Courses
The Sheptytsky Institute offers a wide array of courses in Eastern Christian theology, history, liturgy and spirituality. Some courses are offered in alternate years.
As part of their programs, Sheptytsky Institute students also take USMC courses, as well as courses in other colleges in the Toronto School of Theology (TST) ecumenical consortium.
All courses taught by Sheptytsky Institute faculty take place at Sheptytsky Institute, Windle House, 5 Elmsley Place, on the campus of the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto.
For a listing of courses for the current and upcoming academic year, please visit the TST website.
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From the subapostolic age to the "Triumph of Orthodoxy" in the East and the Carolingian revival and Treaty of Verdun in the West. Geographical expansion of the church; the relation of Christian faith to cultural settings and other religions; the development of doctrinal and ethical positions; forms of Christian life and worship; the rise of Islam.
- Date: Mondays
- Time: 19:00-21:00
- Instructor: Andrew J Summerson
- Location: Online-Synchronous
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In this course, students will explore the historical debates and the doctrinal formulations of the seven ecumenical councils (325-787 AD). This course will address the development of fundamental themes in trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, and the theology of iconography. Students will be introduced to the historical context of these debates and attend to the relationship between the early church and its relationship to secular authority. The course will further examine the theological method of early and late antique Christian thinkers that gave rise to these doctrines as well explore the enduring contribution of these conciliar debates for ecumenical dialogue and contemporary theology.
- Date: Tuesdays
- Time: 19:00-21:00
- Instructor: Andrew J Summerson
- Location: Toronto (St. George Campus)
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Winter 2026
This course explores the theological, philosophical, and historical contributions of Maximus the Confessor. Students will engage with Maximus' theological and philosophical sources, his historical context, and examine his influence in the Christian theological tradition. Through critical analysis of texts and discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Maximus' role in synthesizing prior Christian authors and shaping subsequent Christian theological discourse.
- Date: Wednesdays
- Time: 11:00-13:00
- Instructor: Andrew J Summerson
- Location: Toronto (St. George Campus)
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This course serves as a broad survey of the ascetico-mystical theology (Spirituality) of the Eastern Churches, as represented by a multiplicity of authors and texts (using both secondary and primary texts in English translation). Through required readings, lectures, student class presentations and class discussions as well as a reflection paper, summative exercise and oral exam, both ancient and modem authors will be studied in this intensive course, with a view to examining the unifying characteristics that underlie the various spiritual traditions, as well as those elements that distinguish various trends, themes, regional emphases and personal particularities of individual authors. Connections will be made to Eastern Christian doctrinal emphases where appropriate, and historical contexts will be taken into account. In addition to work done together as a group, students will have the opportunity to choose from a list of authors/texts for individual study.
- Date: Monday
- Time: 17:00-19:00
- Instructor: TBD
- Location: Online- Synchronous