About Keraza

Al Keraza Festival, or “Mahragan Al Keraza”, originated in the motherland of Egypt under the guidance of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. Today, Coptic Orthodox churches from all over the world participate in the competition in many different languages.

Al Keraza Los Angeles Festival is the Diocese chapter of “Mahragan Al Keraza”, and is similar in nature to the Diocese Youth Spiritual Competition, but for elementary school children and adults. It started in the year 2009 as a way of encouraging our elementary school children to grow in their faith. The competition is used as a fun way of promoting deeper study and understanding in selected areas: Hymns, Coptic Language, Bible Study, and Church Studies.

Through God’s enormous help and the prayers of our blessed shepherd H.E. Metropolitan Serapion, the previous years of Al Keraza LA competition have been a great success and it has been growing continuously over the years.

The first festival took place at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Santa Monica. The initial festival included only two levels, 1st – 2nd grades and 3rd – 5th grades. Then, through God’s provision and care, another level, Graduates/Adults level, was added in 2010. in Arabic and English, and now we have 5 levels: PreK-K, 1-2 Grades, 3-4 Grades, and Adults. With this expansion, more people are allowed to benefit from preparing and participating in the festival.

For further questions, please e-mail kerazala@gmail.com.