On October 30, Pope Tawadros II led a ceremony at the St. Mark's Cathedral in Abbassia, Cairo, to honor top high school students from various church sectors in Cairo. The event celebrated students who achieved 90% or higher in their high school exams, with over 400 students in attendance. The ceremony was attended by bishops, priests, and church officials.
The ceremony began with a prayer of thanksgiving, followed by a speech from Bishop Raphael, who represented the bishops of Cairo. The St. Ava Tawadros Choir from the Beba and Fashn diocese performed several hymns during the event. Student representatives, including Heaven Bahaa from the Old Cairo sector, Irini Rimon from the Shubra South sector, and Michael Sameer from the New Cities sector, delivered speeches on behalf of their peers.
The event also featured a video showcasing the experiences and lessons learned by the top students during their high school journey. Pope Tawadros then delivered a speech, requesting that the attendees sing a hymn, "My Church... is my home, my mother, and the secret of my happiness." He expressed his joy in celebrating the students' success, highlighting that their achievements are a source of pride for their families, the church, and the community.
Pope Tawadros emphasized that academic success has several benefits, including a sense of personal fulfillment, bringing joy to one's family, and contributing to the growth of the church and the nation. He stressed that the students' achievements are a testament to the value of hard work, commitment, and discipline. The Pope also noted that this was the first time that top high school students from various Cairo churches were being honored together.
The Pope identified four key outcomes of academic success: personal well-being, bringing happiness to one's family, enriching the church, and contributing to the nation's development. He encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence, emphasizing that their achievements are a source of inspiration to others. The ceremony concluded with a sense of celebration and pride, as the students and their families were recognized for their accomplishments.
The event was attended by parents, priests, and church officials, who gathered to celebrate the students' achievements. The Pope's speech highlighted the importance of education and the role that students play in shaping the future of their communities. By honoring these top students, the church acknowledged the value of academic excellence and encouraged others to strive for similar achievements.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the church's efforts to recognize and reward academic excellence among its youth. With over 400 students in attendance, the event demonstrated the church's commitment to promoting education and personal development among its members. As the students look to the future, they carry with them the support and encouragement of their church community.
Key points
- Pope Tawadros II honors over 400 top high school students from Cairo's church sectors.
- The ceremony celebrates students who achieved 90% or higher in their high school exams.
- The Pope emphasizes the importance of academic success and its benefits for individuals, families, and the community.
