St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - Press Releases D.Min. Program offered for Clergy and Lay-workers Seeking to Build Up Knowledge and Skills

Crestwood, NY — St Vladimir's Seminary is now accepting applications for the fall 2004 term in its Doctor of Ministry program. The D.Min. program provides a structured, supervised and evaluated curriculum of study which builds upon prior theological education and continuing experience in the practice of theology. While directed especially to ordained clergy engaged in pastoral ministry in a parish, the program is also open to clergy and laypersons professionally engaged in other forms of ministry, such as counseling, mission, education, etc.

The classes for the Doctor of Ministry are scheduled only one day per week, making the program a realistic possibility for individuals in full-time ministry. The seminary seeks to make more clergy and lay workers who live within a reasonable distance from the seminary more aware of this excellent opportunity to continue their theological education. Several participants from the northeast region of the U.S. have traveled to Crestwood, New York from as far as New Hampshire and western Pennsylvania to attend class each week while enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program. When asked if the program was worth such time and effort, graduates have agreed that the excellence of the professors, the quality of class instruction, and the overall experience made their efforts worthwhile. They claim that what they learned remains immensely valuable as they perform their ministerial responsibilities.

V. Rev. Rodney Torbic, rector of St George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, is an enthusiastic spokesman for the program. While fulfilling the responsibilities of a full time parish priest, he traveled from western Pennsylvania each week to attend class at St Vladimir's — a roundtrip of over 800 miles by bus and train. Having completed his degree, he says,

"Today, when I prepare sermons, I think about the classes I had and use them as a basis for assessing my preparedness and effectiveness. When I deal with people grieving, I use papers from class and concepts taught when attempting to be sensitive. I conduct adult education classes using the methods and materials used by St Vladimir's professors. Statements made in classes or in the chapel continue to come to my mind as I go about the daily work of the priesthood. The faculty members, students, and things I experienced are reminders, guideposts and standards."

(Read more of Fr Torbic's first-hand description of the program, and the personal accounts of other graduates.)

While distinctively Orthodox in perspective, the program also welcomes non-Orthodox who wish to study in such a context and meet program requirements. For further information please see the online academic catalog. Interested candidates should contact V. Rev. Steven Belonick at (914) 961-8313, ext. 328, or email him at belonick@svots.edu.