St. Mary & St. Demiana Convent

Under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Youssef, St. Mary and St. Demiana Convent is the first Coptic Orthodox Convent in Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States.

By the grace of God and prayers of our beloved Abbot, His Grace Bishop Youssef, St. Mary Convent established its first branch and officially opened its doors in Daytona, Florida in 2006 welcoming consecrated sisters from Egypt.

In May 2010 – the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States purchased property in Titusville, Florida – now home to St. Stephen Christian Retreat Center. The Convent had a temporary residence within the retreat center from July 2010 until December 2011.

On December 13 2011 – Feast of the Entrance of the Virgin Mary into the Temple – St. Mary Convent relocated to San Antonio, Texas and began its second branch welcoming novices into the life of monasticism. Its first novice entered in January 2012 and in March of the same year, the first consecrated sister was dressed joining her sisters in service.

On May 20 2013 – Feast of Consecration of St. Demiana’s Church – St. Mary Convent officially became St. Mary & St. Demiana Convent.

On September 11, 2014 – the Coptic New Year – His Grace Bishop Youssef appointed three nuns from St. George Convent in Old Cairo, Egypt to oversee the operations of the Convent and to continue the establishment of its monastic life.

On October 21 2014 – St. Mary & St. Demiana Convent moved to its permanent location in Dawsonville, Georgia where it continues to flourish by the manifold graces of God.