Latest news with #Copts
Watani
30-07-2025
- 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
28-07-2025
- 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
Watani
12-07-2025
- General
- Watani
Abu-Mina site removed from World Heritage in Danger
The World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has removed Abu-Mina archeological site, southwest Alexandria, from its list of world heritage sites in danger, following more than 20 years of the site on that list. The decision was taken during the 47th session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in Paris in July 2025. The Committee's report commended the efforts made by the Egyptian government in implementing all the recommendations required to remove the site from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), noting that the requirements had been fully realised. The decision came upon the committee's review of the projects completed for protection and preservation of the site. Remarkable progress was made in the establishment of an effective monitoring and control system of groundwater, the restoration of archeological ruins, the building of a wall to protect the site, and upgrading the facilities and services necessary for the site to be a cultural, religious and tourist destination . Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled Hassan Said, Governor of Alexandria, congratulated the Egypt and its various institutions: the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the Coptic Orthodox Church, and all the entities that contributed to this achievement, stressing that this success reflected the State's keenness to protect heritage and historical sites. For its part, the Coptic Orthodox Church welcomed UNESCO's decision, and thanked all who had worked hard over the past years to save the site, stressing that Abu-Mina is one of the most important Christian shrines in Egypt and the world, and occupies a special place in the hearts of the Copts, as it is associated with the name of one of the most famous and beloved martyrs in the history of the church. Abu-Mina site, which has been included on the World Heritage List since 1979, was placed on the list of threatened sites in 2001 owing to decline caused by groundwater leakage. For full story of Abu-Mona site: How Mar-Mina's Marble City was discovered… A gripping story Saving Mar-Mina's splendid place Comments comments
Egypt Independent
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Will Saudi Arabia build its 1st Coptic Christian church?
Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, commented on news of holding the first mass in Saudi Arabia and the possibility of building the first Coptic church on Saudi soil. In an interview with CNN Arabic, the Pope said, 'There is nothing on the ground yet, but I believe there will be no obstacle to that in the future.' He pointed to 'happy' developments in Saudi Arabia, noting that he met with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz during his visit to Cairo and met with the Saudi Crown Prince two years later, also during his visit to Cairo. Pope Tawadros II hailed these meetings as 'very good,' praising the youthful spirit conveyed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 'We proposed that one of the bishops visit and meet with the Copts, and approval was given. They prayed in hotel halls, and the visits were pleasant, and we repeated them two or three times,' he said. 'This represents a welcome openness to Saudi society, and I believe there will be good news in the future. It's true that there isn't anything on the ground yet, but the situation will need to develop.'
Watani
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Watani
Coptic Church mourns 20 Syrians martyred at Damascus church in suicide bombing
The Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement on 22 June mourning the 20 martyrs who lost their lives earlier that day in a suicide bombing in the church of Saint Elias in Damascus,Syria. The statement read: 'The Coptic Orthodox Church, led by Pope Tawadros II, bids farewell to the martyrs of Syria as they march towards the paradise of eternal joy. These martyrs fell as a result of the treacherous suicide bombing that took place inside the church of Saint Elias in the Douilaa in Damascus, Syria on Sunday 22 June 2025. 'We condemn the heinous bombing and all similar forms of violence, intimidation, and the stripping of any human being of their natural right to live in safety. The blood of the righteous Abel continues to cry out, bearing witness to human injustice towards fellow humans when evil takes control and the scale of righteousness is upset, so as to leading to a belief that killing is a good deed that pleases God. 'We pray that the comfort of the Holy Spirit fills the heart of our brother, His Beatitude Patriarch John X Yazigi, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the hearts of the martyrs' families. May the Lord grant a swift recovery to the wounded, and may He bestow peace and calm upon beloved Syria, our region, and the entire world.' According to Reuters, at least 20 people were killed and dozens injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at Mar-Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of Syria's capital Damascus on Sunday 22 June. Syria's Interior Ministry said the suicide bomber was a member of IS, Islamic State. He entered the church, opened fire and then detonated his explosive vest. Syria's Health Ministry reported that 52 persons were also injured in the blast. Scenes from inside the church showed destruction, a bloodied floor, and shattered pews and masonry. Local Church sources say the church included between 350 and 400 worshippers that day. Islamic State has been behind several attempted attacks on churches in Syria since Assad's fall. The Syria martyrs have been mourned by Churches in Egypt and all throughout the region, also by the Councils of Egypt and Middle East Churches. They unanimously expressed pain, dubbing the bombing 'a wound in our heart', and expressed fears for Christian presence in the Middle East. The news impacted Copts in Egypt especially hard, since it brought to mind painful memories of a suicide bombing that had occurred in Cairo's Boutrossiya Church on 11 November 2016, also during Sunday Mass, in which 29 lost their lives, and 48 were wounded. But in the Cairo bombing, Egypt's Armed Forces rebuilt the damage in the church and fully renovated it, reopening it for worship by New Year 2017. Blast in Cairo church kills 27, injures 65 Watani International 23 June 2025 Comments comments
