The 2025 Santa Verena Charity Banquet brought together friends, clergy, and supporters for an evening celebrating service and the ongoing mission of helping families in need.
The evening began with a prayer and reflection from His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, who also presented award plaques honoring Dr. Mary Mikhail (posthumously) and Mr. Gabriel “Gaby” Raphael, for their compassionate, dedicated service.
Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim provided thoughtful guidance throughout the evening, speaking on the impact of Santa Verena’s many programs in transforming lives across Egypt, providing essential food, medical care, educational support, and economic opportunity to those in need.
Dr. Magdy Mikhail and Dr. Mikhail Malek, two of the founding members of the Coptic Christian Health Professionals (CCHP) program, shared updates on its ongoing medical missions to Egypt. Mr. Sameh Wissa presented the Diocese Development Projects, outlining new efforts made possible through the generosity of supporters.
The banquet also featured a musical performance by violinist Adel Iskander and vocalist George Sawiris, whose performance added a joyful, uplifting note to the evening.
The theme of this year’s banquet was drawn from 1 John 3:18 — “Let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth.” It served as a reminder that true love for God is shown through action.
