Hymns

Course Summary – The Hymns course is the crux of the Hymns Institute and is arguably the most important of all the courses. Courses are conducted entirely online under the direction of cantors who are graduates from the Hymnological Institute of the Higher Institute of Coptic Studies in Egypt.

History, Rites, and Theology

Course Summary – History, Rites, and Theology (HRT) is a course that describes the contemporary rite, historical evolution of the rite, and the Theological interpretations of the rite. In the first year of the HRT course, Albair Mikhail describes in great detail, the rite of the Vespers & Prime Raising of Incense, the Glorification Service, the Midnight Prayer & Praise, the Offertory, and the Liturgy of the Word.

Language - Coptic

The Coptic (COP) and Greek (GRK) languages are integral in understanding the depth of the Coptic Church’s hymns, theology, rites, and history. In an effort to convey the meaning of each of her hymns, the Church’s attempts to translate the powerful hymnal lyrics into the languages of translation sometime falls short. This is occasionally remedied by studying the root words of the hymn, which is facilitated by having a working knowledge of the primary language being studied. Whether in the Coptic or Greek language, this course attempts to introduce the student to the fundamentals of grammar, morphology, syntax, and vocabulary, with emphasis on the use of the language as it appears in the liturgical text.

In the Asaph Hymns Institute, we have separated the requirements into two tiers - Fundamentals of Coptic Language (COP 1101), and Advanced Coptic Language (COP 1102 and up). COP 1101 is the only required course, where the rest are electives.

Diaconate

The rank of Diaconate (DIA) is the first order in the sacrament of priesthood. There are innumerable treasures and mysteries that lie within this rank and its privilege come with many responsibilities. Education as to what it entails and how this rank plays into the spiritual development of both the student and his church family is critical. This course attempts to expose the student to the responsibilities and expectations of the rank, and attempts to discuss, from a practical standpoint, the logistics of being a spiritual and well-trained deacon. 

Example of material to be covered: the meaning of diaconal rank; the duties and responsibilities of the deacon; the deacon in scripture; spirituality of the deacon; ranks of the deacon; deacon as a servant of the Lord and the leader of the people; dealing with a difficult deacon; logistics of leading a choir.