Archimandrite Dean Jack Khalil Presided Over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Cairo, in the Presence of Dr. Michel Abs, the MECC Secretary General
Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai: “The Theological Institute in Balamand is an unparalleled intellectual and cultural oasis, and MECC has proven its presence and distinction through its humanitarian programs and projects”
Cairo, July 14, 2.24
At the invitation of the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Patriarchal Monastery of St. George of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa in Cairo, the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East A.T.I.M.E., presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery’s Church.
The Mass was served by students from the Theological Institute of Balamand.
The Mass was attended by Dr. Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Arlette Michel, President of the Good Shepherd Greek Orthodox Association in Heliopolis, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the MECC Media Church Relations Coordinator, and believers.
After the Holy Gospel, the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, Head of the Monastery, delivered a spiritual speech, in which he welcomed, in the name of His Holiness Patriarch Theodoros II, the Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dr. Michel Abs, and the Journalist Lea Maamary, praising the efforts of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute in Balamand and the role played by MECC at various levels.
He also provided an extensive explanation about the history of the Monastery, which is considered one of the most important and oldest historical Monasteries in Egypt, and which is considered also a spiritual beacon for all Churches and sects without distinction.
He did not forget to recall the pain, crises, and concerns surrounding the region, in addition to the poverty of many families, asking God to sorrow His peace in the region and the world and to stop the drums of war.
At the end of his speech, Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai offered, on behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Theodoros II, to Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dr. Michel Abs, and the Journalist Lea Maamary, a book outlining the history of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa.
Following the Mass, everyone gathered around an agape in the Monastery’s hall.
