View source for Montréal QC Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology 1997



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'''Montréal, Québec, L’Institut de Théologie de Montréal, 1997''' 

'''Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology, 1997'''



==Prehistory==

The [https://www.archdiocese.ca/montreal-institute-orthodox-theology Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology] does not have a direct ancestor (as it were) ; but there was a context in which it developed.  


'''Sign of the Theotokos Church OTI'''

In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], during the mid-1970s, at [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montr%C3%A9al_QC_Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1907 Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Cathedral] ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America]), [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_John_and_Mary_Tkachuk Priest John Tkachuk] (with the blessing of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sylvester_(Haruns) Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)] initiated a series of educational conferences for the benefit of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christians] in general. 

After he had established the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montr%C3%A9al_QC_Sign_of_the_Theotokos_Orthodox_Church_1978 Sign of the Theotokos Parish] in Montréal in1978, this annual conference continued to develop. 

In March, 1978, the first “[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montr%C3%A9al_QC_Sign_of_the_Theotokos_Orthodox_Church_1978#Prehistory Orthodox Theological Institute]” (OTI) retreat was organised, and it was led by the Priests John Tkachuk and [https://uocceast.ca/eparchy/deaneries/kutash-rt-rev-mitred-archpriest-dr-ihor-g/ Ihor Kutash].  There followed a long series of speakers who addressed these sessions during the following decades.  All this developed under the insightful leadership of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_John_and_Mary_Tkachuk Father John and Matushka Mary Tkachuk].

Father John organised the arrival in Montréal of a series of speakers  who made their presentations in the context of the annual educational conferences which were generally to be held in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teauguay Châteauguay] on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River.  The place in which they met was a [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/grey-nuns Grey Nuns]’ convent (now the [https://manoirdyouville.ca/ Hôtel Manoir d’Youville]).  It had facilities for [https://www.thehidingplacetn.org/what-is-a-christian-retreat/ retreats] and small conferences.  

People began to travel from such places as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_City Québec City], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston,_Ontario Kingston], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto] in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/Ontario Ontario], in order to participate.  
This conference received the name “The Orthodox Theological Institute” (OTI) of Montréal, and it continued to function for several decades under the leadership of Father John Tkachuk.  

The value of the annual retreats and the various lectures cannot be overstated. The beneficial influence was not limited either to the parish of the Sign of the Theotokos, nor to the region of and near Montréal.  Many people attended from other places, such as Ottawa and Kingston (not all of them yet Orthodox believers), and they were all refreshed and strengthened by these opportunities.  It was the personality and ability of Father John Tkachuk which made it easier for people to feel that they could and should attend.

Although it is not directly related, the future theological studies programme at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longueuil Longueuil] that developed with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universit%C3%A9_de_Sherbrooke University of Sherbrooke] after 1997 is one of the fruits of this annual conference. 

It may be said by extension that the fruit of the seed of this conference can be seen in the eventual development of 2 other attempts to provide [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_theology Orthodox Christian theological] education in Canada.  

'''Winnipeg'''

One was the establishment in 2003 of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_The_Saint_Arseny_Orthodox_Christian_Theological_Institute_2003 Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Theological Institute] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg Winnipeg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba Manitoba].  This particular institute was one supported actively by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America] (both of which have been constantly concerned with education).  It offered theological courses for the purpose of educating the parishioners of the Church, and for preparing candidates for tonsure as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader readers], for ordination as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Subdeacon subdeacons], and for ordination to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Holy Diaconate]. Further, it was a revival of the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Sifton_MB_%E2%80%A0Monastery_of_the_Holy_Ascension_1910-1970#Pastoral_school,_1929 Holy Ascension Pastoral School] established at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sifton,_Manitoba Sifton], Manitoba, by [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_(Saint)_Arseny_(Chahovtsov) Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov)] of Winnipeg in the 1930s.  

'''Toronto'''
 
In 2006, under the leadership of [https://www.oca.org/in-memoriam/richard-schneider Professor Richard Schneider], the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/orthodox-school-theology-trinity-college Orthodox and Eastern Christian Studies programme] at [https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/ Trinity College] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], was developed.  In 2015, it became the "[https://www.orthodoxchurchtoronto.ca/school/orthodox-school-theology-trinity-college Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College in Toronto]".

==Formation of the Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology, 1997==

In the late 1990s, responsibility for the continuation and development of the Orthodox Theological Institute (OTI) was taken up by [http://montrealorthodoxinstitute.ca/about-2/contact-information/ Dr. John Hadjinicolaou].  Previously, he had been a beneficiary of the OTI, and he had become active in its development.  

It was written in the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com1998-2.9-2.pdf Spring Issue of the “Canadian Orthodox Messenger”, p. 3], on 2 December, 1997, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universit%C3%A9_de_Sherbrooke University of Sherbrooke], Québec, initiated its new certificate programme in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_theologyOrthodox Christian Theology] at its [https://www.usherbrooke.ca/longueuil/ Longeuil] Campus in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Shore_(Montreal) south-shore Montréal] (adjacent to the Longueuil Metro station, and near the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Cartier_Bridge Jacques-Cartier Bridge]).  This was the culmination of many conversations between Mr Hadjinicolaou and members of the Faculty of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology Theology], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics Ethics], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy Philosophy] of the university.  The project was catalysed by the university’s professors [https://www-usherbrooke-ca.translate.goog/liaison_vol29-37/vol29/v29n14/J.Desclos.html?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Jean-Paul Desclos] and [https://www.usherbrooke.ca/philosophie/departement/personnel/personnel-enseignant/andrius-valevicius Andrius Valevicius].  The programme was begun as an integral part of the regular programme and budget, and there were well-qualified pan-Orthodox teachers who provided the courses.  

It was in 1998 that the Greek Orthodox [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Toronto_ON_Patriarchal_Toronto_Orthodox_Theological_Academy_1998 Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy] in Toronto, Ontario, was established by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_Canada Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada)] (now the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada).  

The courses offered by the [https://fr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/Longueuil%E2%80%93Universit%C3%A9-de-Sherbrooke_(m%C3%A9tro_de_Montr%C3%A9al)?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc  University of Sherbrooke] continued until 2015, when the university decided to close the Faculty of Theology.

==The Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology at the University of Laval, 2015==

It was in 2015 that the founder of this theological programme, [http://montrealorthodoxinstitute.ca/about-2/contact-information/ Dr. John Hadjinicolaou], and his associates came to an agreement with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universit%C3%A9_Laval University of Laval].  They were, at that time, able to form a new partnership with the first-rate [https://www-ftsr-ulaval-ca.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of Université Laval], of Québec City.  

As is written in the self-description of the Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology by Dr. John Hadjinicolaou, 
  The basic foundations are being laid for what we hope will be a very long-lasting 
  endeavour.  The future of the Montreal Institute of Orthodox Theology very much 
  depends on our ability to continue on the path of humble service that has allowed 
  us to garner the trust and confidence of so many. 

==Academic Programme of the Institute==

'''Undergraduate Certificate in Orthodox Theology (30 credits)'''

The Certificate programme is designed to familiarise students with the theological and cultural foundations of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Tradition Orthodox Christian tradition]. Students also acquire a better understanding of the unique religious and cultural contributions Orthodox Christian communities make in a multicultural society.

Through well-structured courses, students are introduced to the study of the basic elements of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/What_is_Orthodoxy Orthodoxy], and they are guided through the analysis and interpretation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_theology Orthodox Christian theology], spirituality and liturgical practices. The main theological currents and authors within Orthodox theology provide the context for the development of critical thinking skills. In addition, students are introduced to the available resources for theological research.

'''Programme Objectives'''

The Programme aims to enable its students to :

✚ Learn more about the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Tradition Orthodox tradition] ;

✚ Compare [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christianity] to other Christian groups ; and

✚ Enrich their knowledge of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology theology], [https://conciliarpost.com/christian-traditions/eastern-orthodox/unique-characteristics-of-eastern-orthodox-spirituality-part-i/ spirituality], and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy liturgy] in the Orthodox tradition, and broaden their general knowledge base.

'''Programme Structure'''

Courses are offered according to 7 major themes :

✚ Church History

✚ Dogmatic Theology

✚ Spirituality

✚ Liturgical Theology

✚ Biblical Studies

✚ Patristic Theology

✚ Specific Topics in Orthodox Theology


'''Graduate Diploma in Orthodox Theology (30 credits)'''

The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graduate_diploma Graduate Diploma] provides more specialised knowledge of key aspects of the Orthodox tradition, and aims to engender a broad reflection on the destiny of Orthodox Christianity in the 21st century.  Strongly rooted in the age-old tradition of the Orthodox Church, the programme initiates students to both ancient and modern-day authors in order to provide a solid basis for understanding the major contemporary challenges facing Orthodoxy.

'''Programme Objectives'''

Through the use of well-structured seminars and lectures, the programme aims to enable students to :

✚ Assess the current status of the Orthodox Christian world ;

✚ Learn about contemporary issues and challenges faced by the Orthodox Church ;

✚ Familiarize themselves with the founding texts of the Orthodox tradition ;

✚ Improve their understanding of the history and theology of the Orthodox Church ;

✚ Reflect on major themes of Orthodox spirituality and liturgical practice ; and

✚ Develop a research project in Orthodox theology.

'''Programme Structure'''

The programme is structured according to 4 [https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/module#google_vignette modules] : Required Courses ; Foundational Texts of the Orthodox Church ; Historical Aspects and Theology of the Orthodox Tradition ; and Orthodox Culture and Spirituality.

'''Advancement Perspectives'''

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Orthodox Theology can obtain credit towards a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Theology Master’s Degree in Theology] from [https://fr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/Universit%C3%A9_Laval?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Université Laval] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_City Québec City]).  

Additional requirements for a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master%27s_degree Master’s Degree] include a supervised [https://www.masterstudies.com/articles/what-is-a-masters-thesis thesis].  

It is also possible to pursue a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Theology doctorate in theology] in an area related to Orthodox Christian theology.

==Particular Institute information==

This academic institution is an independent entity which is affiliated with the [https://www-ftsr-ulaval-ca.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of Université Laval].    It is approved by the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/montreal-institute-orthodox-theology Archdiocese of Canada], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America], and it serves all the Orthodox Christian Dioceses in Canada (including the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) Greek Archdiocese of Canada], the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_of_Canada Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada], the [https://www.serborth.org/canada Serbian Diocese of Canada], the [https://www.episcopia.ca/index.php/en/ Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada], the [https://www.roea.org/romanianorthodoxvicariateofcanada Romanian Orthodox Vicariate of Canada] (ROEA), the [http://www.orthodox-canada.com/ Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate], the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada] (OCA)).  


For more information, please contact : 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/montreal-institute-orthodox-theology The Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology]

2875, avenue Douglas

Montréal, Québec 

H3R 2C7

Telephone :  (514) 738-4018

Web-site : https://www.montrealorthodoxinstitute.ca

==References==

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/montreal-institute-orthodox-theology Archdiocese of Canada reference to the Montreal Institute of Orthodox Theology] 


'''Additional information :'''

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/community/sign-theotokos-church-montreal-qc Archdiocese of Canada listing for the Sign of the Theotokos Church, Montréal, Québec]   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/st-arseny-institute-releases-2018-course-calendar Archdiocese of Canada information for Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Institute]   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/montreal-institute-orthodox-theology Archdiocese of Canada information about the Montreal Institute of Orthodox Theology]  

[https://www.archdiocese.ca Archdiocese of Canada web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada]  

[https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ca-monstc Orthodox Church in America (OCA) listing for the Sign of the Theotokos Church, Montréal, Québec]   

[https://www.oca.org/dioceses/archdiocese-of-canada Orthodox Church in America (OCA) reference to Archbishop Arseny Orthodox Christian Institute]   

[https://www.oca.org/dioceses/archdiocese-of-canada Orthodox Church in America (OCA) reference to Orthodox Theological Institute]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_(Saint)_Arseny_(Chahovtsov) Bishop Arseny (Chahovtsov)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Ireney_(Bekish) Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Theodosius_(Lazor) Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)] 

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Herman_(Swaiko) Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Jonah_(Paffhausen) Metropolitan Jonah (Pauffhausen)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Tikhon_(Mollard) Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Nikon_(de_Gr%C3%A8ve) Archbishop Nikon (de Grève)]   

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sylvester_(Haruns) Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)]    

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Ir%C3%A9n%C3%A9e_(Rochon) Archbishop Irénée (Rochon)]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)]     

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_John_and_Mary_Tkachuk Archpriest John and Mary Tkachuk]  

[https://www.uocc.ca/clergy/the-rt-rev-mitred-archpriest-dr-ihor-g-kutash/ Archpriest Ihor Kutash]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archpriest_Cyprian_R_A_Hutcheon Archpriest Cyprian Hutcheon]     

[https://www.oca.org/in-memoriam/richard-schneider Professor Richard Schneider]    

[http://montrealorthodoxinstitute.ca/about-2/contact-information/ Dr. John Hadjinicolaou]  

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montr%C3%A9al_QC_Sign_of_the_Theotokos_Orthodox_Church_1978 Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church]    

[http://montrealorthodoxinstitute.ca/ Faculty of the Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology]    

[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Winnipeg_MB_The_Saint_Arseny_Orthodox_Christian_Theological_Institute_2003 Saint Arseny Orthodox Christian Theological Institute]  

[http://montrealorthodoxinstitute.ca/academic-programmes/brochure/ Brochure about the programmes of the Montréal Orthodox Theological Institute ] 

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/sites/default/files/miot-itom-7.pdf Bulletin of the Montréal Orthodox Theological Institute, 2017] 

[http://montrealorthodoxinstitute.ca/academic-programmes/upcoming-courses/ Montréal Orthodox Theological Institute List of courses for the academic year 2023-2024] 

[https://montrealorthodoxinstitute.ca/about-2/teaching-faculty/ Teaching Faculty of the Montréal Institute of Orthodox Theology]    

[https://www.ulaval.ca/la-recherche/repertoire-corps-professoral/john-hadjinicolaou Dr. John Hadjinicolaou, Université Laval ]  

‘[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/messenger/Com1998-3.9-3.pdf University of Sherbrooke announces summer, fall courses in Orthodox Studies]’ in “[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Category:Canadian_Orthodox_Messenger_1989-2013 Canadian Orthodox Messenger]” (Summer, 1998), p. 11. 





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