Keraza Nos 29,30 dated Friday 14 September 2001 Keraza Nos 29,30 dated Friday 14 September 2001 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Consecration of New Bishops ------------------------------------------------------------------ On Saturday 8 September 2001 evening, more than 8,000 people gathered at St Mark Cathedral in Abbasseya. Amongst were delegations from Beni Mazar, Bahnasa, Magaga and Adwa and some 54 metropoltans and bishops. The courtyard of the cathedral was filled with banners supporting the ordination of the three new Bishops: * Bishop Athanasios of Beni-Mazar and Bahnasa (Fr Moussa El-Suriany) * Bishop Agathon of Magaga and Adwa (Fr Ezra Anba-Bishoy) * Bishop Kosman of North Sinai (Fr Kozman El-Baramosy) The crowds who filled the cathedral exploded in a great applause and joggling rejoicing and supporting the ordination of the new bishops. The prayers were con-celebrated by Metropolitan Abraham of Jerusalem, Metropolitan Pachomios of Behera, Matruh and the Pentapolis. The three new bishops stood before the assembled congregation and took the oath for a diocesan bishop. Each of the metropolitans and bishops present blessed the vestments before the ordinands. Our best congratulations to the dioceses and bishops. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Pope Shenouda Trip to the UK and the USA ------------------------------------------------------------------ On Thursday 9 August 2001 noon, Pope Shenouda landed at the airport of Heathrow London. HH was accompanied by Bishop Anthony. They were received at the airport by His Excellency Adel El-Gazar the Egyptian Ambassador in the United Kingdom along with Bishop Misael, Bishop Angelos, Heg Antonios Thabet and Heg Bishoy Bushra. On his way to Birmingham, Pope Shenouda stopped at the house of Rev Antonios Thabet to visit Heg Moussa Wassef and ask about his health. In Birmingham Arriving at the Coptic Centre in Birmingham, Pope Shenouda was received by Bishops Kyrillos (Milan), Barnabas (Rome), Damian (Germany), Gabriel (Austria) as well as priests from the UK, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands. Pope Shenouda stepped inside the beautiful new-built vast church where he prayed the Thanksgiving and admired the efforts and building work spent by bishop Misael. In an atmosphere of pastoral love, Pope Shenouda gave a spiritual word and answered questions while agape food was served to all. A memory photo was taken to the attendance and priests who arrived late were allowed to join the party. On Friday 10 August 2001 morning, Pope Shenouda had a meeting with Bishops Damian and Barnabas, Heg Arsenios El-Baramosy, Fr Youssef Mansour (the Netherlands), Heg Mikhail El-Baramosy (Germany) and Fr Mikhail Ibrahim from Golders Green. The sun setting, a larger meeting took place for all clergy where the Pope talked of dogmatic and pastoral issues and answered questions. He also displayed the current ecumenical steps and work. On Saturday 11 August 2001, Pope Shenouda gave a general lecture for the people inspired by our Lord's words: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Matt 11:28 The Pope talked of the comforting souls and answered questions. It was a happy day for all. Then HH had a private meeting with Heg Zakaria Boutros who exposed the ministry in Brighton. And his Pope received many other priests in private sessions who count to 19 priests. On Sunday, Pope Shenouda took the Plane from Heathrow airport to the United States. At the farewell were His Excellency Adel El-Gazar, HG Bishop Misael, Bishop Angelos, Heg Antonios Thabet and Heg Bishoy Bushra. In New Jersey On Sunday 12 August 2001 evening, accompanied by Bishop Anthony, Pope Shenouda arrived New Jersey where he was received by HG Bishop David, his legal advisor Mr Magued Riyad El-Deiry and a number of priests. They all drove on to the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove where the people and priests were waiting. Amongst were Mr Tarek Abu-Senna the Deputy of the Egyptian Consul General. On Monday and Tuesday Pope Shenouda had meetings with the priests and people and gave them a spiritual talk entitled: "the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life" 2 Cor 3:6 Then he met with Metropolitans and Bishops Bishoy of Damiet, Serapion of Los Angeles, Macarius the Eritrean, Thomas of Qussia and Angelos as well as priests Mikhail Edward (Cleveland), Ruweis Awad Allah (Toronto), Mina Mina (Delaware), Shenouda Maher Isaac (Rochester), Mina Yanney (Brooklyn) and Heg Athanasios Farag from Rutherford. He also met with Fr Moisis Azmy the new priest at the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove and both Dr Adel Suriel, Dr Samy Rizk who were delegated by the Coptic people of Cedar Grove to thank him for sending Fr Moisis for their ministry. On Friday 16 August, Pope Shenouda flew to Cleveland. In Cleveland Accompanied by Bishop Anthony, Pope Shenouda arrived at Cleveland Ohio where he was received by Heg Mikhail Edward (Cleveland), Heg Sidarous Abdel-Messih (Colombus), Fr Youhanna Ragheb (Dayton, Cincinati) and a number of Coptic people. It was a marvelous day. During his stay there, the Pope met with representatives of the churches in Agax, Windsor and London Ontario. He also met with Heg Antonios Saad (from Mississauga) and Fr Mikhail Youssef who arrived from Indiana Polis especially to expose to HH some matters related to his church. On the Eve of Saturday (the Eve of the Transfiguration Feast), Pope Shenouda gave a word to the people at St Mark's Cleveland about Transfiguration of our Lord and transfiguration of the human nature, a word that deeply touched many of the audience. From Cleveland also, the Pope followed the news of the ministry in Mexico. He also met with a Coptic family from Mexico and decided to buy a new piece of land in Mexico City and send a monk priest for the purpose of expanding ministry and predication there. On Sunday morning, he baptized a child before flying to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles In the evening of Sunday 19 August 2001 (Transfiguration Feast Day), Pope Shenouda arrived at Los Angeles accompanied by Bishop Anthony. They were received by Bishop Serapion (California), Antonios-Marcos (Johannesburg), Moussa (of the Youth) and Karas (Abbot of St Anthony Monastery California). The party drove on to the diocese secretariat where the priests and people received him with joy. The Pope prayed Thanksgiving at Virgin Mary Church and gave a word about Transfiguration. With the Diocese Clergy Council Pope Shenouda had a meeting with the priests at the Coptic Center of Orange City. He gave them a word about the Holy Trinity and answered many dogmatic questions. The meeting was also attended by priest wives and some deacons. Then, the Pope visited the different activities performed in the new building of the center where Bishop Serapion intends to initiate a new Coptic College. From there, the Pope drove to Covina where he blessed the construction work of the new church. He laid four gospels in the Four Corners of the church basement among the joy and hymn chanting of people. Among the attendees were Bishop Serapion, the priests, deacons and a number of people. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Papacy of Pope Shenouda On Wednesday 22 August 2001 evening, a great banquet was organized in Crystal Cathedral Orange County by HG Bishop Serapion on the honor of Pope Shenouda. The meeting was opened by prayer in the cathedral which was overcrowded (2,500 persons). Children and youngsters of different churches in the diocese performed hymns and songs before Bishop Serapion welcomed publicly Pope Shenouda and said: "In this day we celebrate three occasions: Virgin's Feast, 50 years for the passing away of the late Archdeacon Habib Gerges and the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of HH Pope Shenouda". Then, youngsters performed a play representing part of the life of Virgin Mary. The celebration was attended by The Syrian Metropolitan Yujin Kablash of West USA, Armenian Bishop Moshei Mardussian of West USA. It was also attended by Metropolitan Antonios-Marcos, Bishop Anthony and priests of the diocese. Then the Pope spoke. He thanked the audience and congratulated them of the Virgin's Feast. He gave a word about what we chant in the church "Many women received honor, yet none of them received like you....". This sentence was inspired by Psalm 31:29 concerning the pious woman. The Pope mentioned that during the Virgin's Feast we honor the person of Virgin Mary and mentioned many examples about women that received honor in the Bible and in History. In the morning of Thursday 23 August, the Pope flew from Los Angeles to San Fransisco. In San Francisco: Accompanied by their graces Bishops Serapion, Anthony and Karas , Pope Shenouda arrived San Fransisco Airport at 11:00 am where he was received by Her Excellency Afaf El-Mazariki the Egyptian Consul General in San Fransico and the priests of the region: Heg Matthias Farid, Fr Salib Gerges (San Jose) and Fr Antonios Hanna (Concord). Mrs Afaf El-Mazariki, the Egyptian Consul General had prepared a reception at the Egyptian Consulate which was attended by many dignitaries amongst were Mr Welly Brown the Mayor of San Fransisco who gave a word welcoming Pope Shenouda and presented him with the Key of the City. The Ambassador also welcomed the Pope and presented him with a Silver Plate and held a lunch on his honor. Her Excellency did indeed attend all celebrations held for the Pope in San Fransisco. Laying the Foundation Stone of the Coptic church in Concord: At 2:30 pm, Pope Shenouda left the Egyptian Consulate and drove on to view the new piece of land for Virgin Mary and St Mina (3,65 acres). There he laid the foundation stone for the new church among the joy of people and chanting of deacons. Banquet at the Marriott In the evening, Pope Shenouda attended a dinner banquet at the Marriott Hotel held on his honor for his 30th enthronement anniversary and celebrating the foundation stone of the new church. The banquet was attended by more than 500 persons from all Coptic churches of the region and several priests attended amongst were: Heg Phelimon Mahrous, Heg Tekla Azmy, Heg Isaiah Mikhail, Fr Bishoy William and Fr George Naeem. Choirs from the churches of Virgin Mary and St Mina, St George (San Jose) presented spiritual songs. Fr Antonios Hanna who presented a historical documentary about Pope Shenouda on the computer led also the choirs. The banquet was concluded around midnight. In the church of San Jose In the morning of Friday 24 August 2001, Pope Shenouda traveled to the city of San Jose south of San Fransisco. Accompanied by Their Graces Bishops Serapion and Anthony and Fr Matthias Farid, he arrived there at 10:00 am where he was received by Fr Salib Seddick the parish priest. Pope Shenouda prayed the Thanksgiving, gave a spiritual word and answered questions. He enjoyed very much the calm and organization. At 11:45 am, he left to the land of St Antonios Monastery in Pacifica. Foundation Stone for the Secretariat of St Antonios Monastery: Around 13:00, HH arrived at the new land acquired for the Secretariat of St Antonios Monastery. HH prayed and laid the foundation stone for the Secretariat Building. Bishops Serapion, Karas and Anthony participated in the prayers with the Pope and the priests and monks. It was a happy day for all and Pope Shenouda left at 15:00 to his residence. Meeting at St Antonios Church San Fransisco: On Friday 24 August 2001 evening, Pope Shenouda drove on to St Antonios Church in Heward San Fransisco where he viewed the new service building for Sunday School and the Library as well as the new chapel. He was received there by Fr Matthias Farid the parish priest and other priests of the region. Pope Shenouda prayed the Thanksgiving and answered people's questions in the overcrowded church. And during four hours, HH discussed with the priest and the Sunday School Responsible the ministry and pastoral issues. The morning of the next day, Pope Shenouda visited the same church to baptize children and ordain some youngsters to the deaconship degree of Singer and others to the degree of Reader. Meeting with Responsibles of the Ministry: On Saturday 25 August 2001 evening, at St Francis Hotel, Pope Shenouda had an enlarged 1.5 hours meeting with Responsibles of the Ministry where he discussed several pastoral issues, answered questions and presented many suggestions to raise the level of ministry to the youth. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of enthronement of Pope Shenouda Then Pope Shenouda and the party drove on to the hall where crowds celebrated his 30th anniversary of enthronement and the Silver Jubilee of St Antonios church (North California). The meeting was attended by several bishops, priests of the region, visiting priests, the Mayor of the city and Egyptian Ambassador Afaf El-Maraziky. The latter two were presented with gifts from the Pope. It was a great celebration, where presentations included: a computer presentation of the life of Pope Shenouda and his previous visits to the region, the choirs of St George and St Antonios Churches presented several spiritual pieces and hymns. The Pope gave a word about St Mark and St Antonios and concluded the celebration with prayer and distributed souvenirs. In the morning of Sunday 26 August 2001, accompanied by Metropolitan Antonios, Pope Shenouda flew to Boston to attend the Annual General Clergy Seminar. Annual General Clergy Seminar The seminar was held in Virgin Mary Vineyard in Boston in the period 27-30 August 2001. Headed by the Pope and 8 bishops: Metropolitans and Bishops Antonios-Marcos, Ruweis, Moussa, Serapion, Macarius the Eritrean, Youssef, Anthony and David. 138 priest attended the seminar from USA and Canada along with their wives and 36 children. All the organization was led by Heg Moussa El-Gohary and tens of church stewards. The event used the wonderful facilities of the vineyard including the church, the Clock, the Conference Hall, the refectory, the residence blocks, the children parks and a new library that was inaugurated by Pope Shenouda. The First Day: Monday 27 August 2001: Reception and registration of participants names. Then Pope Shenouda prayed the Thanksgiving in the church and raised the Vineyard Flag that hung in the yard throughout the seminar. The Pope greeted the new priests who attended the seminar for the first time (5 from California, 5 from Canada, 5 from Texas, 2 from Boston and 4 others) he presented each of them with a hand cross. HH suggested that each church should elect a secular youngster to join the each Church Council representing the youth needs and positions. He started then the first lecture entitled "Conformity of Through in Teaching" and the second lecture "Jehovah's Witnesses". A time was given for answering questions before all had lunch together. The Second Day: Tuesday 28 August 2001: The Pope had some individual meetings with priests in different intervals in the morning and in the evening. A morning general discussion was led by bishops Moussa, Antonios-Marcos, Serapion, Youssef, David and Anthony and was entitled "Serving the Youth". Then the Pope gave an introduction about the importance of serving the youth before Bishop Moussa spoke of criteria of a confessional father for the youth. Bishop Youssef spoke of the importance of teaching dogmas, hymns and Coptic language. Then Bishop Serapion presented 7 suggestions. The issue of mixed youth meetings was opened for discussion. In the evening, the priests played a more active role in the discussion of youth relations and means to solve them. The Third Day: Wednesday 29 August 2001: The day was opened by a Liturgy and individual meetings for the Pope with priests. The lectures started at noon. The Pope spoke of his serious interest in transcribing the History of the Church in Immigration Countries. He asked priests to supply him with the historical information they have and the work of God in it. Then he spoke of the Priest Relationships in his Church Ministry. The meeting was concluded by distribution of gifts and souvenirs to attendants by Pope Shenouda and the Vineyard Administration. In the evening, another anniversary was held to celebrate the 30th enthronement anniversary of Pope Shenouda. This celebration began by a deacon/priest candle procession from the Pope's residence to the Conference hall. A plenary prayer and hymns was said before Heg Moussa El-Gohary presented a touching word which was followed by a documentary presentation on a screen of the Enthronement Celebration of 1971 and HH achievements. The celebration was concluded by a word of the Pope thanking the people and focusing on the work of God. He answered questions and concluded by the blessing prayer. Back Journey In his way back, Pope Shenouda flew to New Jersey on 30 August. Celebration of Canada and North-East USA of the enthronement anniversary: On Thursday 30 August 2001 evening, a great banquet was held at the Marriott Hotel on the occasion of Pope Shenouda's 30th enthronement anniversary. The banquet was attended by Bishops Ruweis, Serapion, Youssef, Macarius the Eritrean, Anthony and David as well as some 100 Coptic priest and a huge number of church laymen representing different churches. This banquet was organized by more than 65 church steward and different Arabic and English books of HH were displayed in a beautiful exhibition. The banquet started with the deacons chanting the Coptic Hymn (Greek Lyrics) "Evlogimenos" while bishops and priests entered and once the Pope entered the hall, the crowds exploded in applause and joggling. The Pope gave a short word thanking the people and the program began. Different words were said by guests including Armenian Bishop Hajag Barsenian, North USA Syrian Bishop Mor Kyrollos Evram, Coptic Bishop Youssef of South USA, Coptic Bishop David, representatives of foreign churches and Mr Maged Riyad El-Deiry the Legal Adviser of Pope Shenouda in the USA. The Pope then spoke of the shift that happened to his life as solitude-loving monk to a servant among the crowds. He also talked about the shift in the Coptic church politics represented in the open outlook and founding churches in immigration countries and Africa. Then the banquet was concluded and the Mayor presented the Pope with a Certificate. Late the same day, the Pope met with the priests of South-Ontario in Canada. The next day, Pope Shenouda received in his residence some church delegations and paid a visit to Mr Maged Riya El-Deiry in his house. On Sunday 2 September 2001, he consecrated the new baptistery in the Papal Residence in Cedar Grove and baptized a number of children. He also received two trips from Canada. One from St George and St Ruweis Church and the other from St Mark in Toronto. On Monday 3 September 2001, he took a flight to London UK and from there another flight to Cairo to arrive on Tuesday 4 September 2001 evening. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Miscellaneous News ------------------------------------------------------------------ Spiritual Apparitions in the Mount of Dronka in Assiut: Annual Pilgrimages are common to the monastery of Virgin Mary in Dronka Assiut during this period of the Fast of Our Lady. From Wednesday 15 August 2001 and over four days, spiritual bright lights appeared there and reached its optimum on Saturday 18 August. 30,000-40,000 pilgrims come to the monastery in this period annually but after those apparitions the number increased much. People who saw it explained that during the procession (19:00-20:30), bright lights appeared and touched the whole person with unexplainable spirituality. The light appeared in the form of Virgin Mary carrying child Jesus during the procession and shone over tens of thousands of people. After the procession, Metropolitan Mikhail gives a word to the people and when he raises the cross to bless them a strong celestial light shines clearly from his cross over the crowds. He lifts the cross once more and the light diffuses strong again. It was also said that celestial lights appeared at the entrance of the cave of Virgin Mary Monastery (Dronka) and on the rock wall facing the cave and the big picture of the Virgin daily during the procession. Those lights faded after the Transfiguration Feast. Presidential Decree to build a church in Tur Sinai A Presidential Decree No 252/2001 was issued to build a Coptic Orthodox church in the city of Tur South Sinai. A piece of land (2,000 square meter) had previously been allocated by the governor to build a church. We are grateful to the president and the governor of South Sinai. On Tuesday 2 October, Pope Shenouda took a small private airplane to Sinai in order to lay the foundation stone for the first Coptic church in this area. He was accompanied by Bishops Arsenios, Moussa, Paula, Isodorus and Apollo as well as Fr Pefnutios the prior of the Paramos Monastery, Fr Mina Avva-Mina and Mr Osiris a Coptic business man from Sharm El-Sheikh. They were received at the airport by General Mustafa Afify the Governor of South Sinai and the Head of Security there and several religious and state responsibles, digniraties, press and TV. They all drove on to the piece of land, where they were received by Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Damianos of Sinai, indigienous people of Tur and head bedouins of South Sinai. Several words were given by Bishop Apollo of South-Sinai, Sheikh Eid Metwally Shatla of the Endowments and the Governor General Mustafa Afifi. Pope Shenouda concluded with a word and distributed souvenirs. The Governor presented HH with the Armour of the Governorate and both laid the foundation stone. A prayer was said before all drove to Magdolina Village to have lunch. At 17:00, Pope Shenouda and his accompanying party returned back to Cairo. New Greek Orthodox Patriarch in Jerusalem Finally, after a long struggle (9 months), Metropolitan Irineos was chosen Patriarch for the Greek Orthodox in Jerusalem. The Greek Church Synod (17 member) chose him as he won as one of two candidates with a difference of 2 voices. According to the Jordanian Law, this choice shall be supported by a Highest Royal Approval. Coptic Academy in Nashville We learned from Fr Boutros Boutros the Coptic priest of Nashville TN: Nashville is a city in the State of Tennessee USA where 500 Coptic Family live. It is affiliated to the diocese of South USA. Registration procedures began for a new academy "St Clement Coptic Orthodox Academy" with a Head-Master who is an American Orthodox Lady and two teachers. 20 children are currently enrolled (3-6 years old). It is worth to note that the Coptic church there has been consecrated by Pope Shenouda on 27 August 2000 and a parish priest Fr Mina Iskander was ordained. We pray the Lord to complete his work in the construction of this Academy. New Retreat House in Milan Bishop Kyrillos of Milan bought this building and since then many church retreats and summer camps are using it. It lays in a rocky mountainous land covered with trees on 600 m altitude and 80 km from Milan. Bishop Kyrillos mentions that this place has a special attraction as it reminds us of the Bible's saying "...who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains" Ps 147:8. This three-floored building has a big conference hall (for 500 persons), dormitories and supervisors rooms, huge kitchen and lavatories. The House is able to accommodate 200 person and the facing building has a church with room to 150 persons. In the same area, the Coptic church had a piece of land (8,500 m) out of which 5,000 sq m are like a forest laying by water falls. Congratulations for the church in Milan and Bishop Kyrollos. Congratulations for the installation of the monastery in Milan and buying this church and land. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Obituaries ------------------------------------------------------------------ On Wednesday 5 September 2001, the pious archon Aziz Atallah Ayad passed away from our vanishing world. He is the father of General Bishop Martyros, Fr Joannes Aziz of St Mark's Cleopatra Alexandria and Fr Dometios Aziz of St George's Kom Hamada. The funeral took place at St George's Kom Hamada and was attended by Bishops Pachomius, Matthaus, Joannes (representing Pope Shenouda), Sarabamon (Sudan), Taodros, Elia and Martyros and a number of priests. We were touched by the painful accident where our son Adel Karas was victim in Los Angeles. He was killed by sinners hands in his working place. The American Ambassador to Egypt Mr David Welch visited us on Monday 24 September 2001 morning and relayed his deep apology and condolences and confirmed that they are chasing the criminals. Our deep condolences for his family. May the Lord grant his soul piece in the paradise of joy. ------------------------------------------------------------------