High School
Religion classes will help you to develop a deeper understanding of your faith, and philosophy courses will allow to improve your critical-thinking skills. Classes in English, speech, and foreign languages will come in handy because you’ll need to be an excellent communicator. Since priests are responsible for the overall operation of their parishes, you should take classes in business, computer science, accounting, and mathematics.
Postsecondary Education
To become a priest, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree—ideally in a major that is related in some manner to your future work as a priest. You might consider majoring in a foreign language that is spoken commonly in Eastern Orthodox churches (Greek, Slavonic, Albanian, Rumanian, and Luganda), religious studies, philosophy, history, or communications.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, you will attend seminary for three years to earn a master of divinity degree. The major archdioceses have their own seminaries.
The Orthodox Church in America has three seminaries: St. Vladimir’s Seminary (Yonkers, New York), St. Tikhon’s Seminary (South Canaan, Pennsylvania), and St. Herman Seminary (Kodiak, Alaska).
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America trains its priests through the Hellenic College Holy Cross (Brookline, Massachusetts).
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States of America offers training for future priests at St. Sophia Seminary (South Bound Brook, New Jersey).
Some seminaries offer combined bachelor’s/master’s of divinity program in which high school graduates pursue their bachelor’s degree while studying to become a priest.
A priest may also earn a master’s degree in pastoral counseling, nonprofit management, or a foreign language.
Certification
Some traditions offer in-person or self-directed graduate certificates in Orthodox theology. Contact your archdiocese to learn what types of programs are available. Priests can improve their language skills by earning undergraduate and graduate certificates in one or more of the 20 languages spoken by members of the Eastern Orthodox faith.
Other Education or Training
Priests continue to learn and expand their understanding of their faith throughout their careers by taking college classes, reading scripture, attending spiritual retreats, and being mentored by more experienced priests.