At St. Finnian’s we are dedicated to helping all persons, no matter what age, or jurisdiction, to obtain successful completion of seminary studies so that you can move forward in your mission to bring Christ to the Nations, and be selected by your Bishop for ordination. While we cannot guarantee that your Bishop will agree to ordaining you, we can guarantee rates that are affordable and an education that is accessible.
The Seminary was developed as a ministry of the Order of St. Columba. It was approved by His Eminence Nicholas, Archbishop of Detroit and All America, in August 2025 to develop minds and hearts for the ministry of the Diaconate and Priesthood. The Seminary continues this tradition today. The Order’s first priority is to spread the Gospel as St. Finnian of Clonard did, by establishing a House of Studies that will nurture vocations and bring to fruit the glory of Christ.
In order to accomplish this mission the following tuition costs have been determined:
Member of the Order of St. Columba:
$100 a credit hour
Seminarian with approval of Bishop:
$125 a credit hour
Seminarian without approval of a Bishop:
$175 a credit hour
The majority of your Seminary studies are encompassed in three-hour courses and three courses are typically taken a semester for our traditional Priesthood candidates. This would equate to somewhere between $900 – $1575 per semester.
Those individuals who are a part of the Lay Columban Order in at least temporary promises may also receive the member of the Order tuition rate. A chapter of the Lay Columban Order is available at the Seminary for those individuals who are interested in joining.
Men who complete the Diaconate program will receive a diploma and a certificate of Diaconal Seminary studies. Men who complete the Priestly Formation will receive a certificate of Seminary studies and a Master’s of Arts from the Seminary.
Notice on Tuition Costs
At St Finnians’ we do not desire cost to get in the way of acquiring an education. For this reason, if a man has the approval of his Bishop, the seminary will work with the Diocese to make it affordable. We do not believe a vocation should be hindered due to the inability to pay. All such inquiries should be sent to the Rector for consideration.
Note on Class Audits
The seminary, at the request of a Bishop will audit the education of a man based off of previous studies. Previous work will be accepted and the man will be allowed to continue with classes as they are available. This request needs to be made by the Bishop, on the Bishop’s letterhead.
St. Finnian Orthodox Seminary 