STOTS CONVOCATION – 2009
Indian Orthodox Church
St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary, Nagpur held it’s Convocation on 7th Oct.2009 in the Seminary campus premises. The ceremony was presided over by H.B. Paulose Mar Milithios, the Catholicos Designate of the Malankara Orthodox Church.
H. G. Dr. Yakoob Mar Irenaios, H.G. Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius and H.G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascorus were also present. The Convocation Address was given by a world-renowned personality, Fr. Dr. John Behr, the Rector of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, New York, USA.
The Convocation ceremony began with a procession into the Convocation Hall, with the candidates for the Degree of Graduate in Sacred Theology in front, followed by the faculty members and the Guest Speaker. The bishops followed by the Chancellor Himself brought up the rear of the procession. After all had occupied their places, passage from the Holy Bible was read out by Fr.Dr.Bijesh Philip and then H.B. led the gathering in prayer. Fr.Dr.Reji Mathew, the principal of STOTS welcomed the dignitaries to the ceremony, and the Chancellor then officially declared Convocation 2009 open. H.B. delivered an inspiring speech in which he emphasized on the mission of the Church as its vision. “A true theologian must be a man of prayer” said H.B., and went on to mention that there is no theology without mission. In the context of seminary education, he emphasized that the theology studied must grow to its practical sense.
The next programme was the Convocation Address by Fr.Dr.John Behr. In the course of his insightful and thought provoking talk, he highlighted the need for the Church to have an open attitude towards the world, for which the Christian have to follow Christ till the Cross.
Soon after, the names of the candidates were announced by Fr.Dr.Shaji P. John, the Registrar, the candidates stood up and made a vociferous ‘Profession of Faith’ in unison. Following this, the Chancellor admitted the candidates using his authority, and officially awarded Degrees to them in person. The Degrees of Candidates taking them in absentia were also declared. In accordance with the convocation tradition, outstanding students from each passed out batch were given Awards of Merit by H.B.
After the conclusion of the Awarding Ceremony, H. G. Dr. Yakoob Mar Irenaios, the Metropolitan of Kochi Diocese felicitated the new degree holders. Fr. Vineeth Koshy delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the new degree holders. Priests and laity from various other denominations were also present during the programme. Next, the Divyabodhanam online programme was inaugurated by H.B. This was set up to increase the scope of its activities among the laity, in a much more convenient and effective manner.
Oct 7th, 2009 was also the 60th birthday of H.G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, the metropolitan of Mumbai Diocese and the Chairman of the STOTS Governing Body. H.G. being hospitalized was felicitated by Fr. Ninan K. George, Vice-Principal, in absentia at the convocation. This concluded the ceremony and the chancellor declared the convocation dissolved. The Catholica Mangala Ganam was sung by the choir and then the members dispersed.
Dn.Jaise K.George
