Dr. Michael Henin
European Academy for Coptic Heritage Founder
1- Why was this name of TEACH chosen?
When His Holiness Pope Tawadros II asked for starting a European Coptic Project, it was necessary to compose a name that reflects the nature and objectives of the project, hence the European Academy for Coptic Heritage – TEACH
2- What is the idea of establishing a Coptic academy in Europe?
The Coptic church is expanding exponentially in Europe in many countries. Few families travelled to Europe some 40 years ago to complete post-graduate studies and started a new life in the UK, France and Germany. Those have now become thousands of families in over 10 European countries, with 13 Bishops and over 100 priests serving them. With such fast increase in the Coptic population in Europe, many native Europeans became interested in learning more about the Coptic heritage, culture and sciences, hence the need for establishing an online academy that serves those needs of Copts and others.
3- How did it started?
TEACH started as a registered charity in the UK. Very quickly the website was established by IT members from St Kyrel European Coptic Choir who have a great zeal to serve their church. As the demands on the website increased, multiple courses were designed. In addition, the need arose for a large library which accommodates thousands of resources including books, videos and audio recordings. Therefore, we signed an agreement with INNUVA to assist in building a suitable site which is www.teach.eu.com
4- What is the goal and vision of the academy?
TEACH aims at delivering most Coptic sciences and heritage to Copts and non-Copts Worldwide in the form of online courses, scientific and cultural materials. This is in the form of library resources and academic courses. It also aims at achieving UK Academic accreditation to be recognised as a European Academic Organisation entitled to grant higher qualifications, Diplomas, Masters and doctorates.
5- What are the teaching axes in the academy?
The courses taught in the first academic year, which started in September 2020 were; Church history, Old testament studies, Coptic language, Hymnology history and music, Liturgical studies, Coptic Iconography and Christian Counselling. Three new more courses will be starting in the coming academic year beginning in September 2021 including Egyptology, Interdenominational studies and Patristic vision of the Holy Bible.
6- What is new in this academy?
Online studies, delivered by highly qualified lecturers and translated to 4 European languages in addition to Arabic. Special subjects are been taught that supplement those delivered at church youth meetings and routine sermons. Examples of those subjects are, interdenominational studies, Christian counselling, Coptic music…etc. In addition, TEACH has started its new peer reviewed scientific journal ‘Journal of Christian Studies -JCS’ which will uniquely publish original and review articles with abstracts in 4 European languages; English, German, French and Italian, https://teach-christianstudiesjournal.jams.pub
Also, TEACH started a publisher arm, TEACH Press; specialising in publishing both ebooks and hard copies, in English and Arabic in many international markets; USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia and Australia.
7- What is the system of the study in the academy?
All studies and courses are online, even hymnology. Our dedicated Team of 25 lecturers deliver top quality teaching with great care in supporting students, irrespective of their background and prior experience. While all courses in the first academic year targeted post-graduate students, i.e. people with higher degrees, we are working on establishing undergraduate courses for students with A levels/ Equivalent to high school certificate. A team of 30 Admin volunteers look after various aspects of students support.
8- Is it possible to enrol online?
Absolutely, anyone can register either as a student aiming for completing courses, passing exams and obtaining certificates or as visitor entitled to visit the online library and utilize its contents.
9- Under the circumstances of the Corona pandemic, how does the academy work?
TEACH was not affected by COVID-19 since it was originally founded as an online organisation.
10- What is the dream of the academy after ten years?
We aim at having TEACH functioning as an official European Academic Coptic Institution at a level and a standard parallel to other renowned European universities. This will raise the academic standard of teaching Coptic sciences. Also, we aim for TEACH to become an online academy equivalent to European Seminaries where priests and deacons study and graduate to leading positions in their churches, Catholics and Anglicans.
11- What is your dream about teaching in the Coptic Church?
My dream is to see the future clergy, deacons, church servants and Sunday school teachers, highly qualified for the responsibility they carry and the role they play at their respective churches. The intellectual and scientific developments in the world are challenging and may have significant impact on our future generations. Therefore, old fashioned teachings and some traditions which typically develop at local small communities and which make their way to the main stream church teaching, need to be seriously reviewed and refined. Church publications also have to be peer-reviewed and evidence-based, so that individualistic opinions and interpretations can be verified and refined, if needed.
