Master of Orthodox Canon Law

A Unique Program for Our Time

The Master of Orthodox Canon Law is a 51-credit graduate degree that includes 39 core credits, 6 elective credits, and a 6-credit thesis.

The curriculum brings together theological depth, historical study, pastoral awareness, Canonical Greek, research methodology, and original scholarly research in a coherent six-semester course of study.

At a time when the Church faces important questions involving marriage and family, Church administration, sacramental practice, clergy and monastic life, ecclesiastical discipline, reception into the Church, and relationships among Orthodox jurisdictions, this program offers students the knowledge and tools needed to engage these matters faithfully and responsibly.

Why This Program?

• A Hybrid Program: Online Study and Required In-Person Residencies: The MCL follows a hybrid format, combining online sessions with required in-person residency participation. Students must attend: A one-week residency at the beginning of their first academic year A second one-week residency at the beginning of their second academic year These two required weeks of residency are an integral part of the program. Residency takes place at the Antiochian Village in western Pennsylvania, typically during the last full week of August. Applicants should consult the AHOS academic calendar for upcoming dates.
• Accredited institution: The Master of Orthodox Canon Law is offered by the Antiochian House of Studies, an institution accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
• A distinctive curriculum: Courses address the theological foundations of canon law, Church governance, marriage and family, clergy and monasticism, the Holy Mysteries, Church–State relations, spiritual courts, discipline, and contemporary canonical questions.
• Direct access to sources: Students develop competence in Canonical Greek and learn to read and interpret primary canonical texts from early, Byzantine, and modern Orthodox traditions.
• Serious research and scholarship: The degree culminates in a six-credit master’s thesis, enabling students to produce original, supervised research in Orthodox canon law.

Distinguished Curriculum

Students in the program study the theological foundations of Orthodox canon law, the formal corpus of the holy canons, Church organization and governance, marriage and family, clergy and monasticism, the Holy Mysteries, spiritual courts and disciplinary procedures, Church-state relations, comparative canon law, and contemporary canonical questions.

The curriculum also includes Canonical Greek I and II, reading proficiency in primary canonical texts, and a master’s thesis based on original graduate research.

Timely and Needed

The Orthodox Church in North America lives in a diverse, pan-Orthodox environment. Questions concerning Church order, marriage and family, sacramental practice, reception into the Church, governance, discipline, and relationships among jurisdictions require informed, faithful, and pastorally responsible engagement with the canonical tradition.

This program comes at an important moment: it prepares graduates to study, teach, research, interpret, and responsibly support the canonical life of the Church in response to contemporary ecclesial questions and challenges.

Learn From Qualified Experts

The program is developed and taught by qualified faculty with advanced academic preparation and demonstrated competence in Orthodox canon law, theology, Church history, patristics, ecclesiology, Canonical Greek, and related disciplines.

Students receive close academic guidance, meaningful faculty interaction, research support, and thesis supervision from professors committed to rigorous scholarship and service to the Church.

Thesis supervision is provided by scholars with doctoral or comparable qualifications relevant to each student’s research area.

Students benefit from academic mentoring, substantive faculty interaction, disciplined research formation, and a curriculum shaped through faculty leadership, ecclesial consultation, and ongoing academic review.

A Hybrid Program: Online Study and Required In-Person Residencies

The program follows a hybrid format, combining online learning with required in-person residency participation. Online instruction includes faculty-guided sessions, scheduled synchronous meetings, structured asynchronous learning activities, scholarly reading, research, discussion, writing, and individualized feedback. Students are required to attend two one-week residencies at the Antiochian Village in western Pennsylvania: the first at the beginning of their first academic year and the second at the beginning of their second academic year. These residencies typically take place during the last full week of August and are an integral part of the program. Applicants should consult the AHOS academic calendar for upcoming dates. Students are responsible for all residency-related expenses, including lodging, meals, and transportation, which are separate from AHOS tuition and fees.

Program Highlights

• 51 graduate credits: 39 core credits, 6 elective credits, and a 6-credit thesis.
• Six-semester structured curriculum.
• Courses in Canonical Greek I and II and Reading Proficiency in Primary Canonical Texts.
• Specialized study of marriage, family, clergy, laity, monasticism, sacramental discipline, Church administration, ecclesiastical courts, and Church–State relations.
• Electives in contemporary canonical issues, parish life in North America, reception of heretics and schismatics, directed readings, and special topics.
• Preparation for scholarship, teaching, Church administration, research, publishing, translation, diocesan support, and further graduate study.

Curriculum

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Elective Options

The elective component may draw from the following approved topics (3 credits each):

Prepare to Serve the Church

Graduates are prepared for advanced research, teaching, publishing, translation, diocesan and parish support, Church administration, educational ministry, and further graduate study.