Academic Calendar 2026-27

Please find the academic calendar for 2026-27 at the link below:

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2026-27

Pastoral School Student Ordained to the Priesthood

We are thankful to report that our Pastoral School student, Deacon Cyril Donohoe, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Luke of Syracuse on Sunday, March 16/29, 2026. May the Lord grant Fr. Cyril and his family many years of fruitful service to His Church! 

Pastoral School Student Ordained to the Priesthood in Australia

We are happy to report that our Pastoral School student, Deacon Pavel Diatchenko, was ordained to the priesthoold by Archbishop George of Syndey, Australia, and New Zealand on Sunday, February 2/15, 2026. May the Lord grant Fr. Pavel and his family many years of fruitful service in His Vineyard!

New Publication from Pastoral School Professor

A new publication is available from Dr. Aleksandr Andreev, our Professor of Liturgics in the Pastoral School. 

This is a a Russian-language Parimiink (Old Testament Lessons used in the Divine Services) into Russian from the Greek text of the Septuagint.

This was originally published by Moscow Theological Academy in two volumes. On offer now is a one-volume republication for the "diaspora". It includes a scholarly introduction, the text of all Old Testament lessons, and an index.

THE BOOK IS ON SALE VIA THE PRINT ON DEMAND SERVICE LULU

Although Russian language texts are not used in the Divine Services, this would be a very interesting book for the library for any Russian speaking Orthodox Christian. Your support for Professor Andreev is greatly appreciated!

Asking Your Prayers,

Fr. Gregory

Interesting Thesis Opportunity for Russian/English Speakers

An unpublished work by Archpriest Rostislav Gan, written in Russian, could be translated into English to fulfill the thesis requirement. This is essentially a detailed description about how pontifical services were celebrated in Harbin, China with instructions for everyone from the subdeacons to the Metropolitan of Harbin. In the appendix, there are some thoughts by Fr. Rostislav on commemorations. Fr. Rostislav’s grandson, Archpriest Serafim Gan, has added footnotes about how certain things were done by well-known Protodeacons of ROCOR and in various centers of ROCOR. This would be a very interesting project from both a historical and a theological perspective. 

I hope that one of our students will take this project on! In addition to the translation, all that would be needed for a successful thesis would be some commentary by the student on lessons learned from the project and suggestions for future work in this regard or inspired by the project.

Asking Your Prayers,

Fr. Gregory

Pastoral School to Accept Applications for Spring 2026 Semester ~ Пастырское училище начинает прием заявлений на весенний семестр 2026 г.

The Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America is committed to making high quality Orthodox theological education as accessible to as many interested students as possible. Based on this commitment we have made it possible for students to study either full time or part time in our school, have instituted summer courses, accept applicants in both the fall and spring semesters, and offer instruction in English, Russian, and Spanish.

Applications for admission for the spring semester are due February 1, 2026. Classes begin February 9, 2026. Applications and further information on the Pastoral School programs can be found at our web site:

http://orthodoxtheologicalschool.org/

English program application materials should be sent via email to Deacon Theodotus Conrad:

theodotus.conrad@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Spanish program application materials should be sent via email to Archpriest Peter Jackson:

frpeter.jackson@seminarioortodoxo.org

Russian program application materials should be sent via email to Archpriest Rostyslav Snihirov:

Rostyslav.Snihirov@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Questions should be directed to the Dean of the Pastoral School, Priest Gregory Joyce:

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Пастырское училище Чикагской и Средне-Американской епархии стремится сделать качественное православное богословское образование доступным как можно более широкому кругу учащихся. В связи с этим мы даем возможность проходить как полный, так и частичный курс семинарии, организовали летние курсы, предлагаем обучение на русском, английском, и испанском языках, и принимаем заявления от абитуриентов как на осенний, так и на весенний семестры.

Заявления о приеме на весенний семестр необходимо подать до 1 февраля 2026 г. Занятия начинаются 9 февраля 2026 г. Заявления и дополнительная информация о программах Пастырского училища размещены на нашем вебсайте:

http://orthodoxtheologicalschool.org/

Документы для подачи заявки на программу на английском языке необходимо отправить по электронной почте диакону Феодоту Конраду:

theodotus.conrad@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Документы для подачи заявки на программу на испанском языке необходимо отправить по электронной почте протоиерею Петру Джаксону:

frpeter.jackson@seminarioortodoxo.org

Документы для подачи заявки на программу на русском языке необходимо отправить по электронной почте протоиерею Ростиславу Снигирову:

Rostyslav.Snihirov@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Вопросы просим направлять Проректору Пастырского училища, священнику Григорию Джойсу:

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Academic Calendar 2025-26

 

Please find the academic calendar for 2025-26 at the link below:

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2025-26

Pastoral School to Accept Applications for Fall 2025 Semester ~ Пастырское училище начинает прием заявлений на осенний семестр 2025 г.

Poster to Share

The Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America is committed to making high quality Orthodox theological education as accessible to as many interested students as possible. Based on this commitment we have made it possible for students to study either full time or part time in our school, have instituted summer courses, accept applicants in both the fall and spring semesters, and offer instruction in English, Russian (for the first time this semester!), and Spanish.

Applications for admission for the fall semester are due September 1, 2025. Classes begin September 8, 2025. Applications and further information on the Pastoral School programs can be found at our web site.

English program application materials should be sent via email to Deacon Theodotus Conrad:

theodotus.conrad@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Spanish program application materials should be sent via email to Archpriest Peter Jackson:

frpeter.jackson@seminarioortodoxo.org

Russian program application materials should be sent via email to Archpriest Rostyslav Snihirov:

Rostyslav.Snihirov@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Questions should be directed to the Dean of the Pastoral School, Priest Gregory Joyce:

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org 

Пастырское училище Чикагской и Средне-Американской епархии стремится сделать качественное православное богословское образование доступным как можно более широкому кругу учащихся. В связи с этим мы даем возможность проходить как полный, так и частичный курс семинарии, организовали летние курсы, предлагаем обучение на русском (новая академическая программа в этом семестре!), английском, и испанском языках, и принимаем заявления от абитуриентов как на осенний, так и на весенний семестры.

Заявления о приеме на осенный семестр необходимо подать до 1 сентября 2024 г. Занятия начинаются 8 сентября 2025 г. Заявления и дополнительная информация о программах Пастырского училища размещены на нашем вебсайте.

Документы для подачи заявки на программу на английском языке необходимо отправить по электронной почте диакону Феодоту Конраду:

theodotus.conrad@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Документы для подачи заявки на программу на испанском языке необходимо отправить по электронной почте протоиерею Петру Джаксону:

frpeter.jackson@seminarioortodoxo.org

Документы для подачи заявки на программу на русском языке необходимо отправить по электронной почте протоиерею Ростиславу Снигирову:

Rostyslav.Snihirov@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Вопросы просим направлять Проректору Пастырского училища, священнику Григорию Джойсу:

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Interesting Thesis Idea

Friends,

To me it would be very interesting to try to learn more about the practice of not fasting from Pascha to Ascension/Pentecost as practiced in the Antiochian Church. Matthew Namee began the work for you in THIS ARTICLE. The rest is up to you!

Fr. Gregory, Dean

Pastoral School Graduate Ordained to the Priesthood

Fr. Timothy Zieminski, graduate of the Pastoral School, was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at Holy Dormition Orthodox Church, in Santa Rosa, CA on Sunday, June 15. This was was the first ordination performed by the new Diocesan Vicar of the Bulgarian Church, His Grace Bishop Clement, and so was a momentous and joyful day not only for the parish, but also for the whole Diocese.

Congratulations to the newly ordained, his family, and his parish!

Summer Courses Announced for 2025

Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America to Offer Summer Courses

FLYER TO SHARE

With Archbishop Gabriel’s blessing, this year summer courses will again be offered in the Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America.  Applications for admission for the summer semester are due June 9, 2025. The following courses will be offered this year – dates for the courses are June 16 – August 9, 2025 (some courses are slightly longer in duration):

    • Liturgics

    • Introductory Church Slavonic

    • Intermediate/Advanced Church Slavonic

    • Parish Management and Operations

    • New Testament Greek

    • New Testament Latin

    • Survey of Mental Illness for the Pastor

All Pastoral School summer courses are available to the general public without the need for a formal application to our complete Diploma program.  To register please visit the following link:

REGISTER HERE

To learn more about the summer courses and all the offerings of the Pastoral School please visit this link:

LEARN MORE

For more information or with questions please contact the Dean of the Pastoral School, Archpriest Gregory Joyce (fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org)

Pastoral School Russian Program Planning Under Way

With the blessing of Archbishop Peter, President of the Pastoral School, a meeting was held on October 2/15, 2024 to begin the planning of a Russian language program within the Pastoral School. Attendees were Archpriest Gregory Joyce, Dean of the Pastoral School, Archpriest Rostyslav Snihirov, and Priest Leontiy Naidzions. With God’s help the goal is to begin Russian Language instruction in the Pastoral School with the Fall 2025 semester.

Pastoral School Graduate Ordained to the Priesthood

On the Ecclesiastical New Year, September 1/14, 2024, Pastoral School graduate Deacon Brian Payne was ordained to the priesthood by Metropolitan Mitrophan of Canada (Serbian Church) at the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Campellville, Ontario. We congratulate Fr. Brian, his family, and parish on this auspicious occasion! May the Lord grant Fr. Brian many years of service to the Holy Church!

Liturgical Practicum Fall 2024: Liturgical Training for Present & Future Clergymen

With the blessing of Archbishop Peter, the Pastoral School is pleased to announce an important opportunity for present and future clergymen. The Liturgical Practicum aims to teach the practical application of the liturgics that is studied in the classroom. Participants will learn how to serve according to the traditional practices of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. The topics covered will range from how a clergyman interacts with the choir during the Divine Services, to how to appropriately use the censer, to how to serve the Hierarchal Divine Services, and all else that every Deacon and Priest needs to know. In addition, all participants will receive voice coaching to allow for the proper use of the voice in chanting and singing. The Liturgical Practicum is designed and highly recommended for new clergymen in the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America, but ALL ARE WELCOME. Limited space is available so please register as soon as possible. Registration deadline is October 15, 2024. The dates of the practicum are November 7-10, 2024. The location of the practicum is St. Vladimir Parish, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

For more information and to REGISTER:

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org ~ 734-649-5746

FLYER TO SHARE

По благословению архиепископа Петра для настоящих и будущих священнослужителей Пастырская школа рада объявить о важном курсе. Литургический практикум направлен на обучение практическому применению литургики, изучаемой в классе. Участники узнают, как служить в традициях Русской Православной Церкви Заграницей. Затрагиваемые темы будут касаться всего: от того, как священнослужитель взаимодействует с хором во время Богослужения, до того, как правильно пользоваться кадилом, как служить Архиерейские Богослужения, и всего прочего, что необходимо знать каждому диакону и священнику. Кроме того, все участники пройдут голосовой инструктаж, чтобы правильно использовать голос при пении и чтении. Литургический практикум разработан и настоятельно рекомендуется главным образом для новых священнослужителей Чикагской и Средне-Американской епархии, но мы ПРИГЛАШАЕМ ВСЕХ. Количество мест ограничено, поэтому, пожалуйста, регистрируйтесь как можно скорее. Крайний срок регистрации 15 октября 2024 г. Даты проведения с 7-го по 10-е ноября 2024 г. Практикум будет в приходе Св. Владымира в городе Анн-Арбор, штат Мичиган.

Для получения дополнительной информации и регистрации: fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org ~ 734-649-5746

Листовка для распространения

Fall Semester Students Admitted

The Pastoral School Fall semester begins on September 9, 2024. We are pleased to announce that the following students have been accepted for this semester:

Demaar, Alexander
DiStefano, Adam
Enck, Moses
Franceschi, Theodore
Funderburk, Thomas
Gleason, Joseph
Heikkila, Ignatius
Herke, Michael
Iovu, Andrei
Katsadas, Ioannis
Makartetskyi, Priest Artemii
Marklund, Johan
Marsan, Jacob
McDonald, Corin
Mogan, Reader Michael
Newton, Reader Paisios
Peskey, Reader John
Prince, Subdeacon Martinian
Reigelman, Gregory
Sietsema, Reader Thomas
Simpson, Daniel
Smiley, Nicholas
Soboleski, Luke
Staser, Christopher
Swiggum, Matthew
Thiessen, Reader Mark
Toussaint, Asher
Vanderburg, Samuel
Vandermerwe, Jerome

We congratulate these students on their acceptance to the Pastoral School! And we ask your prayers for success in their theological academic pursuits. Most will be studying in the Pastoral Theology Program, others in our other PROGRAMS. 

The next application deadline for the Pastoral School is February 1, 2025. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so those who would like to apply are welcome to do so at any time for the next semester. The application form can be found here:

APPLICATION FORM

We welcome your application! If you have questions, please contact me.

Fr. Gregory Joyce, Dean

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

Cell/SMS/What's App/Viber/Telegram/etc.: +1-734-649-5746

Pastoral School Student Ordained to the Priesthood

On the great feast of the Lord’s Transfiguration, at the cathedral in Los Angeles named after this feast, Pastoral School student Deacon Joseph MacPherson was ordained to the priesthood. We congratulate Fr. Joseph, his family, and parish on this auspicious occasion! May the Lord grant Fr. Joseph many years of service to the Holy Church!

OFFICIAL REPORT FROM THE WESTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE ROCOR

ADDITIONAL PICTURES HERE FROM FR. JOSEPH’S PARISH WEB SITE

Pastoral School to Accept Applications for Fall 2024 Semester ~ Пастырское училище начинает прием заявлений на осенний семестр 2024 г.

Poster to Share

The Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America is committed to making high quality Orthodox theological education as accessible to as many interested students as possible. Based on this commitment we have made it possible for students to study either full time or part time in our school, have instituted summer courses, accept applicants in both the fall and spring semesters, and offer instruction in both English and Spanish.

Applications for admission for the fall semester are due September 1, 2024. Classes begin September 9, 2024. Applications and further information on the Pastoral School programs can be found at our web site:

http://orthodoxtheologicalschool.org/

Questions should be directed to the Dean of the Pastoral School, Priest Gregory Joyce:

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org

~~~/~~~/~~~/~~~

Пастырское училище Чикагской и Средне-Американской епархии стремится сделать качественное православное богословское образование доступным как можно более широкому кругу учащихся. В связи с этим мы даем возможность проходить как полный, так и частичный курс семинарии, организовали летние курсы, предлагаем обучение на английском и испанском языках, и принимаем заявления от абитуриентов как на осенний, так и на весенний семестры.

Заявления о приеме на осенный семестр необходимо подать до 1 сентября 2024 г. Занятия начинаются 9 сентября 2024 г. Заявления и дополнительная информация о программах Пастырского училища размещены на нашем вебсайте:

http://orthodoxtheologicalschool.org/

Вопросы просим направлять Проректору Пастырского училища, священнику Григорию Джойсу:

fr.gregory.joyce@orthodoxtheologicalschool.org 

Academic Calendar 2024-25 School Year

Please find the academic calendar for the 2024-25 school year at the link below:

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2024-25

Pastoral School Spring 2024 Graduation

On July 13, 2024 thesis review and defense and comprehensive final examinations were held for graduating students of the Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America. At this session five students defended their theses and passed their final examinations. Names and titles of theses are below:

Deacon Theodotus Conrad: Catechizing Souls: A Historiography of Eastern Orthodox Catechisms, 1572-2016

Subdeacon Christopher Leung: The Conflict and Adaptation between the Orthodoxy’s Christians Tradition and Chinese Culture

Deacon Mikhail Moibenko: Orthodox Christian Piety

Deacon Matthew Sundahl: The Tools of the Catechumenate

Deacon Timothy Zieminski: The Mercy and Forgiveness of God: The Orthodox Teaching on the Soul after Death in Light of Purgatory

All theses were reviewed by the examination committee (made up of Archpriest Gregory Joyce, Dean of the School; and Archpriest John Whiteford, Assistant Dean for Operations of the Pastoral School, and Deacon Vladimir Pyrozhenko, Professor University of Michigan). All theses met the high standards for scholarly work of the Pastoral School, with Deacon Theodotus and Deacon Matthew receiving honors. 

All students passed their oral final examinations, with Deacon Theodotus and Deacon Mikhail receiving honors.

Later that day the Resurrectional Vigil was held in the Diocesan Cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God in Des Plaines, IL. The graduates participated in the Divine Service. The next day (July 14, 2024) Divine Liturgy was held in the cathedral, led by Archbishop Peter (President of the Pastoral School). Following the Divine Liturgy the graduates were officially awarded their diplomas. 

We congratulate the new graduates and their families on their significant accomplishment. God willing the theses of the new graduates will soon be published for the edification of all. 

Pastoral School Graduate Ordained to the Deaconate

        

On Sunday, June 17/30, 2024, the universal feast of All Saints, Brian (Branko) Payne was ordained to the Deaconate by Metropolitan Mitrofan of Canada (Serbian Orthodox Church) at the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Milton, Ontario. Deacon Brian is a 2023 graduate of the Pastoral School and will be assigned to Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church in Windsor, Ontario. Congratulations to Deacon Brian and his family! May the Lord grant him many years of service in His Vineyard!