On Tuesday evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II attended the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2024 who obtained the Higher Diploma and the Accelerated Higher Diploma for university students in theological sciences from the Alexandria Clerical College. This was held in the theater attached to the Papal Residence in Alexandria, in the presence of H.G. Bishop Pavly (General Bishop of the Churches of Montazah Sector), H.G. Bishop Elarion (General Bishop of the Churches of the Western Alexandria Sector), and Hegumen Father Abraam Emil (General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria).

The celebration included several segments, including a video of reports and opinions of students studying in the new system of interactive academic education, research papers, the credit hour system, in addition to the spiritual role. There was also a speech by Hegumen Andrawes Matta (the college’s dean), during which he thanked Pope Tawadros for devoting his time to caring for education in the Church, appreciating the role His Holiness plays in developing the educational process at the Alexandria Clerical College. Father Andrawes presented the new study statistics that are unique among the clerical colleges. He explained the conditions and rates of enrollment in the diploma program, the new education system at the college, the study standards, the selection of students, the challenges facing the program and its evaluation.

In his speech, Father Paula Mimi, the spiritual and academic guide for university students, discussed the spiritual and academic role offered by the course, as well as various student activities, including the establishment of the first student union for university students. A dialogue session then took place between the students and some faculty members, which revolved around the educational process.

In his speech, Pope Tawadros expressed his happiness with the progress of studies at the Alexandria Clerical College, extending his thanks to Hegumen Andrawes Matta, the college’s dean, and all those responsible for the work, for beginning to realize the dream that has long been sought. He appreciated the integrated work in a modern specialized academic form, through a credit hours system, graduate studies, and research papers.

His Holiness congratulated the students and new graduates, offering them three pieces of advice:
1- To study in depth with specialization.
2- To grow in humility.
3- To serve with depth and authenticity.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the graduates recited the graduation pledge, then His Holiness handed them their graduation certificates.

It is worth noting that the new study system at the college is credit hours based on regular attendance.

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