Skip to content Skip to footer
Transform your community

Illuminate the World

The Assumption of St. Mary's Body

Today, we commemorate the Assumption of St. Mary, the Mother of God. As she prayed in vigil at the Holy Sepulchre, the Holy Spirit revealed her imminent departure from this world. Surrounded by disciples and virgins of the Mount of Olives, she peacefully passed away. Our Lord, accompanied by countless angels, received her soul and ascended her to heavenly glory.

During her burial procession to Gethsemane, obstacles arose, but miraculous interventions affirmed her sanctity. St. Thomas, initially absent, later witnessed angels bearing her pure body to heaven. His doubt transformed into faith upon seeing her ascent. The absence of her body from the tomb affirmed the divine promise that she would not remain on earth.

Early Christian oral tradition, writings, and patristic homilies contributed to beliefs in Mary’s peaceful Dormition and assumption. Over time, this belief became integral to both Eastern and Western liturgical calendars, known as the Dormition in the East and the Assumption in the West.
 
The Feast of the Assumption invites us to reflect on Mary’s unique place in salvation history and her enduring influence as a beacon of faith and hope for believers worldwide.
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

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
calendar

Events

18
Nov, 2023
18
Oct, 2023

Living Theosis

October 18, 2023 12:00
Read More
08
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 a religious institution exempt from state regulation and oversight in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Contact Us
Address: 9253 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA 22015

Fax: +1 (202) 930-7909

Subscribe for the updates!