Episcopal School of Theology Celebrates the Graduation of Its 18th Cohort in the Presence of Church Leaders and Representatives of the Middle East Council of Churches

Cairo – Sunday, August 30, 2026

The Episcopal School of Theology celebrated the graduation of its 18th cohort during a ceremony held at All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral in Zamalek. The ceremony was presided over by the Most Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of Alexandria for the Episcopal Anglican Province of Alexandria and Bishop of the Diocese of Egypt, in the presence of a number of church leaders and representatives of the Middle East Council of Churches, as well as faculty members, graduates, and their families.

The ceremony was attended by the Most Rev. George Chehade, Archbishop of the Maronite Archdiocese of Cairo, Egypt and Sudan, and Apostolic Visitor to North Africa; the Rev. Refaat Fikry, Head of the Council for Dialogue and Ecumenical Relations of the Evangelical Church in Egypt and Associate General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches; Dr. Gergis Saleh, Honorary General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches and representative of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II; Dr. Hoda Gendy, Vice Chair of the School’s Board of Directors; the Rev. Dr. Justin Terry, Board Member and Academic Dean of Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford; Bishop Justin Holcomb, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida; the Rev. Yashua Yacoub, General Secretary of the Council of Churches of Egypt; and Archdeacon Yasser Koko, Assistant to the Bishop for the Ministry to Sudanese People in the Diocese.

In his address, the Most Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy emphasized that the graduation celebration represents joy in learning and study, as well as joy for the Church, which welcomes new servants into the field of ministry. He explained that the cohort includes graduates of the Bachelor’s program, following four years of study, as well as graduates of the Diploma program, following two years of study.

He also highlighted the School’s accreditation and its membership in the Association of Theological Institutions in the Middle East, emphasizing that these milestones place a greater responsibility on the School to maintain and further develop the quality of theological education it provides.

The Archbishop reflected on Christ’s words, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” explaining that the graduation of this cohort represents an answer to the Church’s prayer for laborers to be sent into the harvest.

He further emphasized that the sequence of “seeing, having compassion, and sending” offers a model for ministry. Knowledge, he explained, should lead to compassion for people and to drawing near to them, rather than remaining merely theoretical knowledge. He expressed his gratitude to the School’s Dean, members of the Board of Directors, faculty members, and administrative staff, as well as to the churches and organizations that support the School and to the families of the graduates.

For his part, the Rev. Dr. Justin Terry, a member of the School’s Board of Directors and Academic Dean of Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, conveyed the Board of Trustees’ congratulations to the graduates. He emphasized that reaching this moment represents a significant achievement, particularly in light of the responsibilities and commitments that accompanied their years of study.

He commended the role played by the graduates’ families, friends, and churches in supporting them, and expressed his appreciation to the faculty and staff of the School for their role in providing knowledge, care, and discipleship, and in helping students to love the Scriptures, understand the history and doctrine of the Christian faith, and connect theoretical knowledge with practical ministry.

Dr. Shady Anis, Dean of the Episcopal School of Theology, said that graduation represents a transition from one stage to another, rather than the end of God’s work in the lives of the graduates. He quoted the Apostle Paul: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

He explained that the years of study were part of God’s plan for the students’ lives, and that God’s work in them began before they joined the School and will continue after graduation. He encouraged the graduates to trust in God’s work in their lives, families, and churches, and to bear fruit for the glory of God’s Kingdom.

Maro Gabriel, representing the graduates, spoke of their years of study as a journey of formation and true knowledge of God. He emphasized that biblical knowledge is not merely information, but a genuine relationship with God.

He highlighted the importance of connecting sound doctrine with love and a relationship with God, emphasizing that theological study helps people know God as He has revealed Himself, rather than according to human imagination. He concluded by affirming that the graduates are called to be “ambassadors for Christ,” expressing his gratitude to the faculty, the graduates’ families, and everyone who supported them throughout their years of study.

In his address, Bishop Justin Holcomb, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, expressed his joy at participating in the graduation ceremony and thanked the School’s leadership, faculty, and Board of Trustees. He congratulated the graduates on the effort and commitment they had demonstrated.

Drawing from the Letter to the Romans, Bishop Holcomb spoke about two central aspects of calling: that calling comes by the grace of God, and that the believer’s true identity is rooted in Christ. He emphasized that calling is not a reward for achievement, but a gift of God’s grace.

Holcomb stressed that a believer’s identity is not defined by achievements, the opinions of others, or surrounding circumstances, but by belonging to Christ and being a member of the Body of Christ. He encouraged the graduates to find their security and comfort in Christ and to live out their calling with confidence, relying on the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The ceremony concluded with prayers led by the Most Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy, who prayed for the graduates, asking the Lord to bless their lives and ministries, guide their steps in this new stage, and use them for the glory of His name and for the service of the Church and society.

It is worth noting that the Episcopal School of Theology continues to receive applications for admission for the new academic year until September 5, 2026. Classes at the Cairo and Upper Egypt campuses will begin on September 24, 2026, while the Alexandria campus will begin its academic term on October 1, 2026.

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