The Programme

The Master Programme in Orthodox Ecumenical Theology (MOET) is an inter-Orthodox and inter-jurisdictional Programme, which aims at applying the invaluable theological legacy of the Orthodox Christianity to the needs of the present, following all international standards of excellence and the critical study pursued in modern academic scholarship.

Aims and objectives

• Provide research and education in foundational Orthodox theology that meet the needs of the Church in the 21st century in local, inter-Christian, and inter-Faith environment. Though it primarily refers to Orthodox Theology in its ecumenical perspective - the term “ecumenical” referring to the universal, catholic and ecumenical dimension of the Christian faith - it also applies to all Christian theologies designated not in a confessional sense as “orthodox”.

• Enhance understanding of the ecumenical, socio-economic, ecological and gender issues facing the Churches and society today, through teaching and research of the highest academic standard.

• Create an international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and diverse student and faculty community to foster greater understanding between cultures, nations, and Church traditions.

Target audience

The Master in Orthodox Ecumenical Theology is addressed to English-speaking theologians, and graduates of relevant disciplines, who wish to acquire or broaden their specialization through a high level instruction aiming at an effective application of the foundational doctrine of Christianity, especially the Orthodox (Biblical, Liturgical, Patristic) to our secular, multi-religious and multi-cultural context. Eligible for registration are holders of any undergraduate degree from accredited higher education institutions.

Programme Structure

Students are required to complete the following courses (Core courses and elective courses):

The Core Courses - First Term

• Introductory course
• Liturgical Theology
• Patristic and Systematic Theology
• Church History and Theology
• Missiology

The Core Courses - Second Term

• Biblical Theology
• Ecumenical Theology (Inter-Christian & Orthodox Relations)
• Ecology & Inter-Faith Dialogue

The Elective Courses

During the second semester, students should choose three courses from one of the following streams and one course from the rest of the two streams, according to their interests and their current and future career orientation:

(a) Foundational Orthodox Theology

• Biblical Hermeneutics and Social Studies
• Pauline Theology in Early and Contemporary Christianity
• Emotion, the Body and the Senses in Orthodox Hymnography and Liturgy
• Oriental Orthodox Churches: History and Spiritual Life

(b) Systematic, Ecclesiology & Missiology

• Contemporary Orthodox Missions and Theology
• Patristics and Orthodox Mission
• Christian Social Ethics
• The Church’s Structure: A Sociological Approach

(c) Ecumenical, Inter-cultural and Environmental Studies.

• Modern Orthodox Ecumenical Figures
• Scientific and Bioethical Issues in Orthodox Theology
• 20th Century Orthodox Theology and its Conversations with the West
• Orthodox Feminist Hermeneutics

The Dissertation

During the third semester, students submit their Dissertation, an individual project on a subject relating to their studies and career. The topic is chosen by the student with input and advice from a faculty member, who acts as supervisor, working closely with the student. The dissertation is an individual 10,000 - word paper of original scientific work, which upon completion is submitted for examination and approval by a three-member committee chaired by the student’s supervisor.

The Academic Committee

• Emeritus Professor Metropolitan Ioannis Zizioulas | Professor of Dogmatic Theology | Former President of the Academy of Athens
• Emeritus Professor Metropolitan Kallistos Ware | Professor of Orthodox Theology | Oxford University
• Professor Metropolitan Nifon Mihaita | Professor of Old Testament | Rector of the University of Targoviste
• Professor Metropolitan Makarios Tylliridis | Professor of Church History | Dean of Makarios III Seminary
• Professor Metropolitan Vassilios Karayannis | Professor of Systematic Theology | President of St. Epiphanius Cultural Institute
• Professor Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev | Professor of Patristic Theology | Rector of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Theological Institute
• Professor Elpidoforos Lambryniadis | Professor of Inter-Orthodox and Inter-Christian Relations | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Emeritus Professor Petros Vassiliadis | Professor of New Testament | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Director)

Most of the Academic Staff are members of CEMES.

Schedule

The Master in Orthodox Ecumenical Theology is a 14 month program of study comprised of three parts over three semesters. It is taught exclusively in English, mainly on weekdays, early in the afternoon. In special occasions also electronically from renowned scholars from abroad. 

Students are required to successfully complete 90 ECTS.

The first semester covers an introductory course (worth 6 ECTS) and 4 core courses (worth 6 ECTS each). The second semester covers the remaining 3 core courses (worth 6 ECTS) and 4 elective courses (worth 3 ECTS each), taken from the following three special areas: (a)

Foundational Orthodox Theology (Biblical, Liturgical, and Patristic); (b) Systematic, Ecclesiology & Missiology; (c) Ecumenical, Inter-cultural and Environmental Studies. Each teaching term has 13 teaching weeks through face-to-face instruction and seminar work or educational exposures,

followed by a 6-day exam period. The third period is taken up with work on the Master's dissertation (worth 30 ECTS) in one of the above three special areas.

Ideal career path

The Master in Orthodox Ecumenical Theology offers a critical and multifarious study of Christianity, from the traditional focus of the Christian Faith to the present day realities. The obtained skills that the graduates develop will allow them to work in Educational Institutions and Academies, concentrating on classical Christian Theology, in contemporary missionary work and Church administration, concentrating on Ancient Macedonia or Greece, Archaeological Departments, Research Institutes, Museums, etc.

Next Intake October 2020

Programme Announcement

Government Gazette

Official Government Gazette – 19-07-2018 (in Greek)

Official Government Gazette – Regulation (in Greek)