About The Pastoral School

The Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is an online Orthodox theological school that provides a forty-eight (48) unit program of study leading to a diploma in either Pastoral Theology or Orthodox Studies.

The Pastoral School offers diploma programs in both Pastoral Theology and Orthodox Studies. Continuing education opportunities are also available.

Both diploma programs are of a two year duration and consist of four (4) semesters. The Pastoral Theology diploma requires a summer residence experience at Holy Trinity Theological seminary in Jordanville, New York between the first and second years of study.

Because all courses of The Pastoral School are conducted over the internet using the latest internet technologies, the school's programs are also available to Orthodox theological students worldwide from all canonical Orthodox jurisdictions.

The Pastoral Theology program is required of all candidates for ordination in the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America who have not graduated from an Orthodox theological seminary. The program is also recommended to all clergy and candidates to holy orders in the Western American Diocese (ROCOR) who do not have a formal theological education.

The school's programs are designed for:

  • All laity who are interested in studying Orthodox Theology through a structured academic program.
  • All Orthodox clergy seeking a structured continuing theological education program (CTE).

Goals

  • To provide students, with an Orthodox theological education through online interactive directed courses, and graded examinations & term papers.
  • To prepare clergy for service to the Church through emphasis on 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 Chicago and Mid-America Diocese and beyond.

Structure and Process

The program is a distance education based diploma program. Reading courses are provided and directed through a sophisticated online course delivery program and mentored by assigned, usually local clergy who provide support, guidance, direction and praxis for the student. Communication between the student and mentor is directed through published syllabi and frequent direct personal contact.

What do I do if I'm interested?

Follow our Admissions link and download our application. Once you have completed the complete application process you can be considered for admission into the program.

Administration

Board of Trustees:
The Diocesan Council of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

Administration:
The Right Reverend Bishop Peter (Lukianov), President
The Very Reverend Father Andrei Papkov, Vice President
The Very Reverend Father Martin Swanson, Dean
Mr. James Whitacre, Assistant Dean–Support Services