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.: 39, 40 I | X Date: Friday 16 October 1998 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this issue: ------------------ History of the church in immigration countries .......................... Meetings of the ATIME ................................................... Snippets ................................................................ Illustrated News ........................................................ Miscellaneous News ...................................................... Book Review ............................................................. Obituaries .............................................................. Endnotes ................................................................ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN IMMIGRATION COUNTRIES =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Beginning of the next issue, El-Keraza shall begin publishing a series of articles concerning the history of the church in immigration countries. Before Pope Shenouda stands a big collection of church history written by the pens of those servants that lived and witnessed it. Before him also, is a questionnaire that was filled by the priests in the last Seminar in Boston, one month ago.. It includes detailed data concerning Coptic churches in the land of immigration (Canada and USA). HH is currently reading this huge amount of information in order to get a clear picture of the beginning of the service in the land of immigration. The Copts abroad passed through three phases: - First Phase: Before building churches and priest ministry. - Second Phase: Building 7 churches in the time of the late Pope Kyrollos VI in Canada, USA, Australia and London. - Third Phase: The current wide spread of our churches in the west. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Meeting of the ATIME (Associated Theological Institutes in the Middle East) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On 23rd September 98 at St John of Damas Theological Institute (Greek Orthodox - Balamand, Lebanon), the periodical meeting for Theological Institutes deans or dean representatives was held. In this meeting, following a delegation by HH Pope Shenouda, HE Metropolitan Bishoy represented the Coptic Theological Seminaries both in Cairo and Alexandria, HG Bishop Benjamin represented the Theological Seminary of Shebin El-Kom and HG Bishop Paul represented the Theological Seminary of Tanta. Fr Bishoy Michel represented the Care and Education Institute (Cairo). Attended too Fr Elyias Khalifa the Executive Secretary, Mr Guirguis Saleh delegated by Dr Morris Taodros and Archmandrite Boules Yazgy the director of the Balamand Institute. Fr Shahan Sarkessian, director of the Armenian Orthodox Theological Institute (Antelias, Lebanon) and Fr Matta, director of MarAvraam The Syrian Institute (Maaret Sednaya, Syria). The activities held over the past year and the charter were presented and a plan was done for the activities that should take place next year. HE Abba Bishoy presided the meeting as he is the elected President of ATIME till new elections took place to decide a president, an executive secretary for the coming period (3 years). The elections resulted in the following: 1- Fr George Khawaam, President for 3 unrenewable years. 2- Mr Michel Nosseir, Executive Secretary for 3 renewable years. 3- Prof Dr Rasmy Abdel-Malek (Professor at the Care Institute), Co-Executive Secretary for 3 renewable years. 4- Fr Paul Lahhad (Professor at the Kaslic Theological College - Lebanon) Co-Executive Secretary for 3 renewable years. 5- Rev'd Mofid Gamil, from the Evangelical Theological Seminary Abbasseya Cairo. It was agreed that the next meeting should take place at Mar Avraam The Syrian Monastery (Maaret Sednaya, Syria) following an invitation of HH MarIgnatius Zakka I Eiwass on the first week of September 1999 God willing. HH received HE Abba Bishoy upon his return from Lebanon where he presided ATIME's meeting in the period 23-26 September '98. HE presented HH with a full report to HH concerning his trip. Then he discussed with HH some topics concerning the Clerical Council in Cairo and Alexandria. In the period 2-4 October, HE traveled to Cyprus with HG Abba Moussa in order to participate with the Middle East churches in their stand facing the World Council of Churches' Harare meeting (2nd December 98). When they returned, they presented a report to HH Pope Shenouda about the meeting. In the period 6-8 October 98, HE Abba Bishoy traveled to Lebanon in order to attend the MECC Preparatory Committee meeting which prepares for the MECC General Assembly which shall take place in Lebanon (April 1999). In the period 8-10 October, HE attended with HH the MECC Executive Committee meeting in Lebanon. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Snippets =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Thursday 8 October 98 morning, HH Pope Shenouda traveled to Lebanon in order to attend the MECC Executive Committee Meeting as member of it's Presidium. Mr Samir Morcos the MECC Co-Executive Secretary and Responsible of the media accompanied him. On Saturday 10 October, they returned to Egypt. This might be Pope Shenouda's shortest trip in all past years. On Monday 5 October '98 evening, HE Abba Athanasios, Metropolitan of Beni-Sweif returned to Egypt after a treatment journey that lasted for more than three months. HH had sent both Their Graces Abba Joannes and Abba Gabriel to receive him at the airport. On Tuesday morning, HH received him. Attended this meeting HG Abba Joannes, Abba Gabriel and Tasoni Ruth. On Wednesday 7 October morning, accompanied by HG Abba Gabriel, Abba Athanasios returned to his diocese in Beni-Sweif. During the October festivals, Pope Shenouda attended the ceremony of putting flowers on the 'Anonymous Soldiers' tomb. He congratulated President Hosny Mubarak and the heads of the Egyptian army for the glorious triumph of October. On Monday 21 September '98, HH received Mr Tarek Metry, Executive Secretary of the World Council of Churches' Inter-Religion Committee. In the meeting they discussed the Orthodox stand in the World Council of Churches and the coming general committee meeting in Harare (2 December 98). Attended the meeting HE Abba Bishoy, Abba Barnabas, Abba Joannes and Abba Gabriel. On Sunday 27th September 98 evening, accompanied by HG Abba Joannes, HH Pope Shenouda visited Dr Nabila Mikhail the General Congregational Council member at El-Salam Hospital. He prayed for her and annointed her with holy oil. We thank the Lord that she left the hospital after the adequate treatment was done. On 4th October, HH received her at the Papal Residence with her husband Dr Thomas. On 29th September 98, HG Abba Biemen returned from Switzerland with part of the relics of St Verena which he considers from his diocese as she lived in one of the diocese's villages. HG shall prepare a shrine to keep her relics. On Thursday 1st October, HH received him with the relics. On 28th September '98, HG Abba Barnabas Bishop of Turin and Rome arrived to Egypt in order to visit the mother church. On Wednesday 30th September morning, HH received him. HG presented to Pope Shenouda one of HH books recently translated into Italian "La vita della virtu e della giustizia". In the morning of Friday 2nd October, HG returned to Rome. In 20th September HG Abba Ishaiah arrived Australia. Many priests received him. He had served for many years in Melbourne while he was priest and has many friends there. On Friday 2 October '98, HG Abba Joannes travels to Sohag to supervise the work that is taking place at the monastery of the great St Shenouda. Heg Saleeb Ava-Mina accompanied HG. At St George Monastery (Rozaikat), HG met with Abba Morcos Bishop of Shubra El-Khema and discussed necessary preparations for St George coming festivals (Mulid) next November. On Sunday 4th October evening, HG returned to Cairo. HG Abba Morcos, Bishop of Shubra El-Khema returned from Gemany where the famous Egyptian Orphthalmist Prof Dr Ismail Hassuna successfully operated his eyes. HG shall travel to St George Monastery (Rozaikat) to participate with Abba Joannes in the preparations for St George Festival. HH chose Fr Joannes Awadallah (priest of the church in Johannesburg) to serve the church in Ajax (North East Toronto) and the surrounding area. It is the first time this church acquires a special priest for it's service. This is considered the 17th church in Canada. On Friday 2 October '98, Fr Joannes Awadallah traveled to Canada after being received by HH Pope Shenouda. HH had delegated Fr Abanoub Sobhy from the diocese of Beni-Sweif to serve in Johannesburg in place of Fr Joannes. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Illistrated News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= [Picture] This is an old picture. It was taken in the first week after the enthrownment of HH Pope Shenouda. In the middle of the picture appears Mar Ignatius Jacob III, Patriarch of Antioch who participated in the ordination prayers and signed the ordination document. Pope Shenouda is seen in the age of 48 years old. On the other side of the picture we see the late Abba Morcos, metropolitan of Abu-Teeg, Tahta and Tema. He was beloved to Pope Shenouda, even before his consecration as monk. [Picture] Our children in Australia in St Antonios College (Melbourne), it is the second Coptic college in Melbourne, the first one is Virgin Mary College (Melbourne), the third one is St Mark College Sydney. It is rejoicing that all those children learn and be raised in the arms of the church in Australia, in a spiritual environment. [Picture] On 3 September '98, following the Holy Synod's approval of St Shenouda Monastery (Milan), HG Abba Kyrollos ordained the first 3 monks in the monastery: Abramo, Antonio, Giovanni and Avashenuty. He is seen in the picture with the new monks and with Fr Gabriel El-Baramosy, Fr Agathon El-Baramosy and Fr Kyrollos Aziz. We congratulate the monastery, the newly ordained monks and HG Abba Kyrollos Bishop of Milan. [Picture] In the period 15-20 July '98, HG Abba Barnabas the Bishop of Turin and Rome held a children convention that was attended by 70 child. The convention was under his care and supervision with the participation of the monks: Fr Zakaria El-Suriany, Fr Pachomius El-Suriany, Fr Theophilos El-Suriany and Fr Antonio Jimmy Fouad. [Picture] In St Mina Monastery, HH is seen while giving a word to the monks. Both Abba Demetrios and Abba Joannes appeared in the picture. [Picture] In 27 September '98 (Feast of the Cross), HG Abba Serapion ordained Dcn Gabe Michel Gabriel priest in the name Fr Mikhail in order to serve St Demyana Church (Baker's Ville) and St George & St Bishoy Church (Veslia). The ordination took place at Santa Anna, Orange County CA, HG Abba Youssef participated in the ordination prayers. All appear in the picture. We congraulate the new priest, Abba Serapion and for the congregations of the two churches. [Picture] This is a Picture of HG Abba Suriel in his visit to our church in Edmonton (West Canada). It was taken in a Youth Meeting in the church and the lecture was about "Christ among other Gods". =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Miscellaneous News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= At the ICS (Institute of Coptic Studies): ---------------------------------------- Following the departure of Dr Zaki Shenouda, the former director of the ICS (Institute of Coptic Studies), HH visited the Institute. On Monday 28th September evening, accompanied by HG Abba Joannes, Dr Nabil Sobhi Head of the Sociology Depertment and Mr Mamdouh Abdou head of the Papal Cabinet, he met with the secretariat of the ICS. On Tuesday 29th September '98, HH met with more than 50 of the teaching staff. In that meeting it was decided: 1- Appointing Dr Nabil Sobhy Head of the Examn Committee preparing for the examns which shall take place on the second half of this coming October. 2- Beginning putting a charter for the ICS, the higher studies and the scientific grades given by the Institute. 3- The importance of linking the Institute to the Coptic people through seminars, a magazine or thesis. 4- HH decided to meet with each department seperately to study the mission of each department and whether or not it is fulfiling it. 5- HH cared to paint the ICS walls and made special agreements with Dr Tharwat Bassili (General Congregational Council Delegate) and with the Head of the Papal Cabinet. Directors of El-Ragaa Coptic Medical Center: ------------------------------------------- On Tuesday 6th October '98 evening at 14:00 pm, HH attended the meeting that was organized by Prof Dr Nabil Sobhy for the servants of El-Ragaa Church Medical Centers all over Egypt. They amounted to more than 100 person with many priests. Representatives of El-Ragaa Centers in Ardel-Golf, Maadi, Alexandria, Beni-Mazar, Abu-Korkas, El-Menya, Damanhur, Matay, Manahra and Banha were all present. Both the delegates of Abu-Korkas and Beni-Mazar spoke. Each of them explained the activities of the center in his region, concerning the treatment of difficult illnesses such as Cancer, Renal Failure, Liver Failure, as well as rehabilitation of sight, motor and mentally handicapped people. The audience followed their talk with great interest and asked many questions. Pope Shenouda talked then, thanking the mission they are doing and he explained it's spiritual importance. The Coptic Church in Germany: ---------------------------- HG Abba Damian was chosen honorary president of the Foreign churches in Berlin. At the same time, he is the delegate of Ecumenical Cooperation in Berlin Brandburg. In Trier the final touches were put to St Athanasios church (Trier). The iconostas was installed, the altar was covered with marble, electricity connections, chairs, the chair, the baptistery and waiting to be consecrated... In Stuttgart, on 27th September '98 (Feast of the Cross) after the Holy Liturgy, a ceremony was organized to celebrate the receipt of the new church. Following an invitation if HG Abba Paul, an association (e.V.) was registered in order to gather the greatest number of German and Coptic friends which can participate in the ministry in Africa. Eng. Ibrahim Samak made a big effort in that respect. In Bitburg, a general meeting was held for our fathers the priests in Germany. It was attended by Fr Babnoda (who hosted the whole group), Fr Dioscorus El-Antony, Fr Gabriel Anba-Bishoy, Fr Biemen and Fr Guirguis El-Moharaky and Fr Taodros. On the next day, joined them Fr Pigol Bassili and Fr Boules Shehata. Fr Yohanna is supervising the publishing of the Newsletter "My Coptic Church". He types most of it's articles on his computer. In Hoexter, the first half of the monastery is 90% accomplished from the inside and the outside of the monastery. The State (Kreis Hoexter) asked that the monastery would join the projects that the state submits to the Great Exposition in Hannover (Hannover Messe 2000). One of the associations donated the chairs and the lamps to the monastery. The workshops of the monastery shall manufacture windows for a Syrian Monastery and for a Greek Church. It shall manufacture a sanctuary for an Ethiopian Church. Many visitors from different part of Germany are visiting the monastery. >From abroad also, many Copts and Europeans are coming. Last summer, a number of youth from Sweden and the Netherland spent their annual vacation in the monastery. In the monastery, Eng Mounir Boutros works, he is responsible for all our church buildings in Germany. The inauguration of the Coptic Museum was attended by the the Governor, the Maire, the head of the city council, the press attache of the Egyptian Embassy in Germany and more than 20 representative of important institions in the region. HG Abba Damian thanks all those who presented the museum with archeological pieces and welcomes all those who would lend pieces. Dr v. Moorsel, Dr Krause and Dr Gawdat Gabra cooperated to present their work and experience to serve this Coptic museum. A Doctor in Coptology shall be hired to maintain it. 13 glass case was manufactured in St Morriz (Hoexter) workshops and in the Coptic village. Special Spiritual Conventions for the deaf and the dumb: ------------------------------------------------------- Three conventions were held for the deaf and the dumb, sign language was used. The first convention for Upper Egypt was held. Most diocese were Asswan, Luxor, Assiut, Kossia, Suhag, El-Menya and Beni-Sweif. It took place in the period 20-25 June '98. The main theme was 'Prayer'. Many masses and seminars were celebrated in the sign language. The audience were 150 person with 50 servant. 200 people in all. In Alexandria, in the region of Abu-Youssef, in a church retreat House in Tahta, a convention was held for Cairo in the period 5-10 July '98. In Ismaylia, a convention was held for the region in Alexandria in the period 1-5 August '98. They were 150 person and the theme was 'Prayer'. New Cimetery for the Copts in Cotsica: ------------------------------------- HG Abba Daniel, the General Bishop for Maadi received a letter from General Mohsen Mahmoud El-Salawy, General Secretary of the Ministry of Defense with the following message: The General Leader of the Armed Forces, the Minister of Defense approved relaying the triangle of land shown in the attached map to St George Church (Kornish El-Nil str., Kotsica) in order to be used as cemetery for Christians. The Ministry shall build a wall on the new borders with the remaining land of the Armed Forces west of the Autostrade. We thank His Excellency Tantawy the Minister of Defense and the General Leader of the Armed Forces for this nice sign. Pope Shenouda meeting priests: ----------------------------- On Saturday and Sunday 26 and 27 September '98, in the Papal Residence in Alexandria, HH received: - Heg Sharubim El-Pachomy (prior of the Patriarchate in Alexandria), - Fr Bishoy Andrews priest of St Mark (Washington) who proposed the project of expanding the church which is too small for the congregation. - Heg Mikhail Girgis Saleeb, priest of Archangel Michael (Damanhur) with his daughter, her fiancee, the family and his fellow priests. In Cairo and in the monastery HH received: - Fr Abanoub Attallah (Melbourne, Australia) who discussed with HH matters concerning his ministry in the church and in St Antonios College. - Fr Michael Michel Gabriel the new priest for Baker's Ville and Vislia in Los Angeles. - Heg Yohanna Tadros priest of Virgin Mary and St George (Queens) who came in a visit to the mother church. - Fr Hedra from St Pachomius (El-Shayeb) Monastery in Luxor. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Book Review =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1- La vita della virtu e della giustizia Written by HH Pope Shenouda III and translated into Italian by HG Abba Barnabas 2- Kristi Natur Written by HH Pope Shenouda III "Nature of Christ" and translated into Danish. 3- Tarikh El-Makrizy This book was previously published in the name "Golden says of El-Makrizy", it is recently published in good quality by Dr Abdel-Megid Diab, accompanied with a study and report. He named it "Tarikh El-Akbat" 'History of the Copts' The original book is titled "Homilies and considerations refering to manuscripts and archeology" It is also known as "El-Makrizy Manuscripts". El-Makrizy is a Moslem scholar who wrote about the history of the Copts, their churches, saints, monasteries and faith (his understanding of their faith). This book is a famous one following the history till the fourteenth century. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Obituaries =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Tuesday 22 September '98, Lieutenant General Henry Abadeer departed from our vanishing world. He is the first Copt to reach the post of L.T. after whom L.T. Fouad Aziz one of the heros of the war of October. He was once a minister of Communication and was finally chosen as member of the Congregational Council in the beginnings of the 1980s. For a long while he was appointed as member of the Egyptian Parliement and was also the responsible for the national security there. The funeral was held in Virgin Mary Church Zamalek in 24 September '98. Many fathers prayed there at the funeral: Their Graces Abba Joannes, Abba Picenty and a number of priests. We pray for the rest of his soul. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=