Fr. Atty at STS

A few observations:

1. Fr. Atty is an outstanding choice who is most capable of insuring the best preparation for future generations of priests. He has walked the talk and nurtured the development of the quintessential parish model for Orthodoxy on this continent.
2. Concern for his health cannot be overstated. Needed treatment and its effectiveness is reason for concern. Can he receive the best quality health care living in South Canaan?
3. What will become of his parish? Replacing Fr. Atty will be very difficult. Will Metropolitan Philip work with Bishop Mark in selecting the best priest to meet the needs of the multi-ethnic dynamics along with the extensive liturgical life that make up St. Michael’s parish?

#1 Priest Dunsel on 2010-03-20 06:11

We at St. Michael's are sad because Fr. Atty is leaving, but we know that he has a special feeling for St. Tikhon's and he will be a wonderful dean who will lend his energy and vision to this very special place in the hills of Pennsylvania. God bless his work!!

#2 anon on 2010-03-20 13:03

A silly decision! Trying to get more $$$ from the Antiochians while hiring a sick cleric. Doesn't make sense to me!

#3 Anonymous on 2010-03-20 17:31

With his Cancer is this realistic; however he would be excellent for the position!

#4 Anonymous on 2010-03-21 13:22

Fr. Atty is a good man and I hope he conquers his illness. Met. Philip gets what he always wanted, and seminary for his students. He will, mostly likely, transfer all to St. T.'s. We shall see.

#5 weary on 2010-03-22 03:56

With all respect, I think Fr. Alexander was seleccted base on his qualification and interest not trying to get more Antiochian students at St. tikhon.

He was one of the Candidates a fews years ago for dean at st. Vladimir's as well.

I think the Seminary will grow and prosper under his leadership.

#6 Anonymous on 2010-03-22 08:17

I think this is a good bit cynical. I knew Fr. Atty years ago and he was always an exceptionally clear headed, faithful and insightful cleric. He is very hard working and maintains a deep and realistic faith. We should welcome him, and pray that his health issues are soon over-come, as it appears they will. As always, we pray for God's will and trust in His providence, and make the best choices we can, in faith and love (no cynicism)

#7 Sean O'Clare on 2010-03-22 09:49

With Fr. Alexander there it will be a good place to study. Listen to Fr's series of talks given at St. Vladimir's about a year ago:

http://ancientfaith.com/search/results/7fa2dd96a37e8b977671055564afd6a5

He's a sober and serious man. I'd send my son to that seminary. I'd send ME to that seminary with him in charge.
He knows among other things how to talk to people in charge of things.

#8 ba'ab on 2010-03-22 16:22

Fr Alexnader is one of the best priests in the AOCANA. You never have to guess what he is thinking and people respect him for his honesty.

This is a major loss to the AOCANA and most especially to St Michael's in Louisville, KY.

Hopefully, Fr Alexander will be blessed of God with goodhealth for many years to come and be a major influence on on new priests.

Mabrook! Axios! Many Years!

#9 anonymous on 2010-03-22 21:05

I don't know about that. If we are basing this on the fact that Fr. Atty is an Antiochian cleric, don't overlook the fact that the dean of students at Holy Cross is Deacon Nicholas Belcher -- an Antiochian deacon.

#10 anonymous on 2010-03-23 08:14

A very good choice. The whole Church will be better for it.

Fr John Chagnon
St. Elias Orthodox Church
LaCrosse, WI

#11 Fr John Chagnon (Link) on 2010-03-23 08:43

As a follow up, I have since been given information from an impeccable source that Fr. Atty was given a positive endorsement from his physicians to accept the deanship of St. Tikhon’s. Additionally, he has been referred to physicians and highly respected medical centers in proximity to the seminary for his follow up care.
As for his replacement at St. Michael’s there is great uncertainty as to who will be part of the decision making process.
Finally, for those who believe Fr. Atty becoming dean will have a direct bearing on where Antiochian seminarians attend, there are many factors that will influence such a decision, not all of which will necessarily be noble.

#12 Priest Dunsel on 2010-03-23 13:32

No one is questioning what a good priest Fr. Atty is. There are two issues: 1) He does not have academic credentials. And, this is OK for a "pastoral school" of what St. Tikhon's is. Yet, they wish to promote themselves as a Theological School of Higher Learning - give me a break. Even Fr. Atty's advanced degree from the Presbyterian Theological School in Pitt, PA is a "Joe Allen Joke." 2) He has cancer! They say he is clean and undergoing chemo. Well, OK, but chemo takes a toll and rarely is a person completely cured. Now, let's address what influence Fr. Neherebecki had in this decision!

#13 Anonymous on 2010-03-24 12:39

I know Fr. Atty and I think he is a good man, he will do a fine job-God grant him many years. I do wonder however, was Fr. Alexander Golubov considered? He is there, knows the place and has a first rate mind, he is an accomplished academic, and a good man and priest

#14 no name on 2010-03-24 15:52

The bigger question is will this change lead to a safer place?

#15 Matushka Carol on 2010-03-26 07:12

1. Fr. Alexander Atty graduated from Pittsburgh (not Presbyterian) Theological Seminary in May 2008. He attended class there, not at St. Stephen's.
2. In terms of a "pastoral school", maybe this is the answer to all of our pastoral problems in this country. Or have you not been paying attention to the mess at St. Vladimir's? I pray that all of our theological schools become "pastoral" schools instead of schools of philosophy.
3. I pray that the rest of our priests in this country accomplish healthy what Fr. Alexander can accomplish on chemotherapy.
4. Though Fr. Nehrebecki is Fr. Alexander's father-in-law, they are in different jurisdictions and in completely different parts of the country.

Maybe you should consider check your sources and spelling sometime.

#16 anonymous on 2010-03-26 15:08

"Or have you not been paying attention to the mess at St. Vladimir's?"

What "mess" at St. Vladimir's? Please enlighten us all!

#17 Any Moose on 2010-03-26 18:51

I know. What a radical idea, putting someone who has actually been successful in parish ministry in charge of a seminary!

What will they think of next? : )

Fr John Chagnon
St. Elias Orthodox Church
LaCrosse, WI

#18 Fr John Chagnon (Link) on 2010-03-28 05:21

OCA News

Friday, March 19. 2010

Fr. Atty at STS

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