St Athanasius College (SAC) is a Coptic Orthodox theological college that was founded in 2001 and accredited in 2011 as a member college of the University of Divinity. SAC offers units in theology, history, biblical studies, ancient languages, missiology, religious education, ethics, counselling, Coptic Studies and Syriac Studies, and units are taught from a Christian Orthodox perspective.
SAC embraces all those who wish to learn about early Christianity and the richness of Orthodoxy. All of our courses are offered in online mode and students may study either full-time or part-time at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. HDR courses are offered through the University of Divinity.
The College supports 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.
Christian fellowship, liturgical worship and learning are at the heart of our community. SAC provides a supportive learning environment nurturing spiritual growth and cultivating the gifts of each individual. The College equips students with the ministry skills and confidence to serve in the priesthood and religious life, as well as prepares lay people to serve in various roles in mission and ministry such as religious educators, youth leaders, and counsellors.
The College is named after St Athanasius who was the 20th patriarch of Alexandria and is known as the great pillar of Orthodoxy and defender of the Scriptural doctrine of Christ. SAC follows in the footsteps of St Athanasius by preserving the Gospel truth now and for future generations.
SAC Campus
SAC has two campuses. The primary campus is at 285 La Trobe Street in Melbourne’s CBD. Opened in 2017, the campus contains state of the art technology and presents new learning opportunities for students. The secondary campus is located at 100 Park Road, Donvale in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and is located on 22 acres of beautiful bushland. The campus houses the College’s library.
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.
St Athanasius College (SAC) Library
St Athanasius College (SAC) Library was established to support students of the College in their studies of 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 6,000 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, Iconography, and the Early Church.
