Academic year 2025/2026
Overview
The Mahlietay program is designed for devoted participants who wish to study the chants and hymns composed and arranged by Saint Yared. The course lasts for a period of 6 years. The languages of instruction and interaction in this course are Tigrigna and Arnharic. This module does not require proficiency in Swedish or English.
The chants and hymns in the Mahlietay program require an extended period of study and enculturation. This is true especially for those without prior knowledge of the chants and hymns. For this reason, a substantial amount of time will be allocated to the study of the chants.
These modules are part of the program: Dogmatic Theology, Ziema Level Three, Liturgics, Canon Law and Church Administration/Ecclesiology, Homiletics.
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 program is built on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their common learning journey but also the courses themselves. 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
Upon completion of the course, the participants are (individually and collectively) expected to be able to:
- play traditional hymnic instruments in group settings, developing skills through collaborative practice;
- lead feast-day hymnal services that respond to the community’s worship needs and traditions;
- sing hymnic chants while working with others to improve technique and expression; and
- reflect on how communal music-making has transformed their spiritual experience, sharing personal examples of how group performance has deepened their connection to tradition and community.
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.
In order to enroll in this program, participants must have successfully completed the diaconal training program in the Tewahedo tradition or equivalent liturgical and hymnic studies.
The Deans Council revised the syllabus on February 26 and March 18 2025.
