Latest news with #HolyFamily
Watani
a day ago
- Politics
- Watani
Australia federal ministers join Global Coptic Day in Sydney
To mark the feast of the Entry of the Holy Family into Egypt and the Global Coptic Day, both celebrated on 1 June, the St Wanas Coptic Orthodox congregation in Sydney together with their priest Father Suriel Hanna, held a celebration at their church in the neighbourhood of Plymore, west of Sydney. Fr Suriel and the congregation were elated to welcome leaders from all levels of the Australian government, including Tony Burke, Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration, Multiculturalism, Cybersecurity and the Arts; Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Industrial Relations, Occupational Health and Safety in the New South Wales State Government; and Rachel Harika, Member for the Council of Canterbury/Bankstown. Fr Suriel extended his best wishes to the church's congregation, and welcomed the attending Australian ministers. He was keen to mention that the Orthodox Church prays a litany for the leaders of our countries, asking God to grant them wisdom and zeal to carry out their publicity duties. Mr Burke gave a speech which he started with the greeting 'Christos Anesti', literal for Christ is Risen. He extended his heartfelt wishes to the Copts on the occasion of the Global Coptic Day, and the entry of the Holy Family into Egypt. Father Suriel presented souvenir paintings of the Holy Family to the attending politicians, and thanked them for making the time to visit St Wanas church and partake in the celebrations and activities. The attendants then took commemorative photos. Watani International 2 June 2025 Comments comments Tags: Ashraf HelmyGlobal Coptic Day in Sydney 2025
Watani
a day ago
- General
- Watani
Mayor of New York visits Anba David for Global Coptic Day
Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City and Chief Executive of New York, paid a visit to the Coptic Orthodox Bishop David of New York and New England on 31 May 2025 at the church of the Holy Virgin Mary of Zaitoun. Mr Adams came to wish Copts a happy Global Coptic Day, an annual occasion marked by the Coptic Church on 1 June, a date which coincides with the Coptic Feast of the Entry of the Holy Family into Egypt. The first Global Coptic Day was celebrated on – June 2019. Bishop David welcomed Mr Adams, and spoke about the origins of the Coptic Church which was established in Egypt in the first AD century at the hands of St Mark the Apostle who was martyred in Alexandria in 68AD. The Bishop also cited the Bible on the flight of the Holy Family Flight into Egypt. He presented Mr Adams with a commemorative gift, a Coptic painting of the Holy Family in Egypt. Mr Adams praised the Coptic Church and community for their engagement in American society. He also recalled the customs and traditions of Egypt during his trip to Cairo ten years ago when he was working with the American police. Global Coptic Day has been celebrated over the past weekend and this week with sports and social activities, entertaining games for youth and children, and the delicious Egyptian meals, desserts, pastries, and baked goods that Egypt is famous for. Watani International 2 June 2025 Comments comments Tags: Ashraf HelmyEric Adams New York Mayor meets Coptic Bishop David
Herald Malaysia
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Catholics feel at home, though life's on edge in India's Kashmir
Recent weeks were tense, says a priest at Srinagar's Catholic church close to the India-Pakistan border May 21, 2025 The Catholic community in Kashmir, though minuscule, carries a long legacy of humanitarian work, especially through its educational and medical institutions. (Photo: Supplied) By Umar Manzoor Shah On normal Sundays, the streets of Srinagar are always filled with noise – cars honk as they drive past, and street vendors call out to attract potential customers to buy everything from inexpensive clothes to fresh vegetables. Last Sunday, May 18, though, was different. The usual noise and activity were conspicuously missing. An uneasy quiet hung over the city, interrupted only by the occasional whir of a passing vehicle. Outside the Holy Family Catholic Church, nestled amid the city's busiest market area, silence prevailed. There were a few cars parked in its courtyard, and a gatekeeper sat quietly at the entrance, as a few kids played in the garden's blooming roses. The members of Kashmir's small Catholic community — only 45 families in a region of over 7 million people, where Muslims make up 98 percent — had come together for mass. They prayed not only for peace in their hearts, but also for their beloved land. Kashmir was still in shock from a sudden rise in violence between India and Pakistan since May 7, when India fired missiles across the border at what it called "terrorist camps." The attack was a response to the April 22 killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, at Pahalgam in the worst attack on civilians in contested Kashmir for a quarter of a century. India blamed Pakistan for what it called supporting "cross-border terrorism," but Islamabad denied any involvement, calling attempts to link it to the Pahalgam attack "frivolous,' and asking for an unbiased investigation. Troops from the rival nations exchanged fire until a ceasefire was announced on May 11. But for many in Kashmir, the threat of war remains dangerously close. Daily life had ground to a halt, and panic-stricken Kashmiris rushed to stockpile food, fuel, and medicine amid the unsettling calm. 'No one treats us differently' At the Church courtyard, Abhi Sabarwal, a student of Amarsingh College, greeted his friends who were passing by. 'I feel more at home in Kashmir than anywhere else,' the Catholic student said, adding that this was because of the warmth he shared with his Muslim friends. 'No one treats us differently [based on religion],' Sabarwal said. 'In fact, they [Muslims] always show concern, making sure I'm comfortable.' When on an outing, the Muslim and Christian friends respect one another's choices regarding food, he added. During the latest exchange of heavy cross-border shelling between India and Pakistan, Sabarwal said his Muslim friends constantly kept checking on him. 'They would call to ask if I needed anything, reminding me I'm not alone,' For Alex Sawhany, a resident of Sonwar and an employee of one of Kashmir's premier medical institutions, Kashmir represents mutual respect and a strong sense of community. 'It is only when I visit a church and my friends go to a mosque that I am reminded that we follow different faiths,' he said. 'Not once have I or my family felt discriminated against.' He recalled how, when his mother passed away in September 2019, more than 400 people, mostly Muslims, turned up at her funeral despite a curfew-like situation. A total communication shutdown followed the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which had granted the region significant autonomy. The state was also split into two federally administered territories. However, as Sawhany recalled, his mother had been a teacher at a prominent Catholic-run school, where even political leaders, such as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had studied. And many Muslims came for her burial. "Kashmir is a wonderful place. Even without phones or internet, people came in droves to mourn my mother,' he said. Kashmiris respect Christian missionaries Shaami Joseph, who has been a teacher for over 30 years, said that even during the turbulent 1990s, at the height of the Kashmir insurgency, he never considered leaving the place. 'My students, now in influential positions, are just a call away,' he said, and recalled how Muslims helped him with the tough formalities of buying a house recently. 'They were even more concerned once they learned I was a Christian,' Joseph said. During the recent blackout, he said neighbors went out of their way to check if his family needed anything. 'And they did so when their own lives were upended; we all faced it together,' Joseph added. Sawhany said during a recent visit to south Kashmir — often marred by conflict — he was warmly welcomed at a Muslim wedding. 'A police officer I met there told me how Kashmiris have deep respect for Christian missionaries,' he said. The Catholic community in Kashmir, although small, has a rich legacy of humanitarian work, particularly through its educational and medical institutions. Retired teacher Jacintha Turkey said Kashmiri Muslims often make it a point to express their gratitude towards Christians for their contributions to the valley's development. 'The first modern hospital and school in Kashmir were set up by Christian missionaries,' she said. 'These institutions educated and treated generations of Kashmiris, including today's doctors, writers, and politicians.' The roots of Christianity in Kashmir can go back to the mid-19th century. Missionaries opened a school in Srinagar in 1864, followed by a mission hospital, which soon became a vital lifeline for the valley's impoverished population. The Catholic Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar encompasses the entire federally administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The diocese originated from the Apostolic Prefecture of Kafiristan and Kashmir, established in 1887 by dividing the Lahore diocese, now located in Pakistan. It was entrusted to Mill Hill missionaries. The diocesan area shares international boundaries with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Following the end of British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent in 1947, the ecclesiastical territory was reorganized as the Apostolic Prefecture of Kashmir and Jammu on January 17, 1952. It became a diocese in 1986. Father Premful Tigga, a priest at Srinagar's Holy Family Catholic Church, said, 'Kashmiris don't discriminate. Whether Christian, Muslim, or Hindu, we live in harmony.' 'Yes, the recent weeks were tense for everyone, but we all faced it together,' he
The National
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Pope Leo calls for Gaza ceasefire in first Sunday blessing
The pope declared "never again war" to the masses gathered below the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Pope Leo follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Francis, who repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza - such as in his last speech - and kept in consistent contact with the Holy Family parish church in Gaza throughout Israel's assault on the region. Addressing the crowd at St Peter's Square in Rome, Leo said: "I am deeply hurt by what is happening in the Gaza Strip. Pope Leo "May a ceasefire immediately come into effect. May humanitarian aid be allowed to the civilian population, and may all the prisoners be freed." Recalling the end of the Second World War 80 years ago, Leo also quoted Pope Francis in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the globe today, saying it is a 'third world war in pieces'. In his speech, the pope also called for lasting peace in Ukraine as he said: "I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. READ MORE: Israeli strikes kill at least 10 Palestinians overnight in Gaza "May whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic, true and lasting peace as quickly as possible. "May all the prisoners be freed, may children return to their families." Hours before Leo was to appear to the public, St Peter's Square filled up with pilgrims and well-wishers, joined by multiple marching bands that made grand entrances into the square. Earlier on Sunday, Leo celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St Peter, located at the St Mary Major Basilica. The area, which is normally open to the public, also contains the tombs of past popes, including Benedict XVI. The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary was elected the 267th Pope on Thursday, making him the first pontiff to hail from North America. He appeared to the world from the same balcony at St Peter's Basilica, offering a similar message of peace and unity.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How World Leaders Are Reacting to Pope Leo
Political figures around the world are congratulating Robert Francis Prevost for being elected as the successor to Pope Francis. Hailing from Chicago, Prevost is the first American Pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Wednesday, May 7, for the papal conclave—a ritual that has been followed to elect every Pope since 1179. On the first day, black smoke billowed from the chapel chimney, signifying that the initial vote was not conclusive. A day later, when white smoke appeared instead, the public knew that two-thirds of the cardinals had agreed on a candidate. Soon after, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti appeared on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square and announced that Prevost would be the new Pope. Prevost follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who died on April 21 after a series of complicated health issues. Read More: Conclave Picks Robert Prevost, Who Will Be Pope Leo Read more: Where Pope Leo Stands On Specific Issues The 88-year-old, who became Pope in 2013, was known for being a reform-minded leader of the Catholic Church and was the first Latin American Pope. He expressed support for same-sex civil unions and said that transgender people can be baptized. While, historically, the Catholic Church has been largely silent on the issue of climate change, Francis became a prominent figure in the worldwide climate movement. He also notably urged for peace amid global conflict. Soon after the initiation of the Israel-Hamas War on Oct. 7, 2023, Francis began making daily calls to the Holy Family parish, a Catholic Church in Gaza. Here is how world leaders have reacted to the news that Prevost will be succeeding Pope Francis. U.S. President Donald Trump, who attended Francis' funeral in April, posted his congratulations to Prevost on Truth Social. 'It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,' Trump said. 'What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!' Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic who met with Pope Francis in the Vatican a day before his passing, shared his own message, celebrating the announcement. 'Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election!' Vance posted on X. 'I'm sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!' Former U.S. President Joe Biden, a Catholic, also issued a response to the news, saying: 'May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.' He went on to congratulate Prevost on behalf of himself and his wife, former First Lady Jill Biden. Ireland's Taoiseach [Prime Minister] Micheál Martin shared a statement on X after the new Pope was announced. 'The scenes of great joy and celebrations in St. Peter's Square are a reflection of the hopes and goodwill felt by people of the Catholic faith from all around the world towards the new Pope,' he said. 'I hope that this ground swell of best wishes towards Pope Leo XIV will give him strength and support as he takes on the immense responsibility of his pontificate. I know that he has the best wishes of all Irish people, of all traditions.' Martin, who attended Francis's funeral last month along with Irish President Michael D. Higgins, said that he looks forward to working with the new Pope. Martin also extended his congratulations to the U.S., 'a country with which Ireland enjoys such a deep and strong relationship.' 'To have a Pope from their country is a source of great pride and honour for their nation,' he concluded. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Prevost's election 'a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally' in a statement posted on X. He said Prevost being the first American Pope was 'momentous.' 'As Pope Francis' papacy showed, the Holy See has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address the major issues of our time; especially on climate change, alleviating poverty and promoting peace and justice across the world,' he said. 'I look forward to meeting the Holy Father and continuing to work closely with the Catholic Church here in the U.K. and internationally to advance our shared values and the common good.' Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her 'most sincere wishes to Pope Leo XIV for the beginning of his pontificate.' She said that 'in a time marked by conflict and unrest,' the new Pontiff had shared a 'powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility' when speaking from the balcony. Read More: 10 Surprising Facts About Papal Conclaves Polish President Andrzej Duda, who also attended Francis' funeral, offered his 'heartfelt congratulations' to Prevost on X. 'This is a deeply moving moment for the community of the Catholic Church and for the whole world,' he said. In a statement posted on X, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Prevost for his election, adding that he hoped the two could work together amid the Russia-Ukraine war. 'Ukraine deeply values the Holy See's consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians,' he said. 'At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine's efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.' Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on X that Prevost 'is more than just an American,' highlighting how the new Pope's ancestors are Spanish and French, and that he lived in Peru for many years. 'I hope he becomes a great leader for migrants around the world, and I hope that he lifts up our Latino migrant brothers and sisters who are currently being humiliated by the U.S. It's time for them to organize,' Petro said. 'May he help us build the great force of humanity that defends life, and defeat the greed that has caused the climate crisis and the extinction of living things.' Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his congratulations to the Catholic Church and Prevost, saying: 'May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.' French President Emmanuel Macron called May 8 'a historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful' in a post on X. 'To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity,' Macron said. 'May this new Pontificate be one of peace and hope.' Contact us at letters@
