On the Orthodox Theological School of the Congo

(Orthodox Missionary Fraternity) - Saint Athanasius the Athonite Theological School, a faculty of the Orthodox University of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, started operating at the Mont Ngafula region in Kinshasa in September 2007. Attendance at school is five years. The School offers three directions:

1. The Bible-Patristic Theology-Ecclesiastical History
2. Liturgics
3. Organization and Administration of Church Life

The number of students during the first academic year of the School (2007-2008) amounted to 70, and has remained broadly stable until today. On average, there are 15 students per class. Attendance is compulsory. The presentations delivered for each lesson last two hours each, which is strictly observed. The teaching staff comes from DRC, Greece, France and Australia. Teaching is held either in person or by teleconference.

The school is situated up on a green hill, about 25km outside the capital. When approaching it, the first thing one can see from afar is the imposing dome of the Church of St Athanasius the Athonite, which dominates the center of the internal yard of the Institution.

Monastic architecture was undoubtedly the source of inspiration for the creator of the wide building complex. An imposing protective enclosure surrounds the particular premises of the school, which are circumferentially arranged around the temple. It is thanks to generous donations that all the necessary premises of an educational institution have been created, which are organized in such a way as to provide accommodation not only to the boarders and the teaching staff but also to all those who come to the School in order to offer missionary ministry as well as love and knowledge. The contribution of the Orthodox Missionary Fraternity to that field was great once more...

Complete article here.