The Saint Gabriel Institute is an educational initiative of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, Department for External Church Relations of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and Ukrainian Catholic University, established to form a new generation of leaders for service in Church communications, diplomacy, and international engagement.

Founded in response to the full-scale war against Ukraine and the growing importance of information, advocacy, and public presence, the Institute serves as a center for academic study, professional training, and spiritual formation. Within the framework of the Institute, the Church Communications and Diplomacy Program is realized as its core academic and formative offering.

Through this work, the Saint Gabriel Institute equips clergy and lay professionals to represent the Church credibly and responsibly in public, governmental, academic, and media environments, uniting intellectual rigor with ecclesial mission and spiritual depth.

The program is designed for clergy, religious, and lay professionals recommended by their bishops or Church institutions, who demonstrate a vocation for service in Church diplomacy, communications, and external relations. A working knowledge of English is required.

The program consists of two phases:

Online Academic Formation (June–December)

Participants engage in intensive online seminars focused on Church history, the mission of the UGCC, human dignity and human rights, international relations, cultural diplomacy, fundraising, and strategic communication. Courses are led by scholars, Church leaders, diplomats, and public intellectuals and include substantial reading, writing, and guided discussion.

Residential Program in Washington, D.C. (January–May)

The second phase is an intensive residential formation held at St. Josaphat Seminary in Washington, D.C. Participants live in community and daily prayer while pursuing:

• Spiritual and Communal Life is composed of daily prayer, common life, and fellowship in the Eastern Christian spiritual and liturgical tradition
• University coursework at Catholic University of America and Georgetown University
• In-house seminars and master classes with diplomats, scholars, and experts
• Cultural diplomacy projects and public events
• Ongoing advocacy and institutional engagement in Washington

201 Taylor St. NE
Washington, D.C. 20017

www.stgabrielinstitute.org (soon),

www.facebook.com/saintgabrielinstitute