An Intergovernmental institution under
United Nations Treaty Series 49006 / 49007

School of Theology and Interfaith Studies

Online Master in Eastern and Greek Orthodox Theology

MA in Eastern and Greek Orthodox Theology

Fully online and asynchronous, designed for working professionals, and awarded by a university established by treaty between sovereign States.

Program Type

MA

School / Institute

School of Theology and Interfaith Studies

Study Mode

Online (Asynchronous)

Duration

12-28 months

Built for working professionals

Study fully online, on your own schedule, at a university created by treaty between sovereign States and registered with the United Nations.

EUCLID headquarters in The Gambia

A university established by treaty between sovereign States

EUCLID lecture at the United Nations

Faculty who include diplomats, scholars and senior practitioners

EUCLID board meeting at the headquarters

Rigorous academic oversight and quality assurance

EUCLID graduation ceremony

A global alumni community across four continents

Overview

EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide | Euclid University), an international intergovernmental organization with university charter, in the context of its inter-religious dialogue mandate, offers to select students from the general public two high-level external (distance or online) degree program in Orthodox Christian theology:

(1) The “EUCLID Master of Arts in Eastern and Greek Orthodox Theology (MEOT)

(2) The “EUCLID Doctorate (PhD) in Orthodox Theology” (DEOTh).

These are, to date, the only graduate/post-graduate programs in this field offered by a public intergovernmental organization with a UN-registered charter, and originally developed with the option of a joint-degree with an ecclesiastical institution (in this case the St Gregory Nazianzen Orthodox Institute, then under the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Mexico, now an independent Eastern Catholic institute).

AUDIENCE

Its purpose is to prepare highly qualified experts able to make a contribution to Orthodox theology, ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, as well as higher education institutions and ecclesiastical bodies globally.

EUCLID gives preference to applicants from its Participating States, ECOWAS region, and Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria region.

The EUCLID program, with hierarchical blessing, has also trained students in North America for ordination, and has been registered with the Assembly of Bishops Committee for Theological Education.

Why choose EUCLID?
A short introduction to the treaty-based university behind this program.

Program structure

The program is completed fully online and follows three stages.

01

Core coursework that builds advanced knowledge of the field, with readings, written assignments and faculty feedback.

02

Research preparation through academic writing, critical thinking and research methods, preparing you for independent work.

03

A final thesis or dissertation, an original research project completed under faculty supervision and assessed by academic examiners.

Academic Presentation

Theology is often studied within institutions that are directly affiliated with the related religious body, but EUCLID shows that in this particular case, Orthodox Christian theology can be studied in the context of a public, intergovernmental organization. Within the framework of its inter-religious dialogue mandate, EUCLID has designed  comprehensive and challenging online degree programs in Orthodox theology (MA and PhD classification) which are presented with full documentation of syllabus and faculty resources, as well as total tuition. This comprehensive information will enable students globally to determine if these programs are suitable for them.

In accordance with international guidelines, the distance (non-resident) Master of Arts program in Orthodox theology represents at least 36 US credits of coursework beyond the Bachelor’s degree. The thesis module (6 credits) is optional but recommended.

Possible areas of specialization include:

  • Theology and Psychotherapy
  • Temple Theology and Liturgical Studies
  • Modern Orthodox theologians
  • Ecclesiology
  • Ecumenical relations / Inter-religious dialogue
  • Advanced Scriptural Studies

STUDYING ORTHODOX THEOLOGY WITH FR LAURENT

The V. Rev. Laurent Cleenewerck is not only EUCLID’s international faculty coordinator but also one of the school’s principal professors of theology and interfaith studies. He is the author of two important books (“His Broken Body” and “Ever-Virgin”) and served as the Editor of the acclaimed Eastern-Greek Orthodox New Testament. Fr Laurent was the author of the landmark academic paper based on “A Common Word” which was mentioned in the EUCLID / UN Interfaith Harmony Week First Prize Award.

2016/2019 Highlight: Orthodox Conference Cruise to Alaska (09/2017)

Patriarch-Theophilos-with-Syed-Zahid-Ali-and-Laurent-Cleenewerck-800

Photo above: EUCLID’s Secretary-General Syed Zahid Ali (center) with Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem (left) and Fr Laurent Cleenewerck (right), in Amman, Jordan, April 2016.

Requirements

Applicants should have a relevant Bachelor’s degree issued by an institution listed in the UNESCO-IAU handbook/database or otherwise duly recognized/accredited. Similar or related backgrounds with adequate professional experience may be considered for Government-sponsored applicants (who are already government staff) who may be admitted without the required educational credential if their level of education and experience is deemed sufficient. EUCLID may require these participants to complete bridge courses prior to enrolling in the program. Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required and will be tested. Students are expected to be in a position to dedicate 10 to 15 effective hours of study on a weekly basis.

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Program Outline

CodeCourseCredits

Course titles open the course page in the EUCLID learning platform. The roadmap is updated automatically from the university's academic records.

PRIMARY COURSES
Code
Course Name
USCH

Argumentation and Critical Thinking

2

New Testament Greek

2

Old Testament Background / Overview

1

The Canon of Scriptures

2

The Church at 325 (Eusebius: Church History)

2

World of Byzantium

2

The Orthodox Church

2

Old Testament Review

2

New Testament Review

2

Patristics I (Early Church Fathers)

2

Patristics II (Latter Church Fathers)

2

Early Church Studies

2

Orthodox Liturgical Studies I

2

Orthodox Liturgical Studies II

2

The Trinity and Filioque Controversy

2

Orthodox Dogmatic Theology

2

The Theology of John Zizioulas

2

Orthodox Mystical Theology and Spirituality

2

Saint Gregory Palamas and Palamism

1

Eastern Orthodox / Roman Catholic Comparative Studies

1

Debates / Comparative Studies

1
Total Credit Hours (USCH):
38

Note: to consult the current and official curriculum/list of courses from the EUCLID CMS database, please visit: EUCLID Available Degree Programs and follow the program link.

Employment Outlook

This advanced program in Orthodox Theology provides an outstanding academic preparation to its students for further studies at the graduate level as well as service in churches and institutions of higher learning. Its main purpose is to offer an engaging and academically sound graduate program to anyone interested in Eastern / Greek Orthodox theology (focus on primary sources including Patristics).

Why study at EUCLID?

EUCLID is the only intergovernmental, treaty-based university with a UN registered charter and recognized expertise in diplomacy. Join the alma mater of ambassadors and senior officials globally.

Note: if the PDF brochure is unavailable (or outdated by 2 years), please contact admissions@euclid.int

Meet our faculty

EUCLID brings together a distinguished international faculty of scholars, practitioners and senior officials. Our professors combine strong academic credentials with real-world experience in international organizations, government, the professions and civil society, and many of them serve the Global South and emerging economies.

The profiles below represent a selection of our outstanding faculty. For the full faculty roster and the professors specifically assigned to this program, please visit our Faculty Profiles Directory.

EUCLID at work: recent news and articles

Start your journey

Applications are reviewed in 4 to 6 business days. Questions get an answer within 2 business days.