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.: 23, 24 I | X Date: Friday June 12th 1998 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this issue: ------------------ Enthrownment of the Patriarch of Eritrea............... HE Abba Bishoy Patriarchal Certificate of Abune Philippos I.......................... The Holy Synod Meeting................................................ The Holy Synod approves St Pachomius El-Shayeb Monastery (Luxor) and St Shenouda Monastery (Milan) among Coptic living monasteries......... Miscellaneous News.................................................... Snippets.............................................................. Endnotes.............................................................. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ENTHROWNMENT OF THE PATRIARCH OF ERITREA by HE Abba Bishoy =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= It was the second visit of Pope Shenouda to Eritrea as the first one took place on 1973 upon the invitation of the late Emperor Heil Selasy to visit Ethiopia and Eritrea. On Friday May 29th 1998 at 4:00 am, HH Pope Shenouda accompanied by HH Abune Philippos I and the party left Cairo Airport. The party that accompanied the Pope were Their Graces Abba Philippos, Abraham, Pachomius, Bishoy and Sarabamoun and Eritrean bishops who were still in Cairo: HG Abba Marcos and Abune Kyrollos and the photograph of the Patriarchate. At the airport farewell were His Excellency the Eritrean Embassador in Cairo, many bishops and general congregational council members, Coptic Endowment Trust (Awkaf) and many personalities. Pope Shenouda went to enthrone HH Abune Philippos I in Asmara as first Patriarch for the Eritrean Orthodox Church. It was a historical day indeed, full of events. At 7:00 am in Asmara Airport, they were received by President Isaias Afeworki of Eritrea, many officials, Mr Hussein Aly Egyptian Embassador in Eritrea, bishops of the Orthodox Church in Eritrea, Egyptian Embassy Staff in Asmara, Heads of the Catholic and Protestant churches, a number of priests and deacons with Incenssors and Procession Crosses singing Eritrean church hymns to welcome the fathers. After wearing special Clerical Uniforms and Crowns at Asmara Airport, the party moved to Virgin Mary Cathedral at St Peter Square. All the way was decorated and the Eritrean people in big applaus and yogling. The party was led by police cars and motocycles which accompanied the Pope during all his stay in Asmara. The party arrived to St Peter Square at 8:00 am. Both the Pope and the Patriarch in their beautiful clerical dress, crowns, crosses and stick at the hand, followed by the carrier of the "Care Stick", which Pope Shenouda handed the same evening to the new Patriarch in the attendance of the President. All people waiting at St Peter Square received Pope Shenouda and the new Patriarch with big applaus and yogling. With the hymns sang by priests and deacons, both the pope and patriarch gave blessings to the people by the sign of the cross on both sides. The party arrived to the Cathedral gates, and could hardly arrive to the sanctuary where Pope Shenouda prayed the thanksgiving, raised incense around the altar and the rite of enthrowning the Patriarch began. Signing the cross on the Patriarchal Certificate, on the third cross sign the Patriarch is enthrowned, Pope Shenouda said it in tagrian language (Eritrean language): 1- We enthrown you Abune Philippos on the Throne of the Orthodox Church in Eritrea, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit One God Amen, Blessed is God the Father the almighty (The attendance answers: Amen) 2- We enthrown you Abune Philippos on the Throne of the Orthodox Church in Eritrea, Blessed is His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord (The attendance answers: Amen) 3- We enthrowned you Abune Philippos on the Throne of the Orthodox Church in Eritrea, Blessed is the Holy Spirit the conforter (The attendance answers: Amen). Then the hymn Axios was sung three times. Then Pope Shenouda read the Patriarchal Certificate decorated with photos of the Consecration Eve and mass, wearing the Eskeem and HG Abba Marcos read it's official translation in tagrian language with the joy, applaus and distinct yogling of the Eritrean people. While reading the Certificate in tagrian, Pope Shenouda sat at a throne which was installed specially for this event facing the throne of Abune Philippos. The Eritrean church decided to keep it inside the Cathedral to remember this historical event and for the Pope to sit whenever he visits Virgin Maru Cathedral Asmara. After reading the certificate, Axios was sung three times for the Pope and for the new Patriarch. Prayers were concluded with the Apostolic Blessing. Great Popular Celebration: ------------------------- Then Pope Shenouda and Abune Philippos as well as Coptic and Eritrean metropolitans and bishops stood outside the cathedral entrance where a podium had been installed facing the square where a lot of people gathered to celebrate the coming of the Pope of Alexandria and descendant of St Mark as well as the enthrownment of their first Patriarch Abune Philippos I. Both the Pope and the Patriarch, metropolitans and bishops sat there and the celebration began by a word of HG Abune Joannes the Eritrean (bishop consecrated by Pope Shenouda 4 years ago) in Tagrian on behalf of the Holy Synod of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. In his speech, he said that the church in Eritrea welcomes HH Pope Shenouda III descendant of St Mark the Apostle and congratulates Abune Philippos I for his crowning and enthronment as first Patriarch for the church of Eritrea. He said that the church became part of the Coptic church when St Athanasios the Apostolic, Pope of Alexandria No 20 ordained St Fromentious (called Abune Salama) bishop for Eritrea and Ethiopia. He first arrived to Massawa City on the Eritrean beach in the year 330. Over generations, the church of Alexandria had been sending a shepherd for the church in Eritrea. When finally Eritrea gained independance and asked to have a distinct Patriarch, HH Pope Shenouda ordained Abune Philippos I, he crowned him at St Mark Cathedral (Cairo) and came to enthrown HH in Asmara. Standing in two lines, the deacons began chanting church hymns, with beautiful voices, drums and rythmic movements. Then, the Sunday School choir performed beautiful songs, it was noticed that girls covered their hair while singing and were dressed in a beautiful respectable dress. Then Pope Shenouda spoke, he told that he first visited Eritrea in 1973 and today is his second visit. He is happy for the great hospitality in which he was received to enthrown the First Patriarch of Eritrea, which certainly witnesses the great love for this holy and spiritual patriarch. Then he talked about Abune Philippos that he is the oldest and most spiritual of Eritrean bishops, his election was made by the holy synod and he was the only nominated for the Patriarchate which is also witnessed by the great reception of his people in this historic day. Pope Shenouda said that President Isaias Afeworki visited him in his office in Cairo and asked that Eritrea would have an independant church which is the will of the church, the people and the country in Eritrea. HH Pope Shenouda had formed a Holy Synod for the church by consecrating 5 diocesian bishops beside the two he had consecrated before, finally he satisfied his promise to president Afeworki by consecrating and crowning the new Patriarch in Cairo and enthrowning him in Asmara. The Pope thanked the people for their love and hospitality, he said that he loves them so much and does his best to serve and satsifie them. Not that the Coptic church would have authority on the church in Eritrea but rather to cooperate and help to raise up and flourish, that's why a protocol was signed to organise the ralations between the two churches. By consecrating, crowning and enthrowning the new Patriarch, the Eritrean church has the right to join Oriental Orthodox churches family as the 7th church. Pope Shenouda added that he is willing to help the church in Eritrea in the Sunday School Education field, foundation of a Theological Seminary to form clergy ready to minister as priests and preparing the Holy Chrysm in Eritrea to fulfill the needs of Eritrean churches. Worth to mention that Abune Philippos I suggested that Pope Shenouda would make the Holy Chrism on the next Feast of the Cross, Sunday September 27th 98, then the Pope shall return to Cairo on October 2nd '98. Every time Pope Shenouda told about what the Coptic church did and shall do for the church in Eritrea which is part of the See of Saint Mark there was a big applaus. HH said that all Coptic Orthodox churches inside and outside Egypt shall mention the name of Abune Philippos I in all liturgical prayers and masses. Worth to mention that the protocol signed between the two churches emphacized mentioning the names of the Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of Eritrea in all liturgical prayers and masses including masses in Eritrean Coptic Orthodox churches in a way that the Pope of Alexandria shall be mentioned first as heir of St Mark who founded the Apostolic See. At the end, HH Abune Philippos I thanked Pope Shenouda for what he has done for the church in Eritrea and promised to be loyal to the country and the church. The celebration was concluded by an Apostolic blessing, first given by Pope Shenouda, then by Abune Philoppos I. Flowers on the tomb of the anonymous soldier: -------------------------------------------- Pope Shenouda visited to the tomb of the anonymous soldier where he was received officially. Accompanied by Mr Dragon Heila Melkot representative of the president, he did put flowers. Then he returned to his residence in the guest house affiliated to the Presidency Palace in Asmara. After a short rest, HH went to Empasoria Hotel to attend the lunch held in his honour by HH Abune Philippos I. Then he returned to his residence for a short rest, after which he began a schedule full of visits in Asmara. Church of the Holy Trinity in Asmara: ------------------------------------ In this church exists the bishopric of HG Abouna Antonios as his diocese covers the area surrounding Asmara. HH visited the church, he was received by Abune Antonios, the priests and the people, he distributed gifts, it was a great joy for all. Children Orphanage: ------------------ HH visited this orphanage which accomodates a big number of children, and where a special section for newly born has been inaugurated. He distributed gifts. Abraha Bahta School for the blind: --------------------------------- HH visited the school, two blind girls presented him flowers. In paternal love, HH patted them. Then many memorial pictures were taken. HH visited classrooms, the playground and watched them playing sports. Pope Shenouda showed great interest in both the children orphanage and school. Visiting the new Patriarchal Residence: -------------------------------------- It is a big 5 floors building, including conference halls, salons, a museum, offices, accomodation rooms with facilities and two lifts. Above the round room of the museum exists a beautiful dome which appears wonderfully from outside the building. It is a very beautiful architectural style. Both the government and the church participated in building this residence and bringing the furniture. It is very essential to have such a building to manage the affairs of the Eritrean church. Pope Shenouda visited the building, and it's halls, many pictures were taken in the conference hall where the Patriarch nomination process took place last April. Pope Shenouda returned to a third short rest after a long travel that lasted all night and a full schedule since the morning. Official Celebration attended by the president: ---------------------------------------------- In the evening, HH attended the celebration held and attended by President Isaias Afeworki to welcome Pope Shenouda and congratulate the new Patriarch. Since it's begining till the end, the celebration was attended by the President, the Prime Minister, ministers of Interior, Exterior, Justice, Agriculture, Tourism, Transport, Manufacture, Commerce and the minister of Presidency affairs. It was also attended the Mufty Cheikh El-Ameen Othman, the maire of Asmara, general personalities, diplomats: mainly His Excellency Hussein Aly Egyptian Embassador in Eritrea, a number of foreign Embassadors, heads of Catholic and Evangelical churches, many minister delegates and officials amounting to 250 person. On the right side of the President sat HH Pope Shenouda while on his left side sat HH Abune Philippos I. On the right side of Pope Shenouda sat Mr Prime Minister. After lunch Pope Shenouda gave a speech thanking the President for the hospitality of the country and for caring for the Orthodox church in Eritrea. He said that he fulfilled his promise to President Afeworki who visited him July 1st '91 for this concern after Eritrea gained it's independance. Pope Shenouda expressed his great joy for visiting Eritrea for the second time. He noticed the building, flourishing and beauty which took place through the wise efforts of President Afeworki. He wished for Eritrea consistent evolution and future cooperation with Egypt. HH wished that peace and wealth would reign in Eritrea and that the Lord crowns all President Afeworki's efforts with success. Pope Shenouda speech was received with a big applaus. Then he presented President Afeworki and the audience with Egyptian Coptic gifts. After offering a gift to the President, HH said that he would fulfill his promise of presenting the "Care Stick" he had used during the prayers of consecration, crowning and enthrownment to the new Patriarch in it's box. When HH openned the box, President Afeworki rose it high facing photographs, expressing his joy that the descendant of St Mark delegates the first Patriarch Abune Philippos I to care for the Eritrean Orthodox People who longed for having their own patriarch. There was a big applaus for the new patriarch receiving the Care Stick at the official celebration, also in the morning when he sat on his throne and in Cairo when he received the Care Stick from Pope Shenouda on St Mark feast after being consecrated Patriarch for the Orthodox church in Eritrea. Finally when leaving, the President greeted the Pope saying that the people in Eritrea are very happy for this historical day. All left thanking the Lord for His work for Eritrea. Second Day: ---------- In the second day, Saturday May 30th '98, Pope Shenouda visited the City of Massawa on the beach of the Red Sea. In his way, the Helicopter landed on the top of a mountain where he visited Debre Bizen Old Monastery. After the party visited Massawa, they returned to Asmara where HH visited the land of the Theological Seminary, he returned then to his residence after which he attended the reception made in his honour in the Egyptian Embassy and then attended the Final Ceremony at the Eritro-German Hall. Visiting Debre Bizen Monastery: ------------------------------ This monastery stands at the top of the mountain having 190 monk in this monastery and it's branch in Tegre. It was built in the 13th century by the saint Abune Philippos whose name was later used for the monastery church. The monastery is located 6km distance from the Asmara-Massawa Route. It is inaccessible by cars, that's why animals should be used or Helicopter (in some occasions like the Pope's visit). The monastery gets water from rain drops on the dome of the church which are accumulated in pipes around the dome to be preserved in huge underground reservoire. In the monastery exists a departement for old manuscripts, mostly dating to the 13th century. There exists also a school for children some of whom become lately monks in the monastery. The actual Patriarch Abune Philippos I joined this school when he was 10 (which means 83 years ago), since then he never left the monastery except when becoming bishop in 1990. Which means that he remained 76 years in the monastery. Some of which in the monastery on the top of the mountain and some in the Monastery branch in Tegre. He spent the last 40 years (1950-1990) in the monastery on the top of the mountain. When in 1930 he visited Egypt to be ordained priest on the hands of the late Pope Joannes XIX, he brought a big photo of the Pope of Alexandria which he still preserves and was carried by monks during their reception to Pope Shenouda in his historical visit to this great monastery. After the Pope's reception with hymns, the Pope and the Patriarch entered the monastery's church. The monastery presented the Pope with a memorial souvenir and he offered as well a present to the monastery and the monks. Then the reception ceremony began in the monastery. A word was given in Tegrian and translated into English: Explanation of the historical background of the monastery and how many bishops came out of it, amongst HH Abune Philippos I, who was lately consecrated first Patriarch of Eritrea by HH Pope Shenouda. Over the past 30 years, the church in Eritrea suffered a lot (the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea), specially this monastery who was turned by Ethiopian forces to an army camp. After independance, the monastery began gradually to return to his previous status and the following achievements took place: 1- Repairing the 6km route to access the monastery. 2- Installing Electricity Generators 3- Repairing the Water reservoire 4- Inaugurating a Primary School of boys. Among the major plans of the monastery, building a museum to keep manuscripts and archeological stuff of the monastery. We thank HH Pope Shenouda III and the Holy Synod of St Mark See for visiting our country. Wishing you health and long life. In this occasion we congratulate HH Abune Philippos I for being ordained first Patriarch for the Eritrean Orthodox Church. We thank the Lord for the great things He has done to our country. Official stamped copies of these words were then delivered to Coptic members of the party. Visiting Massawa: ---------------- This city has both a historical and economic importance: It is an old port on the Red Sea that St Fromentious (Abune Salama) the first bishop of Eritrea and Ethiopia reached on the year 330. This city was exposed to a cruel bombarding of the Ethiopian army which destroyed most of the city including archeological buildings, hospitals, churches even the priest of Virgin Mary church was killed as he stood at the church ground during the attack. Five years ago, the restoration of the city began taking place. It's beauty just began appearing and it's role as important Marine Port. It is known that a major part of Eritrea's national income is fishing. In this city, as in all Eritrea, Christians and Moslems cooexisted in peace over centuries. The helicopter of Pope Shenouda and Patriarch Philippos I arrived Massawa. Received them, the Governor, the Maire and Mr Dragon Heila Melkot Head of the "Eritrean Accompanying Honour Delegation". HH visited the Mairie and watched the Pictures museum preserving the history of the city before and after the Ethiopian attack. Pope Shenouda listened to a word given by the governor who presented to HH a present, then the party visited Massawa Port and the new building sites with beautiful new buildings and villas. HH wrote a word in the City's guestbook then they took lunch at Gurgusum, Massawa. Blessing the Theological Seminary land: -------------------------------------- Returned to Asmara after their visit to Massawa, the party went 15 km from downtown Asmara, in a green and calm piece of land of 36 hectar, Pope Shenouda and Abune Philippos prayed and spread blessed water on this land. It was a great joy that the Patriarch of Alexandria founds a new Theological Seminary in Asmara as the first Theological School founded in Alexandria by St Mark himself. Pope Shenouda watched the Architectural Designs and promised to send specialist professors to teach there. President Isaias Afeworki promised that the government would provide Church Education with Professional Interpreters to facilitate the task of the Coptic Church in the church educational revival in Eritrea. Then HH returned to his residence to rest in order to visit then the Egyptian Embassy. In the Egyptian Embassy in Asmara: --------------------------------- His Excellency, the Egyptian Embassador took care accompanying HH in all the places in Asmara before his departure for Massawa. He received the Pope and the Eritrean Patriarch at the Egyptian Embassy along with Coptic and Eritrean Metropolitans and bishops. He organized a celebration that was attended by the Mufty of the Republic Cheikh Amin Othman and all the Embassy staff. HH presented the Embassador and all the Embassy Staff with presents and thanked the Embassador for his wonderful hospitality and concern with this historical visit to Eritrea. Then both of them, went on foot to attend the Closing Ceremony held by Mr Dragon Heil Melkot, Head of the Religious Affairs in the Eritrean Government. Closing Ceremony: ---------------- Around 400 Religious Leaders in Eritrea attended the Closing ceremony at the Eritro-German Hall. Amongst were the Republic Mufty, representatives of the Catholic and Evangelical churches, Eritrean Orthodox Synod members and a number of monks, priests, deacons, laymen and church comittee members. Presents were distributed to people while they were having dinner. At the end of the ceremony, in the name of the Eritrean Orthodox church, HH Abune Philippos I presented a huge Silver cross (Gold plated) on which a dedication was written to the Pope of Alexandria. Members of Eritrean Synod presented a similar gift to the new Patriarch. HH Abune Philippos presented hand crosses to members of the Coptic delegation: Their Graces Abba Philippos, Abraham, Pachomius, Bishoy and Sarabamon as well as to Heg. Sarabamon Atteya who had installed the thrones in Virgin Mary Cathedral Asmara and to Fr Pigimi Anba-Bishoy (Native Eritrean) who did a lot of translation. The Patriarch gave a present as well to the carpenter who installed the thrones who were sent as gift from Pope Shenouda to the church of Eritrea. Pope Shenouda distributed icons to the members of the comittee who organized this ceremony and many of the audience. Back to Cairo: ------------- On Sunday May 31st morning, at the farewell in Asmara Airport were HH Abune Philippos I with members of the Eritrean Orthodox Synod, His Excellency the Egyptian Embassador Mr Hussein Aly and the Egyptian Embassy Staff. The Egypt Air flight landed Cairo directly without transit in Adis Abeba. At 11:00 am, Pope Shenouda arrived Cairo airport to be received by His Excellency the Eritrean Embassador in Cairo, bishops, General Congregational Council members, Coptic Endowment Trust and many laymen. It was a big joy, the return of St Mark descendant for more work for St Mark See in Egypt and abroad with the Lord's will. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= St Mark St Athanasios the Apostolic P A T R I A R C H A L C E R T I F I C A T E =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= St Athanasios the Apostolic, the 20th Pope of Alexandria consecrated Fromentious in the year 329 AD to be the first bishop of Eritrea and Ethiopia. He was given the name of Abba Salama and started his bishopric when he arrived first in Eritrea in the year 330 AD and is venerated as a Saint. Through the consecration of Abba Salama, the church of Alexandria established the bishops seat for the church of Eritrea which then became part of the SEE of SAINT MARK the APOSTLE. The church of Alexandria has been consecrating and sending bishop to continue the pastoral mission of Abba Salama. On July 1993, His Excellency Isaias Afeworki President of the State of Eritrea visited me in my office in Cairo and conveyed the wish of the State of Eritrea, its president, the temporary Synod of the church and the people of Eritrea to have an independant church for an independant Eritrea. I asked to receive an Eritrean Church delegation in Cairo, representing the temporary Synod, carrying an official letter to discuss the matter and future steps. This delegation met at 19 June 1993 and offered the official letter expressing this request. I wrote a letter dated 21 July 1993 to His Grace Bishop Philippos, the head of Eritrean Orthodox Church Synod expressing my acceptance to form an Eritrean Synod of Bishops and subsequently to ordain a new Patriarch for the Eritrean Orthodox Church, thereby recognizing her as independant church. The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church in a special meeting on 28 September 1993, approved all the arrangements with the Eritrean Orthodox Church. I ordained the new five Eritrean Orthodox bishops took place in Saint Mark Cathedral in Cairo on Pentecost of 1994, with the participation of the Coptic Holy Synod metropolitans and bishops in a great celebration attended by thousands of Coptic people and visitors. Abune Philippos attended and participated in their ordination and an Eritrean delegation, clergy and lay people were present. The five bishops were enthrowned afterwards in their dioceses in Eritrea by the Eritrean Orthodox Church. On 15 April 1998 I sent H.E. Metropolitan Bishoy to Asmara according to the request of the Eritrean Orthodox Church to attend the choosing of the Patriarch. Abune Philippos was chosen unanimously as the only candidate by the Eritrean bishops in their Synod meeting held on 18 April 1998 in Asmara. On the 8th of May 1998, the feast of saint Mark the Apoetle, I POPE SHENOUDA III Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark (117) performed the consecration and enthrownment of the general bishop Abune Philippos as the first Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Eritrea. This was conducted in the great cathedral of Saint Mark in Cairo, with the participation if fifty four Metropolitans and bishops of the members of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church and six bishops, the Eritrean Orthodox Church Holy Synod. With this enthrownment his title became HIS HOLINESS ABUNE PHILIPPOS THE FIRST Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church Being enthrowned Patriarch, he became the head of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, He presides its Holy Synod, and is the supreme head of all its churches and monasteries. He can ordain new bishops and other priestly orders. He can also upgrade a bishop to the order of metropolitan. The bishop members of the Holy Synod shall participate with him in ordination prayers, but he will lay the hand, pronounce the order, and perform the crossings of ordination or consecration. He can also consecrate new Churches, altars, tables, baptizeries, liturgical vessels and icons. All the members of the Church of Eritrea should respect his priesthood and consider him as a common father, mentioning his name in every Holy mass and in all liturgical prayers. Pope Shenouda III Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Holy Synod Meeting =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Bishops coming from abroad to attend the Holy Synod meeting: ----------------------------------------------------------- 21 of the fathers arrived: Abba Abraham (Metropolitan Jerusalem), Abba Marcos (Metropolitan of France) and Abba Athanasios his assistant, Abba Seraphim (London), Abba Antonios-Marcos (Africa), Abba Misael (Birmingham), Abba Serapion (Los Angeles), Abba Makarius the Eritrean (USA), Abba Youssef (Texas, USA) Abba Karas (USA), Abba Sarabamon (Atbara), Abba Anthony (Ireland), Abba Barnabas (Italy), Abba Damian (Germany) and Abba Suriel (USA). Also came from abroad: Abba Wissa (Balyana), Abba Ruweis (general bishop), Abba Tadros (PortSaid), Abba Picenty (Helwan), Abba Morcos (Shurba El-Khema) and Abba Theophilos (Red Sea). Attendance: ---------- Attended the Holy Synod general session 72 metropolitan and bishop beside the Pope. We thank the Lord that the health of HG Abba Gregorius enabled him to attend. The meetings of the different Synodal comittees: [Faith Education & Law, Care & Service, Monasteries, Diocese Affairs, Rites, Interchurch Relations, General Relations, Follow Up, Secretariat] took place in the Period June 3rd-5th '98 Synodal Decisions: ----------------- - Relations, meetings and agreements with churches of our family: Syrian, Armenian and Eritrea were exposed to members. The rites committee exposed it's report but the "Buildings Contract" was delayed for further study. - SAT-7 The Synod recommended withdrawal from this channel as it insists on it's denominational stand. Pope Shenouda sent a letter to the Prime minister asking to consecrate a special duration for the church on the New Egyptian Satellite "Nile Sat" and offered to pay the costs. - The "Faith & Education Comittee" cared about opposing the penetration of different denominations. Important issue was emphacizing the orthodox faith in priests and servants' monthly meetings. A comittee to revise books, periodicals and educational Video and Audio tapes. Holding a Seminar for Metropolitans and Bishops at Pope Shenouda Monastic Day (July 18th). Important Decision concerning ministring monks: ---------------------------------------------- The Holy Synod decided that a monk shouldn't exceed 6 consecutive years serving in the city after which he must return to his monastery. No monk in the land of immigration is excepted unless a decision of the Pope. With a permit from the Pope for each diocese, only one monk (prior of the diocese) may exist, he should go from time to time to the monastery. The idea behind this decision is keeping the monastic spirit for serving priests, fearing that the cities' life would swalow them and they might forget their monastic life. Returning to their monasteries afterwards appears to some of them as a kind of punishment or a hard life they are not used to. After spending a 7th full year at the monastery they might return to their ministery upon their request and the need of the service. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Holy Synod approves St Pachomius El-Shayeb Monastery (Luxor) and St Shenouda Monastery (Milan) among Coptic living monasteries =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= El-Shayeb Monastery: ------------------- St Pachomius (El-Shayeb) Monastery is an old Pachomian Monastery, 7km east of Luxor, it was founded in the 4th century by St Pachomius. The monastery was registered among Islamic/Coptic Archeologic sites with the Ministerial Decision 10357/1951. It was called El-Shayeb (Grey haired) because of the many appearances of St Pachome in white beard. As many of the monasteries where monastic life disappeared long while ago, Pope Shenouda helped it financially and morally to be restored specially that many families lived there and had transfered it to houses. HH got them out of it and restored monastic life once more. The monastery area is (5 hectars inside the walls) and it owns adjacent 17 hectar outside the monastery walls. The monastery has actually 8 monks and 9 novices. The old church includes 5 altars and 29 old dome. There exists a new church in the name of Virgin Mary between the monks' cells. There is a common refectory for monks, library and 23 cell accessible through a special gate for monks. In the monastery there is a retreat house for visitors, bookshop, cantine for trips and many workshops: Iron, Carpentry to satisfie the needs of the monastery and many guest house. St Shenouda Monastery (Milan): ----------------------------- On the total area of 5 hectars and buildings covering 1 hectar, the monastery of St Shenouda stands 5 km from Milan Italy. The monastery has a very strange story: It was opened in 1992 by HG Abba Kyrollos The first building includes 15 cell in the Ground Floor while a big church exists on the First Floor. The second house includes a 60 sq.m. salon in the ground floor, the first floor has a cell for the Abbot and another for the prior. The third house includes 7 cells at the ground floor and a small church dedicated for St Thomas the Anachorite, a library and a refectory for monks. On the northern part, there exists Virgin Mary church built in the Form of Noah's Arc. A retreat house accomodating 50 person is still under finishing. The Fourth Building turned to a kitchen and refectory for 120 person. There is an agricultural land with a big green house (600 sq.m.) and 10 small green houses. There exists a library for the monks and novices, another one for lenting and a bookshop selling books, tapes and souvenirs. At the monastery there are 2 monks from Baramos Monastery and 5 novices. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= M I S C E L L A N E O U S N E W S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HG Abba Morcos bishop of Shubra El-Khema in his trip to Norway: -------------------------------------------------------------- In the period May 15th - June 2nd 1998, upon the invitation of the Diocese of Tonsberg in The Church of Norway, HG Abba Marcos traveled in order to strenghten the relations between the two churches. HG attended the reception of the new Archbishop of Oslo, he met with the maire of Drowen, the minister of development, minister of exterior delegate, Lutherian church Council and the head of the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) who celebrated 75 years on it's inauguration. HG gave lectures about the Coptic church, it's faith, revival, role of the youth and the efforts of HH Pope Shenouda since he was bishop of Education. He also talked about Egypt, the security and encouraged people to visit Egypt. He visited His Excellency Dr Magdy Hefny Egyptian Embassador in Norway. It was agreed to exchange youth visits between the dioceses and to send Sunday School Modules and Activities to Norway with common projects and formation of a Standing Comittee. HG Abba Bissada Bishop of Akhmim in Australia: --------------------------------------------- In the period Apr 24th - June 4th, HG visited all Coptic Churches in Sydney and Melbourne where he visited the Hostel and attended the feast at the two Colleges there (Virgin Mary College and St Antonios College). He attended the priests' meetings both in Sydney and Melbourne. He visited Christ Church in New Zealand and Auckland as well as Gold Coast, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelade and Perth in the West. HG visited some Sudaneese families in Sydney, and a sick person. He celebrated a mass in St Shenouda monastery (Sydney) and St Antonios (Melbourne) and he had a spiritual meeting there. HH Abune Philippos I in St Demyana Convent before returning to Eritrea: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Two days after his crowning in Cairo, HH Abune Philippos I went to St Demyana Convent it was noon of Sunday May 10th '98. He was received in great joy with both HG Abba Morcos and HG Abba Kyrollos the Eritreans. He began by visiting the shrine of St Demyana and the surrounding old churches. Then he was received in the new builing, blessed the nuns and visited the churches there. He lived in the upper floor of the bishopric with the accompanying bishops. He celebrated a mass with the bishops, nuns and Fr Sarabamon El-Pachomy, prior of the bishopric in Barary. On Friday May 15th, HE Abba Bishoy celebrated the feast of Pope Athanasios the Apostolic. Participated with him the 2 Eritrean bishops and they consecrated an icon in this occasion. On Saturday May 16th, Abune Philippos I and the 2 bishops traveled to Ras El-Bar to spend some days, they visited churches in Damiette where exist the relics of St Sidhom Bishay, St George (El-Mozahem) and churches of Ras El-Bar and they returned back to the monastery on Tuesday May 19th '98. On Tuesday the Eritrean bishops participated with Abba Bishoy in the evening raising of Incense, Abba Kyrollos participated in annointing with spices the shrine of St Demyana. The Project of founding a new Coptic College in Sydney: ------------------------------------------------------ Pope Shenouda received a letter from both Fr Samuel Wadie and Fr Mikhail Mikhail about the project of founding a new College affiliated to Virgin Mary and St Mena COC Sydney Australia. They suggested forming a founding comittee of some of the people nominated to execute the project. This college shall be the second Coptic college in Sydney and the fourth in all Australia. The scholar year shall begin next January 1999. HH sent requesting details of the project: Officially, financially, managerial, teachers reliability and the number of students who want to enroll and the answer came as follows: The church site includes a building of a school out of 8 classrooms and a big hall. They would begin with 4 classes: (1 Kindergarten + 3 Primary Classes) expandable. The Education responsibilities were contacted for approval and begining the education. The project was carefully financially studied with the church comittee and sponsoring bodies. There shall be no financial debts and contacts with St Mark College (actual existing college in Sydney) shall take place. Enrollment application forms shall be distributed in churches and job vacancies for director, teachers and preparing the modules for the coming scholar year. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Snippets =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On June 17th '98, St Bishoy monastery celebrates the Silver Jubilee of HG Bishop Sarabamon Abbot of St Bishoy Monastery. The celebrations shall take place under the blessings of HH Pope Shenouda on Tuesday June 16th evening and Wednesday June 17th mass in the morning. On June 11th, HE Abba Athanasios Metropolitan of Beni-Sweif traveled to London UK for treatment. We wish him good health. Pope Shenouda asked him to give some courses at the Coptic Theological College in Stevenage. Last June 10th '98 the diocese of Fayoum celebrated the memory of the late bishop of Fayoum Saint Abraam deceeded in 1914. The prayers were presided by the actual Bishop Abraam of Fayoum. In the period May 21-25, the Middle East Council of Churches MECC held in Aya Napa monastery - Cyprus a conference where the rights of women and children in Laws were discussed, and th effect of denominational change on changing the status. Advisor Melek Mina represented the Coptic Orthodox church there. In the evening of Monday July 6th '98 the Care Institute organizes at St Ruweis Hall a seminar on Unemployment and proposed solutions, all the Care Institute students and Alumni are invited as well as all interested people. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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. NY : New York NJ : New Jersey DC : District of Columbia, Capital of the United States of America. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=