Archdeacon (Moalem) Fahim Girgis
(1910 - 1999)
The Lead Singer and Hymn Teacher at
St. Mark's Cathedral, The See of St. Mark, Azbakeyah, Cairo, Egypt
The Lead Singer and Hymn Teacher at
St. Mark's Cathedral, The See of St. Mark, Azbakeyah, Cairo, Egypt
Moalem Fahim Girgis Rizk was born the 24th of November 1910. He grew up in Meet Ghamr, Dakahleya, Egypt.
Upon completing his education, he joined the See of Jerusalem as a deacons-choir singer and served the churches of the holy tomb until the year 1948. During that time he benefited from his interactions with other churches in the Holy Land. He became fluent in the Greek language (both old and new). He then started his service in Saint Mark's Cathedral during the reign of His Holiness Pope Youssab II.
For years he was a student of Moalem Mikhail Girgis El-batanoony, the professor of Hymns and Church Rites in the College of Theology. He later succeeded him in teaching the Hymns and the Holy Liturgy in that college, for many years.
He participated in numerous historic services in the Cathedral of St. Mark. During the reign of His Holiness Pope Kyrelos VI, Moalem Fahim was designated by the pope to record the first educational audiotape for the Holy Liturgy to serve as a reference for churches in the lands of immigration. Due to his assistance and support, The Church Singers Association was established in Egypt.
He had a gifted ear, that was very sensitive to music, a unique capability to lead a large choir of deacons (most particularly during feast services that were transmitted over the radio and televised), and an unmatched ability to teach the church hymns and the Holy Liturgy.
During the reign of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, may the Lord keep his life, he was designated by His Holiness to teach the Holy Liturgy to the newly ordained priests. In addition, numerous monks learned the hymns, church rites and benefited from his knowledge during his services in their monasteries.
Moalem Fahim continued his service to the church until his illness, for few days, prior to his departure from this world to rest in the Lord Jesus Christ.
His funeral services took place at St. Mark's Cathedral. In attendance, and representing His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, were H.G. Bishop Domadious, H.G. Bishop Moussa, H.G. Bishop Pisenty, H.G. Bishop Yostous, and H.G. Bishop Rafael. A large number of priests, monks, deacons, singers and a multitude of the congregation also attended the services.
May the Lord repose his soul in the paradise of grace and provide comfort to the church, his children, his disciples and his beloved ones through the prayers of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, May the Lord preserve his life for the church for years to come.
Translated by Sameh Marcos
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Published By Keraza Magazine, Febuary 26, 99 Volume 7,8
