The program is 3 semesters long, and will run continuously (i.e. the three semesters will run consecutively). Each semester will have different, non-continuous course material and will be designed such that a new candidate may begin the program in any semester without having missed any prior, relevant material.

The program will be structured similar to the semester system employed by universities. The spring semester should begin in late December and end by the end of March. The summer semester should begin in mid April and end by mid July. The rest of the summer will be off due to the summer vacations people usually take. Finally, the fall semester should begin in mid August and end by the end of the November.

The program for students will focus on general areas of study/instruction, allow them extensive hands-on training and enable them to begin building a collection of important books of their own. There will also be a regular system of examinations and individual/group projects to ensure continued attention to study, spiritual growth and teamwork.

In order to graduate, a student needs to:

• Act in a Christian spiritual manner (i.e. be a person of good report as outlined in the first lecture about “The character and life of a servant”)

• Pass all examinations with satisfactory grades,

• Display a commitment to the program by regularly attending the classes (i.e. no more than two unexcused absences) and

• Be in attendance at the majority of Church activities (Liturgies, Bible studies, Vespers and Midnight Praises etc.).

However, fulfillment of these requirements does not guarantee the candidate a place in the service. It must be remembered that service is a calling and not a right. The Father of Confession will ultimately decide who is ready for the service and who must fulfill other requirements. The Father of Confession and Coordinator will evaluate students after each semester’s mid-term and final examinations.

The program will include the following subjects (in no particular order):

• Preparing for Service and Mission:

  • The character/life of a servant

  • The mission of a servant

  • The mission of the church today

  • The purpose and role of a servant

• The Bible:

  • History of the Bible

  • Old Testament

  • New Testament

  • Deuterocanonical Books

  • Main themes and characters in the Bible

• Patristics

  • Importance of the Fathers and their writings; significance in relation to the Bible (i.e. do we need them?)

  • Important Fathers, their writings and eras

  • Contribution to Holy Tradition

• Liturgical Subjects

  • Theology of the liturgy; Christ in the liturgy

  • Liturgical rituals Parts 1, 2 & 3

  • Hymnology

• Church History

  • The First 3 Ecumenical Councils (recognized by Non-Chalcedonian Churches)

  • The Last 4 Councils (recognized by Chalcedonian Churches)

  • Contemporary Coptic history

• Topics on the Sacraments

  • Importance of them in every Christian’s life

  • Biblical basis

  • Work of the Trinity in the Sacraments

• Today’s Culture

  • The psycho-social needs of the different age groups, their environment and external influences (e.g. parents, friends, TV, Internet church)

  • How to reach them as the ambassador of Christ

• Topics on Service

  • How to prepare and deliver a SS lesson

  • How to prepare an activity/retreat/trip

  • How to perform outreach/develop healthy relationships with youth

  • Do’s and Dont's of Service

• Topics on Dogma/Doctrine

  • The Trinity

  • The Incarnation of Christ

  • Salvation in the Orthodox Concept

  • Icons and Veneration of the Saints

  • Tradition vs. the Bible

• Comparative Theology

  • Unity vs. Understanding

  • Judaism

  • Protestantism

  • Catholicism

  • New Age Movements and Pantheism

  • Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses

• Topics on Prayer:

  • Corporate vs. Personal Prayer

  • Prayer as your most important weapon