An ancient faith, a modern story.
The Museum of Modern Coptic History tells the story of Egypt's native Christians, heirs of the land of the Pharaohs, who rediscovered their ancient heritage and carried it into the modern world. Through two centuries of revival, hardship, and migration, the Copts preserved one of the oldest Christian traditions on earth.
We collect, preserve and share that story so that it is remembered, understood and passed on to every generation and to all who wish to know it.
His Grace Bishop Suriel
Bishop Suriel is a bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church. From 1999 to 2018 he led the Diocese of Melbourne and its affiliated regions in Australia. He holds a doctorate from Fordham University and has taught Coptic history, religious education and pastoral ministry, including as Dean of St Athanasius College in Melbourne.
He is the author of a study of St. Habib Girgis, the educator and reformer who pioneered the Sunday School Movement in Egypt, and the translator of Pope Shenouda III's The Life of Repentance and Purity. He teaches at the Pope Shenouda III Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminary in New Jersey and is currently a student at Princeton Theological Seminary. Seminary name and link to be confirmed by His Grace
Habib Girgis: Coptic Orthodox Educator and a Light in the Darkness
Over several decades he has gathered the artifacts, manuscripts, photographs and books on the modern Coptic period that form the museum's founding collection. He is the founder and president of the museum and leads the Saint Habib Girgis Foundation, which supports the project.
The project has the blessing of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. Wording to be confirmed
To be reviewed and completed by His Grace: current role, publications, personal noteFour ways we keep the story
Collect and preserve
Artifacts, documents, photographs and publications from 1798 to the present, catalogued by a professional curator.
Exhibit and host visits
An introductory gallery on two thousand years of Coptic history, then galleries on the modern period. Visits are by registration.
Teach
Lectures by scholars, recorded interviews and a research library open to researchers by appointment.
Open the archive
Seven digitized magazines, 1894 to 2015, searchable in English and Arabic, free to everyone.
Search the archiveHow the museum is supported
Gifts for the museum project are received by the Saint Habib Girgis Foundation and are tax deductible through the foundation.
Contact: email the museum. The museum's location is sent to visitors with their registration confirmation.