St. Athanasius & St. Cyril Theological School

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St. Athanasius & St. Cyril Theological School

Preaching the Kingdom, Teaching Christ. During the same visit, His Holiness established seminaries in New Jersey and Australia. Pope Shenouda, with the Very Rev.

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. From 1989 to 1995 a board of directors, and courses were established, under the direct supervision and blessing of H.H. Fr. Mikhail Edward Mikhail as Academic Dean, and Very Rev. 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.

06/19/2026

Day 3: The Monasteries of St. Antony & St. Paul

Before sunrise, our graduates departed Cairo to visit two of the most significant monasteries in Christian history: the Monastery of St. Antony the Great and the Monastery of St. Paul the First Hermit.

Guided by our ACTS Alumni Fr. Yehnis El-Antony (Class of ‘22, Master of Theological Studies & Class of ‘24 Master of Theology), we enjoyed praying liturgy, visiting the cave of St. Antony, and exploring the beautiful iconography in the ancient churches.

These monasteries stand as enduring witnesses to the birth of Christian monasticism. For centuries, countless men and women have looked to the examples of St. Antony and St. Paul as models of prayer, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to Christ.

To study theology is to study the lives of those who embodied the Gospel. Standing in these ancient monasteries offers a powerful reminder that Orthodox theology is not merely an academic discipline, it is a path toward transformation and holiness.

May the prayers of St. Antony and St. Paul be with our graduates as they continue their journey.

06/18/2026

Day 2: Deir El-Surian & St. Mina’s Monastery

This pilgrimage brought our graduates to two beloved centers of Coptic spiritual life: Deir El-Surian and the Monastery of St. Mina.

From the rich heritage of the Syrian Monastery to the modern revival of pilgrimage centered around St. Pope Kyrillos VI and St. Mina, our group witnessed how the life of the Church continues to flourish across generations.

These holy places remind us that faith is not simply inherited, it is cultivated through prayer, worship, learning, and service. The saints continue to inspire us to pursue holiness with sincerity, humility, and perseverance.

As ACTS graduates prepare for their next chapter, we pray that the example of these saints will continue to guide their lives, ministries, and theological formation.

06/17/2026

Following our commencement ceremony, our graduates experienced our Coptic Orthodox Christian heritage firsthand in Egypt. 🇪🇬✨

These moments are a reminder that theological education is not only academic, but lived, experienced, prayed, and encountered within the life of the Church across generations.

Join us in congratulating the ACTS Class of 2026 and praying for a blessed and meaningful journey.

Day 1: Wadi El-Natrun | The Desert of the Fathers

Our graduates journeyed into the heart of Coptic monasticism: Wadi El-Natrun, the birthplace of the Desert Fathers and a place that continues to shape Orthodox Christian spirituality to this day.

From the Monastery of St. Bishoy to the Monastery of El-Baramous and the Monastery of St. Macarius the Great, students encountered the living tradition of prayer, asceticism, and discipleship that has inspired generations of Christians around the world.

Theological education is not only learned in books, it is encountered in the places where saints prayed, struggled, worshipped, and drew near to God. As our graduates walked these sacred grounds, they were reminded that theology is ultimately a life lived in communion with Christ.

06/13/2026

AXIOS AXIOS AXIOS!

As we continue celebrating the 10th anniversary of the consecration of His Grace Bishop Kyrillos as an Auxiliary Bishop for our diocese, we are honored to share these words from His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, reflecting on the life, service, and ministry of a beloved son of the Diocese.

His Grace has faithfully served the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California & Hawaii with wisdom, humility, and a deep commitment to Christian education, pastoral care, and theological formation. Through his leadership, countless individuals have been encouraged to grow in their knowledge of Christ and in their service to His Church.

As Dean of ACTS, His Grace continues to champion theological education as a vital part of the life of every Orthodox Christian, helping form future clergy, servants, scholars, and leaders for the Church.

We thank God for His Grace’s faithful ministry and for the fatherly guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion. May the Lord continue to preserve His Grace Bishop Kyrillos for many years and peaceful times, granting him strength, wisdom, and abundant blessings in his service.

06/12/2026

AXIOS AXIOS AXIOS!

Congratulations to Our Dean, His Grace Bishop Kyrillos on the occasion of his 10 year anniversary of his consecration as an Auxiliary Bishop to the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California & Hawaii. May God keep his life for us for many years and peaceful times.

His Grace Bishop Kyrillos is the first American-born bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Georgetown University Law Center, two Masters degrees in Theology from Holy Cross Orthodox School of Theology, and a Ph.D in History of Christianity from the University of Notre Dame, School of Theology.

With great joy, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II consecrated him as an auxiliary (general) bishop to serve alongside His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion in the Diocese on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, Egypt.

He currently oversees Christian education in the Diocese and we are blessed to have him serve as our Dean of St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Coptic Orthodox Theological School.

06/11/2026

🎓 Reflecting on a memorable commencement in Egypt.

Following commencement, our graduates, alumni, faculty, and guests had the opportunity to continue their journey together through a series of inspiring visits that celebrated the rich heritage, scholarship, and living tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church. From touring St. Mark’s Academy, the Museum of the Cross, the Council of Nicaea Museum, and the Central Papal Library at Logos, to engaging with the treasures of our faith and history, each stop served as a reminder that theological education extends far beyond the classroom.

One of the highlights of the week was spending time with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, who graciously shared a word of encouragement and participated in a Q&A session with our graduates. We are deeply grateful for his time, wisdom, and fatherly care.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s commencement celebrations in Egypt and helped make the experience so meaningful. To our graduates and alumni: congratulations once again. We pray that the knowledge you have gained, the relationships you have built, and the experiences you have shared will continue to bear fruit in your service to Christ and His Church for many years to come.

May God bless your next chapter and guide you in every good work.

06/09/2026

🎓 To the ACTS Class of 2026—Congratulations!

We give thanks to God for each graduate who has completed this season of study, growth, and formation. Your journey has been marked by perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to know Christ more deeply through the life of His Church.

As we celebrate our graduates around the world, we rejoice at celebrating a beautiful commencement ceremony in Egypt, while receiving the blessing of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.

May this commencement be a joyful reminder that theological education is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a lifelong calling to serve, teach, lead, and witness to the Gospel.

We are grateful for the dedication of each graduate and look forward to seeing how God will continue to work through you in your parishes, ministries, families, and communities.

May the Lord bless your next steps, grant you wisdom in every endeavor, and guide you as faithful stewards of the gifts He has entrusted to you.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎉📚✨

06/01/2026

Happy Global Coptic Day! Today we celebrate a living tradition rooted in the preaching of St. Mark the Apostle and carried faithfully across centuries of worship, theology, martyrdom, monasticism, art, and prayer.

The word “Coptic” itself comes from the ancient name for Egypt, reflecting the identity of Egypt’s indigenous Christians, whose witness continues to shape the life of the Church throughout the world.

From the School of Alexandria and the rise of Christian monasticism through St. Antony the Great, to the steadfast witness of the 21 Martyrs of Libya, the Coptic Orthodox Church has remained deeply committed to preserving the Orthodox faith through theological scholarship, liturgical life, asceticism, sacred art, and enduring faithfulness amid martyrdom.

This rich heritage continues today through Coptic iconography, hymnology, architecture, language, and the sacramental life of the Church, revealing a theology that is not merely studied, but lived.

May we continue to preserve, study, and proclaim this beautiful inheritance for generations to come. Learn more about how you can advance in your knowledge of the faith at acts.edu.

05/31/2026

On the eve of , we’re highlighting a few incredible Coptic Orthodox resources helping preserve, teach, and share the richness of our faith across the world.

From theological education and publishing, to digital tools, research libraries, and Christian education resources, these organizations continue the living work of preserving the heritage of the Coptic Orthodox Church for future generations.

Featured resources include:

⛪ — supporting servants and Christian education throughout the Diocese of Los Angeles
📚 — publishing Orthodox theology, patristics, spirituality, children’s resources, and more
📖 Spirit & Truth (www.spiritandtruth.app) — a holistic Orthodox resource app featuring the Bible, Agpeya, liturgical texts, Pascha prayers, patristic commentary, and more

As we celebrate Global Coptic Day tomorrow, may we continue investing in the preservation, study, and proclamation of the Orthodox faith through education, scholarship, worship, and service. Learn more about advancing your knowledge of the faith at acts.edu.

05/23/2026

🎓 Celebrating the Class of 2026!

Today, we rejoice with our graduates as they mark this incredible milestone. Through dedication, prayer, late nights of study, and a deep love for the Church, you have completed a journey of theological formation that will bear fruit for years to come.

We wish all our graduates, of this year and years past, joy, peace, and abundant blessings as you received the blessing of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II today. May this moment be filled with gratitude and hope as you step forward to serve the Church and your communities.

Your hard work, faithfulness, and commitment to learning are a witness that theological education continues to shape leaders, teachers, and servants for the future.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 — may God grant you wisdom, strength, and joy in all that lies ahead!

You can watch a recording and livestream of the commencement on the Coptic Orthodox Church official YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/live/4MjUAD9PIKE?si=UyX8Hi9tZGJ_fA4y.

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+16573902287

Website

http://acts.edu/

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