THE ARCHDEACON HABIB GARGIS

Monday, August 21, 2006

1876 August 2?’ 1951
He was born in Cairo, 1876. His parents were righteous Christians. His father died while Habib was still a child and his mother brought him up as a good Christian.
Habib was ordained a Deacon and received his education at the Coptic SchooL He chose to continue his
I education at the Theological Seminary, when it was reopened by Pope Kyrillos V
He used to spend most of his time in the Seminary ‘
Library, reading and studying He was fond of the
Church hymns, Masses and Rites, This inspired him
to write hymns that are still in use at Church today
His talents qua fl/led him to become the personal Deacon for Pope Kyrillos V then the Archdeacon of St. Mark ‘ Cathedral, El Azbakia and its distinguished preacher Before his graduation in 1898, Habib was appointed to teach Theology while still a student at the Seminary, in his final year That happened when the Theology teacher became ill and
there was no other teacher to take his place. Habib remained in this position after his graduation which enabled him to reveal his talents.
In 1918, Pope Kyrillos V appointed Habib a Dean for the Seminary, besides teaching Theology there. He remained its Dean for 33 years. He was loved by the four Patriarchs who were contemporary with him and he succeeded in obtaining their full trust
Habib Girgis denied himself the joy of a family 4/ è in order to wholly consecrate his talents and energy to one goal: sowing the seed. Therefore, he became a pioneer in leading a life of celibacy serving God outside the monasteries. He gained fame in preaching as well ass teaching. For five years of his fife, he travelled to dj9rent parts of the country, preaching and teaching the faithful. He urged them to remain firm in their Orthodox faith without being affected by the wave of different beliefs that spread in Egypt at that time.
I.
of illness. He departed in peace after a long record of struggle in spreading the Lord’s word, on August 21 1951. He spent 55 years serving God.
May the blessings of this great saint be with us and
with all his Sunday School children. Amen
Gloty be to God forever. Amen.