Asynchronous
Students learn on their own time. Assignments have due dates, but there are no set class times or days. Learning is through modules organized into weekly activities and assignments.
Synchronous
All students, both those living on our Brookline campus and those attending off campus or out of state, attend classes online. However, classes are held at certain times and days of the week.
Hybrid
Students on our Brookline campus attend classes in person in one of our classrooms, while remote students attend online. Classes are held at certain times and days of the week.
CHST 5022 Z1 | Spring 2026
Church History II: Ecumenical Patriarchate
Asynchronous
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.
Instructor
Dr. James Skedros
CHST 7130 Z1 | Spring 2026
The Theology of Metropolitan John Zizioulas
Synchronous | Thu 2:10-4:30pm
This seminar explores the Metropolitan of Pergamon, John Zizioulas (1931–2023), in dialogue with contemporary Christian and philosophical thought through an integrated study of his life and theology. Tracing his path from Kozani to Athens, Geneva, Harvard, Edinburgh–Glasgow, Rome, Thessaloniki, and finally the Phanar, students examine how formative experiences shaped Zizioulas’ synthesis of personhood and communion, eucharistic ecclesiology and episcopacy, pneumatology, eschatological hermeneutics, and primacy/synodality. Readings include Being as Communion, Communion and Otherness, Remembering the Future, and key ecumenical texts (Ravenna, Crete, For the Life of the World), with particular attention to ecology, bioethics, and major theological developments of the 20th and 21st centuries. The course culminates in a “bio-theology dossier” that integrates primary sources with a critical biographical timeline. Photo courtesy of James Hyndman.
Instructor
His Grace Maxim Vasiljevic
CHST 7701 H1 | Spring 2026
Seminar: Orthodox-Roman Catholic Relations
Hybrid | M 10-12:20pm
Following a review of the issues of alienation and schism, the course will examine the documents of the contemporary bilateral dialogues between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. The course fulfills the World Regions/Ecumenism requirement. Photo courtesy of CNS photoVatican Media.
Instructor
Fr. Philip Halikias
DOGM 6005 Z1 | Spring 2026
Dyothelite Christology and Its Significance
Asynchronous
This course examines the content and theological significance of classical Dyothelite Christology. Students will engage with key primary sources of the Monothelite controversy, including the writings of St. Maximus the Confessor, St. John of Damascus, and the Definition of Faith of the Sixth Ecumenical Council. Through close reading and analysis, the course explores both Monothelite and Dyothelite positions and considers the enduring implications of Dyothelite Christology for systematic theology and the Church’s understanding of the person of Christ.
Instructor
Fr. Demetrios Bathrellos
DOGM 6051 Z1 | Spring 2026
Dogmatics II
Asynchronous
The doctrines of Christology, Pneumatology, and Ecclesiology, emphasizing the conciliar Patristic Tradition. Emphasis will be placed on certain patristic writings and on the official statements of the Ecumenical Councils.
Instructor
Fr. Demetrios Bathrellos
DOGM 6075 Z1 | Spring 2026
Dogmatics III
Asynchronous
The study of the seven holy sacraments: baptism, chrismation, Eucharist, ordination, matrimony, repentance and unction in historical, liturgical,and dogmatic perspective.
Instructor
Fr. Philip Zymaris
INDS 6016 Z1 | Spring 2026
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Synchronous | T 11-1:20pm
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is one of the most prominent and accomplished religious leaders not only in the Orthodox Churches but also in the global Christian world. His distinguished personality and patriarchal ministry have undoubtedly left a permanent seal on the recent history of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Orthodox Church, and the broader society. This course will outline and evaluate the enduring and formative tenure of the Ecumenical Patriarch on the First Throne of Orthodox Christianity from before his election to this day. It will especially highlight his invaluable contribution to Inter–Orthodox, Inter-Christian, and Inter-Religious relations, his ecumenical approach to major contemporary challenges—including, among others, secularism and globalization, religious fundamentalism and fanaticism, rising nationalism and racism, the demand for social justice, religious freedom, and tolerance. Special emphasis will also be given to the role of the Ecumenical Patriarch in finalizing preparations for and ultimately convening the historic Holy and Great Council. Professor: Dr. Stylianos Charalambidis was born in Thessaloniki in 1979. He holds a Degree in Theology and Law from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as a Master’s and a PhD from the same University. He is an Assistant Professor of the History of the Ecumenical Movement and Inter-Orthodox Relations at the School of Social Theology and Christian Culture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He actively participates in the Ecumenical Movement as a representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate both at the World Council of Churches and the Conference of European Churches. He has authored four scholarly books, and his articles have appeared in several academic journals. He is fluent in Greek, English, and German.
Instructor
Stylianos Charalambidis
INDS 7100 Z1 | Spring 2026
The Ecumenical Movement: The Sources
Synchronous | M 6:30-8:50pm
The Ecumenical Movement that started in the second half of the 19th century does not constitute an ideology but rather reflects the authentic commitment to reconcile divided Christians in the unity of the Church and the reality of communion. Throughout the past century, the quest for Christian unity has assumed many shapes and forms that may be studied through major documents produced along the history of the 20th century and beyond. This course will define the boundaries of Ecumenism and its challenges for contemporary Orthodoxy by looking inward as well as outward as faithful and thoughtful Christians.
Instructor
Fr. Nicholas Kazarian
INDS 7120 Z1 | Spring 2026
Orthodox Christian-Muslim Relations
Asynchronous
For more than 13 centuries, Orthodox Christians and Muslims have lived among one another and shared the same societies and cultures. Orthodox Christian relationships with Muslims have been one of the most enduring and impactful factors in Orthodox church history, yet the profound complexities of these relationships have often been forgotten across the centuries or obscured by the context of modern politics. The Orthodox Christian-Muslim Relations course will introduce students to the history of Orthodox Christian-Muslim relations by utilizing historical, theological, and anthropological approaches to this topic. Areas of particular focus will include a comparative analysis of the experiences of Orthodox living under Muslim rule (as in the ‘Abbasid and Ottoman Empires) and Muslims living under Orthodox rule (as in the Russian Empire), the transformative effects of modern nationalism, and the history of Orthodox theological approaches to Islam.
Instructor
Dr. Philip Dorroll
LITG 5002 Z1 | Spring 2026
Liturgics
Asynchronous
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.
Instructor
Dr. Philip Zymaris
MDGK 5212 Z1 | Spring 2026
Beginning Modern Greek II
Synchronous | MW 7-8:20pm
A growing emphasis on reading, vocabulary building and writing as well as an extensive use of oral sills acquired in the first semester. Prereq: Beginning Modern Greek 1.
Instructor
Kleanthi Mavrogiannaki
MDGK 6312 Z1 | Spring 2026
Intermediate Modern Greek II
Synchronous | TR 8-9:20pm
Intermediate Modern Greek II is a 3-credit course designed for students with previous instruction in Modern Greek equivalent to five 3-credit semesters of academic work (a total of 15 credits). After a quick grammar review, the emphasis is on vocabulary building and conversational fluency. Prerequisite: Intermediate Modern Greek I
Instructor
Maria Kouti
MUSB 5002 Z1 | Spring 2026
Ecclesiastical Chant I
Synchronous | W 1:40-3:20pm
The eight tones are studied. Hymns from various services, including Vespers and the Divine Liturgy are chanted in English. Prereq: Byzantine Music I and II.
Instructor
Georgios Theodoridis
MUSB 6022 Z1 | Spring 2026
Advanced Chant In English
Synchronous | W 3:30-4:50pm
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.
Instructor
Georgios Theodoridis
NEWT 5111 Z1 | Spring 2026
The Gospel of Matthew
Asynchronous
This course builds skills for interpreting the Scriptures by studying their linguistic, historical, patristic, liturgical, and iconographical contexts. In addition, it studies the Gospel of Matthew in its historical setting, exegeting select passages from it. The goal of this course is to train students to study the Holy Scriptures for teaching, preaching, and personal spiritual formation. Classes will include lectures and discussions on the theological, literary, and historical aspects of the Gospel of Matthew. The second half of each class session will focus on studying a passage from Matthew to build exegetical skills. The students will have regular opportunities to practice certain skills. Students will participate in interpreting specific passages and share their work in class. Students who have studied Greek should bring both an English and a Greek New Testament to class. This course satisfies NT Exegesis for MDIV students.
Instructor
Dr. Bruce Beck
OLDT 7301 Z1 | Spring 2026
Christ in The Old Testament
Asynchronous
Christ’s birth, life, crucifixion, and glorious resurrection were all prophesied centuries earlier in Old Testament times. This course aims to reconstruct the prehistory of Christ or the Old Testament messianism as it unfolds in the Pentateuch, Psalms and Prophets. Selected messianic texts will be interpreted in the light of patristic traditions with references to modern scholarship as well. Satisfies OT Exegesis.
Instructor
Fr. Eugen Pentiuc
PAST 6022 H1 | Spring 2026
Theology Of Pastoral Care II
Hybrid | MW 9:10-10:30am
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.
Instructor
Dr. Philip Mamalakis
PAST 6052 H1 | Spring 2026
Marriage and Family
Hybrid | W 2:10-4:30pm
The course will examine the Orthodox theological understanding of marriage and family. It will include a focus on the characteristics of both healthy and unhealthy relationships. Issues which negatively affect marital and family relationships, such as addictions, as well as psychological, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, will be examined. Attention will also be given to clergy marriages and the issue of clerical "burnout." The role of the pastoral caregiver in ministering to marriages and families will be emphasized.
Instructor
Dr. Philip Mamalakis
PAST 7015 H1 | Spring 2026
Pastoral Counseling: Theory and Practice
Hybrid | M 6:30-8:50pm
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.
Instructor
Dr. Philip Mamalakis
PAST 7025 Z1 | Spring 2026
The Sacred Arts as Mystagogical Catechesis
Synchronous | T 6:30-8:50pm
In the earliest centuries of Christianity, “mystagogy”—the meaning of the Church’s worship, its environment, and its ritual practice—was conveyed to adult converts through catechetical orations. Over time, as initiates came normatively to be received in infancy, mystagogy had to be taught through other means. Individual writers composed standalone treatises, which were composed and disseminated, and the Church in the Early and Byzantine periods incorporated these, and earlier liturgical hermeneutics through the interplay of homiletics, hymnography, architecture, and iconography. Students in this seminar-format class will investigate development of the content and form of mystagogy by engaging its primary sources and select studies: beginning with the scriptures, early church orders, and catechetical orations; in the next phase, moving to the texts of (ps.) Dionysios the Areopagite and St. Maximos the Confessor; then, turning to elaborations in sacred architecture and the development of hymnography, such as the historical kontakion with its influence on preaching; after that, looking toward the iconographic programs of Middle and Late Byzantine architecture following the defeat of iconoclasm; and finally, critically examining post-Byzantine and modern examples, identifying opportunities for historical recovery, contemporary synthesis, and future growth. Through collaborative and individual research, students will engage texts and material culture alongside one another, analyzing their exegetical content and their vision of Orthodox Christian worship.
Instructor
Fr. Lucas Lynn Christensen
PAST 7110 H1 | Spring 2026
Worldwide Christian Missionary Movement
Hybrid | T 6:30-8:50pm
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.
Instructor
Fr. Luke Veronis
PATR 5030 H1 | Spring 2026
Orthodox Christianity II
Synchronous | F 2:10-4:10pm
A basic introduction to the history, theology, and spirituality of the Orthodox Church. Emphasis will be placed on the theology of the Ecumenical Councils, the writings of the Church Fathers, and classic works of Orthodox spirituality. Prerequisite: PATR 5020 Orthodox Christianity I This course is limited to students in the Youth/Young Adult Ministry and Leadership Certificate program.
Instructor
Fr. Constantine R. Newman
PATR 7202 Z1 | Spring 2026
St. John Chrysostom
Synchronous | M 6:30-8:50pm
St John Chrysostom is honored alongside St Basil the Great and St Gregory the Theologian as one of the Church’s Three Holy Hierarchs and Great Ecumenical Teachers. A fearless preacher of virtue and social justice, he was surnamed 'the Golden Mouth' for his eloquent rhetoric. Celebrated especially for his unique ability to open up the treasures of sacred Scripture, John is remembered not only as an ascetical figure and a theologian, but above all as an exegete. It was said in the Byzantine tradition that 'the mouth of Christ is Paul, and the mouth of Paul is Chrysostom.' In this course, we explore the seminal contributions of St John Chrysostom through a close reading of his representative sermons and theological treatises, offering students the opportunity to encounter the rhetorical masterpieces, inspired exhortation, and rousing polemic that shaped the tradition of the Orthodox Church for centuries to come. Prerequisites None (Patrology I and Dogmatics I strongly recommended).
Instructor
Dr. Tikhon Pino
