Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureatus - Eastern Christian Studies (STB)

The STB (Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureatus) – Eastern Christian Studies – is a bachelor’s degree open to any who desire an ecclesiastical degree. The University offers the degree by virtue of its pontifical charter. Students who successfully complete the degree also receive the Bachelor of Theology (civil) degree. The program is structured according to the norms of the apostolic constitution Sapientia Christiana and the ecclesiastical statutes of Saint Paul University. Offering a classical formation in theology, the program is suitable both as a preparation for various ministries and for graduate research. The degree is a requirement for any students who wish to do the Licentiate in Theology as well as for candidates for presbyteral ministry in the Catholic Church.

Students who wish to register for the STB should have successfully completed a minimum of 36 university credits in philosophy (or equivalent). If, however, a student does not yet have this minimum of courses in philosophy, he/she can begin studies in theology while completing the philosophy courses at the beginning of the program. In all cases, the Director of Undergraduate Studies will approve the philosophy courses in order to verify that they conform to the spirit of the apostolic constitution Sapientia Christiana and the ecclesiastical statutes of Saint Paul University.

The STB program therefore comprises of 156 credits : 36 credits for the philosophical formation and 120 credits for the theological formation.

• BLÉE Fabrice, Professor
• BONNEAU Normand, Retired Professor
• DIONNE Christian, Professor
• E. CLIFFORD Catherine, Professor
• MARTÍNEZ DE PISÓN Ramón, Professor
• MARTIN Miriam K, Associate Professor
• MATHIEU Yvan, Associate Professor
• SLATTER Mark, Professor
• SPATAFORA M.S.F. Andrea, Professor

Applications: A step-by-step guide

STEP 1: Choose a program of study
STEP 2: Learn about admission requirements
STEP 3: Submit your application
STEP 4: Gather the documents needed for the assessment of your application
STEP 5: Assessment of your application
STEP 6: Accept your offer of admission
STEP 7: Choose your courses

STEP 1: CHOOSE A PROGRAM OF STUDY

Undergraduate programs:

• Certificates
• Bachelors
• Ecclesiastical Programs
• Other Programs
• College Credit Transfer

STEP 2: LEARN ABOUT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

• Ontario applicants
• Quebec applicants
• Applicants from the Atlantic and Western provinces
• International applicants
• Applicants from other universities
• Mature applicants

Ontario applicants

From secondary school
Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with at least six 4U or 4M level courses, including one 4U level course in English or français.

From Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT)

• After one year of studies
  You are eligible if you have completed one year of a college program and have obtained the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with one language course (English or français) at the college or 4U level.
• After a two- or three-year program
  If you have completed a two- or three-year college program, you can obtain up to 30 credits of advanced standing (transfer credits).

Our transfer agreements
Saint Paul University has developed a number of transfer agreements with colleges, allowing applicants to receive up to 30 equivalency credits. Find out more by consulting the tab entitled College Credit Transfer.

Quebec applicants

From secondary school
Have a Secondary School Diploma with an average of 84%, including one course in English or français at the Secondary V level.

From Cégep
Have completed 12 courses of general studies (not including physical education and refresher courses), including English (603) or français (601). Applicants who have successfully completed 12 courses of general studies may obtain up to 15 credits of advanced standing, and those who have successfully completed more than 12 courses of general studies may obtain up to 30 credits of advanced standing.

Applicants from the Atlantic and Western provinces

Have a Secondary School Diploma, including one course in English or français at the Grade 12 level.

Applicants from other universities

Applications from other Canadian or international universities will be assessed based on the applicant’s previous secondary and post-secondary studies. University equivalency credits may be granted depending on the studies completed and the program into which the person is admitted.

International applicants

Have a diploma attesting to 12 years of education equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Persons who have completed a secondary diploma attesting to 13 years of education, such as the Baccalauréat de l’enseignement secondaire français, can receive up to 30 credits of advanced standing. 

Mature applicants

When the applicant’s academic record does not meet normal conditions for admission, it is possible to apply as a mature applicant, provided that the person has not been enrolled in full-time studies for at least two consecutive years. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have experience that can be considered sufficient preparation for pursuing undergraduate studies.

STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

 

You have two options

 

OPTION 1

If you are applying for admission to an undergraduate program at more than one Ontario university, including Saint Paul University:

• Complete the application form available at the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because Saint Paul University is federated with the University of Ottawa, you will find programs offered by Saint Paul University listed under the University of Ottawa.

OPTION 2

If you are applying for an undergraduate program at Saint Paul University only, or if you are applying for a master’s or doctoral program:

• Complete the following form.

 

 

STEP 4: GATHER THE DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF YOUR APPLICATION

 

In order for us to assess your application, you must submit official transcripts for all of your previous studies (secondary, college and university). These transcripts must be sent directly from your academic institution to the following address:

 

Saint Paul University
Office of Admissions and Student Services
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4
CANADA

 

However, to expedite the assessment process for your application, you can scan your documents and e-mail them to the Office of Admissions at admission@ustpaul.ca and then send your official documents through the mail.

 

STEP 5: ASSESSMENT OF YOUR APPLICATION

Once the Office of Admissions receives all the required documents, it will begin to assess your application. One of the following decisions will be sent to you at the email address you gave us, as well as to your postal address.

Possible decisions

• Offer of admission
  The Office of Admissions will send you an offer of admission (unconditional).  
• Conditional offer of admission
  The Office of Admissions will make you a conditional offer of admission, with specific conditions that you must meet by a certain deadline. You can still proceed to registration (course selection).
• Deferred decision
  The Office of Admissions can inform you that some information is missing and therefore the University is unable to make a decision regarding your eligibility. If applicable, the Office will tell you which documents to send and by what date.
• Refusal
  The Office of Admissions will inform you of the reasons for the refusal.

 

STEP 6: ACCEPT YOUR OFFER OF ADMISSION

To accept an offer of admission and a scholarship offer, if applicable, you must sign the form entitled Admission acceptance form that accompanies your offer of admission and send it to Saint Paul University by email, before the deadline, to the following address admission@ustpaul.ca or mail it to:

Saint Paul University
Office of Admissions and Student Services
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4
CANADA

 

STEP 7: CHOOSE YOUR COURSES

With your offer of admission, you will receive all the information you will need to choose your courses. You will also receive the contact information for our academic advisors; you can meet with them one on one or during information sessions for guidance and to help you finalize your course selection.

Philosophical formation

1 Introduction

• PHI 1105 Introduction to Philosophical Reasoning

2 History of Philosophy (minimum 18 credits)

• DPHY 1210 Ancient Greek Philosophy (DUC)
• DPHY 1211Main Doctrinal Currents in Middle Ages (DUC)
• DPHY 1212 Greek Humanism (DUC)
• DPHY 2334 Contemporary Continental Philosophy (DUC)
• PHI 2383 Modern Philosophy (UO)
• PHI 3141 Augustine
• PHI 3107 Thomas Aquinas

3 Philosophical Disciplines (15 credits)

3.1. Metaphysics (minimum 3 credits):

• DPHY 3640 Metaphysics (DUC)
• PHI 3112 Philosophical Theology

3.2. Philosophy of nature (3 credits):

• DPHY 3850 Philosophy of Nature (DUC)
• PHI 2113 Nature, Science and Philosophy

3.3. Philosophical Anthropology (3 credits):

• PHI 2182 Human Existence

3.4. Moral and political Philosophy (minimum 3 credits):

• PHI 3183 Moral Philosophy
• PHI 3308 Ethics and Politics

3.5. Logic and Philosophy of knowledge (minimum 3 credits):

• DPHY 1103 Logic I (DUC)
• PHI 2181 Human Knowledge
• PHI 3152 Philosophical Hermeneutics

These courses can be replaced by other courses approved by the Faculty of Theology.

DUC: Courses offered by the Dominican University College. See their website for course descriptions: www.collegedominicain.ca

English (6 credits)

• ENG 1100 Workshop in Essay Writing
• ENG 1120 Literature and Composition I: Prose Fiction

99 credits in theology according to the following requirements:

1 Foundational Courses (39 credits)

• THO 1307 Understanding the Bible
• THO 2174 Methodology and Theological Resources
• THO 2189 Can we talk about God?
• THO 3160 Introduction to the Old Testament: Pentateuch and Historical Books
• THO 3161 Introduction to the New Testament: Synoptic Gospels
• THO 2130 Foundations of Eastern Christian Theology
• THO 3324 Introduction to Eastern Christian Ethics
• THO 3301 Hermeneutics and Exegesis in Eastern Christianity
• THO 3316 Ecclesiology and East-West Ecumenism
• THO 3167 Early Christianity: The First Five Centuries (0-600 CE)
• THO 3319 Eastern Christian Doctrine 1: Trinity, Christ, Holy Spirit
• THO 3318 Eastern Christian Spirituality
• THO 3347 Byzantine Liturgy of the Hours and Liturgical Year

2 Other required courses (60 cr.) :

2.1 Sacred Scripture O.T. (Old Testament)

• THO 4100 Wisdom Texts and Intertestamental Literature
• THO 4101 The Prophetic Books

2.2 Scripture N.T. (New Testament)

• THO 4102 Pauline Literature and Theology
• THO 4103 Johannine Literature

2.3 History

• THO 2131 General Introduction to the Eastern Churches
• THO 3124 The Church in the Reformation Period (1400-1648 CE)
• THO 3125 Contemporary Church History

2.4 Moral Theology

• THO 3308 Patristic Moral Tradition
• THO 3309 Contemporary Moral Issues in Eastern Theology
• THO 4106 The Ethics of Medicine, Sickness and Health

2.5 Systematics

• THO 3303 The Seven Ecumenical Councils in Eastern Christian Tradition
• THO 3306 Selected Topics in Eastern Christian Thought II: Theosis (Deification)
• THO 3315 Eastern Christian Doctrine II: Salvation, Humanity, the Church and Eschatology

2.6 Practice of the Church

• THO 2119a Selected Topics in the Practice of the Church I: Eastern Christian Pastoral Theology
• THO 3322 Byzantine Eucharistic Liturgies
• THO 3328 The Holy Mysteries: Byzantine Sacraments
• THO 3332 Selected Topics in Eastern Christian Liturgy/Sacraments II: Marriage
• THO 3170 Proclaiming the Word of God in the Liturgy

2.6 Canon Law

• THO 3323 Canonical Tradition of the Christian East

2.7 Comprehensive Exam

• THO 4140 Theological Synthesis

Electives (15 credits)

To be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in order to verify that they conform to the spirit of the apostolic constitution Sapientia Christiana and the ecclesiastical statutes of Saint Paul University.

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ENG 1100 - Workshop in essay writing

Intensive practice in academic essay writing. Emphasis on grammatical and well-reasoned expository writing, essay organization, preparation of research papers, and proper acknowledgment of sources. Frequent written exercises and development of composition skills.

ENG 1120 - Literature and Composition I

Development of critical reading skills and coherent discourse. Study of the proper use and acknowledgement of sources. Works by English-language prose authors provide matter for frequent written exercises.

PHI 1105 - Introduction to Critical Thinking

Explores the various sides of Critical Thinking: the nature of arguments, common errors in reasoning as well as evaluating evidence and information. Enables students to acquire and develop research and writing skills.

PHI 2113 - Nature, Science and Philosophy

Difference between philosophy of nature and the science of nature. The history of philosophical reflection on nature. The individuation of beings; the relationship between matter and life; the nature of the consciousness in relation to the body, the problem of finality in nature. Impact on environmental ethics and bioethics.

PHI 2181 - Human Knowledge

Study of the traditional, universalist, approach to knowledge as well as contemporary standpoint approaches, such as feminist and postmodernist.

PHI 2182 - Philosophical Anthropology

Study of different philosophical conceptions of the human being.

PHI 3107 - Thomas Aquinas

Life, intellectual context, and philosophical thought of Thomas Aquinas. Study of selected texts.

PHI 3112 - Philosophical Theology

The philosophical question of God. The problem of the existence of God. The proofs of existence of God. Divine being and divine attributes. God and History. God and Evil. God and Human Freedom.

PHI 3141 - Augustine

Life, intellectual context, and philosophical thought of Augustine. Study of selected texts.

This course was previously PHI2155.

PHI 3152 - Philosophical Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics of the Enlightenment and birth of the modern hermeneutical paradigm in relationship with the history of ideas and the theological preoccupations.

PHI 3183 - Moral Philosophy

Survey of the major ethical systems in the Western world. Relationship between philosophical and religious thinking in ethical matters. Fundamental questions facing contemporary moral consciousness.

PHI 3308 - Ethics and Public Service

Ethical issues relating to the public sector. Definitions of the common good and of public service. Study of the role of public policy in the functioning of various states and governments, and the implications of their coherence or conflict in the social, political and economic realms.

THO 1307 - What is the Bible?

The Bible: book or library, history or story? History of the Jewish people and of the culture in which the Bible was written. The Bible and its content. Interpreting the text. The Jesus event. The influence of the Bible on history and on contemporary culture.

THO 2119 - Selected Topics in the Practice of the Church I

Study of a particular topic in the practice of the Church.

THO 2130 - Foundations of Eastern Christian Theology

Revelation, and our access to it. The Trinitarian nature of Revelation. Interaction of Logos and Spirit in the process of Holy Tradition. Scripture within and above Tradition. The sources of Tradition: Bible, Councils, Creeds, Fathers, Liturgy, Icons, etc. Tradition vs. traditionalism. Questions of theological method.

THO 2131 - General Introduction to the Eastern Churches

A general survey of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches of the East, with attention to the history as well as the theological, liturgical and spiritual traditions of ecclesiological considerations: Church as an image of the Trinity; Church as communion of eucharistic communities; Church as eschatological reality. Pentarchy and Papacy; The conciliar process "sobornost".

THO 2174 - Methodology and Theological Resources

Methods and resources for university studies in Christian theology.

THO 2189 - Can we talk about God? An Introduction to Theology

An exploration of the origins of Theology as a discipline, of significant moments in its historical development, of its presuppositions, methods, and the basic questions it seeks to answer.

THO 3124 - Reforming the Church

A study of church history from 1400 to present, movements of Catholic and Protestant Reform, significant social and cultural developments and their influence on the evolution of theology and church structures.

THO 3125 - Contemporary Church History

History of the Church from the 18th century to the present.

THO 3160 - Introduction to the Old Testament

An introduction to the writings of the Old Testament through the study of the Pentateuch and Historical Books, with particular attention to their historical and cultural context

THO 3161 - Introduction to the New Testament

An introduction to the study of the New Testament through a critical study of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke. Attention to the cultural and religious context of the New Testament and history of the formation of the Gospels; contemporary methods of biblical interpretation.

THO 3167 - Early Christianity: The First Five Centuries (0 – 600 CE)

Exploring the relationship between history and theology, methodologies of historical research. Survey of the historical evolution of Christianity from its beginnings to the end of the fifth century, with attention to early Christological debates.

THO 3170 - Proclaiming the Word of God in the Liturgy: Homiletics

The theology and practice of preaching in the context of the liturgy, with attention to the structure of the liturgical year and the Sunday lectionary of readings. Practical experience in the preparation and delivery of a homily.

THO 3301 - Hermeneutics and Exegesis in Eastern Christianity

Patristic approaches to Scripture. Literal and non-literal exegesis. Allegory, theoria, typology. Alexandrian and Antiochene schools. Scripture in Byzantine worship. Contemporary Orthodox authors.

THO 3303 - The Seven Ecumenical Councils in Eastern Christian Tradition

Development of conciliar structures and processes. Historical context and ecclesial setting of each of the great councils of the first millennium. Doctrinal and other ramifications of each council. Their significance for the Church today.

THO 3306 - Selected Topics in Eastern Christian Thought II

Study of a particular tradition, period, or representative author from the Eastern Churches, with an emphasis on the history of ideas.

Prerequisite: according to content

THO 3308 - Patristic Moral Tradition

A survey of moral thought from the patristic corpus and especially the Greek Fathers in the areas of both personal and social morality.

THO 3309 - Contemporary Moral Issues in Eastern Theology

A survey of moral thought in modern Eastern Christian authors and ecclesiastical pronouncements in the areas of both personal and social morality, with special attention to emerging thought in the areas of bioethics, sexual ethics, and a response to social, political, and technological changes in the world today.

THO 3315 - Eastern Christian Doctrine II: Salvation, Humanity, the Church and Eschatology

The human person before God. Creation, fall, and salvation in their anthropological and cosmological aspects, as well as an examination of understanding of the Church, according to the ancient and modern exponents of the tradition of the Christian East.

THO 3318 - Spiritual Life in the Eastern Churches

The sacramental foundations. Major trends. Contemplation and praxis. Forms of holiness.

THO 3319 - Eastern Christian Doctrine I: Trinity, Christ and Holy Spirit

Essence and Energies in God. God as Three and One. Christ as Divine and Human. The procession and activity of the Holy Spirit.

THO 3322 - Byzantine Eucharistic Liturgies

Historical evolution and theological analysis of the Byzantine liturgies of St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, St. James, and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

THO 3323 - Canonical Tradition of the Christian East

The Eastern Churches and ecclesial communion. Historical development of the canonical tradition of the Eastern Churches, both Orthodox and Catholic. The teaching of Vatican II and post-conciliar documents on the Eastern Churches. The Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. General principles of Eastern Catholic canon law with particular reference to the dispensing authority of ordinaries. Ecclesial institutions: eparchies, parishes. General principles of Eastern sacramental legislation.

THO 3324 - Introduction to Eastern Christian Ethics

An overview of the distinctive sources, history, spirit and methods of Eastern Christian ethics, past and present.

THO 3328 - The Holy Mysteries: Byzantine Sacraments

The Holy Mysteries in the Byzantine tradition. Historical, theological and practical considerations. The Seven Sacraments and the issue of other sacraments. Sacramentality of the world and the Church.

THO 3332 - Selected Topics in Eastern Christian Liturgy Sacraments II

Study of a particular area of Eastern Christian liturgy and sacraments.

THO 3347 - Byzantine Liturgy of the Hours and Liturgical Year

Vespers, Matins, Lesser Hours, and the liturgical seasons and feasts of the Byzantine tradition. Theologies of time and ritual. Historical, pastoral, and theoretical considerations.

THO 4100 - How to Search for Wisdom: The Poetic Books of the Bible

Wisdom Texts and Intertestamental Literature.

 

THO 4101 - How does God Respond to Injustice? Understanding the Prophets

General introduction to the prophets through a comparative study, with attention to their cultural, ethical and religious contexts. The evolution of prophetic literature towards an apocalyptic form and the meaning of apocalyptic literature.

 

THO 4102 - Freedom, Law, and Justice: Paul’s Letters

An overview of the life of Paul and his work. Exegesis of selected letters, with special attention to his understanding of law, justice, and freedom in Christ. 

 

THO 4103 - What is Truth? The Gospel of John

A study of Johannine writings, their structure, theology, and cultural setting. Exegesis of selected passages in the Gospel of John and Letters of John, and the Apocalypse. Special attention given to the meaning of "truth" and "life."

 

THO 4106 - The Ethics of Medicine, Sickness and Health

An exploration of contemporary ethical issues relating to health and the integrity of the human person: respect for human life; the right to physical integrity; genetics; abortion, euthanasia and the end of human life.

Prerequisite: THO 3166.

Courses offered by the University of Ottawa:

PHI 2383 - Modern Philosophy (UO)

Introduction to major philosophers, from Descartes to Kant, and philosophical systems (Rationalism, Empiricism) of the 17th and 18th centuries, with emphasis on developments in epistemology and metaphysics.

Contact Us

Office of the Associate Vice-Rector, Strategic Enrolment Management
Room 148
Saint Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, ON
K1S 1C4
CANADA

Notice to gmail address holders, be sure to check your junk mailbox regularly, as due to your server's firewalls our email response to your application may end up there.

Telephone: 613-236-1393
Fax: 613-782-3014
admission@ustpaul.ca

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday	8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
	1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Please leave your documents in the mailbox in front of room 148 when our offices are closed.