Message from the Academic Vice President

Welcome to Holy Trinity University!

As the Academic Vice President, it is my privilege to support and guide our vibrant academic community, rooted in both academic excellence and the timeless wisdom of the Orthodox Christian tradition. At Holy Trinity University, we strive to offer an education that not only prepares our students for professional success but also nurtures their spiritual growth and moral integrity.

Our academic programs are designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world, while remaining grounded in the Orthodox theological mission. This mission calls us to pursue truth, embody compassion, and serve others, inspired by the teachings of the Church Fathers and the rich heritage of the Orthodox faith.

Our faculty play a vital role in fulfilling this vision. They are not only educators and scholars but also mentors and role models who integrate faith with learning.

They are tasked with:

Delivering rigorous and transformative academic instruction across various disciplines.
Engaging in cutting-edge research that advances knowledge while reflecting ethical considerations grounded in faith.
Mentoring students to develop both intellectually and spiritually, equipping them to become leaders who will positively impact society.
Contributing to the mission of the Church by incorporating Orthodox theological perspectives into their teaching and scholarship, fostering a deeper understanding of the faith in our academic environment.

At the heart of our institution is the belief that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about forming the whole person—mind, body, and soul. We are committed to maintaining an environment where faith and reason flourish together, shaping individuals who will live out their callings with purpose, integrity, and a sense of service to others.

We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our faculty, students, and the entire university community in making this vision a reality. Together, we work to build a community of learning that is both academically excellent and spiritually enriching, fulfilling our mission to "prepare hearts and minds for service in the Church and the world."

In crafting a vision for the University with the focus on providing flexible, high-quality education rooted in theological and Ethiopian studies, the University can be structured around key faculties and departments that align with academic and cultural strengths. Below is an outline of the college, including the four core faculties, ten departments, and a dedicated research center.

1. Distance and Online College: Vision and Scope

The Distance and Online College will offer accessible and flexible learning opportunities for students around the globe. It will integrate academic excellence with a deep engagement in both theology and Ethiopian studies, drawing from the rich heritage of the Orthodox Tradition and broader interdisciplinary approaches.

2. Core Faculties

The University will have four major faculties, each with its own departments, supporting both theological, historical, cultural, and educational goals:

a. Faculty of Fundamental Theology

This faculty will focus on the foundational aspects of theology, including Biblical studies, Doctrinal theology, and the Church Fathers (Patrology).

• Key Focus Areas: Dogmatic Theology, Scriptural Interpretation, Church History (historical theology).

b. Faculty of Practical Theology

Dedicated to preparing students for ministry, pastoral care, and applying theological knowledge in practical contexts.

• Key Focus Areas: Pastoral counseling, Ethics, Spirituality, liturgy, homiletics, ecclesial administration, Cannon Law, and Church leadership.

c. Faculty of Curriculum and Instruction

Focused on educational theory and practice, particularly in the design and delivery of theological education and other related disciplines.

• Key Focus Areas: Curriculum Development, Pedagogy, Instructional Design, Educational Quality Assurance, Examination and Assessment methodologies.

d. Faculty of Ethiopian Studies

A faculty dedicated to preserving and studying Ethiopian History, Culture, Philology, and the intersection of culture, art and society within Ethiopia’s unique context.

• Key Focus Areas: Ethiopian History, Orthodox Traditions in Ethiopia, Language studies (Ge’ez), Cultural Anthropology, and Philology.

3. Departments

Each faculty will consist of several departments, with interdisciplinary collaboration encouraged. Here are ten key departments:

1. Department of Dogmatic Theology (Fundamental Theology)

Focused on core doctrinal beliefs and theological teachings.

2. Department of Scriptural Theology (Fundamental Theology)

Specializing in scriptural analysis, exegesis, and hermeneutics.

3. Department of Church History (Fundamental Theology)

Exploring the history of the Christian Church, with a focus on early Christianity and Orthodoxy including the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

4. Department of Liturgical and Pastoral Theology (Practical Theology)

Concentrating on the study of liturgy, sacraments, and worship practices and focused on Pastoral ministry, pastoral care, mission, and community engagement.

5. Department of Orthodox Spirituality and Ethics (Practical Theology)

Covering Orthodox Spirituality and the art of Ethics.

6. Department of Canon Law and Leadership (Practical Theology)

Focusing on leadership principles in theological education and the administration of educational institutions.

7. Department of Philology (Ethiopian Studies)

Exploring Ge’ez manuscript for analysis.

8. Department of Art and Architecture (Ethiopian Studies)

Studying the Architectural heritage, history, and impact on society.

9. Department of Ge’ez Language and Literature (Ethiopian Studies)

Offering courses in classical languages like Ge’ez and exploring Ethiopia’s rich literary tradition.

10. Department of Ethiopian History (Ethiopian Studies)

Focusing on the themes of Ethiopian History, Structure of Ethiopian Chronicles and Critical Analysis of Historical Sources.

4. Research Center: Ethiopian and Theological Studies Research Center

The Ethiopian and Theological Studies Research Center will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, focusing on:

• Promoting research on Ethiopian history, culture, and its religious traditions.

• Conducting comparative studies between Ethiopian Orthodoxy and global Christianity.

• Facilitating scholarly dialogue on practical and pastoral theology in modern contexts.

• Offering research fellowships, publications, and conferences to advance theological knowledge and cultural studies.

In Christ,

Prof. Abba Hailegebriel Girma (PhD, EdD)

Academic Vice President of Holy Trinity

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