THE SEMINARIAN ADMISSION, FORMATION, AND EVALUATION COMMISSION (SAFREC)
The Seminarian Admission, Formation Review, and Evaluation Commission (SAFREC) is the organ of the Church that develops, implements, and oversees the policies and procedures regarding the suitability, formation, education, and training of seminarians of the Italo-Greek Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church. The Commission is also responsible for interviewing, evaluating, and overseeing the academic, spiritual, religious, and theological preparation and formation of seminarians and their growth in candidacy for the Diaconate and Holy Priesthood of the Italo-Greek Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church. In this aspect of the Commission’s responsibility, the Commission operates in two identical parts, a United States part, and a Sicilian part, both of which function under an identical program.
As part of the seminary application process, potential seminarians are interviewed by the Commission. In relation to this, their recommendation goes directly to the Bishop. If accepted into candidacy (status of a seminarian), the Commission periodically evaluates and assesses the candidate’s development and progress. Prior to ordination to the Diaconate, and again prior to ordination to the Holy Priesthood, the Commission conducts thorough investigations of the candidate, which includes a comprehensive personal and criminal background investigation, to ensure continued suitability for the reception of Holy Orders.
The Archdiocesan SAFREC is an independent entity whose members are appointed by the Metropolitan. Membership of the Commission is comprised of three priests, three deacons, two male monastics, two female monastics, two male lay persons, two female lay persons, one law enforcement officer, and a clinical psychologist.
