Preaching the Kingdom, teaching Christ.
History of a Theological School in Los Angeles
In 1987, the Trice-Blessed Pope Shenouda III sent various correspondences to the clergy of Los Angeles regarding his desire to establish a theological school in North America. After much effort and examination of the matter, a theological seminary was inaugurated by the late, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III during his second papal visit to the United States in November 1989. On that blessed occasion, His Holiness delivered a message to the faithful of Los Angeles regarding his vision for the importance of a theological school in America. During the same visit, His Holiness established seminaries in New Jersey and Australia.
From 1989 to 1995 a board of directors, and courses were established, under the direct supervision and blessing of H.H. Pope Shenouda, with the Very Rev. Fr. Mikhail Edward Mikhail as Academic Dean, and Very Rev. Fr. Felimon Mikhail as Administrative Dean. In 1993, the first class of students graduated from the seminary, followed by a second group in 2004.
In July 2007, St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Theological Library was established in preparation for a theological school that would further the efforts of Pope Shenouda Theological Seminary by organizing theological conferences, seminars, and events throughout the Diocese. In 2015, the two organizations were merged to form Saint Athanasius and Saint Cyril Theological School (ACTS), currently based in Pomona, California under the guidance, auspices and blessing of His Grace Bishop Serapion.
Mission Statement
The mission of the St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Coptic Orthodox Theological School is to provide the participants with a sound Orthodox Christian education, which prepares them to become Christian leaders who are spiritually mature, biblically and theologically responsible, professionally competent, intellectually astute, deeply committed to sharing the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ and fully equipped for the various ministries of His Church.
Through Orthodox Christian theological education, research, and scholarship, ACTS seeks to edify the Church throughout the world—directly through the preparation of bishops, priests, deacons, servants, scholars, and leaders to teach the Orthodox faith, to preach the gospel throughout the world through mission and evangelism, to serve those in need, and to heal the historic divisions of the church through inter-Orthodox and inter-religious cooperation.
Vision
Through the Grace of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the blessing of the saints, the Theological School aspires to be the premier center of Orthodox Christian scholarship, pastoral education, Orthodox ministry and mission throughout the world. It also seeks to establish a model for Coptic Orthodox Christian institutions abroad.
Values
In every aspect of its life and work, ACTS is guided by the following principles:
Teach the critical appropriation of the Orthodox tradition through a holistic approach that integrates study, work, worship, and personal discipline, in pursuit of the highest standard of academic excellence, professional ethics, and personal integrity.
Preach and proclaim the Gospel in the world today, inviting all to partake of the fullness of the faith, as expressed in the life and teachings of the Orthodox Christian Church.
Serve the Church of God and the word in love, humility, worship, and education as faithful stewards for the glory of God, the edification of the Church, and perfect unity of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
