St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary Announces First Clergy-Oriented Advanced Course

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Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) launches a new course intended for Orthodox clergy through the Saint Vladimir’s Online School of Theology (Online School), entitled “Let My Prayer Arise: Music and Hymnography of the Lenten Triodion.” The Online School, which introduced its first non-degree courses to the general public last summer, is now initiating a second category of course offerings: classes designed specifically for ordained Orthodox clergy pursuing continuing theological enrichment.

This first course, taught by SVOTS Assistant Professor of Liturgical Music, the Rev. Dn. Dr. Harrison Basil Russin, will take a limited cohort of 15 students through graduate-level coursework exploring the profound connection between the liturgical texts and music of the Lenten Triodion. Dn. Harrison will guide experienced clergy in an advanced exploration of diverse examples of hymnography throughout the weeks of Lent, discussing the extraordinary interplay of language and music that adds depth and significance to the experience of parishioners participating in the services.

Registration is limited to 15 members; interested applicants are invited to apply as soon as possible, as course registration closes on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. The cost for this course is $350. To learn more and apply for the course, visit online.svots.edu or contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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About Saint Vladimir’s Online School of Theology

Saint Vladimir’s Online School of Theology is an accessible extension of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) offering quality online Orthodox education to the general public, taught by SVOTS faculty. This new initiative is supported by a grant awarded in 2022 by Lilly Endowment Inc., propelling the Seminary’s entrance into online education. Courses offered so far include Preparing to Read the Fathers, taught by the Very Rev. Dr Bogdan G. Bucur; Orthodoxy and the Old Testament, taught by Dr. Michael Legaspi; and Sacred Artistry: The Living Tradition of Orthodox Church Art, taught by Dr. Rossitza Schroeder.

About St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary trains priests, lay leaders, and scholars to be active apologists of the Orthodox Christian Faith—focusing on academic rigor and spiritual formation within a residential Orthodox community. SVOTS works with both Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Christian jurisdictions throughout the world. The Seminary is chartered and approved by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada; it offers the following degree programs: Doctor of Ministry, Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, and Master of Arts.


The faithful and parishes of the Orthodox Church in America are urged to intentionally pray for vocations and to support the seminaries, students, faculty, and their families. It is also vital to commit to financially support the three OCA seminaries as they continue the necessary work of providing exceptional education and spiritual formation for the future leaders of the Orthodox Church.

Parishes are reminded of the resolution approved at the 16th All-American Council in Seattle, which calls for parishes of the Orthodox Church in America to allocate 1% of their budget towards the support of these seminaries.

If you want to know more about supporting our seminaries, their work, or learn more about vocation and theological formation, seminary contact information is available here