Congratulations to the First Graduating Class, Class of 2017!

Monday, May 15 marked the Commencement Ceremony of the first graduating class of St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Theological School. In the Blessed presence of His Imminence Metropolitan Serapion, His Grace Bishop Rafael and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, along with the distinguished guests of President Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan of Claremont School of Theology and President Jacob Adams of Claremont Graduate University, the seven graduates were presented with their Masters of Theological Studies.

As the first graduating class, they were charged with the responsibility of sharing the knowledge they have gained throughout their years at ACTS and to be thoughtful in their defense and service in the faith because of the education they have received and the work they have already accomplished in this education. The valedictorian of the class, Neveen Wissa, explained her purpose in taking up this responsibility, to not only be “deeply committed” but also “prepared to share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The importance of theological education did not end there for her but extended past her own strength through her education in the faith, to be able to empower and educate the youth as “the building blocks of the church and our nation; the stronger they become, the more developed the nation will be and the more the church will grow.” She concluded her message emphasizing the importance of answering “the questions of our youth… congregants, friends and coworkers in a spiritual, intellectual and logical manner…to ‘be ready to give a defense to anyone who demands an account for the hope that is within us’ (1 Peter 3:15).”

Congratulations to Fr. Theodore Ghaly, Fr. Ibrahim Girgis, Fr. Pachom Ibrahim, Fr. Mark Paul, Neveen Wissa, Ehab Maximous and Mina Ghattas, the Class of 2017!