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Hello all,

I'm wanting to expand my education in Eastern Christianity in general (for any reasons ranging from becoming a teacher to promoting Eastern Christianity within the Deaf community to diaconate in the future...my fate is undecided).

I've googled for more information...not a whole lot of helpful information. The most that I come across is the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. I thought the information from Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation was useful.

There is another that crossed my mind is the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at the St. Paul University.

I'm very impressed with the Institute of Eastern Christian Studies and their program. However, a tiny fuzzy hair stood up on my back when I saw the Masters program required a minimum of 60 hours of undergraduate in Eastern Christian studies. I had to look further why...and lo and behold I understood why...a solid foundation is needed for further graduate studies...I totally understand that now.

I already have BA in Broadcast Journalism, so that's why it raised some hairs about it.

I wouldn't mind going through undergraduate level again to get there.

Now, I would also like to investigate on other various universities, colleges or institutes. I need your help in recommending some for me to look into.

And another question...are there any Eastern Catholics that go to various Orthodox universities or institutes? One that comes to my mind is the St. Vladimir Theological school up in New York which seem to have good reputation. So any recommendations would be appreciated for my consideration.

I just needed some serious growth and adjustments in my life right now. Being a television producer is not as fulfilling as it once was, mainly because I've already reached the top and it's even harder to further my career with mass intensive competition in job placements. I feel no need to waste my good energy kicking the door open and breaking my foot in the process. So why not pursue something that I've always been interested in doing...elevating my linguistic skills, theological studies, and Eastern Christian studies. I'm also very interested in Deaf studies...possibly pursue it at Galluduet University after Eastern Christian studies???

In the meantime, I am considering pursuing Greek (contemporary then Hellenic), Latin and hopefully Ukrainian (with emphasis on Church Slavanic).

Sorry for rambling on sooo long, I wanted to give you a "brief" overview of where my mind is at right now.

Many thanks to you all and blessed Great Fast to you all.

SPDundas
Deaf Byzantine

I think that Franciscan University (Steubenville) has a decent program in Eastern Christianity. The BC seminaries do allow lay students - Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, St. Josephat Seminary next to C.U.A in Washington, D.C., St. Basil College in Stamford, CT, - I think I am forgetting another seminary .... hope this helps.

You might want to consider the St Stephen's Course of Studies offered by the Antiochian Orthodox Church out of Ligonier, PA. It's a distance learning program that runs for 3 years (15 courses + 1 directed project/year + 1 week residency/year).

Short description:

Many of us Byzantine Catholics are enrolled and we have a private forum for discussions here on the Byzantine Forum.

For more information: Antiochian House of Studies [antiochian.org]

Wow...I didn't know there was one in Washington D.C. (St. Josephat). That could be a good option considering it's closer proximity to Galludeut University. Hmmm.

Thanks again,

Hello Sophia,

Thanks for sharing that information. I'm curious...what made some Byzantine Catholics decide to go to the St. Stephen's Course of Studies? Is it the program itself? Or the courses itself? Or what? I'm not seeing much detailed information about the program and the courses that are offered. Hmmm.

Also, what would be the results of the completion of the degree? (For instance, what does one use it for?)

Many thanks again.

I can't speak for all Byzantine Catholics, just myself. I wanted to learn more about the Church and become more involved in ministry at some level, but there's nothing available out here in Phoenix. I responded to a survey by the Seminary of SS Cyril & Methodius to gauge interest for a program for lay people, but it would require frequent trips to Pittsburgh, which I wouldn't be able to afford. They have a distance learning program similar to the St Stephen's Course for deacon candidates, but it's not open to lay people. I saw mention of the St Stephen's Course here on the Forum last summer and looked into it. My pastor approved of the program. He recognized and was impressed by the faculty list. Having your pastor approve of the program is important, as all field projects must be formally approved and evaluated by him.

The courses for the diploma include:

• Fundamentals of Orthodoxy
• Church History I & II
• Liturgical Theology I & II
• Holy Scripture I, II & III
• Patristics
• Dictrine I & II
• Canon Law
• Pastoral Theology I & II
• Spirituality
• Field Ministerial Projects 1, 2 & 3

In addition, for the Master Degree:

• Guided Research
  
• Research Paper Composition

With slightly different courses, they offer concentrations in Youth Ministry, Iconology/Iconography and Musicology.

As to what I would do with it if I earned the MA, haven't the foggiest. I've always believed that learning is a goal in itself. However, my first Field Ministerial Project was a day of recollection for my parish based on a couple of the books I read as part of my first term. It was very well received by a small group of parishioners. I could see myself doing a similar program each year. Certainly, your desire to develop ministry for the deaf community could lead to a wonderful series of Field Projects, and who know where that might lead eventually.