AHOS Diversity Policy
Commitment to Diversity
The Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS) demonstrates institutional integrity through the deliberate recognition, articulation, and embodiment of diversity within the scope of its mission, historical heritage, constituency, and theological commitments. Rooted in the spiritually rich and Apostolic Tradition of the Roum Orthodox Antiochian Patriarchate and the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, AHOS embraces diversity as a core expression of its Antiochian identity and as a fundamental dimension of its vocation as an Orthodox School of Theology.
Conceptual Framework of Diversity
Diversity at AHOS encompasses the full spectrum of God-given gifts, experiences, and cultural backgrounds that contribute to the intellectual, spiritual, and communal life of the institution. This includes, but is not limited to, differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, denominational affiliation, and Orthodox theological perspective. Diversity is understood not merely as a demographic or social reality but as an Orthodox theological and ecclesial principle: it reflects the historical witness of the Patriarchate of Antioch, embodies the richness of God’s creation, and deepens the school’s capacity for service within the Orthodox Church and the wider Christian community.
Representation and Participation
AHOS serves a broad and diverse constituency of students and jurisdictions across North America, representing nearly every canonical Orthodox jurisdiction and a range of other Christian traditions. Faculty and students bring a rich variety of regional, cultural, and ethnic perspectives, which strengthen the intellectual and spiritual life of the institution.
The diversity of the Board of Trustees, faculty, student body, and alumni constitutes a strategic asset that enhances the institution’s theological rigor, educational excellence, and communal vitality. The increasing representation and scholarly contributions of women further demonstrate AHOS’ ongoing commitment to God-given talents, and the cultivation of spiritual leadership within the Orthodox academic context.
Institutional Responsibility
AHOS recognizes that sustaining meaningful diversity requires continuous evaluation and intentional action. The school is committed to ongoing self-assessment, dialogue, and improvement to ensure that its governance, faculty, and administrative structures increasingly reflect the full range of diversity in race, gender, age, and ecclesial background. In so doing, AHOS endeavors to manifest both the breadth of the Orthodox ethos and the universal scope of the Gospel, fostering a community that is both reflective and formative of Orthodox Christian life.
Public Commitment and Operationalization
AHOS maintains a publicly accessible statement articulating its understanding of diversity and its institutional commitment to this principle. This statement informs all aspects of the school’s operations, including recruitment, governance, curricular development, and community life. By integrating diversity into policy and practice, AHOS ensures that diversity is not merely aspirational but is concretely embodied across the institution.
Mission and Vision
As one of the most diverse Orthodox Schools of Theology in North America, AHOS regards diversity as central to its mission of theological education, spiritual formation, and service to the Church. Through the mutual enrichment of students, faculty, and alumni, the school cultivates a learning environment that is at once faithful to Orthodox tradition and receptive to the richness of spiritual experience. AHOS seeks to unite believers from across the world in a common pursuit of knowledge, reflection, and pastoral engagement, thereby contributing to the spiritual and ecclesial needs of the faithful throughout North America and beyond.