The idea for the Institute of Theology was formed by Metr. [[Antony (Bashir) of New York|Anthony (Bashir)]], who was the [[Archbishop]] of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, as an establishment with high academic and spiritual standards. The new institute would replace the theological school resident at the [[Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand]] in Tripoli. At the general convention of the American Archdiocese in 1965 a decision was made to support the establishment of an institute of theology on the Hill of Balamand.