It is with gratitude to our Lord that we welcome our virtual visitors to the St. Gregory of Nazianzen Orthodox Theological Institute (OTI) website. The Institute, a bilingual distance education program on the worldwide internet and registered community-based non-profit organization in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a ministry that is officially authorized by the Holy Metropolis of Mexico (Ecumenical Patriarchate). The program of study at OTI is accredited by the Department of Education of the Metropolis, and is thereby certified to train candidates for ordination and other ministries in the Church. The objectives of the Institute are to prepare men and women for leadership in the Orthodox Church, and moreover, to advance apostolic diakonia and outreach in Latin America, by creating an environment that fosters growth in knowledge, faith, spiritual life and experience, orthopraxis, and service. OTI’s work complements the apostolic ministry and response of the Holy Metropolis of Mexico to our Lord’s command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

We therefore thank the Rt. Rev. Mitered Archimandrite Dr. Andrew (Vujisić) and all those who have voluntarily and gratuitously assisted, and who continue to assist, in this noble undertaking for their self-sacrificing labors in the establishment, organization, and operation of the Institute. We wish to all of the professors and students an ever deeper appreciation of the mystery of salvation, leading to active service and ministry in the Orthodox Church and, ultimately, culminating in eternal life. We also pray that participation in this program may educate, spiritually enlighten, form, and strengthen a multitude of new workers in Christ's vineyard, including future priests, deacons, readers, chanters, and catechists for the evangelical and pastoral mission of the Orthodox Church throughout the world. This holy endeavor is both necessary and timely, "for the harvest is great but the workers are few" (Matthew 9:37), and accordingly, with great joy, we bestow our fatherly best wishes and apostolic blessings.