SUNDAY
26th Bashans 1728
3rd June 2012 AN INITIATIVE OF THE MEDIA COMMITTEE - DIOCESE OF SYDNEY & AFFILIATED REGIONS Volume 1, Issue 146 Copts’ News Volume 2, Issue 58 “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.” - Luke 2:52 28 Pages
50c Find this issue online at Covenant between Catholic Church and Thankyou for your Anglican Church kind donation www.elmanara.org.au page 5 Bela Vida – Beautiful Life By Jessica Hennien.
When you think of ‘Brazil’ and ‘Paraguay’– what comes to mind? Maybe Cristo Redentor; the ‘Big Jesus’? Copacabana beach? Samba? Soccer? Perhaps car- jackings?
What often does not come to mind is the poverty faced by many Brazilians and Paraguayans every day. Brazil has one of the world’s highest disparities between its rich and poor, with many of its citizens living in poverty; while over 60% of Paraguayans live in poverty. The Coptic Orthodox Church has established churches in both these countries in order to bring the message of Orthodoxy to its people and assist those who are living in poverty. The church has established programs that serve those in poverty in South America, including organised trips through the Mission Life Centre and through church members in America, Canada and Australia. This year, 16 of us had the privilege of serving alongside His Grace Bishop Aghathon in Collage by Jessica Hennien the shanty towns (Slums) of Brazil and Paraguay. substandard conditions, many cannot afford to pay The service included bringing clothes, food, and the However, the church itself has limited resources. With tithes nor give to the church that is giving to them. message of Christ to those who need it the most. many of its congregation unemployed and living in (...continued on page 4) Minister Chris Bowen Revisits St. Marks Coptic Church Arncliffe The Hon. Minister for Immigration and in Cairo’. Citizenship, Mr. Chris Bowen, visited Also in his speech Mr. Bowen said: St Mark’s Coptic Church, Arncliffe, for ‘I’m here to offer my condolences for the second time, on 20 May 2012 at the passing of HH Pope Shenouda 10 am. who passed away on 17 March He was met by Mr. John Nour and 2012. Pope Shenouda III was a great Mr. Michael Lawandi who introduced teacher and great spiritual leader him to the Coptic congregation in the who will be remembered for a long English church. Mr. Bowen came with time. His legacy will remain with us his advisers and they all attended the for a long time and will always be English mass first, then the Arabic remembered’. mass. Mr. Bowen spoke about his support Mr. Bowen last visited the church for the Coptic community and how he on 10 October 2011, the day the is following developments in Egypt. Maspero massacre happened. Mr. He is very keen to assist the Coptic Bowen referred to this visit in his community in any way he and his speech: ‘Last time I came here it was department can. He said ‘I understand the very sad day that had 28 Coptic how difficult it is for the Copts in Egypt people killed in Cairo overnight … I today with all the changes and the was upset that day for what happened (continued on page 9...)
Spring of Love and El Manara would like to announce that starting from first of July both publications will be issued alternatively fortnightly. (i.e.
the first week Spring of Love will be issued the following week there will be no publication followed by El Manara the week after and so on …) .
During this trail period we will improve the design and contents of the Magazine. Please pray for this service.
Therefore we invite the servants who have experience or wish to contribute in this service to send us an e-mail and we will contact you.
[email protected] 26th Bashans 1728 (Pentecostal Sunday) 3rd June 2012 The Feast of Pentecost The Glorified Lord Christ lived with them the utensils were anointed and became and the holy breath. in His body until He rose to Heaven then holy (Ex 40, Lv 8). With this anointing oil promised them the Holy Spirit to stay also kings and prophets were anointed As for the holy breath, it was written in St with them forever, the Spirit of truth, the (1 Kings 19). And as a result to the John’s Gospel that our Lord Jesus, after Comforter. So what should we know anointing, the Holy Spirit comes upon His Resurrection, when He appeared about the Holy Spirit? them and so comes His gifts as well. to His disciples, the saints, in the upper room, He told them “As the Father has The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit, therefore Furthermore we read in prophet Joel sent Me, I also send you.” And when He it existed since ever. We read about it the Lord’s saying: “And it shall come to had said this, He breathed on them, and in the first verses of the Genesis Book. pass afterward That I will pour out My said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. The divine response says: “In the Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your If you forgive the sins of any, they are beginning God created the heavens daughters shall prophesy, Your old forgiven them; if you retain the sins of and the earth. The earth was without men shall dream dreams, Your young any, they are retained.” (Jn 20:21-23). form, and void; and darkness was on men shall see visions.” (Joel 2:28). In the ordination of the bishop or the the face of the deep. And the Spirit of Additionally this is what happened on priest we breathe in his face and say God was hovering over the face of the the fiftieth day (the Day of Pentecost), “Accept the Holy Spirit”, so he opens waters.” (Gn 1:1, 2). as St Peter the Apostle explained this his mouth to accept the holy breath verse from Prophet Joel’s Book (Ac and says with the psalm “I opened my Moreover Isaiah talks about the Holy 2:16, 17). mouth and accepted myself a spirit”. Spirit and gives Him names in his saying: “The Spirit of the LORD…The The Transfer of the Holy Spirit from One As for laying hands, the Holy Spirit in Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Person to Another. the time of our fathers the apostles that forgives sins. And this forgiveness The Spirit of counsel and might, The This happened to the seventy elders on was given through the apostles laying comes from the priest’s mouth. And the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the days of Prophet Moses when the hands. This was mentioned in giving absolution that the priest gives through the LORD.” (Is 11:2). And we add to that Lord said to him: “Gather to Me seventy the Holy Spirit to the People of Samaria. the absolution prayer in which he says: in the third Hour Prayer (Terce) of every men of the elders of Israel. Then I will The Apostles Synod in Jerusalem sent may God absolve you, may God pardon day and say: “a spirit of prophecy and come down and talk with you there. I them St Peter and St John “Then they you, may God forgive you. Furthermore chastity, a spirit of holiness, justice and will take of the Spirit that is upon you laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit is present also in all the authority” and call Him by saying: “O and will put the same upon them” (Nm the Holy Spirit” (Ac 8:14-17). And Church Sacraments. He also is present Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit 11:16, 17). And here the bible says: the same was done to the People of in all the Holy Synod decisions. In the of truth, who is present in all places and “Then the LORD came down in the Ephesus “And when Paul had laid first decision that came from the Synod fills all, the treasury of good things and cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the hands on them, the Holy Spirit came in Jerusalem on the days of our fathers the Life-Giver”. Furthermore the Lord Spirit that was upon him, and placed the upon them” (Ac 19:7). Same applied the apostles, they said: “it seemed good says about Him in the St John’s Gospel same upon the seventy elders; and it to the Priesthood Sacrament, St Paul to the Holy Spirit, and to us” (Ac 15:28). “the Spirit of truth who proceeds from happened, when the Spirit rested upon the Apostle said to his disciple Timothy the Father” (Jn 15:26). And the doctrine them, that they prophesied” (Nm 11:25). “I remind you to stir up the gift of God The Holy Spirit works in the Service of being proceeded from the Father was We also notice that before Moses, which is in you through the laying on of too. The Church fathers, the apostles mentioned by the Ecumenical Council when Joseph the Righteous interpreted my hands” (2 Ti 1:6). did not start the service until the Holy in Constantinople in the Faith Creed. the Pharaoh’s dream, “Pharaoh said to Spirit came upon them and the Lord’s Yet our brothers, the Catholics add to it his servants, “Can we find such a one The holy anointing was also known in promise saying: “But you shall receive “Filioque” meaning “and from the Son”. as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of the apostolic age. St John the Apostle power when the Holy Spirit has come And this is opposing to the Holy Trinity God?”” (Gn 41:38). And here was the says about that: “But you have an upon you; and you shall be witnesses Doctrine. In assimilating the Holy Trinity Holy Spirit’s gift interpreting dreams, anointing from the Holy One…” (1 Jn to Me” (Ac 1:8) was fulfilled in them. to Fire we say: “Fire brings forth heat; i.e., the Spirit of knowledge. Also there 2:20) “… But the anointing which you The Holy Spirit was the One choosing and light proceeds from it” and we do is another work for God’s Spirit in every have received from Him abides in you” the servants, like when He said: “Now not say that the light proceeds from art, so as to what the tent of meeting (1 Jn 2:27). We, in anointing children separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for heat! But the light and the heat both needed “Then the LORD spoke to after baptism: we anoint them with the the work to which I have called them” come from the origin, which is the fire Moses, saying: “See, I have called by Holy Chrism (Myron) and lay hands on (Ac 13:2, 4). And it was Him who and not one from the other. name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of them and breathe in their faces. And directed the servants in their paths and Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled say to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit”. worked in them and using them. The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Old him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in With the Holy Anointing Sacrament, Testament understanding, in knowledge, and in all we become temples for the Holy Spirit. Asking for the Holy Spirit is a point of our In the story of Samson we read that “the manner of workmanship…” (Ex 31:1- 5). And the Holy Spirit dwells in us. St Paul daily prayer of the Third Hour (Terce). Spirit of the LORD began to move upon Here we see that the Holy Spirit works the Apostle talks about that in his first We ask it to come upon us and purify him at Mahaneh Dan” (Judges 13:25). even in the talent of workmanship that epistle to Corinthians and says: “Do us from all defilement of body and spirit. And we also read that after Saul was is given to some even in jewellery and you not know that you are the temple of And we cry to God saying: Your Holy anointed as king that “the Spirit of God carving woods. God and that the Spirit of God dwells in Spirit, O Lord, do not take away from came upon him, and he prophesied” you?” (1 Co 3:16), and “Or do you not us. It is part of our freedom to accept (1 S 10:10). This also happened when The Holy Spirit Spoke in the Prophets know that your body is the temple of the the Holy Spirit, work with Him, and go David was anointed by Prophet Samuel This is a statement in the content of Holy Spirit who is in you” (1 Co 6:19). into the “Holy Spirit Partaking”. And we to be king “the Spirit of the LORD came the Faith Creed. This means that the Then every one of should remember are also free to reject and quench the upon David from that day forward” (1 Holy Spirit is the source of the divine that on the day he was anointed with the Spirit and fight the Spirit. And the most Sam 16:13). And the way the Holy Spirit response of the Holy books. The Holy Holy Chrism (Myron) that he became a serious thing is to blaspheme against came upon both Saul and David was Spirit was the source of all what the temple for the Holy Spirit and the Holy the Holy Spirit, meaning to reject it through the Anointing Oil that the Lord prophets and apostles said in the holy Spirit became dwelling in him. completely all through the life. But how ordered them to prepare in Exodus Book books. beautiful is the bible’s saying: “For as (Ex 30:22-31). And Aaron was anointed In this St Peter the Apostle said in his The Holy Spirit works in priesthood and many as are led by the Spirit of God, as a high priest when Moses poured second epistle “for prophecy never priesthood is granted through the Holy these are sons of God” (Ro 8:14). from this holy anointing oil on Aaron’s came by the will of man, but holy men Spirit. It has the power of forgiving sins. head and anointed him (Lv 8:12), as we of God spoke as they were moved by But someone may say: How is that? Here I would like to warn those who are say in the psalm “It is like the precious the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet. 1:21). And no one can forgive sins except deceived and think that every spirit that oil upon the head, Running down on the God alone! We say: Yes, the Holy Spirit leads them is God’s Spirit!! The apostle beard, The beard of Aaron, Running The Holy Spirit in the New Testament that is in the priest is one who forgives says: “do not believe every spirit, but down on the edge of his garments.” (Ps Nowadays, in the New Testament, the sins. As we say in the Holy Liturgy test the spirits, whether they are of God; 133:2). And with this anointing oil the Holy Spirit is given through three ways: “be absolved by my mouth through because many false prophets have tent of meeting along with the altars and The holy anointing, laying priests’ hands the Holy Spirit,” so it is the Holy Spirit gone out into the world” (1 Jn 4:1).
2 [email protected] 26th Bashans 1728 Copts’ News THE SEVEN SUNDAYS OF PENTECOST - A SUMMARY By HG Bishop Daniel the Lord (the sacrificial Lamb), that the which they followed. During the seven-week Pentecostal disciples were strong enough to leave Gospel readings, we learn that the fruit their homes and begin their journey Our beloved Lord teaches us of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection preaching Christianity to the whole that He is the way, and if we follow of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ was world. Him, then we will reach the Heavenly His gift to us of eternal life. Canaan. Second Sunday: In their journey through The seven Pentecostal weeks are our the wilderness, the people were hungry Sixth Sunday: During their journey, the journey to a new life in Christ, and they and needed food, so the Lord gave Hebrews encountered many trials and may be compared with the Hebrews’ them manna. enemies, which we read about in the journey from the land of Egypt to the Books of Exodus and Numbers, but the Promised Land of Canaan … In the same way that our bodies Lord always gave them victory. need physical food, our spirits also need Let us recall today’s Gospel reading and spiritual food. Therefore, the Lord gave In the same way, our beloved also those of the past six Pentecostal us His holy body as our spiritual food – Lord teaches us that He is the Conqueror Sundays: the manna which the Hebrews ate in the and that He will give us victory – both on wilderness was a symbol of the Lord, this earth by defeating Satan, and in the First Sunday: ‘Belief who is the True Manna. next life, by giving us eternal life. in the Risen Lord’ and ‘Jesus gives Peace’ Third Sunday: Similarly, when the The Ascension: Between weeks Second Sunday: ‘Jesus with His Heavenly Father, through His people also needed water to drink, the 5 and 6, we celebrate the Ascension of is the Bread of Life’ intercession. Lord gave them drinking water from a our Lord Jesus Christ. Through His holy Third Sunday: ‘Jesus is the The gift of speaking in tongues rock. Resurrection, He opened the way for Living Water’ to enable them to spread the message us to have eternal life, and through His Fourth Sunday: ‘Jesus is the of the Gospel to the whole world, each To nourish our spirits, the Lord holy Ascension, He takes us with Him Light of the World’ in their own tongue. gave us His holy blood as our spiritual to heaven, and gives us the victory over Fifth Sunday: ‘Jesus Help and strength to overcome drink. The rock in the wilderness which Satan and death. is the Way’ the enemies and sufferings which they gave the people water was a symbol of Sixth Sunday: ‘ T h e were about to face in their evangelical our Lord, who is the True Living Water, Seventh Sunday: This is the week of the Triumphant Christ gives us Victory’ mission. and also the Rock of our faith. Holy Spirit. Week 7 represents when the Seventh Sunday: ‘Jesus Hebrews reached the Promised Land sends His Holy Spirit – Pentecost These same Pentecostal gifts were Fourth Sunday: During the journey, the (which we read about in the Book of Sunday’ passed to us through the traditions of Lord appeared as a cloud during the day Numbers). our Coptic Orthodox faith which our and a pillar of light in the night, to give Let us compare our spiritual journey of forefathers faithfully kept through the them light and reassurance. In this week, the Holy Spirit descended Pentecost, with the Israelites’ journey to generations, and we in turn are keeping on the disciples, and gave them the the Promised Land … them for the future generations. Our beloved Lord is our light in power to go out and preach to the whole the darkness of this world. He enlightens world. The descent of the Holy Spirit First Sunday: It was through faith and I pray the LORD to bless you all with our minds and hearts, thus leading us to upon the Disciples blessed them with belief that the Hebrews sacrificed the the bountiful gifts of His Holy Spirit, the the Way, the Truth and the Life (Jesus bountiful gifts: Passover lamb, sprinkled the blood of Paraclete the Comforter. Himself). the sacrificial lamb on their doorposts, +++ Comfort for the departure of and followed Moses out of the Land of Glory be to the Lord, forever. Amen Fifth Sunday: In their journey from the their beloved Lord from their earthly Egypt. Bishop Daniel Land of Egypt, to the Land of Canaan, company. With the Grace of God the Lord never abandoned them, but Reassurance that He ascended In the same way, it was through Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese was always leading the way for them, to Heaven to prepare a place for them faith and belief in the Resurrection of of Sydney & Affiliated Regions
2 - MITES
PROJECT
This is an apocryphal story dealing with the flight of the holy family into Egypt and
the life which they led in that country. The story is cast in the mould of a vision and
entitled The Vision of Theophilus.
This does not imply that every historical detail in the story was invented by the
author, whose only task seems indeed to take the material for his narrative from lo-
cal tradition and to put it in the form in which we find it before us. He made use also
of some apocryphal books and of some works on ecclesiastical history with which
the Egyptian scholars of his time were familiar. Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 3 3rd June 2012
(...continued from page 1) Churros, coffee, Coconuts and the have been the success it was without A fundraiser was held on Sunday the 27th famous South American energy you. of May 2012 in Bexley in order to raise drink, Guarana. Businesses had the We would also like to thank Bassem money for the service in South America. opportunity to sell their products and (Ben) Marcos for all his support The fundraiser event, called ‘Bela Vida’ donate a portion of their profits to the throughout this fundraiser. His (Portuguese for ‘Beautiful Life’), was cause, which included jewellery and leadership and service from day one held in a fete-style fashion. What was beauty products, while cupcakes by has been an inspiration to us all. once a bland hall was transformed into ‘For Cake’s Sake’ donated all profits We would also like to thank His Grace the ultimate Brazilian place of gathering to the cause. Anba Agathon, for being a constant – a large banner of Cristor Redentor The day began with a tasty Brazilian source of support and encouragement Churrasco lunch, and enabled people to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. The Fuseball table experience left us in awe of their talent. was a hit, in addition to the soccer ball The fundraiser was wrapped up with a comp and the “guess the ingredients touching video created by Mary-Anne in the soup” competition. An exclusive Bedwani featuring the service we did acoustic performance by Coptic over in South Soldier and another band member America, and Jon Reichardt added a nice touch to a speech the fundraiser, including a rendition of by herself “Amazing Grace.” and Marian Several businesses also kindly Haddad, donated items for an auction and raffle, summarising which were Sans Souci Dental and what we did Budget Petrol Campsie, while many on the trip other individuals donated a Navman, and informing Jamie Oliver frypan, and a Sony tablet. others of the All profits made from this auction went need in South directly to the cause. America. No Brazilian-themed fundraiser is We would complete without a lively Capoeira like to extend (Brazilian Martial Arts) performance. our thank you’s to all those involved in for all of us. Being a man who does not and Brazilian flag welcomed guests Three men performed martial arts to a running and assisting with the fundraiser like to ask for help, we decided to keep into the hall, which was decorated in Brazilian drum beat. They left us on the – there is a long list but you all know this fundraiser as a surprise for him. blue, yellow and green (the colours of edge of our seats with hand stands, back who you are. His reaction was – priceless. the Brazilian flag). Stalls, reminiscent flips and kicks so close to each other we Our biggest thank you’s however extend of the markets alongside Copacabana were worried they might accidently hit to those who attended, promoted and beach, sold Brazilian souvenirs, each other!! Their amazing control and donated to the event. It really would not
QLD Welcomeswell New by God’s grace. Priests Their love for the church and her children has been so great, and this love is clearly mutual. They have been a big blessing already for Queensland, and we look forward to many years of fruitful and prosperous service under their loving guidance. The Priests and congregation of all the churches in Queensland would like to sincerely thank from the depth of their heart the thrice-blessed His Friday 6 April 2012 marked a historic day for all the churches in Australia with the arrival of Father Philopateer Kamal to serve at St Mina and St Anthony Church - Gold Coast, and Father Mettias Wahba to serve at St Mark and St George
Holiness Pope Shenouda the Third, and ask for his prayers for us in front of the heavenly throne, and our beloved His Grace Bishop Daniel, for their love in selecting and sending Father Philopateer and Father Mettias to serve Church - Strathpine (North Brisbane). our congregations. A large group of the congregations of May our Lord bless and prosper their Queensland, accompanied by Father service through the intercessions of the Mousa El-Antony and Father David Holy Virgin St Mary and the prayers of Mahrous, waited enthusiastically at the all the angels and saints. airport to greet the two fathers and their families upon arrival at Brisbane Airport in the evening. The fathers were met with great love, and a number of joyous chants in Coptic at the terminal. They were then welcomed in their respective churches with a small meal of love after a thanksgiving prayer and a short sermon. Since arriving here, Father Philopateer and Father Mettias have settled in very 4 [email protected] 26th Bashans 1728 Copts’ News Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney Shares in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s “Sorry Day”, Saturday 26th May 2012.
community in memory on how the many for School Education, Early Childhood separating children from their parents children who were taken from their and Youth, local people and elders from and siblings. mothers and families, which came to be the Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres known as the “Stolen Generation” from Strait Islanders. The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the period 1883 to 1969 in New South Sydney shares in the National Week Wales. The event is a significant one has it is a of Reconciliation all over Australia from reminder of how the Indigenous people 27th May to 3rd June 2012. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suffered under Colonial and Australian Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour children experienced their culture, policy at the time. The Australian language and identity being taken away Government and the Churches in On Saturday 26th May 2012, the from them when they were taken away Australia acknowledges the hurt that Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney from the mothers and families and given it has caused for the Indigenous shared in the Australia’s Indigenous to churches to be raised as white folksv. community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander National “Sorry Day” at the Church of The service took place at the Catholic The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney Reconciliation at La Parouse. Aboriginal Church at La Parouse was represented by Very Rev Fr Shenouda simple, attended by a Local Councillor Mansour shared in their grief and sorrow This day marks a very important day for and Mr. Peter Garret, the Federal Labor of the dark ages of the policy that was the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Member for Kingsford Smith, Minister cruel to the Indigenous community in Coptic Orthodox Church invited to Witness the Covenant between Catholic Church and Anglican Church Dioceses at Bathurst All over Australia, the Catholic and and the signing of the covenant between an opportunity to: share resources in Anglican Church are signing covenant the two churches took place. This was planting a church; co-operation for document to show their common an historic moment that took place in marriage preparation of couples; co- witness and declaration of their faith in Central West of New South Wales. operation in Christian education of Jesus Christ in their local community. Two Orthodox icons were presented to children and young people; an annual The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney represented by the Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour was invited to attend and witness a great event between two these churches, the Catholic and Anglican Church in the Bathurst Diocese Region (Central West of New South at the time. Wales). On Thursday 24th May 2012, After the Ecumenical service, we were Bathurst became the sixth Diocese in invited to the clergy lunch, hosted by the Australia to sign a historic covenant. The Catholic Diocese. I took the opportunity importance of the covenant represented to congratulate Bishops, Bishop Michael the sharing of public Christian witness to McKenna (Catholic) and Bishop Richard the Bathurst region. Hurford (Anglican) for the historic The event first started at 12.00 Noon event on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox at the Catholic Cathedral of St Michael Diocese of Sydney and on behalf of and St John. The Cathedral was fully the NSW & Act Ecumenical Council of packed to the end of dignitaries from Churches. I stated that the event was churches, school children and local historic has this covenant took these people from Bathurst. The local media two churches to pre-451AD to serve and were present to record the event. There share a common witness of the Gospel were representatives from NSW & of Christ to the people of Bathurst. The ACT Ecumenical Council of Churches covenant did declare the churches represented by Very Rev Fr Shenouda inability to share the Eucharist together Mansour and Fr James Collins from and acknowledged the theological differences that will not allow them to be in full communion. Finally, I did voice that I will return to Sydney to share this great historic event back to the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and to share the value of covenant to the other Orthodox Churches. The Coptic Orthodox Church has many of its people scattered all over NSW, Queensland and in Darwin in the Northern Territory. The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney will benefit if an the Sydney Anglican Archdiocese. To opportunity does arises without trading celebrate the Ecumenical event, an our precious theological and dogma Anglican Bishop gave the homily on this teachings in sharing Church buildings historic event. At the end of the event, for liturgical service, gathering of our both Bishops blessed all the people who Coptic people, planting of a church in were in the Cathedral. regional areas and the establishment of At the conclusion at St Michael and St both Bishops to be displayed in their Ecumenical Service; a triennial review of Coptic churches in regional NSW and John Catholic Cathedral, we all walked Cathedrals. the Covenant and a biennial Clergy day Queensland. for a good ten minutes to the Anglican The Covenant represented a common for the two Dioceses to come together to Very Rev. Fr Shenouda Mansour Cathedral of All Saint’s, where the witness to the Bathurst Region. For reflect on social, pastoral, environmental Monday, 28th May 2012 Ecumenical celebration continued, example, the covenant will provide and theological issues that may be faced
Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 5 3rd June 2012 Metropolitans & Bishops ordained by Pope Shenouda III 1) Bishop Youannis (El-Gharbeya) 27) Bishop Mattheos (Abbot of the Monastery of Ordained Bishop on 13/11/1988 Ordained Bishop on 12/12/1971, RIP 4/11/1987. St. Mary – Syrian, Scetes Desert) 52) Bishop Matthias (El Mahala El Kubra & 2) Metropolitan Pakhomius (Beheira, Matrouh & Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 18/6/1978, Elevated to Samanoud) Pentapolis - Locum Tenens of the Patriarchate) General Bishop on 25/5/1980, Appointed as Abbot of Ordained Bishop on 18/6/1989 Ordained Bishop on 12/12/1971, Elevated to ElSourian Monastery on 6/6/1993 53) Bishop Cherubim (Qena & Qift) Metropolitan on 2/9/1990. Locum Tenens on 19/3/2012 28) Bishop Bemwa (Abbot of the Monastery of St. Ordained Bishop on 26/5/1991 3) Metropolitan Aghathon (Ismailia) George – ElKhatatba) 54) Bishop Basilios (Abbot of the Monastery of St. Ordained General Bishop 28/5/1972, Appointed Abbot Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 18/6/1978, Elevated to Samuel the Confessor, El Qualamon Mount) of St. Paula Monastery in 1974, Appointed Bishop of Bishop & Abbot of the Monastery of St. George – Ordained Bishop & Abbot of St. Samuel’s Monastery Ismailia on 29/5/1977. Elevated to Metropolitan on ElKhatatba on 11/6/1995, RIP 30/3/2002 on 26/5/1991 17/11/1991, RIP 30/5/1999. 29) Bishop Moussa (General Bishop & 55) Bishop Takla (Dishna) 4) Metropolitan Pishoy (Damietta, Kafr El-Sheikh Administrator for the Bishopric of Youth Affairs) Ordained Bishop on 26/5/1991 & Abbot of St. Demiana’s Monastery) Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 18/6/1978, Elevated to 56) Bishop Pimen (Naqada & Qous) Ordained Bishop 24/9/1972, Elevated to Metropolitan General Bishop (Youth Affairs) on 25/5/1980 Ordained Bishop on 26/5/1991 on 2/9/1990. Secretary of the Holy Synod since 1985 30) Bishop Markos (Shubra El-Kheima) 57) Bishop Makarios (Patriarchal Exarch – 5) Bishop Timotheos (General Bishop) Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 18/6/1978, Elevated to Eritrean Congregation in the USA) Ordained General Bishop on 17/6/1973, RIP 27/3/1999 General Bishop on 2/6/1985, Appointed as Bishop of Ordained General Bishop on 26/5/1991 6) Bishop Sarapamon (Abbot of the Monastery Shubra El-Kheima on 14/6/1992 58) Bishop Markos (Patriarchal Exarch – Eritrean of St. Pishoy, Scetes Desert) 31) Khori Episkopos Isaak Congregation in the UK) Ordained General Bishop on 17/6/1973, Appointed Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 18/6/1978 Ordained General Bishop on 26/5/1991 Abbot of the Monastery of St. Bishoy on 29/5/1977 32) Bishop Dioscoros (General Bishop & 59) Bishop Youhanna (Suffragan Bishop & 7) Metropolitan Markos (Toulon & All France & Administrator of the Patriarchal Print Shop) Patriarchal Exarch - Archdiocese of North America) Primate of the French Coptic Church) Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 10/6/1979, Elevated to Ordained General Bishop on 26/5/1991 Ordained Bishop on 2/6/1974, Elevated to Metropolitan General Bishop on 25/5/1980 60) Bishop Danial (General Bishop – El Maadi & on 18/6/1994, RIP11/5/2008 33) Bishop Botros (General Bishop & Patriarchal ElBasateen, Cairo) 8) Bishop Athanasius (French Coptic Church) Secretary) Ordained General Bishop on 26/5/1991 Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 2/6/1974, Elevated to Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 10/6/1979, Elevated to 61) Metropolitan Abraham (Jerusalem & the Near Bishop on 18/6/1994 General Bishop on 2/6/1985 East) 9) Metropolitan Hedra (Aswan) 34) Bishop Mina Ava Mina (Abbot of St. Mina Ordained Metropolitan on 17/11/1991 Ordained Bishop on 22/6/1975, Elevated to Monastery) 62) Bishop Yustos (Abbot of the Monastery of St. Metropolitan on 19/3/2006 Ordained Bishop & Abbot of St. Mina’s Anthony the Great, Eastern Desert) 10) Metropolitan Wissa (El Baliana) Monastery on 25/5/1980, RIP 11/12/1996 Ordained Bishop & Abbot of St. Antony’s Monastery Ordained Bishop on 22/6/1975, Elevated to 35) Bishop Pissada (Akhmim, Saqualta & the on 17/11/1991 Metropolitan on 19/3/2006 Monasteries of Mount Akhmim, Upper Egypt) 63) Bishop Theophilos (Hurghada, Kosseir & All 11) Bishop Pimen (General Bishop) Ordained Bishop on 25/5/1980 the Red Sea) Ordained General Bishop on 22/6/1975, Appointed 36) Bishop Asheya (Tahta, Juhayna & Gabalein) Ordained Bishop on 14/6/1992 Bishop of Mallawi on 13/6/1976, RIP 19/5/1986 Ordained Bishop on 25/5/1980 64) Bishop Isithorus (Abbot of the Monastery of 12) Metropolitan Arsanius (Minya & Abu Korkas) 37) Bishop Andrawis (Abou Teeg) St. Mary – El Paromeos, Scetes Desert) Ordained Bishop on 13/6/1976, Elevated to Ordained Bishop on 25/5/1980 Ordained Bishop & Abbot of El Baramous Monastery Metropolitan on 14/11/2006 38) Bishop Fam (Tima) on 14/6/1992 13) Bishop Pavnotius (Samalout & Taha El Ordained Bishop on 25/5/1980 65) Bishop Samuel (Shebeen El Kanater) Aameda) 39) Bishop Missael (Midlands & Affiliated Areas – Ordained Bishop on 14/6/1992, RIP 16/7/2003 Ordained Bishop on 13/6/1976. U.K) 66) Bishop Maximos (Banha & Quesna) 14) Bishop Ammonius (Luxor, Esna & Armant) Ordained General Bishop on 25/5/1980, Appointed Ordained Bishop on 14/6/1992 Ordained Bishop on 13/6/1976. as Bishop of the Midlands & Affiliated Areas-U.K on 67) Bishop Youssef (Southern United States & 15) Bishop Benjamin (Manoufeya) 26/5/1991 Abbot of the Monastery of St. Mary & St. Moses) Ordained Bishop on 13/6/1976. 40) Bishop Mina (St. Samuel the Confessor Ordained General Bishop on 14/6/1992, Appointed 16) Bishop Isaak (General Bishop) Monastery) Bishop of Southern USA on 14/11/1995 Ordained General Bishop on 13/6/1976, RIP Ordained Bishop & Abbot of St. Samuel the 68) Bishop Youannes (General Bishop & 29/5/1978 Confessor Monastery on 2/6/1985, RIP 3/4/1989 Patriarchal Secretary) 17) Bishop Antonios Markos (Missionary Bishop 41) Bishop Abraam (Fayoum & Abbot of the Ordained General Bishop on 6/6/1993 for African Affairs – West & South Africa) Monastery of Archangel Gabriel - El Naqloun Mount) 69) Bishop Karas (St Anthony Monastery – Ordained General Bishop on 13/6/1976. Ordained Bishop on 2/6/1985 California, USA) 18) Bishop Angelos (Sharqiya & 10th of Ramadan 42) Bishop Serapion (Los Angeles & Southern Ordained Bishop & Abbot of St. Anthony City) California - USA) Monastery – California on 6/6/1993, RIP 17/12/2002 Ordained Bishop on 14/11/1976, RIP Ordained General Bishop for Social Services on 70) Bishop Sarabamoun (Atbara & North Sudan) 11/9/2011 2/6/1985, Appointed as Bishop of Los Angeles & Ordained Bishop on 14/11/1993 19) Bishop Tadros (Portsaid) Southern 71) Metropolitan Seraphim (Glastonbury & Ordained Bishop on 14/11/1976 California on 14/11/1995 Primate of the British Orthodox Church) 20) Bishop Ignatius (Suez) 43) Bishop Loukas (Abnoub & El Fateh) Ordained Metropolitan on 18/6/1994 Ordained Bishop on 29/5/1977 Ordained Bishop on 22/6/1986 72) Bishop Antony (Scotland, Ireland, North East 21) Bishop Yacoubos (Zakazik & Menya Al Kamh) 44) Bishop Barsoum (Dayrout & Sanabo) England & Abbot of the Monastery of St. Athanasius) Ordained Bishop on 29/5/1977, RIP Ordained Bishop on 22/6/1986 Ordained Bishop on 11/6/1995 19/11/2008 45) Bishop Demetrious (Mallawi, Ansena, El 73) Bishop Barnaba (Torino & Southern Italy) 22) Bishop Kyrillos (Nag Hammadi & Abu Tesht) Ashmonen & Abbot of the Monastery of St. Fana) Ordained General Bishop on 11/6/1995, Appointed Ordained Bishop on 29/5/1977 Ordained Bishop on 22/6/1986 Bishop of Torino & Southern Italy on 2/6/1996 23) Bishop Barsoum (General Bishop) 46) Bishop Pakhoum (Sohag & El Maragha) 74) Bishop Damian (General Bishop – Germany) Ordained General Bishop on 29/5/1977 RIP Ordained Bishop on 22/6/1986 Ordained General Bishop on 11/6/1995 4/5/1986 47) Bishop Antonios (Manfalout) 75) Bishop Paul (Missionary Bishop – Evangelism 24) Bishop Ruweis (General Bishop) Ordained Bishop on 22/6/1986 & Mission in East & Central Africa) Ordained General Bishop on 29/5/1977 48) Bishop Pisenti (Helwan & Al Maasara) Ordained General Bishop on 11/6/1995 25) Bishop Sawiros (Abbot of the Monastery of St. Ordained General Bishop on 22/6/1986, Appointed 76) Bishop Makary (Sinai) Mary – Al Muharraq, Upper Egypt) as Bishop of Helwan & Al Maasara on 29/5/1988 Ordained Bishop on 14/11/1996, RIP 20/7/2000 Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 29/5/1977, 49) Bishop Kyrillos (Milano & Abbot of the 77) Bishop Tawadros (General Bishop – Diocese Elevated to Bishop of the ElMoharak Monastery on Monastery of St. Shenouda the Archmandrite, Milano, of El Boheira & Pentapolis) 2/6/1985 Italy) Ordained General Bishop on 15/6/1997 26) Bishop Paula (Tanta) Ordained General Bishop on 22/6/1986, Appointed 78) Bishop Rafael (General Bishop – Cairo Ordained Auxiliary Bishop on 29/5/1977, as Bishop of Milano & Northern Italy on 2/6/1996 Downtown) Elevated to General Bishop on 25/5/1980, Appointed 50) Bishop Thomas (Quossia & Mir) Ordained General Bishop 15/6/1997 as Bishop of Ordained Bishop on 13/11/1988 79) Bishop Suriel (Melbourne & Affiliated Regions, Tanta on 18/6/1989 51) Bishop Aghabius (Dermoas & Delga) Abbot of the Monastery of St. Anthony) 6 [email protected] 26th Bashans 1728 Copts’ News
Ordained General Bishop on 15/6/1997, Appointed Shenouda the Archimandrite, Sydney) as Bishop of Melbourne & Affiliated Regions on Ordained Bishop & Abbot of St. Shenouda 10/11/1999 Monastery – Sydney on 7/6/2009 80) Bishop Gabriel (Beni Suef) 108) Bishop Theodosios (General Bishop – Ordained General Bishop on 15/6/1997, Appointed Diocese of Giza & Atfih) What is a Sister as Bishop of Beni Suef on 3/6/2001 Ordained General Bishop on 7/6/2009 81) Bishop Georgios (Matai & its jurisdictions) 109) Bishop Salib (General Bishop – Diocese of ?????? Ordained General Bishop on 30/5/1999, Appointed Meit Ghamr) as Bishop of Matai on 3/6/2001 Ordained General Bishop on 7/6/2009 82) Bishop Stephanos (Beba, Samasta & El 110) Bishop Mercurios (Girga) Fashn) Ordained Bishop on 7/6/2009 By SOHEIR KALDAS Ordained General Bishop for Beni Suef on 30/5/1999, 111) Bishop Botros (General Bishop – Diocese of Appointed as Bishop of Beba & El Fashn on 3/6/2001 Shebin Elkanater, Tokh & El Khanka) A sister is one of the most precious 83) Bishop Timotheos (Zaqaziq & Menya Al Ordained General Bishop on 7/6/2009 Qamh) 112) Bishop Mina (General Bishop – Old Cairo, people in the story of our life, Ordained General Bishop on 30/5/1999, Appointed Manial El Roda & Fom El Khalig) together we have shared some of as Bishop of Zaqaziq & Menya Al Qamh on 7/6/2009 Ordained General Bishop on 7/6/2009 84) Bishop Maximos (General Bishop – Dar the most special moments have ever ElSalam, Cairo) ERITREAN BISHOPS shared. Ordained General Bishop on 30/5/1999 113) Patriarch Antonious I (3rd Patriarch of A sister is a perspective on the 85) Bishop Silwanos (General Bishop - Cairo) Eritrea) Ordained General Bishop on 30/5/1999 Ordained Bishop of Hamasien-Asmara on 19/6/1994. past, and she's a million favourite 86) Bishop Angaelos (Suffragan Bishop & Elevated to Patriarch of Eritrea on 23/4/2004 memories that will always last. Patriarchal Exarch of Youth Ministry, Stevenage, 114) Bishop Kyrollos (Akele-Guzai) U.K) Ordained Bishop of Akele-Guzai on 19/6/1994. A sister is a photograph that is one of Ordained General Bishop on 14/11/1999 115) Bishop Dioscoros (Sereye) our most treasured possessions. She's 87) Bishop David (Suffragan Bishop & Patriarchal Ordained Bishop of Sereye on 19/6/1994. a note that arrives on a special day, Exarch - Archdiocese of North America) 116) Bishop Salama (Dankelnn & Semharm) Ordained General Bishop on 14/11/1999 Ordained Bishop of Dankelnn & Semharm on and when there's news to share, she’s 88) Bishop Gabriel (Vienna & All Austria) 19/6/1994. the first one you want to call. Ordained General Bishop on 17/6/2000, Appointed 117) Bishop Youannes (Senhit & Sahil) as Bishop of Vienna & All Austria on 30/5/2004 Ordained Bishop of Senhit & Sahil on 19/6/1994. A sister is a reminder of the blessing 89) Bishop Ilia (Khartoum, South Sudan & that come from closeness...a sister is Uganda) NOTE: a confidante and a counsellor she is Ordained Bishop on 3/6/2001 The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church 90) Bishop Seraphim (Ismailia) currently consists of 100 Members (as of 19 March a dear and wonderful friend, and
Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 7 3rd June 2012 Three Days in the Tomb By Samuel Kaldas spent. But something unbelievable and painful death on the Cross. forest that must be crossed before lies shrouded in their weakness ... For three days thereafter, the dark you can reach the palace of the There’s an ancient scriptural something deeper, older and truer powers seemed to win. Christ’s king. Yes, repentant drug/porn tradition (in both Judaism and than whatever dark power tears upside down logic, His idea that addict, there will be three days Christianity) that a three day them down; something invincible. He could conquer the dark powers of agony where you tear at the period of darkness and suffering that ruled the world (John 12:31, walls of your flesh, begging for must be endured before salvation You see, something terrible John 14:30) by submitting to them, another hit before you can be free. can come. The most obvious happened to our world after Adam seemed to have been nothing but Yes, proud, selfish fool, there will example is of course, Christ’s and Eve’s sin. Appearances the idiotic babblings of a madman. be three days of humiliation and three day internment in the tomb, became ‘muddled’ ... that is one ridicule before you can taste the but there are many Old Testament of the dastardly effects of sin: it And then, He rose. Against freedom of humility. Every part examples as well: Jonah’s three makes ‘evil good and good evil’ all odds, against conventional of us that needs healing, first has days in the fish’s belly, Joshua’s (Isaiah 5:20). God made this world wisdom, He rose. And in rising, to die. Only remember that what spies who hid for three days while good and beautiful. We certainly He proved once and for all that dies, is only dead for three days the enemy searched for them see some of this beauty reflected love is mightier than power, that (figuratively speaking). There (Joshua 2). in the stunning genius and submission is greater than will, will come a day, by the grace of grandeur of the natural world, but that humility is more glorious than God, when all of us will explode There are some schools of God’s crowning gift to this universe pride. It was the most radiant, from our tombs, glowing with the Christian thought which argue that was something whose beauty world-shattering paradox the glory of Christ’s victory; the same Christ’s death means that we need outshines even the Milky Way, and human race ever had or ever will power and might that created the do absolutely nothing but accept whose power exceeds even that of know, and it is the absolute centre universe and ordained the sea’s Him in order to partake of His life. the brightest suns. He crowned the of Christian life and worship. The limits. But until then, in small ways, To most Orthodox-Catholics (and universe with beings in His Image: ancient Alexandrian hymn ‘O we can touch that power on earth. many Protestants also), such an us. Icons of His glory, His power, Monogenēs’ (which Copts sing on Every time we are humble instead idea seems radically unscriptural. His life. The secret to that power Good Friday) includes a version of of proud, when we give a kind Christ was very clear that He could was the secret of His own being: the Trisagion which revels in the word to someone we dislike, when bestow life only on those who ‘took Love. And back then, anyone with paradox of Christ’s death: we spend time with someone in up their Cross’ (Mt 16:25-25). To half a brain could tell then that love need, when resist the temptation say so does not contradict the was incredibly powerful. It was “Holy God, who became man to be selfish, we are beginning to ‘grace’ of Christ’s gift - eternal life love that sparked the Big Bang for our sake, without change, restore in our flesh the ancient, is given freely to all those who are and created the universe, love that remaining God. glorious image of God, which is willing to receive it. And receiving divided land from water, love that Christ. it, Christ makes very clear, is going called stars and planets into being, Holy Mighty, who by weakness to hurt. love that gave the world its beauty. showed forth what is greater than Of course, we can only do it in, Love was the most powerful force power. through and with Christ. Not Regardless of their theological known to angel, man or beast. the theological Christ, or Christ positions, all true Christians know Holy Immortal, who was crucified the ‘religious figure’: we need that following Christ means the But when man fell from God, the for our sake, and endured death in the living Christ. The real, risen, death of something within them. knowledge of love was lost. In His flesh, of His own will.” living PERSON of Christ. He’s Their pride, anger, selfish ambition the fallen world, love no longer very much alive, and He’s been and lust all have to be slain. And looked powerful. In fact, it looked But there had to be three days meaning to speak with you ... that process hurts. It’s easy to weak. To express love, one had to were the darkness seemed to win. forget that this is what being a sacrifice, and those who sacrificed There has to be a dark night before “We look for the resurrection of Christian means - Christ doesn’t were always made weaker through the sun can dawn. There has to be the dead and the life of the coming beat around the bush. If we hang having done so. Power and might death, before there can be life. age. Amen.” ~ The Nicene Creed around Him, perhaps content to seemed to lie not in self-giving simply say a few meagre prayers and self-sacrifice, but in their So yes, Christian, there is a dark Christ is risen! every night and show up to Church opposites: in the exercise of the on Sundays, He will quickly make will, in victory over your enemies, us aware that He has far bigger in pride and selfishness. The plans for us. Plans to turn us into knowledge of true human power radiant, glorious, immortal angels was lost for centuries; lost until a of light (Wis. of Sol 3:7, Matt 13:43, Jewish preacher said things like: Dan 12:3). But he can only give us life if we agree to die for Him. Not For whoever desires to save his all of us have the strength to be life will lose it, but whoever loses physically tortured and killed for his life for My sake will save it. For Christ, but all of us will certainly what profit is it to a man if he gains physically die, and Christian living the whole world, and is himself requires us to become living destroyed or lost? (Luke 9:24-25) sacrifices (Rom 12:1) to God. Christ made some utterly ridiculous But here is the stunning thing. The claims. For Christ, strength lay in amazing, paradoxical, wondrous, weakness, the appropriate attitude world-shattering fact of it all: there to one’s enemies was love, is something glorious hidden in leadership was servitude, death our sacrificial death. Christians was life. He was turning the logic who fall to the ground, broken and of the fallen world upside down; bleeding at the hands of kings and and the pagans said as much of emperors, or those who pour out His disciples (Acts 17:6). And of every inch of their being in service course, He performed the ultimate of Christ, have a stunningly expression of this ‘upside-down consistent habit of not staying logic’ by submitting Himself, the dead. They certainly appear weak, eternal, immortal, glorious Word of when they lie on the ground, utterly God, to a shameful, ignominious
8 [email protected] 26th Bashans 1728 Copts’ News
(...continued from page 1) problems with the Immigration Department. transition that is happening in Egypt He took many letters and complaints with now’. He said he is looking forward to the him and promised to follow up on those appointment of the new Coptic pope in cases. Egypt and that the new pope will have a lot Mr. Chris Bowen is a good friend of the of work ahead of him. Coptic community and spent more than Mr. Bowen then went to the Arabic church two and a half hours talking and mixing and met the congregation there and with the people. He is always welcomed by commented how he likes coming to St the congregation. Fathers Jacob Magdy, Mark’s Church, Arncliffe, and how beautiful Augustinos Nada and Jonathan Ishak told the church is. Fr. Jonathan welcomed him Mr. Bowen that they appreciate the support and thanked him for coming to visit the he gives to the Coptic Church and that they congregation on Sunday. enjoy his visit to the church. When the mass finished Mr. Bowen had Mr. Bowen promised another visit soon to coffee with the Coptic community in the St Mark’s Church, Arncliffe and said when church playground. He spoke to more than he left ‘I always enjoy coming to St Mark’s 50 people and families about issues and Church. I had a great time today’.
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