This course is designed to introduce students to the institutions, personalities, and religious and theological expressions of Church life from the medieval period to the present. Special attention will be given to the history and role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

This course will offer a survey of the spread of Christianity from its apostolic origins in Jerusalem in the first century to “all the nations” throughout the world by the 21st century. Christianity is the largest World Religion with 2.5 billion adherents. We will look at missionary efforts from the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant/Evangelical perspectives, focusing on their different missionary methodology and history. Each different historical period offers examples of vast and rapid spread, as well as periods of stagnation or retreat. We will discuss reasons behind these different attitudes and historical events. During the last century the gravity of global Christianity has shifted dramatically into the southern hemisphere, with now the majority of Christians no longer being white European and North American, but people of color from outside these two geographic areas. We will discuss these changes, as well as look at the charismatic movement which impacts more than 25% of all Christians worldwide.

This course is a general introduction to the Fathers and the main periods of Patristic Literature from the fifth century to the iconoclasm controversy in the ninth century. Like the companion course (PATR 5011), this course focuses on the doctrinal issues while also exploring the literary, historical, and cultural context of the period.

St Gregory Palamas (1296-1357) is best remembered for his teaching on deification, the vision of the uncreated light, and the distinction between God's transcendent essence and communicable divine energies. This course aims to help students better understand these concepts, and the debates surrounding them, as they were articulated in the fourteenth century. Emphasis is placed on the reading of primary sources, particularly the writings of Palamas himself, but also those of the saint's supporters and adversaries. The course introduces students to the history of the Palamite controversy, from its origins in the attack on hesychasm made by Barlaam of Calabria in 1338, through the tumultuous Civil War and ecclesiastical turmoil of the 1340's, to the final victory of Palamite theology in 1368. Attention will also be paid to the reception of Palamas and his legacy in the Orthodox Church, both in the period leading up to the fall of Constantinople and beyond.

The doctrines of Christology Pneumatology sotetiology and, ecclesiology in the conciliat patristic tradition. Emphasis will be placed on certain patristic writings and on the official statements of the Ecumenical Councils.

The seminar will examine the origins, canonical basis, and historical development of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The distinctive contributions of the Patriarchate to theology, liturgy, spirituality, philanthropy, social welfare, missions, iconography, and architecture will be discussed. Special attention will be given to the contemporary mission and witness of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the first see of the Orthodox Churches, as well as its primatial responsibility in guiding Orthodox conciliarity and addressing contemporary concerns. The special role of the Patriarchate in the ecumenical dialogues, inter-faith conversations, and environmental protection will be highlighted. This seminar is especially designed for students who plan to participate in the Study and Travel Program in Greece and Constantinople.

This course examines the way in which Christianity, and to some extent religious ritual more generally, catalyzes the formation of civilization and culture. Exploring education, social structures, and the patterns of economic and neighborhood life in cities, this course suggests that civilization is the natural result of the life of the Church.This course is for THM online students. Instructor's permission is needed for all other students.

Modern Greek Lab

This course is a thorough and rigorous introduction to biblical Hebrew, with emphasis on grammar that covers the second part of Lambdin, Introduction to Biblical Hebrew. The HebrewII course aims at providing students a fundamental knowledge of the following: basic Hebrew vocabulary (about 400 words); grammar; reading and translation of basic sentences from the Hebrew Bible; use of lexica, dictionaries, and electronic programs (e.g., BibleWorks). Hebrew II is a synchronous (via Zoom) online course.

There will be a continuation of MDGK 6301 with fur¬ther review of grammar and syntax. There will be a growing emphasis on speaking, reading, and vocabulary building. An introduction to selected readings in Modern Greek. Required lab. Prereq: Intermediate Modern Greek I.

Modern Greek Lab

A continuation of Advanced Modern Greek I. Intensive study of the language with special focus on vocabulary expansion, advanced syntactical structures, and oral usage. Selected readings of literary texts with passages from contemporary writers and sermon presentations. Required lab.

Continuation of elementary Arabic lessons and vocabulary, with an introduction to simple conversational and liturgical phrases, including, for example, the Trisagion Prayers and Little Ektenia. Prereq: Beginning Arabic I.

Modern Greek Lab

A study of the "koine" based on texts from the New Testament. The basic concepts of New Testament Greek Grammar, syntax and vocabulary are studied and applied on readings from the Gospels. The study is diachronic, taking into consideration the development of the Greek language fom its Classical origin to the "koine" and modern Greek. The aim of this course is to immerse the students in the study of the texts. Prerequisite: New Testament Greek I

A growing emphasis on reading, vocabulary building and writing as well as an extensive use of oral sills acquired in the first semester. Lab required. Prereq: Beginning Modern Greek 1.

An exploration of the leadership role of the priest, as well as an introduction to the nature of parish ministry and foundations, structures, and methods of parish
administration, from historical, theological and pastoral perspectives. A field education placement is part of this course.

TBD

TBD

One cannot overstate the significance of death, and preparing for death, in understanding life and, particularly, life in Christ. Pastors and ministers are certain to be called upon to minister to those facing death and those grieving the loss of a loved one. In this course, students will develop a pastoral approach to the dying and those experiencing grief through a survey the existing literature on grief and bereavement in the context of the Orthodox theology of life after death. Students will explore the art and skill of ministering to the dying and the bereaved and develop their understanding of a theological framework for caring for the dying and the bereaved. Necessarily, this topic will touch upon our own personal experiences of loss and death, and students will be invited to explore how their own beliefs and experiences can inform and enhance their pastoral approach.

Theology of Pastoral Care II is intended to build upon Theology of Pastoral Care I by presenting a framework for understanding contemporary pastoral issues through the lens of Orthodox theology of the person, sickness, healing, and salvation. This class is not intended to provide you with the 'right' answers for pastoral decisions. Rather, this course is designed, through the readings, class discussions, and assignments to develop your understanding of Orthodox pastoral care and your thinking as an Orthodox Christian and future minister/pastor. The models of Orthodox Pastors/Saints explored in the first semester class serve as witnesses to the Orthodox pastoral care framework we will develop and discuss this semester as we explore contemporary pastoral issues, and secular theories and research. Particular attention will be placed on understanding how to access and integrate current secular knowledge into an Orthodox worldview todevelop an appropriate pastoral response. Students will be invited to explore and discuss different dimensions of the pastoral care relationship and explore, independently and as a class, how one might address contemporary pastoral care issues. As in the first semester, particular emphasis will be placed
on how we work together in the classroom, and on campus, as we develop an Orthodox understanding and approach to pastoral care.

Listening is at the heart of pastoral counseling. Yet what
the pastor/minister hears is shaped by his or her theoreti
cal orientation, belief system, worldview, and lived exper
ience. This course seeks to give students the opportunity
to study different pastoral counseling theories as they go
beyond the limits of their own stories in the context of practicing foundational counseling skills.

Theology of Pastoral Care II is intended to build upon Theology of Pastoral Care I by presenting a framework for understanding contemporary pastoral issues through the lens of Orthodox theology of the person, sickness, healing, and salvation. This class is not intended to provide you with the 'right' answers for pastoral decisions. Rather, this course is designed, through the readings, class discussions, and assignments to develop your understanding of Orthodox pastoral care and your thinking as an Orthodox Christian and future minister/pastor. The models of Orthodox Pastors/Saints explored in the first semester class serve as witnesses to the Orthodox pastoral care framework we will develop and discuss this semester as we explore contemporary pastoral issues, and secular theories and research. Particular attention will be placed on understanding how to access and integrate current secular knowledge into an Orthodox worldview todevelop an appropriate pastoral response. Students will be invited to explore and discuss different dimensions of the pastoral care relationship and explore, independently and as a class, how one might address contemporary pastoral care issues. As in the first semester, particular emphasis will be placed
on how we work together in the classroom, and on campus, as we develop an Orthodox understanding and approach to pastoral care.

This course treats the history, theology, and practice of Orthodox Christian social action, beginning with the period of the Apostolic Fathers and extending to today. Besides weekly reflections on the readings, each student will also be responsible for conceiving, designing, and initiating a small project of service to the local community. Some weeks the class will, during its assigned time period, observe Boston area social entrepreneurs in action, meaning that we will hold class of campus. Students will be assigned to a social ministry site during the semester.

Although open to all students, this semester-long course is required of all seminarians. The class aims to improve individual voices while working with a class. The fundamentals of chanting/singing will be used, which include: attitude, posture, control of breath, attacks and releases, the jaw (neck and throat), registers, resonance, enunciation, etc. It is recommended that seminarians take the course during their first year.

Although open to all students, this semester-long course is required of all seminarians. The class aims to improve individual voices while working with a class. The fundamentals of chanting/singing will be used, which include: attitude, posture, control of breath, attacks and releases, the jaw (neck and throat), registers, resonance, enunciation, etc. It is recommended that seminarians take the course during their first year.

A liturgical practicum designed primarily to help the candidate for ordination develop a liturgical ethos, style, and presence. The course offers an analysis of the structural elements of the divine services and instruction on the use of the liturgical books of the Orthodox Church. The course is especially concerned to help the student develop skills for the proper conduct and celebration of the divine services. The class allows for role-playing and analysis.

This course is a systematic study of the theoretical and practical aspects of the Second, Plagal Second abd Varys Modes of the Psaltic Art within the context of the Anastasimatarion. By the end of the semester, students will be able to perform the resurrectional hymns of the liturgical book of Octoechos or Parakletike of the aforementioned modes in both parallage (solmization) and melos (melody).

This course is a study of the standard hymns ( Lord I have Cried, daily Prokeimena, God is the Lord, Great Doxology, Antiphons, Trisagion, etc.) of vespers, orthros, divine liturgy, and the sacraments for practical use. All of the hymns will be studied in English in all of the eight modes with the aid of various musical settings.

The material taught in this course is equivalent to the material taught in the 5th year of Greek conservatories and provides comprehensive preparation for the final examination required for a Holy Ctoss Certificate in Byzantine Music. Students are expected to become competent in perfoming more technically demanding repertoire, including Petros Bereketis' eight-mode composition Theotoke Parthene, the Athenian funeral Trisagion, kalophonic heirmoi and kratimata in all eight modes, and a selection of verses from Koukouzelis' Anoixantaria. Prerequisites: Byzantine Music I-V

This course will explore the structures, content, theology, and ethos of the Church's liturgical life. It will also provide a brief but inclusive glimpse of the historical evolution of the liturgical rites. Furthermore, the Liturgy will be studied from pastoral, spiritual, and theological perspectives. The course seeks to provide the student with basic theological criteria for the comprehension of the whole liturgical tradition of the Church.

The St. Romanos the Melodist Byzantine Choir is a vocal ensemble that performs faithful and spiritually uplifting renditions of the Byzantine and post-Byzantine sacred musical works in the traditional style created and preserved at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. The choir regularly performs in liturgical services as well as at concerts, conferences, lectures, fundraising events, state and national holiday celebrations, and school cermonies both in Boston and throughout the United States. In addition to Byzantine chant, it performs Greek folk music, poular and arts songs, as well as modern English adaptations and original settings of sacred texts. The choir meets weekly to study and rehearse the repertoire for upcoming performances.

This course is a systematic study of the theoretical and practical aspects of the First and Plagal Fourth Modes of the Psaltic Art within the context of the Anastasimatarion. We will study the resurrectional hymns of the liturgical book of Octoechos or Parakletike of the aforementioned modes in both parallage (solmization) and melos (melody). Additionally, we will examine the characteristics of the diatonic genus and the heirmologic and sticheraric styles of chant. Prerequisite: Byzantine Music I.

A required practicum for those enrolled in PAST 7201 in the current/previous semester.

This course is a systematic study of the papadic genus of the Psaltic Art in all eight modes with a great emphasis on hymns for the Divine Liturgy (trisagion, cherubic hymn,communion hymn, etc.). We will also briefly study slow doxologies, Triodion hymns and kalophonic heitmoi. Prerequisites: Byzantine Music I-V.

This course is a systematic study of the hymns chanted during the Great and Holy Week and the Feast of Pascha in the Orthodox Chutch. The tepettoite includeshymns in all eight modes and in all three melodic styles (heitmologic, stichetatic and papadic). Additionally, we will study the structute and rubrics of Holy Week and Pascha services.

A liturgical practicum designed primarily to help the candidate for ordination develop a liturgical ethos, style, and presence. The course offers an analysis of the structural elements of the divine services and instruction on the use of the liturgical books of the Orthodox Church. The course is especially concerned to help the student develop skills for the proper conduct and celebration of the divine services. The class allows for role-playing and analysis. Teleturgics II delas specifically with the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil and Chrysostom as well as the Pre-sanctified Liturgy. Special attention will be given to how one conducts the liturgy when a hierarch is serving. After this the class will deal with Baptism, Christmation, Marriage, Ordination, Confession, Unction, Funeral and various other blessing services.

This course is a systematic introduction to the basic theory and notation of the Psaltic Art. It will provide a solid foundation for a further study of the liturgical repertoire of the Greek Orthodox Church. Topics to be covered include the history and function of the notation, a thorough examination of key musical concepts (e.g. note, interval, scale, tempo, rhythm, genus, mode, tetrachord, etc.), and a study of the role of music in Greek Orthodox worship. By the end of the semester students will be able to sight-read and perform simple hymns written in the New Method of Analytical Notation in both parallage (solmization) and melos (melody).

TBD

This course will explore basic questions related to the ministry of education in the life of the Orthodox Christian parish in North America. We will use the following questions as the basic organizing principles: Why do we teach in the Church? What is the goal of education in the Church? Does the Church have a curriculum? What can we learn from Acts 2:42-47 for parishes today? Who are we teaching? What are some approaches to the education of Christians? Who is going to teach? What is the role of the teacher? Because the class also has a field component through the Field Education program, where it is assumed that the students are teaching Sunday school, presenting the Faith to OCF groups, or working in educational settings, students will have the opportunity and will be expected to apply these skills in their field setting. Finally, there will be ample opportunity throughout the semester to reflect theologically on the experience of handing forward the Orthodox Christian faith.

A required exegesis course based on the Greek text and
English translations. Comparative study of a patristic and
contemporary commentary. Examination of purpose,
tools, methods, and problems of exegesis.

Exegesis and interpretation of a selected group of Psalms based on their English translation, and in conjunction with the Hebrew original and the Septuagint version. The course will emphasize the religious and theological significance of selected Psalms for the worship of ancient Israel and for the life and piety of the Church. Note: This course will satisiy the Old Testament Exegesis requirement for MDiv students.

This is a placeholder for School of Theology directed study credits. Please complete the online SOT Directed Study Petition available in MyHCHC no later than the conclusion of the add/drop period for the semester. Directed Study credits require instructor and Dean approval.

This course is an introduction to the Greek patristic theological synthesis with special attention to the Immanent Trinity and the Economic Trinity. An initial look at biblical sources will be followed by a study of select exegetical works by Athanasios, Gregory the Theologian, Basil the Great, and Cyril of Jerusalem. Also under consideration are the Divine Liturgies of St. Basil the Great and St. John Chrysostom (and other ancient eucharistic Anaphoras) along with the tradition of Baptism in the Trinity, which embody the ways theologia and oikonomia are applicable to existence. Patristic cosmology will be examined in light of relational ontology. Furthermore, the study of lex orandi and lex credendi will consider the rise of doxological theology. The remainder of the course will focus on the place of Trinitarian theology in ecclesiology and the importance of history and eschatology, with the following key topics: (1) a hermeneutics of Resurrection, (2) cataphatic and apophatic theology; (3) the distinction between ontology and epistemology, and (4) a study of Theologia and Oikonomia in science and art.

This course is a theological, historical, and liturgical examination of selected texts on the holy sacrament of marriage.