Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Orthodox Theological Society in America?
OTSA is an academic society of Orthodox Christian scholars that meets to promote Orthodox theology, to cultivate fellowship and cooperation among Orthodox Christians; and to coordinate the work of Orthodox theologians in the Americas.
When was OTSA founded and who belongs to the society?
The society was founded in 1966 as a means of bringing together the faculties of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, Massachusetts and St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, New York. It now has approximately 150 members from these two schools and from universities, colleges, graduate schools of theology, seminaries, and other institutions where Orthodox theology and its related disciplines are taught and studied in the Americas.
Is OTSA affiliated with any Orthodox Christian jurisdiction?
OTSA was organized under the auspices of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), which brings together the various Orthodox jurisdictions in America for common concern and witness. The members of OTSA belong to jurisdictions of SCOBA. Members of OTSA may also be members of Oriental Orthodox Churches in America.
Are the annual meetings open to the public?
The sessions of the annual meeting are generally open to the public, unless the meeting planners decide to close a particular session. The Annual Florovsky lecture is a public event. The business meeting of the society is for members only. Please visit the annual meetings page for more information.
What does the Society discuss?
Every year, the officers of OTSA plan an annual meeting to discuss various topics of concern. For example, in 2001 the Society discussed issues related to the celebration of Pascha/Easter in the Orthodox Church. In 2000, the Society discussed the topic of dissent in the Church.
When deemed appropriate, the Society will issue statements and resolutions on the various topics. For example, see the resolutions adopted at the 2001 Annual Meeting on the Common Date for Easter and Human Cloning.
Who may join the society?
The Society welcomes as members Orthodox Christians who reside in North America and are teaching theology at an institution of higher learning or are engaged in serious theological work or research. A candidate for membership typically will have at least a Master's degree in theology (or its equivalent) or a Master's degree in Arts, as well as significant additional graduate studies in theology or related disciplines.
If you meet these qualifications and would be interested in joining OTSA, visit the membership page.
Does the Society publish books or a journal?
No. The Society is now utilizing the Internet to publicize news, upcoming events, and possibly papers from conferences. Periodically OTSANews is sent out to members, and is available online as well.
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