CHURCHNEWS an electronic magazine for Immigrant Egyptian Churches in the world _________________________________________________________________________ 'ChurchNews' is a selected translation of the News section in the Coptic Church magazine 'El-Keraza'. The arabic main magazine has Pope Shenouda III Editor in Chief. Suggestions about the main text would be directed to: coptpope@tecmina.com About this Electronic news translation direct suggestions to: cop@idsc.gov.eg To obtain English hard copies with pictures address: elkeraza.stevenage@ukonline.co.uk Old releases dating back from December 1995 on may be retrieved at the CoptNet Electronic Archives http://www.coptic.net/cn/public/news/ _________________________________________________________________________ Keraza No.: 37, 38 I | X Date: Friday 2 October 1998 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this release: -------------------- Short and Fruitful Trip .................................................. Illustrated News ......................................................... Pope Shenouda in London ................................ HG Bishop Joannes Pope Shenouda in USA ................................... HG Bishop Joannes Miscellaneous News ....................................................... History of the Church in Immigration Countries ........................... Obituaries ............................................................... Endnotes .................................................. The translator =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= S H O R T A N D F R U I T F U L T R I P =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Pope Shenouda's trip to London and USA was short (one day less than three weeks) but was very fruitful. He held two seminars for priests: One in London that was attended by more than 20 priest and the other in USA and was attended by a hundred. In total, he met more than 120 priest in his trip. He held private sessions with more than 40 of them where he recognized the life of their churches. HH met also with 15 of the Coptic bishops. It was a pastoral trip, reminding us of St Paul's saying:"Let us return back, to visit our brethren in every city where we preached the word of God to see how they are doing?" (Acts 15:36). In this same trip, ecumenical work took place. There was a meeting with The Standing Committee of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in New York and New Jersey to discuss common pastoral work. There was also another meeting with the heads of St Vladimir Seminary to discuss common theological education work. The trip included the consecration of many churches in Brooklyn, Mississauga, Vancouver and River Side along with the consecration of the iconostas in the church of Cleveland. With many congregations, HH shared this joy of consecrating their churches. The accompanying bishops and many banquets that were made. Pope Shenouda rejoiced with the energy of churches in the land of immigration. He inaugurated a new large building in Holmdel, another large Coptic complex in Mississauga full with activities in a wonderful architectural environment and a lot of activities performed by St George and St Ruweis Church in Toronto. HH inaugurated many activities concerning the child: Amongst a new College built by St Mark Church in Montreal including Day Care Kindergartens, the same in Virgin Mary and St Athanasios Mississauga and St Ruweis Toronto. All those Kindergartens are just beginings of building schools. The trip included visiting some ill clergy and laymen. He did visit HE Abba Athanasios who prefered to return to his diocese in Beni-Sweif and follow up the medical treatment there, he also visited HG Abba Karas in the hospital, a Coptic man that was hit in an accident and the little child "Mina" to whom a spinal cord was transplanted. In his Papal Residence (Cedar Grove, NJ), HH baptized some children upon the request of their parents made the families happy. Following his habits, HH visited the Egyptian Embassy in London and the Egyptian Consulate in New York which left a big influence to all Egyptian communities abroad. HH seized the chance to complete the history of our Coptic churches in the lands of immigration. That was through the data compiled by every priest about his church. There was an important educational aspect for this trip through the lectures he gave in every church and every occasion specially a lecture he gave at the Theological Seminary in New Jersey. With love, He met with the congregations and returned back to Cairo in the evening of Wednesday 23 September to give his weekly lecture at St Mark Cathedral. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I L L U S T R A T E D N E W S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Before the building in Stevenage, HH Pope Shenouda, HG Abba Joannes on his right side, HE Abba Seraphim in the back, both Abba Misael and Abba Antony on his right. Appeared also in the picture, Heg Antonios Thabet, Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy, some British Orthodox priests and priests from Scotland, Ireland and North-East England. On Monday 7 September, HH met with representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in America. On his right we see Abba Serapion and Abba Ruweis, on his left Mar Kyrollos Avram and Abba Suriel. We can see in the picture representatives of the churches in Armenia, Ethiopia and Indians. This picture was taken in a meeting with Protopresbyter Thomas Mopko, dean of St Vladimir Seminary, Prof John Erickson Associate dean of Economic Affairs, Fr Anthony Scott Chief Advancement Officer and Fr Michael Arbanas Director of Recruitment. On Sunday 6 September, HH consecrated St George Brooklyn NY. Their Graces Abba Serapion, Abba Suriel and Abba Ruweis participated with him in the consecration prayers. Appeared in the picture Heg Tadros Yacub and Heg Mina Kamel the church priest. On Sunday 13 September, HH consecrated the altar of the new church in Mississauga in the name of Virgin Mary and St Athanasios. Their Graces Abba Ruweis, Abba Serapion, Abba Joannes and Abba Suriel participated with him in the consecration prayers. Almost 2000 people attended this feast and a huge number of the congregation received the sacraments. It was a happy day for all, the priests and the congregation. In England, HH went to visit HE Abba Athanasios to ask about his health. He met with him and with his doctor several times. He advised him to take care of his health when coming back, the congregation should give him a chance to rest by organizing visits. In the picture, HH is seen between HE Abba Athanasios and Tasoni Ruth (a faithful servant of the spiritual children of Abba Athanasios). In the first day of HH visit to Los Angeles (14 September), he visited HG Abba Karas in the "City of Hope Hospital". He prayed for him, annointed him with oil and asked about his health. Their Graces Abba Serapion (bishop of the diocese), Abba Tadros and Abba Matthaus accompanied him with many priests and friends of Abba Karas. Arriving in New Jersey, HH visited Heg Antonios Ragheb, priest of St George and St Shenouda (Jersey City) who is currently under treatment in a hospital there. Worth to mention that he is the first priest that Pope Shenouda ordained. HH prayed for him and annointed him with oil. Accompanied HH the bishops and some priests. On 17 September 98, during his visit to the Egyptian Consulate in New York, HH met with Her Excellency Mrs Mervat El-Talawy the Egyptian Minister of Social Affairs who came to the consulate and gave a word welcoming HH. In the picture, she is seen while giving her word with Mrs Soheir Zaki the Egyptian General Consul in New York beside. HG Abba Gabriel traveled to England in order to visit HE Abba Athanasios his Metropolitan and ask about his health. Abba Athanasios is seen in the picture between Abba Gabriel and Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy. On the side of the picture we see Heg Antonios Thabet, priest of St Mark Church (London). The new priest in Dallas (Fr Gabriel Samaan) is seen in the picture with HG Abba Youssef, bishop of the diocese, Abba Serapion, Abba Suriel and some priests who are happy with their new fellow. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= POPE SHENOUDA IN LONDON by HG Abba Joannes =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Friday 3 September evening, accompanied by HG Abba Joannes, HH arrived at Hethrow airport. He was received by His Excellency Adel El-Gazar the Egyptian Ambassador in London, Her Excellency Samiha Abu-Steit the Egyptian General Consul, Abba Misael, Anna Anthony, Heg Antonios Thabet, Heg Bishoy Bushra, Fr Youhanna Albert, Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy, Fr Mikhail Ibrahim and a number of St Mark London committee members. HH drove on to Stevenage. In Stevenage: ------------ HH arrived to Stevenage around 14:00 (pm), where he was received by HE Abba Athanasios, HE Abba Seraphim, all priests of the UK and a number of congregation. HH prayed the "Thanksgiving" and had lunch with the bishops and priests. He talked with them about: "How to witness for the Lord in the Western society and the missionary work for everybody" Attended this seminar: HE Abba Athanasios, Abba Seraphim, Abba Misael, Abba Joannes, Abba Anthony, Heg Antonios Thabet (London), Heg Bishoy Bushra (London), Fr Mikhail Ibrahim (North London), Fr Isaac Ibrahim (Croydon), Heg Zakaria Boutros (Brighton), Fr Youhanna Morcos (Brighton), Fr Philopater Morris (Wales), Fr Arsenios Anba-Paula (Manchester), Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy (Stevenage), Fr Youhanna Albert (Birmingham), Fr Boules Anba-Bishoy (Waytingham), Fr Archellaos El-Makary, Fr Arsenios Anba-Bishoy (York), Fr Demetrios Anba-Bishoy (Doncaster), Fr Athanasios Fahmy (Ireland) and Fr Isaiah El-Baramosy (Kent). General Meeting to the Copts in London and Stevenage: ---------------------------------------------------- In the evening, HH met with a big number of people from London and Stevenage. He gave a talk titled "Our life on earth is a period of test" Then HH met with Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy and the parish committee of Archangel Michael and St Antonios (Stevenage) where they discussed matters concerning the ministry of the church. On Friday 4 September, HH met with Abba Athanasios, attended the meeting Abba Joannes, Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy, Tasoni Ruth and Dr Michel Garas. He met then with HG Abba Damian who came from Germany then with HG Abba Anthony and his diocese priests and finally he met with Mr Malak Shenouda from France. At London airport: ----------------- On Saturday 5 September morning, HH flew from London airport to New York. At the airport many people greeted him amongst were: Ambassador Adel El-Gazar, General Consul Samiha Abu-Steit, HG Abba Misael, Abba Anthony and a number of priests of the United Kingdom. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= POPE SHENOUDA IN USA by HG Abba Joannes =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Saturday 25 September morning, accompanied by HG Abba Joannes, HH arrived at Kennedy Airport (New York). They were received at the airport by Her Excellency Mrs Soheir Zaki, the Egyptian General Consul in New York and Their Graces Abba Ruweis, Serapion, Macarius (the Eritrean), Youssef, Abba Suriel, some 20 priest of New Jersey and New York, a number of deacons, laymen and Mr Magued El-Deiry Pope Shenouda's legal advisor in USA. HH drove onto the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove where he was received by a big number of congragation. Visting Heg Antonios Ragheb: --------------------------- After spending some time with the people in Cedar Grove, HH with the bishops went to visit Heg Antonios Ragheb priest of St George and St Shenouda (Jersey City) who is currently under treatment at The Franciscan Rehabilitation Center after a surgery in the bones. HH prayed for him and annointed him with oil. In the same evening, HH met with the people who came to his residence. The meeting took place at the Theological Seminary Hall. He talked to them about "the importance of the Eucharist and how to spiritually prepare one's self for it". On Sunday 6 September 1998, HH consecrated the altar of St George (Brooklyn) in the occasion of Silver Jubilee of it's foundation. Participated in the consecration prayers: Abba Ruweis, Abba Serapion, Abba Picenty, Abba Macarius (The Eritrean), Abba Joannes, Abba Suriel and the priests: Heg Tadros Yacoub, Heg Mina Kamel Yanni and Heg Antonios the (The Caribbean). The same evening, HH attended the Church Jubilee's Festivals. All the celebarations took place in the church hall. An operette about the History of the church over the past 25 years was performed, the deacon's chorus and youth choir performed many hymns and songs in this occasion. In their songs, they were repeating the word: "Our church, we greet you on your 25th anniversary". HH commented that it is very sound of them feeling "OUR church". In the celebrations, Heg Tadros Yacub talked about his memories on the beginning of the ministry in Brookly (1972), buying the building and the great support they had from Pope Shenouda to buy the building. Heg Mina Kamel talked about his memories in the expansion of the service there throughout the years, how the church building was enlarged, renewed and the encouragment they found from Pope Shenouda. The celebration was concluded by a word given by HH, where he greeted the church for it's Silver jubilee, he thanked Fr Tadros and Fr Mina for their ministry. HH talked about the beginning of the ministry in the land of immigration and the founding of churches. He concluded his talk by the words: "During all the past years, I did no more than watching what God does and what the people do in building churches in the land of immigration" Oriental Orthodox Churches in New York and New Jersey: ----------------------------------------------------- In the morning of Monday 7 September, at the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove, HH received the Standing Committee of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in New York and New Jersey. From the Syrian church, Metropolitan Mar Kyrollos Ephraim and Assistant-Bishop Yohanna Mino, from the Armenian Church Metropolitan Khagag Barsamian, Fr Garbed, Fr Arakeel, Fr Fahan, Bishop Oshgan Choloyan and Archmandrite Amoushavan Danielyan. From the Ethiopian Church Fr Norris Absalom and from the Indian (Malankara) church Fr Johnson. >From the Coptic church attended HG Abba Ruweis, Abba Serapion, Abba Macarius (The Eritrean), Abba Joannes and the official representatives of the Coptic church HG Abba Suriel, Fr Yacoub Ghali, Fr Athanasios Farag and Fr Daoud Bebawy. It was a very fruitful meeting where several topics were discussed all aiming to endepthen our unity. Amongst a project of making united Sunday School Modules, united programs for the youth, united work to stand against the anti-christian sects and protect the youth from deviation. Church addresses were then distributed to the attendance so that the member of any church can pray in the closest Orthodox church (if they do not have a church of their own) with the possibility of organizing common Youth Conventions between the churches. Among other subjects that were discussed, Ecumenical relations with our churches and other churches in America. Cooperation in the Theological Seminary and the possibility of participating in solving familial problems. The date (10 October 98) was proposed where all Oriental Orthodox Churches in America shall gather to celebrate the mass together. The meeting was concluded by a prayer and Pope Shenouda distributed souvenirs for all the attendance. In St Mina Church Holmdel: ------------------------- On Monday 7 September evening, accompanied by the bishops, HH drove onto St Mina Church (Holmdel NJ). There he inaugurated the first phase of the new church buildings. He was impressed by the beauty of the architecture, he said: "When build such a beautiful building, Copts are indeed the sons of the pharos who mastered the art of architecture!" Many words were then said, mainly Fr Shenouda Halim spoke about the work of God during the building process. For the first time, snow didn't fall in the winter. Work was not interrupted even for a single day. Fr Shenouda thanked the Pope for his encouragement and his visiting to the site twice during the building process. Then HG Abba Suriel congratulated the church for the new building and it's importance in serving the youth. He thanked Pope Shenouda's care for every soul in the land of immigration on the whole globe. Pope Shenouda talked then about "The Church and it's role towards the faithful". The celebration was concluded with a prayer. The Pope in Boston: ------------------ On Tuesday 8 September morning, accompanied by Their Graces Abba Serapion, Abba Macarius (The Eritrean), Abba Joannes, Abba Suriel and Heg Antonios (The Caribbean), HH flew to Boston. At the airport received them, HG Abba Matthaus, Heg Moussa El-Gohary priest of St Mark Boston and a number of priests. They all drove onto Virgin Mary Vineyard in the State of Massachussetts where Fr Moussa and his beloved congregation had fully prepared the Vineyard for the Seminar of all priests of USA and Canada. This seminar took place from Tuesday 8 September till Thursday 10 September. Seminar of the priests: ---------------------- This seminar was attended by 7 bishops, 100 priest and 40 priest wife. As the numbers are round (perfect) numbers, also the seminar was perfectly organized and spiritual. On Wednesday 9 September, HH accompanied by the bishops and almost 90 priest celebrated the Holy Mass. Then the seminar began. HH used to answer the questions of the fathers and he gave 4 pastoral lectures: - Give the account of your delegation. - The Pastoral work of our church in the lands of immigration. - The importance of youth, how to serve them. - The privacy of the house of the priest. On Wednseday evening, HH had a meeting with the Tasoni(s) (priest wives). He had then private sessions with 25 priest to discuss with them the needs of the service. Gratitude: --------- At the end of the seminar, HH Pope Shenouda and all the priests thanked Heg Moussa El-Gohary and all those who organized and served the seminar. They thanked the congregation of Boston, who are Christ lovers, for their effort and hospitality. In fact, a big number of servants (led by Fr Moussa), were working like a bee cell, with energy, love, joy, hospitality and impressive order for the rest of all their guests. The priests asked Fr Moussa to tell the story of buying the "Virgin Mary Vineyard". Story of buying the "Virgin Mary Vineyard": ------------------------------------------ He said: "Over the past years, we were suffering the lack of space for the youth and family activities. We dreamed of buying any peace of land even an area of 1 or 1.5 acre. In the first day of the Virgin's Fast (7 August 97), one of our blessed sons informed me that this vineyard is for sale. It was an old camp on the area of 187 acres owned by an individual that lives there. The second day after Virgin Mary Feast (23 August 98) we celebrated a mass in the land (upon the permission from the owner) to begin the project with prayer. We were a small group. We delegated one of our sons to enter the auction. For if we entered as church, the price would have increased a lot. With God's grace and the blessings of our Lady we got it. In fact, the down payment was a huge amount. Here I cannot describe the generosity, love and devotion of the congregation in Boston. We could pay the required amount and receive the land. We named it the Vineyard of Virgin Mary and began building. Pope Shenouda inaugurated the Vineyard, consecrated the altars of the church on Saturday 7 February 1998 it was a feast for the Copts in Boston. Knowing that the Pope would give us the blessing by holding the priest seminar here, we enlarged it, prepare the rooms and cover the walls with wood and paved some roads, till it became able to accomodate more than 150 person" Pope Shenouda commented that the place is indeed a great monument in the whole Coptic church. With the media and Boston churches' representatives: --------------------------------------------------- The media people, knowing of HH visit, some asked interview him about the Coptic church. Therefore he received journalists from two Newspapers. Before leaving the vineyard, he received more than 40 people representing churches in the region and some officials. HH talked to them about the Coptic church, it's great history, bright present and pastoral activities. In his was back from the Vineyard, Pope Shenouda, the bishops and Fr Moussa visited Mr Fouad Saeed Soliman in Brain Tree Manar Hospital where he is under treatment following a painful accident. Then HH drove onto St Mark Church (Boston) where he celebrated the Nayrouz (Coptic Year Day) with the congregation. He talked to the people about "Martyrdom is Feast". The Pope in Philadelphia: ------------------------ On Friday 11 September morning, HH flew from Boston to Montreal stopping at Philadelphia airport. At Philadelphia greeted him: Heg Bassilious Sedrak, Fr Raphael Zaki and a number of the congregation in Philadelphia. The Pope remained about one hour in the airport, so it was a good chance to greet his sons on the occasion of the Nayrouz Feast and talk to them about the Martyrs. The Pope in Montreal: -------------------- On Friday evening, accompanied by HG Abba Joannes and HG Abba Suriel, HH arrived Montreal. Received him at the airport His Excellency Taimur Serry, the Egyptian General Consul in Montreal, the Quebec Ceremonies Delegate and the pious fathers Heg Bishoy Saad, Fr Mikhail Aziz and some parish committee members of St Mark Montreal. St Antonios College: ------------------- All drove onto St Antonios College where they were received by Fr Mikhail Aziz priest of St Mark (Montreal) and supervisor of the college too. There were also, Heg Tadros Yacub, Fr Shenouda Doss (Ottawa), Heg Arsenios Serry and Fr Youssef Sedrah priests of St George (Montreal), Heg Seraphim Youssef and Fr Tadros El-Masry priests of Virgin Mary Montreal. After inaugurating the college, the young children with angelic voices received the Pope with the hymn "Ek ecmaru`ot". HH visited the 2 floors study building on the area of 1500 sq.m. surrounded by playgrounds on the area of 4500 sq.m. The study already began at Kindergarten, the First and Second year (Primary). Then HH met with the parents and distributed to them and to the children gifts on the occasion of the Nairouz Year. Fr Mikhail gave a touching word about the work of God in building the church, the encouragement of Pope Shenouda and the efforts that many made in order to acquire the necessary permits for the school and the cooperation if St Mark parish committee members. Attended the meeting the Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan Evram Abbudy of Canada, and the Canadian TV covered a part of the opening ceremony of the college. The ceremony was concluded by a word given by Pope Shenouda where he expressed his great joy with the inauguration of the first Coptic College in Canada and USA. He also talked about the importance of the existence of Coptic Colleges in the Western multi-directed society. In St Mark (Montreal): --------------------- >From St Antonios College, HH drove onto St Mark church (Montreal), there the beautiful and big St Mark church was full of people waiting for him. HH greeted on the occasion of the Nayruz Feast and the beginning of the New Coptic Year. He talked to them about the Life of Repentance and preparing one's self for Eucharist with a pure heart. On 17:00 (pm), HH drove back to the airport of Montreal for Toronto. At the farewell in Montreal there were Ambassador Taymur Serry, Heg Bishoy Ishaak Saad and some people of the congregation. It was the third flight of Pope Shenouda on the same day: 1) Boston-Philadelphia 2) Philadelphia-Montreal 3) Montral-Toronto In the three cities he met with his sons, talked to them about their spiritual life and met with priests to ask about their ministry in those churches. And from Toronto he went to Mississauga. The Pope in Mississauga: ----------------------- On Friday 11 September evening, accompanied by HG Abba Joannes and Abba Suriel, HH arrived at the airport of Toronto. Received him at the airport Abba Ruweis, Abba Serapion and the priests of the region to Toronto and Mississauga and a big number of people. The all went to the church of Virgin Mary and St Athanasios (The old church) which was overcrowded. HH prayed the "Thanksgiving" and congratulated the people for the Nayruz Feast and for their new church with the affiliated buildings. The new huge building of the church of Mississauga: -------------------------------------------------- They call it the Canadian Coptic Center. What a real wonder to buy an area exceeding 5 acres sticked to the building of the church and build buildings on the area of 8874 sq.m. including a beautiful large church (on 1457 sq.m.) becoming the biggest Coptic church abroad. Another small chapel (138 sq.m.), a multifuction big hall (613 sq.m.), 23 classrooms for Sunday School (on 1145 sq.m.), 5 Day Care classes very well equipped (435 sq.m.), Gymnasium and Theater (916 sq.m.) All that added to the old church (655 sq.m.) and 7 classrooms (655 sq.m.) How wonderful is the work of God indeed..! HH Pope Shenouda inaugurating the building: ------------------------------------------ On Saturday 12 September, HH received a number of officials, State men and church representatives for the region of Mississauga: - Mrs Hagel McCalliong, the Maire. - Egyptian Ambassador in Canada Mr Hamdy Naga. - Canadian Minister of Transport as delegate of the government. - Chief Police of Mississauga. - Canadian Parliement member for West Mississauga. - Mississauga City Local Council Member. - Metropolitan of the Ethiopian Church in Canada. - Anglican Church Bishop in Canada. - Bishop of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Canada. - Representatives of the Lutherian, Polish Catholic and Ocranian Orthodox churches. The Pope and his guests visited the building, he first inaugurated the New Comers Care Office, then the Gymnasium, the Multi-Purpose Hall, the day care classes (for 90 child on different levels) and Sunday School classes (The Sunday School responsibe presented HH with a report about the number of children, teenagers and youth in every class and told him that this report is updated on a quarterly basis. Then the party moved to inaugurate the church that was full of crowds who were happy for this new church. HH prayed the Thanksgiving and many words were said in this inauguration ceremony. Fr Angelos Saad talked about the work of God in this huge project. He thanked Pope Shenouda for his support and his coming to inaugurate the church and the center. He thanked all the responsibles for their true cooperation. He thanked the congregation for their generosity and love. The Canadian Minister of Transportation talked then and welcomed Pope Shenouda. In his words he said: "As Transportation Minister I transport the flesh of people from a place to another. But Your Holiness transport the souls of people from earth to the Kingdom of God. Then Mrs Hagel (the Maire) talked, she has big respect for Pope Shenouda, in her words she said that among all immigrants, Copts are the best. Then His Excellency Hamdy Nada Egyptian Ambassador in Canada talked, he welcomed Pope Shenouda and said that this Coptic Center is a pride for all Egypt. The Parliement meber talked then saying: "Here are two gifts for the Coptic Center: the good weather and the Canadian technology" The City Local Council Member talked highly about the Coptic church and the Center that became a touristic site of the city. Finally a child talked and she welcomed Pope Shenouda representing the new generation. The ceremony was concluded by a word of Pope Shenouda: He talked about the Coptic church, it's spread in the lands of immigration, he expressed his great joy for this new Coptic Center and this beautiful large church, he thanked the efforts and energy of Heg Angelos Mikhail and he said that the place is by the man. If the man is active, the place is characterized by activity, if the man is spiritual, the place is full of spiritual work. HH thanked the rest of the priests of the church: Fr Maximos and Fr Dometios. HH thanked the congregation of the church and their faith when beginning a project costing CA$ 3 million that God would help paying back the amount. He thanked all the responsibles and officials and the Royal Bank for their cooperation and good feelings. Then HH distributed gifts for all the attendance. Visiting St George and St Ruweis Chruch Toronto: ----------------------------------------------- With the sunset of the same day (Saturday 12 September) HH and the party drove onto St George and St Ruweis Church Toronto to inaugurate 7 Kindergarten classes, well fournished, equiped and accomodating 50 child. He also inaugurated the textile atelier which is fully operated by the elderly, he was offered products of the farm which was made by the church on the area of 100 acres. This land was blessed by HH in his previous visit. HH entered the church and talked to the people about "Repentance" which is suitable to the beginning of a new Coptic year. Then HH returned to Mississauga to attend a banquet at the new ceremony hall of the church in the Coptic Center. This banquet was attended by more than 500 Copts in a very honourable atmosphere because of the beauty, big size and order of the place. In this banquet many people talked amongst was the Egyptian Ambassador, the maire of Mississauga, priests of the church and the words were concluded by a word of HH "The church in our life". Among the people who talked was HG Abba Suriel. Gifts were given to Heg Angelos Mikhail on his 20 years anniversary of ordination. This ordination took place at St Tekla Heimanut church before he traveled abroad. Consecration of the altar of Mississauga New church: --------------------------------------------------- On Sunday 13 September, HH consecrated the altar in the name of Virgin Mary and St Athanasios. Participated in the consecration prayers, HG Abba Ruweis, Abba Serapion, Abba Joannes and Abba Suriel. Around two thousand people attended the consecration and a huge number received the sacraments. It was a happy day for the priests and the faithful. Consecration of the church of Vancouver: --------------------------------------- On Sunday evening, accompanied with HG Abba Suriel HH flew from Mississauga to Vancouver as Abba Joannes had traveled to Denmark. On Monday 15 September, HH consecrated the church of Vancouver in the name of St George. HG Abba Suriel participated with him in the consecration prayers. After celebrating the holy mass, they had breakfast with heads of the churches there and Imams of the moslems. >From there HH traveled to Los Angeles. The Pope in Los Angeles: ----------------------- On Monday 14 September evening, accompanied with HG Abba Suriel, HH arrived to Los Angeles. Received him at the airport Abba Serapion the bishop of the diocese, Abba Tadros, Abba Ruweis, Abba Matthaus and a number of priests and faithful. He directly drove onto City of Hope Hospital to ask about the health of HG Abba Karas. In this occasion he visited the child "Mina" to whom the spinal cord was transplanted two weeks ago. On Tuesday 15 September, he consecrated St Mina Church (River Side). The 5 bishops participated in the consecration. The Holy mass was then celebrated and all people received the sacraments. HH gave a word where he congratulated all the people. He thanked Fr Daniel Farag for the great effort he did to build this church in a high place on the mountain as a phare for the region. It is a two floors beautiful church in the form of the arch of Noah. HH had visited the site several times and he was following the progress many years ago since the choice of the site. We would like to mention later the work of faith that envelopped it's building. After the mass, the Pope took breakfast with some fathers and the congregation. Then he took the plane to return to his residence in Cedar Grove NJ. Accompanied him in his trip HG Abba Suriel. Final part of the trip: ---------------------- HH received many priests and church committees in private sessions. On 16 September evening, he gave his theological lecture for the seminarians and answered their questions. This lecture was attended by some Indian Orthodox Fathers On 18 September, HH received the dean and some professors from St Vladimir Seminary concerning the cooperation between the Coptic Theological Seminary and St Vladimir's. On 19 September, HH visited the Egyptian Consulate in New York. He was received by Mrs Soheir Zaki, the Egyptian General Consul in New York, the familiy of the consulate and many Egyptians, Copts and Moslems. Then HH visited his Legal Advisor Mr Magued Riyad El-Deiry and met some members of St Abraam Church (Long Island). On Saturday 19 September evening, HH flew to Cleveland. The next morning (Sunday 20 September) he consecrated the new icons on the Iconostas and the stained glass of the church. On Monday 21 September, HH flew back to New Jersey with Abba Suriel where he met Fr George Grace, priest of St Abanoub (Bayon) and the people of the region. After long pastoral meeting on Tuesday 22 September, HH flew at night to arrive to Cairo the next day and give his weekly lecture at St Mark Cathedral (Cairo). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= M I S C E L L A N E O U S N E W S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Bishops that Pope Shenouda met during his trip: ---------------------------------------------- In London: HE Abba Athanasios, Abba Seraphim, Abba Misael, Abba Damian, Abba Anthony and Abba Samuel. In USA: Abba Ruweis, Abba Serapion, Abba Suriel (All the trip) The accompanied HH till 15 September HG Abba Youssef (At NY, then he returned to his diocese and came to Boston for the Seminar). Abba Picenty came to Brooklyn to attend the consecration prayers. Abba Matthaus attended the seminar in Boston and attended the consecration of the church in River Side. Abba Tadros (in Los Angeles) and Abba Johanna (Arrived 16 September). Perfumed Incense: ---------------- In Exodus, the Lord ordered Moses that the Insence used in services should be perfumed (Ex 30:7) That's what the Pope explained to the priests in the seminar in Boston. He insisted that the insence used in the church should be perfumed not just spreading smoke! HG Abba Bishoy traveled to Beirut in order to attend a meeting of the ATIME (Associated Theological Institutes in the Middle East). The meeting is held for all Theological Instutes in the region in the period 21-25 September. HG Abba Ruweis accompanied HH in his trip to USA. He participated with him in consecrating the churches in Mississauga, Vancouver and River Side on 15 September 1998. The rest of his schedule is as follows: 16-20 September in the churches in Los Angeles, 25 September in Canada (Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener, London Ontario - St Paul Church) and Then to Cleveland in the period 26-27 September. >From Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October in Holmdel, Staten Island, East Brunswick and Philadelphia. On Monday 5 October he flies to Cairo to arrive on Tuesday 6 October. On Wednesday 16 September, HG Abba Johanna the General bishop traveled to Minnesota USA in order to serve there. He shall take this opportunity to make some medical tests. On Sunday 30 September, HH received at the Papal Residence in Alexandria, HG Abba Paula (Bishop of Gharbia) concerning familial problems. HG said that our youth should have some comparative theology basis concerning other non-orthodox denominations. After a long trip full of service for the Youth in Europe and America, HG Abba Moussa returned to Egypt and was received by Pope Shenouda. On Monday 31 August, HH met with Dr Safwat Ayoub, the Egyptian Ambassador in Zambia. The meeting was about Africa and Zambia. Attended it Abba Joannes and Abba Gabriel. In the frame of the celebrations that took place in the diocese of Behera reminding the consecration of St Athanasios Cathedral in Damanhur by Pope Shenouda in 2 September 1990, many celebrations were held in the period 26 August - 2 September under the care of Abba Pachomius the Bishop of Behera and Abba Taodros the general bishop of the diocese, those included: - Annointing St Augustin relics with spices in the eve of his martyrdom feast on 27 August 98 with the attendance of Abba Benjamin the bishop of Menufia. - Annointing the relics of St Athanasios, the Martyrs of Fayoum and Akhmim with spices in the evening of Tuesday 1 September 98 with the attendance of HE Abba Bishoy the Metropolitan of Damiet. Holding Spiritual Revival period attended by bishop all over the week. - Holding the eight youth festival under the title "Together preaching Christ". By it's endmedals were distributed for the winners. On Thursday 23 September 98 morning, Tamav Edrosis mother superior of Prince Theodore Convent (Haret El-Rum) traveled to Ohio for treatment. She was accompanied by her sister Mother Joanna. Before traveling they were received by Pope Shenouda at the Papal Residence and he prayed for them. Two letters arrived to Pope Shenouda from HE Abba Daniel the Metropolitan of Khartoum and the South and HG Abba Sarabamon Bishop of Atbara and Om-Dorman. We thank Heg Sidarous Abdel-Messih for the spiritual revival he made during the virgin's feast. He celebrated masses and gave lectures (around 15 churches) in all churches in Khartoum, Om-Dorman, Kadaref, Ouad-Madny, Shendy, Atbara, El-Damer and El-Shaheden in El-Emarat. He held a conference for servants in the two dioceses. The Sudanese TV shot 9 lectures, the first of which passed on the TV on Sunday 16 September 98. Heg Sidarous returned to Egypt after his fruitful trip. HH received him. He is one of the very active priests in Shebeen El-Kom. Pope Shenouda decided delegating Heg Sidarous Abdel-Messih to serve in Colombus Ohio. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN IMMIGRATION COUNTRIES =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Heg Tadros Yacub Malaty presented HH with the first part of the history of the church in immigration countries, since the service of St George Church (Sporting Alexandria) abroad. HH consecrated St George church (Brooklyn) at it's silver jubilee. In this occasion, it's priest Fr Mina Kamel published a book about the history of the church and the early service in immigration countries. St George and St Shenouda church (Jersey City) presented HH with a brochure about the church's history which they had made in the occasion of their priest's ordination (Fr Antonios Ragheb) silver jubilee. During HH visit to Stevenage (London), HH met with Abba Anthony and some priests who presented him with the history of the church in: Scotland, Ireland, New Castle, York, Kent and Margit, Doncaster and Bournemouth. They presented the Sunday School Modules they are using and their Newsletter "Maran Atha" In Stevenage HH met with Heg Mikhail El-Baramosy who presented him with the history of St Antonios Monastery (Kroeffelbach, Germany) In Paris 21 September 98, the "Paroisse de l'Archange Michel et de St Georges" bought a building in the attendance of HG Abba Morcos Bishop of Shubra El-Khema and Abba Damian the General Bishop of Germany (who signed the contract with a delegation from Pope Shenouda). The first mass was held in the building on 22 October which coincided with the feast of Archangel Michael. The building is three floors high, covering the area of 900 sq.m., on a main road and has many facilities for all services, activities and Sunday School. Architectural design is still taking place in order to transform the building to our Coptic Orthodox style. Our best congratulations for Fr Moussa Anba-Bishoy and Fr Lazarus El-Antony. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= O B I T U A R I E S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We were very touched by the sudden departure of Prof Dr Zaki Shenouda the director of the ICS (Institute of Coptic Studies) in the evening of Saturday 12 September 98 in St George Monastery (Khatatba). He was born 3 October 1917 in Om-Dorman (Sudan) and departed at the age of 81. He graduated from Cairo University with a License and Master in Law, he worked as lawyer from 1940 to 1960. He was appointed Legal Advisor for the Association of the solidarity of Asian and African peoples from 1958 to 1985. In the 40s, he was assistant chief of the Wafd party and the Editor in Chief of it's Newspaper. Among his writings: Encyclopedia of the History of Copts and Christianity (10 Volumes), he translated many French and English writings in History, Law, Literature and Philosophy into Arabic. He wrote dozens of articles in newspapers which he republished under the title "A Coptic witnessing of the age". He received a honour Doctorat from the ICS (Institute of Coptic Studies) and Fellowship of the ICS in 1978. He was appointed director of the ICS in 1981. At his funeral at St Peter and St Paul church, both HG Abba Moussa and Abba Bemoua prayed on his body. He was a honest person with good values. May the Lord give rest to his soul in the paradise of joy and condolence to the people who loved him. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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. Kolonsoa: A head cover black tissue worn by Coptic monks and nuns as well as bishops and the Pope. It is decorated by 6 crosses of both the right and left side of the head representing the 12 apostles seperated by a line in the middle and one cross on the back representing Christ. According to tradition an angel appeared St Anthony in that dress. 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. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=