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Our Courses

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.

 

Our Lecturers

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.

Admission Process

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 

Welcome to TMES!

We Are Eager To Give You The Best Orthodox Studies  in Britain!

We strive for high standards of excellence in all our courses and to equip you to meet the challenges of being Orthodox in today’s world. We welcome students from all Orthodox dioceses, and staff and visiting  lecturers are drawn from among the best in the various autocephalous churches in the UK.

We are based in the Midlands of England, easily accessible  by road, rail and air. You will need to attend 10 monthly intensive study days per year in Birmingham, although if you live more than 150 miles away you may join remotely. Certificate and Diploma students should make every effort to attend in person the 1st, 5th and final sessions. Assessment criteria  include seminar papers, multi-media presentations and themed discussions.

Meet Our Teachers!

OUR FOUNDATION COURSES

The Fundamentals of Orthodox Teaching , Liturgy, Theology & Pastoral Care!

Certificate of Orthodox Studies

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...

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Diploma of Orthodox Studies Year I

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...

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Diploma of Orthodox Studies Year II

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...

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OUR STAFF

Faces you will get to know!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our Upcoming Seminars/Events Dont Miss Out!

TMES ORTHODOX STUDIES

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

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ONLINE ICON COURSE

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

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TMES OPEN DAY – THE CALL TO MINISTRY

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

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LITURGICAL ART: AIDAN HART

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

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ABOUT THE ESTIA

Getting to Your Course and What it looks like!

ITS CHALLENGING, ITS FUN, IT WORKS!

1

Start your Journey with the Certificate Course!

A comprehensive oversight of the history, worship, doctrine and practice of the Church, including an introduction to Holy Scripture.

2

Continue your studies with the Diploma Course!

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.

3

Expand your studies with ancillary courses and projects!

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.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

What Students Say About Us?

Olivia James

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 James

RECENT NEWS

What's Going On In Our Blog?

My Ancient Collection

By Henry Stevens I started my collection by finding an ancient Roman coin in an old box my mum had given me and Roman pottery in one of my local fields. I then purchased a Joblot of uncleaned Roman coins, and my passion for Collecting ancient artefacts was born.Initially, my Read More...Read More»

TMES Diploma & Certificate classes

The New Certificate and Diploma Programme has Started!

We had a friendly meeting over coffee, with both Certificate and Diploma Group present, and then went on to brief prayers. In the Certificate room, Melangell spent some time going over the method of doing academic presentations and demystified the process before she, Father Stephen, Father Philip, and Father Deacon Read More...Read More»

Saints Ina & Ethelburga September 8th.

I knew nothing about Saints Ina and Ethelburga, until I studied them for this month’s Synaxarion. I opened up my research thinking “This will be quick and easy” but, in fact, it was anything but.  Firstly, I had to make sure I was talking of the right Ethelburga! As there Read More...Read More»

If you Have Any Questions Call Us On 07432 320786