First Cohort of Chicago MDiv Program Gathers for Inaugural Retreat

CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – Candidates in the Diocese of the Midwest’s new Master of Divinity program gathered in Chicago the weekend of August 14–16 for a retreat marking the beginning of their first academic year. The Chicago MDiv program is a joint initiative of the Diocese of the Midwest and Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, offering an accredited three-year curriculum that is taught by means of a combination of online instruction and in-person intensives. The weekend was the candidates’ first in-person gathering as a group.

The Chicago MDiv program was initiated with the celebration of the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, with Vigil and the Divine Liturgy celebrated at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago. Joining His Eminence Archbishop Daniel were Archpriest Herman Kincaid, Diocesan Chancellor; Archpriest John Parker, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary; Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean; Deacon Timothy Heinbokel, Director of the Chicago MDiv Program; and Deacon Paul Garklavs. In his homily for the feast, Archbishop Daniel entrusted the students and their theological studies to the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, noting that she is the “first theologian” of the Church…