H.H. Pope Tawadros II witnessed the Memorial Service this evening that was organised by Saint Mary’s Church, Fagala and the Orthodox Center for Patristic studies, for the deacon Dr. Noshy Abdel-Shahid, Founder of St.Anthony Foundation and director of the Orthodox Center for Patristic studies who rested in the Lord on the 8th of July, at the age of 91 years.
The Memorial Service included speeches by his students and others who were influenced by Dr Noshy’s character, service and giving.
Among them are H.G. Bishop Makar, Bishop of Sharqeya and Tenth of Ramadan, Dr. Father Atef Mehany, former Dean of the Evangelical Theology College, Dr.Father Kameel William, Professor of the Old Testament in Catholic Theology College, Father Youhanna Habib, priest of Saint Virgin Mary’ Church in Fagala, Dr. Joseph Morris Faltas, Deputy Director of Saint Antonios Foundation, Dr Fayez Sedeak, Professor at St. Rewis Theology School.
In the closing of the Memorial Service, H.H. Pope Tawadros’ speech was about people who influenced the service in church in ways other than priesthood, for example, Archideacon Habib Gerges, the artist Isaac Fanois, Dr.Aziz Surial Attia, Dr. Ragheb Moftah, Eres Habib El Masry, Professor Yassa Abdel-Masih and Dr. Noshy Abdel-Shahid.
His Holiness pointed out that among the many blessings that God gives us are such great models that served faithfully, and they delivered their message which had an impact and affected the service in our Church.
About Dr. Noshy, H.H. said: “Even though I have only met him few times, I was one of his students through his monthly books that he produced for the Evangelism service”.
His Holiness addressed four points that were delivered by Dr. Noshy through his life by the verse:
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2Timothy 4:5)
1- Be watchful in all things – Dr Noshy was watchful in all things, he know his way well, which was the way of consecration and he had it clear and outlined for himself. He specialised in Patristic Studies. He did not waste time, he was always watchful.
2- Endure afflictions – he faced a lot of afflictions but he was not distracted from our Lord Jesus Christ and lived for Him.
3- Do the work of an evangelist- he spread joy and offering the joy of our Lord Jesus.
4- Fulfil your ministry- fulfilling your ministry is that you, as a servant, bring children to Christ and to the Church. Children who walk in the same path. This is what Dr Noshy did, he was a mentor to many until he departed in peace. He mentored in an uncompromising manner, his knowledge was continual, his personality was quiet, without hustle.
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