Certificate Ceremony of the “Apostolic Age from a Historical Perspective” Course at the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center

On the evening of Saturday, 28 March 2026, the certificate ceremony for the course “The Apostolic Age from a Historical Perspective” was held at the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, in the presence of His Grace Bishop Raphael, General Bishop of the Churches of Central Cairo and President of the Pope Shenouda Center for Church History, and His Grace Bishop Ermia, General Bishop and President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center and Founder of Aristotle Academy. The ceremony took place at the Center’s headquarters in Anba Rois, Abbassia.

The course was organized through cooperation between the Pope Shenouda Center for Church History in the Churches of Central Cairo and Aristotle Academy at the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center. It continued for one and a half months in an online format, allowing the participation of the largest possible number of students from inside and outside Egypt. A total of 160 participants successfully completed the course, representing 17 Egyptian governorates and 7 countries abroad.

During the ceremony, His Grace Bishop Ermia delivered a speech highlighting the importance of studying Church history to deepen understanding of its roots and to connect the past with the present. His Grace Bishop Raphael also delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning regardless of age or circumstances, stressing that knowledge should be used humbly for the benefit of humanity, the Church, and society.

Archdeacon Prof. Dr. Roshdy Wassef, Director of the Academy, spoke about the establishment of Aristotle Academy at the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center under the leadership of Bishop Ermia, noting that it was founded as a result of a cooperation protocol between Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center.

Mr. Mina Soliman, researcher at the Center and lecturer at the Academy, presented the activities of Aristotle Academy, explaining its academic system, departments, and available fields of study. Deacon Antonios also introduced the Pope Shenouda Center for Church History, presenting its study programs and teaching staff.

Mr. Girgis Atef (joint first place) shared his experience in the course and explained how its benefits can be applied in ministry and daily life.

The course addressed several key historical topics, including the origin of the early Church, characteristics of the Apostolic Age, the Apostolic Fathers’ canons, methods of Church administration, the relationship between the early Church and the state, and the role of the early apologists from a historical perspective. These lectures were delivered by a distinguished group of bishops, priests, and Church history scholars of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Janet Fawzy, Director of the Academy at the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center and General Coordinator of the course, along with a number of priests and a large gathering of participating students.