Online Learning
Saint Mary Theological College & Ethio-American Cultural Institute offers online and distance learning opportunities through its official Moodle classroom platform. These opportunities support Orthodox theological education, spiritual formation, and pastoral preparation for students who may not be able to attend classes on campus.
Our Online Learning Philosophy
Online learning at Saint Mary Theological College is not merely the delivery of academic instruction. It is an extension of the teaching ministry of the Church.
Our educational approach seeks to preserve the faith, theological tradition, spiritual discipline, and pastoral character of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church while making theological education more accessible to students in different locations.
Available Learning Formats
Depending on the course and its requirements, instruction may be organized through one or more of the following formats:
Fully Online
Online course materials, assignments, and instructional activities accessed through Moodle, with live or recorded instruction where provided.
Hybrid Learning
A combination of online instruction and scheduled in-person learning activities when required by the course.
Distance Learning
Guided study, reading assignments, academic activities, and faculty supervision organized for students studying away from campus.
Who Is Online Learning For?
Our online learning opportunities serve students and faithful seeking a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christian theology and ministry, including:
- Clergy and deacons serving in parishes
- Lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, and catechists
- Students living outside Houston or the United States
- Working adults with limited availability for on-campus study
- Orthodox Christians seeking theological and spiritual formation
What You Will Study Online
Online students follow the academic requirements applicable to their enrolled program. Depending on the program and course offerings, subjects may include:
- Holy Scripture: Old and New Testaments
- Patristic Theology and the Church Fathers
- Dogmatic and Systematic Theology
- Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments
- Canon Law and Church Order
- History of the Church
- Orthodox Spirituality
- Ge’ez Language and Studies
- Pastoral Ministry and Leadership
Our Online Classroom Platform
Saint Mary Theological College uses Moodle as its online classroom platform. Students can access their courses, learning materials, assignments, and other activities made available for their classes.
To enter the classroom, use the official link below.
Online Classroom: classroom.saintmarytheologicalcollege.org
Enter Online ClassroomSpiritual Formation in Online Learning
Theological education in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo tradition involves both academic study and spiritual formation. Students are encouraged to remain actively connected to parish life and to cultivate prayer, fasting, confession, participation in the Holy Mysteries, and a disciplined Christian life.
Academic instruction complements rather than replaces the sacramental and communal life of the Church. Pastoral guidance and spiritual support may be provided as appropriate to the student's program and circumstances.
Student Expectations
Students participating in online courses are expected to:
- Participate regularly in required online learning activities
- Complete assignments and assessments on time
- Engage respectfully with faculty and fellow students
- Maintain academic integrity and responsible study habits
- Respect the teachings and spiritual traditions of the Church
- Remain engaged in parish and spiritual life
- Follow the academic policies and requirements of their program
Begin Your Online Learning Journey
Access the Saint Mary Theological College Moodle classroom to sign in and view the courses available to you. Students who do not yet have an account should contact the college for enrollment and access information.
Go to Online ClassroomSaint Mary Theological College & Ethio-American Cultural Institute