Strategic planning theme of international consultation of Orthodox theological schools

04/08/2011

YONKERS, NY [OCA] — Dr. Paul Meyendorff, the Father Alexander Schmemann Professor of Liturgical Theology at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary here, was among the participants in an international consultation of Orthodox Christian theological schools held at the Orthodox Academy of Crete April 5-7, 2011.

The consultation focused on the development of a sample strategic plan for Orthodox theological schools.

Dr. Meyendorff related the experience of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary in developing its strategic plan, noting that the situation of the Church in North America differs in many respects the Church elsewhere. Consultation participants then prepared a conceptual model for strategic planning for theological schools to adapt and further develop in light of their respective situations.

Other issues discussed at the consultation included various concerns with regard to preparation and qualifications of candidates for ordination, theological research, and related matters.

In a report on the status of theological education in the Orthodox Church of Russia, Archimandrite Kirill [Govorun] stressed the importance that must be placed on interaction between theological schools world-wide and shared recent reforms undertaken at the Moscow Theological Academy. A report was also given on the Orthodox Church of Greece’s new theological school.

Also representated at the consultation were the Orthodox Academy of Crete, the Theological Academy in Thessaloniki, the Orthodox Seminary in Joensuu, Finland, and the Saint Tikhon Orthodox Humanitarian University.

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