Our Approach to Theology

Here at St Andrew’s, we provide students the unique opportunity to study theology not only with an academic framework but to live out their faith as come to experience their very own encounter with God

Orthodox Lens

St Andrew’s aims to teach Theology with a strong emphasis on interpreting through an Orthodox lens.

Prayer

Put plainly by Evagrius Ponticus; “If you pray, you are a theologian.”

Ministry

The study of Theology aids in all facets of ministry from priesthood to teaching.

Extra-Curricular

Alongside course study, there are opportunities in Byzantine Chant, Modern Greek and Ancient Greek Philosophy.

Orthodox Lens

St Andrew’s aims to teach Theology with a strong emphasis on interpreting through an Orthodox lens.

Prayer

Put plainly by Evagrius Ponticus; “If you pray, you are a theologian.”

Ministry

The study of Theology aids in all facets of ministry from priesthood to teaching.

Extra-Curricular

Alongside course study, there are opportunities in Byzantine Chant, Modern Greek and Ancient Greek Philosophy.

Our Vision and Purpose

St Andrew's is dedicated to having an academic, spiritual and practical nature in its studies in order to impart to students thorough knowledge, skills and phronema (mentality or attitude) in Orthodox theology and spirituality for multifarious diakonia (ministry) in an Australian context. Given the distinctive theological ethos and character of Eastern Christianity, the aim of the College's educational program is to integrate spirituality, faith and academic excellence offering a rich and robust curriculum which gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a whole array of different disciplines.

Consequently, St Andrew's is not a secular institution. The mind, the heart and the soul are to be nurtured: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27). At St Andrew's, the lecture room, the library and the study (the places of learning), and the chapel (the place of worship), are all of equal significance. All scholarly endeavours are ultimately a reflection upon the glory and truth of the Holy Trinity and divine revelation. This sacred meditation upon God's Word is to be pursued by both faculty and students within the various theological disciplines within the lecture room with the certainty of academic freedom and dignity.

In the spirit of Orthodox Christianity, educational growth is inseparably bound to the values, spirit and experience of the faith. As such, St Andrew’s is concerned with the spiritual and moral development of the students. The theologian is the one who struggles not only to gain a deep understanding of the faith but also lives this faith with all its powers and practical applications.

Faith

Described as a genuine encounter with God, Theology becomes an expression of our living faith. At St Andrew’s, students are encouraged to mimic the saints, putting the love of Christ into action and sharing His light with all.

Communion

Serving as a centre of Orthodox learning in Australia, St Andrew’s fosters a spirit of unity, fellowship and shared life within the Church, bringing together students, faculty, clergy and the wider community in a common commitment to Christ, the Orthodox faith and one another.

Church Fathers

Theology at St Andrew’s would cease to exist without the indispensable inclusion of our Church Fathers. Their writings and sayings have indelibly shaped our faith and our understanding of it.

Church Life

A theological students’ participation in the life of the Church is imperative in coming to appreciate the deeper meanings and lived experiences of Orthodox Theology.

Tradition

The student experience at St Andrew's thrives on introducing the living tradition of our Greek Orthodox Church to all and planting the mustard seed that will flourish and support students throughout their courses and their lives.

Formation

Students are encouraged to live faithfully and serve others with love and humility, following the example of Christ and the saints. Our dedicated Formation program seeks to provide students the opportunity to live out their faith and apply their studies in real life experiences and encounters.

Excellence

St Andrew’s seeks to establish a strong foundation which draws on a treasure of tradition and experience throughout the centuries to provide excellence in theological education.

Research

St Andrew’s fosters a culture of research and scholarly inquiry that contributes to the study of Orthodox theology, history, Scripture, spirituality and tradition that serves the Church and enriches the wider academic community.

Our Blog: Theology & Life

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