CHURCHNEWS an electronic magazine for Immigrant Egyptian Churches in the world _________________________________________________________________________ 'ChurchNews' is a selected translation of the News section in the Arabic Church magazine El-Keraza. Direct any suggestions: cop@idsc.gov.eg _________________________________________________________________________ Keraza No.: 19, 20 I | X Date: Friday May 15th 1998 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this issue: ------------------ Crowning the first Patriarch of Eritrea........................... HH Patriarch Abuna Philopos I in words............................ Protocol between the two churches................................. Covenant recited by HH Philopos I................................. Forthcoming Enthronment News...................................... Miscellaneous News................................................ Pope Shenouda III, caring for the Eritrean Church................. by Dr Mina Badie Abdel-Malek Endnotes.......................................................... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CROWNING THE FIRST PATRIARCH OF ERITREA =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On May 8th 1998, during the feast of St Mark and the presence of 60 metropolitan and bishop (54 Coptic and 6 Eritrean), HH Pope Shenouda III crowned the first Patriarch for the Eritrean Orthodox church in the name: HH Patriarch Philopos I The celebrations began the eve of the feast (May 7th) as all metropolitans and bishops blessed the clerical uniform, Pope Shenouda decorated him with the Holy Eskeem. Giving him therefore the ability to give the Eskeem to whoever he finds suitable to wear it in the future. As no one can decorate with the Eskeem unless he already wears one. That's why Pope Shenouda came to the cathedral this day wearing his Eskeem over his uniform. In the morning of Monday May 8th, HH Patriarch Philopos 1 was crowned by HH Pope Shenouda III [Picture] after being blessed by the Holy Chrysm following the church traditions. And he was named in his new name three times (In the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit). It was done both in Coptic and Tagrian (Eritrean language) in the applaus of more than 7000 people who were at the cathedral. Pope Shenouda made him wear the new Ecclesiastical Uniform and relayed to him the "Care Stick". It was recited: "Receive the care stick from the hand of our father Pope and Patriarch Shenouda to care for the sheeps of God who were given to you, out of your hands their blood should be asked" The ordination took place after reading the Praxis, the resurection and Holy Spirit Hymns. Many photos were then taken, after which Eritrean bishops then officials surrounded His Holiness the new Patriarch. Pope Shenouda gave a word; he talked about the good shepherd (John 10) and congratulated the church of Eritrea for their new Patriarch. The divine liturgy was celebrated by the Pope, the Patriarch along with Eritrean and Coptic bishops. And for the first time in history it was said:" Remember O Lord Our Father Patriarch Shenouda III and his spiritual brother Abuna Philopos I Patriarch of Eritrea. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HH Patriarch Abuna Philopos I in words =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Born Sep 24th 1905 in Eritrea Ordained deacon in 1919 by HG Abba Boutros (Ethiopia). Ordained monk in February 1929 in Beyzen monastery (Eritrea) Ordained priest in Sep 18 1930 in Cairo by HH Pope Yoannes XIX Ordained bishop in Oct 25th 1990 HH visits to Egypt: ------------------ 1- When ordained priest in 1930 2- In the occasion of ordaining the 5 Eritrean bishops 1994 3- To celebrate Pope Shenouda Silver Jubilee 1997 4- Now 1998 to be crowned first Patriarch for the Eritrean Orthodox church. >From Eritrea came: ----------------- Mr Deragonhaile Melekot and Mr Tsegu Fessahale Bahta (Religious Affairs) Abuna Philopos Weldesllase Abuna Dioskoros Hagos Abuna Antonios Ghebremedhi Abuna Selama Tesfagaber Kiflay Abuna Kerlos Tesfasellasie Abuna Yohanes Teweldemedhin Abba Markos Tesfai Habtu Abba Tesfatsion Andemeskel Abba Araia Asfaha Abba Ghebrezgiher Asfaha Abba Kibreab Ghebremariam Abba Ogbamichael Tekleab Rev. Beyene Iyasu Asfaha Kahsay Berhane Hailemariam Debena Hailu Habte Negash Desta Fessahaie Habtesellasie Tesfay Weldemichael Coptic Bishops from abroad: -------------------------- Abba Abraham (Jerusalem) Abba Barnabas (Rome) Abba Antonios-Marcos (Africa) Abba Damian (Germany) Abba Serapion (Los Angeles) Abba Paul (Africa) Abba Karas (California) Abba Suriel (America) Abba Anthony (Ireland) and they returned to their dioceses. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Protocol between the two churches =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The protocol was prepared, well studied and accepted by the Holy Synods of both the Coptic and the Eritrean churches. It was signed by HH Pope Shenouda III and HH Patriarch Philopos I. The protocol includes an introduction and 15 points, amongst: - Both churches belong to the See of St Mark and share the same Orthodox faith. - The names of both the Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of Eritrea should be recited in all masses. - The synodal decisions should be exchanged in a periodical way. - A common general synod meeting of the two churches should take place every three years and whenever seems necessary. - When choosing a patriarch for any of the two churches, the other church should send a delegation to attend the election procedures as guests. - A delegation should be sent when ordaining or enthroning a new patriarch. - In theological dialogues with other Non-Oriental Orthodox churches, the two churches shall form a common delegation. - The two churches shall respect not anathemizing or changing any Patriarch or bishop when still alive unless the Holy Synod of the church approves it and the church rules should be followed. - A common standing committee (from the two synods) is formed to promote cooperation between the two churches as: 1- Promoting the visits between of patriarchs, metropolitans, bishops monks, professors, students and deacons. 2- Cooperation in the field of theological education. 3- Christian Education: Sunday school and Youth - Family programs. 4- Social services and development projects. 5- Church Care: Both churches should be given the chance to care for it's congregation living in the other country. - Any addings or alterations of this protocol should be discussed and approved in the common general synodal session. This protocol was prepared in Tagrian, Arabic and English languages. Any differences in the translations would be judged by consulting the English text. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Covenant recited by HH Philopos I =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Before the Lord of Lords, sheperd of sheperds, unseen head of the church, before His holy altar, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, my brethren the metropolitans, bishops, other members of the Holy Synod, clergy and all the people, I the unworthy invited by God's grace to the post of Patriarch, do undertake keeping my orthodox faith to the last breath, confessing the Holy Trinity, the One God, the divinity of Christ, His incarnation, crucifixion and salvation of humanity. I confess that His divinity never seperated from His humanity for one moment nor the twinckling of an eye. And that He made His divinity One with His humanity without mingling, confusion nor alteration. I confess the same faith of our saint fathers Athanasios, Cyril, Dioscorus and the teachings of the three ecumenical councils held in Nicene, Constantinople and Ephesus. I undertake to respect the canons of the Holy church put by the Holy Apostles, Canons put by those three ecumenical councils, canons decided by regionnal councils approved by our Orthodox church and canons of great fathers based on the holy councils. I undertake to keep the traditions of our orthodox church, its rites, teachings, fasts, feasts and rules and put all my effort to teach the congregation the right faith and lead them in the life of holliness and piety and try to be a good example in every good work. I undertake to love the people and deal with them in kindness and wisdom. I shall have no chosen group but I care for all. I shall not judge anyone by hearing or in anger but I shall give him the chance to defend himself. I undertake to keep my life of poverty which I vowed and won't consider the money of the church as my own. I ask the Lord to grant me strenght through your prayers to accomplish this dangerous responsibility and care for the people, the blood of whom, the Lord shall ask out my hands. Pray for me my saint fathers and brothers. Here is a prosternation to you all. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Forthcoming Enthronment News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= During St Mark Feast (May 8th '98), Pope Shenouda ordained 4 priests to serve our churches in Africa: 1- Dcn Poulos son of Fr Morcos Khube (oldest priest in South Africa) in the name: Fr Poulos to serve the Zulu in South Africa. 2- Dcn Joseph (Kenya) in the name of Fr Joseph for St Mark Alakampa. 3- Dcn Ashraf Sobhy Iskander from St George Helioplis in the name Fr Morcos to serve in Tanzania. 4- Dcn Waguih George Hanna (Virgin Mary & St Bishoy) in the name Fr Yohanna to serve our churches in Zambia and Congo. The evening of the ordination, HH Pope Shenouda prepared a supper in honour of HH Abuna Philopos and the Eritrean delegation. It was attended by many friends of the church, there HE Abba Bishoy and HG Abba Antonios Marcos gave a talk. Pope Shenouda talked and distributed presents for the attendance. In the evening of the next day, the Eritrean Embassy in Egypt prepared a similar supper which was attended by the Pope, the Patriarch and bishops of the two churches. On Sunday May 10th 1998 morning, the Eritrean bishops and most of the Eritrean delegation returned to Eritrea to prepare for the enthronment festivals of HH Abuna Philopos I Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox church. HH Abuna Philopos I Patriarch of the Eritrean church remains in Egypt. Accompanied by both Abba Morcos and Abba Kyrollos the Eritreans, He shall spend that week in the diocese of HE Abba Bishoy. HH shall return to Eritrea in the same plane with Pope Shenouda. In the period May 29-31 1998, HH Pope Shenouda and a delegation: Their Emminence Metropolitans Bishoy (secretary of the Coptic Holy Synod), Abraham (Jerusalem), Philopos (Dakahlia), Pachomius (Behera) and bishop Sarabamon (Abbot of St Bishoy monastery), shall travel to Asmara to enthrone HH Abuna Philopos I Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox church on His throne. Two traditional thrones were manufactured at the atelier of Virgin Mary (Ahmed Esmat str Cairo) for the Patriarchate in Asmara. One for HH Abuna Philopos and another for Pope Shenouda for the enthronment festivals. Heg. Sarabamon Atteya priest of the church traveled to Eritrea with one of his carpenters to supervise installing the two chairs. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= M I S C E L L A N E O U S N E W S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A presidential decree No 41/1998 was issued approving for the Diocese of PortSaid building St Mark Church in the new area south PortFouad. Our congratulations to PortFouad congregation and our thanks to President Mubarak. On Tuesday May 5th, the monk Youssef El-Antony departed in the age of 90. Born Jan 7th 1909, made monk on June 1st 1972, served in many places (Helwan, jerusalem, Boush monastery Farm) for some time he was prior of the monastery. He was charatcterized by his wisdom, precision, activity despite of his old age. He was very generous, loved and respected by all. Prayed his funeral Bishop Justus (Abbot of St Antonios monastery) and the monks in the monastery and he was burried in the monastery Tafus. HG Abba Ruweis in Canada and USA: -------------------------------- May 8th, celebrated St Mark feast at his cathedral in Toronto. May 15th, St Athanasios Feast in his church in Mississauga. Then HG travels to Pittsburg, Colombus, Dayton, Cleveland and arrives to Los Angeles on May 21st and attends the Families' Conference in Covina. May 26th he travels to New York and Jersey, celebrates Acension in St George Brooklyn, visits some other churches then returns to Cairo on June 4th after midnight. Church in Germany: ----------------- On Friday March 27th, under the care of HG Abba Damian, a meeting of priests in Germany took place in the Coptic monastery in Hoxter. The coming meetings shall take place on: 14-5, 13-6, 14-9, 9-11 & 31-12 In the period May 29th - June 1st, organized by HG Abba Damian, Abba Moussa and Abba Paul, a youth convention shall take place in the Coptic Village in (Borgentreich - Germany) for young people (Age 14-25). Young people should be there on May 28th. June 1st, in the same village in Borgentreich the Coptic Museum shall be inaugurated. The museum thanks for renting old stuff, manuscripts or anything. In the city of Bitburg, which is the intersection of the Netherlands, Luxemburg, France, Belgium and Germany there exists St Athanasios Center. Many rooms are still vacant for those who would like to spend their annual vacations in a spiritual retreat. For more information pls contact Fr Babnoda Anba-Bishoy, Address: Gebaude 105, Flugplatz, 54634 Butburg. Tel/Fax 06561/18447. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Pope Shenouda III, caring for the Eritrean Church by Dr Mina Badie Abdel-Malek =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In a true caring love of HH Pope Shenouda for the Eritrean people both on Thursday May 7th and Friday May 8th, Pope Shenouda along with all members of the Holy Synod presided the crowning procedures of the first Patriarch of the Eritrean church. This happy event was wisely chosen as it is the date of martyrdom of St Mark. No doubt, the Lord had guided Pope Shenouda to this act for the stability of the service in Eritrea, specially after its political separation from Ethiopia. Both the Ethiopian and Eritrean people are characterized - since old ages - by keeping firmly the Orthodox faith and keeping their relation to the Coptic church. In this historical event, I should like to mention what happened on 1930 in the time of the late Pope Joannes (Pope No 113) In this era, Eritrea was under the Italian rule. Three abbots of three monasteries in Eritrea: Ebat Abd-Mariam (Abbot of Bezeen monastery), Gabra Mariam (Abbot of Sada-Abna monastery) and the abbot of Dabrasina monastery, they wrote a letter where they inquired from Pope Joannes to ordain 15 priest from the monks of those monasteries. This letter was full with loving words such as: (To the pious father, great head of sheperds, elected among the most saintly people, father of purity and celibacy, rock of faith, love and light to the people. Pride of Copts and Ethiopians, Father of seven sultans, successor of St Mark the evangelist, our father and master Abba Joannes, Archbishop of Alexandria, may the redemptor of the world give you long life and many years...) On Saturday Sep 20th 1930, at 17:00 am, His Excellency consul of Italy, accompanied by Yassa Bek Andrawos (consul deputy in Luxor and Consulate translator), they visited HH at the Patriarchate. In the meeting he presented to HH the documents concerning ordaining the monks both in Amharic along with an Arabic translation. Sunday morning, HH Pope Joannes accompanied by HE Abba Sarabamon metropolitan of Khartoum, Abba Athanasios metropolitan of Beni-Sweif and HG Abba Severus bishop of El-Menya, they celebrated. In the Patriarchate in Ezbekia, Ethiopian priests celebrated the divine liturgy in Amharic on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The word given by Ebat Abd-Mariam (Abbot of Bezeen monastery) on Friday Sep 26th 1930, in the presence of HH Pope Joannes reveals the need for the Coptic church and the actual wisdom of HH Pope Shenouda. In his word he said: "..we waited that your holiness send a bishop to visit and bless us as foreign bishops come to us, they desire us and persevere in asking us. We thank the Lord that the Italian government granted us freedom of belief and we still hang to our mother the Coptic church and St Mark our father and therefore we don't join any other church." After he concluded his talk, the Pope thanked him for the honesty of Eritrean people for the Coptic church. He offered some financial gift for the monasteries there and gave them a message to be read in churches in Eritrea where he said: "..dear children, we thank the Lord that 16 centuries passed on our religious and brotherly relationship. We are one church, we share the same faith received from St Mark and the Holy Apostles.. Despite all the changes of time, and the many events, this relationship remained and strenghtened. Here it is now as tight binds, strongly based and perfectly stable. This is what prooved to the whole world your keeping of the faith and traditions which are the pride of any nation... Blessed is the people that keeps his ancestors holy traditions and doesn't let them away." The next Thursday, Pope Joannes received a Telegram from the Italian governor of Eritrea where he said: "We thank your holiness for caring for the Eritrean church affiliated to St Mark See, we ask your holiness to keep caring for your Eritrean people and giving them paternal care and advises leading to spiritual evolution". With a true feeling of responsibility towards the Eritrean people, after 68 years, Pope Shenouda III not simply ordained priests but rather a Patriarch. He was not satisfyed by sending them a letter but he accompanied the new Patriarch to the Asmara (Patriarchate) to enthrown HH following the rites and tradition of the Coptic church. We find Pope Shenouda, with full sustain from the Holy Spirit, strong faith of St Mark's mission and enjoyment of the efforts of St Paul, he spreads St Mark See everywhere. May the spirit of St Mark rejoice for the efforts of his successor Pope Shenouda III. Rejoice O Pope Athanasios the Apostolic who ordained the first bishop of Eritrea. May the spirits of the past 116 Coptic Pope rejoice as their successor accomplishes their mission in honesty. Blessed is the people of the See of St Mark wordwide having a pious father Pope Shenouda. The true efforts in ministry turned the days of the church to feasts. All our love and consideration for Pope Shenouda for caring of the children of St Mark. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Endnotes: -------- HH : His Holiness, title for Popes and Patriarchs. HE : His Eminence, title for Metropolitans. HG : His Grace, title 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. Abuna : Arabic word meaning "Our Father" used to address priests and hegumens. This title is also used in the Eritrean Orthodox church as title for the Patriarch, metropolitans and bishops and also in the Ethiopian church. 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. Sayedna: Arabic word "Our Master" used to address the Pope, metropolitans and bishops. Eskeem : Built in the form of a cross worn by monks who spent many years of monasticism. Care Stick: Stick in the hand of Popes, Patriarchs, metropolitans and diocesian bishops. Prior : 1- (Abuna El-Wekeel) In Cairo and Alexandria Patriarchates, a married priest or hegumen delegated by the Pope to manage churches and priests in the Pope's diocese. There exist a prior for the Patriarchate in Cairo (Cairo churches), another in Alexandria (Alexandria churches) n.b. Those two priors are the only married priests who are members of the Holy Synod of the Coptic church. 2- (El-Robbeta) In a monastery, a prior is a monk, usually a priest monk chosen by the abbot to manage the monastery affairs when the abbot is away. Holy Synod: Presided by the Pope, the synod gathers all Coptic Orthodox Metropolitans and Bishops + the 2 Patriarchates' priors in Cairo and Alexandria. Congregational Council: (Maglis Milli) Laymen council assisting in managing the church affairs. The general Congregational council in Cairo, presided by HH Pope Shenouda and including 24 laymen (12 member+12 delegate). Regional congregational councils exist in all dioceses they are presided by the diocese bishop and include 5 members each. Wakf : Endowment. In Plural Awkaf Many lands and/or building which were endowed to the Coptic church or monasteries since many centuries. All the production and/or rent goes to finance the church. It is like property but the church is not entitled to sell it. n.b. There exists in Egypt a special ministery directing moslem endowments while most Coptic ones are directed by "Hay'et El-Awkaf Al-Kepteya" Coptic Endowments Trust. Tafus : Cemetery of a monastery. NY : New York NJ : New Jersey DC : District of Columbia, Capital of the United States of America. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=