Today, H.H. Pope Tawadros II attended the graduation ceremony of the last five cohorts of the Archdeacon Habib Girgis and Pope Shenouda III Theological Seminary in Fayoum. The celebration took place this morning at the Anba Reweis Theatre in Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Abbassiya. This was in the presence of H.E. Metropolitan Abraam, Metropolitan of Fayoum, Abbot of its Monasteries and Dean of the Seminary, along with a number of bishops of the Church, members of the teaching staff, and the families of the graduates.

The ceremony included a documentary on the history of the seminary and its curriculum, as well as the chanting of a selection of Church hymns by the seminary choir. Several speeches were also delivered. In his speech, H.E. Metropolitan Abraam thanked Pope Tawadros, saying: “Thank you, Your Holiness, for your love, your pastoral care, and your zeal for education. May you live and continue to preserve your children everywhere in your Church. Thank you also for the theological colleges and institutes that are widespread everywhere.”

The speeches concluded with the address of His Holiness the Pope, who at the outset greeted H.E. Metropolitan Abraam, describing him as a loving, self-giving servant and a caring shepherd, whose diocese is flourishing, successful, and fruitful. He thanked all who spoke and presented during the event, commending the seminary choir for their excellent performance of the hymns.

In his speech, Pope Tawadros addressed three key elements through which service in the Church advances:
1. Consecration – whether part of one’s time, or the dedication of one’s entire life.
2. Teaching – the sound doctrine entrusted in our Church, passed onto the saints and handed down from generation to generation, which is a distinctive mark of our Church. It is founded upon Christ, the Good Teacher. This reveals that our Church is alive and vibrant. I urge you to pay attention to this meaning.
3. Pastoral Care – His Holiness praised the pastoral care of H.E. Metropolitan Abraam for the Diocese of Fayoum, describing him as one who loves education and is faithful in his ministry.

Finally, Pope Tawadros honored the graduates and the members of the teaching staff.

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