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# OCA Diocese Announces Two Nativity Fast Educational Courses
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/oca-diocese-announces-two-nativity-fast-educational-courses/
- Published: 2026-11-06T20:44:01.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-06T20:44:01.000Z
- Description: The OCA Diocese of the Midwest is offering two clergy-led courses on Scripture and Christian living during the Nativity Fast.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, online studies, Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Fasting, Orthodoxy in America

**CHICAGO —** The Orthodox Church in America’s (OCA) Diocese of the Midwest will offer [two online educational courses](https://domoca.org/department-of-education-announces-upcoming-classes-for-nativity-fast/) during the upcoming Nativity Fast, covering biblical interpretation and the practical application of Christian teachings.

Organized by the diocesan Department of Education in cooperation with the St. John of Chicago Pastoral Institute, the courses will be taught by clergy serving parishes in the Midwest.

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Fr. John York, rector of Holy Trinity Church in Detroit, Michigan, will lead a six-session course titled “How to Read the Bible: An Introduction to Orthodox Christian Hermeneutics and Biblical Theology.” Classes will meet Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Central Time, beginning November 17 and concluding December 22.

A second course, “The Sermon on the Mount: How to Be a Christian,” will be taught by Archpriest Andrew Jarmus, rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The four sessions will take place Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Central Time, beginning December 2 and ending December 23.

The diocese is inviting faithful to register for either or both courses through the [online registration form](https://forms.gle/QZPqgcCjHVN3XWdX7). The classes are intended to provide opportunities for spiritual study and reflection during the Nativity Fast.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/diocese-of-the-midwest-concludes-65th-diocesan-assembly-in-ohio/) that the Diocese of the Midwest concluded its 65th Diocesan Assembly in Ohio.