PONTIFICIVM COLLEGIVM GEORGIANVM PONTIFICAL GEORGIAN COLLEGE ПАПСКИЙ ГЕОРГИАНСКИЙ КОЛЛЕДЖ The principal theological seminary of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church Admissions to Pontifical Georgian College Forming Clergy and Lay Scholars for the United Roman-Ruthenian Church Pontifical Georgian College, the principal seminary of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, exists to form faithful clergy and dedicated lay scholars for service within the Church’s apostolic mission. Admission is naturally selective, reflecting both the sacred responsibilities entrusted to the College and the self-directed learning model upon which our formation is built. Note: The College is not currently accepting new applications while it completes the final stages of its multi-year transition to its new system and enhanced platform. Who May Apply Admission is open to: Clergy, seminarians, and postulants of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church Lay leaders of the Church preparing for ministry, theological study, or academic specialization Clergy and candidates of jurisdictions in formal affiliation or communion with the URRC Individuals invited directly by the Office of the Pope or the College President. The College does not currently accept general public applications. All students must be sponsored by their bishop, rector, pastor, or appropriate Church authority. A Distinctive Model: Competency-Based Ecclesiastical Formation Pontifical Georgian College uses a Competency-Based Education (CBE) model. This is an approach well suited to serious adult learners, clergy, and those with previous pastoral, academic, or professional experience. CBE allows candidates to: Advance on mastery, not by an arbitrary calendar Build upon prior theological or ministerial experience Study at a disciplined but flexible pace Engage deeply with material that is new or pastorally critical Demonstrate competence through examination, writing, pastoral application, and oral defenses This method mirrors the early monastic and cathedral schools of Christendom, where formation was rigorous, individualized, and rooted in intellectual accountability. What Is Expected of Applicants Students must possess: A high degree of self-motivation The ability to manage independent study responsibly A willingness to engage deeply with Scripture, theology, liturgy, and pastoral practice Commitment to the spiritual and intellectual life of the Church Honesty, integrity, and teachable character While the College provides general mentoring, guidance, and examinations, the learner must bring determination, discipline, and a genuine desire to grow in wisdom, holiness, and skill. As an individualized, CBE program, seminarians must be prepared for significant independent study. Why Study Here? Pontifical Georgian College offers: Authentic ecclesiastical degrees granted by apostolic authority Formation rooted in the Orthodox Old Catholic tradition of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church Flexible yet rigorous academic paths designed for those balancing ministry, family, and vocation Our mission is not merely academic. It is vocational, spiritual, and apostolic. To study at Pontifical Georgian College is to enter a living tradition, a continuation of the theological and pastoral work begun in 1987 and carried forward today under the authority of the Holy Apostolic See. Transfer Credit & Dual-Degree Opportunities Pontifical Georgian College evaluates transfer credit on a case-by-case basis, recognizing coursework completed at other seminaries, theological institutes, and approved ecclesiastical faculties. Because our programs are competency-based, transfer credit is awarded not merely for time spent in a classroom but for demonstrated mastery of equivalent material. Applicants should submit transcripts, syllabi when available, and a statement of prior formation for review by the Academic Office. Acceptance of transfer credit is not guaranteed, but the College strives to honor legitimate prior theological study whenever appropriate. In addition, Pontifical Georgian College maintains a dual-degree and parallel-study pathway for students who are simultaneously enrolled in a regionally accredited seminary or academic institution. Students may take courses through PGC to “fill in the gaps” in doctrine, liturgy, philosophy, canon law, or pastoral formation that are not offered elsewhere. Provided sufficient coursework and competencies are completed with us, candidates may earn a Pontifical Georgian College degree concurrently with their accredited program—an advantage for those seeking both ecclesiastical and secular credentials. Also, Minor Seminary students who do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree are normally expected to be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program (or its recognized equivalent), ensuring the academic foundation appropriate for theological study. Tuition & Fees Pontifical Georgian College is committed to making high-quality ecclesiastical formation accessible while maintaining the academic and spiritual standards appropriate to a pontifical institution. Because our programs operate on a competency-based model, students enroll in courses individually as they progress through their formation. The standard tuition rate is US$250  per course. For most courses, there are no additional fees, and all course materials are generally provided digitally without additional cost. Tuition supports the ongoing work of the College, the development of instructional materials, the formation of clergy and scholars for the service of the Church, and the broader mission of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. Next Steps Those discerning studies should first consult with their bishop or rector. Once sponsorship is confirmed, formal application instructions and program guidelines will be provided through the College Office. Also please note the following: Accreditation and Educational Scope The sole purpose of the College is to provide religious and ecclesiastical formation for the clergy and lay leaders of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and its affiliated jurisdictions. Accordingly, the College does not seek and does not maintain secular or governmental accreditation. Its programs, degrees, and credentials are ecclesiastical in nature and are accredited solely by the Church. Because the College exists strictly for religious instruction, its programs fall outside the scope of review or oversight by secular accrediting bodies or civil higher-education authorities. The College and the Church nevertheless recognize the important role that accreditation plays in general and secular education. Individuals seeking academic credentials for employment, licensure, or secular professional purposes are encouraged to pursue studies through a regionally or nationally accredited institution recognized by the appropriate authorities in their country of residence (such as the U.S. Department of Education in the United States).         [Pontifical Georgian College Main Page]     DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICES