Winnipeg MB The Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Theological Institute 2003

Winnipeg, Manitoba, The Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Theological Institute, 2003

Although it is not a parish community as such, the Saint Arseny Institute prepares lay-persons, readers, singers, deacons and others for service in the parish communities and institutions of the Orthodox Church, particularly in Canada.

The Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Theological Institute

The Saint Arseny Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is an Orthodox Christian theological school under the blessing and direction of Archbishop Irénée (Rochon), Archbishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA).

The Institute is named after a beloved and revered servant and bishop of the Orthodox Church in Canada, Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov), who fell asleep in the Lord in 1945. Many people in Canada and elsewhere have long been convinced of his sanctity, but he has yet to be recognised officially as a saint. (See the history section of the Institute’s web-site for more information about Saint Arseny himself.)

At first, the title used for the Institute was “Bishop Arseny Orthodox Christian Institute”. However, since many people already regarded him as a saint, the name was changed (with the blessing) to “Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Institute”. Much later, because the Holy Synod of Bishops had been very slow about recognising any new saints officially, opinions began to be expressed that it might be preferable to return to the original title. Meanwhile, however, all the documentation regarding the Institute has used “Saint”. Nevertheless, it may be kept in mind that the name-saint of Archbishop Arseny (Chahovtsov) was Saint Arseny of Konyev (or Konevits)

Prehistory of the Institute

According to the minutes of the Holy Trinity Sobor in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at a parish meeting on 5 July, 1927, Bishop Arseny proposed the establishment of a theological school at the sobor. The school, unfortunately, was short-lived. However, since the Monastery of the Holy Ascension in Sifton, Manitoba, had re-opened the year before, the proposed pastoral school was eventually established at the monastery. There, there were sufficient monks with sufficient education to train candidates. At that time, Sifton was a populous and prosperous region.

However, after World War II, the subsequent reductions in local industries, and rural depopulation which ensued, both the monastery and the pastoral school suffered. By the 1950s, the pastoral school was not able to continue because of the lack of personal and financial resources.

More than 74 years after the 1927 meeting (on 4 August, 2001), an informal discussion at a reception for the newly-ordained Priest Stacey Richter raised the issue of the need for a theological school in Canada. Out of that discussion came a proposal to the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Canada at its meeting in Winnipeg on 27 October, 2001, for the establishment of a theological institute at the Holy Trinity Sobor in Winnipeg.

Establishment of the Institute, 2002-2003

Letter of blessing

On 3 October, 2002, Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) sent a letter to the acting director of the Institute, Spencer Estabrooks (at that time not yet ordained), stating :

 With this letter, I give officially the blessing for the establishment of the Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian 
 Theological Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Its purpose would be to increase the level of education in 
 English for the local and nearby faithful ; to prepare readers and singers ; to prepare subdeacons ; and to 
 prepare deacons for service in the Church. The Institute will be under the Omophor of the Bishop of Canada, 
 and will report both to him and to the local dean.

Acting on this blessing, an administration was created for the Institute as follows :

 Director – Spencer Estabrooks  
 Registrar – Father Mirone Klysh 
 Chaplain – Father Anatoliy Melnyk
 Treasurer – Protodeacon Raphael Cole
 Dean – Father R Stephen Kennaugh.

Others, including laity, would be added as needed, especially to help with matters such as fundraising.

At the same time, the academic staff for the first year was established for the Institute with the following members : Spencer Estabrooks, Father Anatoliy Melnyk, and Father Mirone Klysh. Following a mailing of information about the institute to the clergy of the archdiocese, the Institute administration received several offers of teaching support from some of the clergy. This response was most encouraging in that it fulfilled the plans of the Institute that other clergy and qualified laity would become involved in teaching courses, tutoring, and other tasks on behalf of the Institute in their own areas of the country and under the co-ordination of the Institute. The Institute expected to have a method worked out by the 2004-2005 academic year for having some of the Institute’s programme conducted in various places across the country.

[1]

Signing the agreement with the University of Winnipeg

The Friendship Agreement

Publications about the Institute

At the beginning of the existence of the Institute, an article was published in “The Times”, a “Transcontinental” local community newspaper about Winnipeg. It was published as vol. 16, no. 33, Wednesday, 13 August, 2003. The article was on the front page, under the title “Church Blesses School”, by Tim Timlick. The article described this event as the fulfilment of the dream of Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov) to have a pastoral school available and functioning for the primary purpose of preparing men to serve as priests. It was expected that 25 students would begin their studies (whether by correspondence, being physically present, or a combination of both). Thus began the first English-language theological school for Orthodox Christians in Canada.

In addition to providing preparatory courses for pastoral service, the Institute provides substantial educational formation for lay-persons who may wish to help in church schools and catechesis, and for those who simply wish to know their Faith more deeply.

Although the original expectation was that students would be at first primarily from the Winnipeg area, there were quickly students from elsewhere in the country, and even beyond Canada.

The article provided for the public some historical context for the Institute, with particular attention to the holy and very energetic Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov), who had earlier done some teaching in the Holy Trinity “School Building” as it was first known, and then in the Sifton Pastoral School at the Holy Ascension Monastery in Sifton, Manitoba.

In 2003, the longtime parish council president Mr. William Hatten commented about Bishop Arseny (he knew him the 1930s) that “He'd be very glad. He had a sense for the future to know more priests from Canada were needed instead of them all coming from the old country”.

Archpriest Anatoliy Mel’nyk, Mr William Hatten, Priest Anthony S Estabrooks

Beginning of teaching

In the spring of 2003, 2 “pilot” courses were offered by the institute for a period of 10 weeks : (1) the first half of a Reader’s Programme, and (2) “The Shape of the Early Church : 100-325 A.D.”.

In the autumn of 2003, the Institute was prepared to fulfil its mandate. In addition to the second half of the Reader’s Programme, the following 5 (of 20 one-term courses) were offered :

 (1) Church History : The First Eight Centuries 
 (2) Liturgics/Liturgical Theology : An Introduction 
 (3) Holy Scripture : A Comprehensive Introduction 
 (4) The Church Fathers : 2nd to 5th Centuries 
 (5) Orthodox Ethics/Spirituality

The in-person lecture courses began on 8 September, 2003.

The cost of each credit course was set at $150.00 or $50.00 to audit, plus a registration fee of $10.00. An added fee of $25.00 was attached to correspondence courses. The cost of the Reader’s Programme was set at $75.00 per term. Students could study part-time or full-time for the diaconate, or for a Certificate in Theology. They could also take individual courses out of interest. A series of special lectures, workshops, panels, tours, retreats, etc. of interest to the general public were also to be planned as part of the Institute’s activities.

Located in Winnipeg (a city of 710,000 in the southern part of the Province of Manitoba at the longitudinal centre of Canada, and the geographical heart of North America), the Institute’s classes are offered by various means in Winnipeg and in other centres in Canada, as well as by distance education.

The mandate of the Institute was and is to prepare readers and deacons for service in the Church, as well as to increase the level of understanding about Orthodox theology for members of the laity who are interested in learning about the Orthodox Christian Faith. The Institute is also making preparations for a priestly-formation programme located in Canada.

 The Institute offered the following three directions :
 
 1. The Reader's Programme : a correspondence training programme for the office of Reader in the Orthodox Church 
 2. A Certificate in Orthodox Theology : a programme of 20 one-term theological courses leading to a 
 certificate in Orthodox theology for laity 
 3. A Diploma in Orthodox Theology : a programme of 20 one-term theological courses, completion of 
 (or a demonstration of proficiency in) the Reader’s Programme, and a practicum leading to a diploma 
 which indicates the completion of the academic qualifications for the Holy Diaconate.

All the courses offered by the Institute could be taken by correspondence.

During this year, a bank account was established, and the Institute was registered as a private vocational school under the Department of Human Resources in the Federal Government

Web-site, 2004

In 2004, the web-site was developed, in order to enable studies via correspondence. Petr Boitchuk was the donor of web-site, and the volunteer web-master. The web-site was also a means for promoting the Institute.

Correspondence courses

In 2004, in conjunction with the appearance of the web-site, the first correspondence course were able to be offered.

In this year, the Two-Term Reader’s Programme was developed, and the first five graduates completed their studies.

The Diaconal Programme had one full time diaconal student, and a Two-year programme towards the Holy Diaconate was developed.

In 2005, the first scholarship was awarded.

In 2005, the first diaconal programme student graduated. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in 2006.

On-line theological journal, 2006

By 2006, an on-line academic journal had been developed and established. The “Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity” was initiated under the managing editor, Deacon Dr. Lasha Tchantouridze. Its editor-in-chief was Professor Spencer Estabrooks. The web-site and its administration were donated by George Gaprindashvili.

Developments from 2007

Accredited study

By 2007, the Institute developed, and then implemented, a 96-hour credit course (3 years study programme) at the graduate level. It was Association of Theological Schools (ATS)-accredited through its affiliation with Faculty of Theology of the University of Winnipeg.

In conjunction with this, a formal business plan was established.

A Bachelor of Theology programme was developed in conjunction with Master of Divinity programme, with less stringent entry level requirements.

Bursaries

85% of student fees go to Saint Arseny Institute, and they are used to provide bursaries.

The first bursaries from the Faculty of Theology and first scholarship from Saint Arseny Institute were awarded in 2007.

Library

In conjunction with the various developments, a library agreement was achieved with the Faculty of Theology of the University of Winnipeg. The Saint Arseny Library was then catalogued, housed, and circulated by the University of Winnipeg. Students would have access to distance loans.

Catechist training begun, 2009

By 2009, the programme for catechist training was developed and introduced.

In the same year, it was planned to implement liability insurance coverage for operating the Institute. In addition, the Institute was registered with GST/PST (HST).

Year 2018

In 2018, the course-offering was as follows :

 March, 2018
 	Church History I 			Instructor : Deacon Lasha 	
 	Doctrine I 				Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 	The Church Fathers I 			Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 	Christian Education/Catechesis		Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 June, 2018
 	Church History II & III 		Instructor : Deacon Lasha 		
 	Doctrine II 				Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 	Church Fathers II 			Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 	Readers I 				Instructor : Father Mirone 	
 September, 2018
 	Church History I 			Instructor : Deacon Lasha 		
 	Orthodox Spirituality 		Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 	Canon Tradition – Canon Law 		Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 	Holy Scripture I 			Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 December, 2018
 	Church History II & III 		Instructor : Deacon Lasha 		
 	Holy Scripture II 			Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 	Doctrine III – Comparative Theology 	Instructor : Father Anthony 	
 	Readers I 				Instructor : Father Mirone

Situation in 2020

Illness and age deprived the Institute of some of its leadership. Until new leaders are found, interim accommodations have been made.

Director/Advisor (vacant)

The Institute does not have a Director, at this time. The role of the Director is being handled by the Administration team.

Father Anthony (Spencer) Estabrooks (the former Director of the Saint Arseny Institute) supports the SAI administration team in the capacity of Advisor for the time being.

Secretary/Treasurer - Cameron Hay

Cameron attends the OCA parish of the Holy Trinity Sobor in Winnipeg, along with his wife and 3 children. He is passionate about education and continued learning. He holds a B. Comm (Hons) and a black belt in karate (where he met his wife). He received his CPA designation in 2011.

Registrar (vacant)

The Institute is filling this position with Cameron Hay and Perry Pawliuk at this time.

Administrative Support - Perry Pawliuk

Perry and Linda Pawliuk are members of Saint John the Divine Orthodox Church in Windsor, Ontario (7 yrs). Previously, he attended Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Narol, Manitoba (9 yrs), and before that The Sign of the Theotokos, Montreal, Quebec (10 yrs), Saint Vincent of Lerins, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (2 yrs). Before that, Perry was a member of Holy Resurrection, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (20 yrs) with his roots in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, at Saint Elias a rural parish Parkerview/Sheho Saskatchewan (20 yrs).

Application and Certification of Incorporation as a not-for-profit in 2019

In 2019, the Institute was incorporated as a not-for-profit entity.

Certificate of incorporation

Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity

The on-line academic journal, the “Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity”, is published by the Saint Arseny Institute at : http://www.cjoc.ca.

No subsidies for the institute

Although the Saint Arseny Institute provides an essential service in preparing readers and deacons for the Archdiocese of Canada (and others), it is nevertheless funded solely by student fees and donations. All donations are welcome.

Because of the lack of support from other ecclesial bodies, finance has always been a limiting factor. Nevertheless the members of the Institute work on a shoestring budget with much of the work being done by volunteers. A modest fee is charged for the courses in order to pay the instructors, and the remainder covers the “overhead” costs.

The teachers and administration

The first Director of the Institute :

Father Anthony (Spencer) Estabrooks came to Orthodox Christianity from a Protestant Christian background in 1992. He was ordained in January, 2010.

He served at the Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring Mission until 2017, and then at Holy Trinity Sobor in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In addition to these responsibilities, he was teaching courses for the Saint Arseny Institute, and he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Institute’s on-line academic journal, the “Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity”.

The first Registrar of the Institute :

Father Mirone Klysh was a pioneer in establishing an English-speaking parish and in promoting English-language Orthodoxy in Canada. He has mentored a large number of younger priests, and he has served for more than 50 years in the priesthood, thus gaining a wealth of pastoral wisdom for the benefit of the many who have been taught by him.

Other personnel :

Deacon Lasha Tchantouridze is the Managing Editor of the “Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity”. He began this service while he lived in Winnipeg, and he continues his work from the United States where he began to work.

Subdeacon Roger Prince of Winnipeg, Manitoba, served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Institute. He is a parishioner of Saint Nicholas Church in Narol, Manitoba. He retired from this responsibility.

Year 2017 changes

In 2017, taking into consideration the weakening health of Father Anthony Estabrooks, Dr. Gregory Wiebe was chosen to become the new Director of The Saint Arseny Institute. He fulfilled this responsibility for one year only.

Father Anthony remained an active teacher and participant, but without the administrative responsibility. The Administration of the Institute continued to fulfil the the function of Director until the present.

Year 2018 teaching staff

In 2018, the main teaching staff of the Institute consisted of : Priest Anthony Estabrooks ; Protopresbyter Dr. Mirone Klysh ; Mitred Archpriest Dr. Anatoliy Melnyk, Dr. Gregory Wiebe, and Deacon Dr. Lasha Tchantouridze.

Possible ancillary teachers

There are many clergy and lay-persons in Canada who have a high theological education. It has been the desire of the Institute to be able to include as many as possible of such persons, so as to enable in different communities the distance education which has now become possible with the “on-line” resources presently available to the Institute.

The Institute accomplished its intention to have all 20 classes installed and offered “online” by 2018.

Particular information

This Archdiocesan Institute is situated within the Deanery of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nunavut of the Archdiocese of Canada, of The Orthodox Church in America.

The dean is the Archpriest Gregory Scratch.

The bishop is Archbishop Irénée (Rochon).

Mailing address :

Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Institute

c/o 643, Manitoba Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

R2W 2H1

Web-site : http://www.saintarseny.ca

E-mail : institute@saintarseny.ca ; saintarseny@outlook.com

Contact :

Director of Saint Arseny Institute

E-mail : institute@saintarseny.ca ; saintarseny@outlook.com

Telephone : (204) 807-1064

Frequently asked questions and answers about the Saint Arseny Institute

The following questions and answers are provided by the Institute for useful information :

1. Where is the Saint Arseny Institute ?

The Saint Arseny Institute is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Classes are held in the Hall of Holy Trinity Sobor. The building of the Hall was overseen by Archbishop (Saint) Arseny (Chahovtsov) as a place for theological education. Holy Trinity Sobor was his parish while he served as an archimandrite and administrator in Canada in 1906-1910, and then his cathedral as bishop of Canada in 1926-1936.

2. What is the purpose of the Institute ?

The Institute’s purpose is to train singers, readers, subdeacons, and deacons for the Church, and to increase the level of theological understanding amongst the Faithful.

The Mission Statement

Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Theological Institute exists to address the long-standing need to provide in Canada affordable and accessible Orthodox theological education, completely in the English language (and eventually French), for members of the Archdiocese of Canada (as well as other interested Orthodox Christians and interested non-Orthodox people), adapted to the unique situations, cultural circumstances, needs and opportunities of the scattered Orthodox population in a huge country.

The mission of the Institute is to provide leadership in developing comprehensive Orthodox theological education for the Archdiocese of Canada, covering a spectrum beginning with catechesis for those inquiring into the Orthodox Christian Faith, and continuing with education of the Faithful in the churches, training for various ministries within the Church, including lay ministries and clergy (readers, deacons, and priests), and culminating in on-going education and renewal for clergy, thus filling in the usual large gap existing in North America between parish programmes of education on the one hand, and seminary training on the other end of the spectrum.

3. Why haven’t I heard about the Saint Arseny Institute ?

The Institute began formal classes only in September, 2003.

4. What official status does the Institute have ?

The Saint Arseny Institute has the blessing of the bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada (OCA), and it is under his direction. The Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America gave its approval also.

5. Why would anyone take courses from the Saint Arseny Institute ?

Some people are taking courses in order to be qualified as readers or deacons in the Church. Others take courses out of interest and for their spiritual development and understanding of the Orthodox Christian Faith. The Saint Arseny Institute is the only place in Canada offering specific programmes in English for training readers and deacons. The Institute is also committed to making Orthodox theological education accessible and affordable for the laity in the English language.

6. Can people take courses without going to Winnipeg ?

Yes. Currently, almost all 20 courses are offered online.

7. Who is Saint Arseny ?

Saint Arseny is a beloved servant and hierarch of the Orthodox Christian Church in North America, who fell asleep in the Lord in 1945. He served first as a missionary priest, and then as bishop for Canada ; he established a forerunner of what came to be the “Canadian Orthodox Messenger” ; he began Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, and later Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania ; he established as well the Monastery of the Holy Ascension in Sifton, Manitoba. He was missionary-minded, a very eloquent speaker, and he had a vision for theological education, and the building of an indigenous Orthodox Church in Canada. He is now being venerated locally as a holy man in some places in Canada.

8. Who operates the Institute ?

The Administration Committee of the Institute includes the Director. At this time, however, the role of the Director is being fulfilled by the Administration team.

The Dean of Manitoba, Archpriest Gregory Scratch is not active currently with the Institute administration.

The main teacher at present in the Institute is Deacon Dr. Lasha Tchantouridze. He receives a modest support based on students who take his courses.

The Administration staff functions on a volunteer basis.

9. What courses are taught at the Institute ?

There is a Reader’s Programme, a Diaconal Programme, and a Programme for Laity.

Currently, 19 Diaconate courses and the Reader course are available on-line. These are offered with the request that the local priest be the mentor, with assistance from the teaching staff of the Institute.

10. Whom do I contact to ask questions or to register for courses ?

The web-site contains brief descriptions of courses. More information can be obtained by searching the web-site, and by contacting the Institute at institute@saintarseny.ca and asking for outlines for specific courses. There is also information about the Institute and its currently available courses at the Archdiocesan web-site [here. You can also go to the online website to view complete slate of classes here.

11. Is it possible to take a single course out of interest ?

Yes, it is possible, and it can be done online, by correspondence or locally. Consult the web-site for a list of courses and the cost.

12. What previous schooling do I need in order to register at the Saint Arseny Institute ?

High School Graduation is required. (Exceptions can be made, so please inquire.) The Reader’s Programme does not require High School Graduation.

13. Can I use courses from the Saint Arseny Institute as credit for studies in other theological schools or university or college ?

We are seeking recognition of our courses in related programmes at universities and colleges. In the meantime, we are happy to provide whatever information is needed by other institutions so that they may compare the content and standards of our courses with their own.

14. Can I use courses I have taken elsewhere towards a programme of studies at Saint Arseny Institute ?

Yes, other studies completed may be used for partial or full standing in our courses if the content and standards are acceptable.

15. How much does it cost to take courses at Saint Arseny Institute ?

Please contact the web-site for specific details. The costs vary, depending on the programme and the conditions. The intent of the Institute is to enable the study to be affordable.

16. May I use fees paid to Saint Arseny Institute for Education Deduction on income tax ?

Yes, but please check the exceptions regarding this matter on your income tax forms.

17. Do I have to wait until the beginning of September or January terms to begin a course ?

We are able to set up courses every quarter, beginning in September. We set up the Reader course for the Church requesting it according to their timeline. We have flexibility, and we can set up an existing course in a week if we have students and a mentor.

18. How do correspondence courses work ?

After registration, a student will be sent an outline for the course, lists of resources needed, information regarding assignments, and any special materials provided in that course. The student and teacher will keep in touch by e-mail and/or regular mail, depending on the preference of student and teacher. Sometimes, oversight may be available locally for some students ; or, where an exam is required, it may be supervised by a local priest or another acceptable person. On occasion, depending on distance and opportunities, teachers may be able to meet once or twice with correspondence students.

19. What is the Reader’s Programme ?

The Reader’s Programme is a 26-week online course with all course material provided online. It covers Hours, Vespers, Matins and Liturgy for the yearly Church Cycle, and the Reader participation.

20. What is the Diaconal Programme ?

The diaconal programme consists of 2 full years of study including 19 one-term theological courses. The courses may be taken full-time or part-time, in class or by correspondence or online. Those training with the explicit purpose of being ordained, must have their bishop’s written blessing to do so. These students will also have to take the reader’s course or demonstrate competence in its content, in order to complete the diaconal programme. They will also be required to participate in diaconal training.

21. What is the Programme for Laity ?

At the moment, all 19 theological courses in the diaconal programme as well as the reader’s programme are open for laity to take. If they complete the whole theological programme they will be awarded a “Certificate in Orthodox Theology”.

22. May I receive charitable donation receipts for money given to the Institute ?

Yes, all donations will be acknowledged and charitable tax receipts issued at the end of the tax year.

23. How do I make a charitable donation to the Institute ?

Charitable donations should be made out to the “Archdiocese of Canada”, and designated “for the Saint Arseny Institute”. Charitable receipts for income tax purposes will be issued at the end of the tax year. Donations may be sent to :

Treasurer of the Archdiocese of Canada

Chancery of the Archdiocese of Canada

3441, 15th Avenue,

Rawdon, Quebec

J0K 1S0

24. How can I be involved ?

Pray for the Institute and its ministry. Donate financially if you can. Donations of books and other items are also welcome. Give us feedback and share your ideas and interest with us. Let others know about the Institute. (Our library of over 1500 books has come from unsolicited donations, as well as our web-site. We may not be able to act on all suggestions and offers, but try us and see.)

25. Is there more ?

Yes. There are many plans and visions for how to provide opportunities for Orthodox Christian theological education across Canada, and for calling forth the many gifts for this task within the Archdiocese of Canada. The Institute is seeking the Lord’s direction through the intercessions of Saint Arseny as we take one step at a time. Training for singers and choir directors and exchange of liturgical and music resources is an ongoing need in the Archdiocese. We expect that the Institute may play a role in facilitating this training and exchange.