In 1987, Metropolitan Philip appointed a committee of scholars to steer the development of a library collection for the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center. Aramaean, Syriac, and Syrian-Arabic Christian history and culture needed to be preserved. A significant contribution could be made to the world of scholarship by "reclaiming" the history and theology of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the region of "Greater Syria" from the earliest times until today. Around this closely-defined core collection, acquisitions fan out into Christian-Muslim relations, Middle Eastern history and culture, and Orthodox theology -- both as a support in utilizing the core collection and serving the entire Church -- rather than just its scholars.
With a start-up grant of $100,000 from the Albert and Rosemary Joseph Foundation, with on-going support from the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, and most recently by annual fund-raising drives by the youth of the Archdiocese, acquisitions have moved forward.
You can support the Library financially by participating in the annual NAC Teen SOYO Library Project drive held every January. Contact your local Teen SOYO chapter or Parish Priest for more information. Books, magazines, sound recordings, letters, photographs, mementos, etc. may also be donated directly. Please contact the Heritage and Learning Center to discuss whatever materials you may wish to donate.
For more information, please contact our Librarian Julia Ritter at 724-238-3677 x410 or via email .