Course Catalogue 2025-2026

This course introduces students to the most significant teachings and achievements in Orthodox theological anthropology, beginning with the Cappadocian fathers, Maximus the Confessor and others. The course will also explore the contributions of modern scholars such as Bulgakov, Yannaras, Zizioulas, Behr, Vlachos and Von Balthasar who have enriched the study of the human person in Orthodox tradition. This course will also explore, compare and contrast the anthropological ideas developed by western, modern era philosophers such as Nietzsche, Freud and Sartre. The course will also explore some modern bioethical, technological and social issues that pose new questions regarding the human person.

This course introduces students to the most significant teachings and achievements in Orthodox theological anthropology, beginning with the Cappadocian fathers, Maximus the Confessor and others. The course will also explore the contributions of modern scholars such as Bulgakov, Yannaras, Zizioulas, Behr, Vlachos and Von Balthasar who have enriched the study of the human person in Orthodox tradition. This course will also explore, compare and contrast the anthropological ideas developed by western, modern era philosophers such as Nietzsche, Freud and Sartre. The course will also explore some modern bioethical, technological and social issues that pose new questions regarding the human person.

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of prophetic literature, its origins and evolution, its historical and cultural contexts, its literary and poetic styles, its theological themes, and its pastoral message. Beginning with the roots of prophecy in the earlier books of the OT and moving to the “major” and “minor” prophets, students will gain in-sight into the distinctive forms of speech, imagery, and methodology employed by the prophets, while recognizing their unique contributions to the understanding of Israel’s God and their lasting relevance in every reader’s present.

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of prophetic literature, its origins and evolution, its historical and cultural contexts, its literary and poetic styles, its theological themes, and its pastoral message. Beginning with the roots of prophecy in the earlier books of the OT and moving to the “major” and “minor” prophets, students will gain in-sight into the distinctive forms of speech, imagery, and methodology employed by the prophets, while recognizing their unique contributions to the understanding of Israel’s God and their lasting relevance in every reader’s present.

We will explore the evolution of the Anglican spiritual tradition from Jesus to today, including ways in which contemporary Anglican spirituality has been influenced by other traditions and vice-versa. Anglicanism is rooted deeply in the call to worship and serve Jesus Christ and God’s world in the context of various vocations (lay, ordained, and monastic), and the course aims to help students discern and articulate such calls. We will explore ways to integrate spiritual expression (both prayer and action) as a grounding for all forms of ministry and to learn and practice some traditional forms of prayer: lectio divina, the Jesus Prayer, centering prayer, awareness examen, Ignatian contemplation, and others. The course will encourage students to explore their own spiritual journeys and to develop a flexible and evolving Rule of Life that will ground their spiritual journeys.

At the heart of Ignatian spirituality is the idea that we can experience God in all things. God is present in the events of everyday life, in the people we encounter and even in the seemingly mundane things we do. A “retreat on the streets” is a way of opening our eyes, and our hearts, to the many different ways God meets us, including in what might seem the unlikely environment of a busy street, or a quieter corner, in a bustling town or city. This class centers around three two-day weekend “retreats on the streets” in Toronto, along with personal and group theological reflection.

Mystery of the Triune God with its Biblical sources and Patristic development, and an examination of the development of the understanding of the Immanent Trinity, with attention paid to particular issues, e.g. Filioque, notion of 'Person'. Also stressed is the development of a Trinitarian spirituality with some attention to the mystics.

Sketches 4 major ways in which 20th C. culture challenged the pre-Vatican church, 1900-1960. Explores various individual attempts to find creative solutions to these crises, as well as the main official responses from the Magisterium.

Answering Jesus' question: "Who do people say I am?", course uses Old Testament expectations, New Testament data, Conciliar definitions and contemporary issues.

The Psalter can be viewed as a distillation of Israel's history, spirituality, liturgy, wisdom, Torah and messianic hopes. This course will examine some of the key elements of Hebrew poetry exemplified by the Psalms. In the study of the Psalms according to their literary forms or genres, their unique poetic and thematic features will be highlighted. Some consideration will be given to thematic groupings of Psalms such as Creation Psalms and Penitential Psalms. The spirituality of the Psalms will be explored both through Patristic literature and modern authors. This course will consider the messianic and Christological reading of the Psalms.

The Psalter can be viewed as a distillation of Israel's history, spirituality, liturgy, wisdom, Torah and messianic hopes. This course will examine some of the key elements of Hebrew poetry exemplified by the Psalms. In the study of the Psalms according to their literary forms or genres, their unique poetic and thematic features will be highlighted. Some consideration will be given to thematic groupings of Psalms such as Creation Psalms and Penitential Psalms. The spirituality of the Psalms will be explored both through Patristic literature and modern authors. This course will consider the messianic and Christological reading of the Psalms.

An overview of psychological and psychotherapeutic methods, highlighting selected topics in psychotherapy and psychopathology, all in the context of pastoral counselling and spiritual formation.