One of the most crucial life principles, that most of the time affects the life of people around you the same as it affects your life, is integriy. One of the characters known for true integrity and academic success at the same time was Hegumen Makary Abdullah; the eldest priest of Shoubra who departed few days ago. In fact, this is not the first time when the name of Hegumen Makary Abduallah was mentioned in an article, but it was the topic of media discussion more than once.
Hegumen Makary Abdullah, Adib Abdullah, has attained his Bachelor of Science, Mathematics Department, with honors, from Cairo University in May 1949.He attained a Master in Applied Mathematics in the general theory of relativity from Ain Shams University in 1959. Then he attained his PHD from Göttingen University, Western Germany in 1962 in one of the unique Mathematical specialization known for its difficulty and complexity which is:”Complex Variables”, so he would be one of the least specialized persons in this science. Dr. Adib was appointed as a teaching assistant, teacher, assisting professor in Mathematics Division at the faculty of Science, Cairo University.
Life of Dr. Adib Abdullah took a new perspective when St Pope Kirollos VI asked him to be ordained as a priest. So, he submitted his resignation to the Head of Mathematics Department, but the resignation was rejected, as the Department Head said to him: “I have no alternative for you. Scientific integrity requires me not to accept your resignation.” Dr Adib tried to explain the matter and that this resignation was not submitted with the aim of having another job. However, it was for devoting time for the religious service. Notwithstanding, his resignation was still rejected.
He explained the issue to the College Dean and the Head of the University, so their answer was that there was no reason to reject his attendance at the university wearing the priesthood garment. Al-Ahram newspaper reported: “It is the first time in which a priest gives lectures of Pure Mathematics at Cairo University; he submitted his resignation to Faculty of Science to devote himself to religious service, however, the faculty abode him.” Priest Makary Abdullah worked honestly at the religious field tending his flock and taking care of his congregation. In the academic field, he worked as professor at the Department of Mathematics then he became the Head of Mathematics Department for more than a period till he was appointed as a Tenured Professor in1988. Then he was granted the State Incentive Award and the Order of Sciences and Arts of the First Class in recognition of his scientific research. There was great media coverage of this unique event. Globally, Heugmen Makary Abdullah offered several researches published in the greatest international magazines and he was known with the name of Professor Fadlallah. He also travelled to many countries to give lectures or represent Egypt in conferences and scientific seminars. Thus, Hegumen Makary Abdullah became an honorable icon of Egypt.
The General Bishop
Head of Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
