SPECIALISED STUDY PROGRAMME:
WOMEN IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH
The seminar programme “Women in the Orthodox Christian Church” is a self-contained two-year course of study devoted to the place, presence and roles of women within the historical and liturgical tradition of the Church, with particular emphasis on the woman chanter.
The programme has been developed out of Nektaria Karantzi’s scholarly and research work on women in the ecclesiastical tradition and, more specifically, her research undertaken as part of her doctoral dissertation in Theology. Teaching draws on the study of biblical, patristic, historical and canonical sources, with the aim of examining each issue within its proper historical and theological context rather than in isolation.
The course begins by considering the position of women in Jewish society and in the Greco-Roman world, before tracing their presence through early and later Christianity. Topics include women in Holy Scripture, with particular attention to the writings of the Apostle Paul, the reception and interpretation of relevant passages in the patristic tradition, the ecclesiastical canons and their interpretation, differences that developed between the Eastern and Western Christian traditions, and the various roles and forms of service undertaken by women throughout the history of the Church.
A dedicated section focuses on the woman chanter, examining her historical presence, the evidence preserved in the sources, and her place within the liturgical tradition. In this way, the question of women’s participation in Byzantine chant is approached within its broader historical, theological and ecclesiological context.
Enquiries:
WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?
The programme is open to anyone wishing to undertake a more systematic study of the place and role of women in the Orthodox Christian Church. It is of particular interest to women chanters and students of Byzantine Music, but is by no means limited to them.
IS ANY PRIOR KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED?
No previous theological or musical knowledge is required. The course is structured so that it can be followed both by those approaching these subjects for the first time and by those who already have a relevant academic or musical background.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN AREAS OF STUDY?
The position of women in Jewish society and the Greco-Roman world
Women in early and later Christianity
Women in Holy Scripture and in the writings of the Apostle Paul
The patristic reception of the relevant biblical passages
Eastern and Western Christian traditions
Ecclesiastical canons and their interpretation
The roles and ministries of women in the Church
The historical and liturgical presence of women chanters
HOW IS THE PROGRAMME STRUCTURED?
The complete Specialised Study Programme consists of two self-contained one-year courses, each of which may be taken independently. Completion of the first year is not required in order to attend the second, while those seeking a comprehensive study of the subject may take both courses consecutively.
The first one-year course focuses primarily on the position of women in Jewish society and the Old Testament, together with an examination of the patristic reception of the relevant biblical passages.
The second one-year course broadens the study to include the Greco-Roman world, the New Testament — with particular emphasis on the writings of the Apostle Paul — and early and later Christianity, together with the corresponding patristic interpretative tradition.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAMME LAST AND HOW OFTEN ARE CLASSES HELD?
Each self-contained course lasts one academic year, with three teaching sessions per month.
The complete programme is completed by attending both one-year courses.
HOW ARE CLASSES DELIVERED?
Classes are conducted entirely online in organised groups, allowing participants from Greece and around the world to attend regardless of where they live. For international students, instruction is provided in English.
WHEN DO ENROLMENTS TAKE PLACE AND WHEN DO CLASSES BEGIN?
Enrolments take place every September, and classes begin in October.
ARE EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED?
No. Participation in the programme does not require entrance examinations and there are no assessment examinations, either during the course or upon its completion.
IS A CERTIFICATE PROVIDED?
Upon completion of the programme, participants receive a Certificate of Participation.