For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living (Romans 14:7-9 NIV).
Born in Sohag, Egypt on August 28, 1929 and predeceased by his parents and four siblings, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin and grandfather, Rev. Dr. Abd el Masih Istafanous went to be with the Lord on November 29, 2021.
Survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Dr. Isis Bashiri, and his daughter Phoebe, son Philip, son in law Bassem, grandchildren Nabil, Laura, Gabrielle and Jacob. Dear uncle of Wafik, Wafaa, Mona, Beatrice, Neveine, Wasseem, Samuel and Andrew.
Studying and working tirelessly throughout his life, Rev. Dr. Abd el Masih Istafanous never retired. He authored his last book in early 2021, and continued with his research for a new book up to a few weeks before he passed, with numerous chapters written while in hospital.
Education:
– Bachelor of Arts, Cairo Theological Seminary, 1950.
– Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Psychology, The American University in Cairo, 1952.
– Master of Arts, San Francisco Theological Seminary, 1954.
– PhD, Theology and Philosophy, Princeton Theological Seminary, 1963.
Career:
– Assistant Pastor, Helwan Evangelical Church, 1950-1952.
– Pastor, Hur Evangelical Church, 1954-1958.
– Pastor and Social Worker, American Hospital in Tanta, 1958.
– General Director, Bible Society of Egypt, 1963-1989.
– Translation Consultant, Bible Society of Egypt, 1989-1994.
– Professor, Cairo Theological Seminary, 1963-2007.
– Various appointments, Synod of the Nile.
– Various appointments, All Africa Conference of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches and World Council of Churches.
– Author, numerous books and articles, 1963-2021.
Rev. Dr. Abd el Masih Istafanous will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We are comforted by the fact that we will see him again on that glorious day of Resurrection.
As an expression of sympathy and to honour his love of the Lord, memorial donations may be made to the Mission of Rural Egypt (MORE). moreegypt.org
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Abd el Masih Istafanous November 29 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Markham, Province: Ontario