Academic year 2025/2026
Overview
The course is an introduction and/or in-depth study of the faith and life of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch in the Arabic language in connection with Swedish and English. The overall purpose of the course is to offer to the participants an opportunity to be introduced and 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 which can be read either as first year introduction and/or second year in-depth study:
Introductory year
- Biblical studies: introduction to the Scripture and its place within the Church
- Ecclesiology: introduction to the Ecumenical synods and canon laws
- Liturgics: introduction to the liturgical life and practice of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
- Patristics: introduction to the Fathers of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
Advanced year
- Dogmatic theology: general survey of the basic dogmatic teachings of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch.
- Church history: study of the history of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch while highlighting specific events of greater importance.
- Liturgical theology: in-depth study of some rites of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
- Moral theology: discussing and analysing modern topics of ethical and moral theology
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 course is built on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their common learning journey but also the course itself. 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:
Introductory year
- explain how the early church developed by combining historical facts with different cultural and social viewpoints;
- apply Church Fathers’ teachings to today’s questions by connecting tradition with current life;
- explain church services through both book learning and personal experience and observations in corporate worship;
- discuss the church’s situation in Sweden using examples from participants’ own experiences in different communities;
- identify key traditional sources and explain why they matter for today’s life; and
- share personal stories about how group learning has transformed their understanding of faith, and thoughtfully reflect on how these discussions have helped them find deeper meaning in church traditions for their personal, family, and community life.
Advanced year
- present church teachings using both individual study and ideas from group discussions;
- compare beliefs across different church groups and show how learning from differences improves understanding;
- tell the church’s history in ways that include different cultural and social perspectives;
- explain how church services shape both personal faith and community connections;
- discuss ethical questions by connecting church wisdom with current Swedish situations from various social contexts; and
- deeply reflect on how theological discussions in the group have helped them address real-life questions they face in their own spiritual journey, showing with personal examples how traditional teachings can guide their individual decisions and community involvement.
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.
The syllabus was established by the Teachers’ Collegium on December 20th 2023.
The Deans Council revised the syllabus on February 26th and March 18th 2025.
