Welcome to SACOTC!

For many years students from Melbourne desired to study theology at a Coptic Orthodox Theological College. This became possible only through distance learning units offered by Pope Shenouda III Coptic Orthodox Theological College in Sydney, which led to the graduation of several students.

One of the main priorities of His Grace Bishop Suriel after his enthronement as Bishop of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions in December, 1999 was to establish a Theological College in Melbourne to cater for students all over the diocese. In September 2000 a Catholic Convent was purchased in Coburg to accommodate Saint Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College. In that same year a papal decree No. 21/29 was issued by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III establishing the College.

The College strives to promote high quality courses by qualified professionals in all fields of theology. The aim of the College is to equip students for ministry in the Church and to promote sound Orthodox teaching. This may be towards ministry in the priesthood or as lay teachers working as religious educators in our churches and schools as well as training youth leaders and preparing people for the mission field throughout the diocese including the South Pacific.

Saint Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College is working towards achieving recognition as a Recognised Teaching Institution in the near future. We also hope that our units of study will gradually be available for online study. This will allow students from around the globe to study with us.

We hope you enjoy touring our website and find it informative and we will be very happy to hear from you. We encourage you to study with us and we look forward to assisting you on your journey towards a deeper understanding of Orthodox faith, spirituality and life.