St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Alexandria celebrated the graduation of a new class of students from Levels One and Two of the Alpha Course for the Sudanese Ministry in Alexandria. The event was held under the patronage of Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Alexandria Province of the Episcopal/Anglican Church, and was attended by the Very Rev. David Aziz, Dean of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, and Archdeacon Rev. Dr. Yasser Koko, Assistant Bishop for the Sudanese Ministry.
The Very Rev. David Aziz, Dean of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Alexandria, expressed his joy in hosting this event, which brought together church leaders and community representatives to encourage a new generation of young people to learn leadership and carry forward the mission entrusted to them by their mentors. He emphasized that the Sudanese Ministry is an integral part of the fabric of the Episcopal Church in Egypt.
He added that the Episcopal Church, and the Cathedral in particular, is committed to serving as a beacon of lifelong learning and leadership development.
In his address, Archdeacon Rev. Dr. Yasser Koko stated that the one certain truth in an ever-changing world is a relationship with God, who never changes. He explained that God is the source of life and peace for all people, whether graduates or teachers, and that this peace is what brings lasting joy to everyone who trusts in Him.
He highlighted the event’s theme, drawn from Philippians 4:9:
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
He stressed that leaders who have learned to trust God and have been filled with divine peace and joy have a responsibility to teach, mentor, and support a new generation, helping to build future leaders.
Eng. Nader Wanees, Director of the Arkan Cultural Center at St. Mark’s Cathedral, also presented an initiative aimed at training 150 Sudanese young people in various technology and media fields to help them develop skills and access employment opportunities.
The celebration concluded with remarks from clergy members and guests, followed by a word of thanks delivered by Archdeacon Yasser Koko. Graduation certificates were then presented to participants who completed both levels of study in the Alpha Course, and teachers from the various educational stages were honored for their service.
Among those attending the celebration were Mr. Sabt Samuel, President of the Sudanese Community; Rev. Samuel Ibrahim of the Evangelical Church; Rev. Daniel Kory, Pastor of the Sudanese Ministry at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Alexandria; Rev. Elijah Ibrahim, Assistant Priest at St. Stanley’s Episcopal Church; and Rev. Adel Othman, Assistant Priest at the Episcopal Church in Ain Shams.