pdf version

ⲕⲟⲓⲛⲱⲛⲓⲁ
Issue 3, June 2016
The Newsletter of SAC
The SAC community presented His Holiness with the gift of an icon of St Irenaeus of Lyons.
SAC Hosts Serbian Orthodox Patriarch
The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches were
of one heart when the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch
visited St Athanasius College for a special interOrthodox gathering.
the importance of the patristic, liturgical and
eucharistic foundations of theology and highlighted
the essential integration of the liturgical life of the
church with theology.
On Tuesday 8 March the leader of the Serbian
Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, visited
the SAC Donvale Campus accompanied by His
Eminence Metropolitan Dr Amfilohije of Montenegro
and the Littoral and His Grace Bishop Irinej, of
Australia and New Zealand, also from the Serbian
Orthodox Church.
His Holiness also instilled a profound optimism in
the future of the Orthodox faith. He encouraged all
to embrace a unified heart and joyful hope in the
Orthodox Church to ensure the ancient faith tradition
remains relevant in a dynamic modern world.
The SAC community welcomed His Holiness with a
guard of Coptic school students waving flags. The St
Athanasius College Choir greeted His Holiness with
the appropriate processional hymns into the Church.
Among the guests were His Grace Bishop Ezekiel and
His Grace Bishop Iakovos from the Greek Orthodox
Church in Melbourne, representatives from various
Christian denominations, the Vice Chancellor of the
University of Divinity Professor Peter Sherlock, heads
of Colleges, Faculty and staff, clergy from the Coptic
Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne and SAC students.
His Holiness presented a guest lecture on Theology
as a Hope for the Future of the Church, with His
Grace Bishop Irinej translating the lecture. In his
introduction, His Holiness offered his respects to
the long-suffering Coptic Orthodox Christians with
particular mention of the 21 Coptic martyrs who were
martyred in Libya in 2015. The lecture emphasised
SAC Dean and Chancellor, Bishop Dr Suriel, said the
joyous occasion echoed the words of the Psalmist:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity. (Ps 133:1)
Bishop Suriel acknowledged the strong relationships
of love and dialogue which have been established
between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox
Churches, built up over time through formal and
informal dialogue and consultation. He affirmed
a statement issued by the Eastern Orthodox
Church primates in their: “desire to continue,
despite any difficulties, the theological dialogues
with other Christians, as well as the interreligious
dialogues, especially with Judaism and Islam, given
that dialogue constitutes the only way of solving
differences among people, especially in a time like
today, when every kind of division, including those
in the name of religion, threaten people’s peace and
unity.”
Continued on page 8
From the Dean
wisdom of the Gospel, early Church Fathers and
Pope Shenouda III.
I am delighted to
present you with
our third Koinonia
publication. The past
six months have been
a busy and productive
chapter for St Athanasius
College (SAC). I give
thanks to God for
the many exciting
developments at SAC.
Student enrolments are on a steep growth
trajectory with our unit enrolments doubling in
Semester One. We continue to partner with our
University of Divinity colleagues on the Strategic
Plan 2016-2025. We are implementing a raft
of initiatives that ensure ongoing government
compliance and the sustained success of the
college.
Our new SAC team includes Director of Academic
Administration Rev Dr Peter Dobson; Lecturer
Fr Michael Salib; Lecturer Rev Deacon Dr
Nebojsa Tumara and Director of Marketing and
Communications Maggie Trainor.
I also thank our staff,
students and supporters
for investing their time, talent and wisdom to
progress the works of the college.
A semester highlight was the visit to SAC by the
leader of the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Holiness
Patriarch Irinej in March. All present commented on
the sense of peace, joy and oneness of heart, as we
shared a hope-filled journey towards Christian unity.
New titles and some new roles have also been
assigned to existing staff:
Bassem Morgan - Director of IT and Multimedia,
Fr Daniel Ghabrial - Director of Coursework,
Deborah Decru - Director of Learning Resources,
and Dr Amir Malek - Assistant Dean.
Also in March, I made a visit to St Vladimir’s Orthodox
Theological Seminary (SVOTS) New York, for the
launch of our joint SVS/SAC Press publication The
Life of Repentance and Purity by His Holiness Pope
Shenouda III of blessed memory.
In this edition, I invite you to enjoy a full update on
Eporo Tower Campus, which is on track to open in
mid 2017. In addition, major renovation works are
taking place at our Donvale Campus in 2016.
The SAC Lenten Retreat held in April was themed
The Life of Repentance and Purity. The aim of the
retreat was to encourage spiritual growth through the
Bishop Suriel
Chancellor and Dean
CONTENTS
Visit of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch
From the Dean
New Staff
Graduation
Patristics Study Intensive
Metanoia Book Club
SAC Press and SVS Press – New York Book Launch
Visit of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch
SAC Press Book Gifted to Pope Francis
Library Report
Marketing and Coursework Reports
Donvale Campus Renovations
Building International Academic Partnerships
SAC Academic Board and College Council
Lenten Retreat
Eporo Tower
Semester Two Timetable
Book Launches
Enrolment Report
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ⲕⲟⲓⲛⲱⲛⲓⲁ
The Newsletter of SAC
Issue 3, June 2016
ISSN 2205-2763 (Online)
Published by SAC Press
100 Park Rd Donvale Vic 3111
Editor in Chief: Bishop Dr Suriel
Assistant Editors: Deborah Decru, Maggie Trainor, Lisa Agaiby, Fr
Michael Salib, Rev Dr Peter Dobson
Graphic Design: Bassem Morgan
Photo Credits: Dr Adel Zayed, Nashaat Mikhael, Mamdouh Botros,
Basil Matta, Dr Emad Aboud, Mrs Gehan Aboud, Bassem Morgan
Story Credits: Zac Traversa, Mrs Gehan Aboud, Associate Professor
Youhanna Youssef, Maggie Trainor
Printed by Red Print Kew East
© SAC – A College of the University of Divinity
ABN 61 153 482 010
CRICOS Provider 01037A, 03306B
P.O. Box 1153 Mitcham North Vic 3132
www.sac.edu.au/koinonia
Feedback: [email protected]
Telephone: +61 3 8872 8400
ⲕⲟⲓⲛⲱⲛⲓⲁ is available in print and electronic pdf formats
New Staff
St Athanasius College (SAC) has welcomed
four new staff members in Semester One.
Fr Michael Salib
Fr Michael Salib,
a newly ordained
priest, joins SAC as a
Lecturer in Religious
Education. He is a
former physiotherapist
and school teacher,
who taught Physics
and Mathematics to
secondary school
students. Fr Michael
previously worked in Teaching and Learning
Leadership in the government school sector.
The SAC Lecturer has completed a Master of
Arts in Coptic Studies which included studies in
Religious Education. He is currently undertaking
postgraduate studies in preparation for a PhD in
Religious Education.
Fr Michael was ordained a priest in the Coptic
Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne in December
2015 and serves at Archangel Michael Monastery
for Nuns in Donvale.
Rev Dr Peter Dobson
Rev Dr Dobson has
been appointed SAC’s
Director of Academic
Administration. He brings
diverse career experience
which includes work
on the family orchard,
a stint at the National
Australia Bank and then
Theological Studies
at Kingsley College as a step towards pastoral
ministry.
Dr Dobson was licensed as a Wesleyan Methodist
minister in 1993 and ordained in 1998. He
undertook parish ministry in Boronia, Berwick,
Healesville and Balwyn prior to his appointment as
Principal of Kingsley College Melbourne in 2004.
In 2008 Kingsley merged its Higher Education
Programs with Tabor Victoria and Dr Dobson
was appointed Dean of Quality and Student
Administration.
In 2014 and 2015 he worked as Project Manager
for Excelsia College. Dr Dobson completed his
Doctor of Ministry with the Australian College of
Theology in 2012 and his thesis was entitled An Analysis
of the Ministerial Development Process in the Wesleyan
Methodist Church of Australia.
Maggie Trainor
Maggie Trainor has joined
SAC as Director of Marketing
and Communications.
Maggie began her career as
a cadet journalist working for
Rural Press and later for Xpress
newspaper at the Department
of Education, Training and
Employment in Adelaide.
She has also worked in a public relations and marketing
capacity for CLS Private Consulting Psychology Services,
Catholic Communications, the Carers Association, Santa
Maria College and Catholic Education Melbourne.
Maggie has completed a Master of Publishing and
Communications and a Master of Theological Studies.
Maggie is responsible for the areas of strategic
management, corporate communications, marketing,
events and publishing.
Rev Deacon Dr Nebojsa Tumara
Rev Deacon Dr Nebojsa
Tumara will be joining the SAC
faculty as a Lecturer, bringing
stellar academic experience
from both European and
American universities.
Dr Tumara is from the Serbian
Orthodox Church community,
and will offer research
contributions, course development and lecturing in the
areas of Old Testament, Hebrew and Syriac.
Dr Tumara’s doctoral dissertation, which he completed
in 2015, was entitled: Anthropological Assumption of
Ascetic Exegesis of the Holy Scripture in Early Rabbinic
Judaism and Early Syriac Christianity.
He was ordained a deacon of the Serbian Orthodox
Church, Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, in 2014.
The new SAC team looks forward to working
collaboratively with colleagues at the University of
Divinity and being of service to students and the wider
community.
3
University of Divinity Graduation
SAC staff and students gathered at the magnificent
St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne on Friday 18 March
for the University of Divinity Graduation Ceremony.
There were 358 University of Divinity students
graduating this year with most receiving their award
in person at the official celebration.
St Athanasius College had ten students graduating
with a Diploma in Theology with their units of study
completed at our Donvale Campus. Our 2016
college graduates are:
Dr Emad Aboud
Fr Peter Agaibi
Fr Paul Awad
Christina Barsom
Natalie Bishara
Fr Antonious Guirguis
Christiopher Michael
Abanoub Mikhail
Hanaa Youssef
Nabil Youssef
Dr Emad Aboud received the Vice Chancellor Award
for outstanding academic results and a sustained
commitment to learning. Emad has excelled in
leadership and service, both as a SAC student and in
his parish and community. He has shared his newly
gained knowledge and skill by teaching others in his
parish, particularly in the areas of Coptic Language
and Coptic Hymns.
His Grace Bishop Dr Suriel called out the names
of the St Athanasius College graduating students in the ceremony
at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The 2016 graduation was video-streamed live by SAC
staff Bassem Morgan and Mamdouh Botros. It can be
viewed on SAC TV www.sac.edu.au
Congratulations to the SAC Diploma of Theology Graduate
Dr Emad Aboud, our recipient of theVice Chancellor Award.
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Patristic Scholar to Lead School of Alexandria Intensive
St Athanasius College (SAC),
as a recognised leader in
Oriental Orthodox theology,
presents The School
of Alexandria as a new
theological study intensive,
in conjunction with Yarra
Theological Union.
The unit will be presented
by the Dean of St Vladimir’s
Orthodox Theological Seminary, the Very Rev
Professor John Behr. Fr Behr is an Oxford University
scholar, on the work of Origen, St Athanasius and St
Cyril of Alexandria; each a significant figure in the
Alexandrian School founded by St Mark the Apostle.
Icon of St Mark the Evangelist, founder of the School of Alexandria
© 2013 Ashraf Gerges.
Fr John Behr, an internationally acclaimed patristics
scholar, will lead the School of Alexandria winter
intensive over three weekends in June and July.
Fr Behr lives in New York and will be travelling to
Australia for the first time to lead the unit.
8-10 July. The weekend time allocations are Friday
(7pm-10pm); Saturday (9am-3pm) and Sunday
(2pm-5pm). The course will be held at SAC Donvale
Campus located at 100 Park Road Donvale.
The School of Alexandria will be delivered at a
Diploma, Degree or Master level, and for audit.
The dates for the intensive are 24-26 June; 1-3 and
Supporting details and SAC TV videos about the
course are located online at www.sac.edu.au. For
inquiries contact Dr Peter Dobson at
E: [email protected] or T: 03 8872 8452.
Book Club Changes Hearts and Minds
The Metanoia Book Club gathered for the first time
on Monday 4 April as a social platform to explore the
rich treasures of Orthodox literature.
The purpose of the book club is to engage students
and those interested in Orthodox texts, locally and
internationally, in a spiritual reading program to
foster ‘metanoia’.
Metanoia is a Greek word meaning ‘a new way of
thinking’ or a ‘change of heart’ and the first text on
the reading list certainly invoked a new mindset.
The reading program began with the new SAC/SVS
Press title: The Life of Repentance and Purity by
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of blessed memory,
which was translated by His Grace Bishop Dr Suriel.
Bishop Suriel outlined the vast time and effort
invested in publishing the work of Pope Shenouda
III, a great and blessed man in the modern Coptic
Orthodox Church. His Grace explained the book
translation was completed in 1989 in its first edition.
After a long hiatus, the book continued to evolve to
its current completed state through the support of a
research team, editorial board and the love, prayers
and contribution of many supporters.
Bishop Suriel launched the book club through the
SAC Press publishing arm, with 20 people attending
the first meeting.
All are welcome to join Metanoia Book Club at 100
Park Road Donvale on Monday evenings, 7.30pm.
There is also the opportunity to listen to podcasts
and updates about the book club on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/metanoiabookclub/
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Successful SVS and SAC Press Book Launch in New York
The official launch of The Life of Repentance
and Purity by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of
blessed memory, was held at St Vladimir’s Orthodox
Theological Seminary in New York on Saturday
12 March. Pope Shenouda was the 117th Pope of
Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark. The
Publication of the book was a collaboration between
SVS Press and SAC Press. Almost 5000 copies of the
book sold worldwide in the first few weeks making it
a best seller for SVS Press and confirming the need
for Coptic Papal texts to be translated from Arabic to
English to reach wider audiences.
SAC representatives at the American book launch
included His Grace Bishop Dr Suriel, Fr Daniel
Ghabrial, Dr Amir Malek, Dr Samir Ibrahim, Dr Emad
Aboud and Mrs Gehan Aboud. Below is an abridged
account of the book launch by SAC Council Member,
Gehan Aboud.
The book launch was enormously successful
attracting an audience of over 300 people. His Grace
Bishop David, from the Diocese of New York and
New England, prayed Thanksgiving Prayers which led
into an introduction by the Very Rev Professor John
Behr. Then Bishop Suriel spoke about his association
with SVOTS, the new Coptic Studies Series initiative
by SVS Press and SAC Press, the profound spiritual
writings of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the
contents of the book, the three year journey which
led to the publication of the current edition and
the origin of the cover photo of His Holiness Pope
Shenouda III. The photo was taken in 2009 during
At the book launch His Grace shared how the Life of Repentance
and Purity evolved as an English translation with references.
President Obama’s
speech at Cairo
University. Bishop Suriel
gifted Fr John Behr with
an icon of St Irenaeus,
especially written for
this occasion by Mother
Veronica of Archangel
Michael Monastery
in Melbourne. The
book sold briskly and
many people took the
opportunity to have
their copies signed by
Bishop Suriel and Fr
John Behr.
7
SAC Hosts Serbian Orthodox Patriarch
Continued from page 1
Significantly, this quoted statement presented
by Bishop Suriel was taken from the 2008
Message of the Primates of the Orthodox
Churches signed in the Phanar, Istanbul.
This statement was signed by His Eminence
Metropolitan Dr Amfilohije on behalf of
the Serbian Orthodox Church who also
accompanied His Holiness on the visit to SAC.
Bishop Suriel commented on the suffering of the
Serbian Orthodox Church which continues to
bear witness to Christ in Kosovo and Metohija.
The visiting Serbian Orthodox Patriarch also
enjoyed listening to hymns chanted by the
college’s choir of deacons, toured the Donvale
Campus and visited the Coptic nuns at the
His Holiness Patriarch Irinej signs theVisitors Book while visiting
the SAC Library.
adjoining Archangel Michael Monastery where
His Holiness and the Patriarchal entourage
chanted the Troparion of Archangel Michael.
A three course lunch was held in honour of His
Holiness, attended by over 100 guests.
SAC Dean and Chancellor, Bishop Dr Suriel, said
the inter-Orthodox gathering had succeeded
The gold gilded St Irenaeus icon was written for His Holiness by
Mother Veronica of Archangel Michael Monastery for Nuns.
8
Our spiritual leaders pray for Christian unity
at the Archangel Michael Monastery for Nuns.
Pope Francis Receives SVS
and SAC Press Book
in building up good will, respectful dialogue,
Christian unity and a greater commitment to
peace and love in the world. Before leaving the
College, Bishop Suriel thanked His Holiness for
a fruitful visit. His Holiness replied by thanking
His Grace for the warm welcome and hospitality
provided by the College community.
His Holiness extended a kind invitation to
Bishop Suriel to visit him in Serbia. Many guests
were moved by the beautiful hymns chanted by
the St Athanasius College Choir as well as the
atmosphere of palpable love and joy that filled
the day.
Coptic Orthodox Bishop of New York and New
England, His Grace Bishop David, presents
Pope Francis with a copy of the SVS/SAC Press
book translated from Arabic to English by SAC
Chancellor, Dean and Coptic Orthodox Bishop
of Melbourne, Bishop Dr Suriel.
In the current Jubilee Year of Mercy, instituted
by His Holiness Pope Francis, it was fitting for
His Holiness to be gifted with the SAC book
The Life of Repentance and Purity. The text
was written by Pope Shenouda III of blessed
memory, the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of
the See of St Mark.
Pope Francis received the Life of Repentance
and Purity title from Bishop David on April 6
while on a personal trip to Rome with Cardinal
Timothy Dolan, also from New York. Bishop
David presented the book, which was launched
in March in the United States.
The English translation with supporting
commentary is the first book to be released in
the new Coptic Studies Series joint publishing
venture by SVS Press (New York) and SAC Press
(Melbourne). It has become one of the fastest
selling SVS Press titles in history, with 5000
copies sold out in the first few weeks of release
and a futher 3500 printed which will include hard
cover, and ebook editions.
The Australian book launch is scheduled for 5
July when the Dean of St Vladimir’s Seminary,
the Very Rev Dr John Behr, will visit Melbourne
to present at the ANZATS Conference and at the
University of Divinity’s Patristics Study Intensive.
Books can be purchased at the book launch or:
www.orthodoxbook.com.au
His Grace Bishop Dr Suriel welcomes His Holiness and entourage to
the St Anthanasius College Donvale Campus.
9
Library Report
Deborah Decru
Director of Learning Resources
Since our last update,
there have been many
exciting developments
in the library.
As a priority, the
SAC team is working
on expanding the
library to the Eporo
Tower Campus in the
Melbourne CBD.
This requires careful planning and logistical
consideration to ensure students and staff can
access a rich, diverse and engaging selection of
resources to support research. Preparations are
progressing well.
Thank you to our donors for your generous
and welcome financial contributions. We have
gratefully received substantial funds to purchase
Coptic and early church titles including:
• The Coptic Tapestry Albums and the
Archaeologist of Antinoé, Albert Gayet,
• The Cave Church of Paul the Hermit at the
Monastery of St. Paul, Egypt,
• Cyril of Alexandria and the Nestorian
Controversy: The Making of a Saint and of a
Heretic,
• Shenoute of Atripe and the Uses of Poverty:
Rural Patronage, Religious Conflict, and
Monasticism in Late Antique Egypt and
• The Churches of Egypt: From the Journey of
the Holy Family to the Present Day
Students and members of the community are
welcome to donate a book to the Library in
memory of a loved one, to commemorate the
birth of a child, or to acknowledge a significant
milestone. Bookplates will be designed to
meet the occasion. For a list of suggested book
titles, please see the Friends of the library list
here: http://www.bookdepository.com/wishlists/
WF5PVC. The list will change as titles are added
or removed. You are also most welcome to
suggest a title.
Earlier this year we were honoured to receive
His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian
Orthodox Church, who presented the library
with two books on Kosovo: Art of Kosovo: The
Sacred Land, and Chronicles of the Renewed
Crucifixion of Kosovo: Diary Entries and Other
Records March 1999 - December 2000.
We have added two study carrels to the library
to allow students some quiet study space
tucked away from the entrance. The provision
of WiFi access and power outlets will ensure
uninterrupted access to online resources from
personal computers and other devices.
SAC students now have use of the University
of Divinity (UD) Library Hub, an online portal
providing access to a vast array of journal
articles, ebooks and other resources from some
of the leading providers of academic theological
titles. The Library Hub has greatly enhanced
online resources available to students of the
college.
Recently, the library received its first book
donation in memory of a St Athanasius Church
parishioner. The book called The Treasures of
Coptic Art is displayed in the library with its
memorial bookplate. Thank you to Ashraf Ishak
and family of Berta Ishak Sobhy for this kind gift.
Donations were also gratefully received from
Fr Antonious Guirguis – Expository Dictionary
of Bible Words: Word Studies for Key English
Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek
Texts – and Lisa Agaiby – Monastic Visions: Wall
Paintings in the Monastery of St. Antony at the
Red Sea, and her own work, Manual Labor in
Early Egyptian Monasticism: From the Late Third
to Mid-Fifth Century.
10
Student Rebecca Saad is impressed by the SAC library resources and
support services available.
Marketing Report
Coursework Report
Maggie Trainor
Director of Marketing and Communications
Fr Daniel Ghabrial
Director of Coursework
Since joining SAC in January, it has been an
honour to creatively contribute to the marketing
scaffold established by former SAC Registrar
Jacqueline Mina. Just some of the new
marketing strategies adopted to promote the
many great people, works and achievements at
SAC include:
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Enrolment growth strategies
A rebrand of the name and logo
Increased social media presence
Change of address to 100 Park Road
Change of staff titles
Increased video output on SAC TV
Corporate partnership development
New course development
New website development
Establishing an alumni network
Strategic planning and management
I have also enjoyed supporting both the College
and Diocesan Events which include the:
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Student Orientation Day
The Serbian Patriarchal Visit
Family Day
The SAC Lenten Retreat and
Resurrection Dinner
It’s been a joy to support the Melbourne Coptic
Orthodox Church in delivering high calibre
theological education, servicing local and
international students, both in-class and online.
Thank you to His Grace Bishop Dr Suriel for
having the courage to implement his vision
to provide high quality Orthodox theological
education in Australia and beyond. I look
forward to seeing the college continually
grow and shine as a beacon of truth. With our
many valued supporters SAC is committed to
delivering a leading 21st century educational
model of Orthodox education recognised
domestically and internationally.
Semester Two is almost
upon us and students
have a wide offering of
units available, some
for the first-time, that
are practical, likely to
enhance your spiritual
life and your ministry in
the church.
His Grace Bishop
Dr Suriel will team
up with the Rev Dr John Capper to deliver a
unit on Homiletics. Homiletics is the skill of
delivering and writing sermons. This subject
will help students make the Word of God come
alive. Both presenters are experienced teachers
and preachers. They will generously pass on to
students the art of effectively communicating
God’s truth.
Have you ever wanted to understand why certain
hymns and traditions are celebrated at particular
times of the year in Church? The new unit called
Introduction to the Coptic Liturgical Year, taught
by Fr Dr Gregorios, will answer these questions
and more. This is a great follow-up unit for
students who have enjoyed the previous units on
the Coptic Liturgy, or for beginners. Enrol now!
Donvale Campus
Renovation Work
Our Donvale Campus is currently being
renovated to provide onsite student
accommodation on the second floor, and a new
auditorium/lecture theatre is being built in the
former ground floor dining room.
To keep up with regular SAC news, you can
follow us on these social media channels:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheologyMelb
Facebook: https://facebook.com/SACOTC/
SAC TV: www.sac.edu.au
11
SAC Academic Builds International Partnerships
SAC Associate Professor
Youhanna Youssef built
some valuable international
partnerships on a whirlwind
trip to Egypt in February and
March of this year.
Dr Youssef visited Egypt to
join a research team. He
worked as a member of the
international team dedicated to cataloguing
manuscripts.
He then spent a couple of weeks in the
Monastery of the Virgin known as al-Surian in
the Wadi Natroun conducting research with
colleagues from Yale University, Professor
Stephen Davis and Mrs Mary Farag. At the
monastery, Dr Youssef also delivered a talk to the
monks and novices about The Sahidic Liturgy as
attested in the time of Gabriel IV.
in Cairo Dr Youssef spoke about the Mameluks
and Copts in the time of Gabriel IV. A Coptic TV
network interviewed Dr Youssef about Lenten
hymns. At the Society for Coptic Archaeology,
he presented on healing and miracles in Coptic
monasticism.
As for scientific gathering our SAC academic
participated in the first meeting of the Arab
Coptologists delivering a talk on the letter of
Dionysios the Great to Timothy. Dr Youssef
also chaired a session on Coptic language. The
Arab Coptologists event was organised by the
Bibliotheca Alexandrina and included lecture
sessions on Coptic Monasticism. In addition to
these activities, Dr Youssef gave a talk in the
Saint Mark Centre for Coptic Liturgy. He also
participated actively and chaired sessions in the
Christian Arabic Studies Congress.
Dr Youssef served as an academic jury member
for MA defence in Sadat City University. The
topic explored was Funeral and burial practices
of the Patriarchs in the Coptic Orthodox Church
proposed by Laureen Ghabour. Laureen gained
a high distinction for her dissertation.
Speaking engagements included lectures in
Cairo theological colleges (about monks in
the Coptic liturgy) and in the Monastery of alMuharraq (about the Coptic Theotokia and the
Coptic language). At the American University
Associate ProfessorYouhannaYoussef built SAC partnerships, on a trip
to Egypt, filled with jam-packed speaking engagements, research and
academic leadership.
SAC Academic Board and College Council Update
His Grace and SAC
Councillor Paul Hoy (left)
were thrilled to welcome
the accomplished Associate
Professor Nasir Botrous
(centre) to the Council. SAC
is also delighted to have
new and talented members
join the Academic Board:
these include the esteemed
Rev Dr Alan Niven,
Rev Dr Peter Dobson and
Fr Michael Salib.
12
Rev Dr Alan Niven
Lenten Retreat Leads to Spiritual Renewal
The SAC community enjoyed a time of rest,
renewal and spiritual formation at the Lenten
Retreat. It was held at El Kanah, an elegant guest
house in Marysville. The retreat focused on how
to live a life of repentance and purity, drawing
on the rich teachings of Pope Shenouda III.
His Grace Bishop Suriel prayed the Divine Liturgy with retreat
participants at the El Kanah Chapel in Marysville.
His Grace Bishop Dr Suriel led us on an
exploration and appreciation of the rich,
dynamic and mystical heart of Orthodox
Christian teachings. Bishop Suriel challenged
each of us to renew our minds by embracing
purity, repentance and a sincere humility
embedded in spiritual maturity.
Bishop Suriel and students enjoyed a visit to a local waterfall in
Marysville at the 2016 SAC retreat.
The retreat began on Friday evening with
Midnight Praises. Then we all arose early on
Saturday for Morning Praises, attended lectures,
reflected in quiet time and enjoyed an outing to
a waterfall. On the Sunday we shared in Divine
Liturgy and a final lecture before heading back
to Melbourne.
Bishop Suriel delivered four inspiring and challenging lectures at
the annual retreat.
13
Eporo Tower Campus Update
Our new Eporo Tower Campus, being
constructed at 279 La Trobe Street Melbourne,
is making great headway. As we go to press, the
43-storey tower will have reached Level 38. The
structural works will be completed by December
this year. The fit out and interior finishing of our
SAC Eporo Tower Campus will continue into
early 2017. Classes and academic research will
commence at the Eporo Tower site in Semester
Two 2017, God willing.
SAC Welcomes First Full
Time Students
Photo courtesy of skyscraperscity.com
SAC is thrilled to welcome Peter Hanna (left)
and Fabio Guergues (right) as our first full
time students at SAC. Peter hails from Sydney
and has previously studied Commerce and
Actuarial Studies. Peter, who lives on campus,
likes the challenge of academic studies and
enjoys the rigour of theological coursework
at SAC. Meanwhile Fabio is from Melbourne
and last year completed Year 12 at St Mary’s
Coptic Orthodox College. Fabio is keen to grow
and deepen in his faith, through theological
formation, before embarking in further studies in
Computer Science at RMIT.
14
SAC Semester Two Subjects and Timetable
Class Timetable
Monday
7pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday
7pm – 9.30pm
Wednesday
7pm – 9.30pm
Thursday
7pm – 9.30pm
Friday
7pm – 9.30pm
BA1300A/
BA2300A History
of Israel from
the Conquest to
Exile
Dr Amir Malek
and
Rev Deacon Dr
Nebojsa Tumara
CT1600A
Sacramental
Theology: Baptism,
Chrismation and
Eucharist in the
Coptic Church
Fr Gregorios Awad
DP1601A/DP2610A
Understanding the
Family: A Christian
Perspective
Dr Samir Ibrahim
DL1420A
Introduction to the
Coptic Liturgical
Year
Fr Gregorios Awad
DL2410A
Coptic Art and
Iconography II
Ashraf Gerges
BN1800A/BN2800A
Christian Theology,
DR1700A/DR2700A Practice and
Religious Education
Evangelism in the
in the Church
Church of the Apostles
Fr Michael Salib
Shaheer Sedhom
DL2420A
Homiletics
Bishop Dr Suriel
and
Rev Dr John
Capper
Online Units
DR1709A/DR2709A Religious Education in the Church Fr Michael Salib
BA1309A/BA2309A History of Israel from the Conquest to Exile Dr Amir Malek
and Rev Deacon Dr Nebojsa Tumara
BN1809A/BN2809A Christian Theology, Practice and Evangelism in the Church of the Apostles Shaheer Sedhom
CT1609A Sacramental Theology: Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist in the Coptic Church Fr Gregorios Awad
Semester Two Dates
Monday 25 July – Friday 28 October 2016
Enrolments close on Wednesday 20 July
New St Severus of Antioch Book Released
Congratulations to SAC Associate Professor Dr
Youhanna Youssef who has edited a new book:
Severus of Antioch: His Life and Times. The book
transpired from a Symposium that SAC hosted on
campus in March 2013. Many distinguished scholars
presented symposium papers that are now edited
and presented in this volume. The book came to life
through a collaborative editorship with Rev Dr John
D’Alton and assimilates leading academic works
on St Severus in one title. It provides an invaluable
theological contribution, and is a positive step
towards Christian rapproachment.
The title was printed by Brill
and is available at:
http://www.brill.com/products/
book/severus-antioch
Melbourne Book Launches
The Life of Repentance and Purity
By the late Pope Shenouda III
Translated by SAC Chancellor and Dean,
His Grace Bishop Dr Suriel and
Severus of Antioch: His Life and Times
Edited by: Associate Professor Dr Youhanna Youssef
and Rev Dr John D’Alton
Date: 5 July Time: 5.45pm
Address: Centre for Theology and Ministry
29 College Crescent, Parkville
RSVP essential by 30 June to:
Dorothy Kalogeropoulos
E: [email protected]
T: 03 8872 8400
15
Enrolment Report
Rev Dr Peter Dobson
Director of Academic Administration
Semester One 2016 was a semester of ‘firsts’.
This is the first semester that we have achieved
more than 100 unit enrolments. This is the first
semester that we have offered the Advanced
Diploma of Theology. This is the first semester
that we have offered both the Diploma and
Advanced Diploma fully online and this is
the first semester that we have had fulltime
students at the College. It has been a busy
start to the year and we are encouraged by the
rapidly increasing enrolments. The graph below
highlights the enrolment growth at SAC.
There are 97 students enrolled at SAC in Semester One. The following graphs show enrolment by mode of
delivery and by course.
EnrolmentsbyModeofDelivery
FacetoFace
enrolments,
82,57%
Online
Enrolments,
62,43%
OnlineEnrolments
FacetoFaceenrolments
EnrolmentbyCourse
4,5%
1,1%
7,8% 4,4%
74,82%
CrossInstitutional
AdvDiploma
Audit
Diploma
SingleSubject
There are nine students studying online from overseas (UK - 3; USA - 5 and Canada - 1) and 17 students
studying online from interstate (Qld - 2; NSW/ACT - 5; WA - 6 and SA - 4).
St Athanasius College Press
www.sacpress.com.au
[email protected]
100 Park Rd
Donvale VIC 3111
+61 3 8872 8450