Courses Offered

• ADVANCED GREEK (elective, 3 credits)
This course features study and translation of more difficult passages from Patristic literature, giving students the opportunity to hone the skills acquired in the New Testament Greek courses.

• APOLOGETICS (3 credits)
The defense of the fundamental teachings of the Christian Faith in a secular age, with a view to vindicating the indispensability of religion to true human life and challenging the atheistic and agnostic views of man and the world that are becoming more widespread in our culture.

• CHURCH HISTORY I (3 credits)
The history of the Church from the Apostolic Age to the Great Schism, including the Christianization of the Roman Empire, the Œcumenical Synods, and the estrangement between East and West that led to the Great Schism. Special attention is given to the deviation of Roman Catholic theology from the spirit of the early Church and its ethos.

• CHURCH HISTORY II (3 credits)
An overview of Church history from the events surrounding the Great Schism to the twentieth century. Particular focus is placed on the continued deviation of Roman Catholicism from the Patristic mindset of the Orthodox Church, the Council of Ferrara-Florence, the interaction of Orthodoxy with Western movements such as the Reformation, the effects of Enlightenment philosophy on the Orthodox East, and the disastrous influence of Communism on the life of the Church in Russia, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans.

• DOGMATIC THEOLOGY I (3 credits)
An introduction to the doctrines of the Orthodox Church: Revelation, Scripture and Tradition, the Essence and Energies of God, the Holy Trinity, the Creation and Fall of man, Divine Providence, and the Incarnate Œconomy of Christ.

• DOGMATIC THEOLOGY II (3 credits)
A continuation of the previous course, focusing on Christology, Soteriology, the Mysteries of the Church, iconography, and eschatology.

• ECCLESIOLOGY AND ECUMENISM (3 credits)
A more detailed study of the ecclesiology of the Orthodox Church, with an analysis of Patristic ecclesiology, followed by an examination of the history and ideology of the ecumenical movement and its negative and divisive impact on the Orthodox Church in recent times.

• LITURGIOLOGY (3 credits)
An overview of the origins of Christian worship and the historical development of the Divine Liturgy and the other services of the Orthodox Church in the light of the classic liturgical commentaries of Saint Maximus the Confessor, Saint Germanos of Constantinople, Saint Nicholas Kabasilas, and Saint Symeon of Thessalonica.

• NEW TESTAMENT I (3 credits)
An introduction to the study of the New Testament, concentrating on the Synoptic Gospels, with a chronological study of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as recounted by the Evangelists. The classic commentary on the Gospels by Saint Theophylact of Ohrid is used as the basis for studying the expositions of Saint John Chrysostomos and Saint Cyril of Alexandria.

• NEW TESTAMENT II (3 credits)
A survey of the Epistles of Saint Paul, focusing on Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, of Saint John, and of Saint James, with specific study of the homilies on these texts by Saint John Chrysostomos, supplemented by the commentaries of Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite.

• NEW TESTAMENT III (3 credits)
An in-depth exegetical study of Saint John’s Gospel, with intensive study of the interpretations of these works by Saint John Chrysostomos and Saint Cyril of Alexandria, supplemented by the commentaries of Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite.

• NEW TESTAMENT GREEK I (3 credits)
An introduction to New Testament Greek, its alphabet, grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, with simpler readings from the Gospels and Epistles, supplemented with hymns from the Octoechos and the Menaion.

• NEW TESTAMENT GREEK II (3 credits)
A continuation of the previous course in New Testament Greek, with further readings from the Gospels and Epistles, supplemented with simpler passages from Patristic writings.

• OLD TESTAMENT I (3 credits)
An introduction to the study of the Old Testament with an emphasis on the differences between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text.

• OLD TESTAMENT II (3 credits)
An introduction to Patristic hermeneutics and exegesis focused on the typology of the Holy Cross in the life of Saint Moses the God-Seer.

• OLD TESTAMENT III (3 credits)
A detailed survey of the individual books of the Old Testament canon. The authorship, structure, central message, major themes, literary devices, reception, New Testament citations, Patristic interpretations, and liturgical usage of each book are explored.

• PATRISTICS I (3 credits)
The first part of this course is a survey of the teachings of the ante-Nicene Fathers and writers and select readings from their works: the Apostolic Fathers, the Apologists, Saint Irenæus of Lyons, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen.

• PATRISTICS II (3 credits)
A continuation of Patristics I, with particular emphasis on the writings and teachings of Saint Athanasios the Great, two of the Cappadocian Fathers (Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory of Nyssa), and Saint John Chrysostomos, with select but detailed readings from their works.

• PATRISTICS III (3 credits)
A continuation of Patristics II, with particular emphasis on the writings and teachings of Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Saint Gregory the Theologian, and Saint Cyril of Alexandria, with select but detailed readings from their works.

• PATRISTICS IV (3 credits)
A continuation of Patristics III, with a detailed study of the teachings and writings of later Byzantine Fathers: Saint Maximus the Confessor, Saint Symeon the New Theologian, and Saint Gregory Palamas.

• BIOETHICS (2 credits)
This course explores some of the more difficult contemporary ethical challenges encountered in the field of healthcare by surveying emerging technologies and current practices.

• CHURCH ARCHITECTURE (elective, 3 credits)
An introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of Orthodox Church architecture, the exterior design of Orthodox Churches, and their interior design and furnishing.

• CLASSICAL CIVILIZATIONS (3 credits)
This is a survey course in the history, culture, and art of Classical civilizations from the early archaic period to the late antique period. In this course, students are introduced to literary sources and archeological findings as well as philosophies, mythologies, and political theories of the classical world. This course functions as a requisite foundation for future classes in areas of history, art history, and philosophy.

• COMPARATIVE THEOLOGY AND RELIGION (3 credits)
A survey of non-Orthodox denominations, focusing on their historical origins and doctrinal teachings: Non-Chalcedonian Christianity, Roman Catholicism, and the principal movements in Protestantism, followed by an introduction to the major nonChristian religions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

• ENGLISH COMPOSITION (3 credits)
An introduction to the critical reading, thinking, and writing skills essential for intellectual formation. Students learn to carry out academic research, to formulate arguments based on research and integrate them into a paper, to structure a paper by using appropriate transitions, and to set forth their ideas with clarity.

• EUROPEAN HISTORY (3 credits)
A survey of medieval and modern history, with emphasis on pivotal events and significant intellectual and social movements in the Byzantine East, in the Medieval West, and in Eastern Europe following the fall of Constantinople. Attention is given to the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Age of Discovery, the Enlightenment, the French and Russian Revolutions, and the rise of totalitarian regimes in the twentieth century.

• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (1 credits)
An overview of double-entry bookkeeping, financial reports, budgeting, and investment.

• HISTORY OF ART (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the concepts and the history of Christian art and architecture. Its aim is to provide students with in-depth knowledge of Christian visual culture through key methodological approaches and analytical tools specific to arthistorical inquiry.

• HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY I (3 credits)
An introduction to ancient Greek philosophy through a close reading of selected works by the Presocratics, Plato, and Aristotle.

• HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY II (3 credits)
An introduction to later Greek, Patristic, and medieval philosophy through a close reading of selected works by Plotinus, Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Dionysios the Areopagite, Boethius, Thomas Aquinas, and Saint Gregory Palamas.

• LATIN I (elective, 3 credits)
An introduction to classical Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, with simplified readings from Classical authors.

• LATIN II (elective, 3 credits)
A continuation of the previous course in Latin, with particular emphasis on ecclesiastical Latin, supplemented with readings from Scripture, early Latin hymnography and hagiography, and simpler Latin Patristic texts.

• ORTHODOX HISTORY AND CULTURE (elective, 3 credits)
A survey of the histories and spiritual cultures of the traditionally Orthodox countries of Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Georgia, and of countries or regions with significant Orthodox populations, such as Albania, Alaska, and the Levant.

• PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (elective, 3 credits)
An introduction to the classic problems in the philosophy of religion, with an emphasis on the contribution that Orthodoxy can make to addressing issues that generally reflect the biases of heterodox Christianity.

• RELIGION IN SOCIETY (elective, 3 credits)
Religious and secular views of the relationship of the Church to society, with an examination of ethical, political, and social issues.

• RUSSIAN I (elective, 3 credits)
An introduction to the basics of Russian grammar, as well as speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension, with emphasis on conversation.

• RUSSIAN II (elective, 3 credits)
A continuation of the previous course in Russian.

• SCIENCE AND RELIGION (1 credits)
This course investigates the relationship between Orthodox Christianity and scientific inquiry, with particular reference to the central issues of contemporary cosmology and the “new physics.” Students consider how scientific inquiry and teaching affect theological understanding and how Christian faith guides the application of science and technology.

• WESTERN LITERATURE (3 credits)
This course surveys literature from Europe and the Americas, focusing upon various religious, sociological, psychological, philosophical, and aesthetic issues, with reading assignments from selected authors who have contributed significantly to the development of Western civilization.

• INDEPENDENT STUDY (elective, 3 credits)
Independent reading under the supervision of a faculty member, culminating either in an oral examination or a substantial paper.

• BYZANTINE CHANT (3 credits)
An introduction to Byzantine chant, with a strong emphasis on learning Byzantine musical notation and its different scales.

• CATECHETICS (2 credits)
A practical theological approach to catechesis, with a focus on the theological foundations of Christian education. Students are instructed in the spiritual formation of children and adults and in various methods of catechesis.

• COMPUTERS AND IT FOR CHURCH USE (3 credits)
This course provides training in computer literacy, security, and networking. It also focuses on basic visual design, software, and techniques for setting up websites and using computer networks for communication such as video calling and email. Owing to the ever-changing nature of technology, this course may vary from what is presented in the syllabus.

• DIVINE SERVICES (1 credits)
An introduction to the Divine Services of the Orthodox Church and to the cycles of the Church year, including the Lenten and Paschal seasons, with a study of the Scripture readings appointed in the Lectionary.

• HOMILETICS (2 credits)
The historical development of Christian preaching, with attention to classical rhetoric and Christian hermeneutics. Students learn to prepare and deliver topical, focused, and well-organized homilies based on Holy Scripture and the Holy Fathers.

• ICONOGRAPHY (elective, 3 credits)
This course provides students with a basic theoretical understanding of icons and a practical experience of icon painting. Color theory is also addressed.

• LITURGICAL CHANT (1 credits)
An introduction to the standard eight tones of Orthodox Church music, with basic vocalization techniques.

• PARISH AND MISSION WORK (2 credits)
A workshop in dealing with the different kinds of issues and problems (including legal ones) that arise in establishing a new Orthodox mission, along with discussions of the day-to-day functioning of a parish or mission community.

• PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY (2 credits)
A presentation of the traditional pastoral teaching of the Orthodox Church, with a focus on the spiritual role of the pastor and his duties and responsibilities, and on the proper relationship between the Priest and his parishioners.

• PASTORAL THEOLOGY (2 credits)
Preparation of students for practical pastoral service in a parish: hearing confessions, visiting the sick, counseling parishioners coping with marital, emotional, interpersonal, or other kinds of problems, and facing the destructive assault on Biblical and traditional family, community, and social values by modern secularism.

• PRACTICAL LITURGICS (2 credits)
An introduction to liturgical life and the practice of the Church of the Genuine Orthodox Christians of Greece, with an examination of Orthodox ecclesiastical piety, serving and reading in Church, and the meaning of the actions of clergy and servers at different liturgical services.

• VESTMENT-MAKING (elective, 3 credits)
Lessons in sewing vestments and other forms of clerical attire.

• PATRISTIC GREEK SEMINAR I (3 credits)
The purpose of this two-part seminar is to enable students to attain a reasonable degree of facility in reading and comprehending Greek theological texts, both Patristic and contemporary. Selections from the works of Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite, which include many quotations from the Church Fathers, serve as a basis for this seminar.

• PATRISTIC GREEK SEMINAR II (3 credits)
A continuation of Patristic Greek Seminar .

• DOGMATIC THEOLOGY SEMINAR I (3 credits)
The focus of this seminar is the development of modern Orthodox theology and of the pivotal thinkers who have shaped that development, such as Protopresbyter Georges Florovsky, Vladimir Lossky, Protopresbyter John Romanides, Archpriest Dumitru Stăniloae, and Chrestos Giannaras. The phenomenon of “post-Patristic” or “contextual” theology is evaluated in the light of the “neo-Patristic synthesis” advocated especially by Father Florovsky.

• DOGMATIC THEOLOGY SEMINAR II (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on key concepts and theoretical approaches to the field of visual studies. Based on cross-disciplinary themes, this seminar combines such topics as theology, iconology, Patristics, and art history. Its primary aim is to prepare graduate students for advanced-level research, presentation, and publication in the fields of study covered in the seminar.

• MODERN PHILOSOPHY SEMINAR (3 credits)
The focus of this seminar is the modern Continental approach to philosophy, primarily as exemplified by Martin Heidegger, but also with reference to contemporary French philosophy. Intellectual movements such as deconstruction and postmodernism, which derive from continental thought and which continue to generate considerable controversy in contemporary academia, will also be examined.

• PATRISTICS SEMINAR I (3 credits)
In this seminar the Triadology of the Cappadocian Fathers— Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, and Saint Gregory the Theologian—as articulated in the context of their struggle against Eunomianism is studied, with a view to discerning an apophatic philosophy of theological language.

• PATRISTICS SEMINAR II (3 credits)
The focus of this seminar is on developments in Orthodox Christology after Saint Cyril of Alexandria and the Fourth Œcumenical Synod, with special emphasis on the pertinent writings of Saint Maximus the Confessor, Leontios of Byzantium, and Saint John of Damascus.

• RELIGION IN SOCIETY SEMINAR (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the attitude of the Orthodox Church to the phenomena of secularization and modernity. Particular attention is given to tensions that exist between the Orthodox Church and the West, both in the traditionally Orthodox countries of Eastern Europe and in North America, and to the prospects for a critical but constructive engagement on the part of Orthodox believers with Western values and ideals.