The Antiochian House of Studies welcomed students, faculty, clergy, and Church leaders to the Antiochian Village for its 2026 Residency Program, held from August 31 through September 11. Across two intensive weeks, participants shared a rich experience of theological education, liturgical life, pastoral formation, and Christian fellowship.
The residency opened with welcoming remarks and orientation sessions led by AHOS President Fr. Michel Najim, Academic Dean Archimandrite Fadi Rabbat, and Residency Director Fr. Elias Boulos. Students then entered a full academic program that included theology, Church history, liturgical studies, pastoral care, Byzantine chant, iconology, homiletics, Church administration, and specialized doctoral work.
Prayer remained at the heart of the residency. Orthros, Vespers, Divine Liturgies, and festal services gave the academic program its spiritual foundation. Among the most memorable moments was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Saba. During the service, Subdeacon Alexandre Tabbal was ordained to the Holy Diaconate, and Deacon Timothy Rask was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.
The residency also offered students valuable opportunities for dialogue and pastoral guidance. An open session with Metropolitan Saba allowed participants to raise theological and pastoral questions and benefit directly from his experience and counsel. Presentations, practicums, shared meals, and informal conversations further strengthened the connection between theological learning and the daily life of the Church.
A central celebration of the first week was the graduation of the AHOS Class of 2026. Graduates, faculty members, clergy, families, and friends gathered in the Ajar Amphitheater to recognize the successful completion of doctoral, graduate, and certificate programs. The ceremony included addresses by Fr. Michel Najim, Archimandrite Fadi Rabbat, graduate representative Fr. Juvenaly Hale, and Metropolitan Saba, who delivered the keynote address.
The second week welcomed students from the PhD, DMin, MDiv, and MPCC programs. Their studies continued within the same rhythm of worship, learning, fellowship, and spiritual formation. The celebration of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos provided the week with a special liturgical center and brought the community together in prayer and thanksgiving.
This year also marked the launch of the AHOS mobile app for the Residency Program. The application provided students and faculty with convenient access to the daily agenda, session details, shared information, program resources, and other practical tools. It helped participants remain informed, organized, and connected throughout the residency.
The newly published AHOS Residency 2026 Two Week Narrative Report offers a comprehensive account of this shared journey. Illustrated with selected photographs, the report also includes the principal opening and graduation addresses and the official roster of the Class of 2026.
Together, the two weeks reflected the distinctive mission of AHOS: to unite theological scholarship with prayer, spiritual formation, pastoral service, and life in communion. Participants departed with deeper knowledge, strengthened relationships, and renewed commitment to serving Christ and His Church.
Read the full AHOS Residency 2026 report here:
