Catechist Certification Program
Laying Foundations for Teaching the Faith. A Response to the Church Growth.
St. Vladimir’s Online School of Theology
Course Description
This course is a resource for parishes seeking to launch or to enhance their catechetical programs by investing in the talent of faithful Orthodox Christians who will engage in deep learning with the support and participation of their priest. It is not a catechesis but a training program for aspiring catechists who will support their priests on a volunteer, part-time or full-time basis to support the formation of candidates for initiation into the Orthodox Church.
The program will be taught in three phases:
Phase 1: The Catechist and Contemporary Church Growth
Phase 2: The Work of a Catechist
Phase 3: Teaching the Faith
The deadline to apply for the Catechist Certification Program is Tuesday, September 7, 2026. If accepted, the fee for this program is $1,500.00 (due on September 9) and will be payable online. The course sessions will begin on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Monday, September 14, 2026. All necessary information will be emailed following acceptance into the program and receipt of payment.
Cohort 4 | September 14–December 21, 2026
Course Structure
Candidates will attend 28 synchronous classes over the course of the program, meeting twice each week on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:00–9:15 PM Eastern Time, beginning on Monday, September 14, 2026 and concluding on Monday, December 21. Each session will be recorded and available for those unable to attend a session or for any participant to review.
The 75-minute sessions will begin with 45-minute presentations, followed by 30 minutes of questions and answers with some of the most prominent Orthodox leaders and scholars in North America. Each presenter will provide an average of one hours’ worth of reading materials to review prior to each session.
Twice during the course an optional session will be added for the participants to engage with each other on what they have been hearing, and online discussion boards are available following each presentation to discuss both the presentations and the preparatory materials.
The catechist-in-training is encouraged to meet regularly with the parish priest for the purpose of integrating what is being presented into the parish’s catechism program. The parish priest himself will not generally attend class sessions, but is welcome to join in on a few sessions to be familiar with the formation the catechist is receiving.
The sessions focus on topics such as:
Practical instruction on how to teach biblical, historical, theological, and liturgical subjects
Management of groups
Awareness of various resources for catechetical training
Guidance in approaching contemporary questions
Strategies for the integration of new members to the local parish
Raising matters of worldview and self-knowledge in the contemporary context
This is a pass/fail course.
The sessions focus on topics such as:
Practical instruction on how to teach biblical, historical, theological, and liturgical subjects
Management of groups
Awareness of various resources for catechetical training
Guidance in approaching contemporary questions
Strategies for the integration of new members to the local parish
Raising matters of worldview and self-knowledge in the contemporary context
Course Objectives
Teach the catechist how to introduce Orthodox Christianity to inquirers and catechumens
Direct catechists to existing resources on key themes in the life and teaching of the Church
Help configure these resources in ways useful to each specific parish setting
Provide guidance in leading discussions on sensitive issues
Encourage potential catechists to be aware of their own presuppositions and of the variety of backgrounds from which catechumens come
Course Requirements
Attendance (no less than 80% participation, live or via recordings of each session for those unable to join live)
A Letter of Reference from their Parish Priest
Applicants must be 21 years of age or older
Participation in the Course Discussion Forum, allowing participants to interact with their fellows in reflection on each session’s offerings
A Final Project, to include a 2-4 page essay summarizing what the participant has learned in the course, along with an outline of a catechetical session, to be reviewed in the final session by one of the presenters
Course Schedule
*Subject to Change
-
Monday, September 14, 2026
Organization, Introductions & Expectations
Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, Ph.D., Dean of St. Vladimir’s Seminary
Very Rev. Michael Nasser, Course Mentor
Arpina N. Bullockian, Coordinator of the St. Vladimir’s Online School of TheologyThursday, September 17, 2026
Christian Leadership & Church Growth
This module outlines was the catechism-catechumen relationship should look like. Future catechists gain a broader context of what it means to catechize and how to form and be formed in the Church.
Pdn. Peter Danilchick, Hon. D.H.L.Monday, September 21, 2026
Developing a Parish Evangelism Mindset
This module instructs catechists on how to engage the parish in reaching out to the broader community, especially catechumens. Catechists will learn common ways of thinking that parishioners may have which can resist a shift towards an Evangelism mindset.
Very Rev. Luke VeronisThursday, September 24, 2026
How a Catechist Prepares a Lesson Plan
Catechists are taught how to prepare and present a lesson, taking into account the particularities of their audience.
Very Rev. Sergius Halvorsen, Ph.D.Monday, September 28, 2026
Reading the Room: Catechism and Catechumens
This class is designed to begin helping potential catechists “read the room,” so that they know their audience, discern the limits of their students (and their own!), and how to facilitate learning with the use of appropriate catechetical aids, i.e., catechisms and other materials. It also will foster the practice of intercultural/interpersonal techniques of communication, and suggest the use of a catechumen form logging each catechumen’s biographical information and religious background.
Very Rev. John E. Parker III, D.Min., Dean of St. Tikhon’s SeminaryThursday, October 1, 2026
External and Internal Communication
This module discusses the importance of hospitable communication towards visitors. It helps potential catechists understand what inquirers and first-time visitors are likely looking for and how to respond.
Michelle Moujaes, Founder and Executive Director of Faithtree ResourcesMonday, October 5, 2026
How Parishes Grow in Healthy (and Unhealthy) Ways
This module describes the challenges of a growing community. Catechists are informed of common pitfalls of rapidly growing parishes and how to avoid them.
Very Rev. Jason FosterThursday, October 8, 2026
Survey of American Religions
This module explores the diverse views and opinions of other faith traditions that will be encountered both by catechists and catechumens, building a working knowledge of religious movements in America, and their development in the “New World.”
*An optional 45 minute opportunity will follow this session for open discussion on Part 1 of the Course.
Very Rev. Philip LeMasters, Ph.D.Monday, October 12, 2026
Social Action Activities & Parish Partnerships
This module teaches catechists how to speak to their students about the importance of helping others. It also details how to form partnerships with organizations near the parish they can assist with performing charitable works.
Very Rev. Paul Abernathy -
Thursday, October 15, 2026
The Purpose & Roles of Sponsors
This module explains how catechists can inform future godparents/sponsors on what their duties are. As well as how to select good sponsors, and how to encourage a proper sponsor-catechumen relationship.
Very Rev. Kirill Sokolov, Ed.D.Monday, October 19, 2026
Living in a Hierarchy: Correct Ideas of Obedience, Freedom & Discipline
This module offers catechists a way to understand obedience in the light of the freedom Christ brings. The catechists are given ways to teach this obedience to others while modeling the freedom found in obedience.
Archimandrite Hrisostom (Ciuciu), Ph.D.Thursday, October 22, 2026
Confronting Hot Button Issues
Catechists face questions about a wide range of topics related to social and cultural experiences and practices. These include questions about sexuality, gender, reproduction, end of life care, vaccines, and even body modification such as piercings and tattoos, among others. This session will explore some of the topics that often arise in parish settings and how catechists might frame responses to what might be considered controversial topics.
Ana Iltis, Ph.D.Monday, October 26, 2026
Learning Theory & the Process of Catechesis
Catechists are taught basic pedagogy and how to do catechesis from a theological and educational perspective.
Right Rev. Bishop John, D.Min., Diocese of Worcester and New England, Antiochian ArchdioceseThursday, October 29, 2026
Common Traps of the Conversion Process
In this module, we seek ways to promote an Orthodox mindset as converts traverse from ones previously held most commonly. We will discuss some best practices for each phase of conversion: Inquirers, Catechumens, Newly-Illumined, common traps that catch many unprepared, and ways to help avoid those.
Very Rev. Michael NasserMonday, November 2, 2026
How a Catechist Deals with Artificial Intelligence
This module explores the Church’s position on Artificial Intelligence. It also equips catechists with an understanding of how AI can be used to enhance catechism materials.
Rev. Dn. Michael HyattThursday, November 5, 2026
How does a Catechist respond to trauma & grief?
Catechists learn how to address trauma and grief that may come up in catechesis or in pastoral conversations. Catechists are taught what not to say, and the theological perspective of the Church regarding common grief experiences.
*An optional 45 minute opportunity will follow this session for open discussion on Part 2 of the Course.
Sarah Byrne-Martelli, D.Min. -
Monday, November 9, 2026
Teaching Prayer
This module teaches Catechists how to introduce catechumens to prayer. Focus is placed on being a fellow-traveler on the prayer journey of catechumens rather
Most Blessed Tikhon, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, Orthodox Church in AmericaThursday, November 12, 2026
Teaching How to Live an Orthodox Spiritual Life
This module teaches catechists the essentials for modeling a spiritual life to their catechumens.Monday, November 16, 2026
Teaching the Church & the Creed
The class is designed to guide in how to use the Creed in their classes, considering the place of the Creed in our Church’s history, Liturgy, and life of faith, and by learning different ways to use the Creed in catechetical teaching.
Peter Bouteneff, Ph.D.Thursday, November 19, 2026
How an Orthodox Catechist Teaches Scripture
This session is designed to help catechists present Scripture to catechumens by describing its role in the Church and its place within Orthodox Tradition. The session will contrast “less helpful” approaches to Scripture with those that better enable the faithful to understand Scripture in the life of the Church and in terms of its witness to Christ.
Michael Legaspi, Ph.D.Monday, November 23, 2026
The Primacy of the Gospel: “What is the Good News?”
In this module, the core essence of the gospel is given to catechists. Catechists are instructed on the centrality of the Resurrection and the need for virtuous living in light of the good news.
Very Rev. George Parsenios, Ph.D.Thursday, November 26, 2026
Thanksgiving Day - NO SESSIONMonday, November 30, 2026
Teaching the Fathers
In this module, we will consider who the Fathers are, what they mean for the faith and life of the Church, and how we identify “patristic consensus,” and the role of the councils.
Very Rev. Bogdan Bucur, Ph.D.Thursday, December 3, 2026
Teaching Church History
In this module, catechists receive instruction on how to frame Church History for catechumens. Special emphasis is placed on not seeing Church History as totally isolated from “regular history” while still retaining the aspect of faith in understanding.
Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, Ph.D.Monday, December 7, 2026
Teaching How to Live the Liturgical Life
In this module, catechists learn practical ways to engage catechumens in the liturgical life, especially those coming from non-liturgical backgrounds. Catechists will be taught how to model and explain pious liturgical living.
Right Rev. Bishop Anthony, Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, Antiochian ArchdioceseThursday, December 10, 2026
Teaching the Divine Liturgy & the Mystery of Holy Communion
In this module, catechists are taught how to frame the Divine Liturgy for catechumens. Emphasis is placed on understanding how we are transformed by the Liturgy, while acknowledging historical developments in practice.
Right Rev. Bishop Vasily, Ph.D., Diocese of the West, Orthodox Church in AmericaMonday, December 14, 2026
Teaching about Fasting, Repentance and Confession
The catechist will be equipped to explain what happens throughout the church year, to teach about fasting, why these practices are important, and how they fit into the bigger picture of Christian life. We will discuss the history of Church feasts and fasts, monastic influence, and the daily, festal, and seasonal cycles.
Right Rev. Jeremy (Davis), Archiepiscopal Vicar, Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest, Antiochian ArchdioceseThursday, December 17, 2026
Teaching the Mysteries of Initiation
Catechists are taught how to describe the sacraments of initiation to those who are entering the church. This will include both a theological explanation of the sacraments and practical considerations for the reception of catechumens.
Very Rev. Justin PattersonMonday, December 21, 2026
Final Project Presentations
Interested in Future Cohorts?
Fill out the form below to be notified when the next cohort is formed.
The Catechist Certification Program is available to a limited number of participants. If accepted, the fee for this program is $1,500.00 and will be payable online.
*Cancelation Policy: The deadline to register with payment, if accepted to the program, is September 9, 2026. After registration and payment, a refund may be obtained prior to the first session on Monday, September 14, 2026, minus a $100 non-refundable deposit. Participants may also cancel their participation in the program up to the second week of the program and receive a refund, minus a $250 deposit.