Al Keraza Competition, or “Mahragan AlKeraza”, originated in the motherland of Egypt under the guidance of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. Today, Coptic Orthodox churches from all over the world participate in the competition in many different languages.

Al Keraza Los Angeles Spiritual Competition is the LA Diocese chapter of “Mahragan Al Keraza”, and is similar in nature to the Diocese Youth Spiritual Competition, but for elementary school children. It started in the year 2009 as a way of encouraging our elementary school children to grow in their faith. The competition is used as a fun way of promoting deeper study and understanding in selected areas: Hymns, Coptic Language, Bible Study, and Church Studies.

Through God’s enormous help and the prayers of our blessed shepherd H.G. Bishop Serapion, the previous two years of Al Keraza LA competition have been great success. The competition is a one day event where teams from all over the diocese meet at one of the churches and enjoy a wonderful day of prayer, food and friendly competition.

The first competition took place at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Santa Monica. The initial competition included only two levels, 1st - 2nd grades and 3rd – 5th grades. Other levels, Graduates/Adults levels, were added in 2010. Adult’s competition is in Arabic and English.

In 2011, more elementary school children are allowed to participate on this blessed day.

In 2012, the Elementary school competition is divided into 4 levels:

Pre-K and Kindergarten
1st and 2nd Grades
3rd and 4th Grades
5th and 6th Grades

With the prayers of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, The central preparation committee has chosen the 2012 competition theme to be: “Be Transformed”

This year’s competition will be held on Saturday, August xx, 2012 at TBD Coptic Orthodox church in TBD.

Hymns competition will be hosted on Saturday, August xx, 2012 at a church per each Diocese’s region.

Further information will be provided soon

Please refer to Structure of Alkeraza Competition for material download, book orders competition rules, team registrations etc…

If you are interested in participating in the competition as a judge, please register as a potential judge at http://www.lacopts.org/form/judges-registration-form

If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Boules Baky or e-mail kerazala@gmail.com.