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PONTIFICIVM COLLEGIVM
GEORGIANVM The principal theological seminary of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church
MAJOR
SEMINARY
OUTLINE OF STUDIES
N.b. programmes
subject to change without notice on this page. Postulants and
seminarians should consult college administration for official information.
The
following outline presents the required course of study for ordination
within any See and Rite of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. The program is built upon the original curriculum of St. Edwin Caudill,
whose work laid a timeless foundation for clerical formation. In
keeping with his vision, this program represents a formation grounded
in Apostolic tradition according to the Orthodox and Catholic heritage
of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. While
courses are arranged in progressive levels, the program follows a
competency-based education (CBE) model, allowing each seminarian to
progress at the pace appropriate to his formation, under the guidance
of his formation director. Advancement is based not on time spent in
study, but on demonstrated mastery of the knowledge, skills, and
dispositions required for the sacred ministry. Program Learner Outcomes PLO 1 – Theological Mastery: Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of Orthodox and Catholic doctrine, Scripture, Church history, liturgy, and moral theology, with particular competency in the heritage and practice of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. PLO 2 – Liturgical and Sacramental Competence: Faithfully and proficiently celebrate (or assist in) the sacred liturgy, divine offices, and sacramental rites of the Church according to the rubrics, theology, and pastoral expectations of the URRC. PLO 3 – Pastoral and Canonical Judgment: Apply pastoral theology, spiritual principles, and canon law to the care of souls, ethical decision-making, and the governance of parish life with prudence, compassion, and fidelity to the Church. PLO 4 – Evangelization and Teaching: Effectively communicate the Faith through preaching, catechesis, apologetics, and education across all age groups and contexts. PLO 5 – Spiritual and Personal Formation: Exhibit the character, prayer discipline, humility, and devotion expected of clergy, integrating personal holiness with ministerial responsibility. Course Learner Outcomes CLO A1: Interpret Scripture using historical, theological, and contextual methods. CLO A2: Articulate the unity of Old and New Testament revelation. CLO A3: Explain the theological themes and unique contributions of the various biblical corpora. Category B – Historical and Doctrinal Competency CLO B1: Summarize key eras of Church history and their theological significance. CLO B2: Explain doctrinal development and its expression in the Creeds, councils, and Tradition. CLO B3: Distinguish Orthodox and Catholic perspectives within the unified Apostolic tradition. Category C – Liturgical and Sacramental Proficiency CLO C1: Demonstrate practical competence in serving and celebrating liturgical rites. CLO C2: Explain the theology and symbolism of the holy liturgy and divine offices. CLO C3: Administer or assist in sacramental rites with accuracy, reverence, and pastoral understanding. Category D – Pastoral and Canonical Ability CLO D1: Apply pastoral principles to parish needs and spiritual care. CLO D2: Interpret and use canon law in ministerial contexts. CLO D3: Demonstrate ethical and moral discernment grounded in Church teaching. Category E – Communication and Evangelization CLO E1: Preach orthodox sermons with clarity and theological soundness. CLO E2: Catechize effectively across age groups and backgrounds. CLO E3: Defend the Faith with reasoned, charitable apologetics. Category F – Spiritual Formation CLO F1: Demonstrate disciplined prayer and spiritual growth. CLO F2: Exhibit clerical virtues appropriate to pastoral life. CLO F3: Integrate personal formation with ministry demands. LEVEL 1 — FOUNDATIONS TE101 - Introduction to Theological Education CLOs: B1, B2, F1, F2This foundational course introduces the seminarian to the very heart of theological study: the search for God in truth, history, and personal vocation. Students explore how the Orthodox and Catholic faith arose, developed, and is lived today, with particular attention to the unique heritage and mission of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. Through guided readings, reflection papers, and spiritual self-examination, students learn not only what the Church teaches, but how to think theologically and understand their own unfolding faith journey. Required essays for Completion of TE101 shall be on at least the following two topics:
1.The
origins of the Faith, Orthodoxy, and Catholicism today in the
context of the heritage and practice of the United Roman-Ruthenian
Church. OT101 - General Survey of Old Testament Literature CLOs: A1, A2A sweeping overview of the Old Testament and the Apostolic-era Apocrypha, this course invites students to encounter the drama of salvation history, from Creation to the threshold of Christ. Emphasis is placed on learning to interpret Scripture through the traditional fourfold lens: literal meaning, historical context, theological insight, and spiritual application. Through substantial reading and analysis, the student gains the tools needed to read the Old Testament as the early Christians did: as the living preparation for the Gospel. NT101 - General Survey of New Testament Literature CLOs: A1, A2, A3This course provides a comprehensive introduction to every book of the New Testament, emphasizing how the Christian proclamation (kerygma) emerged from the apostolic witness. Students trace the development of early Christian teaching from the Gospels to Acts to the Pauline and Catholic Epistles, discovering how the Church’s message took shape and how it continues to shape us. A solid foundation for all later theological study. LEVEL 2 — SCRIPTURES & HISTORY OT201 - The Pentateuch CLOs: A1, A2, A3A focused, in-depth study of the first five books of Scripture—the Torah, the foundation upon which all later revelation rests. Students examine themes of covenant, law, sacrifice, creation, fall, and God’s forming of His people. Special attention is given to how these books prepare for and illuminate the Gospel of Christ and the life of the Church. NT201 - The Synoptic Gospels CLOs: A1, A3This course immerses the student in the world of Saints Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Through comparative study, literary analysis, and theological reflection, the seminarian learns how the Synoptics proclaim the Kingdom of God, portray the life of Christ, and express the apostolic faith. Students discover both the unity and unique voice of each Gospel. CH101 - A General Survey of Church History CLOs: B1, B2, F1A panoramic introduction to the story of the Christian Church from Pentecost to the present. Students trace the development of doctrine, worship, the great councils, missionary expansion, schisms, reform movements, and modern challenges. This survey emphasizes the URRC’s continuity with ancient Apostolic tradition and provides essential context for all areas of ministry. - ORDINATION AS LECTOR AND EXORCIST -
LEVEL
3 — DEPTH & ROOTS OT301 - The Prophets CLOs: A1, A3An exploration of the prophetic books of the Old Testament, examining how God spoke through His chosen servants to call His people to repentance, fidelity, and hope. Students study major and minor prophets, historical background, and enduring theological themes—including the prophecy of Christ and the moral voice of the Church today. NT301 - The Gospel of John CLOs: A1, A3A deep theological study of the Fourth Gospel, the most contemplative and mystical of the New Testament writings. Students explore John’s stunning portrait of Christ—Logos, Light, Shepherd, Lamb, and Lord—as well as themes of sacrament, truth, love, and eternal life. This course builds directly on NT201 while introducing advanced interpretive methods. CH301 - The Early Church CLOs: B1, B2, B3An intensive study of Christian life from the Apostolic Age through the 5th century. Students explore persecution and martyrdom, the rise of liturgy, the growth of episcopal structures, monasticism, sacred art, and the formation of the patriarchates. Major controversies and the first four ecumenical councils are examined in depth. A crucial course for understanding what “Apostolic” truly means. Required Essays for Completion of CH301 shall be on at least the following three topics:
1.The
effects of the Edict of Milan PT101 - Pastoral Theology CLOs: D1, F2A practical and spiritually grounded introduction to the work of pastoral ministry. Topics include pastoral identity, compassion, counseling basics, spiritual direction, sacramental preparation, and the daily realities of parish life. Students learn how to shepherd souls with both firmness and gentleness, always reflecting the heart of Christ. LA101 - Ecclesiastical Latin I or SL101 - Ecclesiastical Slavonic I or GR101 - Ecclesiastical Greek I CLOs: C2, E1An introductory course in the liturgical and ecclesiastical Latin of the Western tradition. Students acquire basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation needed to understand and participate in the Latin liturgy and to read simple texts from the Church Fathers and traditional missals. ...OR... An introduction to Slavonic/Old Russian as used in the Eastern liturgical and biblical tradition. Students learn foundational grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, enabling participation in Slavonic liturgy and familiarity with the historical prayer books of Old Rus’. - ORDINATION AS ACOLYTE -
LEVEL
4 — DOCTRINE, PAUL, & LITURGY NT401 - The Pauline Literature CLOs: A1, A3, B2A comprehensive study of the letters of Blessed Paul the Apostle, exploring the heart of early Christian theology: grace, faith, works, the Church, sacrament, moral life, salvation, and the mystery of Christ. Students examine Paul’s world, ministry, opponents, and enduring influence on Christian doctrine. A capstone course for New Testament theology. Required Essays for Completion of NT401 shall be on at least the following three topics:
1.Saint
Paul's teaching on faith and works. ST101 - The Creeds CLOs: B1, B2, B3This course examines the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as definitive statements of Orthodox and Catholic faith. Students explore their biblical foundations, historical contexts, doctrinal precision, and continuing authority. By understanding the Creeds, seminarians learn the essential grammar of Christian belief.
LT101 -
Principles of Liturgy A hands-on introduction to the structure, theology, and ceremonial life of the Church’s worship. Students learn to serve competently at the altar as crucifer, thurifer, acolyte, and assistant at both standard and pontifical liturgies. The course includes instruction in the Divine Office and the fundamentals of ritual discipline, reverence, and sacred space. Before Ordination as Sub-Deacon, the seminarian is required to demonstrate the following:
1.Proper
chant of the Epistles/Lessons at the Divine Liturgy - ORDINATION AS SUB-DEACON -
LEVEL
5 — HISTORY, THEOLOGY, & LAW CH302 - The Church in the Middle Ages CLOs: B1, B2A study of Christianity from the fall of Rome to the eve of the Reformation. Students examine monasticism, scholasticism, liturgical development, church-state relations, and the shaping of European society. Special emphasis is placed on elements preserved and continued in the URRC’s identity and patrimony. CH403 - Orthodoxy CLOs: B2, B3A multifaceted exploration of Eastern and Western Orthodoxy as it existed before and after the Great Schism, and later before and after the Protestant Reformation. Students analyze theological development, cultural influences, political pressures, and the ongoing need for unity in truth. The course highlights the URRC’s role in preserving pre-Schism orthodoxy and apostolic catholicity. Required Essays for Completion of CH403 shall be on at least the following three topics:
1. The Theological and Doctrinal Differences and the Role of Politics and Power Struggles in the Events Leading Up to the Great Schism ST201 - Systematic Theology CLOs: B2, D3A structured examination of Christian doctrine, organized around the great themes of the Faith: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, sacrament, salvation, and eschatology. Students learn how the Church understands and articulates revealed truth and how doctrine shapes the spiritual and moral life of believers. PT201 - Canon Law CLOs: D2, D3A comprehensive study of the canon law of both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions, with special focus on the Code of Canon Law of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. Students learn how law serves the Gospel by safeguarding order, discipline, orthodoxy, sacramental validity, and pastoral care. HT101 - Homiletics CLOs: E1, E2A practical course in the art of sacred preaching. Students study classical sermon structure, biblical exposition, rhetorical clarity, and pastoral sensitivity. Each student must preach four public sermons, receiving constructive critique to strengthen both delivery and theological soundness.
LEVEL 6 — ADVANCED DOCTRINE & LITURGY ST301 - Catholic and Orthodox Theology CLOs: B2, B3Building on ST201, this advanced course explores the doctrinal unity and diversity of Catholic and Orthodox theology, especially as embodied in the rites used by the URRC. Students examine patristic teaching, conciliar definitions, sacramental theology, devotion to the saints, and the understanding of the Eucharistic Sacrifice. A deep synthesis of East and West. Required Essays for Completion of ST301 shall be on at least the following three topics:
1.The
Catholic and Orthodox nature of the pre-Reformation Church or the pre-Great Schism Church. LT201 - Liturgy of the Church (Only required for ordination track.) CLOs: C1, C2, F1A historical and practical study of the missals and breviaries used within the URRC, especially the Missale Anglicanum, the Gallican tradition, the Anglican-Byzantine and Gallo-Russo-Byzantine usages, and the Roman-Ruthenian Breviary. Students gain proficiency in chanting and reciting Lauds, Vespers, and Compline and learn the liturgical responsibilities of the deacon. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, devotion, and canonical norms. ST302 - Social Theology CLOs: D3, E3A rigorous examination of the Church’s moral teaching as applied to society, culture, politics, economics, and the modern world. Topics include human dignity, justice, war and peace, nationalism, immigration, labor, poverty, and the Christian vision of a rightly ordered society. Students learn to speak with the voice of the Church, not the world. ----------------- Before Ordination as Deacon, the seminarian is required to demonstrate the following:
1.Proper
chant of the Gospel at the Divine Liturgy Before Ordination as Deacon, the seminarian is required to pass the General Liturgical Examination portions that pertain to the Diaconate. - ORDINATION AS DEACON -
LEVEL
7 — DEFENSE, MISSION, & VOCATION ST401 - Apologetics CLOs: E3, B2A cleric must be ready to “give an answer for the hope that is in him” with both conviction and charity. This course forms students in the principles of Orthodox and Catholic apologetics, equipping them to articulate and defend the faith against modern objections, misunderstandings, and distortions. Students study Scripture, patristic arguments, classical and contemporary apologetic methods, and the importance of humility and pastoral sensitivity in every defense of truth. Emphasis is placed on clarity, confidence, and fidelity to the Apostolic tradition. PT301 - Mission and Church Growth CLOs: E2, E3This course introduces seminarians to the theology and practical strategies of evangelism, catechesis, and the nurturing of parish life. Students examine the missionary imperative of the Gospel, the dynamics of community-building, and the challenges of evangelizing in a secular age. Through case studies and planning exercises, seminarians learn how to help parishes grow—not merely in number, but in holiness, discipleship, and unity. TH401 - Priestly Formation CLOs: F1, F2, F3A profound exploration of the theology, spirituality, and identity of the priesthood. Drawing on Scripture, the Fathers, and the lived experience of the Church, this course examines the priest as icon of Christ, steward of the mysteries, shepherd of souls, and servant-leader within the Body of Christ. Students reflect on vocation, personal holiness, pastoral responsibility, and the lifelong formation required of those called to Holy Orders. Essential for all who seek to understand—or to live—the sacred priestly ministry.
LEVEL
8 — MORAL LIFE, SACRAMENTS, TEACHING, & LITURGICAL MASTERY ST501 - Moral Theology CLOs: D3, B2A rigorous application of the Church’s doctrine and dogma to the moral challenges of human life. Students explore virtue, conscience, sin, law, grace, and the moral dimensions of personal, social, medical, and political issues. Through study of Scripture, tradition, and the teaching authority of the Church, seminarians learn how to form moral judgments that reflect both truth and compassion. This course equips future clergy to be wise confessors, spiritual guides, and teachers of righteousness. LT201 - Non-Liturgical Rites of the Church (Required for ordination track.) CLOs: C1, C3An essential practical course in the administration of the Church’s extra-liturgical sacraments and rites. Students learn the theology, structure, and ceremonial of Baptism, Confession, Unction, and Matrimony, as well as blessings, house dedications, and other pastoral services. Successful completion requires a hands-on practical examination demonstrating both competence and reverence. This course prepares future clergy to minister sacramentally with confidence and pastoral care. Successful completion of LT201 requires a practical examination in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confession, Unction, and Matrimony, as well as general blessings. PT401 - Christian Education CLOs: E1, E2A priest must be a teacher of the Faith—capable of forming children, youth, adults, and new converts in the life of Christ. This course examines Christian pedagogy, catechetical methods, curriculum design, and the spiritual responsibilities of the teacher. Students learn how to teach the Faith clearly, faithfully, and engagingly. Successful completion of PT401 requires creation of lesson plans for the following:
1.Child,
youth, and adult Sunday school LT301 - Practicum in the Divine Offices (Required for ordination track.) CLOs: C1, C2, F1 An immersive, hands-on practicum in the complete cycle of the Divine Office according to the Roman-Ruthenian Breviary. The candidate must learn, recite, and understand the rhythm, structure, psalmody, chants, rubrics, and theology of the Hours. Successful students demonstrate proficiency in leading and praying all canonical hours publicly and privately. A foundational course for those who will celebrate the Office daily as clergy. LT401 - Practicum in the Divine Lityrgy (Required for ordination track.) CLOs: C1, C2, C3 The capstone liturgical practicum for clerical candidates. This comprehensive course teaches the full celebration of the Mass/Divine Liturgy, including rubrics, ceremonial, vocal technique, movement, spiritual preparation, and theological meaning. Students learn every action required of the celebrant with precision and devotion. Successful completion demonstrates the candidate’s ability to celebrate the liturgy faithfully, reverently, and confidently in service to the Church. ----------------------- Before Ordination as Priest, the seminarian is required to demonstrate the following:
1.How to
celebrate the Divine Liturgy in its entirety according to ritual. Before Ordination as Priest, the seminarian is required to pass the General Ordination Examination (GOE) and the entirety of the General Liturgical Examination (GLE).
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