Glasgow, March 10, 2026
Photo: orthodoxstudies.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE
The Centre for Orthodox Formation in Western Europe provides affordable, high-quality theological instruction for those seeking to serve the Church in various capacities, and for those who simply wish to deepen their understanding of the Faith. Grounded in Tradition and obedient to the episcopacy, its ultimate purpose is to make the riches of Orthodox theology available to all, and so to strengthen the Orthodox witness in the world today.
A new chapter in Orthodox Christian education has begun with the official launch of the Centre for Orthodox Formation in Western Europe (COFWE), a hybrid theological institution dedicated to forming the next generation of English-speaking lay people and clergy. Operating with the formal blessing of the hierarchs of the Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe, the school has welcomed its inaugural cohort into a programme that bridges the gap between rigorous academic study and the lived liturgical life of the Church.
Tradition Meets Innovation
At a time when digital connectivity is paramount, COFWE utilises a hybrid model to ensure that theological education is both accessible and deeply personal. The curriculum is delivered through several key pillars:
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Learning Management System Integration: Students engage with robust primary texts and lectures through a streamlined digital platform (Moodle), allowing for a flexible schedule on the part of the student.
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Monthly Mentorship: To prevent the isolation of online learning, every student is invited to meet monthly via Zoom with dedicated tutors for academic guidance and spiritual encouragement.
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Liturgical Foundation: Education is not merely academic; students are required to maintain an active liturgical life within their home parishes.
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Annual Convocation: The student body gathers once a year for a live conference, fostering the face-to-face fellowship essential both to the Orthodox faith and to the learning we are seeking to foster amongst students.
A Vision for the Future
“Theology has always been a source of great joy for me,” says Fr. Jacob Siemens, the principal of COFWE. “While my own experience of training for ministry was rigorously academic—to the point where I ended up carrying on with theological study at the highest levels—it was also deeply pastoral and liturgical, and this combination of features has ended up becoming a cornerstone of my faith and ministry. I would go so far as to say that sharing the knowledge and experience I was privileged to have, in an Orthodox Christian context, is of central importance to good parish ministry and mission. I hope that others, once they take our course, will agree.”
The Centre’s first students represent a diverse cross-section of the faithful, united by a desire to deepen their understanding of the traditions and the dogmas of the Faith. With the successful launch, the Centre looks forward to expanding its enrolment and course offerings over the coming year. It currently consists of five modules (Introductory Studies in Orthodox Thought; Orthodox Pastoral Studies; Orthodox Liturgical Studies; Preaching & Teaching; The Orthodox Parish), each comprised of fourteen units, making for the equivalent of two years of university undergraduate study. Our quality assurance is rigorous as we work toward UK-based accreditation, and we look to work collaboratively with other institutions. Additional modules will be added in time for those looking to continue their studies at a higher level.
Enquiries are always welcome.
Contact:
Name: Fr Jacob Siemens, PhD, LicDD, FRHistS
Email: centrefororthodoxformation@gmail.com
URL: https://orthodoxstudies.co.uk
Tel.: +447305802705
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