**Petition for Support of Philopateer Christian College (PCC), Ottawa Campus**

To the Esteemed H.G. Bishop Boulos and Clergy of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Ottawa, Montreal, and Eastern Canada,

With respect and gratitude for your spiritual leadership, we, the undersigned parents, families, and members of the Christian community, humbly submit this petition to express our deep support for PCC Ottawa and to request increased diocesan recognition, prayer, and financial support for its continued growth and sustainability.

The PCC Ottawa Campus, a French Christian elementary school, now in its second year as a start-up school, was founded with the mission to educate and empower young people, transforming them into individuals in whom spiritual, academic, and physical attributes complement each other. Through God’s help, PCC Ottawa succeeds in changing lives.  While the school has faced challenges typical of new institutions, we remain committed to its success and long-term sustainability.

1. PCC Ottawa: A Spiritual and Educational Mission

PCC Ottawa is not simply a school—it is a mission of the Church in action. It provides a rare and essential environment where children are formed academically, socially, and spiritually, rooted in Christ.  In today’s world, where external influences often challenge Christian identity, PCC offers a safe, structured, and faith-centered environment that strengthens not only children but our entire Christian community.

2. A Truly Christ-Centered Education

PCC Ottawa stands out because faith is not an addition—it is the foundation of daily life.  Students benefit from:

• Regular Bible-based instruction
• Weekly chapel services
• Monthly liturgies that deepen their sacramental life
• Exposure to the Coptic language, preserving heritage and deepening liturgical connection.

This model creates a living Christian environment that cannot be replicated through Sunday School alone.

3. The Urgent Need for Authentic Christian Education

Children today are exposed daily to messages that often conflict with Christian values.

While Sunday School remains important, once per week is no longer sufficient.

Christian schools like PCC Ottawa are essential in ensuring that faith is not compartmentalized, but lived and reinforced every day.

PCC Ottawa allows the Church to remain actively present in the formation of children’s identity, values, and faith.

We say this not in criticism, but in awareness of the changing times: educational environments have evolved, and the Church must respond proactively. Supporting strong, faith-based schools is one of the most effective ways to preserve and pass on our beliefs to future generations.

4. A Shared Responsibility Across the Diocese

PCC Ottawa serves families from multiple churches across Ottawa, uniting them under one shared mission.

The responsibility of supporting PCC should not fall on a single church or a small group of families. It is a diocesan responsibility.  Diocesan-level support—both financial and institutional—is crucial, especially during these early years of development.

Without this broader support, the long-term sustainability of the school is at risk. With it, however, PCC Ottawa has the potential to grow, thrive, and eventually become self-sustaining while continuing to serve generations of Christian families.

5. A Strategic Investment in the Future of the Church

Supporting PCC Ottawa is investing in future generations, strengthening families, and preserving faith and tradition

6. Our Respectful Request

We humbly ask the Diocese to recognize the importance of PCC Ottawa and to take meaningful steps toward supporting its mission through both spiritual and financial support. By doing so, you will be investing not only in a school, but in the spiritual future of our children and our Church.

Conclusion

Philopateer Christian College (PCC), Ottawa Campus, represents a vision, a mission, and a responsibility.

With faith, hope, and gratitude,

The Undersigned Families and Community Members