Academics | St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

John BarnetAssociate Dean for Academic Affairs

Welcome! Read about Our Vision of Theological Education

Theology and education for ministry are not simply academic pursuits. They involve the entire person, not just the intellect. At St Vladimir's, academic study is important, just as it is at any institution of higher learning. But an Orthodox theological education is more than that. Indeed, there are several interrelated components to a theological education that are necessary to train future leaders and servants of the Church. Yet before these can even be identified, we must acknowledge a fundamental reality: there is no formula for what it takes to train a successful and faithful minister of the Church. Not all good pastors are brilliant academicians. Not all church leaders are great orators. Not all ministers are superb liturgical celebrants. Still, this does not mean that any of these skills can be dispensed with. Rather, they all play a complementary role in the cultivation of pastors, educators, and leaders in the Church, even if the degree to which these skills take root will vary considerably depending on the student.

Programs of Study

The Master of Divinity (HEGIS 2301) may be described in the most general terms as a graduate professional degree whose purpose is preparation for the ministries of the Church. At St Vladimir's the degree program is designed chiefly for qualified Orthodox students who wish to prepare themselves for ordination to priestly ministry in the Orthodox Church, though it also provides appropriate preparation for other forms of church service and for graduate study in theology and related disciplines.

The Master of Arts program in general theological studies (HEGIS 2301) is intended for those wishing to explore the major academic areas within the theological curriculum without the professional preparation demanded of M.Div. candidates. It can provide appropriate preparation for further graduate study in theology or simply a framework for lay theological study on a disciplined basis. It does not provide the educational qualifications needed for priestly ordination. Students considering ordination therefore are directed to the M.Div. program.

The Master of Theology program (HEGIS 2301) seeks to encourage scholarly research and reflection in Orthodox theology. It is intended for qualified Orthodox students from America or abroad who wish to prepare for higher-level studies, teaching, and research, and for qualified non-Orthodox students who wish to specialize in Orthodox studies.

NOTE: St. Vladimir's Seminary is not admitting students to the DMin program at this time pending completion and approval of program revisions. We hope to complete this process by September 2013.

The Doctor of Ministry degree at St. Vladimir's Seminary enhances the practice of ministry for ordained and lay ministers in the Orthodox Church. The program integrates enhanced competencies in pastoral analysis with skills necessary to lead students to an advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of ministry. Working in communities of teachers and learners, the students gain deeper knowledge about the practice of serving others in Christian love as they grow in spiritual maturity as ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Meet the Faculty

Richard Schneider

Visiting Professor of Hermeneutics and Liturgical Art

Very Rev. Alexander Rentel

Assistant Professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies and The John and Paraskeva Skvir Lecturer in Practical Theology, x369

Dr. Albert S. Rossi

Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology, x362

Dr. John Barnet

Associate Professor of New Testament, x313

Meet all the faculty »