Subject: THE JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: Keraza No.: 41, 42 Return-Path: CN-request@cs.bu.edu Reply-To: CN@cs.bu.edu (Email address for CN Digest postings and replies) From: CN-request@cs.bu.edu (Email address for inquiries and service requests) NNNN N N N N NNNN NNNN N N / + / N N N N N N N N N N / + + + / N NNNNN N N NNNN N NNNNN / + / N N N N N N N N N N / + + / + NNNN N N NNN N N NNNN N N / + + + + + + + + + + + ======================================== / + / + + / / + N N N N N N N N N N N N N/ / + N N N N N N N / / + N N N N N N N N N N N/N N / + N N N N N N N N / N / + N N N N N N N N N /N N N N / + ===============================/========== / + + + / / + \ \ ______________________________\_______________\________________________ | | | 'Church News' is a translation of the News section in the Arabic | | Church magazine Al-Keraza. It is issued by the Computer | | Departement in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate | |___________________________ _____________________________| Keraza No.: 41, 42 I | X Date: Friday Nov 1st, 1996 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O T H E J U B I L E E C E L E B R A T I O N S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The celebrations of the jubilee will last here in Egypt Nov.8-16 In the immigration countries Nov 18 - Dec 18 HH will travel to Europe, Canada, America and Australia. Every place has it's own schedule with care and services including consecration of churches, ordination of priests and Priest Seminars in Europe, USA AND Australia... The celebration is more than words which are spoken.. There is chance for exhibitions prepared by churches, monasteries and dioceses. Plenty of Music, hymns teams and choirs... Festivals including a lot of church activities. Each team dressed differently, from theological seminary and religious institutes graduates, responsibles for Sunday schools, representatives of religious associations, priests ordained by HH. Also members of congregational councils, Coptic habous "Hay et el-awkaf al kepteya", and a queue of deaconesses in Cairo and dioceses... with church scouts and all activities of the Youth Bishopric and Public services bishopric and book fairs for all published material. Also the activities of handicaps. HH saw that happiness and celebrations of the jubilee shouldn't be limited only to HH achievements but all those of the see of St Mark. It includes all what dioceses are doing whether inside or outside Egypt or Africa and the eastern churches. Also the church art masterpieces made by monasteries, ateliers, ustensils, church textile, wood work, decorated crosses, vitraux, paintings, icons... Beside the book fairs there exists audio and video recording fairs. All Coptic bodies in upper and lower Egypt also made in Africa and abroad. Or any blessing from the Holy lands. Concerning the religious songs they will be tested by a committee headed by HG Abba Hedra. Theater pieces also will be played. Produced by churches, or attractive religious motion picture, approved by a special committee with other movies about HH trips outside Egypt or some of the diocese's activities. We are working now to provide the means and places for all that. Like the big hall under St Mark Cathedral as well as St Ruweis hall which is now under repairs after the fire which burned it last year. It's theater is being repaired and enlarged with curtains and electricity. Beside repairing the theater, the Theological Seminary Library as well as the Microfilm & Microfiche Center is being made as well as all computer activities. We are now preparing to invite, distinguished guests whether from outside or inside Egypt and prepare places along with preparing speakers and schedules. We are also preparing for the order and security inside the area and other places (other than mentioned above) to be used like the bishopric of social services, St Ruweis Club and the empty land... New tonias and dress are being made for the Theological Seminary Chorus and St Dydimos Institute. As well as the foulards to participants from everywhere. May the Lord bless this celebration for the whole church. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= M I S C E L L A N E O U S N E W S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HH in Alexandria: ---------------- On Friday, Oct 25th, HH traveled to Alex. and met church representatives to choose people for priesthood. HH met also the priests and inaugurated the "El-Ne3ma House"... HG Abba Seraphim: ---------------- On the night of Saturday Oct 10th, HG Abba Seraphim, our Metropolitan for British Orthodox arrived to Cairo, to visit the mother church for one week. HH met HG in the monastery on Friday Oct 25th. The General Congregational Council: ---------------------------------- On the afternoon of Thursday Oct 31, the General congregational council met with HH the pope as Chair person. With the members of the Congregational Council: ---------------------------------------------- - On Monday Oct 14th, HH received Mr Mounir Fakhry Abdel-Nour, member of the Congregational Council. - On the evening of Wednesday Oct 23th, HH received Adv.Wasfy Nashed, responsible of the Legal committee of the Congregational Council. Inaugurating a center for the Congregational Council: ---------------------------------------------------- On the evening of Thursday Oct 24, HH inaugurated a new place for the Congregational Council in St Ruweis building. HH prayed on the water, blessed the place and met the members of the Congregational Council. With members of the Jubilee committee: ------------------------------------ On Monday Oct 21th morning, HH met the members of the Jubilee committee bishops and priests. Joint Habous Committee (Allagna almushtaraka lel awkaf): ------------------------------------------------------ On Wednesday Oct 23th, a joint meeting of habous was held between representatives of the Habous Minister (Wezarat al-awkaf) headed by Mr Mustafa Abdel-Fatah head of the Egyptian Habous Authority and representatives of the Coptic Orthodox Habous Authority headed by HH as head of the authority. This meeting was held at the main hall in the Bishopric of Public services. HH attended the first part of the meeting where he welcomed the audience and thanked them for their good spirit which was well shown at the last meeting. HH saluted the minister of habous. The head of the Egyptian Habous Authority expressed also his impression and love to the person of HH and thanked him for his hospitality and welcoming. It was decided that the coming meeting will be Saturday Nov 23rd where they will study the data concerning each habous separately. Meetings of HH with one of the development experts: -------------------------------------------------- On the morning of Friday Oct 16th, HH received Dr Jam Hardman one of the experts in the field of the society development who is currently visiting the bishopric of social services for two weeks. Attended the meeting, HG Abba Joannes, Mr Adel Roufail, Mr Samir Morcos, Dr Cecile Naguib. And he visited the activities of the bishopric. Serving Copts in Bahrein: ------------------------ HH delegated Hegumen Meesak Anba-Bishoy to serve the Copts in Bahrein in place of Hegumen Mercurius Anba-Bishoy who asked to return to the monastery. Virgin Mary Ardel-Golf: ---------------------- In the evening of Tuesday Oct 22, HH met the four priests of Virgin Mary COC at Ardel-Golf. The discussion was about choosing a new committee for the church after the departure if the late General Gamil Rezkalla head of the committee. HG Abba Joannes attended the meeting. Supervisor for St Dydymos Institute: ----------------------------------- A Papal decree was issued to appoint the monk Hegumen Antonios El-Soriany general supervisor for St Dydymos Institute to prepare church cantors, this is after the resignation of Hegumen Theodosios El-Soriany, previous supervisor for the Institute. Hegumen Antonios is graduate of the Theological seminary on 1972. He was made monk on 1976, priest on 1978 and Hegumen on 1981. On the TV Satellite Channel: -------------------------- On the same morning HH received a group from the TV Satellite Channel (ART) Producer Mohamed Hani Ezzat and presented by Hala Sarhan. The talk was about the Jerusalem status. Newspapers interviews: --------------------- Last week HH received many journalists because of the Jubilee. - Mr Raafat Boutros "Akher Sa3a Newspaper" - Adel Hammuda & Ossama Salama "Rozel Youssef Magazine" - Hamdy Rizk "El-Mossawar Magazine" - Samir Abdel-Ghany & Heba El-Kodsy "Horreyaty Magazine" - Mr Hani Labib "El-Hayah Magazine" - Ibtissam Kamel "Sabahel-kher Magazine" Bishop News: ----------- - On Tuesday Oct 15th, Hg Abba Ruweis returned to Cairo after his trip to USA and Canada. - On the same day, HG Abba Jakobos, bishop of Zagazig & Menyal Kamh returned to Cairo after HG's treatment trip to USA. Chronographs for HH Pope Shenouda III: ------------------------------------- Hegumen Mikhail Gerges, priest of Archangel Michael COC Damanhur, published it with an introduction written by HG Abba Pachomios Metropolitan of Behera, Damanhour and Pentapolis. The book is 720 pages long, illustrated with a lot of coloured and B&W pictures It deals with the Care from the point of view of bishops, the Holy Synod ordination of new priests, monks and nuns.. Old churches, Religious tourism, deacons and deaconesses, General Congregational Council, Coptic Habous Authority, stewards and organizing the church service. Copts from abroad: ----------------- On Monday Oct 14th morning, HH received Mr Samir Fawzy and his wife (from Zurich) concerning translation of HH books to German. On the same morning, HH received Mr Nabil El-Deiry (and family) he is a member of our church committee in Long Island - USA. Choir teams in churches: ----------------------- Choir teams who wish to sing spiritual songs in the Jubilee festival have to submit a project of their program recorded on cassette tapes along with a written text of the songs. This shall be submitted at the Papal Residence - Anba Ruweis Monastery to the monk Armia Ava-Mina. Interviews about the Jubilee with Sotel Shark Magazine: ------------------------------------------------------ In the morning of Thursday Oct 17th, HH received Dr Mahmud Metwally, Head of the Sharkia Governorate Parliament, accompanied by Mr Abdel Mon3em Selim, Editor in Chief of the magazine (and deputy editor in chief of Al-Akhbar newspaper) and many journalists of the magazine. They made an interview with HH on the occasion of the Jubilee Attended the meeting, Mr Adeeb Naguib, Personnel responsible at the Evangelical church. Books News: ---------- Both Hegumen Isaiah Mikhail & Dcn Antoun Fahmy (Alex.) published a book named: The Instructor Pope They compiled many articles written by HH in all his life stages covering nearly 50 years. Some of them in the name of Nazeer Gayyed, others in the name of the monk Antonios El-Soriany, others in the name of HG Abba Shenouda, bishop of Education and others in the name of HH Pope Shenouda III In the second chapter, they discussed many dimensions for Pope Shenouda. Some like: The ascetic, theological, educational, civil, social, preaching, Ecumenical dimensions. The book was printed in good shape with good editing and coloured pictures. We thank the writers for this valuable effort and for their love and loyalty to the Pope. Priests who traveled abroad: --------------------------- On Friday Oct 18th, Hegumen Morcos Aziz traveled to Connecticut - USA to begin his service there in place of Fr Mauritius who moved to Los Angeles. HH received him on Wednesday Oct 16th. Fr Misael Adeeb traveled to Rally - North Carolina to begin his service in place of Fr Ibrahim Atteya. Ordination of priests for the land of immigration on Nov 14th, 1996: ------------------------------------------------------------------- The church in Perth, Western Australia proposed Dcn Kamal Abdel Malek to be ordained as priest and sent recommendations to HH. HG Abba Serapion proposed Dr Joseph Maurice Faltass to be ordained as priest in his diocese. Priests from abroad visiting the mother church: ---------------------------------------------- They came to visit the mother church: - Hegumen Mina Mikhail, priest in Melbourne, arrived Sunday Oct 20th. - Hegumen Abraam Ragheb priest of Paroisse Copte Orthodoxe de l'Archange Michel - Paris. - Hegumen Arsanius El-Baramousy, priest of our church in Amsterdam - Netherlands. Arrived Sunday Oct 20th. - Fr Roufail Farid, priest of our church in Zambia Africa. Arrived Wednesday Oct 23. - Fr Pavlos Hanna priest in Sydney - Australia. Arrived Oct 10th. - Fr Suriel Anba-Bishoy priest of our church in Honololu. Arrived Wednesday Oct 23th. Recordings of the hanged church "Al Moallaka": --------------------------------------------- On Friday Oct 18 & 25, the hanged church camera eye shot the "Memories tape" in video in two meetings with HH at the monastery. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silver Jubilee Festival Program For the enthronment of HH POPE SHENOUDA III at St Mark Cathedral Cairo -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date Subject Speaker ---- ------- ------- Nov 8 St Mark Cathedral Alexandria celebrating the Silver Jubilee Nov 9 Evening Vespers before beginning the celebration. 1- Holy Synod - Ecumenical work HG Abba Bishoy 2- Dioceses HG Abba Pachomius & Abba Andraos 3- Bishopric od Social services HG Abba Joannes Nov 10 1- National work HG Abba Pisenty, Guests, writers & poets 2- Congregational Council Hgm.Daoud Tadros, Patr.deputy Cairo Nov 11 1- Monasticism HG Abba Hedra and Abba Matthaus 2- Theological Seminary & branches HG Abba Benjamin 3- Specialized Institutes Adv.Zaki Shenouda & Dr Nabil Sobhy Nov 12 1- Coptic Habous Authority HG Abba Athanasios 2- Sunday School & Youth HG Abba Moussa 3- General activities & Societies Fr Anastasy & Fr Salib Nov 13 1- Vespers of the Jubilee 2- Service in the Arab east HG Abba Abraham 3- Service in Africa HG Abba Antonios Morcos & Abba Paul Nov 14 Morning: Mass & ordination of priests for Egypt and abroad Evening: Service abroad Bishops & priests abroad. Nov 15 Mass of ordination of priests Celebrating the Jubilee at St George COC - Sporting (Alex) Nov 16 Day of the desert in St Bishoy HG Abba Sarabamon monastery only for monks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ps - HG Abba Bishoy will introduce the festival's words. - The evening period is 18.00 - 21.00 pm. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Bishops & priests' Seminars during HH visit to the immigration countries =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= God's will, HH visit to the immigration countries will be Nov 18 - Dec 18 During this period, many seminars will be held, for priests in each area attended by the bishops of this area and HH accompanists. Seminar for Europe's priests: ---------------------------- In Birmingham, HG Abba Misael will host the seminar which will be attended by all Europe's priests and their grace: Abba Marc & Athanasios in France, Abba Kirillos and Abba Bernaba from Italy, Abba Seraphim & Abba Anthony from UK and Abba Damyan from Germany. Seminar for Canada & USA's priests: ---------------------------------- In Los Angeles, HG Anna Serapion will host the seminar which will be attended by their grace: Abba Karas & Abba Youssef and HH accompanists as well as all USA's and Canada's priests. Seminar for Australia's priests: ------------------------------- It will be held in Sydney, attended by priests of Australia. And bishops who will be there. We hope to update you with the news of those seminars, subjects in good illustrated articles. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Jubilee is the theme of studies and plays at the The Fourth Annual Coptic Children Conference in Canada =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Since Dec 1995, Virgin Mary & St Athanasios COC - Misassauga began preparing for the Fourth Annual Coptic Children Conference in Canada. We began thinking about the theme of study and games between churches of various churches. We didn't find more valuable than the festival in our church "Silver Jubilee for HH Pope Shenouda III" Servants in the church agreed upon preparing a good study about the church history in the past 25 quarter century which means about Pope Shenouda so that every child can know everything about the shepherd of shepherds and father of fathers, 13th apostle and successor of St Mark. The detailed study was indeed prepared and sent to all churches and we focused and took the opportunity during the last summer vacation on teaching that to children. At the same time, it was decided that children in each church will perform a play related to Pope Shenouda, whether Church Hymn for the Patriarch, an important event in the church, about the subjects taught by HH or a miracle that God made on his hands. >From the biblical side, a study was made in the gospel of John also a study of Coptic Language in the titles and names of saints in the church, which we are using in different, various church hymns. Also there are quizzes in the psalms, Sunrise and night Agpia gospels. So that the material that the child encounters covers historical, biblical, dogmatic and Coptic linguistic information. During the conference every child had to move between 5 stations or Heavenly URGENT STATIONS: - Heavenly police station "Story of St Paul & Silla in Jail" - Heavenly Ambulance station "Story of the Paralyzed" - Heavenly Fire Extesion station "story of the three children" - Heavenly rescue boat station "Peter walking on water" - Heavenly triumph station "Resurrection and defeating the death" Every station used to have surprises and transfigurations and personalities. I experienced the salvation of God in our daily life. Every child had with him a new (heavenly) phone number when leaving. Greater than any earthly phone. You can use it any time and place and find a simultaneous response. Limit of age to apply: --------------------- This congress included all children 3rd-6th year. Almost all children 9-13 years old attended the conference. This year for the first time, participant children form 7 churches amounted to 350 child. We are praying the Lord, as the church taught us to pray that the number amounts to thousands of thousands. Time and place: -------------- The period was Aug 23-25, directly after Virgin Mary's feast. This date is very important because it decisive for the food that we present in the conference. It was held at the university of Toronto where comfortable places for staying were provided as well as nice large halls and good playgrounds. Servants: -------- A big number of servants participated in this conference. It happens to be that many of them are anonymous soldiers for making this huge work. Some of them are responsible for the kitchen and preparation of the food. Others are watching for the well being of the children and security in the conference. Others are responsible for quizzes in various fields. Others are judges for the plays presented by churches. Others are responsible for the ambulance stations and a last group is responsible for handwork relating to each of the presented lessons. There was a special room called "Control Room" where a special group of servants gather among a huge number of presents and gifts, this group is responsible for counting the grades and deciding the levels on an individual basis and on a church basis. On the other side, another group is doing secretarial work and treasurer which works always to ensure the general preparations of the service. We can't forget conducting the new songs learnt by children, in which the child know the love of God to him in all his future life. If a servant is working he feels that he is a member of a one united body, everymember should work in harmony with the other to arrive to the good work which glorifies the Lord's name. The thing that appeared the most was in the main hall which had HH picture hanged everywhere and many transcriptions on the wall where we ask the Lord to preserve him for many long years. And we said always HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. And we felt as if HH the pope was among us in the conference. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= D I V E R S E N E W S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Diverse meetings: ---------------- Last week, HH received: - Fr Elisha3 El-Makary concerning the "Mahabet Allah House" for foreign students. - Mr Victor Younan owner of El-Mahaba Library concerning a photo for the Jubilee. - Aline Papazian, head of Life & Service Unit in the Middle East Council of Churches. HH will visit St Makar Monastery: -------------------------------- On the occasion of the Jubilee celebration, HH will visit St Makar monastery in Wadie El-Natrun and invite it to participate in "Desert Day celebration" which will be held on Saturday Nov 16th before HH travel to the land of immigration. Hymn Institute in Tanta: ----------------------- On Saturday Oct 19th, the diocese of Tanta celebrated graduation of the first group from the institute of hymns. The study is 5 years long. Some of the graduates are physicians, businessmen and also some graduates from the Theological Seminary of Tanta. New Ordinations: --------------- With God's will the following ordinations will occur for Cairo: - Mr Samy Youssef Tawfik for St Demyana COC - Papadouplo. - Mr Kamal Sobhy Hanna for St Mark Heliopolis - Cleopatra. - Dr Gamal Fawzy Abdel-Malek & Dr Moheb Maurice Wahba for Virgin Mary & St Bishoy COC - Anba Ruweis. - Mr Adel Adam & Mr Waguih Salib for St George - Mansheyet El-Tahrir. Meetings to suggest priests to be ordained will be held for: - Archangel South COC - (Elmalak El Kebly - Old Cairo) - St George Helipolis - St Mina - Alf Maskan - St George - Ardel Genena Monk News: --------- After a long treatment trip to Los Angeles, the monk Mattias El-Baramosy returned to his monastery. Six surgery operations had been done to his vertebral column. On the occasion of the Jubilee: ------------------------------ The scout teams willing to participate in the Jubilee festivals have to contact the Scout Center at the Youth Bishopric. Trip of HG Abba Tadros to USA, Canada & France: ---------------------------------------------- Sep 22nd - Oct 19th 1996 - The trip began by visiting France and meeting with our monastery's council to study the financial status of the monastery. - On Sep 28th, HG visited Seattle and discussed buying a new church at Tacoma. HG discussed as well the service in Portland. - In Canada, HG studied the status of the service in Brempton as well as recommendations for choosing a new council for the church in Winnipeg. - As well as choosing a new council for the church in Ottawa and the service in the new church there (St George & St Antonios) in Ottawa he saw a big increase in the congregation there. - Oct 7 - 9, HG visited Montreal and the three churches there: (St Mark, St George, Virgin Mary) - Oct 10th, HG visited the Coptic church at St Louis then Kansas. - Oct 13th, HG visited St Mark COC - Edmonton then he went to Regina in West Canada. - After that, HG went to New Jersey, New York, Estaten Island and Queens and he returned back to Egypt passing by France and reported about his trip to HH. New Center for Abba Paula monastery in Cairo: -------------------------------------------- On Aug 18th 1996, HG Abba Aghathon, Metropolitan of Ismailia and Abbot of St Paula monastery, inaugurated the new center of the monastery in Cairo. The book "Nature of Christ": --------------------------- Was translated to French language under the name "La Nature du Christ" The translation was done by Fawzya El-Oskof and the book was previously translated to other languages. Born on Nov 14th: ---------------- Some people suggested that those who were born on Nov 14, 1971 send their names to the Patriarchate along with a copy of their ID, passport or birth certificate so that we send them symbolic gifts. -- From Spiritual Experiences -- The Mawaleds were changed to feasts: ---------------------------------- The Saints feasts were previously named "Mawaled". Some of the reformers asked us to cancel it. But we didn't and instead we changed them to Saints' feasts where thousands of Christians gather in a spiritual atmosphere. And with God's help, this idea succeeded. I hope that somebody will write a study about how Mawaleds were transferred to feasts. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= SYNODAL DECISIONS IN THE AGE OF HH THE POPE =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= by HG Abba Bishoy Metropolitan of Damiette and secretary of the Holy Synod -------------------------------------------------------- The secretariat of the Holy Synod compiled all canons made by the Holy Synod in the age of HH Pope Shenouda III and printed it to be published as an important document for this age. Those canons include: Charter of the Holy Synod: ========================= For the first time, a charter for the Holy Synod has been issued. The Pope suggested it, put it's elements and sent to all Metropolitans and bishops to get their feedback. Suggestions were compiled, indexed, presented to the members on June 1985 and discussed point by point. It was decided to make it official after study and acceptance of the fathers. This charter has 11 chapters and 70 point. The first is general terminology, definitions and introduction. Chapters 2-5 about membership in the Holy Synod, specialty, management and secretariat. Chapter 6 about committees of the Holy Synod. They are eight: Faith Committee, Education, Legal, Dioceses' matters, Church tradition, Inter-church & Ecumenical committee, general relations, Care & Service and finally a committee for projects (for development..etc) Chapter 7 about meeting of the Holy Synod and it's decisions. A condition was made to have the Synod meeting official, to get the attendance of at least 2/3 of the members. The decision of the synod won't be official unless approved by at least 3/4 of the attendance. Chapter 8 about the head and the members of the Synod. Chapter 9 about Diocese Metropolitans and bishops. Chapter 10 about General Bishops. Chapter 11 End decisions. Synodal Decisions: ================= Concerning monks and monasteries: -------------------------------- The decisions included approving St Demyana's nunnery and the monasteries of: St Pachome (Hager Edfu), St George (Rozaikat), Virgin Mary (Akhmim mountain), St Antonios (California) and St George (Khatatba). Many decisions have been made about monks including the new sermon for the monk. Concerning Inter-church relations: -------------------------------- About Ethiopia, Eritria and the foundation of a diocese for French and another for British Orthodox. Concerning marriage: ------------------- Many decisions were made. Amongst is: no divorce except for adultery or change of religion. Reasons for Annulment of marriage, prohibited relativities, amongst is prohibiting marriage of the brother's wife or the wife's sister. It was conditioned that marriage should be between orthodox united in faith. Prohibiting delegation for marriage. A unified form for "Marriage obstacle free" (Kholow el mawane3). Taking care for having new documentation centers and prohibiting communion for those who were married outside the church. About priests: ------------- Decisions were made for not judging a priest except in a Clerical Council with the possibility of his temporary stopping. The synod refused the idea of the Turning Priest. And accepted applying for priests for social insurance as self employed people. Priests were warned not to accept invitations to participate in Evangelical conferences without notice. Bishops: ------- The following decisions were made: The bishop doesn't have to choose his successor or he who manages the diocese after his departure. His responsibility ends with his departure. The bishop is not allowed to bind his successor with anathemas in service matters. He can leave him advises but not anathemas. Approving Saints: ---------------- The synod approved the Martyr Sidhom Beshay as saint as well as Hegumen Mikhail El-Behery to be added to the church synexarion. With other churches: ------------------- The synod studied our relations with Catholics, Byzantine Orthodox and the International Union of reformed churches and officialised the agreement we made with each of them. After the agreement of theologians in both orthodox families, the synod also officialised the decision of accepting the Baptism of churches who accept our baptism. Jehovah Witnesses and Adventists: ------------------------------- The synod decided that Jehovah witnesses and Adventists are non-Christians as well as not approving their translation of the Bible and warning our congregations not to attend their meetings. Assyrians: --------- The Holy Synod declared that Assyrians are Nestorians. They say that Pope Cyrill the Great was wrong, insult him in their services and don't approve the decisions taken at the Third Ecumenical Council. Synexarion: ---------- A Synodal committee was formed to revise the actual Synexarion. The output of this committee shall be distributed to the members to get their feedback preparing for the publishing of a new Synexarion approved by the Synod. Deaconesses: ----------- The Synod approved a Charter for deaconesses as well as the sermon the new deaconess should recite. Church order: ------------ - The Synod approved making weddings in the 50 days (after Easter) as well as consecration of churches, ordination of priests and deacons. Nothing in the church canons is against. - It is not accepted to make wedding in the Refa3 (preceding) Sunday of Lent or other fasts. - Brides shouldn't enter the church in strange music. - In the churches abroad, it was accepted to unify the short prayers Awashy of (water, agriculture, wind) in one prayer because of the change of the climate there. - The synod decided not to allow eating fish on Wednesdays and Fridays. because they are first class fasts. Excluding from that rule the 50 days (after easter). - In the Apostles fast fraction in the Kholagy, the synod corrected "Peter and Paul head of Apostles" to "Peter and Paul the Apostles" - The synod approved giving a priority to the Awsheya of the departure before any other awsheya in funerals, even in the 50 days period (preserving the 50 days tune). And if there is time we can add the awsheya of the ill. - Only one bread should enter the sanctuary to be sanctified during the mass. No other bread should enter the sanctuary. - The plate having the Lamb Bread shouldn't be put on the altar with all bread. But only one bread is put on the altar in it's plate. - After the choice of the lamb, bread shouldn't be kept inside the sanctuary but outside, in the Deacons Chorus area for example. - No body is allowed inside the sanctuary except the altar servants only. Even those who wish to take photos should be a deacon, wearing his serving dress. (nor laymen or women are allowed inside the sanctuary). - The man who is presented for priesthood shouldn't wear natural dress but he should be ordained as full deacon first and wear the black dress as consecrated deacon before wearing the priest dress. - Deacons shouldn't wear the Tonia before being blessed by the bishop or priest. - Those who wear the tonia should serve the mass and shouldn't leave it to any other job. - It is better for cantors to be ordained as Psaltos and wear the Tonias. - The servant absolution should be recited and the tonia blessed to he who arrives late. - The Deacons associations visiting churches should apply to the restrictions and right orders of deaconism. - All those who wear the tonia should take communion. - The new priest returns to his congregation that's why it is unaccepted for his wife to walk in the procession in the tradition of receiving the new priest. This habit was applied in some old ages. - In the commemoration of saints, we shouldn't add names which are not written in the kholagy. Only the saint (intercessor) of the church or the famous saint of the diocese on the condition that he's approved officially by the church. - The synod decided not to allow individual change and/or add in the wording of the prayers or add new hymns unless the Synod approves this change. - The Synod decided that the Creed should be recited complete in all occasions throughout the year (except in the holy week). - The synod decided to add "or in the air" to the prayer for traveling because it is now common to use airplane for traveling. - It is not allowed to print or republish liturgical books used in prayers except with taking permission from the "Liturgical Synodal Committee" - To sing the response "May their Holy blessing be with us amen.." which is in the church hymns and unify it use in all churches. - HH approved correcting the "Katamares" and it's republishing. - The "Kolonsowa" is an official uniform in service, whether for the bishop or the monk priest. - The synod ordered priests to be compelled to their known clerical uniform (specially in the land of immigration). - The synod asked to recite the three long prayers awashy (Peace, Fathers, Meetings) in public (in loud) and not to recite them in secret to preserve them from being neglected. Sermons and liturgical texts: ---------------------------- The Holy Synod accepted some liturgical texts (texts attached) which are: - Sermon of the General Bishop. - Sermon of the Diocese Bishop. - Sermon of the new priest. - Tradition of the Archpsaltos. - Tradition for appointing a new abbess for a nunnery. Sinai: ----- In Jul 13th meeting, HG Abba Ignatios asked for having a bishop for Sinai to take care spiritually of Dahab, Nueba3, Ras Sedr, South Sinai, El-Tor and Arish. HG wrote a request to HH concerning that matter (and renewed it). HH most likely will ordain a bishop for Sinai in the Jubilee feast. Seminars: -------- In the Jul 18th meeting, the Holy Synod decided to have seminars for members focusing on specific topics which they shall discuss to arrive to a unified opinion. The first seminar was considering church membership, care, salvation and what surrounds it of misinterpretations and misunderstandings. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HH THE POPE AND THE DIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= by HG Bishop Serapion Bishop of Southern California and Hawaii ---------------------------------------- With joy and happiness, the diocese of Los Angeles is preparing itself to receive our beloved shepherd HH Pope Shenouda III in his coming trip to visit his children in the land of immigration in Europe, USA and Australia. The trip comes in a happy occasion which is the celebration of the Silver Jubilee for HH taking the throne of St Mark. God's will, on Saturday Nov 30th, HH will arrive to Los Angeles and will remain in the diocese until Thursday Dec 5th. The schedule includes visiting Southern California and Honolulu. HH will bless the diocese once more in his returning from Australia when he will stop for one day in Honolulu. On Sunday Dec 1st, the diocese will make an official, popular celebration. HH will pray the evening offering of incense and meet the congregation the evening of Saturday Nov 30th at Virgin Mary COC LA. In the morning of Sunday Dec 1st, HH will consecrate the altar of St John COC Covina. And on his way to St Antonios Monastery he will pass by St Mina COC Riverside. The diocese rejoices for hosting bishops and priests of North America in their meeting with HH (Dec 2-4). On the morning of Thursday Dec 5th, HH will pray the mass in Honolulu. The diocese rejoices for the visit of HH. His clergy and congregation children recognize and are grateful for the effort and love spent by HH for taking care of them. We remember the huge care service and sacrificing, enduring love which was and is given by HH to his children there. HH received it on 1971 as small plant, having one church (St Mark), he took care of it and watered it with the tears of his prayers so that it has now 17 church and 21 priest. HH has chosen for the diocese a group of the most distinguished priests in Egypt. And ordained priests from it's children who were raised there. So that we have a group of priests formed having both the spirituality and the care experience and knowledge of American society. Wisdom of the elders and energy of the youth. HH also began the step of the full consecrated deacon (Deacon or Archdeacon) as first step for revival of the service of the deacon. The diocese clergy council includes now the three clerical degrees. HH emphasized concentrated care on individual basis. With the geographical extension of South California, HH encouraged building new churches despite the number of the congregation. Having a new church in an area will activate the service there and attract new families so that the number increases. That was not easy nor accepted by everybody. A lot of pains and effort we had to endure to have a new church built. It was like giving birth to a child, then happiness and joy because a new church came to the area. Sometimes, this birth giving was seriously dangerous and we had to send a special priest for rescuing. We remember with recognition and gratefulness the efforts of Hegumen Tadros Yacoub Malaty in founding many new churches here. When speaking of building new churches in the diocese of South California I cannot forget two main points: First the kind church spirit planted by our father the Late Rev Bishoy Kamel in Los Angeles.. Even after decades, we still live and touch the blessings of the few months when the late Hegumen Bishoy Kamel served in Los Angeles. Second, the love and hospitality which characterized the congregation of Los Angeles. With joy to HH care concepts, they responded positively and made their best to found churches. They spent a lot of their money, efforts and experience and the churches increased from 1 in the 1970's to 3 in the 1980's to 17 actually (two of them are still under construction). The work is going and we wish it's growth with the prayers of HH the Pope. HH saw that the basis of life of the Coptic church is the safety of it's Orthodox Teachings. That's why he focused on founding Theological Institutes in the land of immigration where there exists many intellectual and theological trends. In 1989, HH founded the Theological Seminary in Los Angeles which is blessed to bear his name. For the sake of a right beginning and giving a strong push to this service, HH began teaching there by himself and followed that by his visits to the diocese. He cared so much about them and to emphasize their aim. When the time came to found the diocese of LA, HH transferred the supervision and management of the seminary to the diocese. Still they are compelled to the Theological and scientific programs of the mother Theological Seminary in Egypt. Youth in immigration countries. That's a major topic of interest to HH. In all his care visits to LA and others, HH talked about the importance of taking care of the youth. He stressed that caring the youth should begin since the childhood. He stressed the importance of Sunday School and Coptic Colleges so that we grant a good spiritual basis for our children. He encouraged also the Youth Conventions and attended by himself in 1993 one of them Aroheda Spring, California. HH Care for the family was by no means less than caring for youth. He believed that the good family is the base for the good church. The stability of the church depends on the familial stability for the congregation. HH encouraged the Family conventions, where LA Area played a leading role. He took care of the Clerical Council cases. He asked HG Abba Paula to come several times to solve those problems. When founding the new diocese, HH approved forming a Clerical Council for the diocese and gave a lot of his wisdom, experience and time for the new council. From HH principles in caring, is that following following any care service is a base for it's success. That's why HH has chosen LA for direct following. The area was blessed by his visits eight times: 1977, 89, 92, 93, 94, 95 (two times) and 1996. In each of these visits he had a care service to follow what had been done and prepare for the future. We will take in details the care visits of HH to the diocese as document that we all cherish and have pride in. We are in the process of preparing a documentary for the major events of those blessed visits. God's will, let the next article be Visits of HH to LA area. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Illustrated Church News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Tanta Diocese celebrates the October anniversaries: -------------------------------------------------- On Tuesday Oct 8th, the Tanta Diocese celebrated the October anniversaries as usual. Attended the celebration, the governor, the Tanta Court Head, Tanta Security Head, Assistant minister of interior, some deans of Tanta University, Moslem Religion people and some members of the Parliament. Many words were given and were concluded by a word of the Governor of Tanta who mentioned that HH Pope Shenouda III is a nationalist and has an influencing role on both the Arabic and the International sides. He said that HH represents the Good Egyptian Nationalism and an ideal to be followed for every Egyptian. He said that Egypt is proud that HH is on the throne of St Mark. In "Mahabet Alla" house for foreign students: -------------------------------------------- On Monday Oct 14th, on the occasion of the beginning of the university semester, HH visited the house, gave a speech and answered questions. Beside in we see Abba Moussa who is giving the word and Hegumen Elisah El-Makary.. On the other side, HG Abba Joannes and some priests. With "Rosel Youssef magazine editorial team": -------------------------------------------- After an interview at the monastery, this photo was taken in front of of the Papal residence. We see HH, Mr Adel Hammuda, Mr Ossama Salama and two of the editorial board of the magazine. Departure of Dr Ragheb Abdel-Nour: --------------------------------- We were touched by the departure of this spiritual beloved servant who served the church for more than 60 years and undertook the following responsibilities: 1- Member of the high committee for Sunday School. 2- Ex-Member at the General Congregational Council. 3- Taught at the Theological Seminary, the Bible Institute and the Education Institute. 4- Editor in Chief of El-Keraza in the 1970th and wrote many articles there. 5- Wrote the history of Sunday School and delivered it to HH. 6- Member of St George heliopolis church council and supervisor for Sunday School there 7- Rose a generation of servants at St Antonios Shubra, Luxor and Heliopolis. He was gentle, calm, profound in his spirit and loved by everybody. He taught generations with his preaching and teachings and more with giving a good example to them in his life, also many publishing's that he made. God's will, we will compile his numerous articles to be published. On Thursday Cot 17th, he entered the Intensive Care in the Angle American Hospital Cairo. HH visited him the same day with HG Abba Joannes. On Wednesday Oct 23rd, he passed from our vanishing world. On the following day Thursday Oct 24th, the funeral was made. HH prayed on his pure body. Participated in the prayers: Abba Pachomius, Abba Hedra, Abba Ruweis, Abba Morcos, Abba Daniel, Abba Joannes and a big number of priests, Hegumen Daoud Tadros deputy of the Patriarchate in Cairo and priests of the church. HH gave a speech, remembering his relation since 50 years with the late Dr Ragheb and he talked about his virtues and spirituality. And gave condolence to his family. In El-Keraza Magazine, Dr Ragheb had written an interpretation for St Paul Epistles to Ephesians, Felimon and for Juda's epistle and many other articles that we would like to compile. Hegumen Ibrahim Adrawes El-Dakar: -------------------------------- On Oct 18th 1996, in the age of 62, Hegumen Ibrahim Adrawes El-Dakar departured. He was the main priest in Virgin Mary (Hawamdia) ordained on March 11th 1954. We wish confort and joy for his blessed spirit and condolence to his family, congregation and friends.. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- | + | | COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE + + + Translated and maintained | | Computer Departement + Shenouda M Abdou | | cop@idsc.gov.eg + shenouda@bitsmart.com | | + + + | -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-