About Humanity Vivified

Books, Infographics, Iconography, and Therapy

Andrew Youssef
Contessa Youssef

Andrew Youssef was born in Egypt where he grew up until he immigrated to Canada in 2010. After high school, Andrew attended McMaster University where he received his Bachelor degree in Religious Studies. He then continued his education at the Orthodox Christian Studies Program with the Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College – Toronto, where he received his Masters of Theological Studies. His thesis was titled, “Humanity of Christ in Oriental Orthodox Christology.”

Andrew finished his PhD at Trinity College where he focused on the Christology of Severus of Antioch, a saint of the Oriental Orthodox Church, and Maximus the Confessor, a saint of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In addition to theological education, Andrew has finished four units of Clinical Pastoral Education and is a member of the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care as well as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Currently, Andrew serves provides individual, couples, and family therapy to clients both online and in-person. 

Andrew serves in the following capacities:

  • Lecturer at Trinity College, University of Toronto and St. Paul University, Ottawa
  • Former Lecturer of Church History – Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy
  • Former President of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapter of Toronto
  • Former President of the Christian Orthodox Campus-Ministry Association chapter of McMaster University 
  • Former Spiritual Care Practitioner at multiple health care facilities across the Greater Toronto Area 

To learn more about Andrew Youssef’s research and publications, click here. 

To watch some of Andrew’s lectures, feel free to visit his YouTube channel.   

Contessa Youssef was born in Canada from Greek immigrant parents. Her love for science and art led her to complete an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and then a Masters Degree in Biomedical Communications. 
 
Contessa grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church where she attended Sunday School and eventually taught senior Kindergarten for 10 years. After frequently attending a Patristics bookclub in the Coptic Orthodox church, Contessa was invited to teach Coptic highschool students in preparation for them to become Sunday School teachers. 
 
Contessa continues to teach and coordinate the Prep-to-Serve course at the Coptic Church. She enjoys using her artistic background to create handouts, lessons, infographics and other Christian educational resources to aid in lesson planning and understanding of the Orthodox Christian faith.