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.: 27, 28 I | X Date: Friday July 10th 1998 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this issue: ------------------ Saint Feasts............................................................ Arrived to visit the mother church...................................... Obituaries.............................................................. Here there and everywhere............................................... Miscellaneous News...................................................... Endnotes................................................................ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= S A I N T F E A S T S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Our church loves saints deeply. Our people are cordially attached to saints not only because of their faith but much more through experience and life. We call people and churches after saints. We make vows to them and celebrate feasts, we ask for their intercession and have them as friends. We paint icons for them and keep their images in our houses. We publish their biography in many books, and tell it to our children and enters the core of our religious education. Before I was appointed to my actual responsibility, "MULIDs" were held for saints. Some people advised that we cancel them. We thought that those popular gatherings can have spiritual benefit. It happened and we changed their names to "Saint Feast" During saint feasts thousands and tens of thousands of saint lovers gather and sometimes hundreds of thousands as in St George Feast in Ruzaikat in upper Egypt. Some saints acquired a big fame and love as Virgin Mary, St George, St Mena, Archangel Michael and St Bishoy. The most important feast of Virgin Mary takes place on 16 Mesra (22 August) which is preceded by her fast, among others feasts are held in Virgin Mary (Moharek) monastery, in Virgin Mary (Dronka) on the mount of Assiut and Virgin Mary churches both in Zeitoun and Mostorod. Offices and spiritual night watches are organized in many saint feasts. The most important feasts of St George take place both in Ruzaikat and Meet-Damsees during the month of August. Many churches all over Egypt were dedicated to him and are celebrating his feast. Among the famous monk saints, during whose feasts the monasteries in Sheheet desert are crowded with thousands of people are St Bishoy and St Moses the Black Feasts. Also St Shenouda in his monastery in Sohag desert and St Antonios in his monastery and many churches dedicated to him. Some other saints have their feasts held localy as St Rebecca in Sonbaat, St Dulagi in Esna, the child St Keriakos the martyr and his mother Julita in Tahta, the child Martyr Abanub in his church in Samannude and many churches in his name. Worth to mention also the feast of St Mercure the martyr in his convent in Old Cairo, St Demyana the martyr and the 40 virgin martyrs in her convent (Belkas desert), Prince Theodore of Shoteb (Haret El-rum) and St Paul the Hermit feast in his monastery in the Eastern desert. Many feasts are also held for Archangel Michael, whether in churches built in his name or on the 12th of each Coptic month. Copts used to bake Pastry and distribute it to friends to remember his wonders as well as his intercession and work. On Tuesday 7 Abib (14 July), the church celebrates the feast of the great St Shenouda the Archmandrite. A special festival is held in his monastery in Sohag desert which would last for four weeks (Sat 11 July - Sun 2 Aug) as tens of thousands of visitors come to the monastery to get the blessing. It is the first celebration after the restoration of the monastery, building it's walls, admission of the Holy Synod and ordaining monks after it's names. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Arrived to visit the mother church =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Heg Antonios Younan prior of the Diocese of Los Angeles. He was received by HH in Alexandria and visited people in Cairo and Mansoura. Fr Michael Ibrahim, priest of Virgin Mary & Archangel Michael (North London). HH received him and the discussion was about the icons of the church which are being painted by Sister Sawsan. The monk Fr Philopater El-Pachomy (Geneva, Switzerland) who went to his monastery in Edfu. Fr Raphael Zaki (priest in Philadelphia) who visited relatives in El-Menya Heg Morcos Aziz from Connecticut, Fr Boules Adeeb (Dallas) Fr Isaac Boutros priest of Virgin Mary (Chicago). HH received him and he returned back last week. Fr Mina Wahba (San Diego), Fr Michael Sabry, St George Brooklyn =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Obituaries =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We were touched by the departure of Maitre "Awny Aziz Morcos" the lawyer in Malawy. He is the father of Their Graces Abba Joannes the secretary of HH and Abba Gabriel at the secretariat in Cairo and Beni-Sweif. He is relative to the late Heg. Youssef Khalil former Archpriest of Malawy, and the late Heg. Morcos Ghali former prior of the Patriarchate in Cairo. On Saturday June 27th he passed away after a long struggle with disease which lasted for six weeks. The funeral was held on the evening of Monday 29 June in the Cathedral of Malawy. Eighteen bishop attended in the funeral prayers amongst were Abba Moussa deputy of the Pope, his sons Abba Joannes and Abba Gabriel as well as Abba Wissa, Arsenios, Kyrollos (Nag Hamady), Severus, Boutros, Bissada, Pachome, Demetrius, Barsoum, Aghabios, Thomas, Johanna, Daniel and Abba Biemen. 130 priest and monk attended. Many officials attended too, amongst were General Mahmoud Zahrane Assistant of the Security Head of El-Menya and deputy of the President Hosny Mubarak and Lieutenant Saeed Ibrahim Deputy of the Minister of Interior. Attended also Mr Farouk Gabr, Head of the Malawy City Board and Parliement members in Malawy. In the evening, His Excellency the Minister, General Moustafa Abdel-Kader came specially from El-Menya to pay condolence. Arrived also in the evening, HG Abba Pephnotius and Abba Andrews. >From Cairo arrived 15 Metropolitan and bishop, Dr Youssef Boutros Ghali the Minister of Economy, Mr Saeed Zada Prime Deputy of the Presidency and many priests and officials. From other churches attended Metropolitan Ghayeth (Head of the Anglican church). May the Lord give rest to his soul in the paradise of joy. Our condolence to all his family and friends. The hall under St Mark Cathedral was prepared to receive condolence in Cairo on Tuesday 30 June evening. On June 26th Fr Youhanna Awad, priest of St George (Abul-Farah, Cairo) departed after a lond struggle with desease. Prayed on his body at the funeral Their Graces Abba Picenty and Abba Agabius and a number of priests. May the Lord give rest to his soul in the paradise of joy and give condolence to all his family and friends. On Thursday July 2nd evening Dcn Amir Gabra passed away as if he was snatched after the illness of two weeks. His departure left a big scar in many souls. The Pope delegated HG Abba Joannes to pray on his body at St Mark church (Heliopolis). May the Lord give rest to his soul in the paradise of joy and give condolence to all his family and friends. On Friday 3 July the dear sister Sophie Mansour departed, she is the sister of Dr Youssef Mansour secretary of Pope Shenouda for rituals. The funeral took place at the Old St Mark Cathedral (Ezbekia) on Saturday July 4th evening. Prayed the funeral HG Abba Ruweis, Abba Dioscorus, Abba Joannes, Abba Gabriel and a number of priests. May the Lord give rest to his soul in the paradise of joy and give condolence to all her family. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Here there and everywhere =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Monday 29 June, HG Abba Antonios-Marcos visited Detroit to ask about the health of Heg.Raphael Sobhy his brother in Bon Scan hospital. We wish him good health. On Saturday 27 June, HG Abba Suriel the general bishop visited Washington DC to talk in a Youth Retreat and celebrated the mass on Sunday morning. On Sunday 28 June evening, in the Papal Residence of Cedar Grove, HG Abba Suriel led a Servant Meeting which was attended by 70 servant from New York and New Jersey. The topic discussed was "Watching one's self" followed by many questions. HH Pope Shenouda decided to delegate Fr Younan Abdou Soliman to minister in Sweden as he didn't go to Denmark. A letter arrived to HH concerning a "131 acres" land in Alberta which would be bought for the purpose of building a Coptic Center. Donations are still taking place to pay the price which amounts to 375 Can$ On July 2nd, a building was bought and received by St George and St Demyana in Utracht (Middle of the Netherland). We congratulate them and would send a priest to serve there. A report arrived from Heg Angelos Michael Saad priest of Mississauga concerning the region of Saint Catherine and Niagara water falls in USA and Canada where a church which had been registered was dedicated to St George and St Mercure. They still need a priest to serve there. In a meeting of 19 June 1998, the Gold Coast City Council (Australia) decided to donate a (3 acres) land for the Coptic Orthodox church to build a church. Our congratulations to our sons there. After the transfer of Fr Raphael Abdel-Messih, the congregation in Minnesota asks to have a priest. Fr Boules Naeem priest of our church in Dusseldorf Germany got the permission of HG Abba Damian to go to Egypt for one month starting 7 July 1998. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Miscellaneous News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Following the invitation of Dr Hamdy Zakzuk the minister of endowments, HH the Pope attended the opening session of the "10th Islamic Conference", organized by the Ministery of Endowments and held at Mariott Hotel (Zamalek, Cairo) on Thursday July 2nd morning. The conference was attended by the Grand Cheikh of Al-Azhar and a number of Cheikhs and Imam throughout the Islamic world. HH gave a word at the conference. After the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony, HH gave many talks to the Radio and TV. On Thursday July 2nd evening, HH received at the Papal Residence, His Excellency Abdul-Moneim Ahmed Saleh, Irakian Minister of Endowments who participated at the Islamic Conference. The discussions were about Irak and its suffering from the surrounding. Attended the meeting HG Abba Joannes. On June 14th, a group of youth from the Coptic churches in Covina, Valley and St Peter & St Paul in Los Angeles organized a trip to study the missionary work in Africa. Participated in the trip as well many youth from churches in Florida, Chicago, New Jersey and Canada. They were 30 young people accompanied by Fr Augustinos Ragheb Hanna priest of St John the Evangelist (Covina, Los Angeles). They first landed in Nairubi (Kenya), then they went to Tanzania. They had a good spiritual schedule. They were received by HG Bishop Paul, then came from South Africa to receive them HG Abba Antonios-Marcos. God willing, we would follow their news throughout the coming issues. On Thursday 25 June, HH visited El-Zohur Club where he gave a lecture: "The mind and what leads it" and answered many questions, then he took lunch with General Nader Sherif President of the Club and Mr Essam Mubarak the treasurer and many Board of Directors members who offered HH with the Armour of the Club. Accompanied HH, Abba Ruweis, Abba Joannes and some monks. On Wednesday 24 June, HH received Dr Tharwat Bassily, delegate of the General Congregational Council and senator. HH congratulated him on being appointed member in the Egyptian Senate and discussed with him some important topics. On Tuesday 30 June evening, HH received Mr Ragab El-Banna Editor in Chief of "October Magazine" and Head of the Board of Directors of Dar El-Maarif. It was decided that HH shall write an article for "October Magazine" on every month's first week release. Accompanied by Mr Guirguis Saleh (Teacher at the Theological Seminary), HE Abba Bishoy traveled to (Bekefia, Beirut Lebanon) to attend the "Faith & Union" unit meeting of the MECC (Middle East Council of Churches). The discussed subject was (The church: Identity and Mission). On Saturday 27 June, they both returned to Egypt. On Thursday 2 July, HG Abba Ruweis travels to Canada, to celebrate in both St George and Virgin Mary in Ottawa. There he shall celebrate the Feast of the Apostles on Sunday 12 July morning and return in the same day to arrive to Cairo on Monday 13 July God willing. On Tuesday 30 June, following the invitation of Melbourne University and Adelade University, HG Abba Samuel Bishop of Shebine El-Kanater and professor of Archeology at the ICS (Institute of Coptic Studies) flew to Australia to lecture on the evolution of Coptic Architecture since the 4th century till now along with the most recent excavations in Egypt. HH received him before his flight. HH received Mr Mazen Youssef Sabbagh, advisor of the Syrian Minister of Media who is currectly compiling information to write a book about HH Pope Shenouda. HG Abba Karas Abbot of St Antonios Monastery (California) went for treatment in "City of Hope Hospital" in Los Angeles. Visited him at the hospital HG Abba Serapion and all priests of Los Angeles and monks of St Antonios California. HH shall visit him during his next trip to USA on 15 September. We hope that he would be the subject of prayer of everybody. May the Lord assist him in his illness. Following the request of Poetry fans who just compose poetry without studying any of the rules, HH organises an introductory course on the rules of Poetry. On Tuesday 14 July at 6:00 pm, the first lesson shall take place at the Papal Residence in Cairo, then in Alexandria. On Wednesday 24 June, HH received a trip from St Mark Chicago who had attended the lecture. On Thursday 25 June, HH received Mr Saeed Zayed (one of HH colleages at the 1940th Spare Officers). They had a talk together. On Monday 22 June, Heg Sidarus Abdel-Messih returned to Cairo after 2 months of treatment he had spent in the USA. We pray for him to have good health. The Vine Branches Center (For the Mental Handicaps) at Maadi held it's annual festival which included theater pieces and songs performed by the handicapped children. With Bishops: ------------ - HH received HG Bishop Isodore Abbot of Baramos Monastery concerning the Feast of St Moses the Black and some priests of the monastery. - HH received Abba Agathon Bishop of Ismailia and Abbot of St Paul mon. concerning some monks who are working outside the monastery. - HH received Bishop Sarabamon Abbot of St Bishoy Mon. concerning the advising some monks in the monastery. - Before his return to His diocese on Tuesday 30 June, HH received HG Abba Sarabamon Bishop of Atbara and Om-Dorman (Sudan). - HH received HG Abba Raphael, the General Bishop for the Cairo Down Town Suburbs concerning his ministery. New Books: --------- The Bishopric of Youth published many books amongst: - Handouts of Summer Youth Festivals for Preparatory, High School, Undergraduate, Alumni. - Individual Service - Signs of the church - Deacons and Deaconnesses - The Five Books of Moses - National Participation of Copts. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Endnotes: -------- 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 used in both the Eritrean and the Ethiopian Orthodox churches as title for the Patriarch, metropolitans and bishops. The latter is sometimes spelled Abune. Awkaf : Endowments BLESS : Bishopric of Public Ecumenical and Social services. Care Stick: Stick in the hand of Popes, Patriarchs, metropolitans and diocesian bishops. 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. DC : District of Columbia, Capital of the United States of America. Dcn : Deacon, for full deacons. Eskeem : Belt in the form of a cross worn by monks who spent many years and reached a high degree of monasticism. HE : His Eminence, title for Metropolitans. Heg. or Hg. : Hegumen, prior priest. HG : His Grace, title for Bishops. HH : His Holiness, title for Popes and Patriarchs. Holy Synod: Presided by the Pope, the synod gathers all Coptic Orthodox Metropolitans and Bishops + the 2 Patriarchates' priors in Cairo and Alexandria. LA : Los Angeles, California USA Mayamer: in singular (Meimar) Syrianic word designating biography of a saint. Mulid : popular events combining piety, fun and commerce. People sing, dance, eat and pray together. Coptic Mulids now changed to spiritual seasons for celebrating and praying. NJ : New Jersey NY : New York 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. In the same way we have priors of Dioceses, they assit the bishop in managing the Diocese affairs. 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. Sayedna: Arabic word "Our Master" used to address the Pope, metropolitans and bishops. Servant: Volunteer steward in the Coptic church activities, sometimes used to designate Sunday school teachers. 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. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=