Latest news with #Coptic
Watani
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Watani
Good bye Lotfy Labib (1947 – 2025)
The Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement mourning Coptic actor Lotfy Labib who departed the world on 30 July, aged 78. Mr Labib passed away in a Cairo hospital after a prolonged illness. The Church statement commemorated Mr Labib as an artist who 'leaves behind a distinguished and enduring legacy of diverse artistic contributions, spanning both the public arena and Christian-themed works.' The Church remains confident, the statement read, that Mr Labib will go down in the history of cinema, theatre, and television, and in the hearts of his fans as the great actor he was. 'We pray to the Lord for eternal rest to the soul of the late gifted artist, and that the Lord bestows comfort upon his family, loved ones, and fans,' the statement read. Born in Beni Sweif in 1947, Mr Labib graduated from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1970, but made his artisitc debut years later. Meanwhile, he had completed his military service and taken part in the 1973 October War, then travelled abroad for four years. He excelled in dramatic and comedic roles, and was known for his warm distinctive voice. Mr Labib starred in some 200 movies and 20 television series. He was a beloved and respected actor, close to the heart of his colleagues and fans. He was particularly admired for his sense of humour and commitment to his profession and fans. He played memorable roles in Christian films depicting saints. Mr Labib leaves behind three daughters; Katia, Kristina and Carmen. Comments comments Tags: Lotfy Labib (1947 - 2025)Michael Girgis
Watani
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Watani
'Connected': Coptic youth in service
The month of July 2025 witnessed a host of activities that gathered young diaspora Copts into the embrace of their Mother Church in their Egyptian motherland. On the evening of Saturday 26 July, Pope Tawadros II opened the Fifth LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum for young Copts in the diaspora. Participating were 250 young men and women from Coptic Orthodox dioceses in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia; also a number of Coptic bishops and priests. From generation to generation Logos Youth Forums for young Copts from around the world consistently bear the motto 'Back to the Roots'. This year's forum was held under the theme 'Connected', a theme intended to affirm that the Coptic Orthodox Church is grounded in an uninterrupted connection between forefathers and children, whereby the faith is passed down from generation to generation. Connection encompasses individuals and communities, with openness rooted in faith, using modern-day communication facilities, fulfilling the commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ: 'You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world' (Matthew 5:13–14). This year's forum coincided with the Church's celebration of the 17th centennial of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. The opening ceremony featured a performance that included five relevant scenes of theatre, voice-over narration, and hymns. The scenes depicted key moments in the Council of Nicaea, focusing on the heroes of orthodox faith throughout the ages: Pope Athanasius the Apostolic, Cyril I, and Dioscorus. The central message was the significance of preserving the sound Christian faith along generations. The performance included segments in Arabic, Coptic, English, and French. In tribute to the Thrice-Blessed Metropolitan Pachomius (1935 – 2025) of Beheira, a singular character in the contemporary history of the Coptic Church, who had led the Church in 2012 as Acting Patriarch during a critical time of Islamist dominance in Egypt, a documentary was screened, highlighting his most significant works. Enriching experience Fr. Younan Samir, coordinator of the Fifth Forum, and Dr Mina Ramsis, representative of the LOGOS Forums Office, each delivered a word during the event. The ceremony concluded with a word from Pope Tawadros, in which he warmly welcomed the youth to the Fifth Logos Forum, and offered his appreciation and gratitude to their bishops, priests, and families for facilitating their coming to Egypt and reconnecting with their roots. The Pope said that, throughout the forum, the participants will be able to gain knowledge, learn, study, and visit important sites—an experience that would enrich their lives. The following day, Sunday 27 July, the Pope celebrated Mass with the youth of the 5th Logos Youth Forum. From then on, the youth embarked on a busy programme of spiritual activity and visits during which they toured Egyptian landmarks and Coptic sites. The visits included a tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on the Pyramids Plateau in Giza. GEM, the world's biggest repository of ancient Egyptian antiquities boasts significant monumental pieces in addition to the famous Tutankhamun collection. It is scheduled to officially open in a grand international celebration later this year. Official opening of Grand Egyptian Museum postponed The Logos youth also visited Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassiya, Cairo, which was built in 1968 as the patriarchal seat in Cairo, and was renovated and reconsecrated in 2018. Its crypt houses the relics of St Mark who preached Christianity to Egypt and was martyred in Alexandria in AD68, and the remains of Pope St Athanasius the Apostolic, the world famous theologian and 20th Coptic patriarch who died in 373. Pope Tawadros personally welcomed the young men and women on the steps of the cathedral, and took a commemorative photograph with them. Officials and institutions Upon invitation from the Pope, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy visited the Logos Youth Forum as the young people gathered at St Mark's in Abbassiya. Accompanying him was Nabil Habashy, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Migration and Egyptians Abroad, along with other officials. In attendance were metropolitans, bishops, and politicians. Mr Fathy addressed the young people, explaining about Egypt's world-famous cultural tourist destinations and official efforts to preserve them as precious heritage sites; also to present them to the world. Mr Fathy and Mr Habashy then joined Pope Tawadros to open the LOGOS Exhibition for service, cultural, and social institutions, held on the sidelines of the Fifth LOGOS Youth Forum. Some 16 institutions took part, among them the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, Fahim Foundation for persons with mental disabilities, Coptic Institute for Church Management, Official Website of the Coptic Orthodox Church HIGH Office for Service Weeks, Arab Academy for Maritime Science and Technology, Alexandria Youth Council, Papal Office for Projects, Tyrannus School of Education, Bible Society, Pope Cyril the Pillar of Faith Centre for Theological Studies, St Paul the Apostle Medical Services, and Anafora Retreat Centre. Service Week Earlier in July, Pope Tawadros II had inaugurated the fifth Service Week for Coptic Orthodox Youth from around the world at Karma House in Ikingi Maryut, southwest Alexandria. Some 80 young men and women from around the world took part in the Service Week. The opening ceremony included a documentary showcasing the history of the Logos youth gatherings from 2018 until 2025. The young men and women then engaged in discussions with the Pope, tackling topics related to voluntary service, the work of the apostles, and comparisons between past and present. Pope Tawadros spoke about the theme of the Service Weeks, 'GPS,' and offered new spiritual reflections on its meaning: G for Glory, P for Power, S for Sky. In a moving gesture, the young people celebrated the 37th anniversary of the Pope's monastic vows, which coincides with the end of July. World Service Week for Youth of the Coptic Orthodox Church is the fifth such week organised for young people following the Logos Gatherings of 2018 and 2022. The week was held under the patronage of the HIGH Office for Service Weeks, and the theme of this year's event was 'Discipleship.' The voluntary service of the young people involved work with the poor and underprivileged, with children, the elderly and the handicapped. The youth were also treated to visits of Coptic landmarks. The Coptic Orthodox HIGH office is in charge of coordinating among dioceses of the Coptic Church outside Egypt and the areas most in need of services inside Egypt's dioceses. HIGH, which stands for 'Hands in God's Hand', was established through a decision issued by the Holy Synod in March 2024. Newcastle Coptic Youth On 23 July, Pope Tawadros II received at the papal headquarters in Alexandria a group of youth from the church of Mar-Girgis (St George) and Pope Athanasius in Newcastle in the Diocese of Ireland, Scotland, and North East England. The young people had come to Egypt on a visit of service in which they offered educational and awareness-raising services in several churches across the land. They were accompanied by the church's priest, Fr Bishoy Karam. The visit was in coordination between the Diocese of Ireland, Scotland, and North East England, and HIGH. The Pope expressed delight at the young people's visit and their keenness to serve their brothers and sisters in Egypt. He talked about Egypt's unique cultural, historical, and geographical position, noting that the Church of Alexandria is characterised by what he called 'three pyramids of living faith'; these being 'the pyramid of education and service (sweat); 'the pyramid of martyrdom (blood); and 'the pyramid of monasticism (tears). The Pope took time to hear the youth out, replying to their questions and concerns. Before they left, he presented them with souvenirs and a symbolic HIGH passport. Watani International 30 July 2025 Comments comments
Watani
4 days ago
- General
- Watani
Ancient Coptic city unearthed in Western Desert
An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has unveiled a significant discovery in the heart of the Western Desert of the remains of the central residential city of Kharga Oasis, dating back to the early Coptic (Egyptian Christian) period that extended from the first to the 8th century AD—a period during which Egypt was under Roman and Arab rule ; the Arabs conquered Egypt in 640. Located in Ain al-Kharab archaeological site some 5km north of the city of all-Kharga, the unearthed ancient city offers rare insight into Egypt's transition to Christianity. Among the findings are the ruins of residential structures, churches, and cemeteries, also a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the discovery as a testament to the depth and diversity of Egyptian civilisation during one of its most transformative periods. 'This find enriches our understanding of religious transition in Egypt,' he said. 'This discovery is considered a valuable window into early Christian life in Egypt,' asserted Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA. 'Kharga Oasis played a key role as a religious and social hub throughout many historical periods,' he said. Mr Khaled explained that the unearthed structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas fitted with ovens, and storage spaces containing large fixed pottery jars once used for preserving food and grain. The mission also recovered ostraca, pottery fragments, glass and stone artefacts, burial remains, and a vivid mural illustrating Christ performing a healing miracle. Findings from previous excavation seasons, Mr Khaled added, indicate that the site was used continuously throughout several centuries. Roman-era buildings were later adapted for use during the early Coptic period and again in the Islamic era. Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, revealed that the team also uncovered the remains of two churches. One, she explained, is a large basilica-style church featuring a central hall flanked by two aisles, separated by rows of square columns, with service buildings to the south. The second church is smaller, she said, rectangular in shape, with remnants of seven exterior columns and Coptic inscriptions still visible on its interior walls. Additional service structures were found on its western side. According to archaeology expert Abdel-Rehim Rihan, member of the SCA's History and Antiquities Commission, al-Kharga Oasis some 600km southwest Cairo, saw large incoming waves of Christians in the 3rd century AD, apparently fleeing to Kharga from Roman persecution. The numbers swelled to the point where the Alexandria Church installed a Bishop in Kharga. Christians were able to practise their faith and worship freely there, far from the eyes of the Roman authorities. They left behind towns, churches, cemeteries, and monasteries. The famous Bagawat necropolis in Kharga, believed to be the cemetery of the recently discovered city, is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved Christian cemeteries in the world. It dates back to the 3rd to 7th centuries AD and contains hundreds of mud-brick tombs, some with elaborate frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Comments comments Tags: Ancient Coptic city in Kharga OasisSanaa' Farouk
Watani
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Watani
'Connected': 5th LOGOS International Coptic Youth Forum
On the evening of Saturday 26 July, Pope Tawadros II opened the Fifth LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum for young Copts from the Coptic Orthodox Church in the diaspora. Participating were 250 young men and women from Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia; also by a number of Coptic bishops and priests. The Logos Youth Forums for young Copts from around the world consistently bear the motto 'Back to the Roots'. This year's forum is held under the theme 'Connected', a theme intended to affirms that the Coptic Orthodox Church is grounded in an uninterrupted connection between forefathers and children, whereby the faith is passed down from generation to generation. Connection encompasses individuals and communities, with openness rooted in faith, using modern-day communication facilities, fulfilling the commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ: 'You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world'(Matthew 5:13–14). This year's forum coincides with the Church's celebration of the 17th centennial of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. The opening ceremony featured a performance that included five scenes that of theatre, voice-over narration, and hymns. The scenes depicted key moments in the Council of Nicaea, focusing on the heroes of orthodox faith throughout the ages: Pope Athanasius the Apostolic, Cyril I, and Dioscorus. The central message was the significance of preserving the faith along generations. The performance included segments in Arabic, Coptic, English, and French. In tribute to the Thrice-Blessed Metropolitan Pachomius (1935 – 2025) Metropolitan of Beheira who passed away last March and who had led the Church in 2012 as Acting Patriarch during a critical time of Islamist dominance in Egypt, a documentary was screened, highlighting his most significant works. Fr. Younan Samir, coordinator of the Fifth Forum, and Dr. Mina Ramsis, representing the LOGOS Forums Office, each delivered a word during the event. The ceremony concluded with a word from Pope Tawadros, in which he warmly welcomed the youth to the Fifth Logos Forum, and offered his appreciation and gratitude to their bishops, priests, and families for facilitating their coming to Egypt and reconnecting with their roots. The Pope said that, throughout the forum, the participants will be able gain knowledge, learn, study, and visit important sites—an experience that would enrich their lives. Today, Sunday 27 July, the Pope celebrated Mass with the youth of the 5th Logos Youth Forum. Watani International 27 July 2025 Comments comments Tags: 5th LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum Connected 2025Donia Wagdy
CairoScene
4 days ago
- General
- CairoScene
Early Coptic City Discovered in Egypt's Kharga Oasis
A new archaeological discovery in Kharga Oasis has revealed the remains of an early Coptic city, including churches, homes, and murals. Jul 27, 2025 A new archaeological discovery in Egypt's Western Desert has revealed the remains of an early Coptic city at Ain al-Kharab in Kharga Oasis. The find, made by an Egyptian archaeological mission, includes a network of residential buildings, churches, and cemeteries, along with a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person. Situated within the Islamic and Coptic archaeological zone, the site is regarded as a significant glimpse into early Christian life in Egypt. Excavators uncovered mudbrick homes with plastered walls, domestic ovens, and fixed pottery jars used for storing food and grain, reflecting everyday life in the settlement. Among the artefacts recovered were ostraca, pottery fragments, and various glass and stone objects, as well as burial remains. Two churches were identified during the excavation. The first is a large basilica-style structure featuring a central hall and side aisles. The second is a smaller rectangular church marked by Coptic inscriptions and exterior columns. Nearby service buildings were found adjacent to both churches, with additional structures located to the west of the smaller one. The site also contains architectural evidence of long-term use, including Roman-era buildings that were adapted during the Coptic and later Islamic periods. This continuity underscores the historical layers of religious and social life in Kharga Oasis. The discovery was described as deepening understanding of Egypt's religious transformation and reflecting values of cultural coexistence.
