H.G. Bishop Suriel, Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, The Chancellor and Dean of St Athanasius College, received an Honorary Doctorate from the Australian Catholic University (ACU) on Tuesday 10 October 2017.
His Grace Bishop Suriel, was selected to receive the Honorary Doctorate Award at the ACU 2017 Spring Graduation Ceremony, given his ongoing and outstanding service to the community.
The graduation was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where Bishop Suriel was publicly recognised for his many and significant educational and pastoral contributions to society. This has been particularly demonstrated by way of his influential leadership in the education of Christian Orthodox communities, in growing a Christian Church within Australia and by building strong relationships of support with the Catholic Church and its communities.
The Coptic Christian leader said he was humbled to receive this esteemed award from the ACU community and he delivered an address to the ACU graduates present, espousing the importance of inquiring minds, ongoing learning, and self-development.
“Education is never-ending, it is a continuum from birth to grave. I really hope that for many of you graduating today, that this is only the beginning of a fascinating journey of your life. I also hope that it is an educational journey where you will continue to grow, not (holding) knowledge for the sake of it but in order to enrich your lives and most importantly that of others and to be an inspiration to them.”
In the public address, Bishop Suriel also referenced a modern Coptic saint, called Habib Girgis, who dedicated his life to creating, progressing and imparting quality religious education and theological programs in the Coptic church of Egypt. The Coptic bishop encouraged all to emulate the courage and tenacity of Habib in living a legacy of love.
“Throughout the life journeys that you will all embark upon, you will…be met with obstacles and perhaps with people who will resist your work and ideas,” Bishop Suriel said. “I urge you not to take the easy path and give up, but let this story of Habib Girgis be an inspiration for you today. Will you have this passion and resilience in what you do in the future? This is what makes great women and men, people of stature, people of significance, people that will impact society and the world. Perhaps like Habib Girgis your work and resilience may not be recognized immediately, but if you are true to your vision, one day someone will notice and your work will influence and inspire others too.”
