The Dean of the Institute participated in the discussion of a doctoral thesis on “Bishop Athanasius, Bishop of Beni Suef and El-Behnasa, and his role in development and ecumenical work.”
Under the patronage of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and his partner in the apostolic service, His Grace the esteemed Anba Moses, General Bishop for Youth and Deputy Head of the Institute of Care and Education, the doctoral dissertation of researcher Dr. Gamal Zekry Besada was defended on Friday, June 24, 2022, corresponding to 17 Ba’una 1738 A.M. The defense took place in the Virgin Mary Hall at the Institute of Care and Education within St. Mark’s Cathedral in Al-Abbasia. The dissertation topic was “Anba Athanasios, Metropolitan of Beni Suef and El-Bahnasa, and His Role in Developmental and Ecumenical Work (1923-2000).”
The examination committee consisted of:
His Grace Bishop Moussa – Supervisor and President
Professor Dr. Priest Basilios Sobhi – Supervisor
Professor Dr. Gamal Shehata Habib – Discussant
+Professor Dr. Magdy Latif Al-Sindi – Discussant
Professor Dr. Joseph Morris Felts – Discussant
The study comprised eight chapters covering various aspects of the life of Metropolitan Anba Athanasios. It began with his social background and progressed through key milestones in his life, shedding light on the most important pastoral, developmental, administrative, and ecumenical dimensions. This was achieved by exploring themes of pastoral care, church administration, the simplification of doctrine, social development, public relations, ecumenism, as well as Sunday Schools and home education in the thought and work of Anba Athanasios.
The researcher suggested some recommendations in the field of development and social services, including the following:
Focusing on institutionalizing services in development projects for sustainability, and working to serve every human being, and all of humanity.
Man is the target of service. God created in man many abilities and potentials, and the mission of development work is to help these natural potentials move and grow in the right path.
In the field of development, the work method must include rules, structure, training, evaluation, and good selection of employees. These are the scientific foundations for the success of the implementation process.
Focus on training to provide life skills, and develop projects that meet individuals’ needs and contribute to solving the unemployment problem.
After discussion with the researcher, he was awarded a PhD with a grade of “Very Good”.
