What is the …
Antiochian House of Studies?
The Antiochian House of Studies is an educational program for “applied theology.” The program provides a forum for all the theological and pastoral education activities of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Individual components are as follows:
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The Residency Program - a residency-based, intensive program, aimed at practical issues within the theological training received by seminarians and St. Stephen's students. The Residency Program provides face-to-face training for recent and soon-to-be candidates for ordination. The Doctor of Ministry Program - an intensive program conducted in academic partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Available to those who have acquired a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree and have served in a full time ministry for at least three years following graduation from seminary. This program leads to an accredited Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degree. The St. Stephen's Course in Orthodox Theology - a distance education-based, non-degree program. Aimed at introducing practicing and future church workers to the richness of Orthodox theology. Reading courses are mentored by mail, while local clergy provide auxiliary support and praxis for the student. Three one week courses are required at the Residency Program for St. Stephen's students. Graduates will receive the St. Stephen's Diploma. The Masters Degree in Applied Orthodox Theology - a formal degree program in cooperation with the St. John of Damascus School of Theology of the University of Balamand. Leads to a Master of Arts in Applied Orthodox Theology, which is accredited by the Government of Lebanon, and is awarded by the Univeristy of Balamand. Requires the St. Stephen's Diploma, the completion of a Masters Thesis, and one additional pastoral project. A new concentration in Youth Ministry is now being offered. The Clergy Symposium - a biennial conference for all clergy of the Archdiocese. Provides a forum for both theory and praxis in the ministry of the priesthood. |
Once accepted as a student in the House of Studies, a library card is required in order to borrow books from the House of Studies Library at the Antiochian Village. For information, contact the Antiochian Village Librarian at library@antiochianvillage.org
If you are a student in either the St. Stephen's Program, or the Doctor of Ministry Program, you should purchase your books from the Antiochian Village Bookstore. An order form for these books will be sent to you when you are accepted into one of these programs.
For more information contact: The Antiochian House of Studies Office, (201) 569–0095, or send email to theoedu1@aol.com
2008 Seminarian Retreat
August 20-23, 2008
By Paul Abernathy
For many Orthodox seminarians, preparing for another year of seminary is a time of great joy and nervousness. We look forward to concentrating intensely on Christ, yet recognize the spiritual struggle this growth entails. For seminarians of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, the time immediately preceding seminary is also a time we spend together in fellowship and learning.
With the blessing of our father, Metropolitan PHILIP, who has shown himself to care for his seminarians as his own sons, all Antiochian seminarians gathered together for a three day retreat at the Antiochian Village. The theme this year, missions, reminded us that Christ commanded us to go out and make disciples of “all nations.” We received words of wisdom and experience from His Grace Bishop THOMAS, our facilitators, Fr. John Abdalah and Fr. Fred Pfeil, and other session leaders, Fr. Ted Pulcini and Fr. Jason DelVitto.
Our retreat began Wednesday night with Vespers and a welcoming, reassuring message from His Grace Bishop THOMAS. That night, Fr. John and Fr. Fred facilitated an introduction period that provided each of us with the opportunity to see the remarkable men that God has called and the extraordinary circumstances that led each of them there. As each seminarian introduced himself, it was astounding to hear the incredible life experiences that led each one to Christ. Perhaps even more astonishing was the witness many gave of the cross they bore for Christ’s sake, only to receive the tremendous blessings that came along with it. That night, the work of the Holy Spirit in the Holy Orthodox Church here in this land could be clearly seen.
