish. With the blessings of our Eparchial Synod we look forward to beginning a new chapter in our metropolis and sharing this momentous occasion with you all!
Schedule of Events
All events will be held at Holy Unmercenaries and St. Nectarios Church Greek Orthodox Church
Saturday, June 2nd at 1:00 pm
A Conversation with Metropolitan Moses
Join us for a discussion covering a range of topics as we welcome Metropolitan Moses to Chicago. A light brunch will be served and the event is open to anyone 18 years or older!
Saturday, June 2nd at 7:00 pm Great Vespers
Sunday, June 3rd, 2012:
7:30 am Orthros
10:00 am Hierarchal Divine Liturgy (blessing of the seminary home to follow immediately after)
1:30 pm Benefit Luncheon
7:30 pm Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost
Please visit our facebook page (Holy Unmercenaries & St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church) for updates on events during the week or call 708-371-1800 for more information!
Three Hierarchs Seminary School Benefit Luncheon
Sunday
Please RSVP with the number of guests attending by May 30th:
Adult Plate $15 ________
Children’s Plate (12 and under) $5 _______
RSVP to:
Holy Unmercenaries & St Nectarios Orthodox Church
11360 South Lawler Avenue
Alsip, Illinois 60863
Phone: 708-371-1800
