St. Vladimir’s Seminary Launches Online Course on the Psalms

Photo: online.svots.edu

YONKERS, NY — St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary is offering a new online course this summer that will examine the book of Psalms, one of the most influential and frequently used texts in Christian worship and devotion. Titled “Exploring the Book of Psalms,” the four-week program will be taught by Dr. Michael Legaspi, associate professor of Old Testament at the seminary.

Open to Christians of all backgrounds, the course will explore how the Psalms developed over centuries and how they came to occupy a central place in the life of the Church. Participants will study the Psalter’s historical formation, the enduring connection between King David and the Psalms, and the ways individual psalms can be read for their literary and spiritual richness.

The program will also focus on the role of the Psalms in Orthodox worship, including their use in the Hours, Vespers, and Matins. Organizers say the course is intended to help participants deepen both their understanding of Scripture and their personal prayer life through engagement with the Church’s great prayer book.

Classes will run from July 7 through July 28, with live Zoom discussions held on Tuesday evenings. Registered students will also receive pre-recorded lectures, presentation materials, optional readings, and access to recordings through Aug. 30. Tuition is set at $200, and registration for the course can be found here.

Legaspi, who earned his doctorate in Hebrew Bible from Harvard University, has taught at several academic institutions and authored multiple books on biblical studies and interpretation.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Vladimir’s Seminary was awarded a $25K grant to advance the study of Oriental Orthodox chant.

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