Paramus, New Jersey – September 16, 2025 – In a historic and spiritually uplifting moment for the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, formally inaugurated St. John’s Theological Seminary (SJTS) during a grand and solemn ceremony held at the Mor Aphrem Center, the Patriarchal Center and Archdiocesan headquarters for the Eastern Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Paramus, New Jersey. This landmark occasion marked the fulfillment of a dream nurtured by generations of clergy and faithful who have prayed for decades for a theological seminary to be established on this continent.
His Holiness was warmly welcomed by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Malankara Archdiocese, along with His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, His Eminence Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, the Patriarchal Secretary. Also present were Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob, Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Joseph (joining by video), and Dr. Mathew Idichandy Alapurath who all worked tirelessly to bring this long-awaited project to life. The event began with prayers and the chanting of hymns invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit over the seminary, its faculty, and its future students.
In a symbolic and deeply meaningful moment, His Holiness unveiled the official Seminary Logo, which powerfully depicts the Church presenting the Holy Scriptures to the world. This image encapsulates the mission of St. John’s Theological Seminary – to be a beacon of Orthodoxy, faithfully transmitting the apostolic teaching and forming men and women for service in Christ’s Church and in the broader Christian world. Following the unveiling, His Holiness formally released the Seminary’s detailed academic prospectus, officially opening the admissions process for students around the globe. His Holiness then inaugurated the Seminary’s official website, providing a digital gateway through which prospective students can learn about the programs, submit applications, and remain connected with the seminary community.
In one of the most significant moments, His Holiness blessed and approved the Board of Trustees, commending them for their vision and leadership. He praised their dedication to establishing this long-desired institution, calling it “a house of wisdom and faith that will form future generations of spiritual leaders and faithful stewards, both men and women, who will serve Christ and His Church across the globe.”
His Holiness the Patriarch officially declared the following Board of Trustees:
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho as the Chairman and President
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak as the Vice President
Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob, MD, PhD as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Joseph, PhD as the Dean and Chief Academic Officer (CAO)
Dr. Mathew Idichandy Alapurath, Ed.D as the Seminary Director.
Each of these leaders expressed their commitment to guiding SJTS with integrity, academic excellence, and unwavering faithfulness to the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
His Holiness then officially declared that admissions to the Seminary’s first academic offering — the Diploma in Theology program — are now open. This part-time online program, designed to be accessible to students worldwide, consists of 18-24 credits spread over four semesters. The program will equip students with a comprehensive foundation in Orthodox theology, Scripture, Church history, and pastoral ministry, preparing not only future clergy but also lay leaders who wish to grow in their faith and serve their parishes and communities. The deadline for Spring 2026 admission is November 18, 2025, with the first class set to commence on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. His Holiness noted that while the program will initially be offered part-time and online, plans are underway to expand to full-time and in-person options in the future, enabling even more immersive theological education.
The inauguration of St. John’s Theological Seminary at the Mor Aphrem Center represents far more than the launch of an academic program — it is the realization of a century-old aspiration of the Syriac Orthodox faithful in North America. Since the first families arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, and then an influx of Malankara faithful in the 1970s there has been a fervent desire to establish an institution that would safeguard the Church’s rich theological heritage, provide sound doctrinal formation, and prepare future clergy and lay leaders for the unique pastoral and missional needs of the Western world. The establishment of SJTS is a testament to the perseverance, prayer, and dedication of countless clergy and faithful who held this vision close to their hearts for over a century.
As His Holiness declared during the meeting with the Board: “St. John’s Theological Seminary will stand as a beacon of light, forming leaders who will preserve our rich heritage and serve Christ’s Church with faith, humility, and courage. May this institution be a place of prayer, learning, and transformation for generations to come.”
The Patriarch blessed the seminary, its Board of Trustees, and all those who will pass through its programs, setting the tone for a new chapter in the history of the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America.
The founding of SJTS signals a bright future for theological education within the Syriac Orthodox Church, offering an open invitation to all — clergy, seminarians, and lay faithful including Sunday School Teachers alike from all over the world— who seek to deepen their knowledge of the Orthodox faith, strengthen their spiritual lives, and answer the call to serve.
Candidates may apply directly online at www.sjtseminary.org
For more information:
Admissions Office, St. John’s Theological Seminary
Phone: 908-777-SJTS (7587)
Email: admissions@sjtseminary.org (preferred method of contact)
Web: www.sjtseminary.org