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.: 47, 48 I | X Date: Dec 20, 1996 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this issue: =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= - Departure of HG Abba Mina Ava-Mina. - HG Abba Mina Ava-Mina Funeral. - 14 Church Father in HH Trip - Jubilee Trip by HG Abba Serapion - In Cleveland with HH by HG Abba Moussa & HG Abba Anthony - With HH in Canada - With HH in Los Angeles (Not yet translated) by HG Abba Moussa - Miscellaneous News (Not yet translated) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= D E P A R T U R E O F H G A B B A M I N A A V A - M I N A =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We are deeply touched by the departure of the honored person and ascet monk HG Abba Mina Ava-Mina first bishop and abbot for MarMina monastery (desert of Mariut). On Wednesday Dec. 11th, HG slept in the Lord after a long illness he endured over years. On Friday Dec. 13th, the prayer on his body took place in the presence of 27 Metropolitan and bishop, a big number of priests and monks and many of officials and congregation. That was in MarMina the Martyr Cathedral in his monastery in Mariut Desert. HG Abba Mina is known to be spiritual. Born in the name of Soliman Rizk. Served the Sunday School in Giza and was consecrated there by the end of the 50's. He served as deacon with Hegumen Mina the hermit (HH Pope Kyrillos VI) in his church in old Cairo. Then he became a personal deacon for HH when became Pope in 1959. When HH Pope Kyrillos VI wanted to revive the monastery of MarMina Mariut, he ordained Brother Soliman as monk, then priest and appointed him to be deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria. When the diocese of Damietta turned empty (the bishop departed) and he was nominated as bishop he escaped from Alexandria and returned to the monastic life in his monastery and made a big effort to revive the monastery. By the end of the 70's, HH Pope Shenouda III ordained him bishop for the monastery in the name of Abba Mina Ava-Mina. And the monastery, under him, became one of our most famous monasteries in Egypt and a place for visit and blessing. His revival is characterized by the artistic beauty. Churches were built and a department was founded for Microfilm and manuscript restoration. HG Abba Mina was characterised by ascet poor monastic life, praying fasting and life inside the monastery until his illness pains obliged him to travel for treatment. HG was distinguished by his deep spirituality, scarce talking and deep devotion to the church and it's priesthood. He had a deep love to HH and always asked for the ordination of monks for his monastery. Rarely any monk was ordained priest so that all learn poverty of posts and priesthood service. HH was touched when he heard about HG departure during his trip and he faxed a condolence to be published in newspapers. May the Lord give peace to the soul of this ascet in the paradise and profit to us in his prayers. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= H G A B B A M I N A A V A - M I N A F U N E R A L =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= It was a solenel and touching funeral Attended by 27 of the church fathers who are: HG Abba Athanasios, HG Abba Dometios, HG Abba Philloppos, HG Abba Pachomios HG Abba Arsenios, HG Abba Tadros, HG Abba Pissada, HG Abba Marcos HG Abba Pisenty, HG Abba Severus, HG Abba Andrews, HG Abba Abraam HG Abba Isaiah, HG Abba Makarios, HG Abba Petrus, HG Abba Demetrios HG Abba Sherubim, HG Abba Pimen, HG Abba Daniel, HG Abba Johanna HG Abba Lukas, HG Abba Aghabios, HG Abba Thomas, HG Abba Maximos HG Abba Johannes, HG Abba Justos, HG Abba Isodoros. The General Deputy of the Patriarchate attended also the meeting. Hegumen Daoud Tadros and all the monastery monks and a big number of priests from Cairo, Alexandria, immigration countries, dioceses, members of the General Congregational Council and the Alexandrian Congregational Council and members of MarMina Society in Alexandria. Officials and government responsibles attended: Brigadier General Mohamed Abdel-Sattar deputy of General Hassan El-Alfy the Minister of Interior. General Aziz Mehanna, deputy security chief in Alexandria representing himself and the Assistant Minister in Alexandria. General Mohamed El-Monufy, assistant of Group (E) Police of Borgel-Arab with the sherif, deputy sherif and Officers in the Police Station of Borgel-Arab. Lieutenant Mohamed Ghazy, deputy of General Security Investigation Dep. representing himself and General Sayed Zayed, General Security Investigation Dep. chief in Alexandria. Lieutenant Abdel-Gawad El-Naggar from the General Security Investigation deputy of General Administration for General Security Investigation. Attended as well the heads of arab tribes surrounding the monastery. HH visits MarMina mon. to prepare it's needs: -------------------------------------------- On the evening of Sunday Dec 22nd, after returning from his trip, HH visited the monastery with HG Abba Sarabamon, Abba Moussa and Abba Joannes to prepare the monastery needs after the departure of it's abbot HG Abba Mina Ava-Mina. HH met with all the monastery monks and asked for their written opinion concerning the monastery and organized responsibilities inside the monastery. HH decided to appoint a prior to the monastery as the time is not yet suitable to appoint an abbot. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 14 Church Father in HH Trip =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HH traveled from Cairo with HG Abba Pishoy, HG Abba Sarabamon, HG Abba Serapion and HG Abba Anthony. In UK, joined them HG Abba Seraphim, HG Abba Ruweis and HG Abba Misael. And all of them attended the Bishop and priest's Seminar. And joined them HG Abba Barnaba from Rome and HG Abba Damyan from Germany. HG Abba Ruweis traveled with HH to Canada and USA. HH met HG Abba Gregorius in New Jersey in the Egyptian Consulate as well as in his way back. In the USA joined the group HG Abba Karas and HG Abba Paul who traveled with HH and HG Abba Anthony to Australia. In Australia joined the group HG Abba Sarabamon bishop of Atbara and Om-Dorman and participated with HH in visiting the churches and colleges of Australia and some consecrations and remained in Australia when HH began his trip back. In Australia, HH asked HG Abba Pishoy to travel to Melbourne to discuss the Church Law with other churches. And asked HG Abba Serapion to travel to Gold Coast to form a church council. In his way back, HH asked HG Abba Pishoy and HG Abba Moussa to supervise a land dedicated for Youth activities and some care issues. In his way back, HH met also HG Abba Youssef, he visited his diocese and consecrated the church of Atlanta. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= J U B I L E E T R I P by HG Abba Serapion =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In the morning of Monday November 18th 1996, HH Pope Shenouda III traveled in a care trip around the world. This trip came as response to the will of churches in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia to express their feelings on HH Silver Jubilee. The trip lasted till Dec 18th and included visits to UK, USA, Canada and Australia and it is considered the 28th care visit of HH since he became Pope on St Mark Throne. Accompanied HH, HG Abba Pishoy Metropolitan of Damietta and Secretary of the Holy Synod, HG Abba Sarabamon bishop and abbot of St Bishoy monastery, HG Abba Moussa bishop of Youth and Abba Serapion who is writing those words. Visit to UK: ----------- HH and the accompanying group arrived London Airport at the evening of Monday Nov 18th. Received HH at the airport, HG Abba Seraphim and HG Abba Misael, bishops of the diocese in UK and a big number of priests from UK and different European countries. Received HH as well, Mr Embassador Mohamed Shaker, Egyptian Embassador in UK. Directly after the airport, HH went to the Coptic Center in Birmingham. At the evening of his arrival, the diocese made festivals to celebrate HH Silver Jubilee. The festival began by a word of congratulation from the child: Rafik Ashraf (in English language), then a word from the girl Vivian Michel both in Arabic and Coptic. Then HG Abba Pishoy talked on behalf of the accompanying group. HG Abba Misael gave a word of Congratulation abounding with feelings of love to HH. The diocese children performed some church songs and in the end, HH asked the congregation what subject would they like to discuss. They presented many subjects including the care problems and needs of Youth, visits and responsibility of priests towards children and caring for families in need. Some questions also were presented concerning the Life of Prayer, Reading the Bible and controlling the thought while praying. HH talked about those subjects and promised to discuss them in the Europe's Seminar for Bishops and Priests. In the morning of Tuesday Nov 19th 1996, HH inaugurated the Seminar of Europe's Bishops and Priests. Attended the meeting: HG Abba Seraphim Metropolitan of the British Orthodox, HG Abba Misael Bishop of Birmingham, HG Abba Anthony bishop of Scotland Ireland and North-East UK, HG Abba Barnaba bishop of Turin and HG Abba Damyan Genaral bishop for Germany. HG Abba Kyrollos, bishop of Milan excused for health reasons. Attended the Seminar the Metropolitans and bishops members of the accompanying group except HG Abba Moussa who arrived London Thursday. Joined the Seminar HG Abba Ruweis the General Bishop. Attended the Seminar 47 priest from Europe including a number of priests from the British Orthodox Diocese. HH gave the first speech about:"Who is a priest? his duty?", the second speech about:"The priest and familial affairs?" and the third speech:"Rituals". HG Abba Pishoy gave two speeches concerning our Theological Dialogues with other churches. In the evening of Wednesday Nov 20th, HH met some bishops and priests in private sessions to discuss service in their areas. Europe Celebration of the Jubilee: --------------------------------- On Thursday Nov 20th, Europe Dioceses and churches organized a big celebration in a Hall of one of the biggest hotels in London. The festival was attended by 500 person and 12 people gave speeches. The celebration was inaugurated by a word of Mr Ambassador Mohamed Shaker, Egypt Ambassador in UK. He explained and thanked the efforts of HH to inforce the national unity. He said that HH is a real honoring representative for Egyptians both Moslems and Christians. He remembered HH situation in the Arab-Israeli conflict specially regarding Jerusalem. HG Abba Pishoy talked about HH defending the Orthodox Faith. Then, Bishop Geiffrey gave a speech on behalf of the the Archbishop of Canterbury where he mentioned HH as International Christian Leader and his souvenirs of visiting Egypt and the Coptic Church specially monasteries and about the Armenian Orthodox under Archbishop Geyzeryan and Greek Orthodox under Archbishop Gregorius. HG Abba Barnaba bishop of Turin gave a speech on behalf of his diocese and on behalf of HG Abba Kyrillos bishop if Milan who couldn't come. HG Abba Barnaba talked about service in Italy throughout the past few years under HH guidance. >From Germany, HG Abba Damyan General bishop of Germany talked about service in Germany and his personal memories with HH. From London the rev. priests Heg Pishoy Boushra, Heg Antonios Thabet and Fr Mikhail Ibrahim. From France Dcn Malak Shenouda. The monk Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy gave a wonderful word on behalf of the youth. He told about his personal experience as young man raised in Australia, attracted by the service of the church not only inside the church but to the point of leaving the world to be monk in St Bishoy monastery where he was a disciple for HH over many years in the Papal Residence in St Bishoy Monastery. In the ending ceremony, HH gave a general word where he talked about the responsibilities of a bishop for caring for souls and trying to save each soul. He emphasized of the Youth and Children service and mentioned the growth of the church over a quarter century. HH concluded his word by talking about love and how true love leads people to the life of virtue. V I S I T O F U S A ======================= First: East Coast ================= On Friday Nov 22nd morning, HH traveled from London to New York. HG Abba Youssef bishop of South USA, Abba Karas bishop and abbot of St Antonios monastery (California Desert), a big number of priests from the east coast and Mrs Ambassador Soheir Zaki, General Egypt Consulate in NY received HH at the airport. UN General Secretary Ceremony: ----------------------------- On Friday Nov 22nd, the UN General Secretary Dr Boutros Boutros Ghali organized a ceremony in his house in the honour of HH Silver Jubilee. All the accompanying group was invited, Mr Magued Riad HH Legal Advisor in USA, Mr Ambassador Nabil El-Araby Egypt delegate at the UN, Archbishop Assyrion of the Greek Orthodox Church USA, Vatican Delegate at the UN and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian of the Armenian. Dr Boutros Ghali gave a word of congratulation and welcome to HH Pope Shenouda III where he mentioned his international role in serving the humanity. Then HH gave a word thanking Dr Ghali for his work and efforts in the United Nations which made him honored worldwide despite the objection of USA to remain in his post for a coming period. HH told him: "You proved that you are a strong man in defending the interests of the Third World Countries and we wish you success wherever you are". Youth Celebrating the Silver Jubilee: ------------------------------------ The East Coast youth organized a festival at St Abraam (Long Island) in the occasion of the Silver Jubilee. The festivals began at 11.00 am But HH had consecrated before the iconostasis and some icons. Heg Mikhail Tubia gave a welcoming word to HH where he mentioned his personal relations with HH since he was clerical at the Theological Seminary. Then HH talked congratulating the congregation on finishing paying the installments which have costed the church budget $10,000 per month. Then HH talked about Consecration, it's Biblical roots and concept both in the Old and New testament whether consecration of people, buildings, utensils or icons. Young people from 12 church in the East Coast presented Choirs, songs and HH poetry. The youth of St Mina (Rutherford) presented a summary of the main books of HH in English language. By the end of the festival, Officials of the regional administration in the church region came. Two of them gave words of congratulation and welcome to HH and the County Representative offered the Region Flag to HH. At the end of the festival, HH gave a word to the youth in English language where he said:"Young people, you are the future of the church, a church without youth is futureless" he talked about Spiritual Discipleship and it's importance in spreading faith. He invited the youth to have strong relation to the church and to prepare themselves for the role which is asked from them. HH said: "The church has done a lot for you, and is willing to do more.. buildings, priests, activities, teaching the right faith and giving the fathers' tradition.. It is your role to transmit the faith you received to coming generations. He said, Christianity doesn't only invite us to the life of holiness but further the life of PERFECTION." General meeting in New Jersey: ----------------------------- In the evening of Saturday Nov 23rd, thousands of Copts gathered at the Catholic Cathedral in Newark City, NJ to meet HH Pope Shenouda III. The meeting was inaugurated with a word of Rev John Granky, Archbishop of New Jersey. Then Heg Mina Kamel, priest of St George Brooklyn on behalf of priests, he explained with many details the growth of the service in USA in general and in the East Coast in special. Several other words, poetry and Choirs performed for over two hours. In the end of the meeting, by 23.30 pm, HH gave a speech about care in the countries of immigration. He said: The immigration land map is always in front of me. and in your area (East Coast) there was no one but one priest and now we have 106 priest in North America. HH emphasized the importance of care visits and that every priest should have a list of his congregation and beside every name the date of the last visit. He said that the service of care is a dangerous one and that we are going to be judged for every soul. He also said:"When we talk about achievements we are talking about the work of God who said Without me you can do nothing. So we are celebrating the work of God over 25 years. It is not enough to be satisfied from the past we look forward to the future where the need is much much more." Near the end of the meeting, Mc.Caric the Archbishop of New Jersey himself came to congratulate HH. He gave a word where he talked about the wisdom of HH in leading the church. He said:"His courage is an example to us". He also said:"Your Holliness the Pope are a true father and a true friend, we are delighted by your visit. Last year Pope Jean-Paul was in this Cathedral, we are happy that you are here now. We want you to feel home." HH answered with a word thanking the Archbishop and thanking HH Pope Jean-Paul II who sent a letter of congratulation for the Silver Jubilee. After the Archbishop left, HH went on talking to the congregation and answering questions and he promised to send a priest to pray the nativity at Bayon Area. East Coast Festival: ------------------- In the evening of Sunday Nov 24th, the East Coast Churches organized a big festivals in one of the Biggest Halls in New Jersey. Attended the festival, Mrs Ambassador Soheir Zaki, General Egyptian Consulate in New York, the delegate of New Jersey State Governor and the maire of Jersey City. From Church men: Armenian Archbishop Achmiazen, Armenian Archbishop Antilias, Indian Orthodox Archbishop, Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan, Greek Archbishop delegate and the delegate of the Head of the Anglican Church. The festival was inaugurated by a word for HG Abba Pishoy then a word for HG Abba Moussa concerning the different aspects of HH personality. Mrs Ambassador Soheir Zaki gave a word where she said: We congratulate HH for his nationality, courage, flexibility and kindness of heart. She said: HH the Pope is a great leader not only for Christians but also for Moslems. She talked about his role to ensure the national unity. The maire of Jersey City Bret Schundla talked about HH conception of work and he told that it is based on two points: 1- Care for Children. 2- Care for Spiritual Life Many other words were said and in the end HH gave a deep and touching Spiritual word. He said that the work is God's. God is the only one who built churches and cared for service. God is the real shepherd for our children in immigration countries. We should not take the work of God and say it's ours. First we should thank Him who was with us during all this time and who will always be with us. The good person shouldn't think of what he had achieved because his mind is occupied with much more things he wants to achieve. Our duty is to let the Holy Spirit work in us, the spirit is ready to work but He needs our response. God gave the chance to the human being to work. We thank God for building the churches because the churches gather hearts and teach them to act in team. The man would no longer think of himself but of other too. HH said that there are plenty of things we should do. He talked about his plan of founding new dioceses in USA, Canada and other immigration countries. He asked everybody to pray that the Lord sends workers to his fields. Then, HH talked in details about the importance of caring for children and youth, he emphasized the role of the family in caring for it's children. He said: Caring for youths makes that problems that they face from their outside remain outside, unable to penetrate inside them and win them. We are not able to prevent the problems and outer attractions but strong youth is like a stone against attractions and problems. About family he said: The mother is the first teacher of Spirituality and religion to her child. Does every mother fulfill her role to her children. We send children to the church, but what about the church of your home?.. When all homes become churches we will live in peace.. Don't blame the church, but blame yourselves. You should be a good spiritual example for your children. HH explained in details our understanding to the church of your home. He said you are temples of God and the Spirit of God lives in you.. The church is the place of prayer and your heart also should be a place of prayer.. The church was consecrated by the Holy Chrysm and you also were anointed.. The universal church is the one that gathers hearts. Every heart of yours is a church and the gathering of those hearts forms the Universal church. HH said: We are transmitting the church to the second generation, we have bought many churches and we preserve and increase them when we care about children in a spiritual atmosphere. They should know how to live with God in their schools. We want holy children to be examples to others. He talked about witnessing faith. Jesus Christ asked His disciples to witness faith in Jerusalem, Judea, Samarite and to the end of the world. That we should witness the Lord inside our hearts (Jerusalem), before the church children (Judea), before enemies (Samarite) and before everyone (to the end of the world). He said this is our task that we should accomplish. In the end, HH said: May the Lord be with you and help you not only in the life of repentance but in the life of Holiness. Not only in the Life of Holiness but in the life of PERFECTION. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I N C L E V E L A N D W I T H H H For HG Abba Moussa & HG Abba Anthony =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In the morning of Monday Nov 25th, with the begining of Advent, the airoplane flew in a sunny day from the airport of Newark (NJ) going to Cleveland. Where HH accompanied by HG Abba Pishoi, Abba Sarabamon, Abba Moussa, Abba Serapion, Abba Karas and Abba Anthony took place all comfortable in their seats except HH who busy working in papers and using the Food Table of his seat to write notes. In the airport of Cleveland, the multitude received us. The priests: Heg Ibrahim Aziz, Heg Raphael Sobhy, Heg Mikhail Edward, Heg Samuel Thabet, Heg Bassilious Sedrak, Fr Ishak Tanios, Fr Mina Ishak, Fr Mina Ruweis, Heg Johanna Ramzy, Fr Bishoy Fahmy, Fr Ruweis Awadalla and Fr Raphael Abdel-Messih. Although, the atmosphere was cold, strong rain and the snow covering everything, the feelings surrounding HH were so warm every moment and wherever he went. At the airport, a press interview with HH took place for one of the most spread Newspapers in Ohio. The interview was about the Coptic Church, the Silver Jubilee, trip themes, interchurch relations and the effort of HH in solving Christology problems (The one nature of Christ out of two natures), relation with Citizen in Egypt where HH talked about the efforts of the government, security and intellectual authorities to stand against extremism and terrorism he emphasized the stability of security in Egypt which was well shown in hosting many huge International Conferences such as the ICPD and the Economic conferences. When the journalist asked for a message to Copts in the land of immigration and to the humanity in general, HH told about the importance of caring for children and youth and raising them spiritually and encouraging them to live a life of piety, perfection and conservative freedom comparing the human being to the river which flows between two ranks. Ranks do not bind it's freedom but preserves it's water and direction otherwise it would destroy everything. The ranks regarding freedom of men are God's commandments and the society's laws and orders.. In St Mary Church: ----------------- A lot of people gathered in the church, waiting to meet HH. Children sang:"Hallely wefrahy yaknisetna dalbaba Shenouda Raees kahanetna" "Sing and Rejoice our church, Pope Shenouda our Archpriest.." Then Mr Fekry Gayed gave a word of welcoming and the young man: Ayman Ibrahim a poetry in Arabic language. Heg Mikhail Edward gave a welcoming word where he meditated the life of HH and how he had taken the Biblical characters and saints as examples in his life: David Psalms, Solomon wisdom, going with God as Enoch, obedience as Abraham, refusing the world as Moses so he became as strong as John the Baptist, John Chrisostom in his lectures, Abba Abraam in his generosity accomplishing the blessed vocation of Habib Gerges. Then he said: If a teacher doesn't loose his discipleship he never looses his instructorship. And HH is always a disciple under the hands of Jesus Christ. HH Speech: --------- After the hymn "Ei Aghapi", HH talked answering the questions concerning: Confession, Solomon Repentance, Bible Understanding, Knowing the verses and references, end of the world, monks and service.., HH survival with pains of the Vertebral Column, HH said that since 2 years he celebrated his 30 year friendship with his illness at the Vertebral Column. When a question arrived him concerning one family far from the church (One hour per airplane), HH took care, took the information and asked to take care of this family. He talked about the mother's role in transmitting faith, remembering grandmothers and mothers who preserved Christianity in Russia during the Socialist reign. HH talked about "The image of God" and how the human being was created in the image of God in holiness, authority and how the man lost this image by the sin and he became scared, sinner and dead till the salvation took place through which the Lord recreated the human being and gave him true knowledge. and the Lord gave us back the true picture of God. Meeting with priests: -------------------- HH met with priests of Central USA and took lunch with them they were 10 priests. After Heg Bassilious Sedrak gave a word of welcoming, HH talked with people about: "How can we win people" concentrating on the saying of St John Chrisostom: "If you want to get rid of your enemy transform him to a friend". Then he answered the questions of the fathers whether Theological Spiritual or care. And he inaugurated the book and tape fair in the church and met some priests who asked for personal meetings. Dinner Ceremony: --------------- The history will record this special day in Cleveland where HH met the priests and distinguished people and a multitude of people of the congregation and many guests officials and church leaders. The congregation came from Ohio, Detroit, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Chicago, Minnesota, Missouri all expressing their joy for HH Silver Jubilee. Both administrative and church leaders attended a private meeting before the General Meeting. Mr Nabil Bissada presented the festival parts in excellent English language, kind spirit, then, distinguished guests talked expressing their love and respect for HH as one of the most known spiritual leaders worldwide and one of the most active in the field of Church union. The guests were: 1- Bishop Anthon Bella head of Catholic Synod of America. 2- Dr Juan Campel, General Secretary of American Council of Churches. 3- Bishop Dimitry, Greek Orthodox in Middle America. 4- Denis Coshenik, American Congress member of Ohio State. 5- Mrs Jane Campel, head of Cleveland City Council. 6- Mrs Mary Poil, regional government delegate in Ohio. 7- Gerald Tranis, maire of Seven Hills. 8- August Bost, State Governor delegate. 9- Dr John Chia, Head of Carol University. 10- Van Amersson, Head of Cleveland University. 11- Any Diming, Head of Notre Dame University. Then the Subdeacon Bishoy Hg Mikhail talked in the name of youth calling HH the "Youth Pope" and talking about the efforts of HH to serve the second and third generations in immigration countries to attach them to the spiritual life, the mother church and the mother nation. He said:" Your Holiness say that :"The church without youth is futureless" and we are telling: "Youth without church is futureless too" Then Heg Mikhail Edward welcomed HH on Central America Priests' behalf and talked about the life of HH. The surprise of the festival was an 8 minutes movie telling in brief snapshots from church history and the work of God for 25 years. HH concluded the festival, with a great speech telling that when he went to the monastery he didn't have in mind to return back to the world for service and he never imagined that he would bear this responsibility among multitudes of people and he loved so much the life of solitude and calmness. HH said that the duty of a Patriarch is caring for every soul to be saved. His work is a responsibility before being an authority. And while working in the vine of the Lord we remember Him saying: "Without me you can do nothing." The Lord is the one who works we are just ambassadors inviting people to make peace with God." It is the humility of God that He gives us the chance to work with Him. Although we ordained 75 bishop and 470 priest, still the work is a lot. We ask the Lord to help us in this responsibility. And the festival was concluded with an applause to HH, and everybody thanked Virgin Mary Church (Cleveland) and Heg Mikhail Edward for this organized and fruitful festival. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= W I T H H H I N C A N A D A =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "We didn't meet people here, we met love!.." with these words HH summarized his feelings towards the pure love he faced from his children priests and congregations of the churches in immigration countries. Now we are in Toronto. The sun is shining and the snow is everywhere! It is so cold but there is plenty of activity.. This is the life of our beloved in this beautiful land. Because Canada is in general characterized by beauty and calmness. 18 priest with a big number of deacons, a big congregation received HH in the airport at Wednesday Nov 27th '96. The Egyptian Ambassador in Canada Mr Mahmoud Farghal, Dr Hoda El-Maraziky head of our media center there were in the beginning of the people who received HH at the VIP hall at the airport. HH said to his children:"Hold traditions, principles and original Egyptian heritage, don't melt in the new culture keeping away your principles. Keep your roots while being loyal to your new nation" At these words Mr Ambassador said:"Egyptians here are first in education and second in Economy.." We are proud of that.. Egyptians are always distinguished abroad. they only need some good administration and some means to show. We had with us at the airport Mr Afify Head of "Egypt Air" Airlines and the delegate of Scarboro Maire. We went directly to the hotel to take lunch with priests and their wives. It was a meeting of love, where HH asked the priests his children to exchange discussion in the field of care which left a good impression to all. General Meeting: --------------- In a big hall in the hotel, 3000 of the church members in Toronto came to this spiritual meeting with HH. HG Abba Ruweis was the first to talk, he is the one who serves Canada always. He has a special place in the hearts of all there. Many times they asked the Pope to ordain him there but HG Abba Ruweis is still refusing and is satisfied with his fruitful and beloved service there. HG said that the life of HH is characterized with simplicity, love, spiritual calm and deep education whether in his early youth, monasticism, bishopric till he was Pope of the church. HH words enter to the deep of the heart more than entering ears. HH cares for poor and loves them and he dedicated one whole day every week for them. He is the popular, serving Pope who works for the salvation of everybody. He is the one who said we have only two ways:"Whether we rest and people are tired, or we are tired and people rest and I invited you to be tired." Now we are cultivating the fruits of efforts of HH the Pope. We had only two rented churches in Canada, now we have 15 church and 20 priest. HH believes that the quickest solutions aren't always the best. He is the one who invites us to erase the iniquity by education. and not to be concerned with the achievements but with the unachieved work. Then he asked the Lord for at least 25 years more for HH of giving. The schedule included words of priests: Fr Pisenty Gerges to gave a word in English language to welcome HH, Heg Angelos Saad who preserves the signature of HH on his University ID when HH was bishop and he was still student at the university. Fr Ruweis Awad, his words were also in English language. Mr Boules Nessim gave also a word. Dcn Fredy Iskander son of Fr Athanasios Iskander gave a beautiful word in English language explaining the history of the word "Pope" in the church begining with Pope Hieraclas. It means "Father of fathers". Those pure words were interfered by beautiful hymns, performed by children and youth happy for HH visit to them."Hallely wefrahy ya knisetna, Shenouti, Asrar El-Kenisa"... Then HH talked, here are some abstracts from his words:"God is not a subject for study in Theology books, but He is the true love in our hearts which guides us to His kingdom. May we have a deep relation with God. Everything is possible for a believer (Mar9), I can everything in Christ who strengthen me (Phil 4:13), We are called shepherds and the true shepherd is God (Jo 10), He asked us for true care (Ez.34) God inside you is the shepherd that makes you shepherd. St Augustin said: Lord I teach them, but you teach me how to care about them, you care for us all, we are tools in the hands of God he works through us. St Paul the great asked his children to pray for him. (Eph6) That's why the church invits it's children to pray for the Pope and the Clergy in each mass, in each continent, country, city and church. the responsibility is heavy I thank you and ask for your prayers" HH had answered many questions concerning the life of triumph, relics of saints, agony time, part time seminarians at the Theological Faculty, the necessity of having a Clerical Faculty in Toronto and the necessity of teachers there, the church of Eritria, ordination of 5 bishops according to their wish and their independence, ordination of 80 bishop and 470 priest, illness chastisement or love?, Jacob struggle with God, wisdom, care for children, gentiles will inherit the earth. When the youth asked HH:"what is the happiest occasion of your life?" he replied:"I am always happy, even in the problems, I always ask people don't let the problems penetrate inside your heart. deal with them while outside. But the happiest time of our lives is when we feel the hands of God working in the church. Problems are crowns so bear the cross." The most beautiful thing HH said to his children:"We do love you more than you can imagine". Official Celebration: -------------------- In the same large hall, which became a dinner place which included hundreds of Copts and a main table where HH sat along with the accompanying group, officials and Christian church leaders in Toronto. It was the Official Celebration. The first speaker after dinner was Dr Ambassador Mahmoud Farghaly, whose word was twice interrupted by triumphal applause that he told that never happened to me before, such welcoming because his words were abounding of feelings towards HH and towards Copts. Among his words: We do love HH the Pope, and I witnessed people's love to him from his meeting with his children. We do care about National Unity and Political Stability in Egypt and you Pope Shenouda are a symbol of National Unity. We wish you 25 more years of giving. Then the Greek Archbishop talked remembering HH words to him:" We don't differ anything from you. We are both one". The Canadian Prime Minister presented to HH a letter of welcoming from the Prime Minister with a welcoming word on his behalf. Then the Armenian Orthodox Archbishop talked, relaying the regards of HH the Patriarch Karakin to HH Pope Shenouda. He said:"I remember you always when I hear your apostolic voice moving millions of people in your famous lectures. You taught and practiced the word. You care about Ecumenical relations and make your best to encourage the church leaders to love relations." The maire of Hamilton talked remembering the consecration of the church altar there and he said: "We are proud of Your Holiness and your Egyptian children" and he presented a gift from the people of Hamilton. The General Secretary of the Anglican Church, he talked about the feelings of the church head towards HH and the dialog which happened between the two churches and he concluded by saying:"Canada with all your children was blessed by you." The delegate of Scarboro Maire, he talked about St Mark Church, the Museum, the church extension, services, Coptic Cultural Center and he presented two gifts in the occasion of the Jubilee: The key of Scarboro City, sign of respect and trust and a Congratulation Document from the City Council.. Mr Mamdouh Ismail talked about the Egyptians, Moslems and Christians, remembering the great pharos and how they looked forward for eternity, and said that your age is not the number of years but the number of friends. Then he congratulated HH for the Jubilee on behalf of Mr Khalil El-Nemr and he said:"we enjoyed having you here, as great leader in this world, we learned a lot from you, may your great soul bless us tonight. The humanity doesn't live without love, and here you are calling back the great Egyptian Tradition and without you we wouldn't have gathered here. Copt means Egyptian therefore I am a Coptic Moslem. Then the delegate of the Canadian Council of Churches gave his word wishing for HH a fruitful service and expressing the joy of the council for HH achievements over 25 years of giving and service as well as the Ecumenical spirit that HH has. There exists a story that tells that the prophet Moses lost a sheep and he made a huge effort till he found it. And the Lord saw him and told This is the shepherd which guides my people. And undoubtfully that in the 50's, the Lord saw you and said: this is the shepherd who cares for the Coptic Church. Bill Clinton is the one who sold the large land of St Mark Church for only One Dollar and when he talked he said:"I took a lot and didn't give anything!" Word of HH the Pope: ------------------- We are celebrating the work of God in the church over 25 years. It is the work of God in, with and for us. The shepherds responsibility: Pope, Bishop or priest is a heavy one, they are struggling to build the kingdom of God on earth in their and others hearts, not only by words that's easy but by love, God's love from all the heart and love of the relative as oneself. And the long way towards that love, it begins with repentance, holiness until perfection. Repentance is refusal of the sin and it's hate, the world and the devil are fighting repentance, that's why repentance isn't fulfilled unless with prayer. Saint Isaac the Syrian said: If you think there exists another way to repent except prayer you are tricked by devil. The prayer wins the devil and move you towards holiness, spiritual growth and gaining virtues and fruits of the Spirit. Then we struggle to catch relative perfection "Be perfect".. Your children will learn from you by example the Spiritual life, not with advises, nor orders nor obligation. When I received the key of Scarporo, I remembered many other keys: a key which opens the hearts of others, another opens the kingdom of God to you and others. If we don't taste the love of God here, we won't have any share in eternity. Consecrating the altar of our church in Kitchener: ------------------------------------------------- HH consecrated an altar in our church in Kitchener and the Iconostasis there. It is a beautiful church bought by Copts under the guidance of Fr Athanasios Iskandar and they worked it to have the sanctuary facing East with a beautiful Iconostasis. It is a large church with facilities and a house. Aghapy houses: ------------- Facing Virgin Mary church Mississauga, we saw something similar to a miracle, a huge building 80 apartment, facilities, services, flats for handicaps with very low rent. All that began when the Copts founded the Coptic Aghapy Society under the guidance of Heg Angelos Saad. This society discussed with the government building houses for poor Copts and after a big effort and hundreds of demands from other nationalities, the government approved and it was this beautiful house. These are wonderful efforts to serve Copts in Canada. They are using all chances to care for the church children there. In Montreal: ----------- We met two miracles.. Two beautiful and large churches: Virgin Mary (Fr Seraphim) and St George (Fr Arsenios and Fr Youssef), HH consecrated their altars and met with the congregations and talked to them about the importance of taking care of their children to raise inside the church and don't fall in this world. HH emphasized the importance of having a school for Copts and a house for elderly. In St Mark, the congregation celebrated the Jubilee, children sang: Habibnal Baba Shenouda, Pi epnevma, Pi ehmot ghar and Heg Pishoy Ishak gave a welcoming word where he mentioned the efforts of HH in travels and care. Fr Shenouda Doss talked about the joy of this generation which lived the time of HH Pope Shenouda. Metropolitan Abboudy, Metropolitan of the Syrian Orthodox found in the name of Shenouda greatness, scarce, oasis of knowledge, priceless perl and God's gift to men. In the end of the festival, HH talked to his children a spiritual word where he emphasized the importance of having a Coptic College in Montreal and the importance of having a place for the Lord in each house and each heart. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- | + | | COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE + + + Translated and maintained | | Computer Departement + Shenouda M Abdou | | cop@idsc.gov.eg + shenouda@bitsmart.com | | + + + | -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-