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It is issued by the Computer | | Departement in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate | |___________________________ _____________________________| Keraza No.: 9, 10 I | X Friday March 13th '98 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this issue: ------------------ Association of the Coptic Histoy HE Abba Bishoy's trip to Armenia and Cyprus HE Abba Pachomius visiting Libya and Matrouh Miscelaneous News Book Review Youth and servant meetings in dioceses Appendix =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Association of the Coptic Histoy =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Coptic history is both a church and national great tradition. It began in the middle of the first century by the coming of St mark and lasted till now. Unfortunately, it was completely overpassed by political history books in Egypt and educational institutions in schools and universities. Altought Coptic sites are so invaluable, still no managerial institute exists to care for it, but it is combined with the Islamic Era archeology sites. Over many centuries, Coptic intelectuals wrote Coptic history: (Tarikh El-Batarka) Patriarchs' History, most famous book written by Severus Ibn-Elmokafa', and the book of Abba Josab, bishop of Foah "Selselet Tarikh Babawat El-Korsy el-Sakandary" Alexandrian Chair Popes History Serie, completed later by Kamel Saleh Nakhla, member of the comittee of Coptic History and Raphael Nakhla. Also what was compiled by the comittee: Dr Suriel Attiya, Dr Mourad Kamel, Mr Yassa Abdel-Messih, Mr Burmester and the Institute of Coptic Studies. Those efforts are disperssed, many of these books is out of press and they don't present an organized and complete work. Adding to that, some individual efforts done by some authors and associations like the one done by Abba Isodore and Fr Menassa Yohanna, more than 60 years ago, Mr Francis El-'Etter and MarMina Society in Alexandria, writings of the late Abba Joannes bishop of Gharbia, writings of Iris El-Masry where she wrote history along with her own point of view. Also the Coptic Encyclopedia which needs to be revised in details. Adding to that the Coptic Synexarion (compiled over generations) and many groups of stories of saints which were recently published and several "Mayamer" in monasteries' manuscripts. Worth to mention what was written by foreigner writers like Buttler's book, Mrs Butcher and Otto Meinardus who combined history to his Catholic faith. Because of all that, an association of our sons in USA rose to compile, edit, filter and publish Coptic History. Dr Fawzy Stephanos, Head of Anaesthetic Dept, Cleveland Clinic USA spoke with HH Pope Shenouda about this project. He wanted to consecrate himself for this big project along with a group of trustees. HH Pope Shenouda wrote to them a letter of blessing to begin this project, including the assistance of our monasteries, churches, religious institutions and all libraries to provide them with any material that would help them achieve their mission. Along with the managerial team exists a team of editors for historical facts. This association shall begin it's mission with all the encouragement and blessing of HH. We wish them all success. The program includes the following: - St Mark See Popes and famous bishop's history till date. - Both individual and group martyrs biography. - Early Alexandria school of Theology and it's evolution. - Coptic monasticism, both actual and ancient monasteries. - Coptic intelectuals and schools. - Coptic archeological sites. - Coptic art both in ancient and modern times. - Role of Copts in early Ecumenical Councils and actuel efforts for christian unity. - History of Sunday School since it's institution. - Coptic church abroad. - Coptic societies and famous Coptic laymen. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HE Abba Bishoy's trip to Armenia and Cyprus =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Feb 20th, in a series of visits exchanged between the two Orthodox family heads to explain the common agreement reached so far, both HE Metropolitan Bishoy (of Damiet and secretary of the Coptic Holy Synod) and Metropolitan Damascinus (representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople) visited Armenia as participant heads of the dialogue comittee. They met with HH Karekin I Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians (head of the Armenian Apostolic Church) and many of his bishops in HH residence in Etchmiadzin. They discussed the agreement in fine and answered questions. HH Catholicos Karekin promised to present this declaration to the Holy Synod of the Armenian church. Metropolitan Damaskinus returned to Geneva while HE Abba Bishoy remained in Armenia for meetings in Etchmiadzin and Pervan. As delegate for Catholicos Karekin I in Pervan, Archbishop Karekin Narsessian invited HE to Pervan where he delivered a lecture in the priests' meeting and answered their questions. He visited youth activities, then they went together for a visit to Pervan Theological Seminary and gave a word to seminarians. Then HE visited the main Theological Seminary in Etchmiadzin where 1006 seminarian attend 6 classes. HE met the dean, professors and students and gave a word about Orthodox Faith which binds both Coptic and Armenian churches. Then HE visited the institute for preparing Religion Teachers, the Media House which prepares programs to be diffused daily in the TV as well as the publishing house which publishes the Patriarchate's Magazine and religious books. After he returned, HE Abba Bishoy presented a report to Pope Shenouda about his trip, then HE traveled to Lebanon to attend Pro-Oriente meetings. Then to Cyprus to attend the Faith and Unity Unit of MECC The Middle East Council of Churches as participant president for this unit. The research discussed the New-Testament to Old-Testament relation in the Holy Bible. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HE Abba Pachomius visiting Libya and Matrouh =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Thursday Feb 5th, HE Abba Pachomius, Metropolitan of Behera Matrouh and Pentapolis returned to Egypt after his annual visit by land to Libya and Matrouh. On Jan 12th HG began his trip by celebrating Epiphany in St Mark Tripoli, then St Anthony's feast at St Antonios Benghazi and visited the church of Mesrata and celebrated the divine liturgy in Matrouh, Agdabia, Tabrak, Al-Baydaa, Dornah (The in place of the five old western cities always designated as Pentapolis) and where many Coptic families are living. HE visited His Excellency Magdy Zeidan Egyptian Embassador in Tripoli and Mr Mamdouh Sho'eir Egyptian Consul in Benghazi. HE visited officials mainly Dr Mohamed Ahmed El-Sherif, General Responsible for Al-Da'wa (Religious affairs responsible). All expressed their consideration of the role of the Coptic church and what HH Pope Shenouda does for the Palestinian case and his national position towards the Jerusalem case. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Miscelaneous News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Sunday March 1st, Pope Shenouda received HH Patriarch Petrus VII of Greek Orthodox in Alexandria and Archbishop Anastasios of Albany. On Tuesday March 3rd, Dcn Hany Jimmy was ordained as first priest to our Coptic Orthodox church in Rome in the name "Antonio" for St George church. The ordination took place at the Papal Residence in Cairo. HH Pope Shenouda celebrated the ordination prayers accompanied by: HG Abba Barnabas (Bishop of Turin and Rome), Abba Joannes, Abba Gabriel and many of the priests and faithful. Our best congratulations for HG Abba Barnabas and the church of Rome. On Feb 23rd, HH gave a word about "The Truth" for three hours at the "Lions Club". That meeting was attended by representatives of the Lions clubs. On Monday March 2nd morning, HH received Mr Mohamed Reda Soliman, State Council Head Deputy, the advisor of the minister of Awkaf, the secretary of the congregational council and Mr Fayek Fahim, HH personal lawyer and member of the combined Awkaf comittee. Attended the meeting their graces Abba Joannes and Abba Gabriel. On Monday March 2nd morning, HH received in the Papal residence in Cairo His Excellency Hamdy Zaki, General Egyptian Consul in Melbourne. The discussion was about Australia. Attended the meeting Their Graces Abba Moussa, Joannes and Abba Gabriel. HH received the French intellectual Roger Guaroudie who presented three points for discussion. Attended the meeting Their Graces Abba Joannes and Abba Gabriel. [Picture] This picture is at the Syrian monastery in 1953 (45 years ago) for the late Bishop Theophilos abbot of the Syrian monastery and some Sunday School servants. Nazir Gayed (now Pope Shenouda) appears at the left side of the picture. HG Abba Agathon left the hospital finally to St Paul Mon. Residence in Cairo. There visited him HG Abba Joannes to ask about his health. On Wednesday March 4th, Abba Agathon visited HH at the Papal residence. We wish good health to His Grace. On Wednesday March 4th, HH received Mr Refaat El-Saeed, General Secretary of El-Tagamo' (Gathering) Party and Senate member. On Thursday Feb 26th evening, HG Abba Joannes traveled to Sohag to supervise St Shenouda the Archmandrite monastery and to check some of BLESS activities in some dioceses in Upper Egypt. On Sunday March 1st, HG returned to Cairo and HH met him. On Thursday Feb 26th, HG Abba Raphael celebrated the 40th day liturgy for the rest of the soul of the late Tammav Aghape former abbess of St George Haret Zwela convent. On Tuesday Feb 24th, HH received Heg Yohanna El-Baramosy, priest Of "Our Lady of Zeitoun church" in Austria. The meeting was about the Coptic Art exhibition that HH shall inaugurate after Easter late next April. He talked also about building the foundation rock of our new church in Vienna and visiting Graz. On Saunday March 1st, HH received at the Papal residence in Alexandria, Heg Tadros Yacoub Malaty and his wife Tasoni Mary. The meeting was about delegating him to serve at St George (East Ottawa, Canada). The meeting was also about the service in Alexandria. On Sunday March 1st evening, HH received Fr Gerges Samy, priest of St George Sporting in his Papal residence in Alexandria and delegated him to serve at St Mina Halifax, Canada. Asked by HH Pope Shenouda, HG Abba Paula formed a new comittee for the Coptic church in Gold Coast and is working on buying a piece of land of 3 acres and another piece of land for the Coptic church "Christ church" in New Zealand with a big hall which shall be transfered to a church. HG did also put the foundation rock of Virgin Mary (Sydney) in it's new location and on Feb 19th he did put another foundation rock for St Mark College (Sydney). Next Sunday March 29th, HG Abba Damien General bishop of Germany assisted by all Coptic priests in Germany shall celebrate the first Liturgy at the Cathedral we received in Berlin. Along with vespers on Sunday eve and a meeting for all priests. Our best congratulations on this historic day. On Monday Feb 2nd morning, HH received Abba Kyrellos bishop of Milan, Italy who presented to HH the project of buying a land of more than 5700 sq.meter in Brescia where exists a house which can be transfered to a church. In Brescia, we have many Coptic families who need a place to worship. Then, on Friday March 6th, HG returned back to Milan. HG Abba Paul, Bishop of Predication came to visit the mother church. HH received him on Wednesday March 4th, the discussion was about the faithful baptism in Tanzania and the service in Oghanda (Djenja) with Fr Timothy (Native Oghandian). On Thursday March 5th, HG returned back to Africa. After a long trip to Australia with HG Abba Suriel, HG Abba Antonios-Marcos remained there for spiritual work. HG held a youth meeting in Canberra (Australia's Capital) where he talked about spiritual strenght and answered their questions. HG went also to Perth (far west) and met with the youth at "Orange Grove" Area in lectures, team work and openned discussions. Monday March 9th, St Mina monastery celebrated the comemoration of the late Pope Kyrellos VI under the supervision of HG Abba Demetrios and attendance of some bishops. On Sunday Feb 22nd '97 departed from our world the old monk: Hegumen Isaac Anba-Bishoy after a hard struggle with cancer and he had to cut off one his legs, his health didn't survive the cutting of the other one. Born on Jun 13th '17, consecrated monk in 1938, ordained priest in 1940 and Hegumen in 1950. This year he was delegated to serve in South Africa where he spent many years. He died at the age of 81. At the funeral prayed: HG Bishop Sarabamon (Abbot of St Bishoy Monastery), HG Bishop Mattaus (Abbot of Virgin Mary Syrian Monastery), HG Bishop Isodore (Abbot of Virgin Mary Baramos Monastery). Attened the funeral a big number of monks and he was buried at the monastery cimetery. May his dear soul rest in peace. Our condolence to all monasteries of Sheheet (Sceet) and all his lovers. On Sunday March 1st '98 HG Abba Tadros bishop of PortSaid ordained 2 priests: Dcn. Eid Hakim (General priest) in the name of: Sr Salib Hakin and Dcn. Farah Daniel (for St Mina PortSaid) in the name of Fr Bissada. HG Abba Arsenios did ordain seven priests to serve the region of El-Menia. On Friday Feb 20th '98, HG Abba Benjamen (Bishop of Monofia) ordained Dcn.Yehia Joseph Tadros priest for St George (Tala, Monofia) in the name of Fr Justus. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Book Review =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Books of Pope Shenouda in Italian: 1- La Natura di Cristo 2- La Sapinza E il Discernimento 3- L'eresia Della Salvezza in Un Momento 4- I vantaggi spirituali del digiuno 5- La Serintia 6- Signore quanti sono 7- La condotta spitituale e la sua rettitudine 8- La sette frasi pronunciate do nostro Signore sulla croce 9- Riflessioni sulla resurrezione 10- La guerre sataniche 11- Lo spirito santo e la sua opera in noi 12- Meditazione sulla nativita' di nostro Signore 13- Diece definizioni 14- Riflessione sulla settimana santa 15- Riflessione sulla settimana santa 16- La vita esperanza 17- La vita della fede 18- La carita 19- Il resvilia spiritule 20- Come inizare un nuovo anno - Job the righteous: why was he tempted? by HH Pope Shenouda (94 book) Serie of "People in the Holy Bible" No 6 Cairo Coptic Orthodox Seminary Publications, 1998 Arabic 16.5x12.2cm. 96pp. Papeback - The Happy Spiritual family (Shall appear on March 21st '98) by HH Pope Shenouda - Nature of Christ, the church bride by HE Abba Bishoy and HG Abba Moussa Youth Bishopric Publications, 1998 Arabic 40pp. Paperback The book is about divine incarnation and the Lord-Church relation. - Bishopric of Youth Newsletter Special Release about "Coptic art and icons" Talking about the educational and theologic dimensions of the icon and the tradition of "consecrating icons". "Fr Anastase" Short story, was written in 1962 by Pope Shenouda. Published at the first release of El-Keraza Magazine 1965, recently published (1997) by St Mina monastery and finally translated to English by the Diocese of Scotland, Ireland and East England. HG Abba Anthony had presented this translation to HH in his last visit to England last January. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Youth and servant meetings in dioceses =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On the occasion of mid-semester vacations following the invitation of many bishops, the bishopric of youth held Spiritual meetings for youth and servant meetings in many dioceses, 2 days in each. Daily divine liturgies, discussions on various topics, team work, spiritual singing and hymns. Participant dioceses: -------------------- Luxor Nakada & Kous Kena Deshna Naga' Hamady Gerga Sohag Akhmim Tahta Tema Abu-Tig Abnoub Kousia Manfalut Dairut Deir-Muas Malawy El-Menya Fayoum Beni-Sweif PortSaid El-Suez Ismailia `Arish Topics: ------ 1-Spiritual: Jesus Christ is yesterday, today and forever - The Lord is my sheperd I shall not want - Vocation to the depth - Youth and life of triumph - Youth and life of holiness - Christ and eternity - How can we live the kingdom of Heaven on earth - You are the light of the world you are the salt of earth - The christian concept of flesh. 2- Theology: Christ in the Old testament - Importance of theologic formation. 3- Church issues: Dwelling of Christ in the church - Orthodox vision of the role of women in the church - Divine liturgy, a repentance journey. 4- Psychology: Aspects of an adult personality - Introduction to Christian psychology. 5- Service: How to meet the 20th century challenges - Youth visits and it's importance - Keys to serving the Youth. 6- National and Culture: Together on the gates of the 21st century - How to share positively the national concerns. Speakers: -------- Different diocesian bishops, priests and servants. HG Abba Moussa, HG Abba Raphael, Fr Morcos El-Baramosy, Fr Antonios Halim, Fr Benjamin Morgan, Fr Antonios Fakhry, Fr Luka Bassilios, Dr Joseph Faltass, Ayman Karam, Samir Zaki, Farouk Fouad and a number of servants and deaconesses (serving girls in many dioceses). The meeting: ----------- Participated 18 bishop and 248 priest and attended by 16450 of the youth and servants. A questionnaire was made to know the needs of contemporary youth needs and how can we meet them. The idea of having the "Fifth Servant Study Festival 98" under the theme: Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Presents were distributed to the winners at the Servants' 4th festival. May the Lord bless this service with the prayers of HH Pope Shenouda III and the bishops of our church. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appendix: -------- HH : His Holiness, for Popes and Patriarchs. HE : His Eminence, for Metropolitans. HG : His Grace, for Bishops. Heg. or Hg. : Hegumen, prior priest. Dcn. : Deacon, for full deacons. BLESS : Bishopric of Public Ecumenical and Social services. Abba : Old Coptic word meaning father, used for Coptic metropolitans, bishops and the Pope. Servant: Volunteer steward in the Coptic church activities, sometimes used to designate Sunday school teachers. Mayamer: in singular (Meimar) Syrianic word designating biography of a saint. Tamav : Coptic word meaning "my mother" used as title for abbesses and any mother superior of a Coptic convent. Tasoni : Coptic word meaning "my sister" used as title for Coptic deaconness or priest wife. NY : New York NJ : New Jersey DC : District of Columbia, Capital of the United States of America. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- | + | | COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE + + + Translated and maintained | | Computer Departement + Shenouda M Abdou | | cop@idsc.gov.eg + shenouda@bitsmart.com | | + + + | -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-