Deepthi 2022

Zo]vXn 2022
Lord,
it is good
for us to
be here…
Matt 17:4
Reflections on our
visit to Old Seminary
Fr. Stefan Igmnov
Russian Orthodox
Church
In the Church, the academic side is an integral part of her
being. The seminary is an educational institution that contributes
not only to the development of theological thought, but also to
the continuation of the tradition of the theological school of its
Church. But the seminary is not just a theological university, it is
the vineyard in which the future of the Church is nurtured, where
the sprouts that have responded to the call of the Savior to serve
at the altar of God are growing.
Such a vineyard was also visited by Russian Patriarchs when
they were in Indian land, and who, upon their return, shared the
warmest memories of this place. Undoubtedly, the Kottayam
Seminary has great potential and a rich history. One of its brightest
figures is certainly His Eminence Paulos Mar Gregorios (Varghese).
This outstanding hierarch was known throughout the world and
repeatedly visited the Soviet Union. Few people know, but the
Malankara scholar was the first representative of the Oriental
Churches who gave lectures in theological schools of the Russian
Orthodox Church.
Relations between our Churches have always been
characterized by cooperation in the academic field. I am glad that
today, with the establishment of the Working Group for bilateral
relations between Russian Orthodox Church and Malankara
Church, this good tradition is being revived.
During my working trips, I visited your seminary more than
once and was surprised with what cordiality and love you receive
guests. While there, for a moment I felt like a seminary student,
remembered my teachers, classmates and other moments of
student daily life. So, nostalgia comes… After all, no matter where
we are, no matter how many years we live, we will always remain
students of our seminary.
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