The Asaph Hymns Institute operates under the auspices of His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef, in the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States.
The Institute was established in 2014 with the goal of re-acquainting the Coptic Orthodox faithful with their heritage — including hymns, rituals, and the Coptic language. Along with all standard and seasonal hymns, students would learn rare and at-risk hymns in order to disseminate them across the Coptic Church.
In 2024, the Institute was re-launched with new programs, instructors, curricula and methods of assessment to more closely align with the Saint Didymus Institute for Cantors in Cairo, Egypt.
History of the Institute
April 8, 2014
Asaph Hymns Institute Established
In the Spring of 2014, the Asaph Hymns Institute was established under the Auspices of HG Bishop Youssef in the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States.
August 25, 2014
Classes Begin
The first semester of classes kicked off with Hymns, Coptic Grammar, History/Rites/Theology, and Leadership in the Diaconate courses.
July 16, 2015
First Convention
The first Asaph Convention was held in St. Stephen Christian Retreat and Conference Center with the presence of HG Bishop Youssef. The hymns of the Sengary Psalm, ⲛⲑⲱⲧⲉⲛ ⲇⲉ and ⲭⲉⲣⲉ ⲑⲉⲟⲧⲟⲕⲉ are taught over the single weekend.
May 31, 2018
First Graduating Class
The first ever Graduation Ceremony was held for the graduating class of 2018 of fourteen students. It was attended by HG Bishop Youssef, Fr Pishoy Ava Moses (now HG Bishop Basil), some instructors, Graduates, and their families. Speeches were given concluding with a word of benefit from HG Bishop Youssef.
September 15, 2022
Second Graduating Class
The second Graduation Ceremony was held for the graduating classes of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. It was attended by HG Bishop Youssef, HG Bishop Basil, some instructors, Graduates and their families. Speeches were given concluding with a word of benefit from HG Bishop Basil.
November 13, 2023
Cantor Hany Retires
Cantor Hany Anwar retires from the Institute after nine years of faithful service, hundreds of hymns lessons, and almost a decade of conventions. His contributions to Asaph cannot be numbered!
September 6, 2024
New Beginnings
Asaph Hymns Institute re-launches with new programs, instructors, curricula, and branding!