Kategori: Tewahedo

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.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
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

Parish Priest Program in the Tewahedo Tradition (50%)

This program offers the environment, structure and guidance necessary for the intellectual and personal formation of priests wishing to serve within the pastoral ministry of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The two-year course is taught in Tigrigna or Amharic and requires no knowledge of Swedish or English.

The program includes instruction in Ziema (liturgy and hymns), giving candidates the opportunity to lead services. In addition, participants are expected to complete four theological training modules over the two years.

Autumn term Spring term
Year 1 Dogmatic Theology
Ziema level 2		 Liturgics
Ziema level 2
Year 2 Church law and administration/Ecclesiology
Ziema level 2		 Homiletics
Ziema level 2
Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

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

  • lead services with an understanding of both tradition and the congregation's spiritual needs;
  • apply administrative routines for parish leadership and balance the demands of canon law with the reality of the parish;
  • develop pastoral skills through collaborative exercises and mentoring based on diverse experiences; and
  • Reflect on their development as a congregational leader, and share how group learning has helped them to integrate liturgical, theological, and administrative knowledge with their personal calling to serve the congregation.
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. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version takes precedence.

2026-2027

Parish Priest Program in the Tewahedo Tradition (100%)

This program offers the environment, structure and guidance necessary for the intellectual and personal formation of priests wishing to serve within the pastoral ministry of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The two-year course is taught in Tigrigna or Amharic and requires no knowledge of Swedish or English.

The program includes in-depth studies in Ge’ez and Ziema (liturgy and hymns), enabling participants to lead sacramental and liturgical services. In addition to this, participants are to complete nine theological training modules over the two years.

Autumn term Spring term
Year 1 Dogmatic Theology
Biblical studies
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2		 Ecclesiology
Liturgics
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2
Year 2 Patristics
Church History I
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2		 Church History II
Ecclesiastical law and administration
Homiletics
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2
Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

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

  • lead services with an understanding of both tradition and the congregation's spiritual needs;
  • apply administrative routines for parish leadership and balance the demands of canon law with the reality of the parish;
  • develop pastoral skills through collaborative exercises based on diverse experiences;
  • use musical notation for liturgical contexts and develop their skills through group practice and feedback;
  • tie liturgical texts to both personal experience and parish life and show how they enrich one another;
  • use advanced grammar and vocabulary for Ge’ez and, through collaboration with others, gain a deeper understanding; and
  • document their journey through training for ordained ministry and reflect on specific ways in which collaborative learning has transformed their understanding of ministry and how this connects to their personal calling and service.
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. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version takes precedence.

2026-2027

Mahlietay Program in the Tewahedo Tradition (50%)

The training programme in Mahlietay is designed for participants who want to study hymns and songs composed and arranged by Saint Yared. The education spans six years. The languages of instruction and communication in the course are Tigrinya and Amharic. This programme does not require any knowledge of Swedish or English.

The study of the hymns and songs within the Mahlietay program requires a longer learning period and cultural immersion. This applies particularly to those who lack prior knowledge of these hymns and songs. For this reason, a significant portion of the study time will be devoted to learning the hymns.

The following modules are included in the program: Dogmatic Theology, Ziema level 3, Liturgics, Canon Law and Administration/Ecclesiology, Homiletics.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

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

  • play traditional hymn instruments in a group setting and develop their skills through collaboration and practice;
  • conduct services on feast days that respond to the spiritual needs and traditions of the parish;
  • singing hymns and collaborating with others to improve technique and expression; and
  • reflect on how making music together has changed their experience of the church service by sharing personal examples of how group performances have deepened their connection to tradition and community.
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. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version takes precedence.

2026-2027

Mahlietay Program in the Tewahedo Tradition (100%)

The training programme in Mahlietay is designed for participants who want to study hymns and songs composed and arranged by Saint Yared. The education spans six years. The languages of instruction and communication in the course are Tigrinya and Amharic. This programme does not require any knowledge of Swedish or English.

The study of the hymns and songs within the Mahlietay program requires a longer learning period and cultural immersion. This applies particularly to those who lack prior knowledge of these hymns and songs. For this reason, a significant portion of the study time will be devoted to learning the hymns.

The following modules are included in the program: Dogmatic Theology, Ziema level 3, Liturgics, Canon Law and Administration/Ecclesiology, Homiletics.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

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

  • play traditional hymn instruments in a group setting and develop their skills through collaboration and practice;
  • conduct services on feast days that respond to the spiritual needs and traditions of the parish;
  • singing hymns and collaborating with others to improve technique and expression; and
  • reflect on how making music together has changed their experience of the church service by sharing personal examples of how group performances have deepened their connection to tradition and community.
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. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version takes precedence.

2026-2027

Introduction to the Tewahedo Tradition I (Tigrigna)

This distance module course is for those who want to study in Tigrigna and are interested in Tewahedo Orthodox theology and tradition. The course consists of four modules: dogmatic theology, Bible studies, ecclesiology/canon law and church administration, as well as liturgics. The teaching is based on the participants' existing knowledge. If deemed appropriate, the teacher may divide the group into beginners and advanced participants.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

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

  • explore different understandings of God through group discussions that connect scripture, tradition, and personal experiences;
  • Explain the Church's teaching on mysteries by relating traditional interpretations to contemporary issues;
  • present how the church relates to Scripture by showing connections between official teachings and congregational practice;
  • Discuss why certain texts are considered canonical, exploring both historical reasons and their significance for faith today.;
  • personal perspectives on the church and reflect on how cultural background and life experiences have shaped these perceptions;
  • Explain how the church is organised and how this structure supports congregational life;
  • demonstrate how liturgical actions express theological meanings and why they are important for worship; and
  • Reflect on how their understanding of the Tewahedo tradition has developed through group-based learning, and describe specific occasions where shared conversations have clarified the connections between theology, liturgy, and their personal faith journeys.
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.

This course is based on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their shared learning journey but also the courses themselves. The content, materials, and methods are adapted in real time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering subject content, a central aim is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue reshape their thinking, practice, and identity.

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

Introduction to the Tewahedo Tradition I (Amharic/English)

This distance-learning modular course is for those who wish to study in Amharic or English and are interested in Tewahedo Orthodox theology and tradition. The course consists of four modules: dogmatic theology, biblical studies, ecclesiology/church law and church administration, and liturgics. The teaching starts from the participants' existing knowledge. If deemed appropriate, the teacher may divide the group into beginners and advanced participants.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

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

  • explore different understandings of God through group discussions that connect scripture, tradition, and personal experiences;
  • Explain the Church's teaching on mysteries by relating traditional interpretations to contemporary issues;
  • present how the church relates to Scripture by showing connections between official teachings and congregational practice;
  • Discuss why certain texts are considered canonical, exploring both historical reasons and their significance for faith today.;
  • personal perspectives on the church and reflect on how cultural background and life experiences have shaped these perceptions;
  • Explain how the church is organised and how this structure supports congregational life;
  • demonstrate how liturgical actions express theological meanings and why they are important for worship; and
  • Reflect on how their understanding of the Tewahedo tradition has developed through group-based learning, and describe specific occasions where shared conversations have clarified the connections between theology, liturgy, and their personal faith journeys.
Learning method

At Sankt Ignatios Folkhögskola, the overarching principle that guides learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.
Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.
This course is based on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their shared learning journey but also the courses themselves. The content, materials, and methods are adapted in real time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering subject content, a central aim is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue reshape their thinking, practice, and identity.

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

Ge'ez Language Course: Level I

This course provides a general introduction to the history of the Ge'ez language and its role in the tradition of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The course also covers the ten basic elements of Ge'ez, which are used to determine verb forms based on masculine or feminine, and singular or plural. In addition, the course goes through various parts of speech, such as nouns, prepositions, pronouns, verbs (including verb types and their characteristics), conjunctions, and adverbs. Finally, clauses (both main clauses and subordinate clauses) are introduced, as well as various sentence types, based on both structural and functional classification.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

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

  • Explain how the Ge'ez language is connected to the Orthodox Tewahedo tradition by giving examples that show its importance within the faith community.;
  • use the ten fundamental elements of Ge'ez in various contexts and collaborate with other participants to develop practical applications;
  • analyse sentence structures by identifying main clauses and subordinate clauses, with examples connected to liturgical texts;
  • break down Ge'ez sentences to show how they are structured and collaborate with others to understand difficult examples; and
  • reflect on one's relationship with the Ge'ez language and describe how group-based learning has transformed their understanding of both the language and its significance for their cultural and spiritual identity.
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

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

Eastern Christian Studies in the Tewahedo Tradition

Eastern Christian studies at Saint Ignatios Folk High School give participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Eastern Church tradition — its writings, history, liturgy, languages and community life. The Eastern Christian world harbours 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 Tewahedo 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: 

  • Church Administration 
  • Ge'ez language course – level 1 
  • Introduction to the Tewahedo Tradition I (Amharic/English) 
  • Introduction to the Tewahedo Tradition I (Tigrigna) 
Apply in Swedish Apply in English
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 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

Diaconal Program in the Tewahedo Tradition 50%

This program offers the environment, structure and guidance necessary for the intellectual and personal formation of deacons who wish to serve in the Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The program is flexible and taught in Tigrigna or Amharic, and does not require proficiency in Swedish or English.

The program includes Ziema training for sacramental and liturgical services, as well as four theological training modules.

Autumn term Spring term
Year 1 Dogmatic Theology
Ziema level 2		 Liturgics
Ziema level 2
Year 2 Church law and administration/Ecclesiology
Ziema level 2		 Homiletics
Ziema level 2
Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

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

  • lead worship services with an understanding of both traditional practice and the spiritual needs of the congregation;
  • Show how liturgical actions express theological meanings and how these are connected to the lived experiences of the community.;
  • using musical notation in liturgical contexts, developing skills through group exercises and feedback; and
  • reflect on their journey to becoming diaconal ministers, sharing how collaborative learning has helped them to integrate liturgical knowledge with their personal faith and community relationships.
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

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.