St Athanasius College (SAC) specialises in Coptic Orthodox theological studies both on campus and online. Christian fellowship, liturgical worship and learning are at the heart of our community.
Welcome
I welcome school graduates, university students, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, ministry workers and seminarians to study theology and be spiritually formed.
The College is on a growth trajectory. The new Eporo Tower Campus, opened in 2017, presents new learning opportunities for both Melbourne-based and interstate students.
At SAC we offer a selection of rich, diverse and distinctly Orthodox theological units in the School of Alexandria tradition, as founded by St Mark the Apostle.
SAC has delivered theological courses in the Coptic Orthodox Christian tradition since 2000 and was accredited in 2011 as a College of the University of Divinity.
We have built a reputation for thought leadership through our diverse course offerings which include undergraduate, postgraduate and higher research degrees.
I wish you every success in your studies. May your God-given talents shine and may all that you do in your life be for the glory of God.
Fr Daniel Ghabrial, Principal
History
Our college is named after St Athanasius, the great pillar and defender of the Scriptural doctrine of Christ. St Athanasius the Apostolic (20th Pope of Alexandria) stood boldly in defence of the biblical doctrine of Christ. We follow in the footsteps of St Athanasius by pres
We support local and international students as they journey towards a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christianity and spirituality, helping them grow in their faith as they prepare for diverse fields of ministry.
SAC provides a positive and supportive learning environment nurturing spiritual growth and cultivating the gifts of each individual. This is achieved through the pursuit of prayer, knowledge, communication, service and fellowship to each other, through the Grace of God. Our students are equipped with the ministry skills and confidence to serve in the priesthood and religious life. We also prepare lay people to serve as theologians, religious educators, youth leaders and mission workers.
Classes are held at our Donvale Campus, based on 22 acres of bushland in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and our Eporo Tower Campus which is located in the Melbourne CBD. Residential facilities are onsite for full-time and part-time students, to help them more fully participate in liturgy, prayer and community life.
St Athanasius College on VOX
All articlesRobber to Repentant | New Publication
New publication from Shadi Kiryakos Nessim, ‘Robber to Repentant: The Life & Sayings of Abba Moses the Strong’. This is the English translation of the Arabic life of Abba Moses the Strong, according to a 14th century manuscript.
- Featured
The Kingdom Within – The Way of the Desert Fathers | Documdrama
Docudrama “The Kingdom Within – The Way of the Desert Fathers,” featuring Dr Lisa Agaiby, the Academic Dean and Senior Lecturer in Coptic Studies at St Athanasius College.
SAC Campus
SAC is located on two sites. The Donvale Campus is based on 22 acres of bushland in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
The City Campus is located in the Eporo Tower at 285a La Trobe St. Opened in 2017, this site presents new learning opportunities for both Melbourne-based and interstate students.
SAC is located on the sovereign and unceded country of the Wurundjeri nation. We pay our respects to their elders, who have cared for this country since its creation, and commit ourselves to work towards a more just settlement for all Indigenous people.
Facilities available to students
Donvale Campus (Primary Campus)
- Student Lounge with Kitchenette
- Tea and Coffee making facilities
- Library with individual work spaces for students
- Free WiFi
- Chapel
- Outdoor space for walking and seating
- Student accommodation – Individual bedrooms with shared bathroom, kitchen and lounge
Eporo Campus CBD (Secondary Campus)
- Student Lounge with Kitchenette
- Tea and Coffee making facilities
- Library with individual work spaces for students
- Free WiFi
- Chapel
St Athanasius College (SAC) Library
St Athanasius College (SAC) Library was established to support students of the College in their studies of Coptic Orthodox faith traditions and broader theological subjects. The Library also welcomes students from the wider University of Divinity community.
The Library’s print collection consists of around 5800 books and journals housed at the Donvale campus. Faculty and students are also supported in their research and studies by an expanding collection of selected and subscription eBooks, journals, and other electronic resources on the University’s Library Hub.
Collection Strengths and Specialties
The Library has a significant collection of Coptic and other Oriental and Eastern Orthodox resources, and numerous monographs supporting studies in patristics and the early church.
Contact
General contact
61388728452
snessim@sac.edu.auPostal address
PO Box 1153
Mitcham North, Victoria 3132
AustraliaAddress
100 Park Road
Donvale, Victoria, 3111
AustraliaCourse students
Shadi NessimAssociate Lecturer
61388728452
Research students
Dr Lisa AgaibyAcademic Dean
61388728452