Christ is risen!
Dear Fathers,
You are of course familiar with the St Sergius Theological Institute and its core teaching. Perhaps you have not noticed that a short cycle of ten sessions was also planned, entitled “Theological and Pastoral Formation”, which, as its name indicates, is addressed more specifically to pastors.
I encourage those among you who might be interested to look at the programme, a copy of which you will find below, together with the registration procedure.
The administration of the Archdiocese can help with the registration fees if necessary. Please note that this year’s session begins on 25 May and ends on 25 June.
With my pastoral blessing and affection,
† Metropolitan JOHN of Dubna
Theological and Pastoral Formation (FTP)
provided by experienced teachers and pastors:
Description and aim of the course:
This distance-learning programme of the St Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute is intended primarily for Orthodox candidates for the diaconate or priesthood and for Orthodox priests wishing to perfect their pastoral and liturgical formation. Structured in two successive parts, it comprises the course on the Fundamentals of Orthodoxy (FO: 25 weekly sessions of one hour) followed by a series of 10 practical classes of 1.5 hours each, every Monday and Thursday evening from 25 May to 25 June inclusive, from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. Each practical class, lasting one hour, will be followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer exchange between the teacher and the students. The classes, recorded live, will be available for replay.
Certification:
A certificate of Theological and Pastoral Formation will be awarded at the end of the year to diligent students who have completed the FO course and passed a remote oral examination after having attended all the sessions.
Session no. Date Title of the session
Session 1 – 25.05.2026 – The typikon and liturgical books (Fr Alexandre Galaka)
Session 2 – 28.05.2026 – The Divine Liturgy: liturgical and pastoral aspects (Fr Jean Gueit)
Session 3 – 01.06.2026 – Vespers, Matins and the daily cycle of services (Fr Alexandre Galaka)
Session 4 – 04.06.2026 – Baptism and chrismation: liturgical and pastoral aspects (Fr Jean Gueit)
Session 5 – 08.06.2026 – Care for the sick and funerals: liturgical and pastoral aspects (Fr Marc Génin)
Session 6 – 11.06.2026 – Ministry to prisoners (Fr Marc Génin and Fr Joseph Pavlinciuc)
Session 7 – 15.06.2026 – Marriage: preparation and celebration (Fr Nicolas Cernokrak)
Session 8 – 18.06.2026 – Dialogue with young people (Fr Hildo Bos)
Session 9 – 22.06.2026 – Confessions and spiritual conversations (Fr Nicolas Cernokrak)
Session 10 – 25.06.2026 – Preaching in the community (Fr Ivan Karageorgiev)
Specific conditions and prerequisites:
Possession of a computer and a good internet connection.
Course fees:
Course fees (examination fees included):– The 10 complementary classes: €280.00
– 1 complementary class: €38.00 (without examination)
– Possibility of being subsidised by one’s parish or diocese
For registration procedures, click here
Institute of Orthodox Theology
93 rue de Crimée – 75019 PARIS
07 49 95 77 94