What is the…

St. Stephen's Course?

St. Stephen’s Course of Studies is a three-year correspondence program designed for those who wish to study Orthodox theology but who are unable to attend an Orthodox seminary. Those ordained as clergy within other Christian churches and who hold a Master of Divinity degree from a non-Orthodox seminary may enroll in the St. Stephen’s Course of Studies as part of their path to ordination in the Orthodox Church. The program is also suitable for anyone seeking advanced training in Christian Education or Youth Ministry, and those who, with the blessing of their bishop, wish to prepare for ordination to the diaconate. While this program is primarily a long-distance program, it does require three units of a Residency Program at Antiochian Village.

Open to:

Anyone interested in studying Orthodox theology but unable to attend an Orthodox seminary
Clergy converting to Orthodoxy intending to seek ordination, who have earned a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree from a non-Orthodox seminary
Those seeking advanced training in Christian Education or Youth Ministry
Those who are permitted by their Bishops to prepare for the ministry of the diaconate through means of this course

Goals:

To teach Orthodox theology through directed reading courses and graded written examinations
To prepare church leaders, both clergy and laity, for focused and informed service to God and the Church

Process:

Directed reading courses in scripture, doctrine, history, liturgy, and practical theology, plus attendance at the Residency Program, three consecutive years, one week each year. The student will also complete a Directed Project for each year of study.
Communication between mentor and student through published syllabi
Completion of written examinations twice a year

Timing:

The program duration is three years. Applications must be submitted by August 1st of the year students intend to begin. Students begin their first unit of readings in October and begin writing examinations in January. The second unit of readings begins in March and examinations begin in June.

For more information, contact: The Registrar at The House of Studies Office, (201) 569–0095