History

IOCS students and staff with Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh, in the early days of the Institute

The Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies is the Orthodox house of theological studies in the ancient university city of Cambridge, England. It is a full member of the Cambridge Theological Federation. As a member of the Federation, the Institute works in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Cambridge and Durham University (Common Awards).

The Institute was founded in 1999 with the blessing of all Orthodox hierarchs in Western Europe. IOCS rejoices in having among its guest lecturers and supporters such illustrious teachers as Metropolitan Kallistos of Diocleia, Metropolitan John Zizioulas, Fr Thomas Hopko, Fr. Prof. Andrew Louth, Archimandrites Symeon and Zacharias of St John the Baptist’s Monastery (Essex), and the late Metropolitan Antony of Sourozh.

Serving the Orthodox Church

The Institute serves the Orthodox Church as a whole and is governed by a Board of Directors with representatives from the various Orthodox Churches in Great Britain. There is nothing quite like the Institute elsewhere in the world. Because it is pan-Orthodox, located in a major international academic hub, and including both lay and ordained people, the Institute can serve the Orthodox Church in a unique way. Many people were involved in bringing the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies into existence and many others have assisted at various stages of the Institute’s development. We are particularly grateful to the Institute’s first Principal, Fr John Jillions, and to all those who have offered and continue to offer their time and energy to this growing venture.

IOCS was founded in 1999 with the blessing of

  • Archbishop GREGORIOS of Thyateira
  • (Ecumenical Patriarchate)
  • +Metropolitan GABRIEL of Western Europe
  • (Patriarchate of Antioch)
  • +Metropolitan ANTHONY of Sourozh
  • (Moscow Patriarchate)
  • Bishop DOSITEJ of Britain and Scandinavia
  • (Patriarchate of Serbia)
  • Archbishop IOSIF of Western Europe
  • (Patriarchate of Romania)
  • Metropolitan SIMEON of Western Europe
  • (Patriarchate of Bulgaria)

Former Principals of IOCS