i Suef and Coordinator of Disability Ministry, Explores the Experience of the “Victors” Ministry in Al-Fashn

Beni Suef – Monday, August 10, 2026

The Rt. Rev. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria of the Episcopal Anglican Church, visited His Grace Bishop Estefanos, Bishop of the Diocese of Beba, Al-Fashn, and Samasta and responsible for the ministry to persons with disabilities, at the diocesan headquarters in Beni Suef. The visit was attended by His Grace Bishop Michael, Bishop of Ma’sara and Helwan, to discuss opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in ministry to persons with disabilities, particularly deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Archbishop Samy Fawzy was accompanied by a delegation from the Episcopal Church, including Moheb Naeem, Head of the Media and Culture Sector of the Episcopal Church in Egypt; Claire Geis, the Archbishop’s Adviser for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Affairs and Director of Operations at the Egyptian Sign Language Bible Translation Project; Ramez Bekhit, Director of Translation Teams at the Egyptian Sign Language Bible Translation Project; and Mirna Maged, Media Office Coordinator of the Episcopal Church in Egypt.

The meeting addressed ways to develop ministry to persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. The two sides also exchanged experiences and practices in providing spiritual, pastoral, and educational services to persons with disabilities.

Following the meeting, Bishop Estefanos accompanied Archbishop Samy Fawzy and the accompanying delegation on a visit to the “Victors” Ministry for persons with disabilities in Al-Fashn. He welcomed Archbishop Samy Fawzy and expressed his happiness at his visit and presence among the members of the ministry, as well as welcoming the accompanying delegation.

The visit included a presentation by Youssef Mikhael Saad on the nature of the “Victors” Ministry and its various departments. He explained that the ministry is divided into four main sectors: the sector for persons with intellectual disabilities, the sector for persons with physical disabilities, the sector for the blind, and the sector for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

The ministry’s leadership team was also introduced, including Rev. Luka Adly and Rev. Moises, who oversee the ministry; Deaconess Dolagy, Secretary-General of the ministry; and Deaconess Michaela, Secretary of the ministry’s sectors.

The visit featured several performances presented by members of the ministry from its various sectors. These included a choir performance featuring members of the ministry, a poetry recital by one of the blind participants, hymns performed by members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing sector, and a puppet theater performance presented by members of the ministry with physical disabilities.

Archbishop Samy Fawzy expressed his sincere thanks to Bishop Estefanos and Bishop Michael for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. He praised the ministry being provided to the members of the “Victors” Ministry and prayed that God would continue His work through the ministry and bless all those serving in it and its members.

Following the performances, Bishop Estefanos accompanied Archbishop Samy Fawzy on a tour of the ministry’s various sectors and Sunday School classrooms. During the tour, the Archbishop learned about the nature of the work and the services provided to the members in each sector.

At the conclusion of the visit, the two sides exchanged commemorative gifts. Members of the “Victors” Ministry presented Archbishop Samy Fawzy with a number of handmade gifts created by members of the ministry with disabilities. The Archbishop expressed his appreciation for this thoughtful gesture, thanked the members and leaders of the ministry, and emphasized the importance of providing persons with disabilities with opportunities to express their talents and participate actively in the life of the Church.

Issued by
The Media Office of the Episcopal Anglican Church in Egypt