After talking with Deacon Daniel, another seminarian, about what is the formidable aspect of the seminary experience at St. Tikhon's and thinking his conclusion over, I have to agree with him. It's the crucible.
Its not what you think might be the formative aspect, such as the academics. Yes, there are soul shaping moments from class discussions or some terribly relevant anetcdote shared by the professor (here I'm thinking of Father Alexander Atty's class on Spirituality). Nor is it the full liturgical cycle; though I might never again in my life get such an opportunity to participate in the corporate prayer services of the Church with such intensity. Already I have noticed the inner transformation done when standing in prayer for for hours twice a day, nearly everyday. The effect is cumulative. This amount of prayer compounds like a snow ball rolling down hill. No it is not merely the Divine Services, the shared life with fellow seminarians, or the presence of the monastery.
It is the overwhelming task of all the responsibilities set upon us at seminary. There really is not enough time in each week to get all our reading done, attend all our classes, write all our papers, attend all our services, meet with our spiritual director, fulfill our private prayer rule, complete our community service, spend time with our family, do chores around the house, and socialize with fellow seminarians. This vice of duties, blessings that they are, are a crucible. If anything I will learn humility by not being able to accomplish it all. The attempt to balance all these things and push ourselves beyond what we have done previously in our lives is, I think, what will be most transformational.
I could be wrong, but time will tell. My hope is the Lord.
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