Diocese of DOMA
Domus Misericordiae ad Omnes
A House of Mercy to All
"The Word is our Parish"
We are a learning community within the Diocese of DOMA — Domus Misericordiae ad Omnes. Open to all who hunger for formation, our purpose is to train those preparing for Holy Orders within DOMA, and to equip all disciples of Jesus Christ for a life of mercy, mission, and faithful ministry.
Our curriculum is built on the best of the ancient future faith formation, enriched by DOMA's distinctively global and mercy-centred identity. We do not merely train ministers — we form servants of the Word sent to all.
You are welcome to join a class or contact us to explore how we can support your formation toward ordained diaconal ministry.
"We are DOMA — a house where mercy dwells, and from which mercy is sent to all people, because the Word of God defines the boundaries of our parish. We are a non-geographical relational jurisdiction rooted in the ancient future faith."✠ Bishop Daniel Zopoula · DOMA
Our path of formation proceeds in eight deliberate steps. Formation of the whole person in Christ comes first; contextualization for ministry follows, so that what is offered to the Church is rooted, tested, and true.
The spiritual foundation of every candidate: love of God and neighbour, the Gospels, Holy Baptism, the Eucharist, a daily life of prayer, being led by the Spirit, regular reconciliation, and love for the Church — lived out in a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rhythm of discipleship.
A standing commission of three to five trusted clergy receives and processes every applicant for Holy Orders — paperwork, criminal-record check, and the initial interview — opening the door to the process without promise of ordination, and returning a final recommendation at its end.
The basis of the faith. Once received into the process, every candidate completes the Catechism block. Where needed, Baptism and Confirmation are restored here, following the ancient discipline that those ordained should first be baptised and confirmed.
A shared core for deacons and priests — Scripture, doctrine, Church history, liturgy, and the moral tradition — grounding the call in sound teaching and the witness of the Church across the ages.
All ordinands walk the Diaconate track. For those called to the permanent diaconate this completes the academic formation; for those called to the priesthood it opens the door to the next block of priestly studies.
Before ordination, every deacon and priest completes a one- or two-day hands-on retreat — a prayerful practicum walking through the practical celebration of each sacrament the ordinand will be entrusted to administer.
For those called to the priesthood, this block builds on the Diaconate track with advanced studies in pastoral theology, sacramental ministry, preaching, spiritual direction, and parish leadership — equipping priests to shepherd, teach, and celebrate the full sacramental life of the Church.
Before priestly ordination, candidates complete an intensive retreat and hands-on practicum focused on the celebration of the Eucharist, the rites of reconciliation, anointing of the sick, and the full pastoral office — a prayerful immersion in the priestly vocation under the guidance of experienced clergy.
We build people, not institutions. DOMA is a spiritual household — relational, covenantal, and familial. We are a home for the displaced, the seeking, and the called.
Mercy is not weakness — it is our authority. We lead with compassion, restoration, and healing. This is the meaning of The Miz: Misericordia — the Heart of God toward all who suffer.
No borders, no exclusions. East and West. Africa to the Americas. The world is our parish because the Word is our commission. We move toward all peoples in every generation.
The Catechism is the basis of the faith — what it means to be a Christian. These courses form the doctrinal and liturgical foundation for every believer in the Diocese of DOMA, grounding clergy and laity alike in the essentials of the Christian life: the Creeds, the Sacraments, the Lord’s Prayer, the Decalogue, and the riches of the liturgical tradition.
Explores the practice of praying the Our Father and its theology — how the Lord's Prayer structures Christian life, forms the praying community, and shapes the ministry of the deacon and pastor.
An introduction to the theology of the Creeds of the Church — exploring how these ancient statements of faith serve as foundational tools for shaping belief, practice, and spirituality.
Provides an orientation to the theology of the sacraments and the dynamics of the sacramental life — equipping ministers and laity to understand, celebrate, and teach the sacraments faithfully.
Explores the relationship between the Sermon on the Mount and the Ten Commandments as mutually-interpreting teachings of Jesus describing a cruciform way of life.
An introduction to liturgical and pastoral uses of the Book of Common Prayer in light of the theology and spirituality of the Anglican tradition — its history, shape, and formative power.
Explores the history and theology of liturgical time and liturgical space in the Anglican tradition — the meaning of seasons, feasts, fasts, and the sacred geography of worship.
An introduction to the history, form, and purpose of Christian liturgy — exploring how the gathering of God's people around Word and Table shapes and forms the Body of Christ.
Provides a model for spiritual direction — exploring various approaches to the practice, its relationship to therapy and the cure of souls, and its place in the life of personal and communal prayer.
An exploration of the sacrament of Baptism — its biblical foundations, theological meaning, and the ways it initiates believers into the life of Christ and the community of faith.
A study of the theology and practice of the Eucharist — exploring how Holy Communion nourishes the Body of Christ, sustains the baptized, and shapes the worship and mission of the Church.
An introduction to the Beatitudes of Jesus — exploring how these blessings reveal the character of the Kingdom of God and call the Church to a life of humility, mercy, and peacemaking.
A study of the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5 — how the Spirit works in and through believers to produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
An exploration of the biblical theology of forgiveness — how Scripture reveals God’s mercy, calls believers to forgive as they have been forgiven, and grounds reconciliation in the cross of Christ.
A course built around the 52 questions and answers of the New City Catechism — a modern catechetical tool rooted in the historic Reformed and evangelical traditions, designed to form hearts and minds in the essentials of the Christian faith.
Six formation modules — 18 credit hours — shaped by DOMA's distinctive global, mercy-centred identity. All six courses are required for the Certificate or Diploma.
An introduction to the Old Testament as the story of God's saving work, tracing the arc from creation and covenant to exile and hope, always read in light of Jesus Christ. Candidates survey the major themes — Torah, prophets, wisdom, temple, kingdom — situating texts in their historical contexts while discovering how the OT prepares for and witnesses to Christ. For deacons-in-training, this course builds the scriptural foundation for proclaiming the whole counsel of God.
An introduction to the New Testament that situates the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation within their Second Temple Jewish backgrounds, traces major theological themes across the canon, and shows how biblical theology centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Students read representative passages closely and learn how the NT's witness shapes gospel proclamation, worship, and discipleship. Indispensable formation for the deacon who reads and proclaims the Gospel.
A sustained study of Anglican theology from the Reformation to the present, tracing foundations in Scripture, the ecumenical creeds, and the English formularies. Through readings from the Reformers, Caroline Divines, global Anglican voices — including African and Eastern Church Fathers — and contemporary theologians, candidates discover how doctrine, liturgy, and ecclesial life cohere. DOMA candidates encounter the African roots of the Anglican and catholic tradition, from Alexandria to Ethiopia.
This course examines the history and theology of Holy Orders from the apostolic age to the present, seen through the lens of the Anglican tradition. Candidates trace the emergence of the threefold order — including in the African and Eastern churches — through the medieval period, Reformation, and into the global communion today. Special attention is given to the theology of ordination: apostolic succession, the nature of diaconal vows, and the deacon's unique role as servant of the Church's mercy mission.
A practical theology course equipping candidates to lead and assist in worship in the Prayer Book tradition. The deacon's liturgical role is central: reading the Gospel, leading the Prayers of the People, preparing the table, and dismissing the congregation. Candidates study the theology of liturgy and develop skills to conduct services with reverence and pastoral sensitivity — covering the Eucharist, the Daily Office, occasional rites, and how the Prayer Book tradition speaks across diverse global contexts.
A DOMA-distinctive missions course integrating the theology of mission with diaconal practice. Drawing on the African and Eastern Church — desert fathers, the Ethiopian eunuch, Athanasius, Phoebe the deaconess — this course explores what it means to be sent ad omnes. Candidates develop a theology of mercy as mission, examining how diaconal service is intrinsically apostolic. Practical modules cover cross-cultural ministry, community development, ministry in diaspora communities, and planting mercy-centred outposts under the DOMA framework.
Beyond the six core Certificate modules, DOMA Institute offers a rich catalogue of pastoral courses — required for all candidates pursuing ordination to the diaconate or priesthood, and also open to lay learners. These courses deepen your theology, spirituality, and pastoral formation.
Explores the development and definition of the historic diaconate — its location, shape, and the groundwork of diaconal ministry in the context of worship.
An exploration of the missional aspects of the diaconate — its theology, its practical shape, and what it means to be sent as a servant deacon into the world.
Examines the ministry of the priest as celebrant — what it means to lead the faithful in celebrating the liturgy faithfully and reverently.
Examines the ministry of the priest as preacher — exploring the sermon, working within sacramental liturgy and lectionary, and what happens beyond "the liturgy."
Explores the priestly work of catechesis, discipleship, and theological formation — how the priest forms and teaches God's people in the faith.
Explores the priest's ministry in the sacramental rites of healing — the Reconciliation of the Penitent and the Ministration of the Sick and Dying.
Drawing from a reading of 1 and 2 Timothy, this short course explores a theology of ordained sacramental ministry and what it means to be set apart for holy service.
An engagement with Karl Rahner's sermons, prayers, and lectures on Hope — exploring what Christian hope means, how it grounds the Church's life, and how it shapes ministry.
A three-session course exploring St. Maximus Confessor's Christological vision of creation and the ways this vision illuminates the spiritual life of Christians.
Explores the relationship between the work of the church in heaven and the church in the world — how both the living and dead participate in the mystery of Christ's unfolding incarnation.
Why must we die? What are we to believe about the dead? How do we care for the bereaved? Explores these questions in light of the mystery of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
Focuses on the relationship between Mary and the Mystery of Salvation — her role in the economy of grace and what her life reveals about God's saving purposes.
Focuses on the relationship between Jesus and Israel's Scriptures — how he himself read these texts, what it means for him to have fulfilled them, and why they speak of God as they do.
Explores the contrast between the patterns of life called for in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and the imagined patterns of popular myths of redemptive violence.
A literary and theological reading of the story of David, exploring how the events of his life reveal the truth of ours — and what wisdom he carries for ministers today.
A short course exploring the biblical Christology of "The Fire and the Cloud" — tracing how the presence of God in fire and cloud across the Old Testament finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ.
Explores Jesus' teaching on money, wealth, and power — and how it shaped early Christian theology and ministry in ways that remain urgent and prophetic today.
The Ignatian spiritual tradition is rich with resources for discerning God's presence and voice. Explore this tradition and learn practices to deepen your prayer life and discern God's call in everyday life.
Explores how ministers can best fulfill their responsibilities to themselves and others in ways that are healthy, generative, and faithful rather than violent, toxic, or self-alienating.
Explores Christian understandings of the inspiration and canonisation of the Scriptures and the formation of the creedal tradition — both historically and theologically.
Explores Christian understandings of the sacraments — especially baptism and the Lord's Supper — as well as the episcopacy, considering their meaning historically, theologically, and pastorally.
Learning to embrace 'being known' and understanding the dynamic of nine different personality perspectives — a formation tool for self-awareness, mercy, and relational ministry.
The Rule of Life is a covenant calling that grounds our mission in the three pillars of DOMA’s identity: the building of people in the depths of discipleship, the practice of merciful love, and the extension of God’s kingdom to all people. We invite you to step into this vision and practice the ancient rhythms of Christian discipleship that have sustained the saints across centuries.
We are called to remember there is no value in any practice or discipline of life unless it is sustained and inspired by love – the love of God and the love of our neighbor.
We are called to meditate on the Gospels and let the life and word of Jesus change our lives.
Our identification with Christ in Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door by which we enter into the sacramental life. Our baptism sets us out on a lifelong journey that is characterized by our relationship to God, our relationship to our faith community, and our relationships in our community and the wider world. Living our baptismal covenant means living a life of growth in the faith practices of discipleship. We are called to remember and renew our Baptism often.
We are called to participate regularly in the Holy Eucharist and to value the nourishment we receive from this holy sacrament. We should make every effort to participate and receive the Holy Eucharist at a minimum every Sunday.
We are called to cultivate a daily, weekly, monthly, annual rhythm of time reserved for prayer to our Father in heaven.
We are called to let the big decisions for our life be directed by the Holy Spirit in the light of Sacred Scripture.
We believe in the love of the Father and therefore know how to ask his pardon and forgiveness from our neighbors. Regular examination of our obedience to Christ is necessary. To be reconcilers we must first be deeply reconciled to God. We are called to practice regular self-examination and annual use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We are called to love The Church of Jesus Christ and live the depth of its message for the sake of God alone. We are called to discover the unity of the church by the grace and humility of Christ.
We are called to obey the injunction of Jesus to trust the Father who feeds the sparrows and he does not give a stone when we ask for bread.
We are called to practice hospitality to those who cannot return it.
We are called not to pile up possessions.
We are called to know and remember that what is foolish and of no account in the eyes of men, is often wise and important in the eyes of God.
We are called to know and remember what we have to endure is as important as what we can do.
We are called to remember that asking God for the gift of humor is important in life’s journey.
We are called to make a daily offering of ourselves as an act of praise to God and his service to our neighbor.
The road to diaconal ordination within DOMA unfolds across four phases — from initial discernment through formal examination and ordination — carried out in community under the oversight of Bishop Daniel Zopoula and the Commission on Ministry.
Bishop Daniel Zopoula serves as the shepherd of Miz City Church and the Diocese of DOMA — Domus Misericordiae ad Omnes. Born in Africa and carrying a global apostolic calling, he leads DOMA as a house of mercy sent to all peoples and nations. The World is our Parish is not merely a motto — it is the mission he has been given and the life he leads. He oversees all formation, ordination, and episcopal authority within DOMA worldwide.
The Commission on Ministry (COM) accompanies every candidate through the formation process, conducting interviews at each phase, reviewing academic and mentoring progress reports, and advising the Bishop on readiness for ordination. The COM represents the communal nature of discernment in DOMA — no one enters Holy Orders alone. Contact the COM to begin your enquiry at admin@themizcitychurch.org.
Answer the call. The DOMA Commission on Ministry reviews each application personally. There are no wrong answers — only honest ones.
Tell us who you are. DOMA is a global house — your heritage and story matter to us.
Tell us about your current ministry and choose whether you are pursuing the Certificate or Diploma track. Then confirm your commitments.
Reduced reading load, pass/fail grading. Designed for diaconal formation within DOMA. Certificate credits do not apply toward a Master's degree.
Full academic load, graded (A–F). Diploma credits may be applied toward a Master of Arts in Religion or Master of Divinity at an affiliated seminary.
This is the heart of your application. Write freely and honestly. The Commission on Ministry reads every word prayerfully.
Review your application below. Once submitted it will be sent to the DOMA Commission on Ministry for prayerful review.
Your application to the DOMA Certificate in Diaconal Studies has been submitted to the Commission on Ministry. May God who began a good work in you bring it to completion for His glory and the sake of all people.
"By the grace of Almighty God, and under the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Church, we establish this Diocese as a House of Mercy sent ad omnes — to all. Therefore, let it be proclaimed:"