Rector Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite took part in the celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov

On March 28, Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov, Rector of the Orthodox St. Tihon’s Humanitarian University, celebrated his 80th anniversary. The Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, took part in official celebrations.

The Metropolitan of Voskresensk Dionysius, Chief Executive of the Moscow Patriarchate, headed the Divine Liturgy co-served by the Bishop of Orekhovo-Zuev Panteleimon, the Bishop of Rybinsk and Danilov Veniamin, the Bishop of Akhtubinsk and Enotaevsk Anthony, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, the Archimandrite of Kastalsk Alipy, Archpriest Valerian Krechetov, Archpriest Vladimir Sokolov, Archpriest Anatoliy Frolov, Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, Archpriest Alexy Yemelyanov, Archpriest John Yemelyanov, Archpriest Nikolai Yemelyanov, Archpriest Pavel Khondzinsky, Archpriest John Kaleda, Archpriest Kirill Kaleda, Archpriest Konstantin Strievsky, Archpriest Gennady Egorov, Archpriest Gennady Egorov priest Alexander Shchelkachev, priest John Vorobyov, priest Nikolai Letunovsky, priest Dimitri Safronov, priest Pavel Ermilov, priest Dimitri Artamkin.

The service was attended by teachers and students of the Orthodox St. Tihon’s Humanitarian University, parishioners of university churches.

During the Liturgy, His Eminence Dionysius ordained Deacon Nikolai Ustinov into a presbyter and Reader Anthony Zharov into a deacon.

Before Communion Priest Pavel Ermilov delivered a sermon on the life of St. Gregory Palamas.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan of Voskresensk Dionysius, addressed an assembly with his archpastoral word. He noted that on that day not only had everyone gathered to glorify God Risen from the dead, but also to express their love and sincere respect to Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov, Rector of the Orthodox St. Tikhon’s Humanitarian University. His Eminence conveyed blessing and congratulations from His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill. In connection with the 80th anniversary, Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov was awarded the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, II degree.

Then, the Metropolitan of Voskresensk Dionysius and other guests expressed their greetings to Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov. In return, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill for such an award and kind words.

His Eminence Dionysius noted that the life of Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov can serve as a lesson for all those gathered: "Act in obedience to Christ and the Church and you will see the fruits of your labors in this life ".

The rector of the MDA, Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite greeted Archpriest Vladimir:

“Your Eminence, dear Father Vladimir!

On behalf of the Moscow Theological Academy, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your memorable anniversary.

I know that the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra and the Moscow Theological Academy are especially dear to you. You entered the seminary as a mature person, which was common in those years.

We know that it was not easy for a person with a higher education to endure a seminarian life. A strong the desire to serve God was your only impulse. However, thanks to your life experience and solid education, your pastoral work immediately began to bear good and abundant fruits. 

I read with great interest your highly-rated compositions, which are carefully preserved in the archives of the Moscow Theological Academy. I remember one essay where you wondered why Christians call priests fathers, despite the prohibition of the Gospel. You drew a parallel with the teaching about holy icons. Just as veneration of icons is not idolatry, so turning to a priest “father” is not a violation of the Gospel commandment, since a priest is called to become an icon of Christ. In your striving for Christ to be imagined in you, you create an image for everyone around you. 

It is very important for seminarians and future priests to have good examples of proper guidance before them, which you undoubtedly are. Thank you for that. 

The Moscow Theological Academy is grateful to you not only for your kind attitude but also for your real help. The Orthodox St. Tikhon’s University helped our Academy a lot during the preparation for accreditation. I myself witnessed this when I was a Rector’s assistant. Heartfelt thanks to you for this.

Dear Father Vladimir, on this memorable day, please accept my sincere wishes for good health, patience to everything that can happen in life, human joy from communicating with people and spiritual joy from serving the Liturgy. I wish to taste here, on earth, the Heavenly Good. Many years!"

Parishioners of university churches, staff, teachers and university students express their cordial greetings to their Rector on his anniversary.OSTHU website/MThA Press Office