Summary
Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary is offering a four-year, on-campus Bachelor of Theology degree as of the fall of 2016. The original five-year B.Th. program has been condensed without eliminating any subjects.
The Bachelor of Theology (HEGIS 2301) is the standard, degree-seeking program offered at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary. This program lays a strong foundation for the study of theology by incorporating both basic courses in humanities and theological disciplines. The B.Th. program intends to prepare candidates for ordination by providing students with theological, liturgical, and pastoral training. Likewise, the program is intended to prepare choir directors and lay leaders for the service of the Orthodox Church.
All classes are taught in English.
Program Objectives
Holy Trinity Seminary identifies the following program objectives or learning outcomes, seeking to equip its B.Th. students, upon graduation, to be able to:
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Read and interpret Holy Scriptures in the light of the Orthodox, patristic tradition in order to proclaim the Gospel with knowledge and understanding;
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Possess a broad knowledge of Orthodox Christian theology, history, and pastoral disciplines and learn to apply this learning in pastoral work;
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Acquire and develop an understanding of history, literature, philosophy, other humanities and cultural context through the theological perspective of the Orthodox Christian teaching;
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Have a thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of liturgical services of the Orthodox Church, and be able to celebrate them “decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:40) in accordance with the Orthodox tradition;
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Have sufficient competence in Russian and Church Slavonic languages in order to be able to serve the bilingual communities of the Russian Church Abroad.
Degree Requirements
The degree of Bachelor of Theology is awarded annually at the close of the spring semester at the recommendation of the Faculty Council. The degree will be awarded upon the completion of the degree requirements which include:
- Successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours in coursework and of all required courses with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C);
- Successful completion of the B.Th. comprehensive examination;
- Completion of the field education (practicum) component of the B.Th. curriculum;
- A satisfactory record of attendance at church services, as shown in the grade for Practical Liturgics.
Comprehensive Examinations
In the spring semester of their final year of studies, all B.Th. students must pass a comprehensive examination, comprising both written and oral components. The comprehensive examination is meant to assess a student’s knowledge of theological disciplines and practical liturgics, and his ability to use this knowledge in pastoral situations. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination is required for graduation from the Seminary.
Honors Thesis Option
In their senior year, B.Th. students may elect to write an Honors Thesis under the direction of a faculty member. An Honors Thesis is an extended research paper about 35 pages in length on a topic in Orthodox theology, Church history, liturgy, or pastoral practice. A student is eligible to write an Honors Thesis if he shows a good academic promise and if his cumulative GPA at the end of his junior year is 3.4 or higher. The topic of the thesis is determined in coordination with the student’s chosen Honors Thesis advisor, who makes a recommendation to the Dean.
The thesis topic should be clearly indicated on the Thesis Approval Form, submitted to the Office of the Dean and bearing the signature of the thesis advisor. The decision to allow a student to write an Honors Thesis rests with the Dean of the Seminary.
Two copies of the final version of the thesis must be submitted to the Office of the Dean no later than Friday of the tenth week in the spring semester. Copies of the thesis shall be distributed to the thesis advisor and the second reader, who will read the thesis and award their respective grades. The student’s final (combined) thesis grade will be recorded on his transcript.
Successful completion of an Honors Thesis results in one course credit (with grade) and renders a student eligible for higher honors at graduation (see above) and for a “Commendation for Thesis” issued by the Faculty Council, if the combined grade for the thesis equals A. Thesis of substandard or unacceptable quality render a student ineligible for any honors.
A note about Russian Language
Russian Language education remains an integral part of HTOS' theological and pastoral education, and students are required to complete three years of Russian lanuage studies. These courses assume no prior knowledge of Russian.
For information about the application process, tuition and fees for the Bachelor of Theology Degree program, please visit our admissions page located at here.
At the discretion of the administration, a student may be allowed to complete up to sixty credits in self-study status, and not more than half of the credits required for graduation. However, on account of the fact that the final-year courses are the most critical to a seminary education, the final year of seminary may not be completed in self-study status.
Please find below a list of the courses offered for the Bachelor of Theology degree.
Fall
- RUS 101, First Year Russian
- ENG 107, English
- AML, Applied Music and Liturgics (rotating workshop)
- CHOIR Weekly workshop
- CS 105, Church Slavonic
- THEO 149, Foundations of Theology
Spring
- RUS 102, First Year Russian
- HIST 122, Russian History
- AML, Applied Music and Liturgics (rotating workshop)
- CHOIR Weekly practicum
- CS 205, Church Slavonic
- HUM 101 World History and Civilization
Fall
- RUS 201, Second Year Russian
- HIST 213, World History
- BIBLE 331, Old Testament
- CS 206, Church Slavonic
- AML, Applied Music and Liturgics (rotating workshop)
- CHOIR Weekly workshop
Spring
- RUS 202, Second Year Russian
- PHILO 266, History of Philosophy
- BIBLE 332, Old Testament
- RUS 216, Russian Literature & Culture
- AML, Applied Music and Liturgics (rotating workshop)
- CHOIR Weekly workshop
Fall
- HIST 319, Church History
- PHILO 365, Byzantine Philosophy
- BIBLE 333, New Testament
- GREEK 311, Biblical & Liturgical Greek
- AML, Applied Music and Liturgics (rotating workshop)
- CHOIR Weekly workshop
Spring
- HIST 320, Church History
- THEO 352, Dogmatic Theology
- BIBLE 334, New Testament
- GREEK 312, Biblical & Liturgical Greek
- AML, Applied Music and Liturgics (rotating workshop)
- CHOIR Weekly workshop
Fall
- PAST 453, Pastoral Theology
- PAST 417, Field Education Practicum (no credits)
- PAST 413, Homiletics
- HIST 225, Russian Church History
- THEO 456 Moral Theology
- PATR 435, Patrology
- AML, Applied Music and Liturgics (rotating workshop)
- CHOIR Weekly workshop
Spring
- PAST 454, Pastoral Theology
- PAST 418 Field Education Practicum (no credits)
- THEO 418, Homiletics
- HIST 226, Russian Church History
- THEO 456, Moral Theology
- THEO 425, Canon Law
- AML, Applied Music and Liturgics (rotating workshop)
- CHOIR Weekly workshop
- Thesis (Optional)
Russian 101-102
Credits: 3 credits/semester
Ms. Elizabeth Purdy
Russian 101-102 function as a comprehensive program for the study of Russian language and culture. The course focuses on proficiency in the following skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing, as well as on the building blocks of grammar and vocabulary. The course is taught with a communicative, process-oriented approach in compliance with ACTFL’s Oral Proficiency Guidelines and the 5C’s of the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning.
Church Slavonic 105-106
Credits: 3 credits/semester
Ms. Elizabeth Purdy
The course introduces students to Church Slavonic alphabet and numerical system. Upon the development of initial vocabulary, the students are engaged in intensive practice in reading with reference to English translations to develop comprehension.
English 107
Credits: 4 credits
Mr. Edward F. Novis
English Composition and Literature. This is a first-year college-level English course that integrates literature and composition. The course includes a survey of English literature which the students access through close reading and analysis of a selection of representative texts. The students will also be taught different modes of writing, with special emphasis on developing a thesis and on formal rules of English grammar.
Applied Music and Liturgics plus the All-Seminary Choir
Credits: 2 credits
The Rev. Deacon Nicholas Kotar, The V. Rev. Archimandrite Theophylact (Clapper-DeWell), Mrs. Anastassia Kotar
This series of eight workshops plus the weekly All-Seminary Choir rehearsal course introduces students to the Liturgics and Orthodox ecclesiastical musicianship, including the memorization of the eight tones and basic principles of voice production.
Russian History 122
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Deacon Andrei Psarev
This course offers a survey of the history of Russia from the beginning of the Russian state to the modern period. The course specifically focuses on the period of the Tatar yoke, Time of Troubles, the development of the Muscovite state, and the reforms of Peter the Great. The course concludes with the analysis of the Revolution of 1917, the Civil War, and the impact of the Revolution on the Russian people and culture, including the Russian diaspora.
Foundations of Theology 149
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. John Malcom
The course offers an introduction to the principles of Orthodox theology and spiritual life for the first-year students. The course includes the survey of the Scriptures, sacred history, basic catechism, structure and content of the divine services, and the foundations of spirituality.
World History and Civilization
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. John Malcom
World History and Civilization will give students a broad overview of major events that have shaped world history from the Punic Wars to modern day. Particular attention will be given to primary sources from each major time period to help students put events in context.
Church Slavonic 205
Credits: 3 credits
Ms. Elizabeth Purdy
This is a practical course that trains students to articulate and understand Church Slavonic liturgical texts. Students learn vocabulary items and master fundamental grammar topics in the context of authentic liturgical texts. Special attention is given to festal troparia and Gospel readings, which are often presented in an order that corresponds to the Orthodox liturgical calendar. Students also memorize basic Church Slavonic prayers.
Prerequisite: Church Slavonic 105-106.
Second Year
Russian 201-202
Credits: 3 credits
Ms. Elizabeth Purdy
Russian 201 and 202 follow from 101/102 in continuing to develop proficiency in the following skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing, as well as on the building blocks of grammar and vocabulary. Russian 201/201, taught primarily in Russian, function as a comprehensive program for the study of Russian language and culture. The course is taught with a communicative, process-oriented approach in compliance with ACTFL’s Oral Proficiency Guidelines and the 5C’s of the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning.
Prerequisite: Russian 101-102.
Church Slavonic 206
Credits: 3 credits
Ms. Elizabeth Purdy
This is a practical course that trains students to articulate and understand Church Slavonic liturgical texts. Students learn vocabulary items and master fundamental grammar topics in the context of authentic liturgical texts. Special attention is given to festal troparia and Gospel readings, which are often presented in an order that corresponds to the Orthodox liturgical calendar. Students also memorize basic Church Slavonic prayers.
Prerequisite: Church Slavonic 205.
World History and Civilization 213
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Deacon Andrei Psarev
The course offers a survey of ancient and medieval history, with emphasis on the pivotal events, processes and attitudes in Byzantium from 313 to 1453, including discussions of philosophy, Church art and literature. This course provides a foundation for the study of Church History by focusing on socio-political events in the history of Eastern Roman Empire.
Russian Literature and Culture 216
Credits: 3 credits
The Most Rev. Bishop Luke
The course is an introductory survey of Russian literature, both ecclesiastical and secular, from the baptism of Russia to the “Golden Age” classical Russian authors. Specific focus is made on the 18th-19th century writers and major literary trends of this period. The classical Russian writers and poets are given special attention, including Pushkin, Gogol, Lermontov, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy.
Philosophy 266
Credits: 2 credits
Mr Edward F. Novis
History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy. This course offers an historical overview of most important philosophical themes in the work of the prominent Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and Roman Catholic philosophers. Topics include the study of humanity, the cosmos, divinity, and the relationship between them (e.g. human individuality, origin of cosmos, participation in the divine, etc.).
Old Testament 331
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. John Boddecker
Pentateuch and Historical Books. The course introduces students to the books of the Scriptures of the Old Testament, focusing specifically on the structure, history, content, composition, and patristic exegesis of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) and the historical books of the Bible.
Old Testament 332
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. John Boddecker
Prophets and Writings. The course introduces students to the books of the Scriptures of the Old Testament, focusing specifically on the structure, history, content, composition, and patristic interpretation of the Psalms, ethical books (Proverbs, Wisdom of Solomon, etc.), and the books of the Prophets. The messianic theme in the Prophets (esp. Isaiah) and the liturgical use of the Old Testament Scriptures are given special attention.
Prerequisite: Old Testament 331.
Applied Music and Liturgics plus the All-Seminary Choir
Credits: 2 credits
The Rev. Deacon Nicholas Kotar, The V. Rev. Archimandrite Theophylact (Clapper-DeWell), Mrs. Anastassia Kotar
This series of eight workshops plus the weekly All-Seminary Choir rehearsal course introduces students to the Liturgics and Orthodox ecclesiastical musicianship, including the memorization of the eight tones and basic principles of voice production.
Third Year
Russian 301-302
Credits: 3 credits/semester
Ms. Elizabeth Purdy
Russian III. Conducted primarily in Russian, this course focuses on discussion, reading, vocabulary acquisition, and grammar review. The course is taught with a communicative, process-oriented approach in compliance with ACTFL’s Oral Proficiency Guidelines and the 5C’s of the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning.
Prerequisite: Russian 101-102, Russian 201-202.
Church History 319
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Demetrios Harper
Early Christianity and Byzantine Church. The course traces the development of the Church from the New Testament period until the end of the Byzantine period (1453). The study focuses on the history and theology of the seven Ecumenical Councils and the Schism of 1054. The establishment and historical role of the Patriarchate of Constantinople is also addressed in this course.
Church History 320
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Demetrios Harper
Orthodox Church in the Modern Period. The course examines the history and development of Orthodox churches after the fall of Byzantium in 1453 until the modern times. The course explores the relations between the Church and state, struggle against Papal expansion, and the response of Orthodoxy to the challenges of the Reformation.
Prerequisite: Church History 419.
Biblical and Liturgical Greek 311
Credits: 3 credits
The Very Rev. Hegumen Cyprian
Introduction to Biblical and Liturgical Greek grammar and vocabulary, with emphasis on translation and exegesis. Texts include excerpts from Gospels, Acts and Epistles, Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Prophecies as well as the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and other material from the Divine Services.
Biblical and Liturgical Greek 312
Credits: 3 credits
The Very Rev. Hegumen Cyprian
Biblical and Liturgical Greek II. Introduction to Biblical and Liturgical Greek grammar and vocabulary, with emphasis on translation and exegesis. Texts include excerpts from Gospels, Acts and Epistles, Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Prophecies as well as the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and other material from the Divine Services.
Prerequisite: Biblical and Liturgical Greek 311.
New Testament 333
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. John Boddecker
Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. The course introduces the students into the study of the canonical Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, particularly focusing on the role and the reception of the Gospels in the liturgical, theological, and spiritual life of the Church. The course studies historical, literary, and theological aspects of the individual books of the New Testament, showing the relationships between the texts in presenting together the unique theological vision of the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ.
New Testament 334
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. John Boddecker
Epistles and Revelation. The course introduces the students into the study of the Epistles of St Paul, General Epistles, and the Revelation (Apocalypse) of St John, particularly focusing on the role and the reception of these writings in the liturgical, theological, and spiritual life of the Church. The course studies historical, literary, and theological aspects of the individual books of the New Testament.
Prerequisite: New Testament 333.
Dogmatic Theology 352
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Demetrios Harper
This course is the introduction to the system of dogmatic theology of the Orthodox Church. The course will focus on the exposition of the Orthodox doctrine concerning Scripture and tradition, the knowledge of God, Trinitarian theology, Christology, and ecclesiology. The goal of the course is to acquaint the students with the richness and depth of the Orthodox theological thought, enabling them to proclaim their faith with knowledge and understanding.
Philosophy 365
Credits: 3 credits
Mr Edward F. Novis
Byzantine Philosophy. The course introduces students to a basic philosophical apparatus necessary to understand Byzantine theology and culture. The course thoroughly studies the philosophical works of Nemesius of Emesa (c. 390) and St John of Damascus (d. 749), supplementing those works with the works of other Church Fathers who utilized the Byzantine philosophical framework.
Prerequisite: Philosophy 266.
Applied Music and Liturgics plus the All-Seminary Choir
Credits: 2 credits
The Rev. Deacon Nicholas Kotar, The V. Rev. Archimandrite Theophylact (Clapper-DeWell), Mrs. Anastassia Kotar
This series of eight workshops plus the weekly All-Seminary Choir rehearsal course introduces students to the Liturgics and Orthodox ecclesiastical musicianship, including the memorization of the eight tones and basic principles of voice production.
Fourth Year
Homiletics 417-418
Credits: 1 credit
The Rev. John Malcom
This two-semester course, supplemental to Pastoral Theology 453-454, introduces the students to the theoretical aspects and the technique of Orthodox Christian preaching. The course includes the study of different forms of sermons, as well as hallmarks of Orthodox patristic oratory.
Russian Church History 225
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Deacon Andrei Psarev
Russian Church History I. This course is a survey of the history of the Russian Church from the baptism of Rus until the Old Believer Schism of the 17th century. The primary sources on the Russian church history are studied, and specific turning points are discussed, including the church under the Kievan State and the Tatar Yoke, the establishment of the Moscow Patriarchate, and the reforms of Patriarch Nikon.
Prerequisite: Russian History 122.
Russian Church History 226
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Deacon Andrei Psarev
Russian Church History II. The course offers a survey of the history of the Russian Church from the beginning of the Synodal period until the modern period. The status of the Russian church from Peter the Great until the Revolution of 1917 is given detailed attention. The latter part of the course offers an in-depth study of the major turning points in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
Prerequisite: Russian Church History 225.
Canon Law 425
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Deacon Andrei Psarev
The course introduces the students to the fundamentals of Orthodox canon law, with a focused discussion of the canonical sources concerning Orthodox ecclesiology, the sacrament of marriage, and the ecclesiastical court.
Patrology 435
Credits: 3 credits
Mr. Edward F. Novis
Early and Byzantine Fathers. Study of Apostolic Fathers. Apologists. Major Fathers of the fourth century: their works, biography, teachings, and influence. Study of ascetical writers. Rise of monasticism. Fathers of the Byzantine period. Late Byzantine and Russian fathers up to the present day.
Comparative Theology 448
Credits: 3 credits
Edward Novis
The course offers a comparative survey of major religious denominations, focusing on their historical origins and basic theological principles. In particular, the course studies the origins and doctrinal tenets of Non-Chalcedonian Christianity, Roman Catholicism, and most important branches of Protestantism. The course also introduces students to major non-Christian religions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Pastoral Theology 453
Credits: 3 credits
The Most Rev. Bishop Luke
The course acquaints the students with the traditional teaching of the Orthodox Church concerning pastorship, especially focusing on the ideal of the pastor as presented in the Scriptures and Fathers, and duties and problems of pastoral ministry. Relationship between pastor and parish are thoroughly examined.
Pastoral Theology 454
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. John Malcom
The course, continuing further the exploration of the themes of Pastoral Theology 453, seeks to teach the students theological perspective and practical skills to equip them for their future pastoral ministry in a parish.
Prerequisite: Pastoral Theology 453.
Moral Theology 456
Credits: 3 credits
The Rev. Demetrios Harper
This course is an examination of the dogmatic principles of moral theology from the perspective of the teaching of the Church Fathers. The concepts of moral law, virtue, sin, Christian relationship with self, family, neighbour, and the state are explored from the patristic and ecclesiological point of view.
