THE YOUTHS IN THE GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF SAN...

1

Alexei D. Krindatch ([email protected]) Research Coordinator, Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America

The Study of Educational Institutions Offering Programs in

Orthodox Theology in the United States “Theological formation is the gradual and often painful discovery of Godʹs incomprehensibility. You

can be competent in many things, but you cannot be competent in God.”(Henri J.M. Nouwen)

Contents:

Introduction: the Study of US Educational Institutions Offering Programs

in Orthodox Theology. p. 2

I. Overview of Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Jurisdictional

Affiliation, Location, Duration of Existence and Constituencies of Their Students p. 3

II. Forms of Education Offered by US Orthodox Theological Schools

and Problem of Their Accreditation p. 8

III. Educational Programs and Degrees Offered by US Orthodox Theological Schools p. 13

IV. Students and Faculty Members in US Orthodox Theological Schools p. 18

V. (Some) Criteria for Assessing US Orthodox Theological Schools and Programs p. 24

VI. Is There Anything "Special" about the Schools Participating in the Study? p. 28

VII. Next Steps: Unanswered Questions That Need to Be Addressed p. 35

Appendix A. Survey instrument: questionnaire used in the study p. 37

Appendix B. Full contact information for US theological schools p. 41

Appendix C. Questionnaires completed by the schools participating in the study p. 43

Appendix D. Full answers of the schools to the questions: p. 76

"List courses designed to meet specific jurisdictional requirements

of academic content or pastoral praxis;"

"List specific liturgical or pastoral courses offered, e.g., courses in Liturgical

or Pastoral Praxis or Theology; or any specifically liturgical or pastoral

content offered as units within other courses."

AkrindatchTypewritten Text

2

Introduction: the Study of US Educational Institutions Offering Programs in

Orthodox Theology.

The need to strengthen the work and cooperation of American Orthodox theological schools should

be among most urgent concerns of the Orthodox Church in the United States. To preach the Gospel,

to pursue evangelization and to promote Orthodox faith in non‐Orthodox mainstream America will

require the guidance of excellent pastors and lay leaders ‐ the persons with strong leadership skills

and sound knowledge of Orthodox theology.

The current situation in the area of advanced Orthodox theological education in the United States is

far from ideal. First, there are no uniform standards and commonly accepted norms for different

levels of Orthodox theological education offered by various US based institutions of Orthodox

theological learning.1 Second, only few of US Orthodox theological schools are either properly

accredited by Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada or work in formal

partnership with established American theological educational institutions. As a result, the degrees

awarded by US Orthodox theological schools may not always be seen as ʺvalidʺ and recognized by

other institutions of higher learning. Third, most of the American Orthodox theological schools are

small and have limited educational resources. Yet, despite situation of being ʺspread thin and apart,ʺ

there is very little (if at all) cooperation and collaboration among US centers of Orthodox theological

learning.

The study of institutions offering programs in Orthodox theology in the United States was initiated

by the Committee for Theological Education of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the

United States (His Grace, Bishop Ilia (Katre), Chairman). The study was conducted via a survey of

twelve US‐based centers of Orthodox theological education. The questionnaire was designed by Bishop

Michael (Orthodox Church in America). Data were gathered in the fall of 2013. The obtained

information was analyzed, additional data gathered and the final report prepared in October of 2014

by Alexei Krindatch, research coordinator for the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the

1 As an example, earning the degree of Bachelor of Theology requires 3 years of full-time studying at Christ the Saviour Seminary (Carpatho-Russian Diocese), 4 years of full-time studying at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology (Serbian Orthodox Church) and 5 years of full-time studying at Holy Trinity Seminary (ROCOR).

3

United States of America. The survey instrument used in the study is provided in Appendix A. The

original questionnaires completed by the schools and centers participating in the study are provided

in Appendix C. As noted, additional information was obtained and some original data updated in

September of 2014 in the process or report preparation. Therefore, the final report covers somewhat

wider range of subjects than original survey examined and some figures (such as student numbers)

may differ from what original questionnaires contain.

I. Overview of Orthodox Theological Schools2 in the United States: Jurisdictional

Affiliation, Location, Duration of Existence and Constituencies of Their Students

At the time of the study (fall 2013), the Committee for Theological Education of the Assembly of

Canonical Orthodox Bishops identified twelve Orthodox Theological Schools operating in the United

States. The list of these schools, their locations and jurisdictional affiliation is provided in Tab. 1. Full

contact information for each school including name of top administrative officials, mailing address,

phone number, email address and web‐sites are provided in Appendix B.

Tab. 1 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Overview

Name of the School Jurisdictional affiliation (*)

City/Town State

Antiochian House of Studies AOCA Bergenfield (**) NJ St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA Elk Grove (**) CA Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian Johnstown PA Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA Brookline MA St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA Kodiak AK St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA South Canaan PA St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA Crestwood NY Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR Jordanville NY Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America ROCOR Kirkwood (**) MO Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian Libertyville IL St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC South Bound Brook NJ Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Does not apply (***) Berkeley CA

(*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese; GOA- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; OCA - Orthodox Church in America; ROCOR - Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia; UOC - Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. (**): These schools operate on a "distance learning" model. Accordingly, their locations are shown as their mailing addresses. (***): Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute is under spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

2 From now on we will use single term "Orthodox Theological Schools" with regard to all US institutions of higher education offering programs in Orthodox theology that participated in our study.

4

Tab. 1 allows for three observations. First, it shows that most of American Orthodox jurisdictions

(seven out of ten) currently have their ʺownʺ theological schools. Only the Romanian Archdiocese,

the Bulgarian, and the Albanian dioceses are not present in Tab. 1.

Second, Tab. 1 also indicates that nearly all US Orthodox schools providing advanced theological

education operate under auspices of one of the American Orthodox jurisdictions. Only the Patriarch

Athenagoras Orthodox Institute (Berkeley, CA) can be seen as an independent school that is not

affiliated with any of jurisdictions.

Third, geographically, American Orthodox theological schools are heavily ʺshiftedʺ towards the

Eastern seaboard. Out of twelve schools in Tab. 1, only two are situated in the Midwest (St. Sava

Serbian Orthodox School of Theology and Pastoral School of the ROCORʹs Diocese of Chicago) and

only three are located in the Western part of the country (Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute,

St. Hermanʹs Theological Seminary, St. Athansius Academy).

Tab. 2 on the next page shows the year of foundation of each school. Clearly, in terms of duration of

their existence nearly all American Orthodox theological schools can be seen as ʺestablishedʺ

institutions. With the exception of relatively recently (2005) founded Pastoral School of the ROCORʹs

Diocese of Chicago, all of them have been operating for at least three decades. Three oldest schools,

founded prior to WWII, are Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (1937), St. Tikhonʹs

Orthodox Theological Seminary (1938) and St. Vladimirʹs Orthodox Theological Seminary (1938).

5

Tab. 2 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Year of Foundation

Name of the School Jurisdictional affiliation (*) Year founded Antiochian House of Studies AOCA 1980 St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA 1976 Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian 1940 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA 1937 St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA 1973 St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA 1938 St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA 1938 Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR 1948 Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America ROCOR 2005 Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian 1986 St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC 1976 Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Does not apply (**) 1981

(*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian

Orthodox Diocese; GOA - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; OCA - Orthodox Church in America;

ROCOR - Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia; UOC - Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA.

(**): Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute is under spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

We noted earlier that almost all Orthodox theological schools are affiliated with one of American

Orthodox church jurisdictions. Does this mean that they provide theological training mostly to ʺtheir

peopleʺ (i.e. to the members of the jurisdiction to which a school belongs)? Or, do they serve the

wider pan‐Orthodox community? In short, the question is: how wide and diverse are the

constituencies of the students that American Orthodox theological schools work with?

To explore this subject the survey asked: ʺBriefly describe the constituency or constituencies served

by your institution and by your students and graduates.ʺ The answers of the schools are provided in

Tab. 3 on the next page. Based on their responses, all schools can be divided in three categories by the

type and diversity of the constituencies of their students.

6

Tab. 3 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Type of the Constituency Served

Name of the School Briefly describe the constituency or constituencies served by your institution and by your students and graduates

Antiochian House of Studies

Persons who graduated from non‐Orthodox Seminaries, non‐Orthodox clergy, others who wanted to study Orthodox Theology but were unable, for a multitude of reasons, to study at seminary. This is a Pan‐Orthodox Program at all three levels, St. Stephen, Diploma, Masters and Doctoral levels.

St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

Laity is our primary focus through our Correspondence Program and prisoner‐students through our prisoner education program. Our primary student base in the United States. And because of the internet, we now have students across the nation and have had students from Canada and over seas.

Christ the Saviour Seminary Parishes of the American Carpatho‐Russian Orthodox Diocese

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Ecumenical Patriarchate, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of America, various other Orthodox jurisdictions

St. Herman's Theological Seminary

We serve the Diocese of Alaska (OCA)

St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary

The Faithful of Parishes and Dioceses of Various Orthodox Churches in North America and throughout the world that make up the Body of Christ; Missionary Organizations; Religious and Secular Service Organizations; Nonprofit Organizations; Military Service Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education; Institutions of Primary and Secondary Education; Private Sector/ Propriety Organizations

St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

All the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches. We have students from all the different bodies, coming both from the US and from overseas.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary

We primarily serve the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia but we also train seminarians from other canonical Orthodox jurisdictions who return to their respective jurisdictions upon the completion of their studies at the seminary.

Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America

Orthodox pastoral students who are candidates for ordination in the Diocese of Chicago and Mid‐America or in any canonical jurisdiction. Lay persons who wish to serve their parish as catechists, church school teachers or lay workers. Graduates serve in parish communities large and small both in the United States and abroad.

Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology

No response to this question

St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Brazil and South America, Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora

Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute

We are part of a consortium of schools and institutes – our students come from various schools and programs.

7

The first category includes the schools with ‐ according to their statements ‐ strong emphasis on the

work with the wide pan‐Orthodox (or even non‐Orthodox) community. Antiochian House of Studies,

St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology, St. Tikhonʹs and St. Vladimirʹs Orthodox Theological

Seminaries and Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute belong to this category.

The second category is comprised of the schools with exactly opposite approach: these are the schools

that work primarily (or exclusively) with their ʺflock.ʺ Christ the Saviour Seminary, St. Sophia

Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary and St. Hermanʹs Orthodox Seminary fell into this

category.

The third category includes three schools: Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Holy

Trinity Seminary and Pastoral School of ROCORʹs Diocese of Chicago. These are the schools that

focus on the work with the students from their respective jurisdictions, but, at the same time try to

the extent possible to serve to the needs of the other jurisdictions as well.

This three‐categories classification is based on how the schools described themselves. Tab. 4 on the

next page allows to compare schoolsʹ self‐descriptions with the actual composition of their students.

For each school, it shows percentage (%) of the students from a jurisdiction to which a school belongs.

One can see that the offered classification seems to be fairly accurate and confirmed by the actual

composition of the student body in each school. There was, however, one case of a discrepancy

between how a school described its constituency and current breakdown of the students. Tab. 4

shows that nearly three quarters of the students in St. Tikhonʹs seminary are OCA members.

However, in follow‐up phone conversation, the dean of St. Tikhonʹs mentioned that this academic

year was somewhat ʺunusualʺ because of a very strong influx of the first‐year OCA students that

ʺshiftedʺ significantly composition of the whole student body towards being less diverse and more

ʺOCA oriented.ʺ

8

Data in Tab. 4 also suggest that St. Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology should be added to the

last third category of the schools that focus on the work with the students from their respective

jurisdictions, but, at the same time try to the extent possible to serve to the needs of the other

jurisdictions.

Tab. 4 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Jurisdictional (Church) Affiliation of the Students (Fall 2014)

Name of the School Jurisdictionalaffiliation (*)

Jurisdictional affiliation of the students

Antiochian House of Studies AOCA 50% - Antiochian Archdiocese, 50% - other jurisdictions

St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA Significant diversity: only 3% are

members of Antiochian Archdiocese, while 86% are non-Orthodox students

Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian 100% - Carpatho-Russian diocese

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA 70% - GOA, 30% - other jurisdictions St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA 100% - OCA (mostly, diocese of Alaska) St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA 72% - OCA, 28% - other jurisdictions St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA 35% - OCA, 65% - other jurisdictions and Oriental Orthodox Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR 67% - ROCOR, 33% - other jurisdictions Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America ROCOR 60% - ROCOR, 40% - other jurisdictions Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian 70% - Serbian Orthodox, 30% - other jurisdictions St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC 89% - UOC of USA, 11% - other jurisdictions

Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Does not apply (**) Significant diversity (including non-

Orthodox students) (*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian

Orthodox Diocese; GOA- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; OCA - Orthodox Church in America;



II. Forms of Education Offered by US Orthodox Theological Schools

and Problem of Their Accreditation

We know from the practical experience that a significant number of persons who serve Orthodox

Church in some professional capacity (either as ordained clergy or as lay Church workers) began

their theological education usually at an older age, that is after years of education and work in other

fields. From anecdotal information, it appears also that the number of these ʺlate vocationʺ Church

workers is growing.

9

It is safe to assume that it would be very difficult (or simply impossible) for many ʺlate vocationʺ

candidates to pursue advanced Orthodox theological education as full‐time residential students.

Indeed, many of them need to physically stay with their families, raise children and keep full‐time

ʺsecularʺ jobs, while studying Orthodox theology and preparing themselves for Church‐related work.

Further, in some instances, persons who need more in‐depth Orthodox theological knowledge are

already ordained and serve as Orthodox clergy in the local parishes. Attending seminary as full‐time

residential students would be difficult for them as well.

Finally, some persons decide to obtain advanced Orthodox theological education without intention to

change their professional careers. Clearly, under all these circumstances, having the option to

complete certain theological study programs via ʺdistance learning (or correspondence)ʺ model is not

simply desirable, but crucial. To examine this issue the questionnaire asked the schools participating

in our study: ʺDo you offer Orthodox theological education on exclusively residential basis, through

distance learning or both?ʺ The answers of the schools are summarized in Tab. 5 on the next page.

Six out of twelve schools currently offer their educational programs only or primarily on a full‐time

ʺresidential basis.ʺ These are Christ the Saviour Seminary, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of

Theology, St.Tikhonʹs and St. Hermanʹs Theological Seminary, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox School of

Theology and Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute.

To the contrary, three schools exist to provide specifically ʺdistance learningʺ education and do not

have capacities or facilities for full‐time residential studies.3 These are Antiochian House of Studies,

St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology and Pastoral School of the ROCORʹs Diocese of

Chicago. Further, in their mission statements (these will be examined later in this report) these

schools emphasized that their main goal is to provide an Orthodox theological education to those

seeking to serve the Church, but who are unable to attend a residential school.

3 We should note, however, that the Antiochian House of Studies and Pastoral School of the ROCOR's Diocese of Chicago include in their curricula as a component (either optional or required) some forms of annual short-term residential studies and seminars.

10

Tab. 5 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Forms of Education Offered (Residential Basis and/or Distance Learning)


Residential Basis:

yes or no

Distance Learning: yes or no

Antiochian House of Studies AOCA No (**) Yes St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA No Yes Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian Yes No Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA Yes No St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA Yes No St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA Yes No St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA Yes (***) Yes (***) Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR Yes (***) Yes (***) Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America ROCOR No (**) Yes Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian Yes No St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC Yes (***) Yes (***) Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Does not apply Yes No (*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian



(**): These schools offer their programs mostly through distance learning model, but they also offer (or require)

certain period of annual residency; (***): Depending on program: some offered through distance learning and

some are on a residential basis;

Finally, three schools (St.Vladimirʹs, St. Sophia and Holy Trinity seminaries) offer their programs via

both ʺresidentialʺ and ʺdistance learningʺ models. However, it should be noted that typically only

some programs are offered by these schools via ʺdistance learning,ʺ while others require full‐time

residential studies. More specifically, in St. Vladimirʹs seminary, the M.Div., Th.M and MA programs

are designed to be fully residential, while Dr.Min. program can be completed by distance learning

(with additional week‐long residential components). In St. Sophia seminary, M.Div. and Master of

Ministry programs require full time residential learning, while MA in Applied Orthodox Studies and

Youth Ministry Certificate Program are offered via distance learning. In the case of Holy Trinity

seminary, B.Th.., Certificate of Theological Music and Certificate in Pastoral Studies Programs are

offered on a residential basis, while Certificate of Theological Studies Program is completed through

distance learning only. We will examine full range of various programs offered by each school in one

of the following chapters.

11

To conclude, data in Tab. 5 tell us that presently certain variety of choices exist on American

Orthodox theological education ʺmarketʺ in terms of either full‐time residential or distance learning

options for the studies. What we donʹt know, however, is:

to what extent does ʺdemandʺ matches ʺsupplyʺ in the case of each of the two educational

models?

whether there are any particular educational programs related to Orthodox theology that

should be designed and offered either on ʺresidentialʺ or ʺdistance learningʺ basis or both?

As noted in the introductory section of the report, one of the difficult issues faced by some of US

Orthodox theological schools is the question of their proper academic accreditation or ‐ to be more

precise ‐ the lack thereof. As a result, the certificates, diplomas and degrees awarded by these schools

may not always be seen as fully ʺvalidʺ and recognized by other institutions of higher learning.

The subject of accreditation was not included in the original survey. However, in follow‐up phone

interviews we examined this question and obtained comprehensive picture of the level and type of

accreditation of each of the twelve schools. The summary of this information is presented in Tab. 6 on

the next page.

Based on the data in Tab. 6, US Orthodox theological schools can be divided into four ʺtiersʺ by the

level of their accreditation. The first ʺtop tierʺ includes the three seminaries that are fully accredited

and recognized by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).

These are Holy Cross, St. Vladimirʹs, and St. Tikhonʹs Orthodox theological seminaries. In short,

accreditation and recognition by ATS means that these schools:

provide sound theological education in accordance with requirements, norms and standards

expected from other (non‐Orthodox) American theological schools that award such degrees as

B.Th., M.Div., Th.M., S.T.M., etc.

have sufficient educational resources (especially, in terms of quantity, quality and diversity in

faculty members) to train the students on their own (i.e. without formal partnership with other

schools).

12

Tab. 6 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Type and Level of Accreditation

Name of the School (Program) Jurisdictionalaffiliation (*) Accreditation

Antiochian House of Studies AOCA

MA degree is granted through/by Balamand University (Republic of

Lebanon) D.Min. degree is granted through/by

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, which is accredited by the Association of

Theological Schools in the United States and Canada

St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA None

Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian

The right to award B.Th. degree was granted by the Department of Education

of the State of Pennsylvania

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada

St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA The state of Alaska recognizes certificates granted by St. Herman's St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada

Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR The right to award B.Th. degree was

granted by the New York state board of regents and state commissioner of

education

Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America ROCOR The state of Illinois recognizes diplomas granted by this Pastoral School Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian The state of Illinois recognizes Bachelor of Divinity degree granted by St. Sava

St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC No accreditation. Seminary is

provisionally licensed with the state of New York

Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Does not apply (**)

MA degree is granted through/by Graduate Theological Union, which is

accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States

and Canada (*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian




13

The second ʺtierʺ is composed of the Orthodox theological schools that are not fully ʺself‐sufficientʺ in

terms of educational resources and faculty members and, therefore, offer their programs and degrees

via formal partnership with some larger (either Orthodox or non‐Orthodox) theological schools.

Typically, these reputable partner‐schools also act as ʺdegree‐grantingʺ and accredited institutions.

Two American Orthodox schools operate on this model: Antiochian House of Studies4 and Patriarch

Athenagoras Orthodox Institute.

The third ʺtierʺ includes the schools that are licensed and whose certificates and diplomas are

recognized by the Boards or Departments of education of the states where these schools are located.

These are Christ the Saviour, St. Hermanʹs, Holy Trinity seminaries, St. Sava Serbian School of

Orthodox Theology and Pastoral School of ROCORʹs Diocese of Chicago.

Finally, in the last ʺtierʺ are two schools that presently exist without any formal accreditation: St.

Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology and St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Seminary.5

III. Educational Programs and Degrees Offered by US Orthodox Theological

Schools

This chapter is very central for the study report. On the following pages we will review the range,

levels and types of programs offered by twelve US Orthodox theological schools participating in the

study. Two preliminary remarks should be made. First, when looking at the programs, diplomas and

degrees offered by each school, one should keep in mind what was discussed in the previous chapter,

namely, that:

a) Some of these programs are offered exclusively via distance learning (correspondence) model,

while the others require full‐time residential presence of the students.

b) Various US Orthodox theological schools have different types and levels of academic accreditation

and, therefore, their degrees and diplomas may not always be uniformly recognized as ʺvalidʺ by the

mainstream American academic standards.

4 In the case of Antiochian House of Studies, its MA degree is awarded through Balamand University (Lebanon) which may be not universally recognized in the United States 5 Although St. Sophia Seminary is "provisionally licensed" by the state of New York.

14

The second remark concerns the ʺnatureʺ of these twelve schools. Out of twelve, ten can be described

‐ although, to varied degrees ‐ as ʺpastoralʺ schools. That is, many of their students pursue theological

studies with the intention to become qualified for practical church‐work either in ordained or non‐

ordained capacity. But two schools are different in this regard: the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox

Institute and St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology.

The Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute (it offers the Master of Arts in Orthodox Studies) sees

itself as a purely academic school. When completing the survey, the representative of the Patriarch

Athenagoras Orthodox Institute wrote: ʺWe are strictly academic. These documents (i.e.

questionnaire) are geared to seminaries/Orthodox theological schools ‐ we do not fit into this mold.ʺ

As for St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology, it should rather be seen as a ministry or a

service of the Orthodox Church than as a ʺschoolʺ in the traditional sense of this word. St. Athanasiusʹ

mission is rather unique: it provides a basic Orthodox theological knowledge to prisoners.6 Further,

about 50% of St. Athanasius students are non‐Orthodox. The website of St. Athanasius Academy

states: ʺThe mission of St. Athanasius Academy is to prepare and communicate materials on the

Orthodox Christian faith in English for both Orthodox and non‐Orthodox people — particularly the

laity. Thus, our goals are three‐fold: 1. To be a valuable and helpful teaching ministry of the

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North American and a service to all; 2. To help all

Christians learn more about the history, teachings and practice of the Church; 3. To help spread the

Spirit of Orthodox Christianity to all Americans.ʺ

St. Athanasius also does not have a uniformly structured program. Instead, it offers a variety of

courses on various subjects each of which can be completed individually depending on the personal

preferences of a student. If a person desires to obtain ʺDiploma in Orthodox Christian Studies,ʺ

he/she should complete 12 courses.

6 In addition to 110 current prisoner-students, St. Athanasius also has 10 "regular" correspondent students.

15

A quote from St. Athanasius course catalogue explains how this works: ʺSt. Athanasius Academy

offers correspondence and tutorial studies designed to assist interested people gain a basic grasp of

the Orthodox faith, through directed individual study. Each course consists of ten lessons and a final

examination. Each lesson has a written assignment to be mailed in as its completed. The final

examination is sent when the tenth written assignment is returned. Courses in the listing are taken

individually by anyone who desire to do so. And when you complete 12 of our courses, you will

receive a Diploma from St. Athanasius Academy.ʺ

Tab. 7 on the next page summarizes information about all programs offered by twelve American

Orthodox theological schools on three levels: non‐degree, undergraduate and graduate programs.

Information provided in Tab. 7 is mostly self‐explanatory, but four comments could be added.

First, out of twelve, only two schools offer doctoral level programs and degrees (Doctor of Ministry):

St. Vladimirʹs Seminary and Antiochian House of Studies. Graduate (Masterʹs level) programs are

offered by six schools: Antiochian House of Studies, Holy Cross School of Theology, St. Vladimirʹs, St.

Tikhonʹs and St. Sophia Seminaries and the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute. Three schools

provide only undergraduate training and degrees: Holy Trinity, St. Sava Serbian Theological School

and Christ the Saviour Seminary. Finally, three schools offer only non‐degree programs and

diplomas: St. Hermanʹs Theological Seminary, Pastoral School of ROCORʹs Diocese of Chicago and

St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology.

Second, despite such significant variation in the levels of provided education (non‐degree,

undergraduate or graduate programs) all schools (with exception of above mentioned Patriarch

Athenagoras Orthodox Institute and St. Athanasius Academy) believe that their training is sufficient

for a person to be ordained and serve in priestly capacity in a local parish.7

7 This subject was not included in original questionnaire, but we explored it in the follow-up phone interviews.

16

Tab. 7 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Educational Programs Offered and Degrees Awarded


Non-degree programs

Undergraduate programs Graduate programs

Antiochian House of Studies AOCA St. Stephen's Certificate Program 1. Master of Arts in Applied Orthodox Theology 2. Doctor of Ministry

St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA

Diploma in Orthodox Christian Studies

Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian Licentiate in Theology Bachelor of Theology

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA

Certificate in Byzantine Music

1. Master of Divinity 2. Master of Theological Studies 3. Master of Theology

St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA

1. Reader's Certificate 2. Certificate in Orthodox Theology

St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA Master of Divinity

St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA

1. Master of Divinity 2. Master of Theology 3. Master of Arts 4. Doctor of Ministry

Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR

1. Certificate of Theological Studies 2. Certificate of Theological Music 3. Certificate in Pastoral Studies

Bachelor of Theology


ROCOR 1. Diploma in Pastoral Theology 2. Diploma in Orthodox Studies

Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian

Bachelor of Divinity

St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC

Youth Ministry Certificate Program

1. Master of Divinity: a. General Track b. Priestly Study Track 2. Master of Ministry 3. Master of Arts in Applied Orthodox Studies


Does not apply (**) Master of Arts

(*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian




17

Third, many of the programs offered by these twelve schools are similar (at least by the title) to each

other: Bachelor of Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology. Yet, Tab. 7 also shows at least

three educational programs that are rather unique, while being also very important for the Orthodox

Church. These three programs are: ʺCertificate of Theological Musicʺ run by the Holy Trinity

Seminary, the ʺYouth Ministry Certificate Programʺ administered by St. Sophia Seminary, and the

Certificate in Byzantine Music from Holy Cross.

The last comment concerns the subject that was previously mentioned: the lack of uniformity and

commonly accepted standards in how various schools define and administer their ʺundergraduateʺ

and ʺgraduateʺ programs. That is, various schools have quite different requirements for earning the

same degree. For instance, to obtain Bachelorʹs degree, a person would need to study full‐time three

years at Christ the Saviour Seminary, four years at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology and

five years at Holy Trinity Seminary.

Tab. 7 provides general overview of the programs offered and degrees awarded by twelve US

Orthodox Theological schools. In order to obtain more specific and in‐depth information on the

particular courses taught at each school, the survey also asked two more specific questions:

ʺList courses designed to meet specific jurisdictional requirements of academic content or

pastoral praxis;ʺ

ʺList specific liturgical or pastoral courses offered, e.g., courses in Liturgical or Pastoral Praxis

or Theology; or any specifically liturgical or pastoral content offered as units within other

courses.ʺ

Full answers of each school to these questions are provided in Appendix D.

18

IV. Students and Faculty Members in US Orthodox Theological Schools

How large is the ʺstudent populationʺ studying in various US Orthodox theological schools and

enrolled in various programs offered by these schools? Tab. 8 provides detailed answer to this

question for the fall semester of 2014.8 The programs and students shown in Tab. 8 in italic letters

denote ʺdistance learningʺ programs and students. Three major observations can be made from the

data in Tab. 8.

First, 770 persons total are presently enrolled in various educational programs offered by the twelve

US Orthodox theological schools. Second, out of this number, 398 persons (52%) are ʺdistance

learningʺ students, while 372 persons (48%) are full‐time ʺresidential students.ʺ Third, out of all

students studying in all US Orthodox theological schools, 439 (57%) are in various non‐degree

programs, 60 (8%) are enrolled in the undergraduate (Bachelorʹs level) programs and 271 (35%)

pursue graduate (Masterʹs or Doctoral) studies.

Tab. 8 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Their Educational Programs and Number of Students in Each Program (Fall 2014)

Programs and Students Shown in Italic Letters Indicate "Distance Learning" Programs and Students

Name of the School Jurisdictional affiliation (*) Non-degree programs(number of students)

Undergraduate programs

(number of students)

Graduate programs (number of students)

Antiochian House of Studies AOCA St. Stephen's Certificate Program (200) 1. Master of Arts in Applied Orthodox Theology (20) 2. Doctor of Ministry (12)

St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA

Diploma in Orthodox Christian Studies (120)

Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian Licentiate in Theology (0) Bachelor of Theology (6)

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA

Certificate in Byzantine Music (5****)

1. Master of Divinity (76) 2. Master of Theological Studies (6) 3. Master of Theology (20)

St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA

1. Reader's Certificate (0) 2. Certificate in Orthodox Theology (12)

St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA Master of Divinity (32)

8 When looking at the figures in Tab. 8, one also should keep in mind that the number of students in each school and in each may vary significantly from year to year and even from semester to semester.

19

Name of the School Jurisdictional affiliation (*) Non-degree programs(number of students)

Undergraduate programs

(number of students)

Graduate programs (number of students)

St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA

1. Master of Divinity (40) 2. Master of Theology (11) 3. Master of Arts (26) 4. Doctor of Ministry (11)

Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR

1. Certificate of Theological Studies (23) 2. Certificate of Theological Music (19***) 3. Certificate in Pastoral Studies (4)

Bachelor of Theology (24)


ROCOR 1. Diploma in Pastoral Theology (40) 2. Diploma in Orthodox Studies (18)

Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian

Bachelor of Divinity (30)

St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC

Youth Ministry Certificate Program (3)

1. Master of Divinity: a. General Track (3) b. Priestly Study Track (3) 2. Master of Ministry (0) 3. Master of Arts in Applied Orthodox Studies (9)


Does not apply (**) Master of Arts (2)

Total of students for all schools

439 (including 346 in "distance learning"

model) 60

271 (including 52 in "distance learning"

model) (*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese; GOA- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; OCA - Orthodox Church in America; ROCOR - Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia; UOC - Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. (**): Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute is under spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch. (***): This is summer program. Therefore, data in the table refer to summer of 2014. (****): In fact, 12 students total are enrolled in Certificate of Byzantine Music program at Holy Cross. However, 7 of them are also enrolled in various other graduate programs and, therefore, they are "counted" under "graduate programs" column.

Given the ʺpastoralʺ nature of most American Orthodox theological schools, it would be feasible to

assume that male students comprise majority of the persons enrolled in these schools. Tab. 9 on the

next page shows that this is true. In summary, out of 790 students studying in all US Orthodox

theological schools, only 92 (or 12%) are female. The proportion of female students, however, varies

significantly from school to school. Indeed, there are no female students at all at St. Sava Theological

School, Christ the Saviour and St. Sophia Seminaries. On the opposite end is Antiochian House of

Studies, where as many as 20% of the students are female.

20

Tab.9 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Number of Male and Female Students Enrolled in Non-Degree, Graduate and Undergraduate Programs (Fall 2014)

Number of Students Enrolled (Fall 2014) Name of the School Juris- diction (*) Male in

Non-degree

Students

Female Non-

degree Students

Male Under-

Graduate Students

Female Under-

Graduate Students

Male Graduate Students

Female Graduate Students

Antiochian House of Studies AOCA 160 40 26 6 St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA 117 3

Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian 6

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA 4 1 106 (***) 9 (***)

St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA 10 2 St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA 31 1 St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA 78 (***) 12 (***) Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR 33 13 24 Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America ROCOR 54 4 Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian 30 St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC 3 15


Does not apply (**) 1 1

TOTAL of students for all schools 381 63 60 0 257 29

(*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese; GOA- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; OCA - Orthodox Church in America; ROCOR - Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia; UOC - Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. (**): Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute is under spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch. (***): the total number of graduate students shown in this table for St. Vladimir's Seminary and Holy Cross School of Theology exceeds number of students enrolled in these schools' particular programs as indicated in Tab. 8. This is because of the reason that a number of St. Vladimir's (2) and Holy Cross (13) graduate students are not enrolled in any particular program, but simply take selected graduate-level courses.

The survey also examined the composition of faculty in each of the schools participating in the study.

More specifically, the questionnaire asked each school to provide the names, ranks and degrees of all

faculty members listing separately full‐time and part‐time (or adjunct) teachers. Full answers of each

school to this question (i.e. the names of all faculty members) are in Appendix C.

21

Tab. 10 summarizes the answers of the schools to the question about their faculty members. It shows

that presently all American Orthodox schools combined have 156 persons teaching in these schools.

Out of this number, 58 (37%) are full‐time faculty and 98 (63%) are part‐time or adjunct faculty. The

school with the largest faculty body (both in terms of full‐time and all teachers combined) is Holy

Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. St. Vladimirʹs and St. Tikhonʹs seminaries follow Holy

Cross by the number of all faculty members.

Tab. 10 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Number of Full-Time and Part-Time/Adjunct Faculty Members


Full-Time Faculty

(have doctoral degrees)

Part-Time Faculty

(have doctoral degrees)

Antiochian House of Studies AOCA 1 (1) 15 (14) St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology AOCA 1 (0) 0 (0) Christ the Saviour Seminary Carpatho-Russian 4 (1) 4 (0) Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology GOA 12 (12) 10 (5) St. Herman's Theological Seminary OCA 5 (2) 2 (0) St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA 7 (6) 13 (3) St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary OCA 6 (6) 15 (11) Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary ROCOR 7 (2) 7 (3) Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America ROCOR 2 (2) 9 (4) Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology Serbian 8 (6) 8 (6) St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary UOC 2 (1) 11 (6) Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Does not apply (*) 3 (2) 4 (1) TOTAL in all schools: 58 (41) 98 (53) (*): AOCA - Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese; Carpatho-Russian - American Carpatho-Russian




Tab. 10 also indicates that overall the persons teaching in US Orthodox theological schools are well

educated and qualified. Indeed, out of total 156 faculty members, 94 (60%) have doctoral degrees

(Ph.D. or D.Min). Among full‐time faculties, proportion of those holding doctorates is even higher:

71% (i.e. 41 out of 58).

22

The top‐three US Orthodox theological schools where more than three‐quarters of all faculty

members have doctoral degrees are: Antiochian House of Studies (94% of faculties have doctoral

degrees), St. Vladimirʹs Seminary (84%) and Holy Cross School of Theology (77%).

Survey data also reveals the strength of the presence of Orthodox clergy (versus non‐ordained lay

persons) among the faculty members in various schools. See Fig. 1 on the next page.

Overall, 65% of all faculty members in twelve US Orthodox theological schools are ordained

Orthodox clergy. The top three schools where at least three‐quarters of faculties are ordained are:

Antiochian House of Studies (94% are ordained), St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Seminary (83%) and

Christ the Saviour Seminary (75%). On the opposite end are two ʺleast clericalʺ schools: St.

Athanasius Academy (no ordained faculty members) and Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute

(29%). This fits well with the ʺdifferent (compared to other ten) natureʺ of these two schools ‐ the fact

that was discussed at the beginning of chapter III.

Fig. 1 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Percentage (%) of Faculty Members (Full- and Part-time Combined) who Are Ordained Orthodox Clergy

29%

0%

52%

57%

71%

59%

60%

62%

75%

55%

83%

94%

65%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Faculties in all schools combined



Christ the Saviour Seminary

St. Hermanʹs Theological Seminary

St. Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology

St. Tikhonʹs Orthodox Theological Seminary



Pastoral School of ROCORʹs Diocese of Chicago

St. Vladimirʹs Orthodox Theological Seminary



23

24

V. (Some) Criteria for Assessing US Orthodox Theological Schools and Programs

It is beyond the scope of this study to judge or evaluate various educational programs offered by the

US Orthodox theological schools or to ʺrankʺ them. In fact, direct comparisons of these schools are in

many respects very difficult, because they serve different constituencies (mostly their ʺown peopleʺ

or, on the contrary, wide pan‐Orthodox community), have somewhat different emphasis

(ʺproducingʺ either more parish clergy, or lay church workers or simply providing general

theological education), operate in different contexts and use different models of education (distance

learning versus full‐time residency). Further, it is also quite possible that some of these schools may

offer very strong educational programs in certain areas, but are not so good in other areas.

Having said this, we, yet, would suggest three criteria that any educational institution can consider

as desirable ʺbenchmarksʺ to strive for.

The first criteria is accreditation by the various national or regional accrediting bodies (e.g., the

Association of Teological Schools, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, etc.). We

discussed this subject in chapter II. In summary and to re‐iterate, twelve theological schools

participating in the study can be divided into four ʺtiersʺ by the level and ʺsoundnessʺ of their

accreditation. The first top tier includes three seminaries that are accredited and recognized by the

Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS). These are Holy Cross, St.

Vladimirʹs and St. Tikhonʹs Orthodox theological seminaries. In short, accreditation and recognition

by ATS means that these schools:

provide sound theological education in accordance with requirements, norms and standards

expected from the other (non‐Orthodox) American theological schools that award such

degrees as B.Th., M.Div., Th.M., S.T.M., etc.

have sufficient educational resources (especially, in terms of quantity, quality and diversity in

faculty members) to train the students on their own (i.e. without formal partnership with the

other schools).

25

The second ʺtierʺ is composed of the Orthodox theological schools that are not fully ʺself‐sufficientʺ in

terms of educational resources and faculty members and, therefore, offer their programs and degrees

via formal partnership with some larger (either Orthodox or non‐Orthodox) accredited theological

schools. Typically, this larger partner‐schools also act as ʺdegree‐grantingʺ institutions. Two

American Orthodox schools operate on this model: Antiochian House of Studies and Patriarch

Athenagoras Orthodox Institute.

The third ʺtierʺ includes the schools that are licensed and whose certificates and diplomas are

recognized by the Boards (or Departments) of Education of the states where these schools are located.

These are Christ the Saviour, St. Hermanʹs, Holy Trinity seminaries, St. Sava Serbian School of

Orthodox Theology and Pastoral School of ROCORʹs Diocese of Chicago.

Finally, in the last ʺtierʺ are two schools that presently exist without formal accreditation: St.

Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology and St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Seminary.9

The second criterion is the professional credentials of the faculty members teaching in the schools. As

a possible measure of this criterion one can use the percentage (%) of faculty members who have

doctoral degrees. Fig. 2 on the next page shows proportion of faculty members who held doctorates

(Ph.D., Th.D., Dr.Min.) in each of the schools participating in the study. On the top are four schools

where at least three‐quarters of faculties have doctoral degrees: Antiochian House of Studies (94%),

St. Vladimirʹs Seminary (81%), Holy Cross School of Theology (77%) and St. Sava Serbian School of

Theology (75%). On the opposite, ʺlower,ʺ end are the three schools where less than one‐third of

teachers have doctorates: St. Hermanʹs Seminary (29%), Christ the Saviour Seminary (12%), St.

Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology (0%).

9 St. Sophia Seminary is "provisionally licensed" by the state of New York.

Fig. 2 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States: Percentage (%) of Faculty Members (Full- and Part-time Combined) with Doctoral Degrees

0%

12%

36%

55%

43%

45%

54%

75%

29%

77%

81%

94%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%



Holy Cross Greek‐Orthodox School of Theology


Pastoral School of ROCORʹs Diocese of Chicago








The third criterion is the student‐faculty ratio. In this instance, we reviewed the number of full‐time

students versus the number of full‐time faculty members in a school: i.e. the number of full‐time

students per one full‐time faculty member.

26

Educators generally want to have lower student‐faculty ratios believing that the lower ratio is better

for the educational process, because of the higher ʺavailabilityʺ of teachers for the students. On the

other hand, a larger ratio can also point to a robust educational community environment, which is

also beneficial for learning. Fig. 3 shows this ratio for all schools that operate on a ʺfull‐time

residentialʺ model of education.

Fig. 3 Orthodox Theological Schools in the United States:

Number of Full-Time Residential Students Per One Full-Time Faculty Member (excluded are schools that operate primarily on a "distance learning" model)

0.7

1.5

2.4

3.0

4.6

6.7

8.5

3.8

14.7

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15










27

28

As of fall 2014, Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute, Christ the Saviour, St. Hermanʹs and St.

Sophia Orthodox Seminaries had the best indices of the availability of teachers for the students. In

each of these schools there were no more than three students per one full‐time faculty member.

Granted, these four schools have very low enrollments and this affects and ʺimprovesʺ the ratio

ʺstudents per one teacher.ʺ But even if we compare among themselves the schools that are in similar

size‐categories, the differences in ʺstudents per one teacherʺ ratio are quite significant. Indeed, if we

look at two US largest (and similar in number of students) Orthodox theological schools, Holy Cross

and St. Vladimirʹs, the first has much better ratio of ʺfull‐time students per one full‐time faculty

membersʺ than the second: 8.5 at Holy Cross versus 14.7 at St. Vladimirʹs. Nevertheless, these “higher

ratios” would be considered excellent when compared to other professional schools and graduate

schools.

VI. Is There Anything ʺSpecialʺ about the Schools Participating in the Study?

As noted previously, various US Orthodox theological schools serve different constituencies (mostly

their ʺown peopleʺ or, on the contrary, wide pan‐Orthodox community), have somewhat different

emphasis in their educational programs (on ʺproducingʺ either more parish clergy, or lay church

workers or simply providing general theological education), operate in different contexts and use

different models of education (distance learning versus full‐time residency). In short, each school has

its own unique identity and nature. Two questions in the survey looked at the subject of ʺidentity and

natureʺ of American Orthodox theological schools:

ʺWhat is your mission statement?ʺ

ʺWhat other characteristics of your institution not described above (i.e. through the other

questions in the survey) would you like to bring to the attention of the Assembly of Bishops

Committee on Theological Education?ʺ

Full answers to these questions from twelve schools participating in the study are provided below.

29


Mission Statement:

The Antiochian House of studies provides advanced theological education in a ʺdistance educationʺ

environment for those who choose to further their knowledge of the Holy Orthodox Faith, but who

cannot attend a seminary on a full time basis because of their life circumstances. As such, it opens this

invaluable educational experience to a much wider audience of believers who otherwise would not

have this opportunity.

Other Special Characteristics:

This is an alternative theological education program. It holds value for many convert clergy and laity,

and if prerequisites are satisfied, can lead to the Masters or Doctoral Degrees accredited by the

Balamand University (Republic of Lebanon) and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA.

ʺSt. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

Mission Statement:

Bringing the fullness of the One True Faith of the Orthodox Church to North America through

correspondence study, research and publication. This includes a unique prisoner education program,

SS. Peter and Paul Prisoner Education / Scholarship Program.


We have a heart for the laity being knowledgeable about their faith. From this, and with the blessing

of Metropolitan PHILIP, we completed the Orthodox Study Bible ‐ Septuagint Old Testament. Much

was gained as we became evermore aware of the pre‐IncarnateWord of God, in the Old Testament. It

brought a deeper appreciation to the words of St. Paul calling us to seek after Jesus, and to know Him

as our Christ the serving Servant of all those choosing to be a servant of His Word. For in Him, is the

promise of Peace, of Paradise reopened, and of Sonship by Grace. This being His gift, sealed by the

Holy Spirit, for all who seek to have their hearts transformed through faith, while growing in

knowledge of Him. It is in this spirit of truth ‐ this relational reality founded in love ‐‐ that guides the

Academy in its efforts to help bring an end to ignorance and spiritual blindness; to help transform a

way of life based in fears, angers, and insecurities, into one founded in His goodness. and the

30

goodness He endows within us, from in the beginning. And through Him and with the Holy Spirit

dwelling within, His Father.


Mission Statement:

The primary mission of the Seminary is stated in its Articles of Incorporation: “This corporation is

organized for the purpose of conducting a Seminary, which shall teach philosophical, theological,

and other subjects for the education and training of students for priesthood of the Orthodox Catholic

Church, stimulating them to grow intellectually, morally and spiritually, and inspiring them to love

and serve God and the Orthodox Church...”. Secondarily, the Seminary provides a theological and

spiritual formation in an Orthodox academic atmosphere for anyone interested in growth in the

Orthodox Christian tradition, whether or not the individual is working toward an ordained ministry

in the Orthodox Church.


Since its founding in 1940, the Seminary has had a strong pastoral emphasis. Formation of the parish

priest as “shepherd of souls” is emphasized.


Mission Statement:

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology is an Orthodox Christian Seminary and Graduate

School of Theology centered on the Trinitarian faith as revealed by Jesus Christ and as preserved in

its fullness, genuineness, and integrity by the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The School

embodies the historic and specific educational mission of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of

Constantinople and its Archdiocese in the United States. Holy Cross educates its students to

articulate and understand the biblical, historical, dogmatic, ethical and liturgical traditions of the

Orthodox Church. Students are prepared to become future clergy and lay leaders who demonstrate

faith, sensitivity and compassion as they cultivate an attitude of offering a service of truth and love in

the world.

31

Through its graduate degree programs, Holy Cross offers men and women the opportunity to

become spiritually mature persons through immersion in worship, theological studies and service to

community.


Committed to ecumenical and inter religious relations. Member of the B.T.I. a consortium of nine

member schools in the Boston area that provides opportunities of cross registration.

St. Hermanʹs Orthodox Theological Seminary

Mission Statement:

St. Herman’s trains clergy, readers, catechists, choir directors and alcohol counsellors for the Diocese

of Alaska.


None in particular.


Mission Statement:

The primary mission of the Seminary lies in providing the necessary theological, liturgical, spiritual

and moral foundations for Orthodox men to become, as God so wills, good shepherds of His Holy

Orthodox Church. At the same time, however, the Seminary also recognizes that many individuals

choose to enroll in a professional theological training program for the fulfillment of needs other than

those of ordained ministry.


St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary Master of Divinity Program is Accredited by the

Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

32


Mission Statement:

St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary serves Christ, his Church, and the world through

Orthodox Christian theological education, research, and scholarship, and the promotion of inter‐

Orthodox cooperation.


No answer to this question


Mission Statement:

The mission of Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary is to serve the Russian Orthodox Church Outside

Russia by preparing students for service to the Church. This is accomplished by training students in

disciplines that are preparatory for active service to the Church as clergy, monastics, choir directors

and cantors, iconographers, and lay leaders. As the only Seminary within the Russian Orthodox

Church Outside Russia, the Seminary opens its doors annually to applicants not only from the United

States but from abroad, thereby serving its mission to serve parishes in all corners of the world. Many

members of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia are now primarily English‐speaking, and

the English language has gained prominence as an international language. Therefore, Holy Trinity

Orthodox Seminary has risen to meet this need of our Church by offering instruction in English to

English‐speaking seminarians. The Seminary emphasizes the importance of spiritual life in

theological education. Active participation in the life of the monastery, on whose premises the

seminary is located, allows students to experience firsthand the spiritual depth of the Orthodox

Church and gives future clergy a rare opportunity of gaining a thorough foundation and experience

of the Orthodox Liturgical life. Finally, the Seminary strives to preserve the high scholarly standards,

teaching, and traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

33


Our Bachelor of Theology is designed to lay a strong foundation for theological study including

language, history, Holy Scripture, and practical liturgics before attempting such subjects as Dogmatic

Theology, Pastoral Theology, Moral Theology/Ethics and Canon Law. This allows our students to

mature spiritually as well as intellectually so they may study theology with proper reverence,

humility, and depth.

Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid‐America (ROCOR)

Mission Statement:

To provide an Orthodox theological education to those seeking to serve the Church in a ministerial

capacity, but who are unable to attend a residential seminary.


For admission all students must have successfully completed a minimum of 60 credits from an

accredited college or university including core general education requirements. Many of our students

have previously earned graduate degrees from secular institutions of higher learning. The Pastoral

Theology program consists of 62 credits, and the Orthodox Studies program of 42 credits. Pastoral

Theology students wives, if otherwise qualified, can be admitted to the Orthodox Studies program

for a 66% reduction in tuition cost. The tuition is among the lowest of any seminary in the country at

$100.00 per credit hour. Both academic and need based scholarships are available to qualified

students, and a student loan program has been established.


Mission Statement:

The St. Sava School of Theology has as its main mission and goal to provide religious education and

to train candidates who are from the United States and Canada and from other countries for the Holy

Priesthood in the Serbian Orthodox Church specifically, and for interested individuals of other ethnic

jurisdictions of the Orthodox Christian Faith. The school functions as the educational center for

individuals committed to serving the Serbian Orthodox Church and her people in a multi‐lingual

environment.

34

Initially, the school provides quality baccalaureate level study in Theology leading to the Bachelor of

Divinity Degree as approved and as uniquely required for the Serbian Orthodox Church both for

resident full‐time students and part‐time students. The eventual goal is to develop a program of

study on the graduate level for those who wish to pursue advanced studies both here [and] in other

Orthodox graduate institutions. The philosophy that is represented by the School is to prepare

candidates in the spirit of the ancient Orthodox Christian faith, Her theology, Her Traditions,

customs, rites and rituals, ecclesiology, and commitment to the fulfillment of the commission

entrusted to Her by Christ and handed down by the Holy Apostles and their successors ‐ the

salvation of souls and eternal life for all mankind.


No answer to this question.


Mission Statement:

To form and train Orthodox pastors, teachers and leaders of the people of God. Through a programm

of professional education, spiritual growth and vocational awakening.


No answer to this question


Mission Statement:

The Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute exists to educate, communicate, promote, and sustain

the traditions, values, teachings, and culture of Orthodox Christianity. The Institute advances a

strong, effective and highly visible witness of Orthodoxy in the western United States through:

teaching; offering academic lectures; housing a rare book room, archives and museum; publishing

through InterOrthodox Press; sponsoring the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the University of

California and Graduate Theological Union; providing scholarships to students; offering community

education programs and other activities.

35


These documents (questionnaire) are geared to seminaries /Orthodox theological schools – we do not

fit into this mold. We are strictly academic.

VII. Next Steps: Unanswered Questions That Need to Be Addressed

This first study of US institutions offering various programs in Orthodox theology can be seen as a

good initial step towards better understanding of what is available today on American ʺmarketʺ of

Orthodox theological education. Indeed, data gathered in the survey provided accurate ʺsnapshotsʺ

of twelve American Orthodox theological schools outlining their programs, composition of students

and faculty members, etc.

At the same time, this first inquiry has certain limitations and a number of important questions

remained unanswered. These questions should be addressed in possible follow‐up studies so that our

Church can use educational resources of each school or program more efficiently and ‐ most

importantly ‐ have certain influence on the future development of these schools so that they can

better serve to the needs of American Orthodox community.

In short, there are at least three areas for the future more in‐depth examination:

1) Information gathered about each school should be more comprehensive and cover broader

range of subjects compared to what was examined in the survey.

2) Data obtained in this study provide only ʺstaticʺ picture of todayʹs situation and do not reflect

the evolution of these schools over period of time.

3) Survey data and results of this study not tell us about actual ʺoutcomesʺ of the work of each

school.

36

More specifically:

1). Among further subjects that need to be explored with regard to each school are: ʺdemographyʺ of

their students (age, marital status, ordained clergy or laity); plans for the future development (in

terms of number of students; variety of programs; expansion of physical facilities, etc.); major needs

and obstacles faced today; finances (sources of income, tuition, financial aid offered to students);

cooperation with Orthodox theological schools outside of America.

2) In order to better understand the situation of each school today it would be helpful to have some

data from the past that will allow to examine trends and changes in the number and type of

programs, students and faculty members over period of time.

THE YOUTHS IN THE GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF SAN...

Documents

Transcript of THE YOUTHS IN THE GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF SAN...