[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.

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