Keraza Nos 31,32 - Friday 28 September 2001

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                   Meeting between Pope Shenouda III and
                   the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I
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     This was the second meeting between the thrones of Alexandria and
     Constantinople in modern ages. In fact, the first meeting took
     place in October 1972 after 15 centuries of separation since the
     Chalcedon split on 451 AD. In this first meeting, Pope Shenouda
     had met with the late Patriarch Demetrius II in Istanbul Turkey.

     On Thursday 13 September, Pope Shenouda flew to Istanbul airport
     accompanied by HE Metropolitan Bishoy and Bishop Angelos. They met
     with the Ecumenical Patriarch His All Holiness Bartholomew and
     con-celebrated the feast of the Cross of their church in the
     morning of Friday 14 September.

     The meeting was characterized with a spirit of deep love and
     friendship and gifts were exchanged. The meeting was also
     characterised by important theological dialogue which was attended
     by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan Genniadios,
     Metropolitan Demetrius, Metropolitan Kyrillos and professor
     Martzelos who loves our Coptic church. The dialogue was frank,
     strong, active and the spirit of love and understanding reigned
     where HE Metropolitan Bishoy was requested to meet with Fr George
     from the monasteries of Mount Athos.

     During this historical meeting, the church of the Holy Trinity in
     the third island of Princess Island in the sea of Marmara. The
     party visited also the Convent of the Source.

     A reception was held where the Ecumenical Patriarch spoke as well
     as Pope Shenouda and many dignitaries. Another supper banquet was
     held at the Egyptian Consulate. This was attended by Pope Shenouda
     and the Ecumenical Patriarch and some metropolitans and bishops.

     On Sunday, the party was invited to the Armenian Orthodox
     Patriarchate in Turkey in the first island "Kinali Ada". This was
     a meetging of love and communion where Patriarch Mesrob spoke.
     Pope Shenouda gave a word on the "Holy Cross" according to their
     will.

     In the evening of 16 September at 18:00, the party flew back to
     Cairo after a trip which although too short was very successful
     and fruitful.

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