AGAPE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

About Us

Agape Theological Seminary is a center of learning, prayer, and ecclesiastical formation. We are committed to educating and guiding students not only in theological knowledge but in living the faith authentically in every aspect of life.

Our Ecclesial Identity
Operating as the educational wing of the Episcopal Diocese International under the spiritual oversight of the Orthodox episcopate, ATS is faithful to:

• Apostolic Succession: Ensuring continuity of faith and sacramental ministry through the historic line of Orthodox bishops.

• Orthodox Doctrine and Liturgical Life: Upholding the teachings of the Church Fathers, the Nicene Creed, and traditional worship practices.

• Canonical Discipline of the Church: Maintaining order and obedience to ecclesiastical law and authority.

• Patristic Theology: Grounding all learning and formation in the wisdom of the Holy Fathers of the Church.

Our vision & mission

Our Mission

The mission of Agape Theological Seminary is to:

Teach Holy Scripture in harmony with Sacred Tradition and the Patristic interpretation of the Church.

Preserve and faithfully transmit Orthodox doctrine, liturgical practice, and moral teaching as received from the Apostolic faith.

Form ministers and servants of the Church who embody prayer, humility, obedience, and pastoral responsibility.

Equip clergy and lay servants for teaching, preaching, chaplaincy, counseling, and missionary service, according to their calling.

Encourage sound theological reflection that fosters spiritual healing, reconciliation, and growth in individuals and communities.

Our Vision

We envision raising a generation of faithful servants who:

Fully live the sacramental and liturgical life of the Orthodox Church, rooted in prayer, worship, and holy discipline.

Uphold the truth in love, exercising discernment, humility, and compassion in all aspects of life and ministry.

Serve Christ faithfully within both the life of the Church and the wider society, according to their vocation and calling.

Bear faithful witness to the Gospel in a changing world, without compromising the Apostolic faith once delivered to the saints.

Theological Foundation

Agape Theological Seminary is firmly rooted in the following foundations:

The Holy Bible

The Old and New Testaments form the cornerstone of all theological instruction and spiritual formation.

The Nicene–Constantinopolitan Creed

Affirming the essential and unchanging truths of Orthodox Christianity as confessed by the universal Church.

The Ecumenical Councils

Drawing wisdom, doctrinal clarity, and spiritual guidance from the collective discernment of the Church through the ages.

The Writings of the Holy Fathers

Integrating the spiritual wisdom, theological depth, and lived faith of the Fathers into contemporary theological formation.

Sacramental and Liturgical Heritage

Ensuring that theological understanding is inseparable from worship, prayer, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

At Agape Theological Seminary, true theology is inseparable from prayer, repentance, and the lifelong pursuit of holiness.

Academic & Formation Programs

We offer structured programs designed to integrate theological knowledge with spiritual formation:

• Certificate Programs: Introductory studies in Scripture, Patristics, and Orthodox theology.

• Diploma & Postgraduate Diplomas: Advanced theological studies with practical ministry applications.

• Bachelor & Master-Level Studies: Comprehensive programs for in-depth theological mastery.

• Pastoral & Chaplaincy Training: Practical training for ministry, counseling, and spiritual care.

• Ministerial Formation: Supervised learning, equivalent examinations, and ecclesiastical assessment.

All programs are designed for religious and spiritual formation, rather than secular or professional qualification.

Spiritual Formation

ATS places equal emphasis on personal spiritual development alongside academic learning:

• Daily personal prayer and spiritual discipline.

• Liturgical awareness and participation in Orthodox worship.

• Pastoral sensitivity, ethical conduct, and obedience to Church authority.

• Viewing theology as a way of life, not just a subject to study.

Our Commitment

Agape Theological Seminary is unwavering in its dedication to:

Upholding the orthodoxy of the faith in every aspect of teaching, worship, and service.

Ensuring integrity and faithfulness in theological instruction, rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the life of the Church.

Remaining obedient and accountable to ecclesial authority, in accordance with canonical order and discipline.

Serving the Church and the wider society with humility, love, and pastoral responsibility.

Forming Christ-centered leaders prepared to guide, teach, and nurture the faithful in truth and charity.

Why this refinement helps

Consistent ecclesiastical tone

Clear connection between doctrine, authority, and service

Suitable for Orthodox seminary charters and official publications

Balanced focus on faithfulness and pastoral mission

Services We Offer

“Comprehensive theological, spiritual, and pastoral services designed to equip faithful servants for ministry, leadership, and Orthodox Christian life.”

Theological Education & Formation

Agape Theological Seminary provides structured and faithful theological instruction, grounded in the Orthodox tradition, including the following areas of study:

Biblical Studies

Old and New Testament studies, approached through Patristic interpretation and ecclesial tradition.

Dogmatic Theology and Church History

Exploring the doctrinal foundations of the faith and the historical life of the Church.

Liturgics and Sacramental Theology

Together with Moral Theology and Ascetical Theology, emphasizing the lived and worshiping life of the Church.

Ecclesiology, Canon Law, and Spiritual Theology

Focusing on the nature of the Church, canonical order, and spiritual formation.

Methodology

Instruction is delivered through:

Structured coursework

Mentored theological and spiritual reflection

Equivalent examinations conducted in accordance with ecclesiastical standards

Spiritual Direction & Pastoral Formation

Agape Theological Seminary provides pastoral and spiritual guidance for those seeking to deepen their walk with Christ and to live faithfully according to Orthodox spirituality. Formation at the Seminary includes:

One-on-one spiritual mentorship, offering personal guidance and accountability.

Confession and spiritual counseling, conducted within the discipline and pastoral care of the Church.

Guidance in prayer, fasting, and sacramental life, fostering spiritual growth and ecclesial faithfulness.

Pastoral care training for parish and mission ministry, emphasizing compassion, discernment, and responsibility.

These ministries and services are intended to support growth in holiness, spiritual discernment, and pastoral maturity, preparing servants of the Church for faithful and effective ministry.

Agape Theological Seminary upholds ordination as a sacred, sacramental act of the Church, not merely an academic or administrative process. All ordinations associated with ATS are conducted in faithfulness to Apostolic Succession, Orthodox canon law, and under the authority and oversight of the episcopate.

Ordination candidates are:

Discerned and examined spiritually, morally, and canonically, in cooperation with the Orthodox episcopate.

Formed through prayer, liturgical life, theological study, and pastoral preparation, recognizing ordination as a calling rather than a right.

Ordained only by a canonically consecrated bishop, in continuity with the historic Apostolic ministry of the Church.

Accountable to ecclesial authority and canonical discipline, both before and after ordination.

Agape Theological Seminary does not independently confer ordination. Academic formation and spiritual preparation are offered by the Seminary, while ordination itself remains the exclusive responsibility of the Church, exercised through the bishop and the Holy Synod.

All ordained ministers are expected to live lives of prayer, obedience, moral integrity, and pastoral responsibility, faithfully serving Christ and His Church

Ordination Preparation

Chaplaincy & Ministry Training

Agape Theological Seminary equips ministers for service beyond traditional parish boundaries, preparing them to offer pastoral care in diverse settings. Training includes:

Hospital chaplaincy formation, emphasizing compassionate presence and spiritual care.

Military and emergency services chaplaincy, focused on pastoral support in contexts of crisis and service.

Educational and institutional chaplaincy, providing spiritual guidance within schools, colleges, and other institutions.

Pastoral counseling skills, enabling ministers to offer wise, compassionate, and faith-centered support during times of crisis and transition.

This training emphasizes compassionate ministry grounded in the Orthodox faith, guided by prayer, discernment, and pastoral responsibility.

Church Leadership & Administration

Agape Theological Seminary provides formation and training that prepare faithful leaders for organizational, liturgical, and community life within the Church. This formation includes:

Church governance and canonical structure, fostering understanding of ecclesial order and responsibility.

Pastoral leadership and team-building, encouraging collaborative ministry grounded in humility and service.

Ethical stewardship, promoting faithful and transparent care of resources entrusted to the Church.

Youth, family, and community ministry development, supporting holistic pastoral engagement across generations.

Recognizing that formation is lifelong, the Seminary offers:

• Workshops and Short Courses

• Clergy Continuing Education

• Bible Study Modules

• Seminars on Contemporary Moral & Cultural Questions

These help clergy and laity stay grounded in truth while engaging the modern world wisely.

Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning

Special Ecclesiastical Certificates

To meet diverse ministry needs, the Seminary awards certificates in:

• Orthodox Bible Teaching

• Liturgical Leadership

• Pastoral Care & Counseling

• Mission & Evangelization

• Spiritual Formation

These certificates affirm competency for particular ministry functions under episcopal authority.

Orthodox Resource & Library Services

Agape Seminary maintains resources for research and spiritual enrichment:

• Theological Library with Patristic Works

• Digital Resources and Study Tools

• Reference Assistance for student research and clergy preparation

In keeping with the Orthodox call to charity and witness, the Seminary facilitates:

• Service to the poor and marginalized

• Local and international mission support

• Training in compassionate social engagement

These services express the Church’s care and love in action.

Community Outreach & Mission Services

Liturgical Participation & Prayer Life

Agape Seminary supports full participation in the ecclesial life of the Church through:

• Liturgical scheduling and participation guidance

• Prayer workshops

• Instruction in Orthodox worship and chant

This ensures that theological learning is integrated with prayerful devotion and sacramental life.

Why Choose Us?

Rooted in Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition, Agape Theological Seminary offers Orthodox formation that integrates sound theology, worship, and pastoral life.

We are distinguished by:

• Faithfulness to Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Apostolic Succession, as received in the life of the Church.

• Orthodox theological education under recognized ecclesiastical oversight, ensuring doctrinal integrity and canonical order.

• Integration of academic study with prayer and spiritual discipline, uniting learning with lived faith.

• A strong foundation in Patristic theology and liturgical life, drawing from the wisdom of the Holy Fathers.

• Pastoral and ministerial formation rooted in humility and service, preparing servants of Christ rather than professionals alone.

• Guidance from experienced clergy and theological mentors, offering personal and pastoral accompaniment.

• Emphasis on holiness, ethical conduct, and obedience to the Church, as essential marks of Christian leadership.

• Formation of Christ-centered servants for both Church and society, bearing faithful witness in the contemporary world

Get in Touch With Us

Reach out to us for theological guidance, admissions, and spiritual formation.

“Enquiries are welcome for admissions, formation, and ecclesiastical services.”