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.: 49, 50 I | X Date: Dec 27, 1996 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this release: =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= - Behold, I bring you good tidings ............... by HH Pope Shenouda III - Miscellaneous News - Priests delegation in Nativity - Trip to Australia .............................. by HG Abba Serapion =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= BEHOLD, I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY (Luk 2:10) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This is what the angel said to the shepherds: Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. This is the great joy about which our first grand fathers heard from the Lord: The women seed shall bruise the head of the snake (Gen 3: 15) It is the promise that God gave to our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed (Gen 28:14) ALL THOSE PROMISES WOULDN'T BE FULFILLED WITHOUT THE BIRTH OF CHRIST HIS BIRTH IS A BIRTH OF THE WORLD'S SALVATION And also Simon bore him in the temple and said: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word For mine eyes have seen thy salvation (Luk 2:29-30) This is the salvation that the angels sang the day of the Lord's birth saying: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luk 2:11) It is the salvation that was told to Joseph the carpenter telling about Christ's birth: And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Mat 1:21) This salvation was the theme of the Virgin's praise when saying: My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my SAVIOUR. (Luk 1:47) Samaritans too, although being enemies to Jews, they agreed that Jesus is the saviour, and said about him: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (Joh 4:42) That's why we sing in the midnight praise: My Lord Jesus Christ the good saviour. About this salvation, the master told about himself: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luk 19:10) CHRIST'S BIRTH IS NOT ONLY A BIRTH FOR SALVATION BUT ALSO BIRTH FOR JOY. Unless Christ was born we would have lived in sadness because of the reign of death upon us because of our sins. Those sins which Christ bore by his salvation: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.(Isa 53:6) We found that Virgin Mary put both those points in her praise, salvation and joy: My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luk 1:47) And the angel announcement also bore the two meanings: great JOY for unto you is born a SAVIOUR (Luk 2: 11) When we rejoice in Christmas, we rejoice for our salvation too. But he who is still bearing heavy sins, instead of feeling sad at Christmas, he should hear his honest promise saying: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mat 11:28) THE JOY FOR THE FEAST IS A SPIRITUAL JOY It is not a material joy for the end of the fast, it is not a social joy. But as St Paul said: Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Phi 4:4) I congratulate you all my brothers for the LORD's birth, with all the joy and salvation announcement it bears for you and for all people. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= M I S C E L L A N E O U S N E W S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Congratulating Greek Catholics for Christmas: -------------------------------------------- On Wednesday Dec 25th morning, HH went to the Greek Catholic Patriarchate in Daher to congratulate HH Patriarch Maximos-Hakim for Christmas. There he met the metropolitans and congregation and was invited to give a word about the birth of Christ. With Dr Youssef Boutros Ghali: ----------------------------- On Thursday Dec 26th evening, HH met Dr Youssef Boutros Ghali the minister of government. Priests and monks: ----------------- - On Thursday Dec 26, Fr Felimon El-Baramosy left Cairo, back to his service in the church of Lahay after a visit to the mother church which lasted for 2 weeks and met with HH. - On Tuesday Dec 24th, HH received at the Papal Residence, Fr Kirrollos Ava-Mina and the monk Severus Ava-Mina. HG Abba Paul: ------------ In his way back from the Predication Conference in Brazil to Africa, HG Abba Paul stopped by the mother church in Cairo and HH received him. The tomb of the late HG Abba Mina Ava-Mina: ------------------------------------------ On Sunday Dec 22nd, in his visit to MarMina mon., HH visited the tomb of HG Abba Mina Ava-Mina where he prayed for the rest of his soul. Participated with HH, HG Abba Sarabamon, HG Abba Moussa and HG Abba Joannes. Then HH went to HH Pope Kyrrillos VI tomb and prayed there too. HH meetings: ----------- Last week HH received: - On Saturday Dec 21st evening, HG Abba Paula, bishop of Tanta concerning priests delegated to pray abroad. - On Tuesday Dec 24th morning, HG Abba Barsoum after returning back from Sweden. - Both on Monday Dec 23rd and Thursday Dec 26th, HG Abba Demetrios concerning HG supervision on MarMina mon. (Mariut). - On Tuesday Dec 24th, HG Abba Makary concerning the timing of his enthronment and HG will of ordaining a priest to serve with him. HH in Alexandria: ---------------- On Friday Dec 27th evening, HH traveled to Alexandria where he supervised the new building for the Papal Residence. In the morning of Saturday, HH met our brothers the poor, then he gave a word to the priests council, in the evening HH gave his lecture to the Theological Seminary, then the general meeting on Sunday Night and returned back to Cairo. Lecture in the Rotary Club: -------------------------- On Monday Dec 30th evening, HH gives a lecture in the Baron Hotel (Heliopolis) in the Rotary Club. Conference for Patristic professors about St Gregor of Niasins: -------------------------------------------------------------- >From Friday Dec 27th till Saturday Dec 28, in St Bishoy mon., a conference is held about St Gregor the theologos (of Niasins), attending professors from Greece, headed by Prof Papadouplos Patrology Professor in Greece as well as professors from Russia, Romania and Serbia. >From the Egyptian side attended, HG Abba Pishoi, HG Abba Moussa, Dr Emil Maher, Dr Magdy Wahba, Fr Moussa Adeeb and some of the theological Seminary professors. HH inaugurated the conference. PhD about predication in Zambia and Zaire: ----------------------------------------- On Monday Dec 30th, in St Ruweis Hall Cairo, a PhD thesis was discussed. It is presented from Fr Roufail Farid Wasef about the predication of the Coptic Church in Zambia and Zaire in the time of HH Pope Shenouda III. HH was the chairperson and participated many professors of ICS. After which Fr Roufail returns directly to his service in Zambia. HH inaugurates an art exhibition: -------------------------------- On Monday Dec 23rd, HH inaugurated a Coptic Painting Exhibition that was held at Picasso Hall. Attended The Great Imam Dr Tantawy Cheikh of the Azhar Mosque, Dr Venice Kamel minister of scientific research and Dr Ossama El-Bas Secretary of Mr President. Participated in the exhibition by their paintings: Saad Kamel, Mohamed Sabry, Daoud Aziz, William Isaac, Helmy El-Tuny, George El-Bahgoury, Nagy Kamel, Wadie Shenouda, Abdel-Ghaffar Shedid, Makram Henein, Gamil Shafik, Mohamed Heggy, Wagdy Habashy, Omar El-Fayoumy, Esmat Dawstashy, Gerges Lotfy, Ibrahim Abdel Malek, Nitokris Kamel, Ibrahim Ghazala, Ivon Ezzat and Saeed Kamel. Explained for HH Prof Magda Kamel. HH with both the Abbot of the mon. in Hungary and the Hungarian Ambassador: --------------------------------------- On Thursday Dec 19th, HH received HG bishop Vasagier Asterik abbot of the Pananhalma monastery which HH visited, with his interpreter. Attended the meeting Mr Arener Johassy, Hungary Ambassador in Cairo and HG Abba Joannes. HH invited to give a lecture at Athens University (Theological Faculty): --------------------------------------- HH received an invitation from Prof Christus-Volvasis dean of the Theological Faculty Athens, to give a lecture at the University in Athens and respects the relations between the two churches. The letter will be published in the next Keraza Release. Priests delegation to celebrate ------------------- Nativity and Epiphany Masses abroad -------------------- =================================== USA: --- HG Abba Johanna - Kansas City Fr Sergius Sergius - Albany HG Abba Daniel - Talhassee Fr Kirillos Nagib - Victorville Heg Dawoud Tadros - Charlott Fr Kirrillos Salib - Bakersfield Heg Bishoy Wadie - Bayon Fr Arsenios Anba-Bishoy - Palmdale Heg Bishoy AbdelMalak- Washington Fr Johanna Iskandar - Sacremento Heg Isaiah Mikhail - Fresno Fr Ruweis Morcos - Greenville Heg Mikhail Shenouda - Tennessee Fr Mikhail Mikhail - Howell Fr Dometios Hanna Basta-Indianapolis Fr Ghebriel Abdel-Nour - Lupeck Canada: New Zealand: ------ ----------- Fr Mikhail Sabry - Ottawa (St George) Fr Johanna Wadie - Christ Church Fr Suriel Fahmy - Winnipeg Fr Roufail Aniss - Oakland Heg Paula Nashed - Halifax Europe: ------ Heg Sidaros AbdelMessih - Copenhagen Fr Hedra Ekdawy - Kent Fr Luka El-Baramosy - Paris (Archange) Fr Ghebrial El-Baramosy - Belgium Heg Antonios El-Baramosy - Guttenberg Heg Sarabamon Attiya - Germany Fr Johanna (Johann) Makram Ghali - Germany ______________________________________________________ | | | Condolence | | ---------- | | While HH had put in list of priests delegated to | | celebrate Nativity and Epiphany Masses abroad the | | name: | | | | Fr Paula Tawfik - St Antonios COC Shubra | | | | He got bleeding in his head, was transferred to | | the hospital where his pure soul departed. | | The funeral took place in his church | | where HG Abba Moussa, HG Abba Pisenty, | | HG Abba Boutros and 45 priest prayed. | | We wish rest for his soul and condolence | | for his family, congregation and friends. | | | | * * * | | | | In the morning of Sunday Dec 29th, two masses | | where held for the 40th day of departure of | | Fr Barsoum Mattar. One in "Paroisse de l'archange | | Michel et de St Georges" - Paris and the other | | in the church of St Mark College - Shatby - | | Alexandria. May the Lord give rest to his soul | | and reward him for his effort and service. | |____________________________________________________| =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= T R I P T O A U S T R A L I A by HG Abba Serapion =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= First: Sydney ============= On Saturday Dec 7th, HH arrived Sydney Australia with the accompanying group. Received them at the airport the priests of Australia along with HG Abba Sarabamon bishop of Atbara and Om-Dorman who was visiting his children there. Received HH as well a delegation from the Egyptian Consulate at Sydney headed by Mr Ambassador Kamel Khalil Egyptian Consul General in Sydney. From the Australian Government, received HH Mr Phillip Raddach minister of immigration as well as a big Coptic congregation in Sydney. After a short press conference at the airport, HH went to St Mark Cathedral Sydney where he prayed the prayer of Thanksgiving, gave a word to the congregation and answered questions. General Meeting: --------------- On Saturday Dec 7th, more than 30,000 thousand people gathered at the Sport Center "State Spsils Center" Sydney to attend the General Meeting. It began by a prayer, the choir sang "Stranger" written by HH then Heg Moussa El-Souriany gave a welcoming word. HH gave a spiritual word about "The gift of God, and His love to us" and he answered many questions. Consecrating two churches: ------------------------- On Sunday Dec 8th, HH consecrated two churches: 1- Virgin Mary, St Pachomios & St Shenouda COC - Sylvania. HH consecrated 3 altars in the name of Virgin Mary (Main Altar) St Pachomios, St Shenouda, consecrated icons, baptistery and baptized a number of children. 2- St Antonios & St Paul - Glyford. HH consecrated the altar of the new church. Meeting with Youth in Sydney: ---------------------------- On Sunday Dec 8th, HH met the youth in Sydney in St Mark church, he talked about the Coptic Church and what are the distinguished things we have. HH talked about Youth, Spiritual Life and the role of Youth in witnessing Christian Faith. Welcoming Ceremony at the Egyptian Consulate in Sydney ----------------------------------- On Sunday Dec 8th, the Egyptian Consul General in Sydney Mr Ambassador Kamel Khalil made a welcoming ceremony at the Consulate Residence attended a huge number of Egyptians, Copts and Moslems and many Arab brothers as well. Australia Priests Meeting: ------------------------- On Monday Dec 9th morning, HH met with Australia's priests in St Mark Church - Sydney. Attended the meeting 33 priest and Heg Mina Neematalla was excused for he was abroad. Attended the meeting as well, HG Abba Sarabamon bishop and abbot of St Bishoy mon., HG Abba Moussa General Bishop for Youth, HG Abba Sarabamon bishop of Om-Dorman, HG Abba Anthony bishop of Scotland and HG Abba Serapion bishop of California. HH discussed service and care in the church of Australia and new churches in New Zealand. Then HH talked in general about icons and the importance of visiting the congregation. Visiting St Mark College Sydney: ------------------------------- HH and all the acompagning group visited St Mark College Sydney. It is the first Coptic College in Sydney and began working one year ago. In the college 330 student are enrolled and 200 in the waiting list till we find vacancies. 19 Full time teacher are working there. Heg Morcos Khella, the spiritual father of the college, gave a welcoming word to HH. Then the director of the college talked about the college and it's activities. Then students sang many hymns and songs both in Coptic and Arabic Alphabet. Then the "Our Father.." in Coptic, "Hail Mary", "Ei Aghapi" and "My Coptic church you spread Christianity..". Then HH expressed his joy that the Coptic College became reality in Sydney. He thanked all the responsibles and workers, full and part timers and distributed gifts to all of them. HH encouraged the idea of the Coptic College and emphasized the importance of finding a suitable place for the College and invited the parents to encourage the college and trust it. Silver Jubilee in Sydney: ------------------------ On Monday Dec 9th evening, Sydney churches organized a dinner on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee. Attended the festival, Church Leaders, Australian Government responsibles, Egyptian Consul General and a big number of the congregation. Words of welcome and congratulation were presented to HH: 1- Australian Immigration Minister. Mr Phillip Raddach. 2- Tourism and Transport Minister. Mr Brian Langton. 3- Mr Ambassador Kamel Khalil - Egyptian Consul General in Sydney. 4- Australia Council of Churches Secretary. Rev Danik Gill. >From the church members talked: Fr Antonios Kaldass, Dr Medhat Gerges State Council Secretary and the General Sunday School Committee responsible. Then HG Abba Pishoy introduced HH. In the end of the meeting, HH gave a word where he thanked everybody and talked about the work of God in the church and the care responsibilities of the Patriarch. Second: Melbourne ================= On Tuesday Dec 10th, HH and the accompanying group traveled to Melbourne. Received him at the airport of Melbourne, representatives of many churches as well as Coptic priests there and a big number of the congregation there. Received him as well, Mr Ambassador Nabil Ibrahim Egyptian Consul General in Melbourne. HH went directly to St Mark church where he prayed the prayer of Thanksgiving and gave a word about the importance of caring for Youth. HH met the commitees of both Virgin Mary College and St Antonios College which are the two Coptic Colleges in Melbourne. Attended the meeting Heg Tadros Sharobeem (Supervisor of Virgin Mary College) and Fr Abanoub Attalla (Supervisor of St Antonios College). They presented reports about the two colleges and discussed many educational, financial and administrative matters. Melbourne Churches Festival: --------------------------- On Tuesday Dec 10th, the churches of Melbourne organized a festival on the occasion of HH Silver Jubilee. It began with a word by Heg Victor Akhnukh priest of St Mark and first Coptic priest in Melbourne City, he announced that it is the Silver Jubilee of HH Pope Shenouda and the Silver Jubilee of the service in Melbourne. Many words of congratulation were said: 1- Mr Ambassador Nabil Ibrahim Egyptian Consul General in Melbourne. 2- Mr Bruce Chamerlain. Representing Victoria Prime Minister. 3- Mr John Brumby. Head of the Opposition. 4- Rev Hamis Johnson, Victoria State Council of Churches secretary. >From the church: Heg Mina Mikhail, Heg Mina Ibrahim, Mr Bassilious Moros, Mr Louis Wahba Miss Sherine Boutros (About Youth). Kids: the young girl Myrelle Shenouda gave a word in English Language and the young boy Michel Hanania in Arabic language.. In the end of the festival, HH gave a word where he emphasized the importance of encouraging Coptic Colleges and helping them financially. Consecrating St George Altar: ---------------------------- On Wednesday Dec 11th morning, HH consecrated the altar of St George COC. After the consecration, HH discussed with the congregation how to take advantage of the 35 hectares which the church owns to have projects and activities. He decided that HG Abba Pishoi & HG Abba Moussa should stay for some days in Melbourne to study how to take profit of the church land for making church activities and helping the Coptic colleges in Melbourne. Welcoming Ceremony at the Egyptian Consulate in Melbourne ----------------------------------- On Wednesday Dec 11th, the Egyptian Consul General in Melbourne Mr Ambassador Nabil Ibrahim organised a welcoming ceremony to HH. Attended a big number of religion people and people. General Meeting in Melbourne: ---------------------------- On Wednesday Dec 11th evening, HH met with the congregation in Melbourne. The meeting was held in one of the biggest halls there. Around 3000 person attended the meeting. HH gave a deep spiritual and detailed word about "Life with God", then he answered many questions. Third: Canberra =============== HH visit for Canberra lasted only half day. Canberra is the Federal Capital of Australia, we have a church there named St Mark COC and a small congregation (15 family). After HH arrived at Canberra airport, he went to St Mark church and prayed the Thanksgiving Prayer. Many words were said by Heg Ibrahim El-Baramossy church priest, Dr Emil Gayed, the delegate of the Catholic Church and the delegate of the Anglican Church. Mr Ambassador Mohamed El-Shereey, Egypt Ambassador in Australia gave a wonderful word about HH both in English and Arabic language and was interfered by many poetry verses. The Ambassador talked about HH as writer and poet, he told about his humility, big heart and loyalty for Egypt. He talked about his efforts for national unity and the good relations with The great Imam Mohamed Tantawy Cheikh of El-Azhar Mosque. He referred to many of HH sayings like: HH says that freedom is like a river bank; about heart obedience, he who obeyed your rod has disobeyed you! He referred to the wonderful word that HH said after the survival of Mr President Mubarak from the assassination trial in Ethiopia. The Ambassador said that HH is most respected by all the Egyptian nation Moslems and Copts. During the meeting at the church, children performed some church songs both in Arabic and English language. The HH and the guests moved to an outside tent where he put the basement stone for "Pope Shenouda Educational Hall" it is a project for cultural and educational activities. Before leaving Canberra, Mr Ambassador organized a welcoming ceremony for HH. And on Tuesday Dec 12th evening, HH returned to Sydney to leave Australia on Friday Dec 12th back to Atlanta stopping by Honolulu -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- | + | | COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE + + + Translated and maintained | | Computer Departement + Shenouda M Abdou | | cop@idsc.gov.eg + shenouda@bitsmart.com | | + + + | -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-