Pontifical Georgian College
ROME - OXFORD

The principal theological seminary of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church

FOUNDED BY SAINT EDWIN CAUDILL
Bishop of the Southwest, first President of the Seminary
(as St. George Theological Seminary)


Stained glass window of the old seal of the Pontifical Georgian College.


  In print from St. George Seminary Press in early 2023, Journey of Faith: The Apostolic See of Saints Stephen and Mark, by Rutherford I is a history of the present See and its people - those who went before us, laying the groundwork over the last decades and past centuries, and those who keep the faith today. 



Pontifical Georgian College is a private theological institution that serves as the historic and principle seminary of the United Roman-Ruthenian ChurchThe United Roman-Ruthenian Church is an autocephalous Apostolic Church of ancient origins and Orthodox and Catholic heritage. The Church is in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2019.

The college serves the needs of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, conferring ecclesiastical academic honours on behalf of the Church's Apostolic See under the authority of the Diocese of Rome-Ruthenia. The College also fulfills the mandate of service through scientific enquiry and field research. PGC was founded in 1987 as Saint George Theological Seminary and was based in San Antonio, Texas. It is historically affiliated with Rome, Italy, and Oxford, England. From its beginning, the seminary maintained a formal affiliation with Wolsey Hall, Oxford, England, and was the exclusive administrator of the theology programme in the United States. Although the College continues a cordial relationship today, Wolsey Hall no longer offers theology courses.

The Evolution of Pontifical Georgian College

In an era where technology has transformed the way we learn, adaptability and innovation are key to staying relevant. This is precisely why the Pontifical Georgian College, which once held onsite classes at physical property in San Antonio, Texas, USA, made the bold decision some time ago to transition to an online-based model.

For years, Pontifical Georgian College, with its traditional affiliations in San Antonio, Oxford, and Rome and collaboration with Wolsey Hall at Oxford, established itself as a prestigious theological institution, producing many well-trained clerics. However, as the digital era unfolded, it became increasingly evident that embracing distance learning was necessary for staying relevant and best serving the needs of the Church. 

Operating solely online allows seminarians access to the college without geographical constraints. This inclusivity ensures that no talented individual is left behind due to their location. The online format provides seminarians with greater flexibility in balancing studies with other commitments such as work or family, empowering them to tailor their learning experience according to their own schedule.
Depending on the programme, seminarians may be required to be in residence at an approved parish and may have additional residence requirements. Additionally, all ordination are conducted entirely in person in accordance with the doctrine and laws of the Church.

Also, having long-since moved away from physical property significantly reduced operational costs for the College and the Church. Those cost savings can be redirected into other areas of need. 

The decision to embrace online operations reflects the college's commitment to adapting and evolving with the changing needs of seminarians and the Church. By leveraging technology, Pontifical Georgian College is positioned as a forward-thinking institution that embraces innovation while maintaining its reputation in theological academics.


Historical document between Pontifical Georgian College (then St. George Theological Seminary)
and Wolsey Hall, Oxford.


From the Stephenian Archives of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, this is a former ad
in the publication "U.S. Anglican" for St. George seminary (now Pontifical Georgian College)

The purpose of the college is to ensure excellence in education of the clergy of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. For this purpose, there are five faculties: Sacred Theology, Sacred Philosophy, Canon Law, History, and Sacred Music. Faculty hold the ranks of Professor, Vice Professor, Deputy Professor, or Instructor, according to qualification, experience, and tenure.

The college confers the following academic honours:

Diplomate: Conferred in Sacred Theology (S.T.Dip.) and Sacred Philosophy (S.Phil.Dip.). The grade of Diplomate of Sacred Theology signifies successful completion of Minor Seminary. There are two tracks, a general one and one for those concurrently undertaking general baccalaureate education. The Diploma of Sacred Philosophy recognizes basic studies in related fields such as history or sacred music.

Licentiate: Conferred in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.), Sacred Philosophy (S.Phil.L.), and Canon Law (J.C.L.). The Licentiate in Sacred Theology or its equivalent is the prerequisite for ordination to the priesthood. The Licentiate of Sacred Philosophy recognizes advanced studies in related fields, while the Licentiate of Canon Law recognizes in-depth knowledge in that field.

Doctorate: Conferred in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.), Sacred Philosophy (S.Phil.D.), Canon Law (J.C.D.), and Sacred Letters (S.L.D.). The Doctorate of Sacred Letters is exclusively given as an honourific to recognize laymen who have made significant and outstanding contributions to theology and/or religion. The Doctorate of Sacred Theology is the terminal theological honour and signifies advanced, in-depth knowledge of theology. The Doctorate of Sacred Philosophy recognizes significant achievement in study of related fields. The Doctorate of Canon Law represents mastery of Canon Law. All doctoral honours except for the Doctorate of Sacred Letters require original research and successful defense of a dissertation.

Officials and Senior Faculty
Standard Academic Progress Chart
Minor Seminary Outline of Studies
Major Seminary Outline of Studies
Doctorate of Sacred Theology
Canon Law Outline of Studies
Sacred Philosophy programmes of Studies
Evaluation/Grades
Doctoral Regalia
The Pontifical Apostolic Library


Historical photos of commencement ceremonies of Pontifical Georgian College (then known as St. George Theological Seminary).
In the red doctoral toga is H.E. the late Bishop Edwin Caudill of the Diocese of the Southwest, which later became the Coadjutorship of Rome.


As the sole purpose of the college is to train clergy of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, it neither maintains nor seeks any outside accreditation. It is further the policy of both the college and the Church that a theological seminary for the purpose of training clergy is beyond the scope of review of any secular or other outside entity. However, both the college and the Church acknowledge the important role of accreditation in secular and general education. Persons seeking academic honours for the purpose of employment outside the United Roman-Ruthenian Church are encouraged to pursue said education at a general college or university accredited by an organization approved by the US Department of Education or the equilvalent of another country.

DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICES

[United Roman-Ruthenian Church]