Assembly Resolution No. 635

BY: M. of A. Smullen

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Holy
Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
institutions which faithfully serve the needs of the community and its
citizens with diligence and compassionate commitment to improving the
quality and dignity of life in the community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in
Jordanville, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Seminary is located near New York's historic Mohawk
Valley, one mile north of the village of Jordanville, within a triangle
formed by Cooperstown, Utica, and Albany; it was founded in 1948 under
the auspices of Holy Trinity Monastery, and the Seminary's life
continues to be intimately bound with that of the Monastery; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary is to
serve the Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia, by preparing students
to serve the church through training students in disciplines that are
preparatory for active service to the Church as clergy, monastics, choir
director and cantors, iconographers, and lay leaders serves to realize
their mission; and

WHEREAS, For 75 years, Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary has served as
the only Seminary outside of Russia, serving people within and outside
the United States; and

WHEREAS, The Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary is an institution of
higher learning under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church
outside Russia, offering a three-year program of study which results in
a Master of Divinity, a four-year program which students can earn a
Bachelor of Theology, and a two-year self-study program leading to a
Certificate of Theological Studies; and

WHEREAS, The Seminary emphasizes the importance of spiritual life in
theological education, preserves high scholarly standards, teaching and
traditions, active participation in the life of the monastery, and
allows students to experience the spiritual depth of the Orthodox Church
firsthand; and

WHEREAS, It is because of institutions such as the Holy Trinity
Orthodox Seminary that tradition and education will continue for
generations; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary
in Jordanville, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary.