Sophia Divinity SchoolSophia Divinity SchoolThe Seminary of the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch
All courses are available through home study
‡ Church of Antioch Homepage ‡ Sophia Catalog (PDF format)
Sophia Divinity School was founded in 1958 in California. Archbishop Herman Adrian Spruit, founder of the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch, was co-founder of the divinity school. He wrote: “An educational program initiated by the Church of Antioch must not be only a school, but a movement in spirit that goes beyond the reason of the academy. It must nurture the roots of life with balanced rations of mysticism.”
Sophia Divinity School educates Independent Catholic clergy. It also enriches the spiritual life of students, enhances their appreciation of the great spiritual traditions of the world, and promotes global awareness of our human family as a spiritual fellowship.
We are an inclusive and progressive school, holding fast to the traditions of the past that still serve us, and willing to explore new places to which God is leading us today and tomorrow. The doors and altars of our churches and divinity school are open to all humanity.
The theological program of Sophia Divinity School is designed for individuals who wish to seek the priesthood or ministry within the Church of Antioch or other Independent Catholic/Orthodox jurisdictions. Candidates from jurisdictions other than the Church of Antioch must have their local bishop’s approval before registering with the school.
Candidates are required to have a level of academic achievement and prior life experience which demonstrates potential for successful completion of a program of priestly formation and for the professional practice of religion. Candidates study for a first professional degree in theology, generally a bachelor’s or master’s degree in divinity, although exceptional candidates who have little or no college experience will be considered for admission to study at the associate’s degree level. Priestly formation is supervised by the school in consultation with regional mentors assigned to the student.
Candidates for the priesthood complete 35 courses (the equivalent of 70 semester credit hours or 105 quarter credit hours) in the following core areas: biblical and historic research, comparative religions and traditions, ethics, history, liturgy, metaphysics, mysticism, pastoral studies, practicum, spirituality, sacred art and architecture, and theological and religious studies.
The Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree is an advanced professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the priesthood. All candidates for this degree must have as a minimum a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
The Bachelor of Divinity (B. Div.) degree is the primary professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the priesthood. All candidates for this degree must have as a minimum an associate’s degree, or the equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university.
The Associate of Divinity (A. Div.) degree is a foundational professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the ministry for those who do not already possess an associate’s degree, or equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university.
The Spiritual Enrichment Program is for people who wish to deepen their spiritual lives. They need not be affiliated with the Church of Antioch or feel a call to the priesthood. A Certificate of Spiritual Enrichment will be awarded to those who complete ten courses.
Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch
111 W. Cordova Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
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