A concise history of the Orthodox Church covering the period from the first Pentecost until the present time. The course surveys the Church in the time of the Apostles, early heresies, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, and the development of the Patriarchates. In addition, issues such as the Great Schism, Christian persecution, the calendar question, and ecumenism will be explored.

Russian Church history from the conversion of Russia in 988 through the Moscow Patriarchate of the present day. Topics include Monastic beginnings, Western influence, the reign and influence of Peter the Great, the Old Believers, the influence of the Czars and the development of the Moscow state, the Patriarchate, the Synodal period, the establishment of the Moscow Patriarchate, the Revolution, and the Church, and the post Revolutionary period.

Introduction to the Study of Scripture includes both the Pentateuch and the Historical Books of the Old Testament, the Psalms and Proverbs as well as the Deuterocanonical Books, and Greek vs. Jewish texts. The establishment of the canon of New Testament Scripture, the Acts of the Apostles, the Gospels, Letters, and Book of Revelation, introduction to Patristic exegesis.

Covers the development, growth, and canonical status of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Topics include the Revolution and its impact on the Church, the re-establishment of the Patriarchate, Patriarch Tikhon’s ukase, the Diaspora (Constantinople, Harbin, Berlin, Serbia, and New York), the organization and structure of the Church, relationship with other Orthodox Churches, and the present situation.

The student will investigate the scriptural basis of the Mysteries of the Church, their evolution and sacred meaning, as well as their ministration. Each of the Mysteries will be specifically examined.

An introduction to Patristic’s which will provide the student with a basic knowledge of the importance of Patristic thinkers to the development of the theology of the Orthodox Church. Included is a survey of the life, teaching and influence of the major Fathers of the Church.

Enrollee’s in the Pastoral Studies Diploma Program attend the Summer Liturgical Music Program at Holy Trinity Seminary at Jordanville, New York.

Students must successfully complete the courses in Church Slavonic and Liturgics.

Upon written petition the Dean may consider an alternative summer residency program. Such request will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.

A survey of the theology and teaching of the Religions of the World—Catholic, Protestant, and non-Christian. As a part of the course requirement, the student will be required to write a dialogue between an Orthodox Christian and an adherent to one of the sects studied.

What the Orthodox Church believes and why we believe it. Topics include the nature of God, the Trinity, and the Persons of the Trinity. The dual nature of Christ, creation, Divine Providence, and the existence of good and evil are examined, as well as theology and doctrines of the Church.

A survey of Orthodox canon law, practical canonical issues facing the Church and its members, and methods of adjudication.

The course will review the pastor’s role and his relationship to his bishop, the parish and it organization and by-laws, the Matushka and the pastor’s family, spiritual and social relationship with parishioners as well as relationships with other Orthodox and non-Orthodox Churches. The course will also provide an introduction to homiletics. (For Orthodox Studies Diploma Program candidates the content of the course will be appropriately adjusted.

A written thesis on an appropriate subject agreed on in advance by the student, the dean, and the students mentor must be completed and received in the program office by the end of the semester. The thesis must be completed in a scholarly fashion and in a format that adheres to common academic standards and style. .

The candidate for graduation’s pastor must certify in writing that the student has actively participated in all aspects of parish life, including the social and liturgical life of the parish community. The certification should include specific examples of the student’s participation, as well as an assessment of the candidate’s suitability for clerical service.

The Pastor’s Certification is required for students in the Pastoral Studies Diploma Program.

The candidate for graduation must appear before a panel consisting of the Bishop, the Program’s Vice President, the Dean, and two other members chosen by the Bishop for a final oral examination. The examination will consist of questions relating to the students theological knowledge and scholarly suitability for the School’s Diploma in Pastoral/Orthodox Studies.

Diplomas will be awarded by the President of the School based on the student’s successful completion of the Diploma Program. Graduates, who have excelled in their academic program, having received honors in all of their course work and on their oral examination, will receive the Diploma with Honors.

Unless specifically exempted by the Bishop all students must be present for the awarding of their Diploma. Every effort within reason will be made to schedule the graduation ceremony at a time and location convenient for the student.