South Bound Brook, NJ – On the bright Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA gathered in solemn joy at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church - the spiritual heart of the Church in America and a sacred shrine built in memory of the millions of innocent victims of the 1932-1933 Holodomor. This year, the Divine Liturgy was united with the Commencement Ceremony of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, marking a profound convergence of liturgy, history, and academic achievement.
In the presence of faculty, students, families, alumni, parishioners, and friends of the Seminary, the day became a testimony to the enduring mission of theological education within our Church - a mission now more than five decades strong. Since its founding, St. Sophia Seminary has formed clergy, educators, and leaders, carrying the light of Orthodoxy into parishes and communities across the diaspora.
The solemn celebration of the Divine Liturgy was presided over by Archbishop Daniel, Academic Dean of the Seminary, who represented His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Primate of the UOC of the USA and Rector of St. Sophia Seminary, absent due to health reasons but present in the fervent prayers of all.
In his homily, Archbishop Daniel placed the Commencement within the light of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. With the icon of the Mother of God surrounded by apostles at her repose, the Archbishop reminded the graduates of her holy example:
“The Theotokos gave her ‘Yes’ to the Archangel Gabriel, taking upon herself the greatest calling in history - the Incarnation of God. Her ‘Yes’ was not a single word, but a life-long response of love, humility, and faith. Today, dear graduates, the Church invites you to do the same—to respond with your own ‘Yes’ to the Lord’s call to serve.”
He explained that the Dormition is not simply about death but about the passage into fullness of life, a reminder that Christian service always participates in the mystery of resurrection.
In the Orthodox Church, the custom of blessing herbs, flowers, and plants on the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God (August 15/28) is both deeply symbolic and rooted in tradition. This blessing was observed with particular beauty at St. Andrew Memorial Church on this day, connecting the liturgical feast to the life of the Seminary and its graduates:
- Connection to the Theotokos
The Mother of God is often called the “fragrant flower of incorruption” and the “unfading bloom of purity.” Her life is compared to a garden filled with holiness. By blessing flowers and herbs, the Church acknowledges that creation itself offers beauty and healing in honor of the one who became the living temple of God. - Tradition of the Burial of the Mother of God
According to pious tradition, when the Apostles gathered around the tomb of the Mother of God at her Dormition, they found her body surrounded by miraculous fragrance and healing plants. This signified her purity and the grace of God resting upon her. Thus, the blessing of herbs and flowers reminds the faithful of the incorruptible grace of her falling asleep in the Lord. - Thanksgiving for the Harvest
The feast takes place in August, a time of gathering the earth’s fruits. The blessing of flowers and herbs is therefore also a thanksgiving, an offering of creation back to God. The Theotokos is invoked as protectress of gardens, fields, and harvests, just as she intercedes for the spiritual fruitfulness of humanity. - Symbol of Healing
Herbs and medicinal plants are blessed as symbols of healing—physical and spiritual. The Theotokos is praised as the “Joy of all who sorrow” and the “Healer of the sick.” Through her intercession, the faithful pray that the blessed plants bring not only health to the body but also comfort to the soul.
Archbishop Daniel reminded the graduates that just as flowers are blessed to heal and sanctify, so too their vocation must become a blessing for others - fragrant with compassion, fruitful in service, and rooted in the eternal garden of God’s Kingdom.
The Archbishop also reflected upon the historic role of St. Sophia Seminary. Founded in the aftermath of global upheaval and migration, the Seminary has for over half a century been a womb of learning and spiritual formation. Generations of clergy and lay leaders have been prepared here to face the challenges of ministry in diaspora communities and, more recently, to minister to thousands of Ukrainian refugees resettled in the West due to the war in Ukraine.
“St. Sophia is more than an academic institution,” Archbishop Daniel noted.
“It is a sacred womb of the Church’s future, where minds are sharpened, hearts are deepened, and lives are shaped by the wisdom of God.”
The Commencement exercises began following the Divine Liturgy with words of welcome from Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, Dean of Students:
“Beloved in Christ - graduates, families, friends, and honored guests: It is with great joy and gratitude to Almighty God that I welcome you all to the formal commencement exercises of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, as we celebrate not only the achievements of this year’s graduates, but also the 50th anniversary of the sacred ministry of our Seminary.
Today we honor those who, through prayer, perseverance, and sacrifice, have completed the rigorous program of the Master of Divinity degree, and those who have faithfully fulfilled the responsibilities of the Youth Ministry Certification program. Each of our graduates has embraced the sacred calling of theological education - a calling which is noble, demanding, and profoundly transformative.
On behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, the Council of Bishops, our esteemed faculty, and the entire Seminary family, I extend to you our warmest welcome to this year’s commencement ceremony.”
Fr. Vasyl then formally recommended the graduates for their respective degrees and certificates before inviting Archbishop Daniel, Academic Dean of the Seminary, to address the assembly.
Archbishop Daniel, representing Metropolitan Antony who was absent due to health reasons, offered stirring and heartfelt words:
“Reverend fathers, members of the Faculty and Board of Trustees, seminarians, brothers and sisters, dear Subdeacon Andrii, Pani Jan, and Rebekah:
What an honor it is for me to share this moment with all of you. 50 years ago, for the very first time, our Saint Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary opened its doors and welcomed the very first class of students. What a witness for the past 50 years!
25 years ago, I had the privilege to cross the threshold of the Metropolia Center of our Church myself, through the doors of St. Sophia Seminary, the Consistory, and this St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church. I had a chance to see with my own eyes the beauty of God’s creation through the efforts of our forefathers and spiritual leaders - Metropolitan John (Theodorovych), Metropolitan Mstyslav (Skrypnyk), Metropolitan Andriy (Kuschak), Metropolitan Constantine (Buggan), and our present-day Metropolitan Antony, along with the clergy of our Church.
Here, on these sacred grounds, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA established its spiritual center. This historic place connects us not only to the legacy of our Ukrainian people but even to the early history of the United States of America. George Washington and Hendrik Fisher are only two names that tie this land to the story of freedom and sacrifice.
Our first priests and bishops - Ukrainian immigrants, missionaries - may not have fully understood the importance of this location. They came to preach and to build. And they never left.
Today, this graduation day marks not only the culmination of academic achievements but, more significantly, the commencement of a sacred journey - a journey that is as much spiritual as it is intellectual.
As we gather in the light of the bright feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith. She began her journey as a young girl, saying YES to the Lord!
Dear graduates, the knowledge you have acquired within the Seminary’s hallowed walls is not merely for academic distinction but a means to deepen your understanding of the profound Mysteries of our Orthodox tradition. You are not just graduates; you are torchbearers of a timeless heritage, entrusted with the sacred responsibility of shepherding God’s flock.”
He encouraged the graduates with the words of St. Paul: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2), calling them to serve as compassionate shepherds, wise counselors, and faithful ambassadors of Christ.
A letter from His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Rector of the Seminary, was read with heartfelt emotion:
“Beloved Graduates in Christ,
With profound joy in the Lord, I extend to you my heartfelt congratulations upon the successful completion of your studies at St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary. Today we rejoice with Subdeacon Andrii, who has completed the sacred and demanding course of the Master of Divinity degree, and with Presbytera Jan and Rebekah, who with faith and perseverance have attained the Certificate in Youth Ministry.
Your achievements are not merely academic milestones, but living testimonies of your response to the divine call. Saint John Chrysostom once wrote: ‘The primary goal of education is the salvation of the soul.’Your calling as students of theology is sacred and noble, demanding prayer, discipline, and the struggle for holiness.
I charge you, dear graduates, to embrace this new chapter of life with humility and courage. Whether you serve as clergy in parishes or as youth ministers guiding the next generation, know that the Church looks to you as leaders of our communities. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).
On behalf of the Council of Bishops, faculty, and the entire family of our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, I extend to you my archpastoral blessing. May the Holy Spirit strengthen and sanctify you in every good work, and may the Lord Who has begun this good work in you bring it to completion in His Kingdom (Philippians 1:6).
The diplomas were then presented formally and introduced by Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas:
“Your Eminence, Archbishop Daniel, Academic Dean of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary of the UOC of USA: As Dean of Students, with concurrence of the Faculty and the Board of Trustees, I recommend for graduation the following individuals who have satisfactorily completed all requirements of the Master of Divinity and Youth Ministry Certification programs.”
- Master of Divinity:
- Subdeacon Andrii Akulenko (2025)
- Rev. Fr. Alexander Smoktunowicz (2024)
- Certificate in Youth Ministry:
- Rebekah Fisak (2025)
- Pani-matka Jandarlyn Orlic (2025)
Archbishop Daniel responded with authority vested in him as Academic Dean, approving the conferral of degrees and certificates.
Following the presentation of degrees, Subdeacon Andrii Akulenko and Dobrodiyka Jandarlyn Orlic delivered heartfelt remarks, expressing gratitude for the Seminary’s education, the faculty’s dedication, and the prayers and sacrifices of their families.
With deep emotion, Subdeacon Andrii rose to address the faithful in both Ukrainian and English. In heartfelt tones, he expressed his profound gratitude to the entire Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, whose financial support made it possible for him to complete his studies at St. Sophia Seminary. He offered special thanks to His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, the spiritual father of the Church and Rector of the Seminary, for his guidance and mentorship throughout his journey. Turning to Archbishop Daniel, his spiritual father, he spoke with love and reverence: “Your guidance, your mentorship, your prayers, and your fatherly support have formed me not only as a seminarian, but as a man of faith ready to serve the Lord.”
His voice trembled as he paid tribute to his mother, Svitlana, who had traveled from Ukraine to witness this day. “My mother blessed me to come to the United States, to study here, and to dedicate my life to Christ and His Holy Church. Her prayers are the foundation of my vocation.” Then, with tears, he spoke of his late father, Mykhailo, a hero of Ukraine who gave his life defending his homeland against Russian aggression. “Though my father is not here in body, I feel his presence today. I know he looks down from above with pride, blessing this moment as I take the next step in service to God and His people.” Subdeacon Andrii then turned with affection to his fiancée Alexis, expressing gratitude for her constant love, encouragement, and sacrifice during his years of study. He also offered warm thanks to her parents, Very Rev. Fr. Taras and Pani-matka Laura Naumenko, acknowledging their spiritual and parental support: “Through your guidance and example, you supported me through the challenges of seminary life. Your prayers, counsel, and love have sustained me, and for that I will always remain grateful.”
Concluding, he thanked all in attendance - faculty, classmates, parishioners, benefactors, and friends - saying that this day belonged not only to him but to the entire Church which raised, formed, and carried him to this moment.
Pani-matka Jandarlyn Orlic also offered words of thanksgiving. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Trustees, Seminary administration, faculty, and fellow students, emphasizing the immense blessing of the Youth Ministry Certification Program directed by the Consistory’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry under Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon.
She spoke of the urgent need to nurture the youngest members of the Church, equipping teachers and ministers with the skills to guide the children of Christ’s flock. “This program is unique in all of North America,” she noted, “endorsed by theological schools and designed to give us the tools to strengthen and uplift our youth. The future of our Church depends on how we care for them today.” Her words inspired all present with the reminder that theological education is not only about books and classes, but about forming lives that will touch and transform the next generation.
Archbishop Daniel also acknowledged the critical role of financial support in sustaining theological education, offering thanks to all benefactors and especially to the Metropolitan John Theodorovych Scholarship Fund and the Ukrainian Orthodox League, whose dedicated contributions continue to make the sacred work of St. Sophia Seminary possible.
The 2025 Commencement at St. Sophia Seminary was not merely an academic event, but a liturgical and ecclesial act - a weaving together of history, theology, and vocation. Under the mantle of the Theotokos and in the heart of the spiritual center of the UOC of the USA, the graduates were sent forth to echo her ancient yet ever-new response:
“Behold, the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1:38)
May their lives, like blessed herbs and flowers, bring healing, fragrance, and sanctity to the world.
For more about the Seminary’s mission and programs, visit: www.stsuots.edu.
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