Old Tappan, New Jersey — December 19, 2025
The Public Relations Office of St. John’s Theological Seminary announced a significant institutional milestone with the issuance of the Seminary’s first official admission letter, marking the formal commencement of its admissions process and academic life.
At a prayer service held at the St. Johns’s Seminary Headquarters in Old Tappan, New Jersey, Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of the Seminary, formally presented the first admission letter to the Chairman and President of the Seminary, His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, prior to its release to admitted candidates. His Eminence conducted prayers invoking God’s guidance upon the Seminary, its leadership, faculty, and the inaugural cohort of students, affirming the Seminary’s commitment to beginning all academic endeavors within the life of prayer and the Church.
Following the prayers, Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob presented the admission letter as a symbolic act signifying the Seminary’s transition from planning and preparation to active academic formation. Reflecting on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob noted that the issuance of the first admission letter “represents the realization of a shared vision to establish a Seminary rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service to the Church.”
Worldwide Applications and Selected Cohort
Since the opening of admissions, the Seminary received applications from prospective students across the world, reflecting strong international interest in its programs and mission. After a comprehensive and discerning review process, the candidates selected for the inaugural cohort represent a diverse global community. Students admitted to the first class come from the United States, Canada, Australia, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Ireland, Brazil, and India.
Addressing the scope of the applicant pool, the Seminary Director, Dr. Mathew Alapurath, stated that the breadth of applications “speaks to the global relevance of the Seminary’s mission and the growing need for accessible, faithful theological education rooted in the Syriac Orthodox tradition.”
Academic Formation and Institutional Readiness
The Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Joseph, emphasized that the first admission letter represents the beginning of a structured academic journey. He noted that “this issuance marks the launch of a curriculum designed to integrate Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, Church history, Syriac Language, and practical ministry formation, while maintaining the highest standards of theological scholarship.”
He further affirmed that the Seminary is fully prepared to support students academically and spiritually as they begin their studies.
Ecclesial Oversight and Governance
From an ecclesial leadership perspective, the Vice President of the Seminary, Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak, underscored the importance of grounding the Seminary’s growth within the life of the Church. He remarked that the issuance of the first admission letter “demonstrates that the Seminary’s work proceeds in accountability to the Church, guided by prayer, discernment, and apostolic faith.”
Academic Calendar and Future Admissions
The Seminary confirmed that official admission letters for the Spring 2026 term will be released to selected candidates in the coming days, with classes officially commencing on January 20, 2026.
The Public Relations Office also announced that admissions for the Fall 2026 term will open in February 2026, inviting applicants from around the world to apply and participate in the Seminary’s expanding academic community.
As St. John’s Theological Seminary enters this new phase, it remains committed to forming faithful servants and leaders for the Church through theological education that is spiritually anchored, academically rigorous, and globally engaged.
