The Opening Day Ceremony celebrates the inauguration of the Seminary’s first academic class and the official launch of an institution dedicated to theological education, spiritual formation, and scholarly engagement rooted in the Syriac Orthodox tradition.

For the wider community, the ceremony will be broadcast live on the Seminary’s official Facebook page. Viewers may access the live telecast via the following Facebook event link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1467337622063853/

Important viewing note: Once you open the link, please click “Watch Live Video” located at the top right of the page to join the live broadcast.

The program will include prayers, inaugural addresses, and messages from distinguished church leaders and scholars, reflecting the Seminary’s commitment to faith, learning, and service. All are warmly invited to witness this significant milestone as Saint John’s Theological Seminary opens its doors and begins its mission for the glory of God and the service of His Church.

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.

St. John’s Theological Seminary (SJTS) is pleased to announce that it has been officially approved for membership in the American Association for Higher Education and Accreditation (AAHEA) as of December 1, 2025. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the Seminary’s ongoing development as a center of theological education and its commitment to academic excellence.

AAHEA, one of the nation’s oldest higher-education associations, is dedicated to promoting strong academic standards, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement among colleges, universities, and seminaries. Membership affirms that an institution upholds best practices in governance, curriculum, assessment, and educational quality.

“This membership represents an important affirmation of the vision behind St. John’s Theological Seminary,” said His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “From the beginning, our goal has been to build a seminary that offers rigorous theological education while remaining deeply rooted in the Syriac Orthodox faith and tradition. Being welcomed into AAHEA strengthens our ability to uphold high academic standards as we continue to grow.”

The Seminary operates under the spiritual patronage of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, and offers programs designed to form clergy, scholars, and lay leaders through academic study, liturgical participation, and spiritual formation.

“Membership in AAHEA connects St. John’s with a respected network of educational institutions and provides access to resources that support strong governance, curriculum development, and institutional effectiveness,” said His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Vice President of the Seminary. “This step strengthens the foundation upon which our Seminary is being built.”

The approval comes during a period of continued growth for St. John’s, which has been expanding its academic programs, refining its governance structures, and strengthening its faculty. Membership in AAHEA supports the Seminary’s long-term vision to serve seminarians preparing for ordained ministry as well as lay students and church leaders seeking advanced theological education.

With this recognition, St. John’s Theological Seminary continues its mission of preparing the next generation of servants, scholars, and spiritual leaders for the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America and beyond.

For more information about St. John’s Theological Seminary and its academic programs, please visit the Seminary’s official website www.sjtseminary.org

Saint John’s Theological Seminary proudly announces that it has been granted candidacy Accreditation by the International Education Accreditation Council (IEAC), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s growth and commitment to academic excellence and theological integrity.

This achievement follows a comprehensive institutional review and evaluation by the IEAC, an internationally recognized accrediting agency dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic quality, governance, and educational mission among theological and higher education institutions worldwide. The candidacy status signifies that Saint John’s Theological Seminary has demonstrated substantial compliance with the IEAC’s rigorous standards.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob, CEO of the Saint John’s Theological Seminary. “This milestone reflects our Seminary’s dedication to offering a Christ-centered education rooted in the faith, tradition, and heritage of the Syriac Orthodox Church, while also maintaining the highest standards of academic and institutional quality.”

This accreditation represents the IEAC’s formal acknowledgment of Saint John’s Theological Seminary’s sound governance, strategic planning, qualified faculty, and commitment to continuous improvement. It further validates the Seminary’s mission to form clergy, scholars, and faithful lay leaders who are equipped to serve the Church and society with integrity, compassion, and theological depth.

The Seminary extends its sincere appreciation to its Board of Trustees especially the President & Chairman – Archbishop Titus Yeldho, the Vice President – Archbishop Dionsyius John Kawak,  the CEO – Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob, the Chief Academic Officer & Dean – Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Joseph, especially the Seminary Director – Dr. Mathew Idichandy and the benefactors for their unwavering support during this rigorous process. The administration will continue working closely with the IEAC during future review cycles.

Founded with the blessing and approval of His Holiness the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Saint John’s Theological Seminary serves as an academic and spiritual center for theological education, research, and pastoral formation in North America.

For more information about Saint John’s Theological Seminary, please visit www.sjtseminary.org or for admissions inquiries contact admissions@sjtseminary.org.

Saint John’s Theological Seminary proudly announces its official approval and membership with the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), a distinguished organization dedicated to promoting integrity, fairness, and professionalism in the field of student admissions and enrollment management.

This recognition marks a significant step forward for the Seminary as it continues to build a strong and transparent admissions framework grounded in ethical practice and student-centered values. NACAC membership affirms that Saint John’s Theological Seminary upholds the association’s principles of fairness and access in serving applicants who seek theological and ministerial education within the Syriac Orthodox Christian tradition.

“The Seminary’s inclusion in NACAC reflects our firm commitment to excellence, transparency, and compassion in every stage of the admissions process,” stated Dr. Mathew Idichandy, Seminary Director. “As an institution preparing future clergy, scholars, and leaders of the Church, we view admissions not merely as enrollment, but as a sacred invitation to discern one’s calling with honesty and faith.”

Through NACAC, Saint John’s Theological Seminary gains access to a broad network of educational professionals and best practices that will further strengthen its admissions outreach, recruitment, and counseling initiatives. This affiliation enhances the Seminary’s ability to connect with students, guidance counselors, and partner institutions throughout North America and beyond.

With this milestone, Saint John’s Theological Seminary continues to advance its mission of nurturing faith-informed scholarship and service, guided by the rich heritage and apostolic tradition of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

For more information about Saint John’s Theological Seminary and its admissions process, please visit www.sjtseminary.org or for admissions inquiries contact admissions@sjtseminary.org