CHICAGO: July 19, 2017
An Instructor of the Orthodox Pastoral School Visits Kyiv Academy

Cooperation between the Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America and Kyiv schools of theology began to develop at the beginning of this year. On May 17, 2017, in Kyiv, His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America, the rector of the Pastoral School and Metropolitan Antonii of Boryspil and Brovary, the rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, signed a memorandum of cooperation between the two schools.

Deacon Andrei Psarev, a lecturer in History and Principles of the Orthodox Church and Byzantine History visited the Kyiv Theological Academy (KTA) on July 6, 2017, where he met with Sergii M Bortnik, the Academy’s Assistant Lecturer. Dr Bortnik and Fr Andrei discussed the outcomes of the first semester of mutual work between the two schools; a number of KTA students had enrolled in the programs of the pastoral school in order to improve their English and to familiarize themselves with American education standards. The conversation touched upon the specifics of receiving education via the Internet and the assessment of the first semester of training.

On July 7 (n.st.) Deacon Andrei concelebrated the birth of St John the Forerunner with a lecturer of KTA, Mitred Archpriest Mykolay Danylevich and Mitred Archpriest Zakharii Kerstiuk in St Spiridon’s church, where Fr Mykolay is the rector. On the same day, Deacon Andrei met with Archpriest Sergii Yuschik, the Academic Dean of the Kyiv Theological Academy. The first item on the agenda was a brief presentation by Fr Andrei on the structure of the History and Principles of the Orthodox Church-101 class. This was followed by a discussion of a scheme whereby the Kyiv Academy students could also participate in this class. Fr Sergii suggested the possibility of the Kyiv Academy hosting the lecturers of the Pastoral School where they could conduct intensive graduate seminars. The Kyiv theological school has made a full transition to the Bologna Process education system, and Fr Sergii went on to talk about study programs and academic requirements for students of various degrees. The new requirements of reference citations have led to the researches displaying a marked improvement in understanding the perils of plagiarism. All researches are now obliged to complete an intellectual property protection course as part of this rigorous discipline.

Representatives of the Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America and the Kyiv Theological Schools parted in a fraternal spirit and ready to continue to develop their relationship. Deacon Andrei is also Assistant Professor at the Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville and it is hoped that this institution would also participate in this productive exchange of ideas and experience.