World renowned EgyptIan German tunnel construction legend Hani Azer was guest of honour at a recent event held by Mar-Girgis (St George) Cathedral in 10th of Ramadan City to celebrate its outstanding student sons and daughters. The celebration is an annual event held under the title “Celebrating challenge” to honour exceptional academic performance; this year’s event is the fifth edition of the celebration.
Participating in the event was Anba Maqar, Bishop of Sharqiya and 10th of Ramadan, east of the Nile Delta.
Anba Maqar congratulated all the outstanding achievers who were being honoured, and talked of confronting spiritual challenges such as sin and idleness.
Mr Azer (born in 1948) picked up the thread by talking about the challenges he had to confront once he left Egypt to Germany as a graduate student in 1973, and until he achieved outstanding success as a legendary tunnel builder. He spoke of settling down in a strange land, having to converse in a strange language, and charging on with limited means until he was able to carve a niche for himself as an exceptional construction engineer. “You have to realise a balance in your life between your spiritual and professional needs,” he said.
It was then the turn of a number of honoured to talk about challenges the had faced and overcome.
Finally, following choir and theatre performances by the young parishioners, Anba Maqar handed the guests shields of honour and appreciation, and the outstanding students certificates and gifts.
Mr Azer is currently on the board of advisors to President Abdel-Fattah al- Sisi. He was honoured by Pope Tawadros earlier this year.
Pope Tawadros honours Egyptian-born German construction legend Hany Azer
Watani International
10 November 2019