Day Four | ATIME Student Summer Conference – Cairo
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
The fourth and final day of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) Student Summer Conference brought to a close an inspiring week of prayer, learning, dialogue, and ecumenical fellowship.
The day opened with morning prayer according to the Byzantine Orthodox tradition, led by Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand, and ATIME Former President. He also offered the biblical reflection on the Gospel account of the Risen Lord's appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, emphasizing that true knowledge of Christ is possible only through a personal encounter with the living Lord.
The participants then enjoyed a study visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where they discovered one of the world’s most remarkable cultural and archaeological institutions. The museum offered an extraordinary opportunity to encounter the richness of Egypt’s ancient civilization. The visit was a memorable highlight of the conference and inspired great admiration among all who attended.
The conference concluded with a farewell dinner, providing one final occasion to celebrate the friendships formed throughout the week. Laughter, conversations, and shared memories reflected the joy of having lived together an authentic ecumenical experience that transcended denominational and national boundaries.
On Friday morning, participants returned to their respective cities, countries and theological institutions, carrying with them not only new knowledge and practical insights, but also a renewed commitment to serve as ecumenically minded leaders within their Churches. The relationships established during these days will continue through future collaboration, networking, and common witness, embodying the very mission of ATIME: forming a new generation of Christian leaders rooted in faith, open to dialogue, and committed to serving the Churches and societies of the Middle East together.
