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The primary aim of the Seminary is to provide those who are training for ministry or wish to be more involved in the work of the Church with sufficient instruction for them to take on various roles. The Seminary also aims to provide a foundation for further Orthodox theological study.
The Thyateira Midlands Ecclesiastical Seminary is under the aegis of the Greek Orthdodox Archdiocese of Thyateira & Great Britain. We are proud to have as Rector the Very Revd Protopresbyter Fr Stephen Maxfield, together with a small but dedicated band of regular & visiting lecturers.
Students need to have a good grasp of the English language and hold a minimum of GCSE/ A level or equivalent educational qualification. Enroll for one year, starting in the second week of October with monthly Saturday Seminars in Birmingham
The Fundamentals of Orthodox Teaching , Liturgy, Theology & Pastoral Care!
The Certificate Course is a one-year practical course that gives a comprehensive oversight of the history, worship, doctrine and practice of the Church, including an introduction to Holy Scripture. As a requirement for admission to the course, students will need to have a good grasp of the English language and Read More...
Learn More!The Diploma Course lasts for two years and developes the study of Christian theology and worship begun in the Certificate Course. The two years differ in their core themes. This year concentrates on giving a broad historical, theological and liturgical foundation. It provides a ‘map,’ underpinning ongoing study and pastoral Read More...
Learn More!The Diploma Course lasts for two years and developes the study of Christian theology and worship begun in the Certificate Course. The two years differ in their core themes. This year concentrates on Pastoral Practice, with specific theological themes designed to help students understand and respond to the deeper issues Read More...
Learn More!Faces you will get to know!!
Our Upcoming Seminars/Events Dont Miss Out!
Certificate and Diploma Year I &II The Certificate Course is a one-year practical course that gives a comprehensive oversight of the history, worship, doctrine and practice of the Church, including an introduction to Holy Scripture. As a requirement for admission to the course, students will need to have a good Read More...
Time: 9:30 AM - 14:30 PM
Date: October 11, 2025
Course I: The World of the First Christians Year I: Roots of Iconography Year II: Studying Scripture Through Icons Course II: The Theology of the Icon Year I: From Nicea I to the Council of Chalcedon & its aftermath. Year II: From the Canons of Trullo to Visual Hesychasm. Each Read More...
Time: 11:00 - 12.30; 14:30 - 16.00 London Time
Date: September 27, 2025
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BISHOP MAXIMOS OF MELITENE We are honoured to have Bishop Maximos, Archdiocese representative to TMES as our Keynote Speaker. There will also be a discussion panel with our lecturers and an opportunity to meet them. Our Courses cover the fundamentals of ministry in the Church, and are essential Read More...
Time: 10 AM - 4.30 PM
Date: August 9, 2025
ITS IMPORTANCE & PRINCIPLES FOR REMODELLING THE CHURCH INTERIOR Many Orthodox communities in Britain use churches previously built for Anglican or other Christian denominations. How do we develop an Orthodox liturgical interior under such restraints. Aidan Hart has had much experience of adapting and remodelling church interiors, and a working Read More...
Time: 10:00 AM - 4.00 PM
Date: September 6, 2025
Getting to Your Course and What it looks like!
A comprehensive oversight of the history, worship, doctrine and practice of the Church, including an introduction to Holy Scripture.
Core elements of the course include the Holy Scripture, the Fathers and later theologians, Church history, canon law, worship, and Church organisation and structure. Additional topics include pastoral theology, liturgical practice, spirituality, apologetics, church music and art.
Sign up for the Online Icon Course or join the Wednesday Study Group. Find out where Catechesis & other classes are. Join Orthodox Women of Britain or join the British Synaxarion Project.
What Students Say About Us?
Studying the Certificate and Diploma Courses at TMES has given me a deep ontological grounding in the classical Christian tradition that Eastern Orthodoxy embodies. The 1 year certificate and 2 year diploma courses are fairly comprehensive in scope, and carefully designed and updated every year in response to feedback from students. The lecturers are scholars, monastics and clergy folk, all of whom are very approachable and extremely knowledgeable. There is plenty of discussion based learning as well as student presentations on select topics and academic essays. I have met some wonderful people through doing this course and it has contributed greatly to my continuing spiritual growth.
Olivia JamesWhat's Going On In Our Blog?
Faith, Tradition, and Fellowship at the Feast of the Dormition On Friday, 15th August, the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, a significant event took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition and St Andrew in Birmingham. This important day marked not only the patronal festival Read More...Read More»
On Saturday, 9th August 2025 at 10am, the Thyateira Midland Ecclesiastical Seminary (TMES) welcomed twenty-five attendees and five lecturers for a special day dedicated to exploring the heart of Christian ministry. This inspiring event, titled “The Call to Service – Ministry in the Church”, was led by Protopresbyter Stephen Maxfield Read More...Read More»
A Summer School Day led by world-renowned iconographer and liturgical artist, Aidan Hart. Saturday September 6th. 10am – 4.30pm. Thyateira Midland Ecclesiastical Seminary (TMES) presents a FREE Summer School at the Estia, Birmingham. Space is Limited so Registration is required. Register to attend by 30th. August The day promises to Read More...Read More»
