Kategori: Syrian

2026-2027

Classical Syriac (on campus)

Syriac is the main language that the Fathers of the Syriac Orthodox Church spoke and wrote in. Many important theological and spiritual works have been composed in this language. The course contains four levels, depending on the student's prior knowledge of Classical Syriac. You can therefore take this course if you want to learn the basics of the Syriac alphabet and grammar, but also if you want to read and analyse texts and commentaries at an advanced level.

At the beginning of the course, the teacher(s) will assess your prior knowledge and place you at a suitable level. West Syriac pronunciation is used throughout the course, but participants are also permitted to use other pronunciations. From the outset, participants are expected to use their language skills in the real social context of their learning and liturgical community.

Within this course in Classical Syriac, you also get the opportunity to focus not only on linguistics but also on biblical texts, patristic writings and/or the Syriac hymn tradition. See below for a detailed description of these three sub-tracks. Since this course has four different levels, learning outcomes for each level are described below.

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Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

Level 1

  • write and pronounce the letters of the Syriac alphabet correctly and explain how different communities pronounce them;
  • use everyday greetings and simple expressions to connect with other participants;
  • create simple sentences that include examples from their own cultural and social background;
  • explain basic grammatical rules and compare them with languages and dialects they already know;
  • read and write simple texts as well as improve them through collaboration with other participants;
  • find and share good resources in Syrian Arabic that help different types of learners; and
  • reflect on one's development in learning Syrian, including how group discussions have contributed to their understanding and how the Syrian language connects to their personal identity and community life.

Level 2

  • participate in conversations on topics that are important to the group;
  • answer questions about everyday situations by using what they have learnt and their own experiences;
  • understand texts of moderate difficulty by drawing on both individual skills and group discussions;
  • write short pieces that link the language to personal stories and shared experiences;
  • use more words and phrases in contexts that are meaningful to the group;
  • discuss grammatical patterns and work together with other participants to understand how they work;
  • listen carefully to conversations in Classical Syrian and understand different perspectives;
  • explain Syrian customs and traditions and compare them with one's own social and cultural experiences; and
  • take part in cultural activities that demonstrate that their understanding goes beyond simply learning from books; and
  • compare what they knew about Classical Syrian at the start of the course with what they know now, and reflect on how group work has helped them to link the language to their personal values and everyday lives.

Level 3

  • take part in and lead more in-depth discussions that incorporate different perspectives and experiences;
  • express their views clearly and respectfully in discussions where there are differing opinions;
  • understand more challenging texts through personal analysis and ideas from group discussions;
  • write longer pieces of writing that are improved through feedback from other participants;
  • use specialised vocabulary and explain how the words relate to different social and cultural contexts;
  • explain complex grammatical patterns and how they create meaning in language;
  • take part in complex discussions and listen carefully to different ways of communicating;
  • analyse texts from various cultural, social and historical perspectives; and
  • reflect deeply on how their relationship with Classical Syrian has changed over time and how group study has helped them to discover links between the language and their personal values, beliefs and cultural identity.

Level 4

  • facilitate discussions in which everyone can have their say on important issues;
  • adapt one's language according to different situations and cultural contexts;
  • help others to understand difficult texts and their cultural and historical context;
  • produce well-structured texts that are improved through group feedback;
  • use precise words that reflect their cultural significance and importance;
  • explain complex grammar to others and demonstrate how linguistic patterns create meaning;
  • recognise different dialects and adapt one’s pronunciation to reflect regional differences;
  • understand complex information by combining personal knowledge with group discussions;
  • read old manuscripts and discuss various possible interpretations with other participants;
  • help others to learn in ways that respect their learning style and prior knowledge;
  • analyse texts together to identify cultural assumptions and social relationships;
  • present their views whilst respecting other perspectives and demonstrating how discussions enhance understanding;
  • reflect on their language-learning journey and explain specific ways in which collaboration has influenced both their language skills and their personal perspectives, as well as their sense of belonging to a community;
  • analyse complex syntactic structures in unannotated Syrian texts with a high degree of precision;
  • describe the historical and literary context of the selected texts and explain how this context influences their linguistic interpretation; and
  • independently translate and analyse a wider range of texts, focusing on stylistic features.
Module components

Biblical studies

This module gives you the opportunity to study and develop your language skills in Classical Syriac, focusing on biblical texts and the exegesis of the Syriac Orthodox Fathers. Classical Syriac is the language of the early translation of the Syriac Bible, also known as the simple translation, or the Peshitta. We will use the Syriac biblical text and compare it with translations, as well as study the specific characteristics of the Syriac language in comparison with Swedish and English. You can participate in the course regardless of your previous knowledge of Syriac, as the texts used are adapted to your level of proficiency.

The course also provides an introduction to the other Syriac translations of Holy Scripture produced during the fifth and sixth centuries, namely the Philoxenian and the Harklean versions. The course also includes a brief introduction to the Diatessaron, a Syriac attempt to harmonise the four Gospels into a continuous narrative.

Western Syriac pronunciation is used throughout the course, but participants are welcome to use other pronunciation traditions. From the beginning, participants are expected to use their linguistic skills in the social and liturgical community that forms the natural environment for their learning.

Patristic texts

This module gives you the opportunity to study Classical Syriac, Kthobonoyo, through reading texts by the Syriac fathers. Kthobonoyo is the primary language of the Syriac Orthodox fathers and teachers, and in this course we will delve deeper into the writings of the fathers in Syriac.

Depending on your level of knowledge, we will read works by different Fathers, who wrote at varying linguistic levels. Fathers such as Aphrahat the Wise Persian wrote relatively simple texts, while others, such as Bar-Hebraeus and Saint Ephrem the Syrian, are known for more advanced texts. The writings of the Fathers will also serve as an introduction to the grammar and syntax of the Syriac language.

Furthermore, we will study each author's life and historical context to gain a deeper understanding of their writings. West Syriac pronunciation is used throughout the course, but participants are welcome to use other pronunciation traditions. From the beginning, participants are expected to use their language skills in the social and liturgical community that forms the natural environment for their learning.

Hymnology and liturgics

This module gives you the opportunity to study Classical Syriac, Kthobonoyo, with a particular focus on Syriac hymnology and liturgical recitation. Depending on your prior knowledge, you will learn to recite hymns and liturgical chants from the Syriac Orthodox tradition and use the hymn tradition as a path to in-depth knowledge of Syriac.

The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch has a long tradition of hymnology and poetry. Many of the Church's great fathers wrote and taught the faithful through music and poetry. Saint Ephrem the Syrian and Saint James of Sarug are two of the most prominent hymnographers in the Syriac tradition.

Language learning through song often offers an effective way to memorise lyrics, as multiple parts of the brain are activated simultaneously when singing. The course aims to give participants both a practical and theoretical introduction to the hymnological tradition within the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and invites them to actively take part in this rich heritage.

Learning objectives

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The course is based on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the course itself. Content, materials, and methods are adapted in real-time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice, and identity. Through dialogue, storytelling, group discussions, joint reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development while simultaneously supporting others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the course's direction, helping each individual integrate learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

All students at the Syriac seminary are expected to participate in 4 joint campus activities during the academic year: Syriac symposium; Post-Christmas liturgy; Easter activity; and End-of-school closing ceremony.

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

One Year for the Church

One Year for the Church is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the life, prayer and theology of the Orthodox tradition. Over the course of a year, you will explore the fundamentals of the Orthodox faith and practice – learning how to pray, how to fully participate in the liturgical life of the Church, and gaining insight into the theological vision that shapes Orthodox spirituality. Students will also receive an introduction to one of the classical languages of the Church, opening the door to its rich historical heritage.

Campus life is at the heart of the experience. Students live together in community, sharing daily prayers, weekly services, meals and fellowship. This shared rhythm of life creates a formative environment where friendships grow, faith is deepened, and practical skills for a Christian life are developed. The year concludes with an international trip to an Orthodox country, where students encounter the Church as a living tradition – both in monasteries and in local parishes. This experience provides a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy across different cultures and contexts.

The program begins with a special period of community building, during which students learn to live and work together in harmony and develop habits of cooperation, responsibility and mutual support.

After completing the course, the students receive the parish assistant certification. A parish assistant is someone with a theological background who supports the parish by leading activities and overseeing day-to-day operations.

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Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

The Holy Bible in Syrian tradition (Swedish)

This course provides the opportunity to study and deepen one's understanding of the Holy Bible within the Syriac tradition. A historical overview of the Bible will be presented, with a particular focus on the New Testament.

The course will place great emphasis on the exegesis of Syriac Orthodox Church Fathers. Classical Syriac is the language of the early Bible translation, known as the Peshitta or the ”simple” translation. Participants will be introduced to other Syriac scriptural translations from the fifth and sixth centuries, specifically the Philoxenian and Harklean versions.

In addition, the course includes a short introduction to the Diatessaron, a Syriac attempt to harmonise the four Gospels into a single coherent narrative.

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Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • understand biblical texts with traditional explanations while connecting them to contemporary issues from various social contexts;
  • comparing different Syriac Bible translations and explaining how different versions contribute to a deeper understanding;
  • explain how the Church interprets Scripture, both historically and in the present day;
  • connect biblical texts to everyday life by showing how Scripture shapes both personal faith and the community; and
  • Reflecting insightfully on specific occasions when Bible studies with others have revealed insights that one might have missed on one's own, and sharing how these discoveries have personally changed one's way of approaching Scripture and deepened one's participation in church life.
Learning method

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The course is based on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the course itself. Content, materials, and methods are adapted in real-time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice, and identity. Through dialogue, storytelling, group discussions, joint reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development while simultaneously supporting others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the course's direction, helping each individual integrate learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

All students at the Syriac seminary are expected to participate in 4 joint campus activities during the academic year: Syriac symposium; Post-Christmas liturgy; Easter activity; and End-of-school closing ceremony.

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by being present and actively participating in scheduled sessions, and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the course syllabus for more information.

The operational council revised the syllabus on 14 January 2026.

2026-2027

The Holy Bible in the Syriac tradition (Arabic)

This course provides an opportunity to study and improve proficiency in the Holy Bible within the Syriac tradition. A historical overview of the Holy Bible will be presented, with a particular focus on the New Testament. The course will place great emphasis on the exegesis of Syriac Orthodox Church Fathers. Classical Syriac is the language of the early Bible translation, known as the Peshitta, or the ”simple” translation. Participants will be introduced to other Syriac scriptural translations from the 5th and 6th centuries, specifically the Philoxenian and Harklean versions. In addition, the course includes a brief introduction to the Diatessaron, a Syriac attempt to harmonise the four Gospels into a single coherent narrative.

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Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • understand biblical texts with traditional explanations while connecting them to contemporary issues from various social contexts;
  • comparing different Syriac Bible translations and explaining how different versions contribute to a deeper understanding;
  • explain how the Church interprets Scripture, both historically and in the present day;
  • connect biblical texts to everyday life by showing how Scripture shapes both personal faith and the community; and
  • Reflecting insightfully on specific occasions when Bible studies with others have revealed insights that one might have missed on one's own, and sharing how these discoveries have personally changed one's way of approaching Scripture and deepened one's participation in church life.
Learning method

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The course is based on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the course itself. Content, materials, and methods are adapted in real-time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice, and identity. Through dialogue, storytelling, group discussions, joint reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development while simultaneously supporting others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the course's direction, helping each individual integrate learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

All students at the Syriac seminary are expected to participate in 4 joint campus activities during the academic year: Syriac symposium; Post-Christmas liturgy; Easter activity; and End-of-school closing ceremony.

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the course syllabus for more information.

The operational council revised the syllabus on 14 January 2026.

2026-2027

Syriac Orthodox Faith and Life

This course is intended for young people within the Syriac Orthodox Church in Sweden. The overall aim of the course is to give Syriac Orthodox youth an opportunity both to deepen their theoretical and practical knowledge of the church's teachings and life, and to develop their ability to reflect on, explain and speak about what they have learned. The course consists of four modules:

Module 1: Sources of the Syrian Orthodox Church, examines the ways in which tradition has been expressed throughout history, namely through the Scriptures, the Church Fathers, the liturgy and ecclesiastical law;

Module 2: Church History and Faith, which examines the history and faith of the Syriac Orthodox Church in relation to developments in the early Church, with a particular focus on Antioch.

Module 3: Patristics, focusing on key Church Fathers within the Syriac Orthodox tradition across five specific periods: the Apostolic Age, the pre-Chalcedonian period, the post-Chalcedonian period, the period following the rise of Islam, and the present day.

Module 4: Liturgy, which deals with important aspects of the liturgical life of the Syriac Orthodox Church, namely the mysteries of baptism, chrismation and the Eucharist, as well as the daily prayers (Shimo) and the prayers of the church year (Fanqitho and M’ad’dono).

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Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • tell the story of the church's development in a way that connects history with life in various Swedish communities today;
  • use the teaching of the Church Fathers to deal with current situations and show why they are still relevant;
  • explain services of worship both through studies and personal participation;
  • discuss challenges in Sweden with examples from the participants' own experiences in various social contexts;
  • evaluate traditional sources through group discussion to demonstrate their relevance today; and
  • share how learning in a group has helped them build a bridge between the Syriac Orthodox tradition and the participants' everyday lives in Sweden, with examples of how they have found new ways to express their faith in their local context.
Learning method

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The course is based on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the course itself. Content, materials, and methods are adapted in real-time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice, and identity. Through dialogue, storytelling, group discussions, joint reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development while simultaneously supporting others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the course's direction, helping each individual integrate learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

All students at the Syriac seminary are expected to participate in 4 joint campus activities during the academic year: Syriac symposium; Post-Christmas liturgy; Easter activity; and End-of-school closing ceremony.

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the course syllabus for more information.

The operational council revised the syllabus on 14 January 2026.

2026-2027

Syriac Orthodox Faith and Life (distance learning in Arabic)

The course is an introduction and/or a specialisation in the faith and life of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in Arabic. The overall aim of the course is to offer participants an opportunity to both deepen their theoretical and practical knowledge of their church's teaching and life, and to develop their ability to reflect on, explain and talk about what they have learnt. This course consists of four modules:

  • Bible Studies: An introduction to Scripture and its place in the Church
  • Ecclesiology: Introduction to the Ecumenical Synods and Canon Law
  • Liturgics: Introduction to the Liturgical Life and Practice of the Syriac Orthodox Church
  • Patristics: An introduction to the Church Fathers in the Syriac Orthodox Church
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Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • explain how the early church developed by combining historical facts with various cultural and social perspectives;
  • apply the teachings of the Church Fathers to contemporary issues by connecting tradition with modern life;
  • explain church services both through theoretical knowledge and through personal experiences and observations in a shared service;
  • discuss the situation of the church in Sweden with examples from the participants' own experiences in various communities;
  • identify key traditional sources and explain why they are important for modern life; and
  • share personal stories of how group teaching has transformed their understanding of faith and reflect insightfully on how these discussions have helped them find a deeper meaning in church traditions for their personal, family and community life.

Year of specialisation

  • present the teachings of the Church both through individual study and ideas from group discussions;
  • compare beliefs between different church traditions and show how learning from differences improves understanding;
  • Tell the story of the church in a way that includes diverse cultural and social perspectives;
  • explain how the church's services shape both personal faith and community cohesion;
  • discuss ethical issues by connecting the wisdom of the church to current Swedish contexts and various social perspectives;
  • reflect deeply on how theological discussions within the group have helped them navigate real-life issues in their spiritual journey and demonstrate with personal examples how traditional teachings can guide both individual decisions and community engagement;
  • Tell the story of the church's development in a way that connects history with life in various Swedish communities today.
Learning method

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The course is based on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the course itself. Content, materials, and methods are adapted in real-time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice, and identity. Through dialogue, storytelling, group discussions, joint reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development while simultaneously supporting others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the course's direction, helping each individual integrate learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

All students at the Syriac seminary are expected to participate in 4 joint campus activities during the academic year: Syriac symposium; Post-Christmas liturgy; Easter activity; and End-of-school closing ceremony.

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by being present and actively participating in scheduled sessions, and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the course syllabus for more information.

The operational council revised the syllabus on 14 January 2026.

2026-2027

Syriac Orthodox Faith and Life (campus in Arabic)

The course is an introduction and/or a specialisation in the faith and life of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in Arabic. The overall aim of the course is to offer participants an opportunity to both deepen their theoretical and practical knowledge of their church's teaching and life, and to develop their ability to reflect on, explain and talk about what they have learnt. This course consists of four modules:

Bible Studies: An introduction to Scripture and its place in the Church
Ecclesiology: Introduction to the Ecumenical Synods and Canon Law
Liturgics: Introduction to the Liturgical Life and Practice of the Syriac Orthodox Church
Patristics: An introduction to the Church Fathers in the Syriac Orthodox Church

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Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • explain how the early church developed by combining historical facts with various cultural and social perspectives;
  • apply the teachings of the Church Fathers to contemporary issues by connecting tradition with modern life;
  • explain church services both through theoretical knowledge and through personal experiences and observations in a shared service;
  • discuss the situation of the church in Sweden with examples from the participants' own experiences in various communities;
  • identify key traditional sources and explain why they are important for modern life; and
  • share personal stories of how group teaching has transformed their understanding of faith and reflect insightfully on how these discussions have helped them find a deeper meaning in church traditions for their personal, family and community life.

Year of specialisation

  • present the teachings of the Church both through individual study and ideas from group discussions;
  • compare beliefs between different church traditions and show how learning from differences improves understanding;
  • Tell the story of the church in a way that includes diverse cultural and social perspectives;
  • explain how the church's services shape both personal faith and community cohesion;
  • discuss ethical issues by connecting the wisdom of the church to current Swedish contexts and various social perspectives;
  • reflect deeply on how theological discussions within the group have helped them navigate real-life issues in their spiritual journey and demonstrate with personal examples how traditional teachings can guide both individual decisions and community engagement;
  • Tell the story of the church's development in a way that connects history with life in various Swedish communities today.
Learning method

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The course is based on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the course itself. Content, materials, and methods are adapted in real-time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice, and identity. Through dialogue, storytelling, group discussions, joint reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development while simultaneously supporting others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the course's direction, helping each individual integrate learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

All students at the Syriac seminary are expected to participate in 4 joint campus activities during the academic year: Syriac symposium; Post-Christmas liturgy; Easter activity; and End-of-school closing ceremony.

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the course syllabus for more information.

The operational council revised the syllabus on 14 January 2026.

2026-2027

Eastern Christian Studies in the Syriac Tradition

Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Ignatios Folk High School gives participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Eastern Christian tradition — its writings, history, liturgy, languages and community life. The Eastern Christian world encompasses a rich diversity of churches, traditions and cultures, united by a common heritage of biblical faith, patristic theology and liturgical worship with roots in the earliest centuries of Christianity. 

This combination course brings together two or more courses from the Department of Middle Eastern Christian Studies. Participants start together and then continue with their respective course choices, which they study in parallel during the academic year. 

 The participants choose from the following courses: 

  • Classical Syriac (on campus) 
  • The Holy Bible in Syrian tradition (Swedish) 
  • The Holy Bible in the Syriac Tradition (Arabic, online) 
  • Syriac Orthodox Faith and Life (Arabic, online) 
  • Syrian Orthodox faith and life (Swedish, on campus) 
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Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to: 

  • demonstrate knowledge in one or more areas of Eastern Christian studies — such as scripture, church history, liturgy, sacred languages or church life — based on the courses they have chosen; 
  • engage in dialogue with others about the themes and issues they have encountered in their studies, starting from different perspectives and lived experiences within the group; 
  • reflect on how their chosen field of study connects to broader questions of faith, identity, culture and community; 
  • apply insights from their studies in a personally meaningful way and identify connections to their own life context, whether in terms of the church, education or civil society; and 
  • recognising their own development as learners, including how collective and dialogue-based learning has shaped their understanding over the course. 
Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by being present and actively participating in scheduled sessions, and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Classical Syriac (distance learning)

Syriac is the main language that the Fathers of the Syriac Orthodox Church spoke and wrote in. Many important theological and spiritual works have been composed in this language. The course contains four levels, depending on the student's prior knowledge of Classical Syriac. You can therefore take this course if you want to learn the basics of the Syriac alphabet and grammar, but also if you want to read and analyse texts and commentaries at an advanced level.

At the beginning of the course, the teacher(s) will assess your prior knowledge and place you at a suitable level. West Syriac pronunciation is used throughout the course, but participants are also permitted to use other pronunciations. From the outset, participants are expected to use their language skills in the real social context of their learning and liturgical community.

Within this course in Classical Syriac, you also get the opportunity to focus not only on linguistics but also on biblical texts, patristic writings and/or the Syriac hymn tradition. See below for a detailed description of these three sub-tracks. Since this course has four different levels, learning outcomes for each level are described below.

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Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

Level 1

  • write and pronounce the letters of the Syriac alphabet correctly and explain how different communities pronounce them;
  • use everyday greetings and simple expressions to connect with other participants;
  • create simple sentences that include examples from their own cultural and social background;
  • explain basic grammatical rules and compare them with languages and dialects they already know;
  • read and write simple texts as well as improve them through collaboration with other participants;
  • find and share good resources in Syrian Arabic that help different types of learners; and
  • reflect on one's development in learning Syrian, including how group discussions have contributed to their understanding and how the Syrian language connects to their personal identity and community life.

Level 2

  • participate in conversations on topics that are important to the group;
  • answer questions about everyday situations by using what they have learnt and their own experiences;
  • understand texts of moderate difficulty by drawing on both individual skills and group discussions;
  • write short pieces that link the language to personal stories and shared experiences;
  • use more words and phrases in contexts that are meaningful to the group;
  • discuss grammatical patterns and work together with other participants to understand how they work;
  • listen carefully to conversations in Classical Syrian and understand different perspectives;
  • explain Syrian customs and traditions and compare them with one's own social and cultural experiences; and
  • take part in cultural activities that demonstrate that their understanding goes beyond simply learning from books; and
  • compare what they knew about Classical Syrian at the start of the course with what they know now, and reflect on how group work has helped them to link the language to their personal values and everyday lives.

Level 3

  • take part in and lead more in-depth discussions that incorporate different perspectives and experiences;
  • express their views clearly and respectfully in discussions where there are differing opinions;
  • understand more challenging texts through personal analysis and ideas from group discussions;
  • write longer pieces of writing that are improved through feedback from other participants;
  • use specialised vocabulary and explain how the words relate to different social and cultural contexts;
  • explain complex grammatical patterns and how they create meaning in language;
  • take part in complex discussions and listen carefully to different ways of communicating;
  • analyse texts from various cultural, social and historical perspectives; and
  • reflect deeply on how their relationship with Classical Syrian has changed over time and how group study has helped them to discover links between the language and their personal values, beliefs and cultural identity.

Level 4

  • facilitate discussions in which everyone can have their say on important issues;
  • adapt one's language according to different situations and cultural contexts;
  • help others to understand difficult texts and their cultural and historical context;
  • produce well-structured texts that are improved through group feedback;
  • use precise words that reflect their cultural significance and importance;
  • explain complex grammar to others and demonstrate how linguistic patterns create meaning;
  • recognise different dialects and adapt one’s pronunciation to reflect regional differences;
  • understand complex information by combining personal knowledge with group discussions;
  • read old manuscripts and discuss various possible interpretations with other participants;
  • help others to learn in ways that respect their learning style and prior knowledge;
  • analyse texts together to identify cultural assumptions and social relationships;
  • present their views whilst respecting other perspectives and demonstrating how discussions enhance understanding;
  • reflect on their language-learning journey and explain specific ways in which collaboration has influenced both their language skills and their personal perspectives, as well as their sense of belonging to a community;
  • analyse complex syntactic structures in unannotated Syrian texts with a high degree of precision;
  • describe the historical and literary context of the selected texts and explain how this context influences their linguistic interpretation; and
  • independently translate and analyse a wider range of texts, focusing on stylistic features.
Module components

Biblical studies

This module gives you the opportunity to study and develop your language skills in Classical Syriac, focusing on biblical texts and the exegesis of the Syriac Orthodox Fathers. Classical Syriac is the language of the early translation of the Syriac Bible, also known as the simple translation, or the Peshitta. We will use the Syriac biblical text and compare it with translations, as well as study the specific characteristics of the Syriac language in comparison with Swedish and English. You can participate in the course regardless of your previous knowledge of Syriac, as the texts used are adapted to your level of proficiency.

The course also provides an introduction to the other Syriac translations of Holy Scripture produced during the fifth and sixth centuries, namely the Philoxenian and the Harklean versions. The course also includes a brief introduction to the Diatessaron, a Syriac attempt to harmonise the four Gospels into a continuous narrative.

Western Syriac pronunciation is used throughout the course, but participants are welcome to use other pronunciation traditions. From the beginning, participants are expected to use their linguistic skills in the social and liturgical community that forms the natural environment for their learning.

Patristic texts

This module gives you the opportunity to study Classical Syriac, Kthobonoyo, through reading texts by the Syriac fathers. Kthobonoyo is the primary language of the Syriac Orthodox fathers and teachers, and in this course we will delve deeper into the writings of the fathers in Syriac.

Depending on your level of knowledge, we will read works by different Fathers, who wrote at varying linguistic levels. Fathers such as Aphrahat the Wise Persian wrote relatively simple texts, while others, such as Bar-Hebraeus and Saint Ephrem the Syrian, are known for more advanced texts. The writings of the Fathers will also serve as an introduction to the grammar and syntax of the Syriac language.

Furthermore, we will study each author's life and historical context to gain a deeper understanding of their writings. West Syriac pronunciation is used throughout the course, but participants are welcome to use other pronunciation traditions. From the beginning, participants are expected to use their language skills in the social and liturgical community that forms the natural environment for their learning.

Hymnology and liturgics

This module gives you the opportunity to study Classical Syriac, Kthobonoyo, with a particular focus on Syriac hymnology and liturgical recitation. Depending on your prior knowledge, you will learn to recite hymns and liturgical chants from the Syriac Orthodox tradition and use the hymn tradition as a path to in-depth knowledge of Syriac.

The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch has a long tradition of hymnology and poetry. Many of the Church's great fathers wrote and taught the faithful through music and poetry. Saint Ephrem the Syrian and Saint James of Sarug are two of the most prominent hymnographers in the Syriac tradition.

Language learning through song often offers an effective way to memorise lyrics, as multiple parts of the brain are activated simultaneously when singing. The course aims to give participants both a practical and theoretical introduction to the hymnological tradition within the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and invites them to actively take part in this rich heritage.

Learning objectives

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The course is based on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the course itself. Content, materials, and methods are adapted in real-time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice, and identity. Through dialogue, storytelling, group discussions, joint reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development while simultaneously supporting others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the course's direction, helping each individual integrate learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

All students at the Syriac seminary are expected to participate in 4 joint campus activities during the academic year: Syriac symposium; Post-Christmas liturgy; Easter activity; and End-of-school closing ceremony.

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the course syllabus for more information.

The operational council revised the syllabus on 14 January 2026.