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.: 19,20 I | X Date: Friday 2 June 2000 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -- + -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Y | O Read in this issue: ------------------ - Meetings of the Heads of Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East - Pope Shenouda in Lebanon ............................................. - Pope Shenouda in England ............................................. - Pope Shenouda in the USA ............................................. - Pope Shenouda in France .............................................. - Miscellaneous News ................................................... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Meetings of the Heads of Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Unity is a great blessing that embraced our Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East: the Coptic, the Syrian and the Armenian Orthodox churches. The heads of the three churches met in one thought. They pledged to work together in matters of faith and ecumenical relations. They pledged that any of the three churches wouldn't act in separation from the others. Their meetings were prepared by a committee of metropolitans representing the three churches. On 14 June 1996, the preparatory meeting took place in the Armenian church and the first meeting in St Bishoy Monastery (Egypt) on 10-11 March 1998. The second meeting took place in St Avraim Monastery (Maaret Sednaya, Syria) on 11-12 February 1999. This third meeting was hosted by the Armenian Catholicosate in Antelias Lebanon on 5-6 May 2000. The meeting was headed by their Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch Mor Zakka Iwas I and Catholicos Aram I. The meetings were also attended by Metropolitan Bishoy and Bishop Moussa (Coptic Church), Metropolitans Mor Yohanna Ibrahim and Mor George Saliba (Syrian Church) and Metropolitan Siboh Sarkessian and Archmandrite Narik (Armenian Church). Those annual meetings had their strong impact manifested in thightening the relations between our churches whose fruits showed in different Ecumenical occasions. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Pope Shenouda in Lebanon =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= At the airport of Beirut: ------------------------ On Friday 4 May 2000 evening, accompanied by HG Bishop Joannes, Pope Shenouda arrived at the Airport of Beirut. He was received by HH Catholicos Aram I Kesheshyan, Metropolitan Abraham of Jerusalem and the East, Mr Essam Noman on behalf of His Excellency Prime Minister Dr Selim El-Hoss of Lebanon. He was also received by His Excellency the Egyptian Ambassador Adel El-Khoday in Lebanon, Egyptian Delegate Minister Ahmed Maher, Lebaneese Minister Fouad On of the Ministry of Exterior and Ambassador Ahmed Shammat. They were also received by the Coptic priests: Fr Zakaria Anba-Paula of Nicosia Cyprus, Fr Polycarpus Anba-Bishoy of Beirut and a number of Coptic congregation in Beirut. Pope Shenouda had an official reception by the Lebaneese Presidential Honorary Guards. Then he rested at the airport's VIP lounge before proceeding to the Armenian Orthodox Catholicosate retreat house in Bakfia, Mount of Lebanon. At the Armenian Catholicosate retreat house: ------------------------------------------- Escorted by Catholicos Aram I, Pope Shenouda drove on to the Catholicosate retreat house where they were received by metropolitans, priests and seminarians. The three heads gathered at lunch before driving onto St Avraam Syrian Orthodox Church in Ashrafia Lebanon. At St Avraam Syrian Orthodox Church: ----------------------------------- On Thursday 4 May 2000 evening, the three pontiffs arrived at St Avraam Syrian church to be received by Syrian Metropolitan Athanasios of Beirut and a big number of metropolitans, priests and parishionners. After listening to marvelous syrian church hymns, Mor Athanasios Avram welcomed the pontifs who moved then to the nearby hall to celebrate the publication of Pope Shenouda's book "Many Years with Questions of People". Celebrating the publication of Pope Shenouda's book: --------------------------------------------------- The celebration was inaugurated by a word of Syrian Metropolitan George Saliba of the Mount of Lebanon, then Syrian Metropolitan Gregorius Yohanna Ibrahim of Aleppo who gave an impressing word of the person of Pope Shenouda and his wise and watching pastoral care for the church of Alexandria. Then talked Prince Hares Shehab of the Lebaneese National Committee of the Christian-Moslem Dialogue. He is Maronite and talked about the book. Then talked Rev'd Dr Riyad Jarjur about Pope Shenouda, his simplicity, transperancy, life honnesty, observation of all what's happening in the church and wise leadership. Finally Pope Shenouda talked, he thanked the patriarchs and the nice words given. He talked about the book "So Many Years with the Questions of People" in its ten volumes and how to care deeply for people's problems and pains. Finally he signed dozens of copies of the new books for the people. Third Meeting of the three Patriarchs: ------------------------------------- On Monday 5 May 2000 morning, prayer inaugurated the meeting of the 3 pontiffs which lasted for two consecutive days where the discussions were dominated by the spirit of love. First: Theological Dialogues with Byzantine Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church. Second: Relations of our Oriental Orthodox Churches to the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches. Third: Forming an Oriental Orthodox Youth Committee of the three churches and another for the schools and Theological Institutes. The 3 pontiffs signed a common declaration with all what was agreed upon in the discussions. Another common declaration condemned the Israeli Attack to Lebanon at the dawn of Friday 5 May 2000. Reception Banquet at the Armenian Catholicosate: ----------------------------------------------- On Friday 5 May 2000 evening, Catholicos Aram I held a reception banquet at the Armenian Catholicosate in Antelias Beirut on the honor of Pope Shenouda, Mor Zakka Eiwas, Ex-President Charles Helow, Ministers, officials, clergy and layty. Catholicos Aram talked about the unity of our three Oriental Orthodox churches. On Saturday 6 May 2000 evening, another banquet was held at our Coptic church in Beirut. At St Mark Church in Beirut: --------------------------- On Saturday 6 May 2000 evening, accompanied by Metropolitans and bishops, the three pontiffs drove onto our Coptic Church in Sen El-Fil Beirut. There, deacons chanted beautiful Coptic hymns welcoming the pontiffs and HE Metropolitan Abraham talked about the love of Pope Shenouda. Then Pope Shenouda welcomed the church heads and gave a spiritual word about "The strenght of Christ's Resurection" At the end of the banquet, the three patriarchs were greeted by Coptic parishionners through marvelous fireworks and took an Agape meal at the hall down the church. Celebrating the Divine Liturgy at our Coptic Church in Beirut: ------------------------------------------------------------- On Sunday 7 May 2000 morning, Pope Shenouda celebrated the mass with Coptic Metropolitans and Bishops Abraham, Bishoy, Moussa and Joannes as well as Fr Polycarpus Anba-Bishoy and crowds of congregation who filled the church. Pope Shenouda ordained as well Singer (Psaltos) and Reader Deacons who were ahppy to receive the ordonation at the Pope's hands. After the amss, he distributed gifts to the people before driving on in the evening to the Egyptian Embassy in Beirut. The Egyptian Embassy in Beirut: ------------------------------ On Sunday 7 May 2000 evening, His Excellency Adel El-Khodary organized a banquet on the auspices of Pope Shenouda III at the Egyptian Embassy in Beirut. This banquet was attended bt Catholicos Aram I, Patriarch Mor Zakka Eiwass, Metropolitan Rolland Abu-Guda representing the Maronites Patriarch, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Eliyias Ouda of Beirut. The banquet was also attended by Cheikh Bahgat Gheith of the Druz, Cheikh Solaiman Shams El-Din, brother and representative of Cheikh Mohamed Mahdy Shams El-Din the Supreme Head of the Higher Islamic Committee of the Shiites (who was abroad), Mr Mohamed Youssef Beidun the Minister of Education representing the Lebaneese Prime Minister, Mr Michel Moussa Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Eng Solaiman El-Tarabolsy Minister of Water and Electricity Resources, Eng. Naguib Makaty the Minister of Public works and Transport, Dr Mohamed Abdel-Hamid Beidun Senate member representing Mr Nabil Berry the Head of the Senate, Senator Mrs Nabila Moawad wife of the late president Rene Moawad, Senator Eng Nessib Lahhud, Dr Fathy Abu-Ayyana Head of the Arab university of Beirut and Mr Talal Solaiman Editor in Chief of El-Safir Newspaper. The banquet was also attended by Their Graces Coptic Metropolitans Abraham and Bishoy, Bishops Moussa and Joannes, Syrian Metropolitan George Saliba, Armenian Mtropolitan Siboh Sarkessian and Archmandrite Narik and a number of Copts in Lebanon. Visiting President Emil Lahhud: ------------------------------ On Monday 8 May 2000 morning, accompanied by the metropolitans and bishops, the three patriarchs paid a visit to Libaneese President Emil Lahud at the Presidential Palace in Beirut. The president welcomed the Patriarchs deeply and said: "Visiting us in those conditions has a deep meaning and great consideration of us" He asked for the prayers of the Patriarchs who asked the Lord for the success of his leadership for Lebanon. Pope Shenouda presented him with a present who gave him also a present. Meeting of the Presidium of the Middle East Council of Churches: --------------------------------------------------------------- On Monday 8 May 2000 morning, the Presidium of the Middle East Council of Churches had it's meeting held at the Armenian Orthodox Catholicosate in Antelias Lebanon with Pope Shenouda as chairman. The meeting was attended by Catholic Metropolitan Kyrollos Bestavros of Baalbek, Rev'd Selim Sehiun Head of the Evangelical Church in Syria and Lebanon. Patriarch Boutros VII asked to be excused for emergency. The meeting was also attended by Rev'd Riyad Jarjur the secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches and some of the Coucil's staff. The presidium discussed the relations between the Middle East Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. They agreed upon the coming meeting which should take place during the coming November in Lebanon. Visit to Patriarch Maximos Hakim: -------------------------------- On Monday 8 May 2000 evening, Pope Shenouda paid a visit to Patriarch Maximos Hakim of the Greek Catholic in Egypt and the Middle East at St Anna Theological College in the Mount of Lebanon in order to ask about his health. May the Lord grant him health and recovery. Celebrating the 3rd Millenium of Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ: --------------------------------------------------------------- On Monday 8 May 2000 evening, the Armenian Orthodox Catholicosate, in the occasion of the 3rd Millenium of Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, it organized a celebration at St Gregory the Illuminators Cathedral. The three patriarchs participated at the celebration as well as members of the Standing Committee of the three churches as well as deacons, choirs, clergy and congregations from the 3 churches in Lebanon. The celebration was also attended by Dr Karam Karam on behalf of the Lebaneese President. In this celebration, the common declaration issued by the three Patriarchs was loudly read before the audience by Coptic Metropolitan Bishoy in Arabic and by Syrian Metropolitan George Saliba in Syriac and Armenian Metropolitan Siboh in Armenian. Armenian Seminarians in Bekfia: ------------------------------ On Monday 8 May 2000 evening, Pope Shenouda met with seminarians at the Armenian Theological College of Bekefia. He was welcomed by the dean. Pope Shenouda gave them a short word before distributing gifts. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Pope Shenouda in England =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In the morning of Tuesday 9 May 2000, Pope Shenouda left Beirut for London. At the farewell at the airport were Catholicos Aram I, Dr Riyad Jarjur secretary of the MECC, Coptic Metropolitans Abraham and Bishoy, Bishop Moussa and a number of Coptic laity. At the airport of Heathrew: -------------------------- On Tuesday 9 May 2000 evening, accompanied by HG Bisho Joannes, Pope Shenouda arrived at Heathrew airport. There he was received by His Excellency Adel El-Gazar the Egyptian Ambassador in the UK, Dr Samiha Steit the Egyptian Consul General, Bishops Misael, Anthony, Demian, Seluanes, Angelos, Heg. Antonios Thabet, Heg Bishoy Bushra, Fr Yohanna Albert and Fr Mikhail Ibrahim. Visiting Dr Michel Garas: ------------------------ >From Heathrew airport, Pope Shenouda drove onto Roal Free Hospital where he visited Dr Michel Garas the council member of St Mark Church in London. We ask the Lord to grant him health and recovery. At the house of Dr Moheb Doss: ----------------------------- Then the party drove onto the house of Dr Moheb Doss. Lecture at the University of London: ----------------------------------- Following the invitation of Dr Mohamed Abdel-Halim, Director of the Islamic Studies Center at the University of London, Pope Shenouda delivered a lecture on Wednesday 10 May 2000 evening entitled "Faith and the challenges of the twenty-first century" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Pope Shenouda in the USA =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In New Jersey: ------------- On the evening of 11 May 2000, accompanied by Heg Mikhail Edward, Pope Shenouda arrived with the Concord from London. There he was received by a number of Coptic clergy and laity along with his Legal Advisor Mr Maged Riyad El-Deiry. The party drove onto the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove where a number of Coptic Clergy from allover the US and Canada where waiting amongst whom was Bishop Ruweis. Pope Shenouda spent two days there (12-13 May) meeting with the people and clergy before proceeding on 14 May to Cleveland. In Cleveland: ------------ This visit to Cleveland is nothing than a less than 24 hours transit for treatment. Accompanied by Bishops Serapion and David, he drove onto the clinic of Dr Nabil Bissada professor of teeth and dean of the Teeth Faculty. Then he went to the house of Fr Mikhail Edward the priest of the church. In the morning of 15 Mayy they all accompanied the Pope for Cleveland Clinic where he had some medical consultations. The same evening, accompanied by Bishops Serapion and David he flew to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles: -------------- On Monday 15 May 2000 morning at 6:08, accompanied by their graces bishops Serapion and David, Pope Shenouda arrived at the airport of Los Angeles to be received by Bishops Yacobos, Tadros, Paula, Pisenty, Karas and Maximos and a number of Coptic priests and people. Then he drove onto Virgin Mary church in Pasadena to pray thanksgiving before being entertained to lunch by the diocese of Los Angeles. Celebrating the feast of St Athanasios: -------------------------------------- On Tuesday 16 May 2000 at 6:30, accompanied by Bishops Serapion, Karas, David and Maximos, Pope Shenouda went to St Athanasios Church in Valley to celebrate his departure feast. There he was received by Bishops Yacobos, Tadros and Paula, the church priests Heg Antonios Yonan, Heg Bishoy Aziz and a big number of other Coptic priests. They were received by marvelous Coptic chanting of the deacons after which the Pope prayed the thanksgiving and answered questions of the people. Then he talked about Pope Athanasios in the occasion of his departure feast. He blessed the people and everybody left. Other meetings: -------------- On Wednesday 17 May 2000 morning, Pope Shenouda received Dr George Naim who is nominated to be priest and wife and decided the ordination date to be on Saturday 20 May 2000 morning at the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove NJ. Meeting with the Committee of Building St John Church Covina: ------------------------------------------------------------ On the same day (Wednesday), the pope met with the Committee of Building St John Church Covina. The meeting was also attended by Bishop Serapion of Los Angeles, Heg Georgius Attallah of the church, Fr Augustinos Hanna, Fr Yohanna Iskander and the rest of the committee members. It was agreed to begin necessary arrangements for the building. Including Architectural and Financial needs. A commitee was formed to prepare the church's financial statements for the past 5 years headed by Mr Samir Taros the treasurer, Mr Adel and Frs Yohanna Iskander and Angelos. Meeting with the priests of the diocese: --------------------------------------- On Thursday 18 May 2000 morning at 10:30, accompanied by Bishop Serapion, Pope Shenouda drove onto St Mina Church (River Side). They were received by the church priest Heg. Daniel Farag, other priests of the diocese, deacons and laity who sang the resurrection joyful hymns. Pope Shenouda prayed the thanksgiving and congratulated the people for their beautiful church in the form of Noah's Arc heading a hill. He blessed all people before having a pastoral meeting with the priests of the diocese which was also attended by Bishops Serapion, Karas, Maximos and David. Following their request, the Pope spoke of the model priest ministry in immigration countries, the fruits in the life of the priest, the pastoral care to teenagers, divorce and family affairs and concluded by a word on Resurection of our Lord. They all had an agape meal together on the church hall before leaving. On his was back, Pope Shenouda stopped to bless an ill person following the request of her son. Visiting Archdeacon Yostos: -------------------------- On the morning of Friday 19 May 2000, Pope Shenouda left Los Angeles for New Jersey. In his way, he stopped by the house of Archdeacon Yostos Takla and prayed for him because of his sickness. At the farewell at the airport were Bishops Serapion, Yacobos, Karas, priests and congregation. He was accompanied in the airoplane by Bishops Maximos and David. In New Jersey: ------------- In the evening of the same day, the airoplane landed at the airport of Nork in New Jersey. He was received by Bishop Macarius and the party drove to the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove where they were received by a number of priests and congregation and gave a spiritual word. On the morning of Saturday 20 May 2000, Pope Shenouda ordained Deacon Dr George Naim as priest. In the evening, he met with the congregation gave them a spiritual word, answered questions and blessed them before they left. At the book Fair in New York: ---------------------------- In the evening of Friday 21 May 2000, Pope Shenouda visited the book fair which is supervised by Heg Athanasios Kamel where he collects useful books, categorizes them to be provided for churches. Individuals can buy there what seems useful to them. The Pope was impressed by the selected variety of books in all fields of religious studies. To Paris: -------- At 6:00 in the morning, Pope Shenouda left the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove to France. At the farewell were Bishop David and the priests. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Pope Shenouda in France =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= On Monday 22 May 2000, Pope Shenouda arrived in Paris. Despite the short time of this journey, it was full of pastoral work. On 4:45, the airoplane landed in the airport of Charles De-Gaule in Paris. He was received by the staff of the Egyptian Ambassador and Consul General in France, Mr Mounir Ghabbur the Egyptian Businessman, Dr Nasser El-Ansary the Director of the Institute of the Arab World as well as Coptic Metropolitans, Bishops, priests and congregation from France, UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece. They all drove to Parroisse de l'Archange Michel et de St Marc which was overcrowded with people. The choir sang welcoming Pope Shenouda which was followed by a welcome word of Fr Girgis Luka before the Pope spoke. The meeting was attended also by the Egyptian Ambassador in France Dr Ali Maher, the Egyptian Consul General Nevine Semeka, the mayor of Chateney and the Armenian Bishop. At the Egyptian Consulate: ------------------------- At 8:30 in the evening, Pope Shenouda accompanied by Bishops and priests drove onto the Egyptian Embassy where they were entertained to dinner by Her Excellency Nevine Semeka the Egyptian Consul General. Many of the official figures in France were present there. After all had lunch, the Ambassador welcomed Pope Shenouda and spoke of his national role inside and outside Egypt which was followed by a word of the Pope saying that we shouldn't forget our nation Egypt. Tuesday 23 May 2000: ------------------- At 8:00 in the morning, Pope Shenouda had breakfast with the bishops and priests before proceeding to the exhibition held by the Institute of the Arab World. Pope Shenouda viewed the rare collection of Coptic pieces (stone, pottery, glass and papyri) as well as sculptures and icons which were arranged in a very nice order. He was very impressed by what he saw. Then Pope Shenouda has press interviews with different TV channels. In the celebration that was held in this occasions several people talked: The Egyptian Ambassador, the director of the Institute of the Arab World, Mr Mounir Ghabbour and was concluded by a word of Pope Shenouda. Then Pope Shenouda drove onto Paroisse de l'Archange Michel et de Saint Georges where he prayed Thanksgiving and blessed the people before going to the airport for Egypt. At the airport he was greeted by the Egyptian Ambassador and Coptic Bishops, priests and people. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Miscellaneous News =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= - Pope Shenouda received Fr Bishoy Andrawes, our Coptic priest in Washington DC who proposed him with a project of publishing English books on the Internet via the site orthodoxbookstore.com - In a report from Heg Ruweis of St George and St Ruweis Church Toronto Canada, he mentionned that the Coptic School which was inaugurated by the church and had begun by Pre-School classes reached now Grade 5. He also proposed an idea of having a Coptic Radio Immission for the area of Toronto. - On 11 September 1998, Pope Shenouda had inaugurated the St Antonios Coptic School in Montreal which is affiliated to St Mark Church there. The school had begun with Pre-school, Grades 1 and 2 under the supervision of Fr Mikhail Aziz. [Picture] It grew now and we can see pupils in the picture along with the teachers, instructors and the priest. Three buses were bought to transport children from and to the school. A amss is held every Sunday there from 8 to 10 in the morning where some pupils serve as deacons. Our best congratulations to St Mark Church and it's school. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=