Sunday, June 3rd, the church celebrated ACTS second graduating class in Claremont, CA.
Joined by clergy members from throughout the diocese and blessed by the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, His Grace Bishop Youssef, His Grace Bishop Abraham and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, fourteen students of the Class of 2018 from across the United States were presented with their Masters of Theological Studies, doubling in size from the previous year.
As the keynote speaker, H.G. Bishop Youssef reflected on the importance of theological training in students from all walks of life, emphasizing the need for “equipped Christian leaders in this world”, those that are “…spiritually mature, and biblically and theologically responsible.” Whether it be in the church, the classroom, the hospital or any other professional setting, the study of theology “pertains to the whole of our lives, and must shape and inform our thoughts and activities.” In his final charge to the Class of 2018, His Grace encouraged them to continue in seeking knowledge and service, urging them to “pour out your life and share it with others as our Lord Jesus Christ did. Let our lives be a living testimony to His honor. With the training you have received, may God make you His true and faithful witnesses.”
