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Online PhD in Eastern and Greek Orthodox Theology

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Program Type

Program Type: PhD

School / Institute

School of Theology and Interfaith Studies

Study Mode

Online (Asynchonous)

Duration

Target duration: 3 to 3.5 years

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” (DEOT).

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.

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 about 50-55 credits of coursework beyond the Master’s degree (including 25 for the dissertation).

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 Master’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

PRIMARY COURSES
Code
Course Name
USCH

Academic Writing for PhD students

2

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

Dissertation

25
Total Credit Hours (USCH):
50-55

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 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 @ 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

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