Erickson began teaching canon law and church history at Saint Vladimir's Seminary in 1973.

Erickson became the first layman, first convert, and first person of non-Russian background to hold the position of Dean since the seminary began.

Both ordinations were performed by the Seminary president, Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) of the Orthodox Church in America.

On 29 June 2006, Metropolitan Herman announced that, in accordance with the decision of the Seminary's Board of Trustees, Fr.

He continued teaching at the seminary as Peter N. Gramowich Professor of Church History until his retirement after the 2008–2009 academic year.