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COSA

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"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

COSA (Coptic Orthodox Student Association) is a vibrant university student group based at the University of Alberta, open to all Coptic Orthodox students from campuses across Edmonton. Founded in 2003 by Pierre Farage (of blessed memory, 1981-2021), the group began with a simple yet powerful initiative: daily Vesper prayers at 5 PM in a classroom, encouraging students to unite in prayer and fellowship. What started with one person praying alone grew into a community of over 25 members, bonded through prayer and the blessings of shared time with God. COSA has since continued to grow and evolve, staying true to Pierre’s vision of fostering fellowship, spiritual growth, and support for students.

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Pierre Farage

Founder of COSA, 2003

​In 2022, COSA was revived by Karen Attia and a group of passionate youth and alumni, once again becoming a testament to God’s power in multiplying our efforts. Today, COSA continues to provide a welcoming space for university students to connect, pray, and support each other in their walk with Christ.

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Our mission is to build a strong Coptic Orthodox Christian community at the University of Alberta, uniting in fellowship and supporting one another as one Body in Christ. We gather regularly for prayer meetings, Bible studies, social events, and community service. COSA offers access to church services, including Liturgies, confessions, and spiritual guidance, while also providing academic and career support through study groups, mentorship, and networking opportunities with other students, alumni, and staff.

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Our weekly meetings take place on Thursday evenings from 5-8 PM, featuring fellowship gatherings with food and refreshments, spiritual talks by guest speakers, games and activities, and community service such as volunteering at soup kitchens. We also organize special events like a welcome-back BBQ, career fair, retreats, and mission trips (God willing).

Mission & Vision

To build a Coptic Orthodox Christian community at the University of Alberta, to unite in fellowship, and to support one another in our walk with Christ, as one Body.

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  • Fellowship: regular meetings such as prayer meetings, fun events, Vespers, Bible Study, Small Group, fun events

  • On-Campus access to Church Services such as Liturgies, confession, and spiritual guidance

  • Support: study groups, career support, mentorship

  • Networking: with other students, graduates, alumni and staff

​Meetings & Events

​Weekly meetings on Thursday evenings from 5-8 PM at the University of Alberta. Meetings include:

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  • Fellowship gathering (food and refreshments)

  • Spiritual topic with guest speakers

  • Games and Activities

  • Community service such as volunteering together at soup kitchens (usually once/month)

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Events such as a welcome back BBQ, Career Fair, Retreats, Mission Trips (God willing!, in the works, by God’s grace)

COSA Patron Saints

COSA is blessed by the intercessions of our patron saints: St. Pope Kyrillos (Patron saint of students), St. Athanasius (Defender of the Faith), St. Katherine (Scholar), and St. Verena (Missionary).

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We invite your support in various ways: through prayers for guidance and unity, by spreading the word to Coptic university students, by helping with meals and donations for our fellowship gatherings, and by sharing your mentorship and career advice at our annual career fair. Your support enables us to continue our mission and make a lasting impact on the lives of students at the University of Alberta.

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For more information or to get involved, please reach out through:

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