Orthodox Pastoral Education Network (OPEN)

Orthodox Pastoral Education Network (OPEN) is an extension programme of the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam. The programmes are conducted under the guidance of the Seminary faculty in association with various Christian and secular organizations.

MISSION

To equip the Malankara Orthodox Church for God's mission in the world and to bring out the Orthodox Christian Witness in the 21st century.

OBJECTIVES

Holistic Christian Education through courses, workshops, seminars and liturgical immersion programmes intended for the Priests and faithful of the Malankara Orthodox Church.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Training and Management
• Counselling and Spiritual direction
• Media studies and Christian communication
• The arts and the Christian message
• Spirituality in the Orthodox Tradition
• Exposure and Immersion programmes
• Dialogue between Religions, Society and Science

Some of the conducted Programmes and Focus

• Towards an Integral Parish : Workshop for Priests
• Creative Ministries : Workshop for Priests
• Theological Consultation for women in the Orthodox Church
• Leadership training programme for Lay leaders
• Healing Ministry :Workshop on addiction and substance abuse(in association with Christian Medical Association of India)
• Conflict Management and Reconciliation : workshop conducted in association with India Peace Centre, Nagpur

Forthcoming Programmes

• Youth and Inter-Religious Relations, in association with NCCI, Youth Desk
• Retreat and Study programme for Monastics, in association with Orthodox -Catholic Dialogue Committee
• Towards an Eco-Parish, Eco-Retreat and Study programme
• Media Awareness Programme