Saint Jude Theological Institute

Draft Seminary Curriculum

Diaconate Ordination:

The basic requirement for ordination within the AWOC is a masters of Divinity Degree along with the following seminarycoursework formation

1. Theological Foundation:

   • Systematic Theology (Western Christian theological traditions)
   • Biblical Studies (Old and New Testament)
   • Liturgical Theology and Worship
   • Historical Theology (Western Christian thought through the ages)

2. Ecclesiastical Studies:

   • Church History (Western Church history)
   • Canon Law and Church Governance
   • Sacramental Theology (Western liturgical practices)

3. Practical Ministry Training:

   • Liturgical Practicum (Learning liturgical roles and responsibilities)
   • Preaching and Homiletics
   • Pastoral Care and Counseling
   • Diaconal Duties and Service to the Parish

4. Apologetics and Interfaith Dialogue:

   • Ancient Faith Apologetics
   • Comparative Theology (Understanding other Christian traditions)
   • Refuting Protestant Errors and Engaging in Constructive Dialogues

5. Spiritual Formation:

   • Personal Prayer and Spirituality
   • Discernment and Vocation

Priesthood Ordination:

In addition to the courses and formation required for Diaconate ordination, candidates for the priesthood in a Western Orthodox context may need to complete the following:

1. Advanced Theological Studies:

   • Advanced Systematic Theology
   • Moral and Ethical Theology
   • Christology and Pneumatology (study of Christ and the Holy Spirit)

2. Pastoral Ministry Training:

   • Parish Administration
   • Confession and Spiritual Guidance
   • Marriage Counseling
   • Visitation of the Sick and Homebound

3. Liturgical Preparation:

   • Advanced Liturgical Practicum
   • Celebration of the Mass or Divine Liturgy
   • Preparing and Delivering Homilies

4. Canonical and Administrative Studies:

   • Advanced Canon Law (Western Church canons)
   • Parish Management and Finance

5. Apologetics and Interfaith Dialogue:

   • Advanced Ancient Faith Apologetics
   • In-depth Study of Protestant Theology and Practices
   • Constructive Engagement with Protestant Believers

Consecration to the Episcopacy:

The process of consecration to the episcopacy in a Western Orthodox context typically includes:

1. Advanced Theological Studies:

   • Advanced Patristic Theology
   • Episcopal Theology
   • Ecclesiology (theology of the Church)

2. Pastoral and Administrative Experience:

   • Years of service as a priest
   • Proven ability in parish leadership and administration

3. Canonical and Liturgical Expertise:

   • Mastery of Western Canon Law
   • Profound knowledge of liturgical practices
   • Ability to perform ordinations and consecrations

4. Apologetics and Interfaith Dialogue:

   • Mastery of Ancient Faith Apologetics
   • Skillful Refutation of Protestant Errors and Misconceptions
   • Constructive Engagement with Interfaith and Ecumenical Efforts

5. Episcopal Duties and Responsibilities:

   • Oversight of multiple parishes (diocesan level)
   • Shepherding the clergy and laity
   • Canonical and pastoral decisions within the diocese

This updated outline incorporates courses on Ancient Faith Apologetics and addressing Protestant errors, recognizing the importance of equipping clergy with the skills to engage in theological dialogue and provide sound apologetic responses within a Western Orthodox context.Draft