Orthodox School Of The Seventy - Adult Education Program

Name: Else Tennessen
Job: Director
Email: etennessen@stlukeorthodox.com

"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). We should never stop learning--especially about our Faith and our Lord. That is my story...if I had not pursued more knowledge of the Church, if I had not listened to the yearnings of my heart, I would not have found Orthodoxy. It's a privilege to be able to help organize the St. Luke Orthodox School of the Seventy. I am thankful for the opportunity to provide ideas to help others learn more about the Orthodox Church. It's my hope that this school will be a blessing to all, not only in our church, but in other churches as well, if it is God's will. May our Lord bless all of us with knowledge and wisdom of Him, and that by going out like the Seventy, we teach others.

The Orthodox School of the Seventy

What is The School of the Seventy?

The School of the Seventy is a self-paced educational program for adults. Present activities include a reading program, where one may read books in a specific “discipline,” and ad-hoc activities such as lectures, workshops and service projects that will be announced from time to time in the church bulletin, by announcement or by letter.

As you participate in the reading program and other activities, you earn credits. For each 25 credits you earn, you will receive a certificate. Each book and activity has a credit value.

At the end of the school year (which runs September to June), the adult participant with the most credits will be awarded a School Prize. In addition, each adult who participates and earns at least 25 credits will receive a class pin.

To participate, you must complete and return an Enrollment Form.

How does The School of the Seventy work?

After you fill out and return the enrollment form, you may begin the program at any time. You may complete books and activities as your time allows.

Pick a book from the discipline lists. The disciplines are Ascetic, Apologist, Catechist, Evangelist, Liturgist, Missionary, and Philanthropist. Credits are listed next to each book title. Mix and match as you like from any of the disciplines—you don’t have to read all the books in one discipline.

Take a card corresponding to the book you have chosen. On the back, the card tells you what to do to earn the credits noted on the front of the card.

Purchase and read the book. Then complete the worksheet or “homework” for that title, and turn the worksheet/homework back in.

Once the homework is evaluated, you will receive the credits for that book or activity. Your credits will be noted on the Personal Totals chart. When you have earned a total of 25 credits, you will receive a certificate. At the end of the year, the participant with the most credits will receive a School Prize. All participants earning at least 25 credits will receive a School Pin at year’s end.

Questions about The School of the Seventy?

Contact Else Tennessen by e-mail at etennessen@stlukeorthodox.com You may also contact Father Andrew.