On-the-job training isn’t always possible for clergy, but for those preparing to serve in the Church it is an absolute necessity. Our diaconal formation and preparation education is training on location in Phoenix, AZ, and provides experience that cannot be gotten anywhere else in any other way. If you’re serious about serving the Church in Holy Orders, this is for you.
DIACONAL FORMATION
Following or during the diploma program, a student may enter into an apprenticeship of 6-9 months of liturgical and spiritual formation, on location in California or Arizona. This formation focuses on the role, function, and duties of deacons within the parish, and the larger Church. Those desiring diaconal preparation should prepare for a study of the role and ministry of deacons in history, and in administrative and ministry leadership functions.
Upon ordination to the Diaconate, the 7 day spiritual retreat will be REQUIRED.
Have questions? Contact the Dean on our Contact page.
These articles also will be useful:
Major Orders: Deacon, from GoodGuysWearBlack.org
The Duties of the Orthodox Deacon, from the Bulgakov Handbook
The Three Degrees of Priesthood, by Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos
The Diaconate in the Church Today, by Metropolitan Saba Esber
The Noetic Hierarchy, by St. Maximos the Confessor
On the Mystery of Ordination, by St. Nikolai Velimirovich
On the Holy Priesthood, by St. Symeon of Thessalonica