Special Program for the Diaconate
The Special Program for the Diaconate (SPD) is an educational and formational initiative of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. The program is intended for individuals who are interested in serving the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as deacons and is designed to prepare individuals for service to the Church as deacons. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Study. Although the program is primarily designed for individuals affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, persons from other jurisdictions may apply to participate in the program.
The program does not meet the requirements for ordination to the priesthood nor is the program a first step in the process leading towards ordination to the priesthood. Individuals interested in pursuing ordination to the priesthood are encouraged to apply for admission to the full-time Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program at Holy Cross. Applicants should be aware that admission into and successful completion of the SPD is not a guarantee for ordination. It is understood that the Holy Synod will determine the final criteria for ordination to the diaconate and that diaconal assignments to a particular parish, or ministry, are made by one's Metropolitan.
Admission Requirements
Inquiries and application into the SPD are made through the Office of Admissions at Holy Cross. Individuals who are interested in enrolling in the SPD must meet the following requirements:
- completed application
- Bachelor's Degree or its equivalent
- current resume
- letter of recommendation from one's Metropolitan
- letter of recommendation from one's parish priest
- signed letter by the applicant indicating his intention for ordination to the diaconate; the letter should also indicate that the applicant will not consider pursuing ordination to the priesthood at a future date without the knowledge and consent of the Metropolitan
- $50 application fee
Governance
Responsibility for the overall administration of the Special Program for the Diaconate resides with the faculty of Holy Cross in cooperation with the Holy Eparchial Synod and the local Metropolitans who have candidates enrolled in the program. Each Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America serves as "Headmaster" for the students/candidates who reside within their Metropolis. Students/candidates are encouraged to maintain close contact with their Metropolitan throughout the duration of the program.
The three educational and formational components of the program (see below) have their own supervisory framework. The faculty of Holy Cross is responsible for the six one-week summer educational sessions held on the campus of Holy Cross as well as administering and grading fall and spring term papers. The Metropolitan is responsible for designating cluster groups and convening educational seminars and workshops for their respective metropolises. The Clergy Mentor is responsible for individual mentoring on the parish level in the areas of liturgical practice, pastoral activities, and parish administration.
Structure and Requirements of the Program
The Special Program for the Diaconate is usually completed within a period of three years, though students may take up to six years to complete all the requirements. There are three main components to the program:
1. Summer Sessions and Term Papers (administered by Holy Cross faculty)
- Summer Sessions: Students are required to complete six (6) one-week summer sessions (summer curriculum schedule) at Holy Cross in Brookline, MA. Each summer, two sessions will be offered. Over a period of three years, a student will therefore be able to complete the entire cycle of courses regardless of when a student began the program. Students who cannot attend both sessions in a given summer, may enroll in either summer session. There is a $800.00 fee for each of the six summer sessions.
- Term Papers: Students are required to write six (6) term papers. Each paper is a detailed report and reflection upon one foundational book in Orthodox theology or praxis. Papers are due on December 15 for the fall term and May 15 for the spring term.
2. Metropolis Cluster Groups (administered by the local Metropolitan)
- The cluster group process is intended to meet the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of students. For metropolises covering relatively small geographical areas, there may be need for only one cluster group to meet periodically at the metropolis center. For geographically larger metropolises, regional cluster groups may be needed. The number, organization and frequency of meetings of the cluster group(s) is at the discretion of the Metropolitan. Each cluster group will provide an organizational framework wherein specialists, theologians, and local clergy can work together to reinforce and enhance students' understanding of core topics and skill proficiency. The aims of the cluster group process are:
- to expand students' knowledge of theology,
- to determine, through dialogue, what is the students' current understanding of a particular topic area,
- to develop consistency of approach and method in teaching students core liturgical skills, and
- to provide students' and their families a forum for discussing issues related to clergy life.
3. Clergy Mentor (administered by the local priest)
- Students work under the leadership of local mentors who contract to serve as guides and administrators. They are not teachers in the traditional sense of individuals who are expected to impart information about a particular theological discipline. The mentor is the person through whom the local cluster communicates with their respective Metropolitan and the faculty of Holy Cross. While the mentor works as an enabler rather than informer, he is also responsible for training future deacons how they will conduct their liturgical responsibilities. The primary role of the local mentor is to:
- act as cluster administrative liaison,
- assist students to interpret and process any ambiguities with their understanding of the Orthodox Christian tradition, and
- conduct liturgical skill-training seminars.
In addition to the above requirements, once a student has been admitted into the program, the student must fulfill the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese's regulations for psychological testing and evaluation during the first year of his enrollment into the program.
Summer Session General Information
The two one-week summer sessions (summer curriculum schedule) are usually held during the first two weeks of August. Each session begins on Monday morning and ends in the afternoon on Friday of the same week. Students are encouraged to arrive on campus the Sunday prior to the beginning of a particular session. Students are required to remain in residence at Holy Cross during the week. Students may remain on campus over the weekend between sessions 1 and 2. Each day begins with Orthros at 8:00 am and ends with Vespers at 5:00 pm. Most evenings are free for students to study and meet informally. Prior to their arrival for a summer session, students will receive a study packet containing readings for particular courses. These readings should be completed before the student arrives on campus. Deadline for registration for summer sessions is July 1st.
Program Fees
In addition to the one-time $50.00 application fee, students are required to pay tuition of $800.00 for each one-week summer session they attend. This cost includes housing and two meals per day as well as instructional fees.
2010 Summer Sessions