Application materials are available on this page in fillable PDF format. (You will need Adobe Reader to view them. If you do not already have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, you can download it here.)

Printable Application Checklist (for applicant’s reference)

In order to be considered as a candidate for admission, the applicant must submit to the Admissions Committee a completed and signed Application for Admission, together with the following documents and information: 

• A recent photograph; send file as a jpg.
• A certified copy of the Record of Baptism and/or Chrismation
• Health Form
  • Fill in the form, sign and date. Please note that parts of this form must also be completed and signed by the examining physician.
• Immunization Record Form
  • Fill in the form, sign and date. Please note that parts of this form must also be completed and signed by the examining physician.
• Official academic transcripts of attained baccalaureate and/or graduate degrees. If the applicant is currently in the last semester of college, please send a current transcript at the time of application and a final transcript upon graduation indicating grades for the final semester and conferral of the academic degree. If the applicant has taken coursework at an institution of higher education but has not completed a degree program, the applicant should submit transcripts of the coursework completed at the postsecondary level.
• International students: 
  • Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-134; download at https://www.uscis.gov/i-134.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score(s). Please enter the following institution code when completing your test application form: "8670."
  • International students needing to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), may also download the OPT Request Form.
  • International Student Transfer Form if transferring
• A letter of recommendation from your Bishop, sent directly to the Seminary
• A letter of recommendation from each of your parish priests from the past five years, sent directly to the Seminary. (Do not use the Reference Form.)
• Two additional Reference Forms from individuals who can knowledgeably discuss your personal background, academic, and/or vocational qualifications, to be sent directly to the Seminary; these must be from persons other than relatives.
  • Instructions:  Complete the top portion of each form and give it to the people who will provide recommendations to the seminary (see below for address).
  • Important: It is the responsibility of the person writing the reference letter to send the form to the seminary. Please do not send the recommendation form and/or letters with your application.
• A brief biographical essay (1-2 pp.) reflecting on your professional background and interests, as well as your reasons for application to the Seminary
• A reflection (1.5-2 pp.) on one of the following essays. These are samples of materials one might read in seminary. Write a reflection on the chosen essay. Submit in Word with the following parameters: two pages, single-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins. This is an opportunity for a formal writing sample. This reflection should represent entirely your own work and thoughts.   
  • Pevear, R. and Volokhonsky, L. (trans.) (2003). The Second Gospel Commandment. In Mother Maria Skobtsova: Essential Writings (pp. 45-60). Orbis Books.
  • Schmemann, Alexander (1973). And Ye Are Witnesses of These Things. In For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy (pp. 107-113). St. Vladimir’s Press.
  • Archbishop Ambrosius (1902). Every Christian is called to be a Missionary. Russian American Orthodox Messenger, September, 297-306.
• Non-refundable $75 application fee. Make check payable to St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary. Mail to St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 130, South Canaan, PA 18459.

Submission of Materials: Submit all materials via e-mail to applicants@stots.edu. Applications will not be reviewed until all materials have been received by the Admissions Committee.

Deadline to apply: June 1, 2024

If you have any additional questions, please call us at 570-561-1818, or e-mail us at applicants@stots.edu.