A Call To Serve...

Answering the Call to Ministry: An Invitation to Serve
At the Apostolic Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC), we believe that God continues to call men and women to serve Him through lives dedicated to ministry. If you feel a stirring in your heart, a sense of purpose beyond yourself, and a desire to serve Christ and His Church, we invite you to prayerfully consider pursuing your calling with us.
A Path of Spiritual Formation and Growth Responding to a vocation in ministry is both a profound privilege and a sacred responsibility. Our AOCC Seminary offers a place where you can grow spiritually, intellectually, and pastorally, preparing you to serve with humility, wisdom, and boldness. Our curriculum is rooted in Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the rich theological heritage of the early Church. Through rigorous study, prayer, and community engagement, you will be formed as a servant leader equipped to shepherd God’s people.
Why Pursue Ministry with the AOCC?
  • Faithful Tradition: Our seminary is committed to the teachings of the Apostolic Church and the unbroken witness of Orthodoxy.
  • Comprehensive Formation: Our programs integrate theological study with spiritual disciplines, liturgical worship, and practical ministry.
  • Supportive Community: You will join a community of mentors, professors, and peers who are dedicated to helping you discern and develop your gifts.
  • A Global Mission: Ministry with the AOCC is not confined to one place; it is a calling to serve both locally and globally, bringing the light of Christ to the world.
The Journey Begins Here If you believe that God is calling you to ministry, we encourage you to take the next step. Our seminary programs include degrees in Divinity and Theology, as well as a Continuing Pastoral Education (CPE) track for those pursuing chaplaincy. Whether you are called to pastoral ministry, teaching, chaplaincy, or another form of service, we are here to walk with you on this journey.
How to Apply To begin the application process, visit our seminary’s admissions page or contact us for more information. We are committed to making this process as accessible and supportive as possible for all who feel called to serve.
A Life of Purpose and Service Answering the call to ministry is a step of faith that can transform not only your life but also the lives of those you will serve. If you are ready to embark on this sacred path, we welcome you with open hearts. May your journey of discernment lead you to deeper faith, greater love, and a lifelong commitment to the Gospel.
Join us in building the Church and spreading the hope of Christ to a world in need. The AOCC Seminary is ready to help you answer God’s call and prepare for a life of faithful service.

Available Degree Programs

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity & Theology (Orthodox Focus)
​Credit Hours: 120-128 credits
Key Orthodox Focus Areas:
  • Biblical Studies: Patristic interpretation of Scripture
  • Orthodox Apologetics: Defending the Orthodox faith against heresies, modern critiques, and ecumenical challenges
  • Dogmatic Theology: Teachings of the Ecumenical Councils and Church Fathers
  • Liturgics: Study of the Divine Liturgy and Sacramental Theology
  • Church History: Emphasis on early Church development, schisms, and Orthodox missionary efforts
  • Pastoral Care: Orthodox guidance on confession, spiritual counseling, and supporting parishioners in times of crisis
  • Spiritual Formation: Hesychastic prayer, ascetic disciplines, and patristic guidance
Sample Structure:
  • General Education (30-40 credits): Philosophy, writing, history, and psychology from a faith-informed perspective
  • Orthodox Theology Core (40 credits): Dogmatic Theology, Biblical Studies, and Liturgical Theology
  • Apologetics and Pastoral Formation (30 credits): Courses dedicated to Orthodox apologetics and pastoral care
  • Capstone (10-18 credits): Senior Thesis, Liturgical Practicum, or Pastoral Care Project
Key Courses in Apologetics and Pastoral Care:
  1. Orthodox Apologetics I: Defending the Incarnation, Resurrection, and the authority of Tradition
  2. Orthodox Apologetics II: Engaging contemporary cultural and ethical challenges
  3. Pastoral Care I: Foundations in Orthodox spiritual guidance
  4. Pastoral Care II: Crisis response, grief counseling, and sacramental support

2. Master’s Degree in Divinity & Theology (Orthodox Focus)Credit Hours: 72-90 credits
Key Orthodox Focus Areas:
  • Advanced Orthodox Apologetics: Defense of Orthodox soteriology, theosis, and iconography
  • Pastoral Theology and Spiritual Direction: Advanced instruction in confession, discernment, and spiritual mentoring
  • Homiletics: Crafting sermons with theological depth and pastoral relevance
  • Liturgical Leadership: Mastery of the Divine Liturgy, Vespers, and administration of sacraments in complex pastoral situations
  • Patristics: Advanced study of key Fathers (e.g., St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, St. Gregory Palamas)
  • Ethics: Orthodox perspectives on modern bioethics, medical ethics, and moral theology
Capstone Requirements:
  • Thesis or Comprehensive Exam (for Theology)
  • Pastoral Internship & Ministry Portfolio (for Divinity)
Key Courses in Apologetics and Pastoral Care:
  1. Orthodox Apologetics III: Refuting misconceptions about Orthodox eschatology and ascetic practices
  2. Ecumenical and Interfaith Dialogue: Engaging non-Orthodox Christians, secular critics, and other religious groups
  3. Advanced Pastoral Care: Navigating complex ethical dilemmas in parish life
  4. Orthodox Pastoral Counseling: Providing spiritual direction while addressing psychological challenges

3. Continuing Pastoral Education (CPE) – Orthodox Chaplaincy TrackFocus Areas:
  • Orthodox Apologetics in Pluralistic Settings: Providing an Orthodox witness in interfaith chaplaincy contexts
  • Pastoral Presence in Crisis: Offering spiritual support during trauma, loss, and end-of-life care
  • Sacramental Ministry in Chaplaincy: Providing the Holy Mysteries where applicable, especially Confession and Eucharist
  • Orthodox Moral Theology: Applying patristic teachings to modern ethical challenges in medical and military settings
  • Cultural Sensitivity and Interfaith Care: Navigating pastoral care for diverse backgrounds without compromising Orthodox convictions
Key Courses and Practicum:
  1. Spiritual Care in Orthodox Chaplaincy: Foundations of spiritual care based on Orthodox tradition
  2. Trauma-Informed Ministry: Addressing PTSD, grief, and crisis-related suffering
  3. Pastoral Apologetics: Addressing common spiritual questions in hospital, hospice, and military settings
  4. Clinical Practicum: Supervised ministry hours in chaplaincy settings (hospitals, prisons, military units)
Credential Outcome:
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Orthodox Chaplaincy
  • Recognized pathway for board certification (where applicable)

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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.