“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.” (Romans 14:7-8 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. An influential author of over 15 books, contributing to Reformed Theology and Egyptian Christianity, he authored his last book in early 2021, and continued with his research for a new book up to a week 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.
– Served as the Moderator and the General Secretary, Synod of the Nile, Presbyterian Church of Egypt.
– Served in various capacities on All Africa Conference of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches and World Council of Churches.
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.
