=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= El-Keraza Number 31, 32 - Friday 17 September 1999 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= POPE SHENOUDA TRIP TO EUROPE, USA & CANADA =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Pope Shenouda in London: ======================= On Thursday 12 August 99 evening, accompanied by Bishop Joannes, HH arrived at Hetrew airport where he was received by Metropolitan Daniel of Khartoum and Bishops Misael, Biemen and Anthony. He was also received by priests in the UK and His Excellence Adel El-Gazzar the Egyptian Ambassador in the UK and Dr Samiha Steit the Egyptian Consul General. Then they all drove on to the Coptic Center in Stevenage. Seminar for Metropolitans, Bishops and priests: ============================================== Slightly after their arrival to the Coptic Center, they all took lunch then the Seminar entitled "Caring for Every Soul" began. This seminar was attended by 4 Bishops and 16 priest from the UK. On Friday 13 August morning, the Pope baptized some children at Archangel Michael & St Antonios Church in Stevenage. Then he received HG Abba Anthony and the priests of his diocese in a Pastoral talk about "Ministring Small Groups". On Friday 13 August 99 evening, Pope Shenouda gave a lecture at the Theological Seminary in Stevenage about "Modern Heresies and Biblical View of Punishment" Consecration of the Altar of the new church in Kent: =================================================== On Saturday 14 August 99 morning, the party drove on to Margate in Kent (almost 2 hrs driving). There he consecrated the 2 altars of our new church and dedicated them for Archangel Michael and St Bishoy. HH expressed his impression by the architectural beauty of the church and thanked the efforts payed by Bishop Anthony, Fr Isaiah El-Baramosy and the congregation of Kent. Many bishops participated in the consecration prayers amongst were Bishops Misael, Anthony and Joannes as well as the priests in UK. Officials and other christian representatives in the region also attended amongst were: Councellar Shaun Connell the Mayor of Margate, Councellar Karin Connell the Mayoress of Margate, Fr Canon Clements from the Catholic Church, Rev.Read from the Methodist Church, Fr Kyprianos from the Greek Orthodox Church, Mother Superior Nicola and the nuns of Minister Abbey. After the consecration prayers, a banquet was held at the church hall. Many gave talks amongst were Abba Anthony, Fr Isaiah El-Baramosy and Fr Canon Clements. They all welcomed Pope Shenouda and thanked him for blessing this occasion. The banquet was concluded by a word of HH. Then HH visited the house of Dr Wafik Morcos the Secretary of the Church Council and returned back to the Coptic Center in Stevenage. On Saturday 14 August 99 evening, Pope Shenouda gave another lecture in the Theological Seminary in Stevenage about "Redemption" and answered many questions. Consecrating the altar of Virgin Mary & Archangel Michael in the North of London: ---------------------------------------------------------- On Sunday 15 August 99 morning, Pope Shenouda consecrated the altar of our church in Golder's Green and dedicated it to Virgin Mary & Archangel Michael Metropolitan Daniel of Khartoum and Bishops Misael, Joannes and Anthony participated in the consecration prayers. The office was also attended by Her Excellency Dr Samiha Abu-Steit the Egyptian Consul General in the UK and Mr Ali Shams the Egyptian Cultural Attache to the Embassy. >From other churches Fr Allen Walkex (Anglican Church), Fr Meliton (Greek Orthodox) and M Methias (Syrian Orthodox). The consecration prayers were concluded by a word about the role of the church and the sacraments in our life. HH thanked all the people who attended and thanked Fr Mikhail Ibrahim the priest of the church, the council and the congregation of the church for the efforts they paid to get the church achieved as an architectural masterpiece. He congratulated the congregation for their new church. Visting Bishop Biemen: --------------------- On Saturday 17 August 99, the party drove on to Harly Street Hospital to visit Bishop Biemen of Naqada and Qus who had some of his heart's veins transplanted. We ask the Lord for his complete recovery. Visiting Mr Nour Farghall: ------------------------- On Sunday 15 August 99 evening, HH visited Mr Nour Farghall the responsible of ceremonies at the Prime Minister Office in Wellington Hospital in London. We ask the Lord for his complete recovery. In the house of Fr Mikhail Ibrahim: ---------------------------------- Then HH drove on to the house of Fr Mikhail Ibrahim where he took lunch with the bishops and priests and a number of the congregation and HH gave to them a spiritual talk. Meetings at the Coptic Center in Stevenage: ------------------------------------------ During his stay at the Coptic Center in Stevenage, HH met with Metropolitan Daniel of Khartoum, Heg. Matthaus El-Antony, Bishop Anthony and the priests in his diocese, Heg Antonios Thabet and his family, Heg Bishoy Bushra, Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy, Dr Mahrus Samak, Dr Fouad Megalli and Dr Sabry from St Mark Church Council. In London Airport: ----------------- On Monday 16 August 99 morning, HH flew from London to New York. At the farewell at the airport were Metropolitan Daniel of Khartoum, Abba Misael, Abba Anthony, Heg Antonios Thabet, Heg Bishoy Bushra, Heg Mathaus El-Antony, Fr Angelos Anba-Bishoy, Fr Mikhail Ibrahim, and Dr Samiha Steit the Egyptian Consul Generalk in the UK. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= POPE SHENOUDA IN USA =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= At New York Airport: ------------------- On Monday 16 August 99 morning, accompanied by HG Bishop Joannes, Pope Shenouda arrived at Kennedy Airport in New York. He was received by Bishops Moussa, Serapion, Andrews, Thomas, Macarius, Bassilios, Youssef, Suriel and a big number of priests and congregation. He took a short rest before leaving for the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove. At the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove: ------------------------------------- Arriving to the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove, Pope Shenouda found a big number of priests and congregation waiting for him he blessed them and gave them a spiritual talk. The next morning he flew to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles: -------------- On Tuesday 17 August 99 evening, accompanied by HG Bishops Joannes and Suriel HH arrived at the Los Angeles airport. He was received there by Bishops Serapion and Karas and the priests of the diocese as well as a number of people. Then he drove on to the Bishopric Residence in Los Angeles. In the Bishopric of Los Angeles: ------------------------------- Pope Shenouda blessed the hall and the new offices affiliated to the bishopric before taking lunch with the bishops and priests at Virgin Mary church Hall. Visiting Fr Augustinos Hanna's House: ------------------------------------ In the evening, accompanied by Bishops Serapion and Joannes, HH visited Fr Augustinos Hanna after the operation he had. We ask the Lord for his complete recovery. Meetings of the Pope in Los Angeles: ----------------------------------- - On Wednesday 18 August morning, HH received HG Bishop Karas the Abbot of St Antonios Monastery (California Desert) who was accompanied by Fr Mina St Antony and Monk Antonios St Antony. - HH received as well Heg Luka Sidarous, the priest of St Mercurius and St Abraam Church (Torrance, LA). He had an interview as well with Tasoni Mary Sami for Agape Magazine which is published by the diocese of Los Angeles. Archangel Michael Church (Orange County): ---------------------------------------- On Wednesday 18 August 99 evening, Pope Shenouda met in a spiritual lecture with hundreds of the congergations who filled the beautiful church in Orange County. He talked to them about "The Feast of Transfiguration and the virtue of Charity". Then he took lunch with the bishops at the hall affiliated to the church. On Thursday 19 August 99 evening, HH flew from Los Angeles to Cleveland. At the farewell at the airport were Bishops Serapion and Thomas and some of the priests and congergation in Los Angeles. In Cleveland: ------------ - On Thursdau 19 August 99 evening, accompanied by Bishops Joannes and Suriel, HH arrived in Celeveland. He was greeted at the airport by Heg Mikhail Edward, Heg Sidarous Abdel-Messih and a big number of the congregation. - On Friday 20 August 99 evening, HH flew to Colombus passing by Washington DC. At the airport of Washington DC: ------------------------------- - On Friday 20 August 99 evening, accompanied by Bishop Joannes and Suriel and Heg Mikhail Edward, Pope Shenouda arrived at the airport of Washington DC where they were greeted by HG Abba Samuel, Fr Bishoy Andrews (priest of St Mark Washington), Fr Guirguis Abdel-Malak (priest of Virgin Mary Baltimore), His Excellency Ahmed Maher the Egyptian Ambassador in the USA, and Ahmed Loza the Delegate Ambssador in the Egyptian Embassy in the USA. - A big number of the congregation came to receive HH with church hymns from the plane gate to a small chapel at the airport. HH stayed in the airport for one hour where he gave a talk to the Egyptian Stellite Channel before flying to colombus. In Colombus: ----------- - On Friday 20 August 99 evening, HH arrived at the airport of Colombus. He was received by Heg Sidarous Abdel-Messih, Fr Yohanna Ragheb and a number of the congregation. Then he drove on to Virgin Mary Church (Colombus). This is considered Pope Shenouda first visit ever to Colombus and to the Coptic Church there. - There he prayed the Thanksgiving. Then Heg Sidarous Abdel-Messih talked about Pope Shenouda and his Pastoral and Missionary life over 28 years and how the Coptic church expanded under him to the limits of the earth. - Then Pope Shenouda talked about "Holding to God and caring for Raising Youth and Kids in the church". Then HH inaugurated the new carpentery workshop affiliated to the church which manufactures the church needs in a Coptic style. Then HH drove on to Dayton (1.5 hrs trip). In Dayton: --------- HH arrived Dayton almost at midnight. On Saturday 21 August 99 morning he consecrated the altar of the church of Dayton and dedicated it to St Mina and St Abanoub. In the consecration office many of the clergy participated amongst were Bishops Antonios-Marcos, Joannes, Suriel, Heg Mikhail Edward, Heg Sidarous Abdel-Messih and Fr Yohanna Ragheb. After the consecration, Fr Yohanna gave a talk where he thanked and welcomed Pope Shenouda, then the Mayor of Miamisburg welcomed the Pope and presented HH with the key of Miamisburg Suburb where the church is located. Then HH talked and congratulated the people for the consecration of the church altar and distributed souvenirs for the whole congergation. Then he drove on to Cincinati Airport where he took the plane back to Cleveland. Virgin Mary Feast in Cleveland: ------------------------------ On Sunday 22 August 99 morning, HH celebrated the mass of Virgin Mary Feast at St Mark Church (Cleveland). Bishops Antonios-Marcos, Joannes and Suriel as well as Heg Mikhail Edward, Heg Felimon Mahrous, Heg Agathon Anba-Paula and Fr Antonios the Carribbean participated in the mass. After the mass, Pope Shenouda congratulated Fr Mikhail for the Silver Jubilee of his ordination as priest and prayed for his blessing and success. Both Fekry Gayed and Ayman Awad presented lyrics that they invented to welcome Pope Shenouda and congratulate Fr Mikhail Edward. Silver Jubilee of Heg Mikhail Edward: ------------------------------------ On Sunday 22 August 99 evening, at the Grand Ball Hall at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, the celebrations of the jubilee were held. They were blessed by the presence of Pope Shenouda and Bishops Antonios-Marcos, Samuel, Joannes and Suriel and Heg Felimon Mahrus (LA), Heg Bassilious Sedrak (Saint Louis), Heg Samuel Thabet (Chicago), Heg Sidaros Abdel-Messih (Colombus), Fr Ishak Tanios (Chicago), Heg Agathon Anba-Paula (Brazil), Fr Bishoy Andrawis (Washington DC), Fr Bishoy Mikhail (Pittsburg), Fr Mina Ishak (Detroit), Fr Antonios the Carribbean, Fr Yohanna Ragheb (Dayton) and Fr Shenouda Maher (Rochester). As delegate of the congress in Cleveland, Mr Gerald J. Trafis the mayor of Seven Hills attended the celebration as well as metropolitans, bishops and priests from various christian denominations in Cleveland and 550 of the congregation. Many people agve talks which were concluded by HH who talked about Heg Mikhail since he was seminarian at the Theological Seminary, then a consecrated deacon in New York, then priest in Cleveland, and his ministry in Pittsburg, Colombus, Dayton, Cincinati and Tolido till Coptic churches were built in most of those towns. HH expressed how he relays on him in many pastoral matters and cherishes him as friend. At the end of the celebration, Heg Mikhail Edward spoke and thanked HH for his presence and the words he said in full humility. He thanked all the guests and asked that the Lord grants him grace in the rest of his days. It was a nice meeting full with true love and genuine feelings. Our congratulations to Heg Mikhail Edward. On Monday 23 August 99 evening, Pope Shenouda flew from Cleveland to Boston. In Boston: --------- Accompanied by Bishops Joannes and Suriel and Heg Mikhail Edward, Heg Agathon Anba-Paula, Heg Samuel Thabet and Heg Ishak Tanios, Pope Shenouda arrived at Boston Airport. They were received by the beloved father Heg Moussa El-Gohary and a number of priests and people. The deacons escorted the party from the door of the plane to the car that took them to Virgin Mary Vineyard were the Annual Seminar of priests of USA and Canada was to be held. Seminar of the priests of Canada and USA: ---------------------------------------- In the period Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 August 99 the seminar was held at Virgin Mary Vineyard (Boston). It was attended by 8 bishops: Bishops Antonios-Marcos, Ruweis, Moussa, Serapion, Macarius, Youssef, Joannes and Suriel, 121 priest and 31 priest wife. In the first session, Pope Shenouda talked about celebrating the third millenium and the Holy Familiy's flight to Egypt on 1st June 2000 and during the whole year 2000. On Wednesday, HH accompanied by 100 bishop and priest celebrated the mass at Virgin Mary church in the Vineyard before flying in the evening to Rhode Island. Pope Shenouda in Rhode Island: ----------------------------- On Wednesday 25 August 99 evening, accompanied by Bishops Antonios-Marcos and Suriel and a number of priests from the seminar, Pope Shenouda flew from Boston to Rhode Island. He passed by the new 7 acres piece of land that was recently bought there to build a new church and Coptic Center. He prayed in the land and blessed it before driving 6 miles to reach Virgin Mary and St Mina Church in Rhode Island. He prayed the thanksgiving, then the children church performed some songs and hymns. Pope Shenouda congratulated Fr Morcos Guirguis and the church council and congregation for the new piece of land, he answered there questions and gave a spiritual talk about "Charity". On Thursday 26 August 99 evening, Pope Shenouda received Bishop Robert E Mulvee the head of the Catholic Church in Rhode Island, Dr Quntin IV the head of Rhode Island Council of Churches, Mr John O'leary the mayor of Cranston, 6 priests from Oriental Orthodox Churches and members of the press =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= POPE SHENOUDA IN TORONTO - CANADA =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Thursday 28 August 99 evening, HH arrived at Toronto coming from Rhode Island after consecrating the icons of the church there. He was accompanied by HG Bishop Suriel. Abba Ruweis received him at the airport with the priests of Toronto and it's surroundings (15 priest). Then Pope Shenouda drove on to Virgin Mary and St Athanasios Mississauga where a lot of people were awaiting to have his apostolic blessing. A ceremony was started by HH praying the thanksgiving and was followed by words of Heg Angelos Saad who thanked HH for coming especially to inaugurate the first scholar year of the first Coptic College in the region (West Toronto), then the Principle Miss Hunter talked and a young girl. The ceremony was concluded by a word of HH who congratulated the congregation and the priests for the fulfilment of this wish: not only to raise educated kids but religious ones too. Then HH cut the tape as sign of inauguration of the new college "Philopater Christian College". Then Pope Shenouda drove on to St George and St Ruweis Church (Central Toronto) to inaugurate St Veronia Coptic College (Don Vill). This was followed by a word of Heg Ruweis Awad who emphasized that Pope Shenouda is the real founder of this college, since he advised at many occasions the importance of the existence of those colleges that keep our children against the melting in unchristian principles, values and faith. In his extensive word, Pope Shenouda emphasized the importance of raising kids from their early childhood in a spiritual atmosphere and explained the importance of the Sunday School in supporting the colleges. Then HH visited the school and it's preparations and equipment. He also presented souvenirs for the college kids. >From Toronto the Pope flew to the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove (New Jersey). He arrived there at midnight. The Pope in Florida: ------------------- On Saturday 28 August 99, accompanied by HG Bishop Suriel, Pope Shenouda flew to Florida where he was received by HG Bishop Youssef. At 15:30 pm they arrived Tampa where he visited the new building of the church which is still under construction and went to the old church where he prayed the thanksgiving, gave a spiritual talk and blessed the people. On Sunday 29 August, he flew back to New Jersey. The Pope in New Jersey: ---------------------- On Monday 30 August 99, it was a big chance to meet with the congragation and the priests. On Tuesday HH gave a lecture at the Theological College. On Wednesday he met with Governor Whitman and the Minister of Justice of New Jersey. Both HG Bishop Suriel and Mr Magued El-Deiry attended the meeting. On Thursday 3 September 99, HH visited the Egyptian Consulate where he was received by her excellency Ambassador Soheir Zaki and he gave a talk there. On Friday 4 August 99, it was the funeral of Heg Antonios Ragheb. The funeral was prayed by Pope Shenouda accompanied by Bishops Macarius, Ruweis, Youssef, Karas and Suriel and 21 priest. Inaugurating Pope Shenouda Social Building affiliated to Virgin Mary Church (East Brunswick): ------------------------------------------------- On Saturday 16 September 1989, HH had consecrated the altar of Virgin Mary Church (East Brunswick, New Jersey). On Sunday 5 September 99 morning, he built the foundation stone of Pope Shenouda Social Building affiliated to the church. It is a 3 floors building on the area of 25,000 square feet and includes a church dedicated to Archangel Michael, a hall, a theater with 500 seats, 2 small halls for youth activities, 12 class for Sunday School, a beautiful reception, a bakery for the holy bread and a Library...etc The ceremony was started by HE Oshagan Choloyan the Armenian Orthodox Archbishop of East USA, Ambassador Soheir Zaki the Egyptian Consul General, Mr Rush Holt the Congress Member, Mr William Neaty the Mayor of East Brunswick, Mr Donald Klemp the delegate of the Head of the city of East Brunswick, Mr Peter Bradley Vice-President and Fr Trevon Gross External Relations Responsible at the ABS American Bible Society. The ceremony was also attended by Bishops Ruweis, Joannes and Suriel, Heg Boules Bassili, Heg Mina Ibrahim (Melbourne), priests of the church and hundreds of the congregation who filled the beautiful hall of the new church. Words of congratulations and thanks were delivered before the ceremony was concluded with a word of HH who congratulated for the new building and thanked the officials, the priests, the church council, the architects and all those who participated in getting the building done. He talked about the importance of the building in the Sunday School Ministry since today's youth are the future of the church. Consecration of Archangel Michael Church in the building and celebration of a mass there: -------------------------------------------- After the reception ceremony was concluded, HH consecrated Archangel Michael Church in Pope Shenouda Social Building and celebrated the first mass in the church. He was assisted by Bishops Joannes, Ruweis and Suriel and Heg Mina Ibrahim, Heg Bishoy Dimitry, Fr Mikhail Toubia and Fr Antonios Tanios. HH baptized some children too. Youth Meeting for New York and New Jersey Areas: ----------------------------------------------- On Sunday 5 September 99 evening, Pope Shenouda held a meeting for the youth of New York and New Jersey Areas in the new hall of Pope Shenouda Social Building which was full of the people. This was beside other hundreds of youth who followed the word via television screens outside the hall. The word given was entitled "The mission of your life youth". Consecrating 2 new priests and promoting 6 to hegumens: ------------------------------------------------------ On Monday 6 September 99 morning, at the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove, HH consecrated monk Shenouda St Anthony as priest for St Antonios Monastery (California) and Engineer Ramy Bekheet for the churches in Delaware and Anneville in the name Fr Mina. He also promoted 6 priests to hegumens: Heg Mina Ishak (St Mark Detroit), Heg Yacoub Ghali (Virgin Mary & St Pachomius Up State NY), Heg Guirguis Sobhy (St Abraam Long Island), Heg Raphael Youssef (St George Philadelphia), Heg Athanasios Farag (St Mina and St Antonios East Rutherford) and Fr Shenouda Halim Tewfik (St Mina Homdale). Bishops Ruweis, Macarius, Karas, Joannes and Suriel participated in the consecration prayers. Pope Shenouda back in Egypt: --------------------------- On Monday 6 September 99 evening, Pope Shenouda left the airport of New York on Egypt Air. At the farewell at the airport were Ambassador Soheir Zaki the Egyptian Consul General in New York, Mr Samir El-Shenwany the President of Egypt Air in NY, HE Metropolitan Bishoy and Bishops Ruweis, Macarius, Karas, Suriel and a number priests and congregation. On Tuesday 7 September 99 evening, accompanied by HG Bishop Joannes, HH arrived at Cairo Airport where he was received by metropolitans, bishops, priests, General congregational Council Members and a number of people. On the next day (Wednesday), he delivered his weekly lecture to the people at St Mark Cathedral. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Obituaries =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Heg Antonios Ragheb the archpriest in USA: ----------------------------------------- On Friday 3 September 99 morning, Heg Antonios Ragheb departed. The funeral was prayed at St George and St Shenouda Church (Bergen, Jersey City) and prayed by Pope Shenouda and Bishops Ruweis, Macarius, Youssef, Karas and Suriel adn 21 priest. The funeral was also attended by Ambassador Soheir Zaki, the Egyptian Consul General. HG Abba Youssef and a number of priests and people escorted the body to the cimetery. - Born "Labib Ragheb Fahmy" in Shoubra Cairo 4 March 1921. - Began to serve in the Sunday School of St Antonios Shubra 1936 - 1936 consecrated Psaltis Deacon (Singer) and in 1939 Ignustos (Reader) by the late Bishop Bassilious of Luxor. - 1942 graduated from the Faculty of Engineering Cairo University, Major Power. - 1948 enrolled at the Thological Seminary in Mahmasha Cairo. - Served in the Sunday School of St Antonios Shubra till he began working in the governorate of Assiut on 1953. - He went on a scientific scholarship to France and England in 1953-54 and to Europe on engineering missions on 1956,57,63,69. - In April 1958 he married Miss Mary Matar. - December 1971, he was appointed by Pope Shenouda head of St George Geiushy Shubra Church Council. In 28 May 1972, he was consecrated priest for the church and promoted to hegumen on 1974. - He served at the Clerical Council, Congregational Councils and the General Committee of Sunday School. He represented the Coptic church in the Middle East Council of Churches, All Africa Council of Churches, World Council of Churches and Religions Council. - In April 1977, he excorted HH in his trip to America. - In 1978 he served St Mark Church Washington DC. In 1979-80 he served St George Church Jersey City. - In August 1981, he had a cardiac operation in Cleveland. - 1981-85: he served at Virgin Mary Church Minnessota. - From 1985 till he departed, he served at St George Church (Jersey City). - In 1989 the Pope appointed him responsible for the Theological Seminary in Jersey City. There he lectured in Ritual Theology. - He published 5 books: + Compact Advises + 10 commandements for Sunday School Servants + The grace of our Lord shown in the ministry of the priest + The tourism of the kings, a must in the ministry. - He has 4 children: Dr Suzan, Engineer Samuel, Accountant Hanan and accountant Lilian. Dr William Soliman Kelada: ------------------------- We were touched by the departure of Dr William Soliman Kelada the late Deputy of the State Council and Editor in Chief of the Sunday School Magazine to whom Pope Shenouda transfered the responsiblity of the magazine when he became monk. He is one of the old servants in St George Church (Geziret Badran). He departed quickly following an illness. Pope Shenouda delegated HG Bishop Joannes to attend the funeral, Abba Moussa talked there and presented condolence and Bishops Matthaus attended too. Our deep condolences to the family and all those who benefited from Dr William's knowledge and were his disciples through his articles. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= M I S C E L L A N E O U S N E W S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= - On Monday 30 August 99, Heg Mina Ibrahim (Archangel Michael Melbourne) came to meet with HH in USA. He relayed all the people priests, councils and servants of Australia nomination for HG Bishop Suriel to be their bishop. Pope Shenouda had divided the ministry in Australia in two dioceses: + Sydney and the northern part of Australia + Melbourne and the Southern part till Perth - In the period 24-29 August 99, HE Metropolitan Bishoy traveled to Germany where he attended a meeting of the Higher Council of Churches in Germany which is currently presided by Bishop Damian. He took decisions concerning the debts accumulated on the Coptic Village in Borgentreich. Then he flew to Lebanon in order to attend the Standing Committee Meeting of the Ortiental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East in the period 30 August - 4 September 1999. After which he flew to USA where he met with HH to study some matters concerning St Antonios Monastery (California). - On 21 August 99, HE Metropolitan Bishoy consecrated 7 nuns for St Demyana Convent (Barary) in the names: Eskiny, Eugenia, Georgia, Rashy, Maxima, Paraxia and Nardine. [Picture] In the picture appears Heg Joannes El-Baramosy the confession father of the nuns, Heg Sarabamon El-Pachomy the prior of the diocese of Barary, mother Martha the prioress of the nuns with the seven newly consecrated nuns. - Under the medical care of Dr Magdi Yacoub, Bishop Biemen transplanted successfuly three veins in his heart. Pope Shenouda visited him at the intensive care. He left the hospital safely and attended the youth convention held by Bishop Moussa in England. - In the period 26 August to 3 September 1999, the Central Committee of the WCC World Council of Churches met in Geneva. Our Coptic church was represented by both HG Bishop Serapion and HG Bishop Joannes. In this meeting, the advisory committee memebrs were selected: Metropolitan Bishoy: Faith and Order Committee Metropolitan Bishoy: Church and Ecumenical Relations Committee Bishop Joannes: Regional Relations and Ecumenical Sharing Committee Bishop Boules: World Mission and Evangelism Committee The Youth Committee is represented by Marianne Adel Rouphael Metropolitan Bishoy was chosen also for the committee of the dialogue between the Orthodox and the Protestant and Dr Nahed Fahim for the committee of the dialogue with the Pentcostals. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=