Some Fields of Pastoral Care

The Institute of Care and Education

The Institute of Care and Education

Historical Overview
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III founded the Institute in November 1974 in response to the Church’s need for greater specialization in the fields of pastoral care and religious education. The Institute was established to prepare specialized professors in the various disciplines related to these fields.

In August 1975, His Holiness appointed His Grace Bishop Pimen as its Dean, marking the beginning of a new phase of activity and development for the Institute.

We pray that, God willing, we may soon witness its fruits.

Objectives of the Institute

First: Academic Objectives
† To open the field for postgraduate studies and scientific research in the areas of Christian pastoral care and religious education, following a Coptic Orthodox methodology consistent with the historical, cultural, and psychological components of the Egyptian character.
† To evaluate spiritual and educational activities in order to develop them and achieve better results.

Second: Executive and Practical Objectives
† To provide field services for all areas of church, family, and school pastoral and educational work, based on a planned scientific methodology suited to each field.
† To organize training programs for fathers and priests, as well as for servants and educators working in pastoral care, religious education, and Christian instruction, and also for families and parents in various social environments.
† To conduct Christian studies of different service sectors in order to determine suitable methods of care and education for each.

Admission Requirements

Enrollment is open to the following categories:

1. Graduates of the Theological College (Clerical College), both from the Higher Day Section and the Evening University Section.
2. University graduates specialized in education who hold a diploma in Educational Sciences, provided they successfully pass the theological and religious examinations specified by the Institute Council and supervised by professors of the Theological College.
3. A percentage determined by the Institute Council from among non-education university graduates who have served faithfully in church education for at least ten years, provided they are recommended by two faculty members of the Institute and successfully pass the personal interview and the required theological and religious examinations.
4. In all cases, students must pay the prescribed fees.

Academic Degrees Granted by the Institute

1. Higher Diploma in the Field of Specialization (Care or Education):
   Granted to those who complete at least two academic years and successfully pass the required examinations in pastoral and educational sciences with a minimum of 70% of the total grade.
2. Master’s Degree in the Field of Specialization or One of Its Branches:
   Granted to those who:
   (a) Complete at least three academic years.
   (b) Successfully pass the required examinations with a minimum of 75% of the total grade.
   (c) Submit an original thesis or research meeting the conditions set by the Institute’s regulations.
3. Doctoral Degree in One of the Pastoral or Educational Sciences:
   Granted to those who:
   (a) Obtain a Master’s degree with at least a “Good” grade.
   (b) Submit a dissertation that offers a new academic or practical contribution in one of the fields of study or service within the Egyptian Orthodox Church, in accordance with the Institute’s regulations.

Methods of Study at the Institute

First: Courses
Second: Seminars
Third: Papers and Research
Fourth: Field Experiments
Fifth: Thesis

Administrative Information

Institute Correspondence:

• Academic matters: Addressed to His Grace Bishop Pimen, Dean of the Institute, at Anba Ruweis, Abbassia.
• Administrative and financial matters: Addressed to Mr. Makary Makar, Registrar at the Clerical College, Anba Ruweis, Abbassia. The envelope should be marked: Institute of Care and Religious Education.

Telephone: 820681

Start of Study:
The academic year 1975/1976 begins on Monday, November 3, at 5:00 PM.

Study Days:
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.