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# SVOTS Announces Catechist Certification Course
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86838-svots-announces-catechist-certification-course/
- Published: 2026-03-31T11:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:14:19.000Z
- Description: A historic rise in Orthodox conversions is driving new efforts to train lay leaders for parish growth.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, St. Vladimir's Seminary, St. Vladimir's Online School of Theology, Catechism, online studies, Met. Tikhon Mollard, Metropolitan Saba (Isper)

**YONKERS, NY —** As interest in the Orthodox Christian faith continues to rise across the continent, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary is launching a new catechist [certification program](https://www.online.svots.edu/catechist-church-growth-director-certification-program?fbclid=IwdGRleAQ3qGtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe5LWJ5CKZGh69ux8TooF7KDwEphkxYSzew6au-YJMXCpNG9bKBdVkSaacZ4k%5Faem%5F4TcwFE27DvfP98umPnLVzQ) aimed at equipping lay leaders to meet growing parish needs. Some estimates suggest that tens of thousands of people will be received into the Church this Pascha, underscoring the urgency of forming trained educators and church workers.

The course is offered with the blessing of Metr. Tikhon and Metr. Saba. Participants will be trained by leading Orthodox voices, including Fr. Josiah Trenham, Fr. John Parker, and Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, alongside other prominent clergy and scholars.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2025/10/86838-svots-announces-catechist-certification-course-image-9a7249e3f06a.jpg)On this topicSVOTS Hosts Leading Scholars for Symposium on the Future of Orthodox Biblical Studies](https://uoj.news/news/85494-biblical-scholars-convene-for-svots-fourth-academic-symposium/)

Structured in three phases, the program focuses on church growth, catechetical methods, and engagement with contemporary challenges. Designed as a professional training initiative rather than catechesis itself, the course prepares individuals to support clergy or serve in full-time parish roles. [Registration](https://www.online.svots.edu/store/p/catechist-cohort-3) is open through April 13, 2026.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/86742-svots-honors-fr-thomas-hopko-on-anniversary-of-his-passing/) that SVOTS honored Fr. Thomas Hopko on the anniversary of his passing.