Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions: Bachelor’s Program
  1. Orthodox Apologetics I: Defending the Faith
    This course introduces students to the foundations of Orthodox apologetics, focusing on the defense of the Incarnation, Resurrection, and the authority of Holy Tradition. Students will study common objections to Orthodox Christianity and learn how to articulate responses rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers.
  2. Orthodox Apologetics II: Contemporary Cultural Challenges
    This course builds on the foundations of apologetics by addressing contemporary ethical and cultural challenges, including secularism, relativism, and moral issues. Students will learn to navigate difficult conversations with grace and theological precision.
  3. Pastoral Care I: Foundations in Orthodox Spiritual Guidance
    This course explores the theological and practical foundations of Orthodox pastoral care. Students will learn the role of a pastor as a spiritual physician, the importance of discernment, and the ministry of presence, including guidance for confession, grief support, and community leadership.
  4. Pastoral Care II: Crisis and Conflict Management
    This advanced pastoral care course focuses on providing spiritual support during crises, such as grief, illness, and interpersonal conflicts. Topics include trauma-informed care, the role of the Holy Mysteries in healing, and Orthodox principles of reconciliation.
  5. Introduction to Liturgical Theology
    This course provides an overview of the theology of the Divine Liturgy, the structure of Orthodox services, and the theological meaning behind liturgical actions. Emphasis is placed on how liturgical worship shapes the life of the Church and the believer.

Course Descriptions: Master’s Program
  1. Advanced Orthodox Apologetics: Patristic Responses to Heresy and Modern Misconceptions
    This course provides an in-depth study of the Orthodox Church’s historical and theological responses to heresies, such as Arianism, Nestorianism, and Iconoclasm, and their relevance today. Students will develop skills for engaging with modern misconceptions about Orthodox doctrines of theosis, iconography, and ecclesiology.
  2. Orthodox Pastoral Counseling: Theological and Psychological Integration
    This course focuses on the intersection of theology and psychology within Orthodox pastoral care. Students will explore Orthodox approaches to mental health, spiritual discernment, and healing, with special attention to confession and spiritual mentoring.
  3. Homiletics: The Art of Orthodox Preaching
    This course trains students in the craft of Orthodox preaching. Emphasis is placed on preparing sermons that are Scripturally sound, patristically informed, and pastorally relevant. Students will practice delivering sermons that inspire and edify their congregations.
  4. Patristics: Theology of the Church Fathers
    A comprehensive study of the writings of key Church Fathers, including St. John Chrysostom, St. Athanasius, and St. Gregory Palamas. The course examines their contributions to Orthodox theology, spirituality, and apologetics.
  5. Canon Law and Pastoral Practice
    This course examines the canonical tradition of the Orthodox Church, focusing on the application of the canons in pastoral ministry. Students will study topics such as marriage and divorce, ecclesiastical discipline, and the role of canon law in parish administration.

Course Descriptions: Continuing Pastoral Education (Chaplaincy Track)
  1. Spiritual Care in Orthodox Chaplaincy
    This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide spiritual care in healthcare, military, and prison contexts. Topics include listening techniques, sacramental ministry, and interfaith care while remaining rooted in Orthodox identity.
  2. Trauma-Informed Ministry: Orthodox Approaches to Healing
    This course addresses how Orthodox chaplains and pastoral caregivers can respond to trauma, including PTSD, grief, and disaster-related suffering. Students will learn techniques for offering compassionate care while relying on Orthodox sacramental life and theological hope.
  3. Pastoral Apologetics in Crisis Settings
    This course prepares chaplains to engage questions of faith and suffering in times of crisis. Students will study theological responses to suffering, including patristic perspectives, and practice addressing questions related to the existence of evil and God’s presence during hardship.
  4. Clinical Pastoral Education Practicum
    This supervised practicum places students in real-world chaplaincy settings, where they will apply their pastoral care training. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, theological reflection, and evaluation of ministry effectiveness.

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The American Orthodox Catholic Church is a member of the One, Holy, Catholic & Orthodox Christian Church in a contemporary & post-modern world. We are "Lifting Men To The Heights Of Heaven" and presenting to them the fullness of the Christian faith. The AOCC is a 501c3 Religious Organization Registered In Delaware. 
Christian Orthodoxy is evangelical, but not protestant. It is orthodox, but not Jewish. It is catholic, but not Roman. It isn’t non-denominational, it’s pre-denominational. It has believed, taught, preserved, defended, and died for the Faith of the Apostles & Bishops since the Day of Pentecost 2,000 years ago.