The Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the University of Prešov is one of the oldest institutions of higher education based in Prešov. It was established in 1950 as an independent higher theological school with jurisdiction over the entire former Czechoslovakia. In 1990, it became part of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, and in 1997, it was incorporated into the University of Prešov. Throughout its existence and up to the present day, the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Prešov remains the only Orthodox theological faculty in Central Europe. Its historical roots extend to the time of the Cyrillo-Methodian mission, whose doctrinal legacy it continues to preserve in its integrity. The faculty integrates the tradition of classical education, whose continuity was maintained in the Byzantine cultural environment, with authentic spiritual life, striving for a symbiosis between tradition and modernity.

Studies at the Faculty are organized across five departments: the Department of Biblical Studies, the Department of Practical and Systematic Theology, the Department of Church History and Byzantine Studies, the Department of Christian Anthropology and Social Work, and the Department of Christian Pedagogy and Psychology. In 2012, the Institute of Greek Language and Culture was established at the faculty—the only one of its kind in Slovakia—focusing on the teaching of Greek.

The Orthodox Theology program is primarily aimed at preparing future clergy and experts for independent pastoral, catechetical, counseling, organizational, social, and missionary work, both within the Orthodox Church and in broader society.

The second program offered by the faculty is Social Work, which responds to dynamic societal changes and spiritual needs while incorporating the latest international trends into professional training.

In 2013, the faculty expanded its infrastructure with the addition of Patristic-Philological and Socio-Psychological Laboratories, enhancing its modern educational facilities.

Students of the faculty have the opportunity to complete part of their studies at foreign theological institutions. Graduates may also pursue lifelong learning programs for clergy. Furthermore, successful graduates are eligible to undertake a rigorous examination and defend a doctoral thesis to obtain the academic titles of Doctor of Theology (ThDr.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhDr.). Additional educational opportunities include doctoral (PhD.) studies in Theology and Social Work, offered in both full-time and part-time formats. The faculty is also authorized to conduct habilitation and inauguration procedures in the study field of Orthodox Theology.

Study Programs for the Academic Year 2025/2026

The Faculty offers both full-time and part-time (external) forms of study in the following accredited programs:

• Integrated first and second cycle (combined Bachelor's and Master's degree):
  • Orthodox Theology
• First cycle (Bachelor's degree):
  • Charitable and Social Services
• Second cycle (Master's degree):
  • Charitable Services and Social Counseling
• Third cycle (Doctoral degree):
  • Orthodox Theology
  • Charitable and Social Work

Throughout its existence, the faculty has educated hundreds of capable clergy, theologians, Church staff, and social workers, who represent the institution both domestically and internationally. Since its establishment, the faculty has placed great emphasis on scientific and research activities, regularly publishing monographs, university textbooks, scientific and professional studies, instructional texts, and also issuing collections of scholarly and professional papers written by faculty members and young researchers. As a result, the faculty continues to achieve remarkable outcomes in the field of academic research and development.

Presentation of Faculty (powerpoint)