For more information email us at: theology@balamand.edu.lb

• FACULTY LIST

• AIMS & DECREES OF THE INSTITUTE

• THE PREPARATORY YEAR

• THE B.A. IN ORTHODOX THEOLOGY

• THE M.Th. IN PASTORAL STUDIES PROGRAM

• The M.A. in Applied Orthodox Theology

• STUDENT LIFE

• THE LIBRARY

·        Full Time Faculty Members (CLICK ON EACH NAME TO READ THEIR PROFILE)

Monastic "askysis" (exercise and training) is the spiritual path that determines the context in which students grow, whether they prepare themselves for a monastic life or pastoral duties. For this reason, they practice community prayers and seek the guidance of spiritual fathers. The Institute is a center for teaching and theological research. It is committed to rediscover and revive the Eastern Christian heritage and that of Antioch in particular.

The Institute is aware of the centrality of knowing the Eastern Christian heritage in Greek, Syriac, and Arabic. In its historical studies, the Institute is particularly interested in Near East civilizations and their connection with the Antiochian legacy in light of their relevance to the understanding of the early foundations of Christianity. The Institute also focuses on the study of Islam in all its aspects.

The pastoral training and the pastoral studies program aim at orienting priests and laypersons to the application of theological categories in the modern world and to face contemporary problems and issues within the ministry of the Church. The Institute organizes pastoral activities in cooperation with the Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand and in the various dioceses at the request of their bishops.

The Institute of Theology is an academic and ecclesiastical institution under the auspices of the Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchate.

It is an institution of higher learning in the field of Orthodox Theology, founded by decision of the Holy Synod on 14 October 1969. Its legal existence is based on the decision of the Council for Higher Learning in Lebanon on 2 December 1974, the approval of the Lebanese Council of Ministers on 28 January 1975, and Decree No. 9764 issued by the President of the Lebanese Republic on 26 February 1975.

The Institute is incorporated in the University of Balamand under Decree No. 4885 issued by the President of the Lebanese Republic on 4 June 1988.

The function of the Institute is to provide Orthodox theological teaching. Its aims include promoting theological knowledge and human thought, serving the Church, contributing to the propagation of the Christian message, the enrichment of human civilization, and the realization of spiritual development in the Orthodox Church of Antioch.

The preparatory year consists of 3 semesters and is a prerequisit for all candidates to the B.A. program in Orthodox Theology. It is an initiation to the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church and to her doctrine. Spiritual retreats and the guidance of spiritual fathers set up the milestones in the formation of the candidate. Academically, the student attends intensive courses of Arabic, Modern Greek and English languages. During the summer semester the Institute offers intensive Modern Greek and Church Music courses in Greece in combination with visits to monasteries and spiritual resources. A mentored reading of the Bible, and many other initiation courses are also required.

 

1. The curriculum covers three academic years.

2. The academic year is made up of three semesters for the preparatory, first and second year, and of two semesters for the last year. The first semester begins on Monday of the first week of October and ends in mid-February. The second semester begins in mid-February and ends in mid- June. The third semester begins in late June and ends in mid-September. The Institute’s Council may revise these dates when necessary.

3. The Institute’s Council sets the dates of examinations at the end of each semester.

4. Each credit hour consists of 15 class hours per semester.

5.  Each course consists of one or more credit hours.

6. The curriculum determines courses, their distribution, and the number of credit hours per course.

7. The Institute’s Council, upon the recommendation of the Faculty Council defines the general content of various courses.

8.  All courses are required unless a student is exempted by a decision of the Institute’s Council .

The Institute accepts applicants in accordance with its rules.

Tuition, board, and lodging are free of charge for anyone willing to commit himself / herself to pastoral and educational work in the Church or to prepare himself for priesthood as confirmed by a recommendation letter sent by the canonical ecclesial authority (bishop or monastery abbot).

The Institute’s Council determines fees paid by students who do not fall under the guidelines above.

Living on campus is compulsory. The Institute’s Council may make exemptions to this, depending on a number of considerations. But, in all circumstances, students are to maintain a continuous relationship with the Institute in order to abide by its regulations and share in all responsibilities.

The applicant is required to provide the following items:

a) A photocopy of the Identity Card.

b) A copy of the Lebanese Baccalaureate or its equivalent.

c) Judicial record (for applicants other than clerics).

d) Two passport photographs.

e) A recommendation letter from the canonical ecclesial authority (bishop or monastery abbot).

f) An application form for admission.

g) A personal letter stating the reasons for joining the Institute.

The Dean appoints the Admissions Committee. The Committee studies applications, sets up entrance examinations, and recommends admission to the Institute’s Council.

a) Lebanese Baccalaureate or its equivalent.

b) Passing the entrance examination.

c) Approval of a medical committee appointed by the Institute.

The Admissions Committee, chaired by the Dean, sets up an entrance examination in accordance with the following requirements:

a) A good knowledge of Arabic.

b) An adequate knowledge of English enabling the student to follow lectures and use reference material.

c) Adequate spiritual education and an awareness of basic Christian doctrine.

d) Adequate general education and intellectual maturity. The Dean and the Institute’s Council may add other requirements in line with Institute rules and objectives.

The entrance examination involves two parts: a written examination and an oral interview with the Dean or a member of the committee delegated by the Dean.

Failure in the entrance examination may lead to refusal or to acceptance to a preparatory year that is intended to qualify students for regular admission. The program of this year is determined in the curriculum.

Students who fulfill the above requirements are officially accepted. During the preparatory year, they are on probation. Their final acceptance depends on:

a) Their academic record.

b) Their disciplined life in the Institute.

c) An evaluation of their behavior.

Female Students reside off campus in agreement with the Institute’s administration. However, they fully take part in the in-campus student life.

The Institute admits auditors to one or more courses provided that they fulfill the requirements for admission. They are given a statement indicating their attendance in the courses they followed.

Registration takes place annually during the second half of June and the second half of September. Entrance examinations are held during the week preceding the beginning of the academic year. Each registered student is issued an identification card signed by the Dean.

101 Introduction to the New Testament
The general history and major features of Hellenistic culture and society, the rise of Rome, the history of its institutions, and its relationship with Hellenistic culture. Religions of the Greco-Roman world. The main philosophical trends. The history of Judaism during the Greco-Roman period. The Jews, Hellenistic culture, and the Roman state. The socio-economic situation. Jewish groups of the period. The main intellectual, religious, and political trends within Judaism. Jewish institutions. Jewish literature up to the beginning of the second century AD. The main historical sources for the study of the life of Jesus, New Testament events, and the primitive Christian Community. The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the Hellenistic and Judaic background of the New Testament.

The history of traditions in the primitive Church : their formation and development up to their final incorporation in the New Testament writings. The context in which each book was written, its most important theological thesis, its structure, and the way it is integrated within the history of the primitive Church.

The main issues raised by modern criticism. The history of the formation and transmission of the Book as a whole. An introduction to the different literary forms and their functions.

102 New Testament Exegesis I (Matthew - Mark)
A study of the synoptic tradition through the exegesis of passages chosen in sequence from Matthew and/or Mark. The student is thereby introduced into the methods of redaction by styles and theological approaches proper to each of the two evangelists. A comparison is made between parallel passages as found generally within the synoptic tradition.

103 New Testament Exegesis II (Luke - Acts)
A study of Luke – Acts through the exegesis of selected passages chosen in sequence. The student is exposed to the general approach of the third evangelist and the method he uses, the principal thought lines guiding his composition and redaction, and the basic issues dealt with in the two books.

104 New Testament Exegesis III (Johannine Literature)
The student is introduced to Johanine literature through the detailed study of the Gospel of John, the Revelation, or the Johanine Epistles. The course also includes a study of the distinctive literary methods, theological approaches, and issues raised in the book selected for study, as they are identified through the composition and the use of specific literary signals.

105 New Testament Exegesis IV (Pauline Corpus)
The exegesis of selected passages from the Corpus Paulinum (the apostle Paul and his school), Chosen in sequence to highlight the main theological issues raised in the Corpus as a whole. The course traces the development in perspective resulting from the changing circumstances that necessitated the writing of each epistle. I and II Thessalonians, I and II Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians are within the scope of the course.

106 Introduction to the Old Testament
The history of civilizations in the ancient Eastern Mediterranean region: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Asia Minor, and the Mediterranean basin from the beginning of the Bronze Age to the fourth century BC, constituting the socio-cultural setting for the rise and formation of the traditions and writings of the Old Testament. Special attention is given to the Canaanite background, which directly influenced these traditions, and the elements that bring into relief the political and religious institutions of the Old Testament, such as kingship, law, and mythology.

Introduction to the background and history of the Old Testament (including the history of Israel and Judah). The circumstances of the redaction of each book, its principal theses, structure, content and role within the Old Testament, and its function within the intellectual and theological trajectory of the Old Testament towards the New Testament. The main issues raised by modern criticism. The history of the formation and transmission of the Book as a whole. The student is introduced to the dynamics governing the rise and development of traditions and to the various literary forms and their functions.

Methodologies of research and analysis.

107 Old Testament Exegesis I (Pentateuch)
A study of the constituent traditions of Pentateuch and the Historical Books and the methods used in their composition and redaction in light of what is known about the literature and the literary forms of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean. The course also includes a presentation of the main theses of the books and the approaches followed (Creation, Exodus, Torah, and Covenant). The work of the Deuteronomic school on the Historical Books as regards the positions it takes vis-à-vis the kingship and the prophetic movement is also explored.

A study of the prophetic movement in ancient Israel and Judah from Amos up to the post-exilic prophets. Passages from these books shedding light on the development brought about by the prophetic word regarding basic concepts in ancient Israel are presented and analyzed in detail. The course also focuses on the distinctive features in the teaching of each prophet on important issues such as kingship, the temple, the word of God, the prophetic call, the freedom of Yahweh, the Torah, and judgment. Special emphasis is put on the book of Amos.

109 Old Testament Exegesis III (Wisdom Literature)
The student is introduced to the characteristics of certain groups of Psalms, such as the messianic and the historical and those that are centered on kingship of Yahweh. Basic issues such as the concept of kingship and the relationship between history and liturgy are dealt with. Questions arising from the study of wisdom literature are also discussed, including those of the meaning and scope of wisdom, as well as the functional role of this group of books as a part of the Old Testament and as a preparation for the New Testament.

110 Old Testament Hebrew Grammar I
The basic grammatical rules of Biblical Hebrew in preparation for the reading and translation of the texts of the Old Testament. Special attention is given to the conjugation of verbs and the analysis of their forms.

111 Old Testament Hebrew Grammar II
The translation of selected passages from the Old Testament, starting with narrative passages up to prophetic and poetic passages from the prophetic books, the wisdom books, and the Psalms. Upon completion of this course, the student is expected to translate and study passages from the Old Testament using the dictionary and discerning their linguistic particularities.

112 New Testament Greek Grammar I
A study of the basic rules of grammar and syntax of New Testament Greek. The student is initiated into vocabulary and verbal roots of this language and is helped to acquire a basic knowledge of its phonetic rules and grammatical structures. Upon the completion of this course the student can, with the help of a dictionary, begin reading texts from the New Testament.

113 New Testament Greek Grammar II
Analytic reading and translation of selected texts from the New Testament. The student is trained to use basic linguistic tools. A systematic study of New Testament vocabulary is begun. The course begins with texts from the Gospel of Mark and gradually moves on to more difficult gospel texts, comparing linguistically parallel texts.

200 Introduction to Spiritual Life
Definition, importance, and the potential of fulfillment. The obstacles that keep man at a distance from the spiritual life. The student's internal spiritual life and life in commitment. The spiritual significance of the church's life, prayers, and sacraments. Liberation from human passions. The three stages of the spiritual life: dispassion, illumination, and deification. Distinctive features of Orthodox spirituality.

201 Introduction to Christian Doctrine
This course will deal with the concept of doctrine and with that of faith and the relation between faith and science. It also examines the Greek cultural and philosophical background for the doctrinal language. It will study the relation between the Divine revelation and the Divine economy for our salvation.

202 Dogmatics I
Sources of dogmatic and comparative theology. Study of the Creed and of the teaching of the Ecumenical Councils. The relation between doctrines and life.

203 Dogmatics II
This course will deal with issues like : God and Manhood Christ (creation, fall), the Person and Office of Jesus, (incarnation, and redemption, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, pentecost), the Church and the sacraments, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

204 Dogmatics III
This course will discuss modern theological thought : main theological issues and main contemporary orthodox theologians.

205 Western Theology
This course studies the main Western Fathers especially Augustine. It examines the most important historical moments in the Western Church and her most important Councils. It also deals with the Reformation movement (Lutheran and other) and its developments and its trends.

206 History of Dogmas
· Dogma in the early church: the Apostolic times, the Fathers in the first three centuries, and the Ecumenical Councils.
· Dogma in the Middle Ages: main features of western dogmatic theology up to Luther. Dogmatic theology in the East up to the fall of Constantinople.
· Dogma in modern times: emergence of its main trends. Roman Catholic and Protestant dogmatic theology. Dogmatic theology in Russia, Greece, Antioch, and other Orthodox churches.

207 Heresies and Sects
The mystery of the church’s unity in relation to heresies and schisms throughout its history. Contemporary heresies and sects. An overview of the development and actual situation of the Eastern and Western denominations, particularly in our region. A review of the development and actual situation of the modern heresies, (such as Jehovah Witnesses and Adventists), their main doctrines, and the response of the Orthodox Church.

208 History of Philosophy I
A historical study of ancient Greek philosophical thought starting with the pre-Socratics and focusing later on the major philosophers (Plato and Aristotle). God, man, and the universe in their philosophy.

209 History of Philosophy II
A historical study of medieval philosophical thought.

210 History of Philosophy III
A historical study of modern, and contemporary philosophical thought focusing on al-Ghazali, Averroes, al-Ash’ari, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Hegel, and Sartre. God, man and the universe in their philosophy.

211 Philosophy of Religion
A systematic study of the main issues raised by philosophers concerning God and his relation to man and the cosmos such as: arguments on God's existence, religious experience, miracles, the problem of evil, ethics, and religion, science and religion, faith, atheism and antitheism in contemporary thought.

212 History of Religions
A presentation of the main features in the religious experience of mankind, with a particular focus on the religions of India and the Christian position vis-à-vis these religions.

213 Research Methodology
Definition of scientific research and its aims. Types of research and training of researchers. The choice of research subjects, the setting up of research plans, and the role of research advisors. Basic techniques such as footnoting, indexing, and the use of abbreviation. Stages in the preparation of a research work: gathering data, composition, and presentation of study.

214 Islamics
A concise study of Islam in three parts:

· The cultural background of the Arabian pre-Islamic environment. The Quran and the foundations of Islam.

· A general survey of the political history of Islam from its inception up to the present.

· Islamic Art: approaches and problems of appellation. Issues raised (prohibition of pictures, unity, and multiplicity). Architectural and ornamental distinctive features from the Umayyad to the Ottoman and Safavid eras.

215 Christian Thought and Islam
This course offers a historical presentation of theological and philosophical Christian thought on Islam. It is primarily concerned with Eastern Christian thought and more particularly with Antiochian Orthodox writings. Emphasis will be put on the authors who have influenced Christian attitude and sentiments towards Islam. A number of selected Arab Christian texts, old and new, are presented and analyzed.

216 Introduction to Moral Theology
Study of the sources for moral theology . History of the development of the mystical and spiritual thought in the East. A summary of the main mystical and spiritual writings.

217 Christian Ethics
A brief study of Christian Ethics in three parts:

· The main basics for Christian ethics : the meaning of Good and Evil, the knowledge of Good. Christian anthroplogy.

· Ethical issues : Man and the neighbor. Monastic life, marriage and family and Christian education. Church and the State. Concept of labor.

· Modern ethical issues : Social ethical issues and life meaning and purpose. Christian virtues and their practice. Bioethical issues such as IVF, cloning, abortion, euthanasia.

218 Sociology of Religion
This course offers an introduction to the basic principles of the sociology of religion, its method, and its place in relation to human sciences and religious studies. It initiates the students into some of the techniques of sociological study. This course also explores ways of making sociological studies relevant for the church's pastoral work. Special attention will be directed towards the study of the present reality of the Church of Antioch in its social context and the analysis of data made available through field research.

301 General Church History I
General church history from its foundation up to the great schism between East and West (1054 AD) with focus on:

· The foundation, development, and organization of the church. The development of ecclesiastical administration and the life of the church in general.

· The theological issues in Christian life, the problems faced, and the responses.

· Events and external factors that have influenced church life throughout history (persecutions, etc.)

· The evangelical kerygma and the spreading of Christianity throughout the world.

· Worship and spiritual life.

302 & 303 General Church History II & III
General church history from the great schism (1054 AD) up to present times, focusing on:

· The development of church life and the evolution of ecclesiastical administration and organization in the East and the West.

· The church’s situation in the social and the political context in the East and the West. Church - state relations.

· Worship and spiritual life.

· The schism in Western Christianity, the Protestant Reformation, and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.

· The attempts at reunification in the Christian World from the eleventh century to the fourteenth century (the Crusades, the Unionist Councils).

· The present situation of the Orthodox Churches.

· The present situation of western churches (the Roman Catholic Church, Protestantism, Western Christians).

304 History of the Church of Antioch (eleventh-twentieth centuries)
This course reviews the major events experienced by the Church of Antioch during the second millennium of its history using the available primary sources (Antiochian and especially Orthodox). Other secondary sources including non-Antiochian and non-Orthodox writings are explored. Moreover, the course draws attention to the primary written and oral sources that have not yet been identified, collected, or studied.

305 History of the Oriental Churches
This course offers a general introduction to one of the Oriental Orthodox non-Chalcedonian Churches in its present situation and through its history (modern and contemporary in particular). It also draws attention to the relation between this Church and the Orthodox Church of Antioch, highlighting areas of convergence and similarities in their historical experience and the present challenges they face.

306 Patrology I
The fundamental methodological, theological, linguistic, and historical issues in the study of Church Fathers. The importance of the Fathers and their relevance in the life of the Church and its tradition.
A critical and historical study of the life and thought of the Church Fathers from Apostolic times up to the Cappadocians. Each of them is studied through a selection of his writings, highlighting their theological relevance in historical perspective and focusing on the major issues they raise.

307 & 308 Patrology II & III
A critical and historical study of the life and thought of the Fathers from the Cappadocians up to the present. Each of them is studied through a selection of his writings, highlighting their theological relevance in a historical perspective and focusing on the major issues they raise.

401 Introduction to Liturgy
The understanding of Liturgy and divine worship (individually or in community). A general view on the Christian sanctuary and its contents. The daily, weekly, and yearly cycles of the divine services and their significance. Liturgical books and order of the daily services.

· Liturgical sources: a critical and analytical study of the liturgical sources (Biblical, Patristic, and other texts) with focus on their contents to familiarize the student with old liturgical practices and traditions and enable him to draw parallels with current liturgical practice.

· Order of the services of the daily cycle: a detailed typikonic presentation of the various services throughout the year.

· Divine worship: definition, origins, and historical development. Distinctive features of Christian worship.

· Liturgical traditions: definition and distinctive features in the worship of the main families of churches, focusing on the Eastern and specially the Antiochian.

· Liturgical spirituality.

1. Liturgical application according to a yearly program.

· Church hymnology: origins, types, historical development, and styles of Church poetry. Church poets (life, style, and writings). A selection of the most prominent texts of liturgical poetry.

· The sacraments: a historical, theological, and liturgical study of each sacrament. An analysis of interrelated liturgical and pastoral issues. A reflection on ways and possibilities of improving liturgical and sacramental celebrations in accordance with tradition, taking into consideration contemporary developments.

405 Canon Law I
A comprehensive introduction to canon law (law in general; necessity of law in the church). Sources of canon law. Use of canonical sources with respect to the application of church laws and the extent of their enforcement. Interpretation and abrogation of laws. Types of canonical sources throughout church history.

406 Canon Law II
The three dimensions of ecclesiastical administration: teaching, sanctification, and legislation. Ecclesiastical legislation. Development and jurisdiction of ecclesiastical courts. Church penal code. Church ownership. Support and welfare of church ministers. Organization of church life with respect to membership and participation in its liturgical life. Organization of the various church institutions and associations (monastic communities, Philanthropic societies, etc.). Church - state relations. Relations with non-Orthodox communities.

· Laws of procedure. The study of legal methods and means adopted by litigants to defend their rights. Principles of court procedures. Legal theory. Court jurisdiction. Laws of evidence. Judgments in absentia. Cases dropped. Adjournment. Judgments. Forms of appeal. Retrial. Enforcement of alien jurisdiction. Civil and ecclesiastic legal procedures.

· Family law: general introduction. Engagement. The purpose of marriage. Marital contact and appurtenant conditions. Abandonment. Dissolution of marriage. Pertinent suggestions for averting marital problems. Natural paternity. Worship and custody. Endowments. This course includes the study of practical applications.

408 Pastoral Theology
A study of the church's work aiming at human salvation on three levels:

· A theological study of the pastoral activity of the church (Pastoral Theology).

· A study of methods and ways of counseling and guidance (Pastoral Psychology).

· Pastoral work in contemporary situations (Pastoral Sociology).

409 Homiletics
A concise exposition of the history of Patristic preaching (characteristics, the most prominent preachers, etc.). Sources of preaching. Preparation and presentation of a homily.

410 Hagiography
The Orthodox understanding of holiness and sanctification. Lives of a selection of prophets in the Old Testament, martyrs in the first three centuries AD, and saints in modern times. This course aims to acquaint the student with the call of each believer to holiness and underlines the action of the Holy Spirit in the Church since its inception. It also endeavors to show the life of each saint as a model.

411 Christian Education & Introduction to Psychology
Christian Education : Fundamental principles. Relation to other sciences. Stages of human development. Methods and techniques of education. Distinctive features in the education of different age groups.

Introduction to Psychology : General introduction. Basic concepts of psychoanalysis. Psychic diseases and related problems. Pastoral work and Christian education. Qualifications and the specific character of Christian educators.

412 Christian Art
A general introduction to the history of art. A detailed study of church architecture in the East and the West from the first three centuries AD up to the present. Christian sanctuaries (baptisteries, churches of martyrs, and cemeteries). Christian iconography: types of icons, main schools, and styles. Importance of icons in Christian worship and education, Christian embroidery, bas-relief, and miniatures. Slides are used as visual aids.

413 Church Music I
Application of the general principles in church music, exercise of vocal cords, and the use of musical notes in church hymns.

414 Church Music II
More advanced practice in reading musical notes and hymn singing. Musical signs in the history of church music. The eight tunes. Church chanting in its two styles: fast melodies (Hermologika) and moderately fast (Stichirarika).

415 Church Music III
A study of various theories in music. Scales, the change of mode, the change of genus. Characteristics of each mode. Practice of slow chanting (Papadika).

501 English
PC2 Level

502 English
BE Level

503 English
101 Level

504 Modern Greek
EL1 Modern Greek Language Level

505 Modern Greek
EL2 Modern Greek Language Level

506 Modern Greek
EL3 Modern Greek Language Level

507 Arabic
The basic theoretical and practical rules of the Arabic language. A study of selected passages from the Psalms and the liturgical books focusing on style and modes of rhetoric. The purpose of this course is to enable the student to read correctly and preach in comprehensible and correct language.

1. The curriculum covers two academic years by full-time students. At the end of the second year, the student presents his/her Master's thesis. The length of study can be extended up to four years.
2. The academic year is made up of two semesters. The first semester begins on Monday of the first week of October and ends in mid-February. The second semester begins in late February and ends in late June. The Institute’s Council may revise these dates when necessary.
3. Courses are given on a basis of two weeks per month, from Monday till Wednesday, in the afernoon.

d) The Institute’s Council sets the dates of examinations at the end of each semester.

e) Each credit hour consists of 15 class hours per semester.

f) Each course consists of one or more credit hours.

g) The curriculum determines courses, their distribution, and the number of credit hours per course.

8. The Institute’s Council, upon the recommendation of the Faculty Council defines the general content of various courses.

i) All courses are required unless a student is exempted by a decision of the Institute’s Council .

 

In full agreement with the aims of the Insitute, the M.Th. program in Pastoral Studies intends:

1. To increase the scientific research of Theology at the Institute focusing upon the Antiochian heritage and traditions.
2. To provide a forum for graduates and priests to continue their theological and pastoral education.
3. To orient priests and laypersons to the application of theological categories on a basis of a high academic level.

According to the decision of the Institute's Council, only students who have completed their B.A. at the Institute or at any other Orthodox theological school are allowed to register for the M.Th. program in Pastoral Studies.

Clergymen and laypersons who are more than 24 years old can reside off campus. All other students are asked to reside in campus.

The applicant is required to provide the following items:

1. Recommendation letter from the canonical ecclesial authority
2. Photocopy of Diplomas and Certificates
3. A personal letter stating the reasons for joining the Institute
4. Résumé and 2 photos
5. Medical report
6. Judicial record for non-clericals
7. Canonical certificate for the Clergy
8. Photocopy of the Identiy Card
9. Application form for admission

The student is required to complete successfully 33 credits, which include the following:

1. 24 required credits in pastoral courses and seminars
2. 03 required Credits in other theological disciplines.
3. A Thesis Paper (equivalent to 6 credits in course work)

All the required credits focus, from a pastoral approach, upon specific issues within the following theological fields:

 

The Institute's Council decides which theological discipline is suitable to be added every year in order to fulfill the other three required credits.

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M.A. in Applied Orthodox Theology

I- Basis

The St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology offers, in coordination with the Antiochian House of Studies, an MA in applied Orthodox Theology, to students who have successfully completed 24 credits of course work and an MA thesis. Applicants to the program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. Majors in other disciplines, holding a Bachelor’s degree can be considered, provided completion 36 credits of the St. Stephen Diploma in Theology or their equivalent.

The 24 credit requirement for graduation includes 15 credits of required course work TH 511, 520, 531, 532, 540; 6 credits in applied work PR 592 and 593; and 3 credits in research Methodology MEM 300. The MA thesis of 50 to 75 pages will be counted as 6 credits.

 

II- Curriculum

TH 511 Advanced course in Doctrine 3 cr.

Here the student comes to an understanding of the Orthodox approach to the mystery of the Holy Trinity, i.e., a personal encounter between the believer and community of believers with the three hypostases of the Godhead.

TH 520 Canon Law 3 cr.

Introducing the student to Orthodox Canon Law, it provides grounding in the basics of their implementation and the spirit of their application. It also provides an overview of the Key concepts of economia and akriveia.

TH 531 Pastoral Theology I 3 cr.

This course provides the student with an introduction to the theory and practice of pastoral theology in the context of the faith of the Orthodox Church.

TH 532 Pastoral Theology II 3 cr.

Building on the first course in pastoral theology, this course examines a variety of “case study” applications of the pastoral method in an Orthodox context.

TH 540 Spirituality 3 cr.

This course introduces the student to a sample of the literature concerning Orthodox Spirituality and emphasizes its organic connection to correct dogma and proper practice of the faith.

PR 592 Pastoral Project I 3 cr.

Under the direction of the student’s pastor or other appropriate ecclesiastical authority, the student designs and executes an educational project approved by the St. Stephen’s Program project coordinator. At the conclusion of the project, the student submits materials designed to enable the project coordinator to assess the success of the student regarding the project.

PR 593 Pastoral Project II 3 cr.

Under the guidance of the student’s pastor or other appropriate ecclesiastical authority, the student conducts one or more pastoral activities. At their conclusion, the pastor submits an assessment of the student’s implementation of the project in its pastoral context.

 MEM 300 Research Methodology 3 cr.

This course intends to familiarize the students with all the components of a research. Students will be asked to analyze papers, articles and theses in order to acquire a critical approach to the different steps in writing a research.

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One of the most distinctive features of Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology is the life in community that students experience throughout their years in attendance which is as important as their academic studies. Each student participates in the fellowship of all through daily prayers, fasting, feasts, spiritual retreats, mutual brotherly service, and a good relationship with the administration and faculty of the Institute. The Director of Student Life supervises life in community and is the reference in student boarding matters. Student life in the Institute is constantly evaluated. This evaluation plays a central role in the final assessment of the student's qualifications before graduation.

Most students reside in campus and do not leave except by permission granted by the Director of Student Life.

Some others may reside off campus upon decision of the Institute’s Council. However, they are part of the Institute's community and are required to share the same academic and spiritual programs of the in-campus students, except for matters related to boarding regulations.

All students participate in the regular meetings that include all members of the Institute's community.

 III - Prayers

Daily prayer life refreshes, renews, and sustains the academic effort. Commitment to prayers is a basic requirement for enrollment in the Institute. Students and professors gather daily for morning and evening prayers. Priests alternate in serving the liturgy and other prayers. Students partake frequently in the Holy Communion, read the Scriptures, the Patristic texts, and other spiritual books; they are divided into groups that serve the daily prayers alternately and on a weekly basis. The Institute's choir chants the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

Throughout their prayer life, students get acquainted with liturgical books, are trained in chanting and proper reading, and are introduced into the great liturgical tradition of the Church Fathers and inspired poets. All students participate during the first three days of the Great Lent in a spiritual retreat that combines intensive prayers, spiritual discussions, and creative silence. An all-night vigil is held on the eve of the feast of Saint John of Damascus, the Patron Saint of the Institute. Other vigils may be celebrated during the academic year.

Manual work is an expression of commitment to life in community and brotherly service. Students engage in different types of manual work:

- Table waiting and dish washing.

- Cleaning the dormitories.

- Laundry.

- Organizing festivities on major occasions.

Fieldwork is a form of putting into practice the theoretical studies in the areas of Pastoral Theology, Homiletics, Sociology of Religion, and Church Art. It also aims at developing the students' abilities to collect pastoral data, promoting their leadership capacities and training them for ministry. Fieldwork is primarily required of students in their third and fourth years. Its duration may even extend to the summer vacation.

Participation in conferences contributes to the cultural and spiritual development of the student. The Institute delegates a number of full-time students as its representatives to conferences and seminars organized at the Orthodox or ecumenical levels. The Institute promotes relationships with other theological institutes and seminaries through the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East.

In addition to the spiritual retreat at the beginning of the Great Lent, spiritual lectures are given throughout the academic year according to a program determined in cooperation with a number of spiritual fathers who regularly visit the Institute. The student is encouraged to establish a close spiritual relationship with the spiritual fathers residing in the Institute or visiting it, leading to a genuine spiritual discipleship. Students are asked to participate in the liturgical celebrations on major feasts in neighboring monasteries and in all night vigils.

A number of pastoral activities are organized and students participate in their planning. These activities are an extension of pastoral studies and a preparation for their subsequent ministry in the Church in its various aspects (visits to the handicapped, visits to social service institutions, pastoral visits to the outlying areas).

The Institute organizes a series of public lectures on various areas of human knowledge. Since 1983 the Institute has organized a book exhibition for the feast of Saint John of Damascus. The Institute looks forward to playing a greater cultural role in the future.

Recreational activities contribute to the human fulfillment of students. They should take into account the students’ creativity and the resources available at the Institute. These activities include sports, excursions, chess tournaments, indoor parties, etc.

 

The choir holds a unique position among the various activities of the Institute. The choir serves the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and major feasts in the Balamand Monastery's church. Other activities include church music concerts, radio programs, and production of tape-recorded musical programs. The choir also has a central role in the program of pastoral activities as it is divided into groups that visit different parishes in coordination with diocesan bishops and parish priests. These activities are intensified during the Great Lent. The choir is also invited to different liturgical celebrations.

Since its foundation, the Institute has endeavored to establish a well-equipped library to sustain research work. The library was enriched by the acquisition of book collections of Dr. Assad Rustum, Frederic Ambuba and recently that of Fr. Jean Corbon. It also received a number of gifts from individuals and ecumenical organizations.

At present, the library occupies an area of 480 square meters and consists of 30,000 volumes in different languages (Arabic, Syriac, English, French, Greek, Romanian, and Russian).

It also contains a collection of Arab Christian manuscripts on microfilm including 56 Balamand manuscripts and St. Catherine's Monastery's manuscripts. A collection of maps and videotapes is also available.

The contents of the library are in process of being catalogued, indexed and computerized.

Professors and students can borrow books for a definite period. No books are allowed outside the premises of the Institute except by special permission from the Dean.

Professors and students have access to references and periodicals in the premises of the library. They may be photocopied within the premises of the Institute only. The library is open from 8:30 am to 2:00 PM daily. Visitors and researchers are welcome to the library.

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