With the blessing of Archbishop Tikhon of Ruza, the administrator of the Berlin-German Diocese, an Orthodox Theological Distance Learning School was opened in the diocese. The teaching takes place in German.
The decision to open the school was approved by the Diocesan Council. Its necessity is due to the growing number of people interested in the Orthodox faith, preparing for baptism or who have already become Orthodox without having received sufficient catechization. In addition, there is a growing demand in the parishes of the diocese for Sunday school teachers and catechists who could independently transmit the Orthodox faith in German, the diocesan website reports.
Education at the school takes place on two courses independent of each other.

The propaedeutic course "Introduction to Orthodoxy" is intended for adults who want to become Orthodox or want to gain basic knowledge about the Orthodox faith. To participate in the course, you do not need to have any information about theology or the Bible. Within its framework, four subjects are studied: "Church doctrine", "The practical side of church life", "Worship" and "Church Year".
The theological course "Immersion in the Orthodox Faith" lasts three years. Its task is to obtain in—depth and systematic knowledge by people who want to work in Orthodox parishes as Sunday school teachers, catechists, readers.

A prerequisite for participation is basic knowledge, which is checked during the introductory interview. The course "Immersion in the Orthodox Faith" studies the Sacred History of the Old and New Testaments, dogmatic theology, liturgics, church history, basic theology, comparative theology, asceticism and patrology. An exam is held at the end of each academic year. Graduates will receive a church certificate.
Students from any diocese can take part in the classes.
The school operates at the Church of the Great Martyr Barbara in the city of Krefeld in cooperation with the association "Orthodox Information Center". The head of the school is the rector of the church, Priest Alexy Veselov.