These are the same type of degrees one would receive from any other church in America or abroad. These degrees allow one to put the D.D., Th.D., or S.T.D. behind the name, and typically it will open many doors.
Thousands of people from all over the world have already received such degrees either from a church or a university.
These degrees do not give you any authority, such as performing pastoral functions, or anything that requires state or federal licensing. It is strictly a religious degree. However, it does allow one to use the title of Doctor.
If you are an ordained or licensed clergy person, then such a degree may give you more credibility and authority in the church. If you are not an ordained or licensed clergy person, and would like to be incardinated into a diocese, we may be able to refer you to a suitable church authority.
Many people from all types of churches around the globe hold such degrees. Most countries have recognized church degrees for decades.
A special test for an honorary degree is not required. A doctoral degree is often a supportive element in church outreach and operation. Historically, it is the first degree the church has offered.
If you would like to become a Doctor in Theology, there are a few things we would like for you to know also:
St. Elias School of Orthodox Theology over the years has offered a variety of programs in Theology, most of them earned degrees. If a sudent would like to advance further, we offer other degrees, such as Certified Pastoral Counseling and Philosophy Degrees, which are also earned, i.e. not honorary. We have an earned Doctor of Divinity Program as well.
This section outlines our policy and procedures with regard to the granting of honorary degrees. St. Elias School of Orthodox Theology has begun granting Honorary Degrees since 1995.
St. Elias School of Orthodox Theology awards degrees honoris causa (i.e., for the purpose of honoring) in order to reward or advance outstanding persons. Thus, honorary degrees may be awarded to a person deserving of honor by virtue of scholarly distinction, noteworthy public service, or significant contributions to the church at large.
In the selection of candidates for honorary degrees, preference is given to those who have been at least 10 to 15 years in the ministry.
All aspects of the nomination process are confidential. Nominations may be submitted by any person or organization. However, each nomination must be endorsed by the Executive Director. Each nomination must be accompanied by a biographical sketch of the candidate, a summary of the accomplishments or deeds for which the nominee would be honored along with supporting documents.
The Honorary Degrees Committee makes its recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will submit a nomination packet to the Executive Director once the packet is complete and the tuition is paid in full.
Nomination packets of persons selected to receive honorary degrees become part of the official record of the school to be filed in the school archives.
Scheduling of conferring of an honorary degree depends on the convenience of the school and of the person being honored. The Executive Director or bishop has complete discretion in scheduling. Ideally, no more than two honorary degrees are conferred per year.
The format of the honorary degree itself is to be the same as that for Degrees awarded to regular students. Our Degrees are granted only in the name of St. Elias School of Orthodox Theology with the campus designation appearing in the body of the certificate as a means of specifying the location where the degree is conferred. Honorary degrees may be awarded in absentia.
Should an honorary degree designee not be accepted in the year the
degree is awarded, the name shall be resubmitted for board approval
if the Executive Director or bishop recommends conferring the degree
in a later year.