Overview
The course is an introduction to the faith and life of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch in the Arabic language. The overall purpose of the course is to offer to the 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 learned. This course consists of four modules:
(1) Biblical studies: introduction to the Scripture and its place within the Church
(2) Ecclesiology: introduction to the Ecumenical synods and canon laws
(3) Liturgics: introduction to the liturgical life and practice of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
(4) Patristics: introduction to the Fathers of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course participants should be able to:
- Describe and reflect, individually and together with other participants, on the early church and the emergence of the Syrian tradition and the context in which it emerged.
- Understand and reflect on the Fathers’ theological contribution to the Syrian tradition and their relevance for today
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the liturgical life of the Syrian Orthodox Church.
- Based upon the experience of the participants to be able to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Sweden and in the future.
- Identify the most important sources of the Syrian tradition and describe their relevance for today.
Further course information
Details of lessons, participation in discussions and contact with teacher and other participants take place mainly through the teaching platform Canvas.
You will have two evening lessons during the week.
The first evening will be related to the specific subject that you have chosen – you will participate in the class and discuss with your teacher and other participants in the course.
On the second evening, you will participate in an open lecture where you and all the participants within the Syrian Orthodox seminary participate and discusses important subjects within the Syrian Orthodox Church and society today. In this lesson you will have a significant influence on which subjects and discussions will take place. You will also, together with your fellow participants, present and actively defend your perspectives and solutions to questions that are raised. Within “folkbildning”, teaching is not only between teacher and student, but also between student and teacher and between student and student. We learn from each other and together as a group. You will be encouraged to do the various assignments that you will be given together with other participants in the course. You will also have access to material, your teacher and other participants through Canvas outside of the scheduled lessons. Your active participation is vital for the course!
If a course has a low number of participants you will be offered a place on another course within the seminary
