Online Classes and Session Papers
Administered by the Holy Cross faculty
Over three years, the program provides nine remote, synchronous classes, three on-campus summer sessions, and requires six term papers.
- Three remote classes are provided each year during the months just before the on-campus session. Each class is one-week in duration. The class allows each candidate to review recorded lectures the night before each live class. The candidates then synchronize with the class instructor in a live video conference class. The course requires formal responses to instructor requirements.
- Each year, after the two online classes are complete, the nine-day summer session takes place on campus. At these sessions, candidates take the third class for the year and go to lectures and Chapel for Matins, Liturgy, and Vesper services. Candidates learn from Hierarchs, Priest, Deacons, HCHC professors, HCHC DP Alumni, Chanters, and Guest Speakers. The focus of the sessions is on liturgics, pastoral visitations, service ministry, Chaplaincy, understanding the diaconate role in the Church yesterday and today, diaconate communications and protocols, humble/healthy obedience to Hierarch and Priest, and strengthening diaconate fellowship.
- Beyond the classes described above, there is a requirement for six term papers, based on foundational books in Orthodox theology or praxis, to be provided to HCHC before the candidates' third-year session completion.
Clergy Mentorship
Administered by the assigned Metropolis priest
The Clergy Mentor is responsible for a minimum of 12 hours of individual guidance on the parish level in liturgical practice and pastoral care each year. The mentor is the person that communicates the candidate's progress in the program to their respective Metropolitan and the faculty of Holy Cross via the Clergy Mentor Forms 1 and 2. These forms are the same and are intended to track improvement and identify candidate weaknesses/strengths so that their instructors can focus better on their individual needs when they come to the program session.
Required Clergy Mentor Forms:
While the mentor works as an enabler rather than an informer, he is also responsible for the training of the candidate as to how they will conduct their liturgical and pastoral responsibilities if they have the blessing to be ordained to the Diaconate by the Hierarch.
The mentoring requirements for the candidate include recording ten Pastoral Visitations done with the mentor and the specific mentoring outlined in the two candidate Journal forms. These forms outline what HCHC DP Staff refers to as the Clergy Mentor shadowing experience.
Required Candidate Forms:
Requirements for formal re-admittance into the Diaconate Program after a candidate has indicated withdrawal within six years from the start of their program after the 6-year program duration has been exceeded.
Metropolis Groups
Administered by the local Metropolitan and his Regional leaders
Each Metropolitan is responsible for designating two types of Metropolis Groups.
- Metropolis Fellowship Groups -These are educational seminars/retreats for current deacons and program candidates, alumni, and clergy mentors. This process is intended to be a structured meeting with the Metropolitan or his Archdeacon/Clergy representative to help guide the deacons and candidates in service to the metropolis. The number and organization of Metropolis Fellowship Groups and the frequency with which they meet are at the discretion of the Metropolitan. Each group provides an organizational framework wherein specialists, theologians, and local clergy work together to reinforce and enhance understanding of core diaconate topics and skill proficiency.
- Metropolis Regional Groups-These groups are intended to be informal fellowship meetings led by experienced deacons and clergy mentors within a common metropolis geographical area. The groups are not designed to be in-depth diaconate educational seminars or meetings but more like workshops. At some events, spouses and immediate family members will be encouraged to attend. There may be a need for only one regional group to meet periodically at the Metropolis Center, Church/hall, or even at a regional leader’s home. For larger Metropolises, multiple regional groups may be offered. The number and organization of Metropolis Regional Groups and the frequency with which they meet are at the discretion of the Metropolitan.
Current Regional Group Diaconate Leader emails: - Direct Archdiocesan District: Rev Dn Anastaci Hallas
- Metropolis of Atlanta: Rev Dn Tycon Cobb
- Metropolis of Boston: Rev Dn John Vaporis, Rev Dn Gerasimos Kent
- Metropolis of Chicago: Archdeacon Vasilios Smith
- Metropolis of Denver: Rev Dn John Rigas, Dino Bardossas
- Metropolis of Detroit: Rev Dn Vasili Yacalis, Rev Fr. Christoforos Abell
- Metropolis of New Jersey: Rev Dn Haralambos Chelpon
- Metropolis of Pittsburgh:Rev Dn Robert Lykos
- Metropolis of San Francisco: Rev Dn Dan Cunningham, Rev Dn Justin Bosyl
Alumni Events and Continuing Education
Administered by Holy Cross faculty
Deacon alumni and candidates are afforded several opportunities to continue their education, spiritual growth, and service to their parish and community. They are encouraged to participate in Clergy-Laity, APC events, Video conference Guest speaker opportunities, and the Metropolis Fellowship or Regional Groups whenever possible and as appropriate.
Program Merchandise
HCHC Diaconate Program Patches Available
For Orders Contact: George Fekaris
HCHC Diaconate Program-Golf Shirts and Sweat Shirts Available
15 year Anniversary Mugs were a big hit at the session!
Contact: Dr Spiro Xydas
Click here to order Diaconate Program Shirts and Sweat Shirts
For DP 2022 Candidates the deadline to order is June 3rd, 2022.
This way we can hand deliver your order at HCHC in person at session in July.
(Diaconate Merch Model Luke Twito with Diaconate Program Mentor Fr Peter Chamberas)
