Today at the Papal Residence in Cairo, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II received St. Pantinous for Professors Assembly.
The meeting started with a prayer, followed by a welcome speech from His Holiness. The members of the family, which includes 350 university professors inside and outside Egypt, expressed their happiness at meeting His Holiness, which is the third meeting for them with His Holiness.
Professor Dr Adel Tawfik, secretary of the family group, which was founded 18 years ago, delivered a speech in which he expressed his thanks and appreciation on behalf of the family to His Holiness Pope Tawadros for his constant keenness to meet with the members of the family.
He then talked about the work approach taken by the family, and concluded with his wishes and aspirations for the next steps taken in the next period.
This was followed by a presentation by specialised committees who presented their work and what had been accomplished in the last period.
His Holiness then delivered a speech, where addressed the extension of the Church in the world and pointed that that Church’s mission should be spiritual, serving and patriotic.
His Holiness spoke about the pillars of the Church, describing them as:
Icon: represented by the family
Gem: represented by monasticism
Lighthouse: represented by education
His Holiness then referred to the societal role of the Church, which is like salt, light and yeast.

Then His Holiness spoke about the establishment of some church entities such as the Coptic Institute for Church Management and Development (COPTICAD) and the Coptic Academy for Church Education (TEACH) and others, in order to develop the educational movement of the church in line with our current era.

His Holiness also spoke about the youth activities that the Church organises, such as the youth forums, whether in Egypt or in Europe, as well as the activities of the technical office of His Holiness and their impact on the service of the Church.
After the speech, His Holiness answered questions during a discussion session.
Dr. Adel Tawfik presented a gift to His Holiness, greeting him for his birthday which coincides with the Altar Lot.
Also, on behalf of the family, Dr Adel greeted His Holiness tenth anniversary of his ordination as a Pope.

His Holiness also congratulated the family members who received scientific rewards from the State in the last period.
At the end, His Holiness presented some gifts who also took some memorial photos with His Holiness.

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