St Finnian’s has two programs currently available for Bishops that are seeking clerical formation for their seminarians and candidates. Priestly programs culminate in a Master’s of Arts. These programs are unaccredited programs, but follow the same curriculum models as other M. Art programs. We hope to acquire accreditation in the future.

Deacon Candidate Curriculum (Two-Year Program)

Those interested in beginning their formation into the clerical life are required to commit to a two year program that will prepare them for service in the Church. This program is for both Deacons and Deaconesses.

Year 1, Semester 1

1. Introduction to Orthodox Theology
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos Ware
     • The Faith: Understanding Orthodox Christianity by Clark Carlton
2. Liturgical Theology I
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Heavenly Banquet by Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis
     • Introduction to Liturgical Theology by Alexander Schmemann
3. Old Testament Survey
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Orthodox Study Bible
     • The Bible and the Holy Fathers by Johanna Manley

Semester 2

1. Liturgical Theology II
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Eucharist: Sacrament of the Kingdom by Alexander Schmemann
     • For the Life of the World by Alexander Schmemann
2. Patristics I
   • Recommended Books:
     • On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius
     • The Roots of Christian Mysticism by Olivier Clément
3. Pastoral Care and Diaconal Ministry
   • Recommended Books:
     • Orthodox Pastor: A Guide to Pastoral Theology by Archbishop John Shahovskoy

Year 2 Semester 1

1. New Testament Survey
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Orthodox Study Bible
     • The New Testament: An Orthodox Perspective by Theodore G. Stylianopoulos
2. Canon Law for Deacons
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Rudder (Pedalion) by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain
     • Orthodox Canon Law by Patrick Viscuso
3. Homiletics I
   • Recommended Books:
     • On the Priesthood by St. John Chrysostom
     • The Homilies by St. Gregory Palamas

Semester 2

1. Spirituality and Prayer
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus
     • Beginning to Pray by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
2. Practical Liturgical Training
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Deacon’s Service Book by Hapgood
     • The Typikon Decoded by Archbishop Job Getcha

Four-Year Curriculum for Priests

This program is designed to provide a comprehensive theological education, liturgical training, and pastoral formation for candidates preparing for the priesthood. The curriculum integrates academic excellence, spiritual growth, and practical ministry experience. Those who are coming from the Diaconate will have their course schedules aligned with classes already taken in the diaconal course. In total, it should take 6-7 years to complete clerical training.

Year 1

Semester 1

1. Dogmatic Theology I
   • Topics: Trinity, Christology, and the doctrines of the Ecumenical Councils.
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos Ware
     • The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church by Vladimir Lossky
2. Liturgical Theology I
   • Topics: Introduction to the structure and theology of the Divine Liturgy.
   • Recommended Books:
     • For the Life of the World by Alexander Schmemann
     • The Eucharist: Sacrament of the Kingdom by Alexander Schmemann
3. Biblical Greek I
   • Topics: Basics of biblical Greek for scriptural study.
   • Recommended Books:
     • Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics by Daniel B. Wallace
     • Essentials of New Testament Greek by Ray Summers

Semester 2

1. Dogmatic Theology II
   • Topics: The Incarnation, theosis, and eschatology.
   • Recommended Books:
     • Orthodox Dogmatic Theology by Fr. Michael Pomazansky
     • Christ in Eastern Christian Thought by John Meyendorff
2. Patristics I
   • Topics: Theology of the Apostolic Fathers and early ecumenical councils.
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Apostolic Fathers: An Introduction by Fr. Andrew Louth
     • On the Trinity by St. Gregory of Nyssa
3. Biblical Greek II
   • Topics: Intermediate syntax and reading New Testament texts.

Year 2

Semester 1

1. Liturgical Theology II
   • Topics: Sacraments and Great Feasts in Orthodox worship.
   • Recommended Books:
     • Introduction to Liturgical Theology by Alexander Schmemann
     • The Eucharist: Sacrament of the Kingdom by Alexander Schmemann
2. Pastoral Theology I
   • Topics: Counseling, confessions, and spiritual guidance.
   • Recommended Books:
     • Pastoral Care by St. Gregory the Great
     • Confession and Spiritual Guidance by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
3. Canon Law I
   • Topics: Canonical traditions and their pastoral application.
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Rudder (Pedalion) by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain
     • Orthodox Canon Law by Patrick Viscuso

Semester 2

1. Church History I
   • Topics: The Apostolic Church and early centuries.
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Orthodox Church by Bishop Kallistos Ware
     • Church History by Eusebius of Caesarea
2. Homiletics I
   • Topics: Crafting and delivering sermons.
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Art of Preaching by Gregory the Theologian
     • On the Priesthood by St. John Chrysostom
3. Latin
   • Topics: Basics of Latin for New Testament reading and theological study.

Year 3

Semester 1

1. Sacramental Theology I
   • Topics: Theology of baptism, chrismation, and Eucharist.
   • Recommended Books:
     • Mystagogy by St. Maximus the Confessor
     • The Life in Christ by St. Nicholas Cabasilas
2. Liturgical Practicum I
   • Topics: Leading liturgical services with proficiency.
3. Church History II
   • Topics: Byzantine era and Orthodox missions.

Semester 2

1. Sacramental Theology II
   • Topics: Theology of marriage, ordination, and anointing of the sick.
   • Recommended Books:
     • The Sacrament of Love by Paul Evdokimov
     • The Anointing of the Sick by Jean-Claude Larchet
2. Homiletics II
   • Topics: Advanced preaching techniques and thematic sermons.
3. Latin II
   • Topics: Intermediate Latin for theological study and biblical exegesis.

Year 4

Semester 1

1. Pastoral Theology II
   • Topics: Advanced pastoral care, conflict resolution, and parish administration.
   • Recommended Books:
     • Orthodox Pastor: A Guide to Pastoral Theology by Archbishop John Shahovskoy
     • The Priest as Liturgist and Pastor by Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos
2. Liturgical Practicum II
   • Topics: Mastery of liturgical services, including hierarchical liturgies.
3. Church History III
   • Topics: Modern Orthodox Church history and contemporary challenges.

Semester 2

1. Mission and Evangelism
   • Topics: Orthodox approaches to mission and outreach.
   • Recommended Books:
     • Orthodox Missionary Work Today by Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos
     • The Mission of the Orthodox Church in Today’s World (Encyclical of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church)
2. Capstone Project
   • Topics: A comprehensive research project or practical ministry initiative.
3. Spiritual Formation and Retreat
   • Topics: Preparing spiritually for ordination and lifelong ministry.

This curriculum provides a robust and comprehensive formation for priestly candidates, ensuring they are well-equipped for their sacred ministry. 

Anglican Studies Certificate

This certificate allows studies in the Anglican Spirituality and tradition. Specifically, this certificate was developed for those men who are practicing the Western rite according to the American Missal. While all Liturgical Practicums are done in the Western rite primarily at our Seminary, this certificate delves deeper into the intricacies of the Anglican rite of Sarum and the Divine Liturgy of St Tikhon, both of which are approved for use in the Orthodox Church. More information on specific classes coming soon.