MASTER OF CHRISTIAN BIBLE
SYLLABUS
Systematic Theology Course #614 – 10 Credits
The church patristic fathers of the Orthodox faith will be studied. The church calendar will also be discussed. Students will choose from the Nicene and Post Nicene Fathers who they would like to write a paper on and will include the orthodox perspective of whom they choose.
"Nicene and Post-Nicene" volumes
"The Faith of the Early Fathers" vol. #1 book by Jurgens
"The Faith of the Early Fathers" vol. #1 book by Jurgens
Church Procedures Course #617 – 8 Credits
This course introduces the format for church liturgies, baptisms, healings, weddings, funerals, and discusses the seven sacraments. Students will write a paper on three church procedures, demonstrating understanding of the sacrament.
"The Great Holy Week" video #71
"Holy Week Study" video #65 by Bishop Petros
St. John Chrysostom Liturgy/Manual
"Seven Sacraments" video set by Bishop Petros
"Seven Sacraments" book by Fr. Gialopsos
"Orthodox wedding" video by Vesey
"Penance" video by GeoTelecom
"Healing and the Eucharistic Life" cassette by Rev. Dr. Hopko
"Funeral Service Book" by Constantinides/optional
Scripture Course #613 – 19 Credits
Students will read papers and answer quiz/test questions. Students will begin to correlate conversation of either Greek or Hebrew to Holy Scripture.
"Introduction to Holy Canons" paper by Fr. Ross
"Introduction to Old Testament" papers by Fr. Ross (#302 through #307)
"Pentateuchal Studies" paper by Fr. Ross
"Introduction to Prophetic Scripture: God’s Ocean Magazines #1-4 editions)
"Introduction to Greek Primer or Advanced Greek" video by Archbishop Haralambos
"Introduction to Hebrew or Advanced Hebrew" video by R. Greenfield with book by Mansoor
Christian Spirituality and Liturgical Worship Course #501 – 8 Credits
Student will choose from a list of sources to compile a term paper on liturgical worship and spirituality
"Orthodox Spirituality" book by a monk
"Evening Worship in the Orthodox Church" book by Uspensky
"St. Germanus of Constantinople on the Divine Liturgy" book by Meyendorff
"Liturgy and Tradition" book by A. Schmemann
"A Commentary on the Divine Liturgy" book by Cabasilas
"Spiritual Counsels" book by Grisbrooke
"The Orthodox Liturgy" book by H. Wybrew
"Introduction to Liturgical Theology" book A. Schmemann
"St. John of Damascus; On the Divine Images" book by A. Anderson
"St. Gregory of Nyssa; On the Soul and the Resurrection" book by C. Roth
Publication of Thesis Course #801 – 19 credits
Students will turn in an outline that will be approved before writing thesis. All research should be documented and presented in an acceptable format. Publication expense solely rests on the student along with editing costs.
Restoration/Renewal of the Church Course #622 – 8 Credits
The three ingredients needed for church restoration will be discussed: Chalice, Holy Unction by the Holy Spirit, and no division of the Trinity. Love for the Holy Mother of God will be discussed along with the need for the five-fold ministry to be present in each church ecclesia.
Students will do one video production or one paper.
"The Three Things the Church Needs" video by Archbishop Haralambos
"Updated Version; The Three Things the Church Needs" video by Archbishop Haralambos (8/15/99)
"Hierarchical Orthodox Controversy" Pt. 1 video by Archbishop Haralambos (7/11/98)
"Hierarchical Orthodox Controversy" Pt. 1 video by Archbishop Haralambos (8/1/98)
"The Golden Madonna and Fatima" video by Archbishop Haralambos (12/5/98)
"The Five-Fold Ministry" video by Bishop Petros
"God’s Righteous Anger" cassette by Archbishop Haralambos (7/900)
"Idolatry" cassette by Haralambos (1/22/87)
"Trinity Don’t Divide" cassette by Haralambos (3/12/87)
"Meaning of the Blood" cassette by Haralambos (3/5/87)
"Medicine of Immortality; Holy Communion" paper by Fr. Stephanou
"St. Paul Apostle of Reconciliation" video #80
"Theological and Dogmatic Differences and Reconciliations between Orthodox and Catholics" book by M. Hanna
Fundamental Moral Theology Course #616 – 8 Credits
Students will incorporate counseling techniques to demonstrate solutions to moral theological dilemmas that face the church. They may choose one topic that was covered in their readings and provide at least three counseling techniques and use knowledge of the law when involved in counseling.
"Christian Counseling and the Law" book by S. Levicoff
"Essentials of Chemical Dependency Counseling" book by Lawson
"Handbook of Structured Techniques in Marriage and Family Therapy" book by Sherman
"Effective Helping; Interviewing and Counseling Techniques" book by Okun
"An Orthodox Perspective on Wealth and Poverty" book by J. Chrysostom
"St. Basil the Great on the Holy Spirit" book
"St. Athanasius on the Incarnation" book
"Marriage, An Orthodox Perspective" book by Meyendorff
"Sermon" cassette by Haralambos (3/27/94)
"Sermon" cassette by Haralambos (6/5/94)
"Sermon" cassette by Haralambos (6/26/94)
The Early Church Course #633 – 8 Credits
Students will read selected materials from unbiased historians, Will Durant. Video productions presenting the Orthodox Early Church will be viewed. A critique of each video and selected material is required.
"Civilizations of Religions" volumes by Will Durant
"The Beginnings" video by Geotelecom
"" video by Geotelecom
"A Hidden Treasure" video by Geotelecom
"Apostles’ Foundation" video by Bishop Petros (12/7/91) with text
"What First Church was Like" video by Bishop Petros (8/1/92)
"Synopsis of Orthodoxy" paper by A. Tobin
Historical Perspective of Church History Course #611 – 8 Credits
Study of Church History. One paper is due.
"Orthodoxy, a Well-Kept Secret" book by Fr. Nicoszin
"Josephus" book by Whiston
"Truth or Tradition" magazine by Haralambos
Apostolic Foundation Course #718 – 8 Credits
Students will use prior knowledge of the apostolic succession and provide two homilies that will incorporate evangelization for today’s generation.
Students’ discretion is used to choose books on homilies of their choice.
"What Every Orthodox Christian Should Know" book by Fr. Nicoszin
"Apostolic Succession" book by Fr. Rogers
Pastoral Studies/Canon Law Course #603 – 8 Credits
An introduction to church canon/law with an orthodox translation/interpretation will be covered.
This course covers some of the historical issues of canonicity by giving detailed information of specific incidents that took place involving the Greek Orthodox Church in court. Archbishop Haralambos will provide ten issues with facts and documentation in written format. Students will also become familiar with the website of St. Michael Academy of Eschatology. An exam will be given at the end of this course.
Documentation on website by Archbishop Haralambos
"Canon Law" video by Bishop Lambert
"The Rudder" book on orthodox canons may be purchased/optional
"Canons, Old Testament" Lessons by Fr. Ross, #302 and #302B
"Apostolic Succession" book by Fr. Rogers
"Orthodoxy" video by Bishop Petros (3/7/92)
"Pastor, Church & Law" book by Hammar/optional
Human Sexuality & Marriage Course #503 – 8 Credits
This course reviews church view on sexuality. A synopsis of each book is required.
"Marriage, Sexuality and Celibacy – a Greek Orthodox Perspective" book by Demetrios J. Constantelos
"Holy Matrimony" book by P. Kalellis