The Faculty of Theology, with the name Paurastya Vidyāpīṭham also known as Pontifical Oriental Institute of Religious Studies was erected on 3 July 1982 ‘…with the intention of instituting this house of higher studies as a bright torch of Oriental Christianity’ (Decree of the Congregation for Catholic Education, Prot. No. 679/75/78 dated 3 July 1982).
The programme of formation at PVP aims at the development of fully integrated priestly personality, and therefore takes into account the human, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral and missionary dimensions of priestly formation. With this end in view the Faculty of Theology co-ordinates the fields of Theology, Bible and Eastern Christian Studies in such a way as to present the Mystery of Christ harmoniously to the students.
Faculty of Theology offers courses in three Cycles leading to corresponding degrees, namely, Baccalaureate, Licentiate and Doctorate in Theology. The First Cycle is called Institutional Course, the Second Cycle, Specialization Course and the Third Cycle, Higher Research Course.
- In the First Cycles of Philosophy and Theology the students will receive an initiation in fundamental subjects and will be introduced into various scientific study methods.
- The First Cycle of Philosophy is for three years or six semesters for the non- graduates and two years or four semesters for the graduates and post-graduates (cfr. Circular letter Prot. N. 198/2012, sent to the Chancellor of PVP on 25 June 2013). The First Cycle of Theology is for three years or six semesters.
- Basic Course students who desire to become priests will have an equal number of years of studies as the degree course students attending the Institutional Course.
- The Second Cycle will be for two years or four semesters without prejudice to the Statutes of the IECL or Institutes or Faculties, that will be established in the future.The courses in the Second Cycle consist of a more profound study of certain aspects of selected subjects, especially in Oriental disciplines, with special emphasis on the Syriac tradition.
- During the Third Cycle, the students will complete their academic studies, and carry out research in a particular topic that will contribute to the scientific progress of Sacred Sciences and allied disciplines, especially of the tradition for the Syriac Churches and other Eastern Churches.