26th Issue, May 2017 - Special Edition In This Issue Letter from Cairo A bi-monthly periodical on the current political, economic, and cultural developments in Egypt

Issued by Foreign Information Sector State Information Service Arab Republic of Egypt

Chairman of SIS 18 Ambassador 24 Salah A Elsadek 4 Pope Francis goes to Egypt as a “messenger of peace”

Editor-in-Chief Sisi appreciates Pope Abdel Mo'ti Abu Zeid 6 Francis’ noble stances

Executive Editor 11 El-Tayyeb: Terrorist acts far 21 Pope Tawadros II: Nashwa Abdel Hamid from values of heavenly Egypt is oasis of peace, religions cradle of divine messages, security Layout Nisreen Ahmed

Covers Rami Ahmed

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Email: [email protected] Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Editorial Pope Francis’ visit supports peace, slams terrorism “With a heart full of joy and gratitude I will soon visit your beloved country, the cradle of civilization, the gift of the Nile, the land of sun and hospitality, the land where Patriarchs and Prophets lived, and where God, Benevolent and Merciful, the Almighty and One God, made his voice heard,” His Holiness Vatican Pope Francis said in a video message to the Egyptian people released ahead of his April 28-29 visit to Egypt, affirming that he was coming as “a friend, as a messenger of peace, and a pilgrim” to Egypt. The visit of Pope Francis comes upon the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed El-Tayyeb, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese and the Coptic-Catholic Patriarch. The Pope’s visit also marks 70 years since the beginning of exchange of diplomatic relations between the two countries on 23 May 1947. Egypt and the Holy See maintain friendly and stable relations. The sharing of common views on key issues such as peace process in the Middle East, the perception of the Middle East as a nuclear-free zone have contributed to an ever growing understanding between the two countries which have common cultural and social interests in regard to the enhancement of inter- religious dialogue. The Pope’s visit also coincides with Al-Azhar's International Peace Conference attended by a cluster of religious leaderships worldwide. Pope Francis’ meetings asserted that terrorism does not belong to any heavenly religion and lauded Egypt’s regional and international role. Pope Tawadros II met with the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church at the Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral. The pontiff also prayed at St. Peter and St. Paul Church where a deadly attack had taken place in December 2016, leaving 29 dead. Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, officiated a Mass in the presence of more than 25,000 Egyptians from six different Catholic sects at the “30 June” stadium in Cairo. This is the first official visit of the Pope to Egypt since he assumed the Papacy in 2013. “A dear visitor, a unique personality, and a high-level religious and spiritual leader.” Those were the opening words of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s speech welcoming Pope Francis whose visit is a message to the whole world that Egypt is safe and stable and will have positive impact at the political, social, economic, security, tourist and religious levels in Egypt. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Pope Francis goes to Egypt as a “messenger of peace”

The official logo of Pope Francis’ Apos- tolic Journey to Egypt

Pope Francis said he wants his of brotherhood and recon- visit to Egypt “to be a witness of ciliation with all the children my affection, comfort and en- of Abraham, particularly the couragement for all the Chris- tians of the Middle East, a mes- Muslim world” in a video mes- sage of friendship and respect sage to the Egyptian people for all the inhabitants of Egypt released ahead of his April 28- and the region, and a message 29 visit to the country. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Pope honoured to visit land visited by Holy Family Transcript of the Pope’s video message

Dear People of Egypt, As-salamu alaykum! Peace be with you! With a heart full of joy and gratitude I will soon visit your beloved country, the cradle of civilization, the gift of the Nile, the land of sun and hospitality, the land where Patriarchs and Prophets lived, and where God, Benevolent and Merciful, the Almighty and One God, made his voice heard. I am truly happy to be coming as a friend, as a messenger of peace, and a pilgrim to the country that, over two thousand years ago, gave refuge and hospitality to the Holy Family as they fled the threats of King Herod (cf. Mt 16-2:10). I am honoured to visit the land visited by the Holy Family! I greet all of you warmly and I thank you for your invitation to visit Egypt, which you call ‘Umm il Dugna’ - Mother of the universe! I offer heartfelt thanks to the President of the Republic, to His Holiness Patriarch Tawadros II, to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and to the Coptic-Catholic Patriarch, all of whom invited me. I also thank each of you for opening your hearts to me, and in particular all those who worked so hard to make this journey possible. I would like this visit to be a witness of my affection, comfort and encouragement for all the Christians of the Middle East, a message of friendship and respect for all the inhabitants of Egypt and the region, and a message of brotherhood and reconciliation with all the children of Abraham, particularly the Muslim world, in which Egypt holds so important a place. I would also hope that my visit will make a fruitful contribution to interreligious dialogue with the followers of Islam and to ecumenical dialogue with the venerable and beloved Coptic Orthodox Church. Our world is torn by blind violence, a violence that has also struck the heart of your beloved land. Our world needs peace, love and mercy. It needs peacemakers, people who are free and who set others free, men and women of courage who can learn from the past in order to build the future, free of every form of prejudice. Our world needs people who can build bridges of peace, dialogue, fraternity, justice and humanity. Dear Egyptian brothers and sisters, young and old, women and men, Muslims and Christians, rich and poor… I embrace you warmly and I ask Almighty God to bless you and protect your country from every evil. Please pray for me! Shukran wa Tahiaì Misr! (Thank you and may Egypt flourish!). Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Sisi appreciates Pope Francis’ noble stances President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi wise the Pope’s deep understanding voiced appreciation for Pope Francis of the importance of addressing of the Vatican for his noble stances. the complicated reality. President Addressing a meeting on April 28 in Sisi said Egypt has been the land the presence of the Pope, President Sisi said his stances remove evil of heavenly religions including and disappointment from the lives Christianity, citing the trip of the of people. The President hailed as sacred family to Egypt.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi greets Pope Francis upon his arrival at Presidential Palace Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 In his speech, President Sisi and spread justice and peace among welcomed Pope Francis in Egypt as people. a dear guest, unique personality and Egypt has been established over a high-level religious and spiritual time as the land of heavenly religions, leader, who has inspired millions of people all over the world. He President Sisi said. This blessed land voiced his appreciation of the Pope also incubated cultural diversity and his humane stances that bring and religious plurality, he added. hope to hearts and remove evil President Sisi further underlined

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi meets with Pope Francis in the capital Cairo on April 28, 2017 and disappointment from the lives that on the Egyptian land, Joseph of people. President Sisi cited his and Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus first meeting with Pope Francis in Christ, escaped from Herod and his the Vatican city in November 2014, followers. “Egypt, as it had always hailing his penetrating insight and been, was the safe haven and profound wisdom in addressing the merciful fortress,” the President complicated reality and achieving the stressed. He deemed as historic the lofty goals that preserve humanity Pope’s visit to Egypt, saying the visit Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 never commanded killing innocents or terrorizing their safety, but it has commanded tolerance, mercy and good deeds, which are beneficial to people, as well as respect for the other and his right to choose his religion and faith,” he added. “Egypt is at the forefront of combating this terrorist evil. Its people are enduring, with patience, pride and sacrifice, an expensive cost for confronting this grave danger and they are determined to defeat and eradicate it, to maintain our unity and not allow it to divide us,” Pope Francis speaks to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the President said. coincides with celebrations to mark “In this context, I reiterate that the the 70th anniversary of establishing permanent eradication of terrorism diplomatic ties between Egypt and requires more coordination and the Holy See. solidarity among peace loving Referring to his meeting with Pope nations in the international Francis, the “Pope of peace in Egypt community. It requires a unified of peace”, the President said that effort to dry up its sources, either they stressed the importance of the by funding or providing fighters or principles of peaceful coexistence arms,” President Sisi noted. to avoid conflicts that flare violence “Eradicating terrorism requires and destruction among people. a comprehensive strategy that Today, we are facing unprecedented takes into account not only military challenges, President Sisi said, citing and security measures but also waves of terrorist attacks that rattled developmental, intellectual and the world. political aspects that shall address What hurts the most is when these the root causes of terrorism and forces of evil claim that these acts prevent terrorist groups from are associated with the great religion recruiting new members,” the of Islam, which is innocent of them President stressed. and which they have disowned, the In his speech, the President President affirmed. “True Islam has appreciated Pope Francis’ positions Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 in support of promoting dialogue with the Egyptian religious institutions after pausing for years. He said “Re-launching interfaith dialogue between the Catholic Church and Al-Azhar was a historic step that will have a great impact on strengthening our efforts to renew the religious discourse and presenting an enlightened religious thought that helps us confront the Church and Catholic Church have grave challenges that our region been significant to enhancing and the entire world are facing.” cooperation between the ancient Egyptian religious institutions and “Al-Azhar, which represents a the Vatican,” President Sisi said. great legacy, exerts valuable efforts to disseminate the true teachings of “Here you are, Your Holiness, a dear Islam and presents a model of true guest in Egypt in the attendance Islam, plays an indispensable role of representatives of its ancient in confronting calls for extremism religious institutions. Receiving as well as the invalid ideological Your Holiness on the land of Egypt grounds of terrorist groups,” the is a declaration to the world of President said. the strength of our national unity, He went on to say “I would like this unity that we consider as our to express appreciation for your front line of defense against those constructive participation in the who hold evil for our country,” the International Peace Conference President added. organized by Al-Azhar in Cairo. “We would like to welcome This participation confirms your you once again as a kind guest of keenness on reinforcing the culture Egypt and we share great hope of interfaith dialogue to support for a better future that embraces the values of love, peace and a pledge of peace, mercy and coexistence.” tolerance. We hope that you have “In reciprocation, the historic a pleasant stay in our country and visit that Pope Tawadros II made pray for God Almighty to forever to the Vatican in 2013 and the grant Egypt and the entire world declaration of May 10 as a Day of security, tranquility and stability,” Friendship between the Coptic Presiden Sisi concluded. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Pope Francis hails on ways of fostering bilateral ties in different fields, especially that Egypt’s important role in the papal visit comes to mark the Middle East 70th anniversary of the bilateral President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on diplomatic relations. During the April 28 held bilateral talks with Pope meeting, President Sisi reviewed a Francis of the Vatican, followed by number of national issues, pointing expanded talks in the presence of the to burdens borne by the Egyptian two countries’ delegations. During people in combating extremism and the talks, President Sisi expressed terrorism. Egypt’s Copts are part his appreciation of Pope Francis’ and parcel of the societal fabric, humane stances and his keenness to President Sisi underlined, saying visit Egypt at this critical time. that State deals with all citizens on the basis of citizenship and For his part, the pontiff voiced his constitutional and legal rights, as happiness about visiting Egypt and well as consolidating the culture praised Cairo’s valuable contributions of equality and patriotism. At the in its quest for peace. Also, Pope end of the meeting, the two parties Francis hailed the important role exchanged commemorative medals. played by Egypt in the Middle East to settle serious crises sweeping the region. Furthermore, the Roman Catholic pontiff expressed his support of Egypt’s efforts to eradicate violence and terrorism and bring about development.

President Sisi and Pope Francis have touched President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Pope Francis exchange presents Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

El-Tayyeb: Terrorist acts far from values of heavenly religions Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Tayyeb: World peace has become like lost paradise His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed El- urged spreading awareness about Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al- heavenly religions to solve problems Sharif thanked on April 28 Pope Francis in the world. The heavenly religions of the Vatican for his participation in have nothing to do with the wave of the International Peace Conference, violence and terrorism now hitting held in Cairo. Addressing the closing the world, he noted. He further session of the Conference, El-Tayyeb condemned malpractices committed urged the attendees to observe a against the Palestinian people. minute of silence to mourn the victims Moreover, El-Tayyeb stressed the of terrorist attacks in Egypt and the importance of the Papal visit to world. Egypt and participation in Al- Azhar “World peace has become like International Peace Conference the lost paradise,” El-Tayyeb noted, at a time many world countries blaming the arms trade for the are suffering a lack of peace due absence of peace in the world. He to conflicts. He further called for

Pope Francis meets with Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 killed people. That Europe witnessed two world wars in which 70 million people were killed does not mean that the European civilization backs terrorism, said El-Tayyeb. He hailed statements of Pope Francis which cement co- existence among the followers of all religions. Pope: Egypt gave birth to inestimable promoting religious values, such cultural heritage as brotherhood and acquaintance among peoples. Pope Francis on April 28 described Egypt as the “land of civilizations” and The Grand Imam said despite a country that has “lifted the lamp modern achievements and scientific of knowledge”. Addressing Al-Azhar progress, the world sees such crises International Peace Conference, the in the 21st century. He underlined Pope said Egypt over the ages of its the necessity to purify the image of glorious history has appeared to the religions of any defects or misleading world as a land of civilizations and concepts that justify stances of those a land of covenants. “From ancient who fuel conflicts and hatred. “We times, the culture that arose along should not judge religions on the the banks of the Nile was synonymous basis of crimes by a few fiddlers,” with civilization. Egypt lifted the he said, asserting that “Islam is not lamp of knowledge, giving birth to a religion of terrorism due to the an inestimable cultural heritage, understanding of a sect of those who made up of wisdom and ingenuity, misinterpret its texts.” mathematical and astronomical He stressed that Christianity also is discoveries, and remarkable forms not a faith of terror because of the of architecture and figurative art,” he acts of those who held the Cross and added. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 “Similar decisions are needed for God’s eyes, and on an ethics worthy our own future, decisions of peace of man, one that is unafraid of others and for peace, for there will be no and fearlessly employs those means peace without the proper education of knowledge bestowed on us by the of coming generations. Nor can young Creator,” he added. people today be properly educated “Precisely in the field of dialogue, unless the training they receive particularly inter-religious dialogue, corresponds to the nature of man as we are constantly called to walk an open and relational being,” Pope together, in the conviction that Francis said. the future also depends on the “Education indeed becomes wisdom encounter of religions and cultures. for life if it is capable of ‘drawing out’ In this regard, the work of the Mixed of men and women the very best of Committee for Dialogue between the themselves, in contact with the One Pontifical Council for Inter-religious who transcends them and with the Dialogue and the Committee of world around them, fostering a sense Al-Azhar for Dialogue offers us a of identity that is open and not self- enclosed. Wisdom seeks the other, overcoming temptations to rigidity and closed-mindedness; it is open and in motion, at once humble and inquisitive; it is able to value the past and set it in dialogue with the present, while employing a suitable hermeneutics. Wisdom prepares a future in which people do not attempt to push their own agenda but rather to include others as an integral part of themselves. Wisdom tirelessly seeks, even now, to identify opportunities for encounter and sharing; from the past, it learns that evil only gives rise to more evil, and violence to more violence, in a spiral that ends by imprisoning everyone. Wisdom, in rejecting the dishonesty and the abuse of power, is centered on human dignity, a dignity which is precious in Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb embrace at a con- ference on international peace in Cairo April 28 Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Pope Francis gives a present to Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb concrete and encouraging example. of our humanity, is not a strategy for Three basic areas, if properly linked achieving specific goals, but rather to one another, can assist in this a path to truth, one that deserves dialogue: the duty to respect one’s to be undertaken patiently, in order own identity and that of others, the to transform competition into courage to accept differences, and cooperation,” he added. sincerity of intentions,” the Pope said. “An education in respectful “The duty to respect one’s own openness and sincere dialogue with identity and that of others, because others, recognizing their rights and true dialogue cannot be built basic freedoms, particularly religious on ambiguity or a willingness to freedom, represents the best way sacrifice some good for the sake to build the future together, to of pleasing others. The courage to be builders of civility. For the only accept differences, because those alternative to the civility of encounter who are different, either culturally is the incivility of conflict. To counter or religiously, should not be seen effectively the barbarity of those or treated as enemies, but rather who foment hatred and violence, we welcomed as fellow-travelers, in need to accompany young people, the genuine conviction that the helping them on the path to maturity good of each resides in the good of and teaching them to respond to the all. Sincerity of intentions, because incendiary logic of evil by patiently dialogue, as an authentic expression working for the growth of goodness. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 In this way, young people, like well- are urgently needed today. Here I planted trees, can be firmly rooted would take as a symbol the “Mount in the soil of history, and, growing of the Covenant” which rises up in heavenward in one another’s this land. Sinai reminds us above all company, can daily turn the polluted that authentic covenants on earth air of hatred into the oxygen of cannot ignore heaven, that human fraternity,” Pope Francis said. beings cannot attempt to encounter one another in peace by eliminating “In facing this great cultural God from the horizon, nor can they challenge, one that is both urgent and climb the mountain to appropriate exciting, we, Christians, Muslims and God for themselves (cf. Ex 19:12),” all believers, are called to offer our the Pope said. specific contribution: We live under the sun of the one merciful God... “This is a timely reminder in the face Thus, in a true sense, we can call one of a dangerous paradox of the present another brothers and sisters... since moment. On the one hand, religion without God the life of man would tends to be relegated to the private be like the heavens without the sun. sphere, as if it were not an essential May the sun of a renewed fraternity dimension of the human person and in the name of God rise in this sun- society. At the same time, the religious drenched land, to be the dawn of a and political spheres are confused and civilization of peace and encounter. not properly distinguished. Religion risks May Saint Francis of Assisi, who eight being absorbed into the administration of centuries ago came to Egypt and met temporal affairs and tempted by the allure Sultan Malik al-Kamil, intercede for of worldly powers that in fact exploit it. this intention,” he added. Our world has seen the globalization of many useful technical instruments, but “In Egypt, not only did the sun of also a globalization of indifference and wisdom rise, but also the variegated negligence, and it moves at a frenetic light of the religions shone in this land. pace that is difficult to sustain. As a Here, down the centuries, differences result, there is renewed interest in the of religion constituted a form of great questions about the meaning of mutual enrichment in the service life. These are the questions that the of the one national community. religions bring to the fore, reminding us Different faiths met and a variety of our origins and ultimate calling. We of cultures blended without being are not meant to spend all our energies confused, while acknowledging the on the uncertain and shifting affairs importance of working together for of this world, but to journey towards the common good. Such “covenants” the Absolute that is our goal. For all Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 these reasons, expression,” Pope especially today, Francis said. religion is not “As religious a problem but leaders, we are a part of the called, therefore, solution: against the temptation to unmask the to settle into violence that a banal and masquerades uninspired life, as purported where everything sanctity and is begins and ends based more on here below, the ‘absolutizing’ religion reminds of selfishness us of the need than on authentic to lift our hearts openness to the Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb shake hands at Al-Azhar Sheikh- Absolute. We have to the Most High dom headquarters in Cairo in order to learn how to build the city an obligation to denounce violations of man,” he added. of human dignity and human rights, to expose attempts to justify every form of “To return to the image of Mount hatred in the name of religion, and to Sinai, I would like to mention the condemn these attempts as idolatrous commandments that were promulgated caricatures of God: Holy is his name, there, even before they were sculpted he is the God of peace, God salaam,” on tablets of stone. At the centre of this he added. ‘decalogue’, there resounds, addressed to each individual and to people of all ages, “Peace alone, therefore, is holy and the commandment: “Thou shalt not kill” no act of violence can be perpetrated (Ex 20:13). God, the lover of life, never in the name of God, for it would ceases to love man, and so God exhorts profane his Name. Together, in the land us to reject the way of violence as the where heaven and earth meet, this necessary condition for every earthly land of covenants between peoples “covenant”. Above all and especially and believers, let us say once more in our day, the religions are called to a firm and clear “No!” to every form respect this imperative, since, for all of violence, vengeance and hatred our need of the Absolute, it is essential carried out in the name of religion or that we reject any ‘absolutizing’ that in the name of God. Together let us would justify violence. For violence is affirm the incompatibility of violence the negation of every authentic religious and faith, belief and hatred. Together Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 let us declare the sacredness of weapons for our protection: what is every human life against every form needed today are peacemakers, not of violence, whether physical, social, fomenters of conflict; firefighters educational or psychological. Unless it and not arsonists; preachers of is born of a sincere heart and authentic reconciliation and not instigators of love towards the Merciful God, faith is destruction,” he added. no more than a conventional or social “It is disconcerting to note that, construct that does not liberate man, as the concrete realities of people’s but crushes him. Let us say together: lives are increasingly ignored in the more we grow in the love of God, favour of obscure machinations, the more we grow in the love of our demagogic forms of populism are on neighbour,” the Pope said. the rise. These certainly do not help “Religion, however, is not meant to consolidate peace and stability: no only to unmask evil; it has an intrinsic incitement to violence will guarantee vocation to promote peace, today peace, and every unilateral action perhaps more than ever. Without that does not promote constructive giving in to forms of facile syncretism, and shared processes is in reality a our task is that of praying for one gift to the proponents of radicalism another, imploring from God the gift and violence. In order to prevent of peace, encountering one another, conflicts and build peace, it is engaging in dialogue and promoting essential that we spare no effort in harmony in the spirit of cooperation eliminating situations of poverty and and friendship. For our part, as exploitation where extremism more Christians, “we cannot truly pray to easily takes root, and in blocking the God the Father of all if we treat any flow of money and weapons destined people as other than brothers and to those who provoke violence. Even sisters, for all are created in God’s more radically, an end must be put to image”. Moreover, we know that, the proliferation of arms; if they are engaged in a constant battle against produced and sold, sooner or later the evil that threatens a world which they will be used. Only by bringing is no longer “a place of genuine into the light of day the murky fraternity”, God assures all those who manoeuvrings that feed the cancer of trust in his love that “the way of love war can its real causes be prevented. lies open to men and that the effort National leaders, institutions and the to establish universal brotherhood media are obliged to undertake this is not vain”. Rather, that effort is urgent and grave task. So too are all of essential: it is of little or no useto us who play a leading role in culture; raise our voices and run about to find each in his or her own area, we are Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 and his participation in the International Peace Conference that took place at Al-Azhar Conference Center. The Pope’s visit is a message of peace, El-Tayyeb said, underlining that Al-Azhar, out of its historic role in bringing peace to the world, is spearheading an Pope Francis: Violence Cannot be Committed in Name of God. international campaign to charged by God, by history and by spread peace among religious leaders the future to initiate processes of and scholars. Al-Azhar-sponsored peace, seeking to lay a solid basis for Peace Conference falls within a series agreements between peoples and of international conferences organized states. It is my hope that this noble by Al-Azhar to entrench peace among and beloved land of Egypt, with God’s various cultures and civilizations and help, may continue to respond to the face extremist thoughts that justify calling it has received to be a land of the killing of innocent persons in the civilization and covenant, and thus name of religion, he said. to contribute to the development of processes of peace for its beloved The pontiff, for his part, people and for the entire region of the voiced appreciation of Tayyeb’s Middle East,” the Pope concluded. invitation to attend Al-Azhar Peace Conference, stressing the Azhar Grand Imam, Pope Francis necessity of working together to stress necessity of working together promote peace and the spirit of to promote peace cooperation and friendship. Today, Al-Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed we are in need of peace builders El-Tayyeb and Pope Francis of the not warmongers who do not Vatican stressed the necessity of achieve peace and stability, said working together to promote peace in the Pope of Peace in Egypt of Peace. the world. In a statement by Al-Azhar He affirmed “the incompatibility Sheikhdom following their meeting of violence and faith, belief and on April 28, El-Tayyeb voiced his hatred,” calling for upholding appreciation of the Pope’s “historic” instead “the sacredness of every visit to Cairo and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif human life”. Letter from Cairo-26thPope Issue, May 2017 Tawadros: World anticipating efforts to promote peace, renounce violence Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Pope Tawadros II: Egypt is oasis of peace, cradle of divine messages, security Egypt is an oasis of peace and cradle of heavenly messages, peace and security, head of the Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II said on April 28 as he welcomed visiting Pope Francis of Vatican. Pope Tawadros met with the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church at the Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo’s Abbassiya district, where they signed an agreement on the sacrament of baptism. The two popes also had a plenary session of talks that was attended by delegations of the Orthodox and Catholic Pope Francis with Coptic churches. Orthodox Pope Tawadros II in Cairo April 28 Pope Tawadros said that Pope Francis’ visit was a new step on the way of love and brotherhood among peoples. He described the head of the Roman Catholic Church as a symbol of love and peace in a world full of conflicts and wars and that is eager for sincere efforts to spread peace and love and reject violence and extremism. Dialogue is the bridge among peoples and the everlasting hope for humanity, he said, lauding efforts exerted by the Vatican pope in this regard all over the world. He Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Pope Francis and Coptic Pope Tawadros II light a candle at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church in Cairo on April 28, 2017

highlighted the role of the Dominican Pope Francis: Blood of Orthodox Fathers in the scientific research and Church victims unites us dialogue between the East and West, Pope Francis of the Vatican on April and other Catholic monks. 28 voiced his sincere condolences to Pope Francis lays wreath on the Egyptian people and the Coptic Botroseya martyrs’ memorial Orthodox Church over the recent terror Pope Francis on April 28 laid wreath attacks in the country. “Their innocent on memorial plaque of the martyrs of blood unites us. Your sufferings are the St. Peter and St. Paul (Botroseya) also our sufferings,” the pontiff said, Church bombing. He was accompanied referring to the victims of the Botroseya by Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Church in December and two deadly Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese. The bombing attacks on two churches in the two popes led an ecumenical prayer Egyptian cities of Tanta and Alexandria to honor the martyrs who were killed earlier during April 2017. in the terror attack on the Botroseya “Strengthened by this witness, let us church in December. The choirs of strive to oppose violence by preaching the two churches chanted hymns and and sowing goodness, fostering concord prayers in memory of the martyrs. and preserving unity, praying that all Common Declaration of Pope Francis and Cop- tic Orthodox Patriarch Pope Tawadros II these sacrifices may open the way to a world may believe” (Jn 17:21),” he said. future of full communion between us Recalling the first encounter of a and of peace for all,” he said during his Catholic and a Coptic pope, Paul VI and visit to the Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Shenouda III in May 1973, Pope Francis Cathedral in Cairo.Pope Francis and spoke of the theological progress, but Pope Tawadros II, the leader of the also the realization that “it is no longer Orthodox Church, signed an agreement possible to take refuge behind the on the sacrament of baptism. pretext of differing interpretations”. “As we joyfully progress on our “In the sight of God, who wishes us ecumenical journey, I wish particularly to be “perfectly one” (v. 23), it is no to recall that milestone in relations longer possible to take refuge behind between the Sees of Peter and Mark the pretext of differing interpretations, which is the Common Declaration much less of those centuries of history signed by our predecessors more than and traditions that estranged us one forty years ago, on 10 May 1973,” he from the other. In the words of His said. Holiness John Paul II, “there is no time “What is more, we realized that, to lose in this regard!” he added. because we belong to him, we can no He praised the Orthodox leader for longer think that each can go his own his efforts to promote good relations way, for that would betray his will that through the establishment of a National his disciples “all be one… so that the Council of Christian Churches. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Pope Francis in Egypt: ‘No to every form of violence’ Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Pope Francis leading Mass, urges unity against fanaticism

Pope Francis gave his blessings to the more loving, sincere and human. It is attendees of the holy Mass held at the that which refreshes the hearts, and Air Defense Stadium in New Cairo on drives them to the love of all without April 29 and called for taking a holy distinction,” the Pope said. “True faith communion. Pope of the Vatican start- is what makes us spread the culture of ed his sermon with “Al Salam Aleikom” (Arabic for Peace “peace be upon you”). dialogue and brotherhood, and gives He later went on to talk about God’s us the courage to forgive those who will that is all about “love, forgiveness harm us, cover the needy and feed the and life.” “True faith is what makes us hungry.”

Pope Francis arrives to lead Holy Mass at June 30 Stadium in Cairo, April 29, 2017 Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Pope Francis caresses a nun in Cairo

Pope Francis drew a crowd of 25,000 to an open-air Mass Pope Francis blessing an Egyptian bride and groom during Mass “True faith leads us sermon. to protect the rights Crowds arrived of others with the early, waving Egyp- same zeal and en- tian and Vatican thusiasm with which flags to welcome we defend our own,” Francis, who toured he told the crowd in the sun-drenched sta- the arena. “The only fa- dium in a golf buggy to the naticism believers can have sound of hymns performed by is that of charity. Any other fa- a choir and orchestra. He blessed Egypt naticism does not come from God and as one of the earliest nations to em- is not pleasing to him,” he said in his brace Christianity and repeated his plea homily. for tolerance. Pope Francis also gave his blessings to Bishop of Egypt’s Catholic Copts Ibra- two newlyweds who attended the mass him Isaac also addressed the gathering. and a number of elderly and sick Egyp- He thanked Pope Francis for accepting tians. The mass witnessed the pres- the invitation of President Abdel - Fat ence of 25,000 citizens from all over the tah El-Sisi, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. country, as well as a number of public Ahmed El-Tayyeb and Pope Tawadros and political figures, ambassadors, pol- II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint iticians and diplomats. Pope Francis Mark Diocese to visit Egypt. Egypt has arrived in a convertible Golf car and always been a safe country and had toured the stadium in a glorified recep- been the haven of the Holy Family, Isaac tion ceremony, before starting his holy noted. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Pope Francis: Egypt enriched Church through monastic life

Pope Francis meets April 29 with priests and seminarians at Seminary College in Cairo

Pope Francis of the Vatican visited Paul the Hermit, Saint Anthony, the April 29 the Catholic Seminary College in holy Desert Fathers, and the countless Cairo’s Maadi district, where he met with monks and nuns who by their lives and the clergy of Egypt’s Catholic Church. The example opened the gates of heaven to pontiff was received by Egypt’s Coptic so many of our brothers and sisters,” the Catholic Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac, along Pope added in his speech at the Catholic with hundreds of Christians who greeted Seminary College. him. Pope Francis led a mass at the “Although there are many reasons to seminary college and have lunch there be discouraged, amid many prophets of before leaving Cairo later in the day. destruction and condemnation, and so many negative and despairing voices, Earlier on the day, the Pope led a mass may you be a positive force, salt and light at the Air Defense Olympic Village, with for this society. Like the engine of a train, six Catholic denominations taking part. may you be the driving force leading all Pope Francis said Egypt has enriched towards their destination. May you be the Church through the inestimable value sowers of hope, builders of bridges and of monastic life. “I urge you, therefore, agents of dialogue and harmony,” Pope to draw upon to the example of Saint Francis noted. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Egypt to continue working with Pope to promote tolerance, peace, coexistence - Presidency

Egypt intends to continue working with voiced by the great spiritual leaders such Pope Francis to promote tolerance, peace as Pope Francis, the presidency statement and coexistence, the Egyptian Presidency said. It also pledged to exert maximum said in a statement issued April 29 at efforts in countering extremist ideology the end of a two-day visit paid by the by promoting the values of respect and Vatican Pope to Cairo. President Abdel acceptance of others, cooperation and Fattah El-Sisi saw off the Pope at Cairo building for the benefit of all mankind. International Airport before leaving the country, concluding his historic visit, which President Sisi met the pontiff at Etihadiya confirmed the distinguished relations presidential palace. Pope Francis then between Egypt and the Vatican, and sent attended a session of the Al-Azhar a message of peace and tolerance to the International Peace Conference at Al- world, the statement added. Azhar Sheikdom where he was received This visit, which coincides with the by Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El Tayyeb. The 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pope also visited the Saint Mark’s Coptic diplomatic relations between Egypt and Orthodox Cathedral where he met Pope the Vatican, underscores the importance Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of continuing efforts to establish peace of Saint Mark Diocese. He led a Catholic by promoting interfaith dialogue and Mass before his departure and visited the listening to the voice of moderation Catholic Seminary College.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi sees Pope Francis off at Cairo International Airport after two-day visit to Egypt, April 29 Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Catholic Patriarch thanks Sisi, Egyptian people for Pope’s warm welcome Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria Ibrahim Isaac thanked the Egyptian people for their warm welcome of Pope Francis in his recent visit to Egypt. The warm welcome was clearly shown in receiving the Pope by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Patriarch said in a statement. The speeches delivered by the President, the Pope and also Al- Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed El- Tayyeb have expressed sincere desire to fight extremist ideology, renounce wars, bring peace to the world, he added. The visit highlighted the importance of Egypt’s role in maintaining stability in the Middle East, Isaac said. He added that the meeting that gathered the pontiff with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese crowned the spirit of love and cooperation between the two churches to reach the ultimate goal of their unity. The statement hailed the important roles played the Egyptian presidency, the Armed Forces, the security forces, the Education Ministry, and the Ministry of Tourism in ensuring the visit’s success. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Vatican Pope supports Egypt’s efforts in fighting terrorism Egypt’s Ambassador at the Holy See Hatem Seif-Elnasr reiterated Vatican Pope Francis’ support for Egypt’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and extremism and in achieving stability in the Middle East, adding that the Pope’s visit attests to the great importance His Holiness attaches to Egypt. Ambassador Seif-Elnasr noted that the visit of the Vatican Pope is a recognition of Egypt’s important status and provides a platform for addressing the whole region.

Pope’s The Papal Nuncio to Egypt, Monsignor Bruno Musarò spoke of the great enthusiasm of the Egyptians for the visit eyes Pope’s visit, including Orthodox and Muslims. Musarò added that some of the pontiff’s gestures, such as the search for washing of the feet of prisoners or disabled people on Holy Thursday, are very powerful actions that come to peace the heart of the people, especially if they belong to other religions as it just happened in Egypt recently. “Today we can have a dialogue with Islam, with Al- Azhar, on the search for peace, on the fight against terrorism. To have a dialogue, we need people with open hearts and minds,” the Vatican’s envoy to Egypt, Monsignor Bruno Musarò, told Italian Catholic news agency SIR on April 24. Following the double attack in Tanta and Alexandria, Monsignor Bruno Musarò confirmed “The Pope’s journey has never been questioned. It was the Holy Father himself who wanted to keep this appointment. The Pope is well abreast of the facts and firmly confirmed his journey”. The political authorities in Egypt “received the Holy Father’s decision with satisfaction and gratitude”, says the Nuncio, who concludes: “This cannot but bring more peace of mind”. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Pope Francis reflects on Apostolic Voyage to Egypt Pope Francis reflected on his Apostolic Voyage to Egypt during his weekly General Audience, recalling the various stages of his trip. The Holy Father thanked the people of Egypt for their warm welcome, and noted the “extraordinary commitment” of the Egyptian authorities to ensure his visit went off without a hitch. He spoke of his visit to the Al-Azhar University, which was focused on both “dialogue between Christians and of very recent violence, whose sacrifice Muslims” and “the promotion of peace” and common witness lent a particular in the world. Pope Francis summarized his address at the International Conference fruitfulness to the work of ecumenism. for peace, emphasizing Egypt’s history as a The second day of the Pope’s voyage “land of civility” and a “land of covenant.” was dedicated to the Catholic faithful. Egypt, he said, echoing the speech of the The Mass celebrated by Pope Francis was, Grand Imam, “reminds us that peace is he said, a feast of faith and fraternity. He built through education, formation in recalled his homily, in which he encouraged wisdom, a humanism that includes the Egyptian Catholics to relive the experience religious dimension, the relationship with of the disciples at Emmaus, when they God, as an integral part.” He continued, “encountered the Lord.” saying peace is built on the relationship between God and men, and on the alliance The Holy Father also reflected on the between all men. This, the pope said, is final event of his Voyage, the meeting with the foundation for a civil and social order priests, religious, and seminarians. He in which all are called to participate. noted in particular the many seminarians in Egypt, which he called a “consolation.” Pope Francis also spoke about the role of Christians, who are called to be a “leaven Concluding his remarks, Pope Francis of fraternity, in Egypt and elsewhere. said Christians in the region, guided by He said his meeting with his “dear their pastors, should be “salt and light” for brother” Pope Tawadros II – the Coptic the Middle East. He called his voyage to Orthodox Patriarch – and their “Common Egypt a sign of hope, refuge, and help.” His Statement” were signs of the commitment voyage, he said, “signifies walking together of Christians to that fraternity. The Pope along the path of hope,” and called Egypt a recalled the prayers for the martyrs of “sign of hope” for fraternity, not just in the the Coptic Orthodox Church, the victims past, but also in the present day. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Memorable Moment from Pope Francis’ Visit to Egypt Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Egypt-Holy See relations, a brief look at recent histroy

The Holy See has diplomatic relations dialogue and the preservation of with Egypt since 23 May 1947. Egypt family values and safeguarding the and the Holy See maintain friendly human lives. and stable relations since the The Holy See offers a number of exchange of diplomatic relations scholarships for young priests between the two countries. The belonging to the Catholic Church sharing of common views on key to study theology, philosophy and issues such as the peace process in canonic law at the universities and the Middle East, the perception of the specialized institutes of the Holy the Middle East as a nuclear-free See around the world. zone have contributed to an ever This is the Pope’s 18th trip abroad growing understanding between in his four years as pope and the the two countries. In addition to seventh time he visits a Muslim- shared political issues, the two majority nation. He is the second countries have common cultural Pope to visit Egypt after pope St. and social interests in regards to John Paul II visited Cairo and Mount the enhancement of inter- religious Sinai in 2000. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Official visits

President Sisi met Vatican Pope in first European tour

President Sisi with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Rome on Nov 24, 2014

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the tiny city state in eight years - visited the Vatican on his first the pontiff stressed “the closeness Europe tour since assuming office. and solidarity of the Church to all The President’s four-day tour the people of Egypt during this included meeting with Italian period of political transition”. The PM and trip to France, aimed at pope also told Sisi he hoped “the securing European investments. path to inter-religious dialogue President Sisi informally invited may continue to be pursued,” the Pope Francis to visit Egypt. Pope Vatican statement said. The pair Francis urged President Sisi to also discussed Egypt’s role in the ensure peace during the country’s promotion of peace and stability in political transition and called on the Middle East and North Africa. Egypt to embrace its diplomatic “It was reiterated that dialogue and role in the troubled Middle East. negotiation are the only options to During what the Vatican described put an end to the conflicts and to the as “cordial” talks - the first between violence that endanger defenseless an Egyptian leader and the pope at populations and cause the loss of Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, talks with Pope Francis during a private audience in the pontiff’s library at the Vatican May 10, 2013 human lives,” the Vatican said. developments in both Iraq and Iran. Pope Saint John Paul II visited Cairo 24 February 2000. It was Former minister of foreign affairs the first time the pope undertook and current Arab League Secretary a historical visit to Cairo. The visit General Mr. Ahmed Aboul El-Gheit was highly appreciated by all the visited the Vatican 6 November segments of the Egyptian society 2007 during which he met with and it had a significant role in Monsignor Dominique Mamberti, deepening the common ground foreign minister of the Holy See, between the two faiths. to discuss the ways and means of fostering mutual cooperation Former president Hosni Mubarak regarding international issues visited the Holy See 13 March of common interest such as the 2006. He met Pope Benedict XVI peace process and the situation in for the first time after becoming Lebanon, and Sudan. a Pope. They reviewed during their bilateral talks the future of Pope Tawadros II visits Pope peace and stability in the Middle Francis East, and overviewed the latest Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 II and Pope Francis fraternally Orthodox Churches, a dialogue that addressed one another in an continues to bear fruit to this day… historic meeting at the Vatican 10 They acknowledged that divine life May, 2013 marking the fortieth is given to us and nourished through anniversary of a meeting between the seven sacraments and they their predecessors, Pope Paul VI recognized a mutual bond in their and Pope Shenouda III. This is the common devotion to the Mother of first time since that meeting that God.”

Grand Imam with Pope Francis at the Vatican, 23 May 2016 the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch has Pope Tawadros II noted in his visited the Vatican. Blessed John address the importance inter- Paul II also visited Pope Shenouda religious dialogue has become in III in Egypt, February 2000. this “current historical phase” and Pope Francis recalled how the proposed “that the 10th of May meeting forty years ago “prepared of each year should be considered the ground for a broader dialogue as a celebration of brotherly love between the Catholic Church between the Catholic Church and and the entire family of Oriental the Coptic Orthodox Church.” Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 pope. Pope Francis sat to the side of his desk facing the Grand Imam rather than behind his desk as he customarily does when meeting with a visiting head of state. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the Pope spoke privately with El- Tayyeb for 25 minutes and the conversation included a discussion about “the great significance of this new encounter within the scope of dialogue between the Bishop Miguel Ayuso Guixot with Dr. El-Tayyeb Catholic Church and Islam.” “They then dwelled upon the common Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Meets commitment of the authorities and Pope Francis in Historic Encounter the faithful of the great religions Pope Francis and the Grand for world peace, the rejection Imam embraced at the Vatican of violence and terrorism (and) 23 May, 2016. “The meeting is the situation of Christians in the context of conflicts and tensions the message,” the Pope told Dr. in the Middle East as well as their Ahmed El-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam protection,” Father Lombardi said of Al-Azhar, as the religious scholar in a statement. At the end of the approached him just inside the audience, Pope Francis presented door of the papal library. El-Tayyeb’s the Grand Imam with two gifts: a visit was the first meeting between copy of his encyclical “Laudato Si’, a pontiff and a grand imam since on Care for Our Common Home” Al-Azhar suspended talks in 2011. and peace medallion depicting an In February 2016, Bishop Miguel olive tree holding together two Ayuso Guixot, secretary of the pieces of a fractured rock. Pontifical Council for Interreligious Joint Committee for Dialogue Dialogue, delivered a letter to El- between Al-Azhar and the Pontifical Tayyeb from Cardinal Jean-Louis Council for Interreligious Dialogue Tauran, council president, inviting The standing Joint Committee for him to the Vatican to meet the Dialogue between Al-Azhar and the Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Pontifical Council for Interreligious on the growing phenomenon of Dialogue, that was established on religious violence and means of the 28th of May, 1998 is providing combating it. a vivid platform to discuss common Al-Azhar has resumed interfaith Muslim-Christian issues in order to dialogue sessions in Cairo in abolish all the misconceptions and February 2017 after being halted to deepen mutual understanding for nearly seven years, signaling a among the followers of the two major shift in its ties with the Vatican faiths. The Joint Committee of that reached their lowest point in dialogue held its meeting February, 2011. The strained ties started to 2010. The meeting was co-chaired improve when Pope Francis took by Muhammad Abdul Aziz wassel, office in 2013, particularly following the Chairman of the Dialogue President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit Committee in Al- Azhar, and His to the Vatican in 2014. It was a part Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis of his first tour to Europe as Egypt’s Tauran, Head of the Pontifical president. The tension was further Council for Interreligious Dialogue. eased in the wake of the historic The Joint Committee shed light visit by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar

‘The meeting is the message,’ Pope Francis tells Dr. El-Tayyeb Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 to the Vatican, where he met Francis the two faiths. Tauran’s speech in May 2016. Following this visit, Al- also underlined the paramount Azhar has decided to renew its ties importance of the religious with the Vatican. February’s interfaith institutions’ role in spreading the dialogue seminar is considered culture of accepting the other and the culmination of the smooth ties combating extremism, as fanatics between the two sides. commit their heinous acts in the Under the theme of “The Role of name of religion. Tauran, in a related Al-Azhar and the Vatican in Facing context, lauded Al-Azhar’s efforts to the Phenomena of Fanaticism, face fanatical thoughts in the Arab Extremism and Violence in the Name region. of Religion,” the seminar focused The Vatican has affirmed in on further bolstering cooperation various occasions its commitment between the two prestigious entities to achieving the goals of the Second in a bid to combat terrorism and Vatican Council, which called for religious extremism. It was attended strengthening the dialogue with non- by many scholars of Al-Azhar along Catholic churches, the openness to with Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the other religions trough strengthening head of the Pontifical Council for the dialogue among the followers. Interreligious Dialogue, who led the It also pays great attention to Vatican’s high-level delegation. enhancing freedom of religion and Speaking at the seminar, Abbas freedom of practicing religious rituals Shouman, the undersecretary of Al- in public especially in countries Azhar, announced the resumption of where Christians are minorities. The talks and stated that the Arab region Vatican’s relation with the Muslim is grappling with “unprecedented world is based on two main factors: religious extremism,” calling for reciprocity and mutual respect. putting an end to such terrorist attacks Al-Azhar has already formed some to ensure that peace would prevail committees and institutes to boost in the region. Shouman, meanwhile, dialogue not only with the Vatican expressed regret that the extremists but also with Egypt’s churches misinterpret religious texts to justify though Al-Azhar’s “Beit el-Aila” their brutal acts. (House of the Family), an entity Tauran remarked that Islam is that includes Muslim and Christian considered “the closest religion” to religious leaders and aims to promote Christianity as an Abrahamic religion cooperation between Al-Azhar and despite the great differences between Egypt’s churches. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 The Holy Family In Egypt

The advent of the Holy Family to of Egypt have I called My Son”. Egypt, seeking refuge, is an event of (Hosea 11:1) the utmost significance in our dear In the Biblical Book of Isaiah, the country’s long, long history. prophet provides us with a divinely Moved by the spirit of prophecy, inspired prediction of the effect the Hosea foresaw the flight from holy Infant was to have on Egypt Bethlehem where there was no safe place for the Christ Child to lay his and the Egyptians: “Behold the Lord head, and the eventual return of the rides on a swift cloud, and will come holy refugees from Their sanctuary into Egypt and the idols of Egypt in Egypt, where Jesus had found a will totter at His Presence and the place in the hearts of the Gentiles, heart of Egypt will melt in the midst when he uttered God’s words: “Out of it”. (Isaiah 19:1) Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 The authority of Old Testament According to the traditions of the prophecy, which portended the Coptic Church,‘ the alter’ mentioned crumbling of idols wherever Jesus is that of the Church of Virgin Mary went, further foreshadowed in Al-Muharraq Monastery, a site the singular blessing to be where the Holy Family settled for a bestowed upon Egypt, for period of more than six months; its having been and the altar-stone was the ‹bed’ chosen as the upon which the Infant Saviour Holy Family’s lay. Al Muharraq Monastery is haven, and upon located, literally, “in its people for the midst of the land having been the of Egypt”standing first to experience at its exact the Christ’s geographical miraculous centre. influence. As for the God’s message, “pillar at also delivered its borders through the which will prophetic be for a sign utterance of and for a Isaiah, “Blessed by witness..” Egypt, My People” surely there (Isaiah 19:25), can be no was an anticipation of the more demonstrable, coming of St. Mark to our country, concrete proof of the fulfillment where the Gospel he preached of the prophecy than that the took firm root in the first decades Patriarchal See of the Apostolic of Christianity. For Isaiah goes on Church in Egypt, established by to prophecy: “In that day there will St Mark himself, is situated in be an altar to the Lord in the midst Alexandria, on Egypt’s northern of the land of Egypt; and a Pillar to borders. the Lord, at its border. And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the But the prophecy, knitting a Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt”. perfect pattern of things to come, (Isaiah 19:19&20) does not stop there. It continues, Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 “Then the Lord will be known Herod will seek the young Child to to Egypt, and the Egyptians will destroy Him”. (Matthew 2:13) know the Lord in that day and Joseph complied. A donkey was will make sacrifices and offering”. fetched for the gently Mother, still (Isaiah 19:21). As Christianity in so young in years, to ride with her Egypt spread, churches were built new-born Child in Her arms. And throughout the length and breadth so they set out from Bethlehem of the land, and the sites chosen on their pre-destined journey, the were, primarily, those which had hardened old carpenter, who was been visited and blessed by the Mary’s betrothed, striding ahead, Holy Family’s sojourns. The New leading the donkey by its leash into Testament records the fulfillment the untracked paths of a wilderness of these Old Testament prophecies dark as the desert nights, and as they unfold in their historical unending as the months of never sequence. ending horizons. “Behold, an angel of the Lord Such an arduous journey it was, appeared to Joseph in a dream, fraught with hazard every step of saying, Arise, take the young Child the way. In those far-off days, there and His mother, flee to Egypt, and were three routes which could be stay there until I bring you word, for followed by travelers traversing Sinai

Coptic icon showing the Holy Family in Egypt Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 from Palestine to Egypt, a crossing which was usually undertaken in groups, for without the protection of well-organized caravans, the ever-present dangers even along these known and trodden paths were ominously forbidding. But, in their escape from the infanticidal fury of King Herod, the Holy Family understandably had to avoid the beaten tracks altogether, and to pursue unknown paths, guided by God and His Angel. They picked their way, day after Map of the Holy Family journey in Egypt day, through hidden valleys and 23rd Patriarch of Alexandria across uncharted plateaus in the (384-412 AD). He testifies, in his (then) rugged wastelands of Sinai, celebrated annals that on the eve enduring the scorching heat of the of the 6th of Hathor (the Coptic sun by day and the bitter cold of the month corresponding roughly with desert nights, preserved from the November), after long prayer, the threat of wild beasts and savage Holy Virgin revealed herself to him tribesmen, their daily sustenance miraculously provided, the all-too- and, after relating the details of the human fears of the young Mother Holy Family’s journey to, in, and for her Infant allayed by the faith from Egypt, bade him record what that infused her with His birth. he had seen and heard. And so they arrived, at last, safely, It is a source which no Christian for God had pre-ordained that believer would question. Egypt should be the refuge for the Besides, it is a virtual certainty One who was to bring the message that, at a time when happenings of of peace and love to mankind. a momentous or historical nature The tortuous trails they followed in were transmitted by word of mouth their passage across Sinai, and their from one generation to the next, subsequent travels within Egypt, the account of Pope Theophilus’ are chronicled by Pope Theophilus, vision confirmed the oral tradition Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 of supernatural occurrences which from the ground, and His presence accompanied the arrival of a caused the idols to crumble, as wondrous Child in the towns and foretold by the prophets of old. villages of Egypt some 400 years The townsfolk, in consequence, earlier. turned malevolent and aggressive, The Traversing By The Holy Family whereupon the Holy Family turned of Sinai Desert on Their Way to their backs on the town and headed Egypt southwards. THE HOLY FAMILY AT EL-ZARANIK The Holy Family At The Town of AND FARMA Mostorod According to the sources of the In due course, they reached Coptic Church, chief among which Mostorod (which came to be called, is the vision documented by Pope in those days, (‘Al-Mahamma’) only Theophilus, and recorded in the about 10 kms away from Cairo. ‘Al Coptic Senexarium the Holy Family Mahamma’ means ‘the Bathing proceeded from Bethlehem to Gaza, Place’, a name given to the town and then to El-Zaraniq (also known because the Virgin Mary bathed the as Floussiat), some 37 kms west of Christ Child and washed his clothes. El-Arish; then they threaded their It is worthy of note that, eventually, way along northern Sinai until they on their way back to Palestine, the reached Farma (ancient Pelusium) Holy Family stopped once more at mid-way between El-Alish and Mostorod and, this time, caused a present-day Port Said. It was their spring to gush from the earth which last stop in Sinai; and with the next still flows forth to the present day. leg of their journey they put the perils of the wilderness behind Tel Basta them. THE HOLY FAMILY AT BASTA TOWN Tel Basta or Basta which they now enter, is a short distance from Zagazig, the main town in the Sharqiah Governorate about 100 kms north-east of Cairo. Here, Jesus caused a water spring to well up Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 THE HOLY FAMILY AT THE TOWN marked, here, in bas-relief on a OF BELBEIS rock. The rock was preserved, but hidden for centuries for fear of From Mostorod, the Holy Family robbery, and only unearthed again made their way north-eastwards 13 years ago. to Belbeis (ancient Philippos), back in Sharqiah Governorate, and at The natural course of the Holy a distance of about 55 kms from Family’s journey from Samannoud Cairo. They rested there in the to Sakha would have taken them shade of a tree which came to be through many of the towns called, The Virgin Mary’s Tree. and cities now lying in both the Governorates of Gharbia and Kafr THE HOLY FAMILY AT MENIET El-Sheikh and, according to some SAMANOUD folk traditions, through the Belqas Having left their mark on Belbeis, wastelands as well. the Holy Family set off in a north- THE HOLY FAMILY AT WADI EL- westerly direction and, reaching NATROUN the small township of Meniet Samannoud (known also as Meniet Their trail from Sakha, is recorded Genah), they crossed the Nile to in the documentation of Pope the city of Samanoud (or Jemnoty) Theophilus’ vision, and attested to in the Delta, where the local by Coptic practice in the Christian population received them with a era. For it was to Wadi El-Natroun kindness and hospitality that earned (Natroun Valley) that they now them deserved blessing. There is came, after crossing the Rosetta in Samannoud, to this day, a large branch of the Nile to the western granite trough which, according to Delta and heading south into local belief, was used by the Virgin Wadi El-Natroun (then called Al- for kneading dough, and a water- Asqeet) in the Western Desert of well which the Christ Child Himself Egypt. In the earliest decades of hallowed. Christianity, the desert expanses of Wadi El-Natroun became the THE HOLY FAMILY AT SAKHA TOWN site of anchoretic settlement and, The Coptic name of the town, later, of many monasteries, in ‘Pekha-Issous’, (vernacularized to spritiual commemoration of the Lysous) means, ‘the foot of Jesus’; Holy Family’s passage through the for the Holy Child’s foot-print was Valley. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 THE HOLY FAMILY AT MATAREYA, to a large Jewish community, AIN SHAMS & ZEITOUN who had erected a temple the Synagogue of Unias, - for their Eventually, they left the desert worship. In Matariyah, a tree still behind them and made their way stands to this day, still regularly southwards, crossing the Nile to visited, called “Mary’s Tree”, for the its eastern bank, and heading for Family is believed to have rested in Matariyah and Ain Shams (ancient its shade. Here, too, the Infant Jesus Heliopolis, the site of the oldest caused water to flow from a spring, university in history called since from which He drank and blessed, earliest Pharaonic times,‘ On’). Both and in which the Virgin washed His these adjacent districts are outlying clothes. She poured the washing suburbs of present day Cairo, only water on to the ground, and from 10 kms or so from the city center. that spot, the fragrant balsam plant blossomed: besides the healing THE HOLY FAMILY AT ZEITOUN and pain-soothing properties of At the time of the Holy Family’s this balm, its essence is used in arrival there, Ain Shams was home the preparation of the scents and

The Virgin Mary’s Sycamore Tree in Matariyah, Cairo Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 perfumes of which the holy Chrism whole district. is composed. THE HOLY FAMILY AT MAADI Setting out next towards Old Cairo, the Holy Family rested for a After their short, but all-too-felt, while in Zeitoun, on their way; then stay in Old Cairo, the Holy Family proceeded along a course which moved in a southerly direction, traverses what are now crowded, reaching the modern Cairo bustling quarters of Cairo, within suburb of Maadi which, in earliest which the serene landmarks of Pharaonic times, was an outlying an earlier Coptic heritage still district of Memphis, the capital stand, marking the paths the Holy of Egypt then; and, at Maadi, Family followed. A listing of these they boarded a sailing-boat which landmarks, at this point, may be of carried them up the Nile towards pertinent interest. southern Egypt. The historic church THE HOLY FAMILY WITHIN THE built upon the spot from which AREA OF OLD CAIRO they embarked, also dedicated to The area now called Old Cairo, known as Misr El-Kadima, is among the most important locations visited by the Holy Family where the spiritual impact of their presence is most felt still; though their stay was brief, for the Governor of what was then Fustat enraged by the tumbling down of idols at Jesus’ approach sought to kill the Child. But they took shelter from his wrath in a cave above which, in later years, the Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergious) was built. This, and the whole area of the Fort of Babylon, is a destination of pilgrimage not only for the Egyptians but for Christians from around the world. An air of piety and devotion pervades the An icon at Virgin Mary Church-Zeitoun Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 the Virgin, is further identified by in the Church for all to see. the denominative, Al-Adaweya, THE HOLY FAMILY AT AL-GARNOUS the Virgin’s Church of the Ferry’ (In MONASTERY MAGHAGHA fact, the name of that now modern suburb, Maadi, derives from the The sailboat docked at the village Arabic word which means the of Deir Al-Garnous (the later site of Crossing Point). the Monastery of Arganos) 10 kms The stone steps leading down to west of Ashnein el-Nassara (a small the River’s bank, and believed to village near the town of Maghagha). have been used by the Holy Family, Outside the western wall of the are accessible to pilgrims through Church of the Virgin there, a deep the Church courtyard. well is believed to have provided the Holy Family with the water they An event of miraculous importance needed. occurred on Friday the 3rd of the Coptic month of Baramhat the 12th THE HOLY FAMILY AT AL-BAHNASSA of March 1976 AD. A Holy Bible of They went on from there to a spot unknown provenance was carried later named Abai Issous, “the Home by the lapping ripples of the Nile to of Jesus”, the site of present-day the bank below the Church. It was Sandafa village, east of Al-Bahnassa open to the page of Isaiah 19:25 the which, itself, stand some 17 kms page declaring, “Blessed be Egypt west of the town of Beni Mazar. My People”. The Bible is now behind glass in the Sanctuary of the Virgin GABAL EL-TAIR SAMALOUT

The Holy Bible - Virgin Mary Church, Maadi Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Beni Khaled. It is known by this name (Gabal El- Tair) because thousands of birds gather there. The Holy Family rested in the cave which is now located inside the ancient church there. Gabal El-Tair is also called Gabal El-Kaf (Palm Mountain). Coptic tradition maintains that, as the Holy Family rested in the shade of the Mountain, Jesus stretched His little hand to The Monastery of Al-Muharraq hold back a rock which was about On towards the south they went to detach itself from the mountain- from Bahnassa to Samalout and side and fall upon them. The imprint crossed the Nile again from that of His palm is still visible. town to the spot on the east bank of When they resumed their travels, the River where the Monastery of the Holy Family passed a laurel tree the Virgin now stands upon Gabal a stone’s throw south of Gabal El- El-Tair (Bird Mountain) east of Tair, along the pathway flanking the Samalout, 2 kms south of Meadeyat Nile and leading from the Mountain Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 to Nazlet Ebeid and the New Minia was the consequence of its violent Bridge of today. It is claimed that rejection of the gentle visitors. this tree bowed to worship the We have an entirely different story Lord Christ glory be to Him as He in the warm welcome with which the was passing. The configuration holy refugees were met at their next of the Tree is, indeed, unique: all stop at Meir (or Meira) only 7 kms its branches incline downwards, west of Qoussia. Here, they found trailing on the ground, then turn only consideration and hospitality upwards again, covered in a cloak wherever they went, for which of green leaves. They call the tree, treatment the town and its people Al-Abed (The Worshipper). were signally blessed. THE HOLY FAMILY AT AL- THE HOLY FAMILY AT MOUNT ASHMOUNEIN TOWN MALAWY QUSSQAM Once more crossing the Nile, back Now it was time for the Holy Family to its west bank, the Holy Family to set out for what is, arguably, the traveled southwards to the town most meaningful destination of of Al-Ashmounein or Hermopolis all in the land of Egypt, the place Magna but it seems that they did where there would be “an altar to not tarry long there. Leaving behind the Lord in the midst of the land of them the rubble of fallen idols, Egypt”. Gabal (Mount) Qussqam, they continued still in a southerly which takes its name from the direction, for another 20 kms or so town nearby that was laid waste, is to Dairout Al-Sharif (which, like Al- 327 kms south of Cairo, and stand Ashmounein, had an alternative in the Governorate of Assiut. The Greek name: Philes); and thence to Monastery of Al-Muharraq nestles Qussqam (or Qost-Qoussia). Here, against the western foothills of too, the recorded events testify that the Mountain. It was built around the townsfolk were infuriated when the area where the Holy Family the stone statue of their local deity remained just over six months. cracked and fell, and evicted the Holy Their time was spent mainly in a Family from the town. A historically cave which became, in the Coptic recorded incident dating to that era, the altar of the Church of Virgin period refers to the devastation of Mary, built at the western end of Qussqam, and Coptic tradition asserts the Monastery compound. The that the ruin that befell the town altar stone was the resting place of Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

The Monastery of Al-Muharraq the Child Jesus during the months THE RETURN He dwelt there. And so they set forth on the return The whole area the Monastery journey. The route they took deviated and its surroundings is redolent slightly from the one by which they of the Coptic Christian ethos. So had come. It took them to Mount hallowed are its intimations, that Dronka, 8 kms south-west of the the Copts of Egypt named it the city of Assiut, and their blessing of Second Bethlehem. It was here, at this location was commemorated the very spot where Al-Muharraq in the Christian era by the building Monastery stands, that the Angel of the mountain-top Monastery of of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a Dronka. Eventually, they arrived at dream, and said “Arise, and take the Old Cairo, then Matariyah, and on young Child and His mother, and to Mahamma, retracing more or less go into the land of Israel; for they their steps on their outward journey are dead which sought the young across Sinai to Palestine. Child’s life” (Matthew 2:20&21). Subsequent Biblical history says it THE HOLY FAMILY AT MOUNT all: at the end, they arrived home, DRONKA-ASSIUT Joseph’s old house, in the small town Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

of Nazareth, in Galilee, in the land of sake of mankind. Palestine, from where the message THE HOLY FAMILY’S JOURNEY of Christ would, in the fullness of IN THE LAND OF EGYPT time, be heard. On the 24th day of the Coptic The whole journey, from the initial month of Bashans, which flight from Bethlehem to the return corresponds to the 1st of June, the to Nazareth lasted over three years. Coptic Church celebrates the entry They had covered something like 2000 of the Lord Jesus Christ into the land kms; their means of transport a weak of Egypt. On that day, the churches beast of burden and the occasional throughout the length and breadth sailboat on the Nile. But for much of the land that gave the Holy Family of the way, the delicate Mother and shelter resound with the words of the rugged old Carpenter must have the Doxology: trudged on foot, enduring the fierce summer heat and the biting winter’s “Rejoice, Oh Egypt; Oh, people of cold, suffering the pangs of hunger Egypt and all ye Children of Egypt and the parching affliction of thirst who live within its borders, rejoice like hunted outlaws. It was a journey and lift up your hearts, for the Lover of indescribable agony and anguish of all mankind, He who has been which the Child Jesus, His Virgin before the beginning of ages, has Mother and the Sainted Joseph bore come to you”. with inner joy, and survived, for the (This text was prepared and revised by a cathedral Committee headed by His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, 1999.) Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Landmark Christian Sites in Egypt

From the Great Pyramid to the Valley later, the Holy Family fled to Egypt of the Kings, the major landmarks to escape Herod’s murderous plans. of ancient Egypt exude mystery and The history of the early church power. But as impressive as these is also intricately linked to Egypt. sites are, for Christians the land of Egypt contains landmarks even Christian missionaries came here more significant. Here pilgrims can in the first century and found a walk in the footsteps of Moses on receptive welcome among a people Mt. Sinai, worship where the Holy whose religious system already Family has rested on the flight included a belief in an afterlife. from Bethlehem. In this nation that The Mediterranean port city of has shaped so much of Christian Alexandria became an intellectual history, Biblical stories come alive. capital of the early church, home to Egypt is one of the most frequently such important leaders as Clement, mentioned places in the Bible, found Origin, Athanasius, and Didymus. in references from Genesis through Equally influential was the reform the Gospels. Abraham journeyed to movement launched in the third Egypt to escape a famine, and later century by men and women who his great-grandson Joseph took the fled to the Egyptian desert to found same journey involuntarily when he monastic communities, a form was sold into slavery. Generations of spirituality that later spread later, the Israelites became slaves in throughout the world. Even after Egypt and were led out of bondage Islam came to Egypt in the seventh by Moses, who had been adopted century, Christians continued to be into the Pharaoh’s family. After a vital segment within the country. crossing the Red Sea, they wandered Today about ten percent of Egypt’s for forty years in the Sinai desert population is Christian, most as before reaching the land promised members of the Coptic Orthodox to them by God. Many generations Church. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral

The Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox and it is considered the largest Cathedral at Abbasiya district is church in Africa. The cathedral the seat of the Coptic Orthodox is considered a unique example Church. The church is named after of architectural evolution which St. Mark the Evangelist, an apostle includes seven churches of which of Jesus and founder of the Coptic some have a great historic value Church. Relics of his life are kept such as Anba Rouis’ Church. The inside. The cathedral was built remains of St. Mark, the Evangelist in 1968 and inaugurated by late who started Christianity in Egypt, president Gamal Abdel Nasser and marking the beginning of the Coptic Emperor Hilasilasi of Ethiopia when history, were transferred to the Pope Kirolos VI was appointed the cathedral since he was the first to Patriarch and Pope of Alexandria preach Christianity in Egypt. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 St. Mark’s Coptic Cathedral in Alexandria

St. Mark’s Coptic Cathedral who has been connected with the in Alexandria is the seat of the city of Alexandria since earliest Pope of Alexandria, the head of Christian tradition. According to the Coptic Orthodox Church. The tradition, St. Mark was arrested cathedral is said to stand on the during a festival of Serapis in 68 site of the church founded by AD and martyred by being dragged St. Mark the Evangelist in 60 AD. through the streets. He was buried Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 under the church he had founded. down during the French invasion In 828, the body of St. Mark was of Alexandria in July 1798. The stolen from the Alexandrian church church was rebuilt and opened in by Venetians to be enshrined in 1819 by Pope Peter El-Gawly in the the grand new St. Mark’s Basilica time of Mohammed Ali Pasha. The in Venice. However, the head of church was renewed in the time the saint remained in Alexandria. of Pope Demetrius II and under Some of the relics from the the supervision of Bishop Marcos body of St. Mark, however, were of El Behira in 1870. Between returned to Alexandria from Rome the years 1950-1952, in the time in 1968. The church was pulled of Pope Yusab II, the church building was pulled down and another, larger building was built with reinforced concrete after the basilique style. Between 1985 and 1990, the church was widened from the western side after the former style with great accuracy, keeping the two minarets in their places, so the entire area of the church was doubled. The six pillars were transferred to the new western entrance of the church supervised by late Pope Shenouda III. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Old Cairo Christian Landmarks

The Hanging Church

Among the Christian sites, the most climbing a set of 29 steps to the famous landmark is the seventh- church. Inside, a wooden screen in century Hanging Church, so-called an intricate geometric design covers because it is suspended above the front of the sanctuary and a an area that was once a Roman marble pulpit stands in its center. gatehouse. Visitors enter through Along the walls, flickering candles set before icons indicate that this is a decorated gate and pass through still an active place of worship. a mosaic-lined courtyard before Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga)

A number of other ancient churches a set of steps which leads below can be toured in the Old Cairo area. street level. Its holiest section lies One of the oldest Coptic landmarks farther underground still: a crypt in Egypt is the fourth-century Saints into which the faithful drop scraps Sergius and Bacchus Church, which of paper on which they have written sits above a cave where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed at prayers. The church is known as a the end of their flight into Egypt. The healing shrine, and a steady stream church, which is named after two of visitors journey here each day to early martyrs, is entered through make their supplications. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 The church of the Virgin Mary, The Church of which predates the other churches in the Old Cairo district, was probably Virgin Mary founded in the 10th century, though we only find it first mentioned at the beginning of the twelfth century (Qasriet Al-Rihan on the occasion of the consecration of the new bishop of Cairo under Church) Macarius’ patriarchate (1102-1128). Unfortunately, the church was destroyed in 1321, but when it was rebuilt, it had the honor of being the see of the Coptic Patriarchate. During the following centuries, it was often remodeled and restored, with the result that the fourteenth century structure has been notably altered. Today, the church measures 28 by 19 meters and stands 11.5 meters high. It comprises a narthex (entry hall), a naos (a nave with two side aisles) and choir, along with three sanctuaries (haykal). There is also a library that boasts a number of valuable manuscripts and we may also find a number of important icons, including a representation of the Annunciation that dates from about 1355 AD. The Convent of A convent is annexed to the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary at Harat Zuwaila. Nuns of St. George It was built by the Patriarch Cyril IV (1854-61). The nuns have a chapel in the gallery on the north side of the Church. There is a small church which sits atop the Church of the Virgin Mary at Harat Zuwaila. Dedicated to Saint George, it consists only of a nave and three sanctuaries. Just outside this church is a small chamber that contains a shrine of the Holy Virgin Mary. Behind the latticed screen is an icon of the Holy Virgin together with icons of saints. There is also a convent of nuns attached to this church as well. Letter fromChurch Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 of St. George

This small, domed, Greek Orthodox church in Coptic Cairo is built on top of the ruins of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. With the lights low and the lines of candles flickering beside the altar, this is one of the most atmospheric spots in all of Cairo. The Church of St. George was built in the 10th century, but a fire destroyed the original structure. The present church dates only to 1904.

The church of St. Barbara The church of St. Barbara is among the churches of Old Cairo of historic importance. It was originally dedicated to St. Cyrus and St. John who were worshipped for their healing powers. A small church at the northeastern corner of the building commemorates these two martyrs. Documents from the 13th century mention that the relics of St. Barbara were kept in this church. Many of its precious items, like two-door panels, a wooden screen, an icon and Bible caskets were transferred to the nearby Coptic Museum. The basilican structure and tripartite sanctuary of the church closely resembles the one of Abu Sarga. The church of St. Barbara houses some of the rarest icons. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Nearby, the Coptic Museum gives additional The Coptic Museum insights into the rich history of the Christian church in Egypt. Frescoes, ivory carvings, metalwork, textiles, icons, manuscripts and other artifacts tell the story of how Christianity changed ancient Egyptian culture. Particularly fascinating are the ways in which traditions from the period of the Pharoahs found new life in Christian iconography. For example, the stylistic similarities between the ankh, the ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life, and the Christian cross helped make new believers more receptive to the message of the Gospels.

Saint Mercurius Church by 21 meters wide. Saint Mercurius church was destroyed, but Patriarch (Abu Sayfayn Cloister) Abraham rebuilt it again, and then in 1080, the Fatimid Badr Al-Gamal Saint Mercurius Church is located ordered 47 bishops to construct in the heart of old Cairo, north of the Coptic canons. Like many other the Babylon Fortress, known as old Coptic Orthodox churches that Abu Sayfayn Cloister. it was built were rebuilt and restored time and in the 6th century and underwent again over the centuries, often re- intensive restoration during the using wood and stone-work. For this 12th century, dedicated to Saint reason some parts of a church maybe Philopater Mercurius. The Church of earlier date than the structure of Saint Mercurius served as the itself. Although they differ in size Seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope of and architecture features they bear Alexandria between 1300 and 1500 the unmistakable stamp of a Coptic AD and it stands 31.5 meters long church. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 St. Catherine’s Monastery

Of the sites that await Christian of Sharm El-Sheikh, the monastery pilgrims to Egypt, many of the sits in an isolated valley between most important lie in the Sinai dramatic mountain peaks. St. Peninsula. While several Christian Catherine’s, which is believed to monasteries are located in the be the oldest continually occupied Sinai, the most significant is St. monastery in the world, is home Catherine’s, which sits at the base to a community of about twenty of the mountain where Moses Greek Orthodox monks. Visitors is said to have received the Ten enter through massive stone walls Commandments. Reached by a built in the sixth century to protect two-hour drive from the resort area the monastery from attack. Winding through a narrow passageway, they enter Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 the Basilica of the Transfiguration, which dates back to AD 527 when the Emperor Justinian ordered that a church be built here on the remains of an even older chapel. Inside, Byzantine icons line the church’s walls and an ornate icon screen Vatican’s in importance. separates the altar from the Though St. Catherine’s is one sanctuary. The atmosphere is of the world’s most-treasured serene and hushed, providing religious landmarks, in many ways a welcome respite from the the landscape that lies outside its large crowds that often fill the walls is an even more powerful monastery enclosure. draw. Above the monastery After leaving the church, pilgrims loom a set of peaks that over the can see a huge evergreen bush that millennia have been hallowed by overhangs an adjacent walkway. the prayers of countless penitents Tradition says that the plant is and pilgrims. The most famous descended from the Burning is Mt. Sinai (also known as Mt. Bush from which the voice of Moses), where Moses is said God spoke to Moses. In a custom followed by many generations of to have spent forty days and pilgrims, people stand on tiptoes nights before receiving the Ten to touch one of its overhanging Commandments. Many pilgrims branches. Visitors also can tour walk the route at night so that they the monastery’s library, whose can see the sunrise from its peak, collection of ancient manuscripts while others take a camel ride for and icons is second only to the at least part of the journey. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 Monasticism, Egypt’s gift to the world Of all the treasures of the Egyptian Christian church, perhaps the greatest gift to the world is monasticism. This world-wide movement began in Egypt as a reform movement in the third century. In addition to St. Catherine’s, these traditions live on in sites that include the Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul in the Sinai, the Monastery of St. Simeon near Aswan, and the four monasteries at Wadi Natrun near Cairo. Monastery of Anba Bishoy and there is also the Church of St. George. The defensive towers is the largest and strongest of the valley which date to the fifth century. This was a time when the Berbers often attacked monasteries in the area. The monastery has a well with 40 feet depth. It is said that the Berbers washed the blood It is situated in the eastern side of from their swords after having killed wadi El-Natron. It was founded by the 49 Martyrs from the monasteries Anba Bishoy who was born in the of Sheheit. Monks at the monastery Egyptian Nile Delta in 320 AD. The also say that a lot of the Martyers Monastery consists of five churches were thrown in this well. This but the main church is called St. monastery became a major project Bishoy which have sanctuaries. for his Holiness Pope Shenouda the Another church, the Church of the Third, after becoming Patriarch of Virgin, is to the southeast. To the the See of St. Mark on November south is the Church of St. Iskhirun, 14, 1971. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 The Monastery of El-Suryan

It is located about 1640 feet Virgin the Lady of the Syrians.” northwest of Deir Anba Beshoy. The monastery was destroyed by It was also built by St. Beshoy in Berbers in 817 AD. Afterwards the sixth century, though some in 850, it was rebuilt by the two might date it later. It was built to monks, Matthew and Abraham. be dedicated to Virgin Mary. It After having traveled to Baghdad has an interesting cave where St. to ask the caliph Al-Muqtadir Beshoy is said to have prayed with bi’llah to grant tax exemption to his hair tied with a chain to the the monasteries. The monastery roof to prevent him from sleeping. The monastery was acquired by consists of the enclosure wall, Syrian monks at some time, this the tower, The Church of the Holy is why it gained its modern name Virgin, the Church of St. Honnos “Al-Suryan” which means (the and Marutha, the Church of St. Syrians). The name is shortened John the Little, The Refectory, from the monastery’s long name: a rich library with hundreds of “Monastery of Saint Mary the manuscripts and a museum. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017 The Monastery of Baramus It is situated 2.4 miles north to Deir Anba Bishoy. It was founded by St. Macarius in 340 AD. It was built in the place where St. The Monastery of Abu Macarius the Great settled, in 340, when Makar (Makarios) he devoted himself to monastic life. This It is situated to the southernmost of the Monastery is very monastery group of Wadi El-Natrun . It was probably the first built by St. Makarius the Great in the 4th monastery established century who is the first monk to inhabit the in Wadi El-Natrun. Valley, so he is considered the father of the The modern name monks of Wadi El-Natrun. This monastery was of the monastery, Al- built to be a memorial place for St. Makarius Baramus, is Arabic and who was buried in his beloved cave, where is derived from the he received a divine revelation in the form of Coptic christian Pa- a dream to build a church. The monastery of Rameos, which means Anba Makaryus, also called Deir Abu Magar, “that of the Romans” in was probably the first monastery in Wadi El- the honor of Maximus Natroun in the 6th century. The Byzantine and Domidus, two sons rulers mandated that the Coptic Patriarchs no of the Roman Emperor longer reside in Alexandria and so Deir Abu Valentinus who died Magar acquired a new importance as the seat from excessive fasting. of the Coptic church. The monastery has been Their bodies were excavating by a team from Leiden University buried in a crypt in the Netherlands since 1995, It remained an below the Church of important monastery throughout the ages as it the Virgin. was restored later in the 9th and 11th centuries. Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Monastery of St. Anthony (Red Sea)

According to Church Tradition, the Coptic faithful, who identify St. Paul of Thebes (also known as the Cave Church of St. Paul as the St. Paul of Alexandria) for whom saint’s hermitage and the place the monastery is named, lived a where St. Anthony buried him. solitary ascetic life in a cave here The monastery of St. Anthony is between about AD 251 and 325, only twenty-five kilometers away hence his other title “the First to the northwest, but separated Hermit.” It is believed that this is from St. Paul’s monastery by the the site of the famous meeting of South Galala Plateau. The two St. Paul and St. Anthony described monasteries have always been in the Life of St. Paul written by St. associated with each other through Jerome, and depicted in numerous the lives of their founders, and icons. The monastery is widely until the early eighteenth century, celebrated as one of the oldest St. Paul’s was a dependency of the larger and richer monastery of St. Christian monasteries in Egypt Anthony. and it is a precious inheritance for Letter from Cairo-26th Issue, May 2017

Monastery of St. Paul (Red Sea)

Set in the middle of the magnificently stark scenery of the remote Red Sea coast, this ancient monastery was built on the site near Anthony’s cave where his followers established a camp. The chapel where they buried him is decorated with some of the richest Coptic art in the world. St. Antony’s Monastery, which lies at the foot of Al-Qalzam Mountain near Al-Zaafarana, was founded in 356 AD. The Monastery has exceptional wall paintings of holy knights in bright colors and the hermit founders of the monastery in subdued colors and icons. St. Antony’s Cave (magharah), where he lived as a hermit, is a 2 km hike from the monastery and 680 m. above the Red Sea. It offers stunning views of the mountains and the sea, and the chance to see a wide range of bird life.