Among the objectives and work of the Theological Library are the following:
Collections of Writings
To establish an extensive library that contains the patristic writings of the Alexandrian Fathers, with a specific emphasis on St. Athanasius and St. Cyril in ancient languages (Coptic, Greek, Latin, Syrian, and Armenian) and modern translations (English, Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, etc.). The library will also include an extensive reference section for further research in various fields of study, such as Biblical Studies, Patrology, Church History, Dogmas, Liturgics, Comparative Theology, and other fields.
Theological Courses
The Library plans to host a series of seminars and courses for all people in English and Arabic. General courses will seek to convey the teachings of the Fathers for our day and age, such as study of the scriptures, marriage and family life, pastoral care, and Christian education. More intensive theological courses will also be offered for clergy and Church servants.
Annual Patristics Conference
Each year in July, the Library will host a Patristics Conference offering lectures by leading theologians to encourage further theological and Patristic study among laity. This conference will also include a book exhibition and writing contests.
The first Patristics Conference was held on July 21st, 2007 at Holy Virgin Mary Church. The conference included four lectures, followed by a general discussion. The first lecture was by H.G. Bishop Serapion concerning “St. Cyril and the Council of Ephesus,” followed by Fr. Dr. George Dragas, Professor of Patristics and Dogmatic Theology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brooklyne, Massachusetts on “Cyril’s method of understanding persons of the Old Testament as types of Christ and the interpretation of the lives from Adam on, in the light of salvation. The third lecture was entitled “Saint Cyril and his commentary on the Gospel of John,” by Mother Lois, Assistant Professor of early church history at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. The last lecture was by Deacon Dr. Severus Mikhail, Assistant Professor of History at California State University, Fullerton entitled, “St. Athanasius and the Life of St. Antony.”
Publications
In addition to gathering and translating various Patristic texts, the Library seeks to publish books, articles, pamphlets, and CDs to address various needs: academic, pastoral, congregational, and personal. The Library also hopes to establish a semi-annual journal for Alexandrian Patristic Studies.
Preparation of Theologians
In order to encourage the next generation of theologians beginning with the youth, the Library will offer opportunities for young researchers to present papers, as well as provide scholarships for students to continue theological studies at accredited institutions.
