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Watani
6 days ago
- General
- Watani
Fifth LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum closes
The evening of Saturday 2 August saw Pope Tawadros II attend the closing ceremony of the Fifth LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum for Coptic Orthodox youth from around the world. The week-long event was held at the Logos Centre in the Western Desert monastery of Anba Bishoy in Wadi al-Natroun some 120km northwest Cairo, with participation of 250 young people from the Coptic Orthodox Church in 44 countries around the world. A number of metropolitans, bishops, priests, and public figures were present at the closing night. A documentary was screened showing the activities of the Fifth Forum. This was followed by reading the 'Pledge' by the youth participants, led by Fr Younan Samir, the Forum Leader. The pledge contained their commitment to uphold the values they learned during the forum, to preserve and live according to the faith of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and to be ambassadors for the Church in their respective countries through their actions and words. Pope Tawadros presented commemorative certificates to the forum youth. Three young people from Australia, Indonesia, and the United States spoke about their personal experiences and reflections on the forum. Their heartfelt words testified to the strength of the forum's message and its profound impact. They expressed their deep appreciation of the richness, vitality, and heritage of their Coptic Orthodox Church, which they had experienced during the gathering. They cited their profound appreciation of their experience of the Divine Liturgy and the other sacraments, as well as the fatherly love they had personally experienced from Pope Tawadros. These sentiments were echoed by many other participants in interviews presented during the event. The LOGOS Coptic Youth Forums for young people from around the world consistently bear the motto 'Back to the Roots', while this year's forum is held under the theme 'Connected'. This theme affirms that our Coptic Orthodox Church is grounded in a continuous connection between its fathers and children, whereby the sound faith is passed down from generation to generation. This year's forum coincided with the Church's celebration of the 17th centennial of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. The theme 'Connected' reflected connection to one another, to communities, and to the present age—with openness rooted in faith—fulfilling the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ: 'You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world'(Matthew 5:13–14). In his closing address, Pope Tawadros expressed his great joy at the forum, noting that the experiences the youth had gained during the week were treasures that must be invested in their lives. He stressed the forum's main gifts: 1. An outstanding model of service – which they witnessed and enjoyed, and from which they can benefit in the future. 2. A taste of the beauty of the Church, which is a home where we live, a mother who takes us in her bosom and teaches us, a harbour of salvation, offering refuge and protection. The Pope thanked everyone who had supported the forum—whether through thought, service, financial contribution, or organization. He urged the youth, upon returning to their home countries, to share with everyone they meet—in their families, churches, and communities—the details of what they saw, heard, and lived during the forum. Even after the ceremony concluded, the youth lingered around the Pope for last words and selfies, and mingled with the bishops and priests, their smiles mirroring their joy. Watani International 3 August 2025 Comments comments Tags: 5th LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum Connected 2025Mariam Farouq
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
Daily News Egypt
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Patriarchs of Eastern Orthodox Churches arrive in Cairo to commemorate 1700th anniversary of Council of Nicaea
Senior patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox Churches arrived at Cairo International Airport on Friday evening to participate in the commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, a landmark event in the history of Christianity. Among the arriving dignitaries were His Holiness Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Keshishian, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Orthodox Church, based in Antelias, Lebanon. Accompanying them were His Grace Bishop Mar Awgin Al-Khouri Neemat, the Patriarchal Secretary; His Grace Bishop Mar Nicodemus Daoud Matti Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, and the Kurdistan Region; and His Grace Bishop Mar Justinus Paul Sfar, Bishop of Zahle and the Bekaa—all representing the Syriac Orthodox Church. The delegation's visit is centered on their participation in a celebratory Divine Liturgy organized by the Eastern Orthodox Family in the Middle East. This special service, to be held on Sunday morning, May 18, at the Great St. Mark's Cathedral in Abbasiya, will commemorate the historic First Council of Nicaea and will be presided over by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. In addition to the liturgy, the patriarchs will take part in the 14th meeting of the Permanent Committee of the Patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, scheduled to be held at the Papal Headquarters in Anba Rouis. Upon their arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by a host of church leaders and representatives. Among those present to receive them were His Grace Anba Thomas, Metropolitan of Qousiya and Mir and a member of both the Permanent Committee and the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches; His Eminence Mar Ekleems Daniel Correa, Metropolitan of Beirut for the Syriac Orthodox Church; and His Grace Bishop Mar Timothy Matti Al-Khouri, Metropolitan of Homs, Hama, and Tartous, and Acting Patriarchal Vicar of Egypt. Also welcoming the guests were His Eminence Metropolitan Mar Nikolaos Matti Abd Al-Ahad, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Spain; His Eminence Metropolitan Narek Alemzian, Metropolitan of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Lebanon; and His Eminence Metropolitan Macar Ashkarian, Metropolitan of the Armenian Orthodox Diocese of Aleppo and its dependencies. Reverend Father Philips Issa, priest of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo, Mr. Elias Shahrour, President of the Syriac Orthodox Council in Egypt, and Deacon Jamil Malouh, Deputy of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo, were also present at the airport to greet the delegation. The visit highlights the unity and historical continuity of the Eastern Orthodox tradition in the region, and marks a significant moment of shared reflection on the theological and ecclesiastical legacy of the Council of Nicaea.
See - Sada Elbalad
16-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Patriarchs of Eastern Orthodox Churches Arrive in Cairo to Commemorate Council of Nicaea
SEENEWS This evening, Their Holinesses the Patriarchs arrived at Cairo International Airport: ● Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church, ● and Catholicos Aram I Keshishian, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Orthodox Church (Antelias - Lebanon), They were accompanied by His Grace Bishop Mar Awgin Al-Khouri Neemat, the Antiochian Patriarchal Secretary, His Grace Bishop Mar Nicodemus Daoud Matti Sharaf, Archbishop of Mosul, Kirkuk, and Kurdistan Region for the Syriac Orthodox Church, and His Grace Bishop Mar Justinus Paul Sfar, Bishop of Zahle and the Bekaa for the Syriac Orthodox Church. The visit comes to participate in the celebratory Divine Liturgy of the Eastern Orthodox Family in the Middle East, commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which will be held on Sunday morning, May 18, at the Great St. Mark's Cathedral in Abbasiya, presided over by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. The delegation will also participate in the 14th meeting of the Permanent Committee of the Patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, held at the Papal Headquarters at Anba Rouis. Upon arrival at the airport, the delegation was received by: His Grace Anba Thomas, Metropolitan of Qousiya and Mir, member of the Permanent Committee and Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches, His Eminence Mar Ekleems Daniel Correa, Metropolitan of Beirut for the Syriac Orthodox Church, His Grace Bishop Mar Timothy Matti Al-Khouri, Metropolitan of Homs, Hama, and Tartous and Acting Patriarchal Vicar of Egypt, His Eminence Metropolitan Mar Nikolaos Matti Abd Al-Ahad, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Spain, His Eminence Metropolitan Narek Alemzian, Metropolitan of the Armenian Orthodox in Lebanon, His Eminence Metropolitan Macar Ashkarian, Metropolitan of the Armenian Orthodox Diocese of Aleppo and its dependencies, Reverend Father Philips Issa, Priest of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo, Mr. Elias Shahrour, President of the Syriac Orthodox Council in Egypt, and Deacon Jamil Malouh, Deputy of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Cairo. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Herald Malaysia
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
A shared resurrection and a common hope
This year's Easter celebration marked a rare and powerful moment in Christian history — as East and West came together to proclaim the Resurrection of Christ on the same day. Apr 25, 2025 Worshippers gather in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. For the first time in years, Christians across the world celebrated Easter on the same date. (Photo/Vatican Media) VATICAN: This year's Easter celebration marked a rare and powerful moment in Christian history — as East and West came together to proclaim the Resurrection of Christ on the same day. For the first time in years, Orthodox and Catholic Christians celebrated Easter jointly, a symbol of unity that coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD).In his Easter reflection, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, head of the Greek Orthodox Church, emphasised that this anniversary is not a return to the past but a renewal of the 'spirit of Nicaea' — a call to conciliar unity, fidelity to doctrine, and shared Christian mission.'This celebration is not a return to the past,' Bartholomew wrote, 'but a reawakening of the spirit of Nicaea, a spirit that calls us to communion, clarity of faith, and shared responsibility.'The Council of Nicaea defined core Christian beliefs, including the Nicene Creed, and introduced a synodal model of Church governance — a model echoed in Pope Francis's current vision of Theophilos III of Jerusalem reflected on what this unity means for Christians in the Middle East.'We are committed to the journey of establishing a common date for Easter every year,' he said. 'So that we may always keep this great feast together.'He outlined four essential elements shared by Christians this year:• A common Easter date, seen as vital to Christian witness;• A shared faith in the Nicene Creed;• A commitment to Eucharistic unity, 'the journey to the common Chalice';• A united voice for peace, especially in the Holy Land, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.'If one member suffers, all suffer,' Theophilos quoted St Paul. 'If one is honoured, all rejoice.'He highlighted recent joint projects among Christian communities, including the restoration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and plans to restore the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, calling these efforts tangible signs of increasing trust and World Council of Churches (WCC) also released a powerful Easter message, calling the shared celebration a 'profound sign of reconciliation' and urging churches worldwide to make this unity more than a rare occasion.'Could it not always be so?' wrote Rev Jerry Pillay and Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm. 'A common feast of Easter — at the heart of our shared faith — would be a powerful sign of our reconciliation and unity.'They called on the faithful to witness boldly in a world often filled with despair and division, not just to proclaim the Resurrection, but to live it daily in word and churches of East and West lifted the same alleluia on Easter morning, voices across Christendom acknowledged this rare unity as a sacred opportunity. The confluence of the Empty Tomb and the Creed of Nicaea is more than a coincidence — it is a call. A call to return to what unites, to speak with one voice, and to walk together in the hope that does not disappoint. 'May the light that shines from the Holy and Life-giving Tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten our hearts and minds,' Patriarch Theophilos prayed, 'and strengthen us in our God-given mission.' --Vatican News
