Diocese of Egypt: Synod 2009

The Synod of the Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa met in Cairo from 15-19 June 2009.  Delegates came from Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya, Djibouti, Somalia and Egypt ; all gathered to give their reports and further fellowship in Christ.  Bishop Mouneer Anis (Diocesan Bishop), Bishop Andrew Proud (Area Bishop for the Horn of Africa), Bishop Bill Musk (Area Bishop for North Africa), as well as retired Bishop Ghais Malik (former Diocesan Bishop) welcomed the Synod.

Other distinguished guests were present, including Rev. Greg & Laura Lee Brewer from Calvary St. George's Church, New York (USA) who led our Diocesan Synod retreat, the Revd. Canon Huw Thomas (Bishop Mouneer's Commissary to the UK), Mr. Kamel Boutros from Calvary St. George's Church, New York (USA) who musically led our worship, and the Rev. Dr. Grant LeMarquand from Trinity School for Ministry, Ambridge, Pennsylvania (USA).

On Monday 15th June, the Diocese of Egypt ordained in accordance to the constitutions and canons of the Diocese, the Rev. Kosti "Gus" Ketola to the priesthood.  Rev. Gus serves at St. Mary's Church, Tripoli, Algeria.  The Diocese also ordained Fayiz Nady to the Sacred Order of Deacons.  Fayiz serves a congregation which meets in a garage, with the congregation calling itself the "Garage Church."

On Friday 19th June, the Diocese celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Jesus, Light of the World Church in Old Cairo.  Rev. Michel Milad, the Rector of Jesus, Light of the World Church, welcomed the synod representatives for a wonderful celebration.  Located on the same property is the Deaf Unit and the Vocational Training Centers of Old Cairo.

On Saturday 20th June, although many synod delegates had to return to their homes, those who remained witnessed the first graduation of students at the Alexandria School of Theology (AST). Graduation took place at St. Mark's Pro-Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt.  Congratulations to the first graduates of the four-year undergraduate seminary.  Special thanks to Bishop Mouneer (the founder of AST), Rev. Emad (the Principal of AST) and Dean Samy (the Dean of St. Mark's Pro-Cathedral) for hosting such a wonderful event.

In addition, Bishop Mouneer ordained Ambrose Marikili to the Sacred Order of Deacons.  Rev. Ambrose and his wife Gladys have faithfully served St. George's Church in Asmara, Eritrea.  We celebrate in this new ministry and pray that the Lord will continue to provide everything needed.

We praise God for all that was accomplished--for remembering the past, living in the present, and preparing the way for the future.  Special thanks needs also to be mentioned for the Synod Secretaries (Rev. Canon Rajkumar and Engineer Ehab), the Bishop's Staff (Dr. Randi and Colonel John), the Guest House (Mr. Christopher and Ms. Helbees), the Diocesan and Cathedral Staff (especially Mr. Raouf and Madame Aida), the Cathedral Clergy (especially Rev. Dr. Bahig, and Rev. Mike) and the many hands who made light work; soli Deo gloria!

For further information, please contact the Bishop's Office: bishopmouneer@gmail.com