Now fully accredited by The Association of Theological Schools, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS Cyril & Methodius held its graduation ceremony, awarding Masters Degrees to three graduates.
Fr. Michael P. O’Loughlin successfully completed all required academic course work to graduate cum laude with the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree. Seminarian Frank A. Hanincik received his MDiv degree, graduating magna cum laude. Mr. James A. Silvestri graduated with the Master of Arts in Theology (MAT) degree, with a concentration in Biblical Studies.
The ceremony took place on Friday, May 2, in the chapel of the Seminary, among friends, family, faculty and staff. Metropolitan Basil |
Graduates with Rector: James Silvestri (MAT), Seminarian Frank Hanincik (MDiv), Fr. John G. Petro (Rector).; Fr. Michael O'Loughlin was unable to attend. |
presented the diplomas to Frank Hanincik and James Silvestri following the Moleben to SS Cyril and Methodius. Fr. Michael O’Loughlin was unable to attend because of pastoral commitments.
Presently serving as pastor at Holy Protection of the Mother of God Church in Denver, CO, Fr. Michael O’Loughlin (Van Nuys Eparchy) came to the Seminary from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Albuquerque, NM after graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained for the Eparchy of Van Nuys in 2005.
Frank Hanincik, of the Passaic Eparchy, was recently ordained deacon at St. Ann Church, his home parish, in Harrisburg, PA on May 26 by Bishop William C. Skurla. Originally from Hazleton, PA, Frank earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Penn State. This summer he will serve in a parish, preparing for the priesthood “whenever Bishop William calls me to that ministry.” Looking back at the years he spent at the Seminary, Frank recalls, “The best part of seminary was the relationships I formed with the other seminarians and other people at the seminary and in the archeparchy. Knowing those people gives me real hope for the future of our Church.” He looks forward to applying his education from the Seminary to a parish, and is especially interested in teaching adult education.
Jim Silvestri, whose home parish is Church of the Resurrection in Monroeville, PA, in the Pittsburgh Archeparchy, believes others should “tap into the riches to be experienced” by studying at the Seminary. Jim received a Bachelor of Science degree from Point Park University, in Management with a marketing major. Taking courses at the Seminary to further his personal needs as a catechist, Jim was encouraged to pursue his MAT degree. “As I studied I became aware of the need of other lay people for a deeper spiritual experience.” Jim plans to continue facilitating catechist certification and bible study in his parish, and will expand on an independent study he conducted while at the Seminary on the Feasts of the Theotokos, based on scripture, tradition and liturgy. “I am open to whatever I may be called upon to do in our metropolia. It is time to give back the many gifts I have received at the hands of the very gifted and generous staff of our Seminary.”
With its accreditation status, degrees awarded by the Seminary are now recognized and accepted at other fully-accredited institutions. This designation carries with it the assurance that the Seminary holds itself up to a higher standard of educational quality, as set by The Association of Theological Schools. |
