SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

Girgis Pasha was a member of al-Maglis al-Milli and then its Deputy Chief during the time of Pope Cyril V. The humanity of Girgis Pasha was exceptional, for he dedicated much efforts to the help of the poor and especially the sick among them. He was (the force) behind the founding of Society of Al-`arwa al-Wathqa in Alexandria with his friend Mohammed Said Pasha and Mohammed Osman. It was called by this name in reference to the unity of the Nation's elements. This Society used to deal with all Egyptians without discrimination and it is still doing its work to this day. And one of his famous quotes was, "Poverty and disease do not discriminate among members of the one people as the bullets of the occupying British was killing Egyptians without distinguishing between Moslem and Copt. In 1906, when he moved to Cairo, being known for his (participation) in charitable activities, he joined the Greater Coptic Charitable Society, at the request of Pope Cyril V, whom he had close friendship ties with him. This society, founded by Boutros Pasha Ghali in 1881 AD, continued in its infancy for 26 years, until Girgis Pasha was chosen as its vice president in 1907. In 1923 he became its president and continued in that post until his departure in 1947. He continually worked early every day at the Society's Headquarters and his era was known as the Golden age of the Society. One of the projects that he did was the creation of al- Boutrosy factory in 1911 and bringing the best instructors in handicraft and sewing from France, so that this factory became a leader in quality. He added the care and the education of hundreds of poor young girls in the elementary school and training them in many handicrafts and needlework. He also established in 1912 a home-making school, the first of its kind in Egypt, attached to the factory. The factory was described by Lutfi al- Sayyid Pasha, the educator and philosopher of that era, by saying, 'I found in Egypt a new thing that was never there before.' This factory was the pride of all Egyptians. The ministry of Al-Maarif, adopted his idea and opened

many similar schools and named them the schools of Needlework Crafts. This factory was awarded many prizes. It also made the bridal clothes for princess Fawzia, daughter of King Fuad and wife of the Shah of Iran, for it was found to be better than its European counterparts. His revolutionary thinking led him to establish what he called 'Suk al-Ihsan' to exhibit the work of the factory's young workers in a general exhibition for the benefit of the poor. This idea was not known before in Egypt, and it became the first social services activities that women openly participated in. He also did not forget the fight against illiteracy. So he send many of the poor, helped by the Society, to be educated in the elementary schools and at times through college and gave them monthly grants. In 1911 he established the first Coptic Hospital in what is now called Midan Ramsis (Ramses Square) in Cairo. In 1926 he build the hospital compound and established a Nursing school in it. He resisted the repeated attempts and enticements of King Fuad to grant him the (title of) Pasha in lieu of naming the hospital after the King's name. In answer he told the king that this hospital was built with the contributions and funds of the Copts and it will be called the Coptic Hospital. The king did not want to miss the occasion of the opening of the largest and newest hospital in the Middle East, so he attended, though reluctantly. Also in attendance were the princes, ministers, and top government officials of that time. Among them were Prince Mohammed Ali, the crown prince; Prince Omar Tousson; and the crown prince of Ethiopia who came specifically to attend the ceremonies. Also in attendance was the (great) leader Saad Pasha Zaghlul, Mustafa al-Nahas Pasha, and Makram Ebeid Pasha. It was the first national charitable hospital, established in Egypt. Girgis Pasha Antoun brought the most skilled nurses from Europe to take care of the patients and the most skilled Coptic physicians joined it so that its fame spread all over Egypt. Many patients came from Alexandria to Aswan for treatment. The largest department in the hospital was that of

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

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