Academic year 2025/2026
Overview
Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures by engaging with the Greek language of the Bible? Are you also interested in understanding the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom and other Byzantine liturgical material in their original language? Then this course is for you.
In an environment grounded in collaborative learning you will be introduced to the basics of biblical and liturgical Greek. You will also learn to read biblical and liturgical texts with the ecclesiastical pronunciation used in the orthodox churches today. The course consists of lessons with a fixed structure as well as freer sessions which offer plenty of opportunities for the participants to influence the content.
Year one of the course focuses on the basic grammar of koinē Greek and on the reading of excerpts from the New Testament, mainly the Gospel of John as well as some of the Church’s most important prayers and hymns. This level is suitable for beginners of Greek as well as those who may have studied New Testament Greek or Classical Greek before and want to refresh their knowledge while gaining insight into Greek as a living liturgical language.
Year two offers deepened knowledge of the grammar of koinē Greek and focuses on readings from the Old Testament Septuagint, early patristic Greek text (the Apostolic Fathers and the desert fathers) and the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom. This level requires Biblical and Liturgical Greek year one at Sankt Ignatios or the equivalent: for instance, 15 ECT of New Testament Greek or Classical Greek at a theological or a philological department.
Learning Approach
At Sankt Ignatios Folkhögskola, the overarching principle that guides learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.
Knowledge is dialogue, which requires humility and empathy.
This course is built on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their common learning journey but also the course itself. The content, materials, and methods will be adapted in real time based on participants’ needs, interests, and input. Beyond mastering subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transforms their thinking, practice and identity. Through dialogue, narrative, group discussions, shared reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop awareness of their own growth while supporting others’ development. The learning community becomes a space where everyone’s experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but actively guide the direction of the course, helping each person to integrate learning into their own life context in meaningful, personally transformative ways.
Learning outcomes year one
Upon completion of the course, the participants are (individually and collectively) expected to be able to:
- read biblical and liturgical texts with confidence using the ecclesiastical pronunciation, helping fellow participants improve their reading;
- show deeper understanding of Greek grammar, working collaboratively to tackle more complex grammatical structures;
- work both in groups and independently to translate and analyze excerpts from New Testament, Old Testament Septuagint, Patristic texts and parts of the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, sharing reflections with other participants;
- engage meaningfully with the Biblical, Patristic and Liturgical texts through linguistic and theological reflection and discussion with other participants; and
- document how their advanced Greek skills have transformed their engagement with sacred texts, sharing specific examples of insights gained through collaborative translation and discussion that have deepened both their linguistic understanding and spiritual connection.
Learning outcomes year two
Upon completion of the course, the participants are (individually and collectively) expected to be able to:
- read biblical and liturgical texts with confidence using the ecclesiastical pronunciation, helping fellow participants improve their reading;
- show deeper understanding of Greek grammar, working collaboratively to tackle more complex grammatical structures;
- work both in groups and independently to translate and analyze excerpts from New Testament, Old Testament Septuagint, Patristic texts and parts of the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, sharing reflections with other participants
- engage meaningfully with the Biblical, Patristic and Liturgical texts through linguistic and theological reflection and discussion with other participants; and
- document how their advanced Greek skills have transformed their engagement with sacred texts, sharing specific examples of insights gained through collaborative translation and discussion that have deepened both their linguistic understanding and spiritual connection.
Other requirements
Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to participate in all course activities, both by being present and playing an active role in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside of scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may be required to complete extra assignments to fulfill the learning outcome requirements of the course. For the course to be considered complete, 80% attendance and participation are required.
Course material:
Smith, R. H. & Fullmer, P. (2004) Read Greek by Friday: A Beginning Grammar and Exercises Wipf & Stock.
Smith, R. H. & Fullmer, P. (2005) Read Greek by Friday: The Gospel of John and 1 John with aids for translating Wipf & Stock.
Trenchard W. C. (2008). A Concise Dictionary of New Testament Greek. Cambridge University Press
(or the equivalent)
As well as liturgical texts and handouts provided by the teacher.
For Year two, the teachers will provide the students with a compendium of additional text material.
The Deans Council revised the syllabus on February 26 and March 18 2025.
