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History

Trace the history of St. Tikhon's Seminary and learn about the milestones that have shaped the institution.

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The Seminary Through the Years

Our History

Since 1938, St. Tikhon's Seminary has prepared clergy, church leaders, and faithful servants through theological education, spiritual formation, and immersion in the Orthodox Church's liturgical life. Through periods of growth, accreditation, expansion, and renewal, the Seminary has remained committed to providing the foundations necessary for service in Christ's Holy Church while supporting a variety of vocations and ministries. Take a journey through the history of St. Tikhon's Seminary below and explore the milestones, people, and events that have shaped the institution.

  1. Current milestone
    An old group photo of the 6th All-American Sobor in 1938.

    St. Tikhon's Pastoral School is Established

    Following the Sixth All-American Sobor, St. Tikhon’s Pastoral School is officially established in South Canaan, PA.

  2. A photo of St. Tikhon's Seminary from the outside in the 1940s.

    St. Tikhon's Seminary is Established

    St. Tikhon’s Seminary is converted from a Pastoral School into a seminary by the Holy Synod of the Metropolia.

  3. St. Nikolai Velimirovich stands outside St. Tikhon's Seminary holding a cross while vested.

    The Appointment of St. Nikolai Velimirovich

    Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich (St. Nikolai) becomes a professor at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, eventually taking up the role of Rector.

  4. St. Tikhon's seminarians and a professor speak in the 1950s.

    Commonwealth Charter Granted

    St. Tikhon’s Seminary is chartered by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PDE).

  5. Members of the first OCA All-American Council posing for a group photo.

    St. Tikhon's Hosts a Historic Council

    The First Council of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America (OCA) is held at St. Tikhon’s Seminary and Monastery.

  6. The first graduates of St. Tikhon's Seminary to receive a Master's of Divinity degree.

    Degree-Granting Authority Received

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) authorizes St. Tikhon’s Seminary to award M.Div. degrees to graduates, leading to student body growth and jurisdictional diversity.

  7. St. Tikhon's Seminary is awarded ATS accreditation.

    ATS Accreditation Awarded

    St. Tikhon’s Seminary is formally accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).

  8. External renovation work being conducted at St. Tikhon's Seminary.

    Campus Renewal and Renovation

    St. Tikhon’s Seminary undergoes significant renovations to its facade, roof, offices, dining hall, sidewalks, and landscaping.

  9. St. Tikhon's Seminary Abut History 85th anniversary Fr. John Parker speaking.

    85 Years of Formation and Service

    St. Tikhon’s Seminary celebrates its 85th anniversary and is granted a ten-year re-accreditation by the ATS.

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St. Tikhon's Seminary Give ordination of a priest