Academic Programmes
Course in Orthodox Christian Studies
The Course in Orthodox Christian Studies is a non-accredited one-year course, ideal for those persons wishing to enrich and deepen their knowledge of the Orthodox Christian Church and Faith. It offers the possibility of studying part-time through correspondence, using electronic means of communication.
Students are provided with a basic bibliography and are guided in their reading. The Course consists of four modules covering an introduction to the Holy Scriptures, the History of the Church, the Orthodox Faith and Sacramental Life. Each module is examined through assignments or essay-type questions.
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Programme of Orthodox Christian Studies
The Programme of Orthodox Christian Studies is a non-accredited course stretching over a period of three years. It is offered through correspondence and all communication is through electronic means. This, together with reasonable tuition costs, allows interested people from all over the world to follow the course.
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The Programme provides a comprehensive and exciting exposure to the many facets of the Orthodox Christian faith and seeks to explore how this is expressed, particularly in light of the many social and ethical challenges facing people of faith today.
Students following this non-accredited option will not be ‘sitting’ for formal written, invigilated examinations. They will be required instead, to submit written assignments in lieu thereof.
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This programme is ideal for aspirant clergy, catechists and educators, baptized members of the Orthodox Church, and anyone else who may wish to explore the Orthodox Christian Tradition more deeply.
While recognition of the Programme is provided by the Patriarchate of Alexandria, students wishing to use this qualification in applying for ordination or for any other vocational or professional purpose, need to confirm its recognition with their own ecclesiastical or other authority.
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Semesters run from January to June and from July to December, inclusive.
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Diploma in Orthodox Christian Studies
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The Diploma in Orthodox Christian Studies is a programme accredited by the South African Department
of Higher Education and Training.
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The various modules provide a comprehensive exposure to the many facets of the Orthodox Christian faith, seeking to maintain a balance between orthodoxyand orthopraxy, theory and practice, living the faith in contemporary society with its many challenges.
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Following the same syllabus outline as the Programme of Orthodox Christian Studies, this more intensive course, stretching over a period of three years, involves continuous assessment and formal, written examinations. The Diploma is offered through the distance-learning mode, making use of electronic communication and social media, as well as a variety of required books, online readings and audio-visual material.
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While this course of studies provides a recognized qualification within South Africa, interested persons are advised to confirm this recognition with their own local professional or ecclesiastical authorities, particularly if they wish to use this in applying and preparing for ordination or for other vocational or professional purposes.
Semesters run from January to June and from July to December, inclusive.
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Masters in Orthodox Theology
The St Mark’s Masters in Orthodox Theology is an accredited degree for those interested in a postgraduate education in theology. Linked to a recognized tertiary institution and under the guidance of Orthodox lecturers and supervisors, students engage in a two-year distance education program that allows for a varied combination of coursework and research-based thesis.
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Candidates must satisfy the entrance requirements of the tertiary institution with which St Mark’s Academy is affiliated. They must be in possession of an undergraduate degree from a recognized university. It may be necessary to complete an Honours (4th) year of studies or modules from the Diploma of Orthodox Christian Studies before admission to the Master’s degree.
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Doctoral Programme in
Orthodox Theology
Linked to a recognized Tertiary Institution and under the guidance of Orthodox lecturers and supervisors, students engage in a doctoral thesis. Candidates must satisfy requirement for admission to a doctoral degree.
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