This forum is probably the place where I spent the most time on MDC (aside from frugality & finances/simplifying), so it's the appropriate place to share this.
As many of you know, I'm an Orthodox Christian (a member of the Orthodox Church in America, to be exact). In our deanery (smaller geographical breakdown of our diocese), there is a late vocations (for men becoming permanent deacons, not going on to the priesthood) / higher education program (for lay catechists/lay leaders of both sexes). It's a 3-year program, every other Sunday afternoon for 2 hours, about 10 hours of reading a week, pretty much year round (although there's a small break around Pascha/Easter and Christmas). Classes are on spirituality, church history, canon law, OT, NT, patristics, dogmatic theology, and some others I can't remember off the top of my head, but 9 "semesters" - fall, winter, spring/summer. Non-diaconal candidates don't have to take the test for the certificate at the end, but it's very good if you do.
All of this to say - my priest asked me several weeks ago if I would consider taking this class, and I barely had to think about it before I said yes!
::: You don't get in without your priest's recommendation, and I'm totally geeked that I was asked. That part is very cool!:
Just found out that we're likely to begin in June, with the spirituality class - St. John Climacus (The Ladder of Divine Ascent), St. John Cassian, St. Issac the Syrian, and others I can't remember. A close friend (and the lay catechist in my parish) finished this program last year (and LOVED it!), so I've had a source for good info - and books for the class.
It's the closest I'll get to attending seminary.
Thanks for letting me:::
Has anyone else taken any intensive classes for their denomination for lay leaders - without going to seminary, that is?
As many of you know, I'm an Orthodox Christian (a member of the Orthodox Church in America, to be exact). In our deanery (smaller geographical breakdown of our diocese), there is a late vocations (for men becoming permanent deacons, not going on to the priesthood) / higher education program (for lay catechists/lay leaders of both sexes). It's a 3-year program, every other Sunday afternoon for 2 hours, about 10 hours of reading a week, pretty much year round (although there's a small break around Pascha/Easter and Christmas). Classes are on spirituality, church history, canon law, OT, NT, patristics, dogmatic theology, and some others I can't remember off the top of my head, but 9 "semesters" - fall, winter, spring/summer. Non-diaconal candidates don't have to take the test for the certificate at the end, but it's very good if you do.
All of this to say - my priest asked me several weeks ago if I would consider taking this class, and I barely had to think about it before I said yes!
::: You don't get in without your priest's recommendation, and I'm totally geeked that I was asked. That part is very cool!:Just found out that we're likely to begin in June, with the spirituality class - St. John Climacus (The Ladder of Divine Ascent), St. John Cassian, St. Issac the Syrian, and others I can't remember. A close friend (and the lay catechist in my parish) finished this program last year (and LOVED it!), so I've had a source for good info - and books for the class.
It's the closest I'll get to attending seminary.
Thanks for letting me
:::Has anyone else taken any intensive classes for their denomination for lay leaders - without going to seminary, that is?
Congratulations, Tradd. 
