The Students of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) in a Gathering

As part of the activities of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Abbasia, Cairo, hosted a Theological student meeting entitled: “The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke,” on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The gathering brought together around 200 students from Theological Colleges and Institutes in Egypt, representing Theological Colleges affiliated with the Coptic Orthodox Church, Catholic Church, and Evangelical Church. This academic and Ecumenical gathering aimed at enhancing Ttheological knowledge and foster interaction among students from different Theological Institutions.

It was presided over by His Grace Anba Bigol, Bishop and Abbot of St. Virgin Mary El-Muharraq Monastery and President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). In his opening word, he reviewed the ATIME’s most prominent activities during the current year, emphasizing the importance of such meetings in promoting academic and spiritual dialogue among Theology students in the region.

Then, Reverend Dr. Samuel Rozfy Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) and Dean of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, delivered a word in which he welcomed the attendees, stressing the importance of joint study of Biblical Texts in developing Theological thought and deepening the spirit of communion among the Churches.

The meeting included three academic lectures on the Synoptic Gospels:

The first lecture, on the Gospel of St. Matthew, was delivered by Dr. Gergis Saleh, Honorary Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Associate Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), and Professor in the Department of Ecumenical Relations at the Institute of Coptic Studies.

The second lecture, on the Gospel of St. Mark, was delivered by Reverend Dr. Atif Mehany, Former Dean of the Evangelical Theological Seminary and Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Christianity at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo.

The third lecture, on the Gospel of St. Luke, was delivered by Father Dr. Paul Bebawi, Professor at the Catholic Theological Seminary.

The meeting brought together professors and Academic Officers, including:

Professor Dr. Adel Fakhry, Vice Dean of the Institute of Coptic Studies.

Professor Dr. Najlaa Hamady, Head of the Department of Oriental Heritage at the Institute of Coptic Studies.

Father Romany, Dean of the Catholic Theological Seminary.

Dr. Sherif Salah, Vice Dean of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo.

Dr. Rania Nabil, Vice Dean of the Evangelical Seminary and Representative of the Alexandria Branch.

Father Arsani Al-Muharraqi, Vice Dean of the Orthodox Seminary at the Monastery of Al-Muharraq.

Father Andraos Matta, Vice Dean of the Orthodox Seminary in Alexandria.

Dr. Michael Edward, Executive Director of the Cathedral Pastoral Institute.

This meeting was a distinguished academic and Ecumenical occasion, providing students with an opportunity to delve deeper into the study of the Synoptic Gospels and fostering dialogue and acquaintance among students from different Theological Institutions.