Diaconal Program • Philadelphia
St. Tikhon’s Seminary Announces Enrollment into Diaconal Formation and Parish Leadership Training Program

 

Philadelphia, PA

St. Tikhon’s Seminary is opening enrollment into its Diaconal Formation and Parish Leadership Training Program held in Philadelphia, PA. This program is designed for laypeople who are seeking to play an active role in the life of their parishes.

The program offers two educational tracks. The first track (Diaconal Formation) is structured to satisfy the educational requirements of ordination into the Diaconate and provides classes and training sessions for men who are discerning their call of serving at the altar.

The second track (Parish Leadership Training) is intended for faithful men and women, who would like to deepen their knowledge of Orthodox theology and spiritual life to be more effective in their ministry in the Church. Particularly, Parish Leadership Training is designed to be helpful to those serving on the parish council, conducting catechetical instruction, teaching Sunday School, leading youth activities, assisting with church services, participating in the choir, or undertaking any responsibility in the parish life that can benefit from deeper knowledge of Orthodox Theology, Spirituality and Liturgy.

The program takes place on Saturdays over the course of two years from September to May and is hosted at St. Stephen’s Orthodox Cathedral in North-East Philadelphia, PA. It consists of two 3-hour courses per semester (a total of 24 hours), that are comparable to the course work offered at St. Tikhon’s Seminary during the first year of studies. Most of the classwork is shared between those enrolled in both tracks. The participants of the Diaconal Formation track are also given an opportunity to participate in special training sessions and to help at the Divine Liturgy and Vespers.

In addition to the on-site training, starting with the Fall of 2018, the courses of the program will be available through on-line access to those who do not live close enough to Philadelphia to commute once a week. This on-line training will be accomplished through video conferencing and will require participants to be actively engaged in the discussion during the time when classes are being held.

Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, the director of the program, remarks: “The extended program of St. Tikhon’s Seminary provides a wonderful opportunity for dedicated Orthodox faithful of our area to learn more about Theology, Scripture and Liturgy. This program is ideal for those who have full-time employment but are interested in a seminary-level education. In contrast with correspondence courses, it provides participants with an important formational aspect by students being together for both prayer and classes, and spending time in fellowship with each other.”

For any questions about the program, please contact Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk at 215-745-3232 or send an email to dean@ststephenscathedral.org


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