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. 

Certification or Licensing

There is no certification or licensing for Eastern Orthodox priests. Those who work as chaplains in hospitals, hospices, and the military can become certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains. In some jurisdictions, a priest may need to register in order to be eligible to perform marriages. Registration typically involves paying a small fee and demonstrating membership in the clergy of one’s faith.

Other Requirements

The minimum age for ordination is 30, but a bishop may choose to ordain someone who is somewhat younger. Only men may enter the Eastern Orthodox priesthood. Priests are allowed to be married if they took their matrimonial vows before being ordained as a priest. If a married priest’s wife dies, he may not get remarried. Priests do not cut their beards in accordance with Biblical guidelines. 

Priests must complete three years of seminary training, which includes field experience at one or more Eastern Orthodox parishes. Seminary students job shadow priests as they perform the sacraments, minister to the sick, and teach the Gospel.   

Priests must feel called by God to serve, and be willing to sacrifice to undertake this calling. They need excellent communication skills (including good listening skills) in order to convey the church’s teachings and assist parishioners who are facing life challenges. Other important traits include compassion, kindness, patience, and wisdom, as well as strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.