SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

instructions, particularly Europeans, have always regarded progressive lessons as ill- adapted to university instruction, however useful for self-instruction." Now the introduction of the progressive lesson methodology of Lambdin in his "Introductory Sahidic Grammar", teaching methodology of Coptic has radically changed especially in the American Universities, and allowed more professors to offer classes than before. On who can perform research in Coptic Studies, he wrote in his March 30th letter, "There is no particular advantage in being a university professor, if one can otherwise find the time to do scientific work" So for us, Copts of professional careers, let us dedicate the time to learn and work to recover what belongs to us! Final Word: This archive represents the remarkable efforts and achievements of a private non-Copt in the study of the Coptic Language. The careful study of its contents may or may not yield valuable information for those studying the language. But in either case, it is sincerely hoped that his accomplishments would serve as an inspiration for all Copts to study the language of their ancestors to recover their sacred heritage. Coptic Studies. This brought upon our face-to-face contact in October 1984. Our conversation centered on the work of the Society, then in its early stages of development. His reaction to work was favorable and very supportive to the extent that asked to be a member. His support continued over the years by writing about and promoting the Society's work in Egypt. I very much saw the genuine Christian teacher quality in him that the Coptic Church and Coptic Studies sorely need. Sadly, his relationship with the contemporary leadership of the Church was strained, but his contributions and devotions has assured him of a solid place in the History of the Coptic Church.

interest or this archive would never have been put on sale! Who is Prof. Worrell: Unlike RMS, Prof. Worrell is well known among those with scholarly interest in Coptic. His quarter century of association with the University of Michigan established a strong tradition there that extended long after he left the university in 1949. The letters in item 7 above reveal some information about the state of scholarly work in the field during W.W.II, the methodology of university teaching of Coptic, and his view of who is capable of engaging in such work, as follows: On the state of research during the War, he writes in his March 30th letter this sad comment, "The study of the dead Oriental Languages has just about ceased to be, in consequence of the war effort. All of my time now goes into instruction in Arabic and Islam." On the methodology of university teaching of Coptic, he writes in his January 28th letter, "Steindorff's Koptische Grammatik, like all grammars in that series, is designed primarily for use under university classroom instruction. It does not attempt to have vocabularies, progressive lessons, and exercises... University On July 12, 1998, Dr. Soliman Nessim departed this temporal world for the permanent one. He is considered a giant in the field of Christian Education in the Coptic Church. His service in the field extended over several decades and brought visible fruits in the exceptional crop of students that were blessed to learn from him and the quality publications that he produced. He taught at the secular university level as well as the ecclesiastical Institute for Coptic Studies in Cairo. His intellect and humble pursuit of knowledge were exceptional for an educator. He also was very appreciative of all work that was done in the general discipline of Dr. Suliman Nessim (Hany N. Takla)

In Memorium

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

-11-

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker