Mission, Vision, & Orthodoxy
Mission
St. Clement is dedicated to providing children with a loving, Christ-centered environment that focuses on nurturing the whole child by encouraging academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. We strive to foster in each child a deep love for the Bible and a lifelong devotion to Jesus Christ.
Our mission is to:
- Educate students of all races and ethnic backgrounds for God’s Kingdom and service to humanity
- Help parents fulfill their obligation of raising their children in the love and admonition of the Lord
- Assist each student in reaching their God given potential
- Create a Christ-centered environment for each student’s growth and development according to God’s plan
- Prepare students to make the choices of life according to the truth as revealed by the Word of God
- Partner with families to cultivate a strong home–school connection grounded in the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Vision
St. Clement Orthodox Christian Academy’s vision is to nurture children to reach their God-given potential within a Christ-centered community rooted in the Gospel’s teachings of love, compassion, and faith, equipping them to grow academically and spiritually while learning to love God, serve others, and live according to the truth of His Word.
What is Orthodox Christianity?
The Oriental Orthodox Christian Church, which traces its roots back to Jesus Christ as documented in the New Testament, proudly holds the title of being the oldest Christian Church globally. It has a deep connection to the early days of Christianity, with a history spanning nearly two thousand years, keeping the teachings of Christ intact while adapting to different cultures.
One distinctive feature of Orthodoxy is its traditional and beautiful style of worship, featuring ancient Traditions and icons. It also places a strong emphasis on spiritual discipline and monasticism, which involves a focused and prayerful way of life.
The Orthodox Church maintains its unity through a system of collective decision-making and the significance of key gatherings known as Ecumenical Councils. Additionally, it comprises self-governing branches, each independent but united in faith, which adds diversity to the tradition.
The historical importance of the Orthodox Church is demonstrated in its connection to key events in Christian history. For example, it is tied to the story of the Holy Family seeking refuge in Egypt. The Coptic Orthodox Church, based in Egypt, treasures this connection. It also celebrates the legacy of St. Mark the Evangelist, who brought Christianity to Egypt and left a lasting mark on the Church’s language and practices.
Today, the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt, alongside its sister churches worldwide, continues to honor this rich history. These historical events highlight the deep and enduring Christian roots in Egypt, which have made a significant impact on the broader tapestry of Orthodox Christianity.
If you are interested in learning more about the Coptic Orthodox Church, please visit the website of the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Southern United States today.
Statement of Faith
The following is the foundation of beliefs on which St. Clement Orthodox Christian Academy is based. The substance of these statements is that which will be considered primary doctrine in the school.
We believe in One God, God the Father, the Pantocrator, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and all things seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, Begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten not created; of One Essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary, and became Man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; suffered and was buried; and on the third day He rose from the dead, according to the Scriptures; ascended to the heavens; He sits at the right hand of His Father; and He is coming again in His glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end.
Yes, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father. Who, with the Father and the Son, is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets. And in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, we confess one baptism for the remission of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the coming age. Amen.
Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality
It is our firm conviction that we uphold the dignity of each individual as we embrace the unchanging and long-standing principles of biblical truth. Based on the Holy Bible, with particular emphasis on male and female complementarity, we affirm the following about human sexuality, gender identity, and marriage:
- Marriage — We define marriage as the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “one flesh” union of one man and one woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child.
(Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5-9, Ephesians 5:31-33) - Sexual Immorality — We believe that any form of sexual immorality is sinful and offensive to God.
(Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 18:7-23, Leviticus 20:10-21, Deuteronomy 5:18, Matthew 15:19, Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 15:19, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:17-19, Colossians 3:5) - Gender Identity — We believe that God created mankind in His image: male, man, and female, woman, sexually different but with equal personal dignity. Consequently, we must affirm their biological sex and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter, or disagree with their predominant biological sex. (Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
- Sexual Orientation — We believe that God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “one flesh” union of man and woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. Consequently, we must affirm the sexual complementarity of man and woman and resist any and all same-sex sexual attractions and refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct.
(Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:5-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2) - Compassion, Grace & Restoration — We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity and that God offers forgiveness, redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin. (Acts 3:19-21; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11)
Who is St. Clement of Alexandria?
At St. Clement Orthodox Christian Academy, our mission is rooted in a deep commitment to nurturing both the heart and the mind. It is only fitting, then, that our patron is St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 A.D.)—a revered early Christian theologian, philosopher, and most notably, a teacher.
A Pioneer in Christian Education
St. Clement served as the Dean of the Catechetical School of Alexandria—the earliest known Christian school in the world. Under his visionary leadership, the school became a renowned center where faith and reason coexisted in harmony. It was a place where students not only studied theology and Scripture, but also explored mathematics, astronomy, music, and logic. To St. Clement, a well-rounded education was not a luxury—it was an essential part of the Christian life.
He wrote that philosophy was not in opposition to faith, but rather a divinely permitted guide that prepared the intellect for Christ. As he explained:
“Greek philosophy, like the Law of Moses according to St. Paul, was given as a tutor to bring the Greeks to Christ and as a restraint on sin.”
(Fr. Tadros Malaty, Erudition and Theology, Ch. 3, Footnote 10)
In a world that often separates belief from intellectual pursuit, St. Clement stands as a bold reminder: education is sacred. It is not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but a journey toward Truth Himself—our Lord Jesus Christ.
He also wrote of Christ’s role as the perfect Teacher:
“The Logos (functioning as a physician and teacher), wishing to achieve our salvation step by step, follows an excellent method: He converts in the first place, then He disciplines, and finally He instructs.”
(Ibid, Footnote 31)
A Living Legacy
At St. Clement Orthodox Christian Academy, we carry forward this legacy with joy and purpose:
• We cultivate an environment where curiosity is holy.
• We encourage students to think deeply and discern wisely.
• We unite knowledge and faith as partners in the formation of the whole person.
In honoring St. Clement of Alexandria, we commit ourselves to a vision of education that is not only rigorous, but also deeply Orthodox—an education that prepares students academically and spiritually.
For a more detailed biography of St. Clement of Alexandria, click here.
