CELEBRATING THE VERY REVEREND FATHER SAMUEL THABET FOR 50 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE

On 2026-06-23, Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE VERY REVEREND FATHER SAMUEL THABET FOR 50 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE VERY REVEREND FATHER SAMUEL THABET FOR 50 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E606] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE VERY REVEREND FATHER SAMUEL THABET FOR 50 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE ______ HON. BILL FOSTER of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the Very Reverend Father Samuel Thabet, priest of St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Chicago in Burr Ridge, as he marks his Golden Jubilee--50 years of faithful and devoted priestly service. Born in Tanta Gharbia, Egypt, and raised in a devout Christian family, Father Samuel's life has been marked by unwavering faith and dedication. Ordained a deacon at just five years old, he continued serving the Church throughout his youth, guided by the late Father Bishoy Kamel and his uncle, Father Matthias El-Baramousy. After earning a degree in civil engineering and serving in the Egyptian army, he answered his lifelong calling to the priesthood and was ordained by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in 1976. His ministry has endured both trial and resilience. In 1981, he was imprisoned with fellow clergy under President Anwar Sadat, yet his faith never faltered. After his release, he was appointed to serve congregations in Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Atlantic City before being called in 1990 to lead Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Chicago. Under his leadership, Saint Mark has grown to nearly 3,000 parishioners and serves a broader Coptic community of more than 15,000 across Illinois. His decades of spiritual leadership, community service, and steadfast dedication have had a profound and lasting impact on countless individuals and families. He shares this journey with his beloved wife, Tassony Ebtesam El-Neil, a devoted servant of the Church. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize such a faithful servant and respected community leader in my district. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on this extraordinary milestone and celebrating his profound impact on the Coptic Orthodox community and the people of Illinois. ____________________