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.: 47, 48 I | X Date: Friday 11 December 1998 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this issue: ------------------ The Archbishop of Greece visits our church .............................. Dr Ragheb Moftah reaching his 100 years of age .......................... Miscellaneous News ...................................................... General Assembly of the WCC World Council of Churches ................... Golden Jubilee of St Mina Church (Fleming) .............................. Metropolitans and Bishops ............................................... The Coptic church in Scotland organizes a meeting to all denominations .. 58 Feddans of endowments returned to the Coptic Church .................. Word of His Emminence Christodolus Archbishop of Athens and all Greece .. Dr Ragheb Moftah, a symphony of church giving ........................... Endnotes ................................................................ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Archbishop of Greece visits our church =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Monday 30 November '98 evening, accompanied by HH Patriarch Petrus VII of the Greek Orthodox in Alexandria and all Africa, HH Christodolus, the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece payed a visit to our Coptic church. He was received by Pope Shenouda and greeted by the Theological Seminary Chorus who sand beautiful hymns. Words of greetings were given by Patriarch Petrus, Archbishop Christodolus and the Pope then gifts were exchanged. This meeting had a big impact and in the coming pages the word given by Archbishop Christodolus. [Picture] the picture is showing Their Holiness surrounded by some of their metropolitans and bishops. HE Metropolitan Bishoy appeared in the picture too. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dr Ragheb Moftah reaching his 100 years of age =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dr Ragheb Moftah is the head of the Music and Hymns Departement at the ICS (Higher Institute of Coptic Studies). He is the pioneer of hymns in our generation. He shall reach his 100 years of age on Monday 21 December 1998 as he was born on 21 December 1898. On this occasion, his 100 years anniversary shall be celebrated in a festival worth to the man that dedicated all his work to keep this great heritage of hymns. Not only in audio but in musical transcription too which was promised to be published by the AUC American University in Cairo. A special geerting to this zealous Coptic man, whose age was prolonged by our Lord to arrive to this hundred celebration. He fulfilled a mission that nobody could have achieved. We thank the Lord for keeping him for us. We thank him for keeping our hymns through his efforts and consecration. [Picture] In the picture, he appeared with Pope Shenouda before the Papal Residence in Cairo on Monday 1st December 98 when he was received and greeted by the Pope. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Miscellaneous News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In the evening of Friday 20 November 98, HH received Prof Dr Gaballah Ali Gaballah the General Director of the High Council of Antiquities who was accompanied by high personalities from the Egyptian Service of Antiquities. The discussion turned about the restoration of Coptic antiquities, and the big role played in the retoration of old Coptic Monuments by the High Council of Antiquities. The discussion dealt also with the importance of the Glass Monastery (Deir El-Zogag). Attended the meetings their graces Abba Matthaus, Abba Isodorus, Abba Joannes, Abba Anthony and a number of monks. >From Abba Abraham (Metropolitan of Jerusalem): On St George Feast day and on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the enthrownment of HH Pope Shenouda, the relics of St George were aromated and 6 new monks were consecrated in the names: Monks Antonios, Paula, Maximos, Dometios, Youssef and Justus. The consecration was blessed too by HG Bishop Sarabamon, Abbot of the Monastery of St Bishoy. It was a cheerful day. We congratulate Abba Abraham and the new monks for this historical consecration. [Picture] HG Abba Tadros in his visit to the land of the new church in Green Ville (South Carolina, USA). This picture was taken with the congragation of the church after the Holy Mass which was celebrated in the actual church and the prayer of blessing the water which was spread on the land. Our congratulations to the Copts in Green Ville. On the occasion of the feast of Prince Theodore of Shoteb, his Convent in Haret El-Rum had a mass celebrated by HG Bishop Marcos (of Shubra El-Khema) upon a delegation from HH Pope Shenouda. The mass was followed by great celebrations which were all organized my it's mother superior Tamav Edrosis. On Wednesday 25 November '98, HH Pope Shenouda received His Excellency Dr Abdel-Monaem Saleh the Irakian Minister of Endownments and religious affairs accompanied by Abdel-Latif Hemeim the Head of the Governing Board of the Islamic Bank of Irak and Mr Hatem Abbass El-Gawy the head of Caring for Irakian Affairs Sector in Cairo. The meeting was attended by Their Graces Abba Joannes and Abba Gabriel. Compassion was shown towards the Irakian People suffering because of the siege of Irak. With the lack of medicine and food it kills many children. On Tuesday 24 November '98, the church celebrated the feast of St Mina in his monastery in Mariut. A big spiritual celebration was held, it gathered thousands of people. On Saturday 21 November morning, Pope Shenouda went to St Mina monastery where he prepared the spices and annointed the saint's relics with. Attended and participated with HH in the prayers: HG Abba Demetrios, Abba Joannes, Abba Anthony and Heg Sharubim El-Bachomy (Prior of the Patriarchate in Alexandria). Then HH had a spiritual meeting with the monks after which he drove onto Alexandria to give the Theology Classes at the Theological Seminary. Our best congratulations for St Mina's Feast. On Friday 27 November, HE Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiet traveled to England in order to give his lectures at our Theological Seminary in Stevenage. He celebrated the mass at Archangel Michael church in the Coptic Center there and returned on Monday 30 November evening and attended Pope Shenouda's lecture at the Theological Seminary in Cairo the next day. At the dawn of Thursday 3 December, he traveled to attend with the Coptic delegation the Central Committee Meetings of the World Council of Churches. The High Legal Committee following the 'Heads of the Churches in Egypt Meeting' put it's final touches in formulating the Personal Statute Project. On Monday 30 November '98, Pope Shenouda received advisor Melek Mina Gorgy in this concern. The project is now being prepared for press and signature of the heads of the churches in Egypt to be then submitted to the Ministry of Justice that necessary procedures would be done. On Tuesday 1 November '98 morning, Pope Shenouda received around 60 Combonian Catholic Monk and Nun from 25 nationality (they all belong to the monastic order of Fr Daniel Comboni). Some of them were still novices. Upon their request, the Pope talked to them about the Coptic church, it's past, present and answered their questions. In Alexandria HG Abba Paula, Bishop of Gharbia met with a number of lawyers. He explained to them the Biblical teachings concerning the marital affairs and discussed with them their questions. On Tuesday 1 November '98 morning, HH met with His Excellency Mr Peter Gunning, the Irish Ambassador in Egypt. It was an introductory meeting where they talked about the role of the seven Coptic monks in founding the church of Ireland in early centuries. The discussion ran also about the different activities of the Coptic Church. Both Abba Joannes and Abba Gabriel attended the meeting. On Wednesday 2 December '98, Pope Shenouda received Mr Mazen Youssef Sabbagh, the advisor of the Syrian Minister of Media. HH handed him an introduction for the book that shall be published by the Syrian Ministry of Media about 'Pope Shenouda'. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= General Assembly of the WCC World Council of Churches =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On 3 December '98, the general assembly of the world council of churches took place in Harare. That celebrates 50 years for the foundation of WCC. HH delegated 13 member (following the rules) to represent the Coptic church in the assembly. They are: >From Egypt: HE Abba Bishoy, Abba Joannes and Heg Isaiah Mikhail. HG Abba Moussa apologized for not being able to attend. USA: HG Abba Serapion and Abba Suriel. Africa: HG Abba Antonios-Markos and Abba Paul Europe: Abba Damien and Heg Antonios Thabet. Women: Dr Marcelle Sobhy and Dr Wedad Abbass. Youth: Bishoy Heg Mikhail Edward and Mr Guirguis Saleh. With this assembly, this period where Pope Shenouda was member of the WCC Presidium ended as delegate of Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Council. It was agreed that HH Zakka Eiwass, the Patriarch of Antioch shall represent our Oriental Orthodox Churches. The General Assembly meetings shall last till 14 December 98. HG Abba Joannes returns on the dawn of Sunday 13 December and the rest of the delegation on 15 December 98. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Golden Jubilee of St Mina Church (Fleming) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On January 1927, a Royal Decree was issued permitting the foundation of the church. Despite of that, the building didn't take place but 20 years later upon the will of Heg Mina the Hermit (later Pope Kyrollos VI). He encouraged the Wonder Making St Mina society to build the church to have St Mina as patron saint. The church was later consecrated on 1948 in the time of the late Pope Jusab II. The first people to serve in the church were Fr Athanasios Boutros El-Gabalawy, Fr Mina Iskander (1959) who initiated many activities, two adjacent houses were donated to the church by their owners: Mr Sabongi and Mrs Demyana. A social services building was made there. Then served there Fr Yohanna Henein on 1962 and Heg Felimon Labib - he departed 1 February 1987. Few years later, on 1 January 1997, Fr Mina Iskander departed too. They were both burried in a special tomb under the church. On 19 February 1976, Fr Sarabamon Atteya was ordained to serve in this church with Fr Yohanna Henein. In that time the Student Hostel affilated to the church was built and a third floor to the services building where a new equipped hall was built. Many other buildings were made in the church which became a center of many activities. We do not neither forget Pope Shenouda founding the Theological Seminary in 1972, he chose the one the church halls to be the location of the Seminary. It remained in the church for many years till it moved to St Mark Cathedral. BLESS also founded many activities there. We wish this old and active church blessing from the Lord. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Metropolitans and Bishops =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= HE Metropolitan Marcos and Bishop Athanasios returned to France. They were received by Pope Shenouda on Tuesday 24 November and Wednesday 25 December '98. It is expected that HE Metropolitan Marcos shall operate his knee in France. May the Lord heal him. HG Abba Antonios-Marcos returned to Africa. On 25 November he was received by the Pope and they discussed the ministry there. HG Abba Macarius the Eritrean traveled to America. He was received by the Pope before he traveled. On Tuesday 24 November 98, at the Papal Residence in Cairo, HH received HG Bishop Sarabamon the Abbot of St Bishoy Monastery after he returned from Jerusalem. On Sunday 29 November '98, at the Papal Residence in Cairo, HH received HG Abba Picenty. HG Abba Marcos of Eritrea had gone in a trip to Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. On Monday 30 November, he arrived to Egypt and was received by HH Pope Shenouda who asked about his news. On Thursday 2 December '98, HG returned to Eritrea with the Lord's peace. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Coptic church in Scotland organizes a meeting gathering all denominations =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Saturday 24 October '98, a meeting was held, the first of it's kind, organized by our Coptic church in Scotland and attended by Prof.Alan Nain, Head of the Scotish Church (who visits this region of his diocese once every 10 years). Delegates of other churches were present too such as the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, The Scotish Free Church, Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches and others. This meeting was attended by 45 clergy and 15 member of member from the congragations of other churches. From this meeting emerged a monthly meeting of prayer organized by the Coptic church (like the International Day of Prayer for the Unity of the Church). The first workshop concerning 'Baptism in the daily life' [Refering to earlt centuries] shall be held on 30 January 1999. It also includes all denominations and is organized by the Coptic Church. [Picture] In this picture we can see (from Right to Left): Rt.Rev.Prof.Alan Nain (Head of the Scotish Church), HG Abba Anthony, Rev.John, the Intrim Moderator of Kirkcaldy =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 58 Feddans of endowments returned to the Coptic Church =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On the meeting of Monday 23 November '98 between the Egyptian Endowment Body and the Coptic Endownment Body. It was agreed that the Coptic Church shall get back the following endowed land: In the Governorate of Assiut: 9:3:16 Feddan endowed by the late Lucia Elyias Bishay. In the Governorate of El-Minya: 49:13:2.5 Feddan multiple endowed land. The total land is therefore: 58:16:18.5 Feddan retirned to the church. Our great thanks to the common committee and the great spirit that the representatives of the Ministry of Endowments are showing. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Word of His Emminence Christodolus Archbishop of Athens and all Greece The talk was given in Greek. Translated into Arabic by Fr Athanasios Henein and into English (here) by Shenouda Mamdouh. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Your Holiness, With great love and honour to me personally, am I making this visit and meet with the great person you are, as very respected head of the clergy and with your respected holy synod and the congregation of your church. We are coming as brethren visiting their dearly beloved brethren. The church you preside has it's roots deep in history. It is a glorious church but it also passed through paschal pains. It related and suffered with our church from similar pains and bitter temptations. We have faith that the trials we are making to bring unity back between us and you could bring it's fruits if we agree not to touch the essence of the faith of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. Our coming here exceeds the limits of a routine meeting or traditional visit, it is the expression of impression and gratitude to your witnessing and martyr church. Your Holiness, History witnesses that many of my Greece Bishop precedessors, on several historical periods made various trials to achieve the approach and open new common routes and paths. Those days, the Lord looked unto us and had mercy on us. He allowed the start of a theological dialogue between our churches. We can describe it as a serious, frank and objectif dialogue and liberal from the pains of the past. This dialogue is almost 30 years old (1971-1998). It may advance with the guidance of the fully Holy Spirit. Naturally, without touching the essence of the true dogma and one faith which gave the earth it's form and beauty to arrive to the unity according to His commandment: "May they be one"(John 17:11). It is impossible while surfing the huge historical heritage to forget our duty towards the Lord of the church. And forget to give Him thanks because He lately revealed men who are honest and loving the Lord, they carried the burden of the theological dialogue in honesty, in full eguality between us and in absolute freedom aiming to refresh and fix fraternal relations that linked us in Christ throughout history. The care of our church to communicate and build relations with your church was well shown. And the Coptic church participated, following an official invitation, celebrating 1900 years for the foundation of the churches of Greece by St Paul in 1952. Your church participated too in the millenary anniversay for the foundation of the Monastery of Lavra and the beginning of Monastic at the Mount Athos (1963) where Your Holiness participated in person. In Greece, a big interest then appeared to you. It appeared through the publishing of books concerning the Coptic Orthodox Church and participating in conferences. Trips to Egypt increased too to visit the Holy places and Coptic Monasteries. And Finally, in your time, many clergy and laymen came to study Theology in the Theological Institutes in Athens and Thesaloniki. We believe that the continuance of those trials shall arrive with God's grace to the required results because we trust that both good will for approach and suitable atmosphere exist. Your Holiness, St Shenouda the Archmandrite, after whom you are named mastered Alexandrian Hellenic Science and Culture. He was also known to master Greek language and literature. That's why St Cyril chose him to be his assistant. His great acquaintance with Greek language and literature might have made him entitled to be the founder of Coptic Literature classics. We have a common heritage emerging from the one apostolic heritage and one church sens formulated by our common fathers and founders of the Oriental church. Your Holiness and my brother in Christ, We believe that all christian virtues of the witnessing and martyr church of Egypt meet in your respected person. We recognize and bow of respect to your spiritual presence witnessing in the land of Egypt. We believe that the longings filling our souls to bring back our full communion are divine initiatives. Therefore our duty is to found this unity on the (corner stone) who is the person of our Lord Jesus Christ God with all precision for the glory of His name. We express our extreme fraternal joy for your continuous efforts to build fraternal relations in Christ with HH the Patriarch of Alexandria Petrus and with all his holy synod and faithful who are in Egypt and all Africa. We are longing for this blessed time, when the saying of St Basil the Great comes true:"The Church of Christ shall be one, despite the multiple peoples and countries. Because the people of Christ is one and one is those who threw their hope on him. For this blessed time, are we sending all prayers to the Lord, hoping His grace to reveal this meeting to all and that: "all who love is born of God and knows God"(1 John 4:7). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dr Ragheb Moftah A symphony of church giving Dr Mina Badie Abdel-Malek =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On the 21st of December, we celebrate his 100 years old aniversary. He is one of the honest pioneers who kept with great honesty and devotion to us the flood of music born in the times of Ancient Egyptians. Since his early youth, he spent - from his own money - huge amounts to serve Coptic Music. With patience, persistence and true love for his church he confirmed the position of Coptic music at ICS - Cairo (Higher Institute of Coptic Studies). He participated with Drs Aziz Suriel Atteya, Dr Sami Gabra and Dr Murad Kamel founding it (ICS) and confirmed the musical value of Coptic hymns in International Academies. After a honorable struggle, he could have all St Basil's Mass transcribed in vocal Musical transcription. This historical work was published by the AUC (American University in Cairo) in Coptic, English and Arabic languages in more than 700 pages (big size) with some 550 pages of musical notes. An agreement contract was signed between the Coptic Orthodox Church (represented by Pope Shenouda III) who encouraged this work with true paternity and a number of writers mainly Dr Ragheb Moftah, Dr Margerit Toth and Dr Martha Roy. According to this contract, the Coptic church holds the copyrights of this historical huge volume. Tracing back the wonderful symphony Dr Moftah played in keeping the purity and originality of the Coptic Hymn, we find him in 1927 (he was 29 years old at the time) traveling to England where he met with Dr Ernest Newlandsmith (professor at the Royal Music Academy - London) and in a written contract, they agreed that Dr Newlandsmith shall come to Egypt 7 months a year (October- April) on the costs of Mr Ragheb to transcibe Coptic Music. The work lasted for the years (1928-1936). Mr Ragheb Moftah chose the cantor Mikhail Guirguis El-Batanony archcantor of St Mark Cathedral - Cairo (departed 18 April 1957 at night which was the Holy Thursday) among many other famous cantors in all Egypt. Dr Newlandsmith achieved transcribing all church rites in 16 volumes. On 1931 Mr Ragheb Moftah accompanied Dr Newlandsmith to England where they gave three lectures in the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London. In Oxford, among the listeners were the Egyptologist Blachman, the Coptologist Crum and the physics scientist Albert Einstein. On 1932, the Egyptian government invited great musicians from Germany, Austria, France, England, Hungary among other countries in the first Oriental Music Conference for the purpose of study to make a scientific revival in it and invited Dr Ragheb Moftah to represent the Coptic Music (they were 29 musician) amongst were Bela Bartok, Egon Wellesz (who deciphered old byzantine music transcription system) and Mrs Hirscher Clemance head of Paris Musical Association. Those musicians asked Dr Ragheb if they could attend a mass at an old church. The choice came to Virgin Mary (hanging) church in old Cairo. There the late Heg Morcos Shenouda celebrated the mass and the cantor was Mikhail Guirguis. They were very touched that Dr Wellesz said that in his entire life he never was touched by the prayers and hymns as he was in this mass. Another person said: "If a church music needs to be kept, it surely is the Coptic Music". On 1940, Dr Ragheb formed a chorus from the Theological Seminarians in Mahmasha with other deacons with beautiful voices and two choruses one of university boy students and the other from university girl students. On 1945, he founded a center to teach hymns to cantors and deacons in Old Cairo and another one close to Ramses Square (Down Town) for adult cantors to study and ensure their knowledge of hymns. Archcantor Mikhail Guirguis was giving his best there. Dozens of cantors studied there seriously. Those who attended the classes were remunerated with 20 piasters (transportation allowance). This work brought a big impact to fix and spread hymns in church offices and specialized institutes. When the ICS (Higher Institute of Coptic Studies) was inaugurated in 1955, Dr Ragheb headed the the Music and Hymns departement and moved the seed of his studio he had founded in Virgin Mary (Kasreyet El-Rihan, Old Cairo) to the new location at ICS where he completed the installations. On 1970 he invited the Hungarian musicologist Dr Margerit Toth, Head of the Folklore Section in the Hungarian Music Academy to cooperate in accomplishing St Basil's Mass Dr Newlandmith had begun. The work lasted till St Basil was completely transcribed in musical notes. For empowering her study of Coptic Music she studied for one year in Budapest Coptic language and published with her friend the Hungarian Musicologist Ilona Borsai many articles and writings concerning the Coptic Music. In 1984, HH Pope Shenouda III, as head of ICS - Cairo Governing Board gave Ragheb Moftah a Honorary Doctorate as recognition for his genuine efforts to keep the Coptic Music Heritage. In the same day, which was 7 January coinciding with the feast of Nativity he gave another Honorary Doctorate to Shaker Bassilious for his efforts in Coptic Language and Isaac Fanous for his efforts in Coptic Iconography.. Dr Ragheb continued his efforts till 1988 when he finished recording the offices including: Wedding, Lent Days, Palm Sunday, Bright Saturday, Apostle Fast, Virgin Mary Fast and St Gregory Mass. In November 1988, HH received him at the Papal Residence where he discussed with him ways to keep Coptic hymns. In this meeting, Dr Ragheb handed him with a copy of all the tapes he had done. On 1989, El-Keraza Magazine published in it's issue of 17 March 1989, that the ICS Music Departement for the first time in history is preparing to publish the musically transcribed St Basil Liturgy. On 1995, Dr Ragheb Moftah donated a copy of all the tapes he had recorded to the American Library of the Congress to be kept there as heritage among the musical heritage part of this old library (including more than 80 million book). In this occasion Pope Shenouda as well as the AUC nonoured him. In order that the sons of the church benefit of this great Coptic Heritage especially the theological seminarians, HH Pope Shenouda ordered in 1996 that Musical Solfege should be taught at the Theological Seminary after all hymns were transcribed by professional under the supervision of Dr Ragheb. The historical work he had done attracted the sight of the world. European countries began inviting the Theological Seminary Chorus headed by Dr Ragheb Moftah to visit European Countries and perform Coptic Hymns. On 1989, following an invitation from the Radio of Berlin, Dr Ragheb accompanied the chorus in Germany for some weeks where the German people listened - for the first time - to the Coptic church Music. After which many similar visits were payed. In the historical festival that the AUC holds on 17 December 1998 to honour Dr Ragheb Moftah on his 100th anniversary and on the occasion of the appearance of St Basil Transcribed Liturgy Book, the first of it's kind, the Theological Seminary Chorus shall perform some Coptic hymns at the Oriental Hall of the AUC. People interested in Coptic Music as well as media people and press shall be also part of this historical event that we remember in pride and for the old heritage of the Coptic Church ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For more reference the translator advises that you may check: http://www.coptic.org/music/today.htm =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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. Assyrian: The Assyrian 'church' is centered in Syria, it holds to the heresy of Nestorius and Theodore of Mopsuestia which was condemned by all christians in the Council of Ephesus in the 4th century in and was recently refused in the 9 October '98 Lebanon MECC session to be part of the council 'which includes all christian denominations'. It is important to make the difference between it and the Church of Antioch 'Syrian Orthodox' which is an Oriental Orthodox church having Mar Ignatius Zakka Eiwass as Patriarch. Awkaf : Endowments BLESS : Bishopric of Public Ecumenical and Social services. 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. Kalamun : A Mount in the Governorate of El-Minya. In the fourth century the spiritual children of St Antony occupied it. In the 7th century St Samuel the Confessor built a monastery there following a vision and promise he had of Virgin Mary of keeping and defending the monks there. Till today, a monastic life is flourishing there despite of the very difficult natural aspects of the place in St Samuel the Confessor mon. 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. Koskam : A Mount in the governorate of Assiut in the middle of Egypt. Following the tradition it is the last place in the south that the Holy Family reached in the 1st century after which it returned to Israel. Nowadays, Virgin Mary Burnt Monastery (Moharak) stands there with a flourishing monastic life. LA : Los Angeles, California USA Mayamer: in singular (Meimar) Syrianic word designating biography of a saint. MECC : Middle East Council of Churches (Headquarter in Cyprus) 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 Pastoral Staff: Staff in the hand of Popes, Patriarchs, metropolitans and diocesian bishops as they are sheperds to the flock of Christ. 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. Wadie El-Natroun: An ancient valley laying in the desert between Cairo and Alexandria. Ancient Egyptians used to extract the Natrun salt used for embalment from there. In the 4th century monasticism flourished in the desert near to this valley with thousands of Egyptian, Oriental and European monks and many monasteries. Only in four of those old monasteries monastic life survived to our modern age. St Macare Monastery, Virgin Mary (Syrian) mon., Virgin Mary (Baramos) mon. and St Bishoy Monastery. The latter includes a Papal residence where Pope Shenouda spends half of each week in solitude. WCC : World Council of Churches was founded in 23 August 1948 in Amsterdam (current Headquarter in Geneva Switzerland). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=