On April 6, 2016, Pope Francis was personally presented a special gift by St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary Trustee His Grace the Right Reverend David, bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York and New England: a copy of The Life of Repentance and Purity. The book is the first in the groundbreaking Coptic Studies Series, published by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press (SVS Press). Bishop David was in Rome on a personal trip with His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, when he presented the book, according to media outlet newsmaker.com.au.
Authored by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, 117th pope of Alexandria and the See of St. Mark, The Life of Repentance and Purity was first translated from Arabic in 1989 by Series Editor His Grace Bishop Dr. Anba Suriel (Guirgis), SVOTS alumnus and bishop of the Coptic Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, Australia. This new translation by Bishop Suriel includes editions and patristic references, and is the first joint publication between SVS Press and St. Athanasius College (SAC) Press. St. Athanasius is the fledgling publishing house of St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College in Donvale, Australia, where Bishop Suriel serves as Dean.
The Life of Repentance and Purity was officially launched at St. Vladimir’s Seminary campus on March 12, 2016, during a well-attended afternoon of reflection on the life of Pope Shenouda III. In the few weeks since its release more than 5,000 copies have been sold, making it the fastest selling SVS Press title in history.
Order your copy of The Life of Repentance and Purity here.
Listen to the presentations from the March 12 book launch here.
View a photo gallery of the March 12 book launch event here.
