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 |
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.