This project began on the campus of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary because of a desire to further develop the Coptic chapel, beyond the previously-held prayers of the hours, as a space to experience the mercy of God. As lovers of the Coptic language, we initially prayed in Coptic. However, we quickly realized the need to assemble English resources for our Eastern Orthodox classmates who, along with classmates from our sister Oriental Orthodox Churches, began attending Coptic services. They saw the same beauty and richness in the Coptic Orthodox Church that we did, and they hungered for it. 

As we began collecting the necessary materials for our services, we found that our English translations were clunky or sometimes incorrect. We began translating small sections that were relevant to the services that we needed. In doing so, we began noticing connections that we had not previously noticed, both to other hymns, as well as biblical passages and the writings of the church fathers. Without a doubt, we began picking up on these thematic elements thanks to our education at the seminary, which was illuminating our lived experiences in the Church. In the classroom, we read the fathers and discussed their theological approach, which informed how we began praying the prayers of the Church. These ancient texts speak of an eternal word to our present day. Though familiar, it felt like we were being reintroduced to a unique theological vision of the Coptic Orthodox Church. 

Before we knew it, the project had grown beyond simply translating a stanza or jotting down a reference to St. Athanasius. Our translations, which began as a word document on Google Drive, have now grown, where we’ve been able to present it to St Vladimir’s Seminary Press (SVS Press). We picked the Seminary’s press to tap into the extensive network of the premiere press for Orthodox products in the English language. As a well-established press, SVS Press has motivated us to produce a psalmody of the highest caliber. We know that, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil, for if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help” (Ecc 4:9-10). SVS Press is that friend for us because now we have an experienced team of editors reviewing our work. Along with their business team, the Press brings 80 years of experience in the publishing world, helping us to keep in mind the needs of our audience, faithful Orthodox Christians. 

The Press has encouraged us to rely on the Holy Spirit, and to allow Him to shape the vision for this project. As a result, we have now reached out to the Coptic Patriarchal Library in Cairo for resources, help from experts in the Coptic language and English musicology, and began piloting the translations in parishes. The Church has always placed a great emphasis on beauty — our churches are filled with icons, the monasteries are well-ordered, and Coptic manuscripts boast intricate geometric patterns. This psalmody fits into that same artistic tradition, just as the translations reflect Coptic theological thought. That’s why we reached out to Coptic iconographers and book producers throughout North America and Australia to help us craft a product that is physically beautiful. In addition to holding a book that proclaims the truth about Jesus Christ, we hope that this psalmody can invite the reader into a relationship of beauty and light. 

We entered Seminary with a desire to learn more about the Church, from the Church, in order to serve the Church. The time has come to put our time, talent, and treasure at the feet of Christ. We offer Him “mercy, peace, [and] a sacrifice of praise,” which is the entirety of this labour of love. Throughout this work, we have witnessed the Holy Spirit open doors for us. It’s clear that this project isn’t ours. It’s God’s work, and we’d love to invite you to join us in watching the Master at work. 

“Those attuned together by the Holy Spirit as a stringed instrument, always blessing God with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, by day and by night, with an incessant heart.” — Matins Doxology for our Lord Jesus Christ [Tone Adam]

May 2022 – SupportMyService brings on a project manager to assist the Psalmody team

April 2022 – The Psalmody team signs the contract with SVS Press

January 2022 – The full Psalmody team meets in a project work session

December 2021 – The Coptic-English Psalmody is fully funded!

October 2021 – The team meets with the Marketing Director of SVS Press to discuss the Psalmody’s design, formatting, and production details

October 11th, 2021 – Message of gratitude

July 11th, 2021 – Proposal approved by SupportMyService