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Herald Malaysia
14-05-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Jubilee of Eastern Churches: Divine Liturgy in the Coptic Rite
His Beatitude Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Catholic Copts and President of the Assembly of Patriarchs and Bishops of Egypt, presides over the Divine Liturgy of the Coptic Rite on the occasion of the Jubilee of Eastern Churches in the Pauline Chapel of St. Mary Major. May 14, 2025 The Divine Liturgy in the Coptic Rite at St. Mary Major on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches By Antonella PalermoA penitential dimension, intercessory prayer, and monastic tradition—these were the hallmarks of the Coptic Divine Liturgy celebrated this afternoon, May 12, in the Pauline Chapel of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, right beside the tomb of Pope Francis. The celebration was presided over by His Beatitude Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Catholic Copts and President of the Assembly of Patriarchs and Bishops of Egypt. Also present were Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; his personal secretary, Father Emanuel Sabadakh; and Archbishop Filippo Ciampanelli, Undersecretary of the same Dicastery. Important moment for the Jubilee This Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches, which will culminate with an audience with Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday, May 14. With the arrival of Christianity in Egypt, 'Copt' came to mean 'Egyptian Christian,' referring to those who remained Christian after the Arab conquest of Egypt. It was to these people, who endured great suffering and martyrdom, that the Cardinal turned his attention today, exalting their courage and their profound value. The Cardinal highlighted the martyrdom suffered by the Copts and by other Catholics of Eastern rites. 'You are very experienced in martyrdom,' Cardinal Gugerotti said. 'You've had many martyrs, and even recently, some Copts were killed and became known only because they happened to be recognized. Others remained unknown.' The Cardinal spoke of the 'passionate history' of this Church, which can be seen in its ancient roots and diversity, in its monasticism that spread across the world, in the uniqueness of its liturgy, and also in the many sufferings endured throughout the history of their land. Yet, despite all of this, 'you remained.' Cardinal Gugerotti pointed to certain reasons why these Christians managed to survive and were not uprooted from their homeland. A wisdom born of the blood of martyrdom On behalf of the entire Catholic Church, the Cardinal Prefect thanked them for their steadfast witness: 'My role, from brother to brother,' he stressed, 'is to tell you that this is your home. When you pass through the Holy Door and when you pray—as you did at the start of this celebration—you can be proud of how these prayers resonate in the capital.' He also exhorted them to "pray with intensity, because you too need hope. Everywhere we look, we feel surrounded by the possibility of evil. But we will come to ask you how you managed to survive. These have been terrible years—years of massacres—but you made it. Perhaps it was the blessing of the Holy Family of Egypt, or the great saints and theologians, or a deep identification with the land of Egypt from which your name and your deep faith come—faith that moved mountains. Perhaps it was the tireless work of creating a Coptic Church. The fact is, there is a wisdom in your blood that is precisely the fruit of your blood.' A precious part of the Church Cardinal Gugerotti invoked the Lord's protection 'from new difficulties,' so that the Copts' belonging to the Catholic Church would not only be a source of pride but also reflect a sense of being a precious part of the global Catholic community. He offered reassurance that the Church 'cares' about them. He also encouraged their important mission: 'Be yourselves. Within the Catholic Church, you preserve a unique spiritual experience. God does not count how many people are present—He counts the quality of their presence. This Jubilee,' he emphasized, 'should be an occasion for holiness, so that this holiness, like martyrdom, may be an experience that purifies the Church.' In memory of the late Pope Francis, and praying for our Pope Leo XIV The memory of the late Pope Francis was explicit in both the Cardinal's and the Patriarch's words, as were their hopes for the new Successor of Peter, who will receive members of the Eastern Churches in audience during their Jubilee celebrations from today through Wednesday, May 14. His Beatitude Sedrak, in deep spiritual communion with the faithful in Egypt and those in the diaspora, spoke of Pope Francis as a 'pastor of wisdom who reached wounded hearts in the Church and in humanity, starting from places of fragility. Thanks to his pontificate, many breathed the air of the Gospel.' He then gave thanks for Pope Leo XIV, and offered the prayer that 'the Holy Spirit may guide him as He guided Saint Peter in the early Church.' Hope for a planet freed from the greed of profit The Patriarch strongly emphasized Pope Francis's efforts toward 'reconciliation with our common home'—a direction they intend to continue pursuing with determination. In particular, he echoed the words of the UN Secretary-General in describing the planet as a 'boiling world,' stressing that it does not need illusions but rather authentic hope—hope that does not anesthetize but liberates, 'hope that pushes us to react by overcoming the greed of profit and unchecked globalization.' Hope in world peace 'In the world today, values have become confused. Fear, isolation, and existential anguish dominate—even becoming daily experiences for the faithful,' the Patriarch observed. Yet, he offered reassurance, saying, 'God acts even amid suffering and challenges. Hope drives us to renew our world without surrendering to injustice.' He expressed his hope that we may build societies that are more just and sustainable and embrace 'an economy of life, not of death.' United in the spirit of the Council of Nicaea Finally, he offered a reflection on the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea—a milestone in the Church's history, where Saint Athanasius made a crucial contribution in defending the divinity of Christ. 'This calls us to remain firm in our faith with courage and wisdom and to be, in turn, witnesses of Christ.' His Beatitude Sedrak concluded by entrusting to God his prayer that the Church, guided by the new Holy Father, may remain on this 'one,' 'holy,' 'catholic,' and 'apostolic' path.--Vatican News
The National
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
'He carried the Middle East in his heart': Arab mourners in the Vatican bid farewell to Pope Francis
World leaders send condolences after Pope's death Tens of thousands have flocked to St Peter's Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis on the second of three days of his lying in state. Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at 88 after a stroke and heart failure, was last seen in public calling for an end to the war in Gaza during his final sermon the day before. He was widely praised for his dedication to the marginalised, for his humility, and for his commitment to interfaith dialogue. Some travelled from as far as the Middle East – the birthplace of Christianity and home to a mosaic of communities, including Egypt's Copts, Iraq's Chaldeans and Lebanon's Maronites – to attend the commemoration. Among them was Lebanese Father Antoine Dib, Superior General of the Basilian Salvatorians, a monastic order within the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, who arrived from Lebanon on Thursday. Father Dib, who knew Pope Francis personally and met him frequently, said the pontiff had a significant impact on the region. 'He always focused on peaceful coexistence and interreligious dialogue, as well as openness,' he said. Pope Francis's visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019 – the first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula – where he signed the Document on Human Fraternity with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, was widely seen as a powerful symbol of interfaith brotherhood. Father Dib said that Pope Francis first encountered Eastern Churches in his native Argentina, which is home to large communities from the Middle East diaspora. 'He carried the Middle East in his heart,' he said. 'He respected everyone, especially in situations of marginalisation and oppression. He felt compelled to be present, to share his message – a message he deeply believed in – centred on human dignity and value.' Father Dib said the Pope 'was very humble; truly, deeply humble. He lived like anyone else. Even in his funeral, he chose simplicity and poverty, because something greater guided his life: the love of God and of others. He lived close to the people. I think he lived like them because people could speak to him freely, without barriers.' Like Father Dib, many religious figures are expected to attend the commemoration, including representatives from Eastern churches in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. But the commemoration has also drawn faithful congregations. The Thursday flight from Beirut to Rome was full of Lebanese pilgrims from a local parish. The group had planned to travel to Rome for the canonisation of Carlo Acutis, a young Italian teenager set to become the Catholic Church's first millennial saint, but the death of the Pope changed their original plans. 'We didn't expect Pope Francis to pass away so suddenly. He was doing better,' Catia Hitti, one of the passengers, speaking to The National. 'He cared about Lebanon, stood against war and supported the deprived. He didn't care about the rich. He was humble: he washed the feet of inmates.' Pope Francis included women and people of other faiths in the Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony – a ritual that recalls Jesus washing his disciples' feet before his death – a historic break from the tradition, which had been limited to Catholic men. 'Everyone loved him, both Muslims and Christians,' Ms Hitti added. In St Peter's Square, Karim Eltomy, 44, an Egyptian man on holiday in Rome with his family, said it was important for him as a Muslim to pay his respects to the Pope. 'I know the Pope was very valuable to Catholics, and for us, all religious leaders are important because we're all moving in the same direction, with the same intention,' he said. 'For us, he was someone who promoted what is right. What I see as differences between religions is far less than what they have in common that they share.'
Arab Times
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Coptic community marks Easter with a message of hope and renewal
KUWAIT CITY, April 20: The St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Kuwait held the Easter service, which was presided over by His Grace Bishop Antonios -- Bishop of Jerusalem, Kuwait and the Near East. Present at the event were the Ambassador of Egypt to Kuwait Osama Shaltout, Consul General Sherif Bader, Military Attaché Colonel A.H. Mustafa Al-Dallal, Head of the Church Father Bigol Anba Bishoy, other ambassadors, diplomats, sheikhs, business leaders, Egyptians, and other expatriate communities. Shaltout affirmed he is honoured to attend the Easter celebration with the Egyptian community, conveying greetings from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to all Copts in Kuwait. He stressed the need to fortify brotherhood within the Egyptian populace both domestically and internationally, through such events. He pointed out that the national unity of Egypt is exemplary, asserting that love and cooperation remain the bedrock of Egyptian society despite religious diversity. He underscored the Egyptian community's crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties between Egypt and Kuwait, confirming that overseas achievements contribute to the advancement of the nation. He commended the recent visit of President El-Sisi to Kuwait as it reflects the depth of bilateral relations. He expressed his gratitude to the Kuwaiti leadership for their generous support for the Egyptian community. On the other hand, Father Bishoy expressed his appreciation to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the government, while acknowledging the efforts of the Interior Ministry in ensuring public safety during the service. He also thanked President El-Sisi for his recent visit and care for the Egyptian community here. In his sermon with the theme, 'Man is Immortal... His Life Does Not End with Death,' Father Bishoy pointed out that true life commences after death, urging all those present to lead lives of integrity in preparation for the Hereafter. The service concluded with the message of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, conveyed by Father Bishoy, advocating for global peace and development. He also announced a reception for well-wishers at the cathedral on Sunday morning. The service featured hymns and prayers, reinforcing the values of love and coexistence within the community. On the sidelines of the service, Sheikh Khaled Bader Al-Mohammad toured St. Mark's Cathedral, accompanied by Father Bishoy. Sheikh Khaled expressed his admiration for the church's design, stating that the Kuwaiti people are inherently welcoming to all races and beliefs. 'This is how we were raised and educated. We do not discriminate against anyone,' he asserted. Father Bishoy responded, 'We have witnessed it in this kind, generous and giving country. This cathedral was built, thanks to the generosity of the Kuwaiti people who gave the church land 15 years ago.'
Egypt Today
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
First lady congratulates Copts on Easter, wishes Egyptians continued happiness
A file photo of Egypt's First Lady Entissar Amer CAIRO – 20 April 2025: First Lady Entissar Amer expressed her heartfelt congratulations for the Coptic people of Egypt on Easter. In a social media post on Sunday, the first lady extended her prayers to Allah to grant the Copts and all Egyptian people well-being, happiness, and lasting love. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also extended his congratulations and best wishes to Egyptian Copts on Easter in a social media post earlier on the day. 'I wish you a happy holiday filled with goodness and blessings, and may your families enjoy happiness and joy,' the president said in a message on his social media accounts. 'I pray that Allah preserves Egypt and its people, keeping it a beacon of tolerance and coexistence among all its citizens.' He prayed that 'the values of love and peace flourish, uniting us under the banner of one homeland.' 'Happy Easter to you all.' As Egyptian Copts celebrate Easter, Head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II led the Easter mass at Saturday night at the St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo's Abbasiya district. A representative of President Sisi attended the mass, alongside various ministers, high-level state officials, diplomats, public figures, and media professionals, joining hundreds of Christian worshippers.
Middle East
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Sisi greets Egyptian Copts on Easter
CAIRO, April 20 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi greeted on Sunday Egypt's Copts on Easter. "I greet the Copts with heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on Easter," he posted on his official social media pages, praying to Allah to protect Egypt and its people and keep it as a beacon of tolerance and coexistence among its people. The president expressed hope for boosting the values of love and peace, wishing the Copts a happy Easter. (MENA) M O H/R G E
