The Orthodox Pastoral School of Chicago and Mid-America

a 1-year 18 credit Catechist Certificate. ELIGIBILITY

The program in Pastoral Theology is required of candidates for ordination in the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America who have not graduated from an Orthodox theological seminary. The programs are open to:

Any Orthodox Christian interested in studying Orthodox theology, but unable to attend an Orthodox seminary. Orthodox clergy or laypeople interested in increasing their knowledge of the Faith. GOALS

- to provide students with an academically sound Orthodox theological education through the media of online distance education.
- to prepare clergy for service to the Church through an emphasis on the practical application of knowledge to ministry, and to contemporary problems and issues facing the Church.
- to prepare knowledgeable pastors to serve local parishes and missions of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
- to accept students from all Dioceses of ROCOR as well as all canonical Orthodox jurisdictions who subscribe to the goals of the School.
- to train and certify catechists to prepare catechumens and sponsors for baptism, as well as those who wish to be wed in the Church in accordance with the decision of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church held in Moscow in February 2013. NB

The program does not seek to replace studies at a regular theological school, but rather to prepare those who cannot attend such schools, but who are nonetheless called to serve the local Church. Such individuals will partially make up for their lack of seminary on-campus experience by active participation in the liturgical life of their parish, attendance at a summer residence program, and through participation in virtual campus activities, as well as inter-seminary student conferences and activities. DURATION & SCHEDULE

The program duration of the Diploma in Pastoral Theology (PTh.D) program the Diploma in Orthodox Studies (OS.D) program is three years. The details can be found at the link below:

http://www.orthodoxtheologicalschool.org/pdf/programofstudies.pdf

The Summer Residency Program is ideally completed in the summer before the student expects to graduate and may be taken online for those who are unable to attend Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY with the approval of the Dean. The Catechist program is completed in one academic year, i.e., two (2) semesters of study for the one-year certificate (this program cannot be spread over multiple academic years, as the program is structured to be completed with one cadre of students and mentors in one academic year), with an additional four (4) semesters of study for those who complete the first year successfully and choose to matriculate into the Orthodox Studies (OS.D) diploma program. Applications should be submitted by September 1 for the fall semester, February 1 for the winter semester, and June 1 for the summer semester. The Diploma must be completed within seven (7) academic years. ADMINISTRATION

Board of Trustees & Administrative Officers:

The Most Rev. Father André Papkov, Vice-President
The Very Rev. Father Gregory Joyce, Dean
The Very Rev. Father Martin Swanson, Dean Emeritus


DONATIONS

If you're willing to support the School, please follow this link:

http://orthodoxtheologicalschool.org/190505-support-the-pastoral-school.php