Program Vision
To be a leading center of excellence for the study of Orthodox spirituality, particularly the Hesychast tradition, cultivating a profound “theology of the heart” that speaks meaningfully to the contemporary world.
The program seeks to preserve the ascetic and mystical heritage of the Orthodox East while engaging in thoughtful dialogue with the diverse spiritual traditions of the Middle East and Asia.
Program Mission
The program provides a rigorous academic and formative foundation in the history, theology, and primary texts of Orthodox spirituality. By integrating the study of Greek philosophy with the lived tradition of monasticism and the Philokalic heritage, it equips students to understand the human journey toward theosis (union with God).
It promotes scholarly excellence while situating Orthodox spirituality within a broader global context, fostering dialogue with Christian, Islamic, and Asian spiritual traditions.
Program General Description
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Orthodox Spirituality offers an in-depth exploration of the mystical and ascetic tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Rooted in the intellectual heritage of Greek philosophy and the spiritual traditions of the early Church and the desert fathers, the program examines the development of Orthodox spiritual theology across historical periods.
Students engage with key themes such as hesychia (inner stillness), the Jesus Prayer, and the process of theosis, while developing advanced skills in the interpretation of primary spiritual texts. Emphasis is placed on the role of monasticism as a living expression of Orthodox spirituality.
Situated in Jordan, the program also adopts a comparative perspective, placing Orthodox spiritual experience in dialogue with Islamic and Asian traditions. The program culminates in a research-based master’s thesis, preparing graduates—clergy, monastics, and lay scholars alike—to contribute to academic research, spiritual formation, and intercultural dialogue.
Program Objectives
Objective 1:
Analyze the relationship between Greek philosophical traditions and Christian revelation in the development of Orthodox spirituality.
Objective 2:
Develop a comprehensive understanding of key concepts such as theosis, hesychia, and the synergy of divine grace and human freedom.
Objective 3:
Cultivate advanced skills in the interpretation of primary spiritual texts, including patristic and Philokalic writings.
Objective 4:
Examine the historical and contemporary role of Orthodox monasticism as a foundation of spiritual life and practice.
Objective 5:
Engage in informed dialogue between Orthodox spirituality and other religious traditions, particularly Islamic and Asian spiritualities.
Objective 6:
Develop the ability to conduct independent scholarly research addressing the relevance of spiritual theology in contemporary contexts.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
• PLO 1: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the historical development and key themes of Orthodox spirituality.
• PLO 2: Analyze the influence of Greek philosophy on patristic anthropology and spiritual theology.
• PLO 3: Explain the role and significance of Orthodox monasticism in ecclesial and cultural contexts.
Skills
• PLO 4: Apply advanced hermeneutical methods to interpret classical texts of Orthodox spirituality.
• PLO 5: Compare Orthodox spiritual theology with Islamic and Asian traditions using interdisciplinary approaches.
• PLO 6: Conduct independent academic research culminating in a master’s thesis.
Competencies
• PLO 7: Apply spiritual and ethical principles in pastoral, educational, or community settings.
• PLO 8: Contribute to interreligious and intercultural dialogue with informed and respectful engagement.
• PLO 9: Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and professional integrity, grounded in the values of nepsis (watchfulness) and philoxenia (hospitality).
Module Delivery Methods
Modules are delivered through various learning formats:
• F2F (Face-to-Face): Classroom-based instruction conducted on campus.
• Online:
o Synchronous: Real-time interaction with instructors via platforms such as Zoom.
o Asynchronous: Structured, instructor-guided activities and assignments delivered via platforms such as Moodle.
• Hybrid: A combination of face-to-face instruction and online learning (synchronous and/or asynchronous). Students are typically required to attend on-campus sessions for at least one week per semester.
• HyFlex (Hybrid-Flexible): A fully flexible model combining face-to-face, synchronous online, and asynchronous learning, allowing students to participate either on campus or remotely in real time.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a grade of no less than “Good” (or its equivalent). In addition, applicants must demonstrate upper-intermediate proficiency in English (CEFR level B2 or equivalent).
Degree Requirements
To be awarded the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Orthodox Spirituality, students must:
• Successfully complete coursework totaling a minimum of 24 credit hours, and
• Submit and defend a master’s thesis (9 credit hours) in accordance with institutional academic standards.
Students who do not complete the thesis requirement may be eligible for the Higher Diploma in Orthodox Canon Law upon successful completion of 24 credit hours of coursework.
I. Framework for Master of Art in Orthodox Spirituality (33 Credit Hours/70 ECTS)
Classification | Credit Hours |
Compulsory Modules | 24 |
Elective Modules | – |
Thesis | 9 |
Total | 33 |
Module Delivery Method | Credit Hours | Percentage |
Face-to-face | n/a | n/a |
Online |
|
|
Hybrid |
|
|
Hybrid-Flexible |
|
|
Total |
| 100% |
Curriculum (Credit Hours)
Compulsory Modules (24 Credit Hours)
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Hellenic Philosophy | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of Orthodox Spirituality | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Themes of Orthodox Spirituality | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Plato Revisited | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Classics of Orthodox Spirituality I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Orthodox Monasticism | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Classics of Orthodox Spirituality II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Christian, Islamic, and Asian Spirituality | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 24 |
| ||
Elective Modules (0 Credit Hours)
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
– | – | – | – | – |
Minimum Required | – |
| ||
Thesis (9 Credit Hours)
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Thesis I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 9 |
| ||
Study Plan Guide for Master of Arts in Orthodox Spirituality (33 Credit Hours)
First Year
First Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Greek Philosophy | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of Orthodox Spirituality | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Themes of Orthodox Spirituality | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 9 |
| ||
Second Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Plato Revisited | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Classics of Orthodox Spirituality I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 9 |
| ||
Second Year
First Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Orthodox Monasticism | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Classics of Orthodox Spirituality II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 9 |
| ||
Second Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Christian, Islamic, and Asian Spirituality | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Thesis III | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 6 |
| ||
Modules Description
Hellenic Philosophy (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Examines the development of Greek philosophy from the Pre-Socratics to Neoplatonism, with emphasis on key metaphysical and ethical concepts that influenced early Christian thought.
Plato Revisited (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Explores selected Platonic dialogues and their reception in patristic theology, focusing on themes such as the nature of beauty, the hierarchy of being, and the intellectual ascent toward the Divine.
History of Orthodox Spirituality (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Surveys the development of Eastern Christian spirituality from the Apostolic period to the present, including the Desert Fathers, Byzantine mystical theology, Hesychasm, and modern spiritual renewal movements.
Themes of Orthodox Spirituality (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Analyzes central concepts of Orthodox spiritual theology, including theosis, hesychia, nepsis, and the Jesus Prayer, with attention to the relationship between divine grace and human ascetic practice.
Orthodox Monasticism (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Examines the historical development, structure, and spiritual significance of Orthodox monastic life, highlighting its role in shaping theological and communal traditions.
Classics of Orthodox Spirituality I (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Introduces primary spiritual texts from Late Antiquity to the Middle Byzantine period, including writings of the Desert Fathers and key ascetical works.
Classics of Orthodox Spirituality II (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Continues the study of primary texts, focusing on Hesychast and modern spiritual writers, including selections from the Philokalia and later Orthodox traditions.
Christian, Islamic, and Asian Spirituality (3 Credit Hours/10 ECTS)
Provides a comparative study of spiritual traditions, examining similarities and differences in practices such as prayer, asceticism, and contemplation across Christian, Islamic, and Asian contexts.
Thesis (9 Credit Hours/30 ECTS)
Requires independent research on a specialized topic in Orthodox Spirituality. Students demonstrate methodological rigor, critical analysis, and original contribution to the field.
