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It is issued by the Computer | | Departement in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate | |___________________________ _____________________________| Keraza No.: 43, 44 I | X Date: Friday Nov 29th, 1996 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Jubilee Festivals in Cairo =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= They were wonderful celebrations, beyond words which lasted for 6 days. Although there were different tickets to enter in different days of the festival dedicated for bishoprics or regions, the number of people was too huge for the big cathedral that we used TV networks to the other halls and churches in the area. The excitement of people came from their deep heart, old and young manifested whether in the words which were said or in the choirs' music... >From the words which increased the excitement of people: ------------------------------------------------------- The word of HG Abba George-Saliba Metropolitan of Lebanon Mount for Syrian Orthodox and the relation with HH saying: HH is the father, the instructor and the advisor for us all... Also the words which were presented by Arab poets (leading Ismail Helmy) all of them are moslems and with abunding feelings.. Also the word of the Greek bishop (delegate for the Ecumenical Patriarch) and his loud call to HH as father to all. Also the African procession and what they presented from songs and gifts. and the procession of the Sudanese brothers young and old... The torch which was prepared by the scout before the Patriarchate. They presented it to HH to put flame and it kept lighting for long. And young girls who were covering the Pope's way by spreading flowers before him. All of them are inexpressible feelings of love. ---------------------------------------------- That is beside the associations that greeted HH. Hundreds of priests and they had a special section in the front part of the cathedral. Every diocese's priests came with their bishop and took photos with HH. Hundreds of Cairo's priests all ordained by HH and all of them wore a bind and had a private meeting with him and they filled St Ruweis Hall. Students and alumni of the Theological Seminary and branches as well as alumni of Institute of Coptic Studies and Care Institute.. each with special bind. Deaconesses from all dioceses with special dress filling St Ruweis Hall. And every bishop talking about the activities of his deaconnesses in his diocese. And before all those the bishops and metropolitans each in his field. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking about HH as father and instructor to him, calling back memories with them and what they know about him with feelings of love and loyalty. HG Abba Daniel metropolitan of Khartoum presented and poetry piece full with love and reconnaissance to HH (which we published in the last release). Art also was also manifested in this jubilee. Including wonderful paintings and gifts and different church and Monasteries' products presented in the exhibition. Books and writings which many published about HH. ------------------------------------------------ Historical Biography, Illustrated Biography, The Instructor Pope, The Pope and Tradition, The Pope & Monasticism, The Pope & the Theological Seminary, The Pope & Sunday School & Education...etc Many worked to publish books where they compiled a lot of information.. Also a book was issued about Excavation and discoveries in his time. There exists also another field of writing & composing religious songs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Teaching that to kids and youth. Some in Arabic other in Coptic and other from the poetry of HH. That proved a high talent in composing and wonderful performance. As well as the ability of kids to retain by heart. Surely, all that will grave in their minds a deep memory of the festival, it's feelings and history... Other congratulations were individual and through letters: --------------------------------------------------------- Congratulation from their Holiness: The Pope of Rome, The Ecumenical Patriarch, Syrian Orthodox Patriarch, Armenian Catholicos Teshmaizeen, Armenian Catholicos in Kelikia, Middle East Council of Churches, Evangelical churches and Anglican Church. As well as congratulations from Official people: Ministers, diplomats and Religion men. HH achievements photos' fair: --------------------------- On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee, an exposition was made for the church achievements covering 25 years. The exposition included more than 150 photo showing HH achievements over 25 years. The fair was set both in Alexandria and Cairo throughout the festival week. Participated in the exposition The Bishopric of Social affairs and Mr Emad Nasry. The fair was prepared and supervised by Mr Amir Gabra. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Miscellaneous =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Recent Ordinations: ------------------ On Thursday Nov 14th, HH ordained the following: For HH Secretariat : Fr Mina Ava-Mina on the mon. of St Mina. The Bishopric of Youth : Fr Antonios Fakhry, Fr Mikhail Atteya, Fr Louka Bassilious. Australia: Fr Abraam Abdel-Malek for Virgin Mary & Archangel Michael Perth Fr Boutros Latif for the Apostles & St Abanoub - Sydney Germany : Fr Johanna Makram (General Priest). Virgin Mary & St Ruweis Cairo: Fr Philopatir Maurice & Fr Antonios Fawzy. St George Mansheyet Eltahrir: Fr Salib Salib & Fr Suriel Adam. St Mark Heliopolis: Fr Gerges Sobhy. St Mina Alf-Maskan: Fr Johanna Farag. St George Hammamat-El-kobba: Fr Joseph Mansour. St George Ardel-Genena: Fr Moussa Moussa. Archangel Michael (Southern Old Cairo): Fr Angelos Tekuwy. Minister of Interior Visit: -------------------------- On Sunday Nov 17th evening, HH received at the Papal residence Mr General Hassan El-Alfy Minister of Interior which congratulated HH on his Silver Jubilee. He was accompanied by General Raouf Elmenawy, Assistant minister for public relations. Delegates of the Syrian Orthodox Church: --------------------------------------- On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee, HH MarAgnatios-Zakka-Eiwass I, Antiochian Patriarch and head of the fellow Syrian Orthodox Church sent a congratulation to Pope Shenouda and delegated two of his Metropolitans: MarAthanasios Avraam Barsoum (Metropolitan of Beirut) and MarGeorge Saliba (Metropolitan of Lebanon Mount). Both of them are seen in the picture while talking to HH and surrounded by bishops. Priests from Arab & Immigration countries who attended the Jubilee: ------------------------------------------------------------------ UK: Fr Antonios Thabet, Fr Bishoy Boushra, Fr Mikhail Ibrahim (London) Fr Arsenios St-Paula (Manchester), Fr Angelos St Bishoy (Stevenage) Fr Boules St Bishoy (Birmingham), Fr Paula St Bishoy (Wales). Italy : Fr Zacharia El-Soriany (Thurin). Germany : Fr Mikhail El-Baramosy, Fr Ghebrial St-Bishoy. France : Fr Guergues Louka. 4 French priests. Austria : Fr Angelos St Bishoy. Australia: Fr Mina Neematallah, Fr Mina Mikhail, Fr Mina Ibrahim (Melbourne) Fr Pavlos Hanna (Sydney). Africa : Fr Rouphail Farid (Zambia), 2 priests from South Africa & Kenya. Beligium : Fr Louka El-Baramosy. Brazil : Fr Aghathon Anba Paula USA: Fr Mikhail Edward (Cleveland), Fr Bishoy Dimitry (East Benswieck), Fr Johanna Tadros (Queens), Fr Gerges Abdel-Malek (Baltimore), Fr Wissa Sami (Staten Island), Fr Suriel Anba Bishoy (Honololu). Canada: Fr Bishoy Saad (Montreal), Fr Angelos Mikhail (Misissauga), Fr Amonios Hegumen Samaan & Fr Ruweis Awad (Toronto), Fr Shenouda Doss (Ottawa), Fr Tekla Azmy (Seattle). Arab Countries: Fr Barsoum Anba Bishoy (Maskat), Fr Antonios Sobhy (Amman). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Diverse Congratulations to HH Pope Shenouda III =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Congratulation from HH Pope of Rome: ----------------------------------- On the occasion of the 25th enthronment feast as Pope of Alexandria and deputy of St Mark, HH Pope Jean Paul II, Pope of Rome sent a congratulation to HH Pope Shenouda III. He said that he remembers in this occasion St Athanasios of Alexandria who defended faith in the first Ecumenical council in Nicene. He also remembers the "Common Declaration" achieved in May 10th, 1973 between HH Pope Paul VI and HH Pope Shenouda III. HH concluded the congratulation asking God to open the way for Christian Unity and peace between all His disciples. HH wished for Pope Shenouda all happiness and strenght in the Lord. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- We thank all those who came for congratulation or sent letters and we add to what was published in the last release the following --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Holliness Pope Shenouda III Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark On the occasion of your holliness enthronement as Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, I am delighted to express my profoundest feelings of respect and love. With my purest congratulations and best wishes of good health and continuous success to follow your way giving over 25 years in national situations and different human fields to stress the spirit of solidarity and national unity and spreading the spirit of love and peace among all Egyptians and that's what we have complete pride of. How much I would have appreciated attending the Jubilee celebration except that I have preceding occupations related to the Economic Conference Preparation. With my best regards General Hassan El-Alfy Minister of Interior --------------------------------------------------------------------------- And on Sunday Nov 17th, Mr General Hassan El-Alfy, minister of interior came to the Papal Residence to congratulate HH. He was accompanied by General Raouf Elmenawy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark. It is my pleasure to congratulate you as well as all Christians for the Silver Jubilee of your holiness enthronement Pope for Alexandria and Patriarch for the See of St Mark. Asking God to preserve you messenger of love and symbol of national unity. And to sustain for you prosperity.. Health and strength. Dr Mohamed El-Ghamrawy Dawoud Government Minister for Military Production --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III Pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark, It is my pleasure to send to your Holiness our best cordial wishes on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee. With continuous success Minister of Finance Dr Mohyi El-Din El-Gharib --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III Pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark, My best salutations, All the governorate of Assiut, Moslems and Christians are congratulating your holiness on the occasion of your enthronement as Pope and Patriarch for the See of St Mark. We ask the Lord, to crown all your efforts with success to serve Egypt's people and the World's Christians. Peace unto you, the Grace of God and His blessings On Nov 10th 1996 Prof Dr Mohamed Ragai El-Tahlawy Governor of Assiut --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III Pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark, Blessed salutation, On the occasion of passing 25 years for your holiness enthronement on the See of St Mark the Apostle and the celebrations of the Coptic church in Egypt for the Silver Jubilee. On my behalf and on the behalf of all members of the embassy, workers, Egyptians and Armenians and the Egyptian Community in Armenia, we present our best regards and profoundest feelings to you. asking the Mighty God to grant you health and strength and give you long ages to maintain your sacred mission defending human values and spread love between all the Egyptian People and stress the high values of national unity in Egypt. With my highest respect and profoundest love. Ambassador Dr Ahmed Fouad Raslan --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III the respected Pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark, On the occasion of the beginning of the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrations of the Silver jubilee for your holiness enthronement on the Papal Throne for your church on Nov 14th 1971, I have the pleasure and am honored to send to your holiness my profoundest cordial congratulations. Wishing for yourself health, joy and success in your duties. I wish as well for your congregation at home and in the immigration countries happy feasts. May the Lord grant all prosperity and blessing through. Dr Wolf-Dietrich Schiling Ambassador of the United Republic of Germany --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III Pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark, Blessed salutations to you from God wishing you health and happiness, The Party of "Masrel Fatah", leadership and people present their congratulation for your holiness passing 25 years enthronement hoping from the Mighty God to preserve you and strengthen your steps in your sacred mission for Egypt's Copts and a support to National Unity in the country of the one family Moslems and Copts. May the Lord crown your efforts with success to say the word of Truth to please God and the nation. Your Holiness Pope Shenouda Today is not only a feast for Copts or crown to the church but a great joy which fills our hearts for your holiness as a man of love and peace and servant for the humanity in our nation and the whole world. In this occasion we congratulate ourselves asking the Mighty God for a long life for you with plenty of health and happiness. Happy feast, Political Office Head Delegated Party Head Ahmed Ezzeldin Mohamed Soliman --------------------------------------------------------------------------- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Congratulation of HH the Antiochian Patriarch =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark, full with blessing and respect, After giving peace through the Lord Jesus I say: I would have loved from my profoundest profound heart to share personally with your holiness the joy of historical celebrations for your Patriarchal Silver Jubilee, but urgent events prohibited me so I sent their graces MarAthanasios Avraam Barsoum Metropolitan of Beirut & Zohla and MarTheophilos George Saliba Metropolitan of Lebanon Mount to tell your holiness my best cordial fraternal wishes and the profoundest feelings of the Syrian Antiochian Holy Synod members, clergy and all faithful on this happy occasion. Ensuring our love and respect to yourself and sharing with your Holy Synod, Clergy and faithful the prayers for God to grant you long life to remain an enlightening tower with your apostolic zeal, and may your time remain in prosperity, faith, hope and love, and may He double on your hand the abundant grace to the Holy Church and prepare you to celebrate your Golden Jubilee in best status and peace. May peace be with us all. Your brother in Apostolic struggle Agnatius Zakka I Eiwas Patriarch of Antioch and all East for Syrian Orthodox --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Beloved, While celebrating, in spiritual joy, your Papal Silver jubilee, our minds return back to that glorious day when the will of God full with Holiness wanted you to take responsibility of the sister and glorious Coptic Church - November 14th, 1971 where the late MarAgnatius Jacob III Patriarch of Antioch and all East participated along with a group of bishops and monks from the Syrian church, where HH recited in spiritual joy the prayers of this occasion according to the Syrian tradition. On the second day, HH crowned the Paper of your election by signing according to your holiness will. The relation between our Apostolic churches is old and known, we share one faith, and also one struggle and sacrifices to preserve the jewel of the Orthodox faith. Historians know that through ages the two Apostolic churches the Coptic and the Syrian exchanged clergymen and theologians to witness the strong unity which lies. For example, In 543, MarTheodosius the Alexandrian Patriarch, while imprisoned in Constantinople ordained our famous saint "MarJacob El-Barad3y" Ecumenical metropolitan. And when El-Barad3y wanted to ordain Metropolitans for dioceses he contacted MarTheodosius then he brought two Syrian monks to Egypt with a letter to Egyptian bishops to participate in their ordination as bishops to empty thrones because of the cruel Byzantine oppression. In 550, MarJacob ordained the MarTheodosius' scribe patriarch for Antioch in the name of Paul II and he was Egyptian, in the time when Pope Demianes the Alexandrian was Syrian. In 649, the Egyptian MarTheodosius was ordained as Patriarch for Antioch. In 976, HH Pope Abraan (Avraam) the Syrian [known as Ibn-Zar3a] introduced in the Coptic Church Jonas' Fast [or Nineve] which was and still practiced by Syrians as remembrance for the Miracle of El-Mokattam Hill. In 1166, another Syrian was ordained for Alexandria, HH Pope Morcos III [known also as Ibn-Zar3a]. It was familiar that both Patriarchs, the Alexandrian and the Antiochian exchange the Creed once they are ordained as symbol to the unity of their Orthodox faith, to preserve which, thousands of martyrs sacrificed their blood. It was also used to recite the names of the two Patriarchs when offering the Eucharist. This and thousands of Egyptian monks find an echo in the sky of Syria and the two rivers, nation of Syrians. I mention as example the Coptic monastery of MarWakeen whose ruins are still in the area of Tor Abdeen witnessing my saying. In the other side, we find El-Sorian monastery in Wadie El-Natroun in Egypt showing with pride thousands of Syrian monks practicing diverse forms of scetism and among them the monk Antonios El-Soriany who became later Pope Shenouda III. And dozens of Syrian manuscripts in it's famous library witness what I say. Your holiness, I realize that your Papal Happy Silver Jubilee is a station where you stop for a while to meditate and pray. We thank the Holy Lord who accompanied you in this long way and pushed away the difficulties which you don't fear because your only aim, O good shepherd is the peace of your holy spiritual treasure and double the cheeps and keep it wherever it lays. This people, who came in this Holy place, clergymen and laymen they came, not to congratulate you as how can we congratulate someone who is bearing a heavy cross, but rather we came to pray the Lord who chose you for this high position to secure the sheep and make it live a life of piety which should characterize those stamped with the Holy Baptism to receive the Kingdom prepared for those who keep His commandments. May the Lord give you long life. And gives us all your apostolic blessing. Athanasios Avraam Barsoum Metropolitan of Beirut & Zohla for Syrian Orthodox. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Miscellaneous News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HH visits HG Abba Timotheos: --------------------------- On Friday Nov 15, HH visited HG Abba Timotheos the general bishop at Victoria Hospital in Alexandria to ask about his health. HH thanked Dr Eissa Gerges the director of the hospital for taking care of HG and saving his health. HH was accompanied by HG Abba Bishoy, Abba Ruweis, Abba Picenty, Abba Makarius the Eritrian and Abba Joannes. Deceits: ------- In Friday Nov 15, departured from our corruptible world Mr Fayez Shaker Hanna, father of HG Abba Youssef. The funeral was prayed in St Antonios COC Shoubra on the evening of Saturday Nov 16th. Prayed on his pure body, HG Abba Wissa, Abba Arsanios, Abba Ruweis Abba Moussa, Abba Matthias, Abba Daniel, Abba Justos, Abba Isodoros, Abba Youssef, Abba Joannes, Abba Bernaba and many priests. May the Lord give his soul joy in the paradise and all our condolences to the family. In Wednesday Nov 13 evening, departured from our corruptible world the mother of HG Abba Angelos Bishop of Sharkia Centers. The funeral was held in Archangel Michael COC Belbes on the evening of Thursday Nov 14th. May the Lord give her soul joy in the paradise and all our condolences to the family. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- | + | | COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE + + + Translated and maintained | | Computer Departement + Shenouda M Abdou | | cop@idsc.gov.eg + shenouda@bitsmart.com | | + + + | -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-