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The Holy Great Fast

The Holy Great Fast is the most sacred fasting period in the Church, lasting 55 days in the Coptic tradition. It includes a Preparatory Week, 40 days of fasting in imitation of Christ (Matt. 4:2), and Holy Pascha Week leading to the Resurrection. Fasting has deep biblical roots—Moses fasted 40 days before receiving the Law (Ex. 34:28), Elijah fasted before encountering God (1 Kings 19:8), and Jesus fasted before beginning His ministry (Matt. 4:2). By the 4th century, Church fathers like St. Athanasius and St. Cyril of Alexandria affirmed this fast as a time for repentance, prayer, and spiritual renewal. True fasting goes beyond food—it is about purifying the heart and drawing closer to Christ.

Their Experience

Students Stories

Why HTC?

Academic Excellence

Our world-class faculty come from renowned international institutions including University of Oxford, St. Andrews, Aberdeen, UCLA, Claremont, and University of Toronto, to name a few.

Distance Education

All of our programs are designed for distance learning and are especially built for working professional. Our study plans are carefully tailored with you and your family in mind.

Living Theology

We pioneer engaging with contemporary challenges through Eastern Christian wisdom and creating a dialogue between theology and our communities: where theology is not a theory but a lifestyle.

Support our Mission

At Agora University, we believe in the impact of Orthodox education — an experience that not only enlightens minds but also shapes souls. Our commitment to providing unique and impactful programs is made possible by the generosity of our donors.

Your contribution reaches far into the lives of our students, equipping them with the education they need to become leaders who make a positive impact in their communities.

Whether it’s funding scholarships for students, developing our academic programs, or growing our resources, your donation has the power to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of our students.

Donate Now and join our mission towards preparing a generation of thoughtful, informed, and impactful leaders.

Support our Mission

At Agora University, we believe in the impact of Orthodox education — an experience that not only enlightens minds but also shapes souls. Our commitment to providing unique and impactful programs is made possible by the generosity of our donors.

Your contribution reaches far into the lives of our students, equipping them with the education they need to become leaders who make a positive impact in their communities.

Whether it’s funding scholarships for students, developing our academic programs, or growing our resources, your donation has the power to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of our students.

Donate Now and join our mission towards preparing a generation of thoughtful, informed, and impactful leaders.

Empowering Minds

Meet the Faculty of Holy Transfiguration College

Michael Wingert, Ph.D.

Dean of Holy Transfiguration College & Associate Professor of Old Testament and Syriac Studies

Ani Shahinian, D.Phil.

Associate Professor of Armenian History and Theology

Fr. Mebratu Gebru, Ph.D.

Visiting Professor of Liturgical Theology

Fr. Jacob Joseph, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Christian Mission

Fr. Jacob Joseph, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Christian Mission

Michael Wingert, Ph.D.

Dean of Holy Transfiguration College & Associate Professor of Old Testament and Syriac Studies

Ani Shahinian, D.Phil.

Associate Professor of Armenian History and Theology

Fr. Mebratu Gebru, Ph.D.

Visiting Professor of Liturgical Theology

Fr. Jacob Joseph, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Christian Mission

Michael Wingert, Ph.D.

Dean of Holy Transfiguration College & Associate Professor of Old Testament and Syriac Studies
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Events

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Nov, 2023
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Oct, 2023

Living Theosis

October 18, 2023 12:00
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Jul, 2023

Hear From Our Students

The keyword in our organization is “Community”

Worldwide Community

Agora University strives to maintain a close relationship between students and staff. Many members of our faculty are involved in discipling students during the academic years. Faculty members encourage students as they grow in their personal devotions, discuss things they are learning in class, and challenge them in areas where the students may be struggling. Students have ready access to any staff or faculty member and are encouraged to seek help both academically and personally

Agora University is registered in the United States with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization, Tax-ID number 45-2832530.

Agora University is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
 
Agora University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Contact Us
Address: 9253 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA 22015

Fax: +1 (202) 930-7909

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