Tele Lumiere in Solidarity with the Copts of Egypt

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com No sooner 2010 had ended than the Egyptian people was shocked at the beginning of this year with a calamity, a terrorist attack in front of Saints Coptic Church in Alexandria, killing 25 Copts

Tele Lumiere in Solidarity with the Copts of Egypt Under the theme of Religious Freedoms at Risk, Tele Lumiere- Noursat held yesterday a solidarity day with the Copts of Egypt and the Christians who

Alexandria and Cairo with the participation of spiritual, diplomatic and social figures.

1 Weekly Newsletter Issue 110 January 7th-13th, In Solidarity with the Copts Coordinated and Supervised by: Marie-Therese Kreidy Script and Layout:Rita Karam Translation: Eliane Aoun Télé Lumière Dora Square Beirut - Lebanon phone: Fax: Web site: programs@telelumiere.com info@telelumiere.com No sooner 2010 had ended than the Egyptian people was shocked at the beginning of this year with a calamity, a terrorist attack in front of Saints Coptic Church in Alexandria, killing 25 Copts that were mourned at 9hpm last Saturday in a mass attended by crowds of believers at St Mina Convent, King Marriott. Tele Lumiere in Solidarity with the Copts of Egypt Under the theme of Religious Freedoms at Risk, Tele Lumiere- Noursat held yesterday a solidarity day with the Copts of Egypt and the Christians who are suffering from violence and terrorism all over the world, concurring with the Christmas feast celebrated by the Orthodox Copts, and including prayer events and gatherings especially in Beirut, Alexandria and Cairo with the participation of spiritual, diplomatic and social figures. In addition, Tele Lumiere broadcast masses in Lebanon from St Anthony Church- Jdeideh and from St Mark and the Virgin Mary Orthodox Coptic Church, Jesr al-basha. The day was crowned by the Christmas mass celebrated by Pope Shenouda III at St Mark Cathedral, al- Abbassiya at 9hpm in Beirut timing. The TV s administration launched also a website to receive prayers and comments in solidarity with the Christians, the victims of violence and terrorism all over the world at the following address: Tele Lumiere General Manager Mr. Jacques Kallassi For more information, visit the TV s website: and watch exclusive reports at: Following the attack, Tele Lumiere General Manager Mr. Jacques Kallassi stated: We will remain as witnesses. Jesus never escaped his responsibility, or the truth facing sins. We won t surrender to despair, weakness and frustration. We won t leave our land to those who are less courageous, competent, courteous and virtuous. History will judge; and attacks, in image and voice, will remain a crying shame in the memory archives.

Saturday January 8th Monday January 10th Tuesday January 11th Wednesday January 12th Highlighted Programs Special

Roukoz Abou Zeid including spiritual songs presented by the Choir of the Apostles and revealing Christmas spiritual

fears and failures and stumbles upon difficulties. How does he find a way out? Does he reach peace?

Eat Well, Be Healthy The Nutritionist Eliane Moawad tackles in this episode the issue of Diet after the feast season

The Bitter Time When a dear relative or friend dies, is my faith shaken? Do doubts destroy my life? Does fear kill me?

Armenian Christmas 20.30-17.30 GMT 13.30 EST 19.00-16.00 GMT 12.00 EST 20.30-17.30 GMT - 13.

Semaan Atallah. The 1 st chaplain of Tele Lumiere was Fr. Louis Khawand.

All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of St Mark the Evangelist, since his birth, to his young age and the time H.H. entered the convent, including testimonies and extracts highlighting his stances.

Agapius Naous and Marie-Therese Basha Hnein in a new program aiming to promote the spiritual life and warn of heresies.

00-20.00 GMT - 15.00 EST Everyone born of God overcomes the world.

Marwan Khoury and Therese el-hajj discuss the issue of faith and answer an important question I am Christian but am I

2 Saturday January 8th Monday January 10th Tuesday January 11th Wednesday January 12th Highlighted Programs Special evening with Bishop Kegham Khacherian and Fr. Roukoz Abou Zeid including spiritual songs presented by the Choir of the Apostles and revealing Christmas spiritual significance, customs and traditions, in addition to the history of a highborn people known for their firm faith, and strength facing persecutions. Secrets Any human person doesn t know himself perfectly, suffers from contradictions and conflicts, is lost amidst fears and failures and stumbles upon difficulties. How does he find a way out? Does he reach peace? Roula Elia and Marie-Ange Merhi answer all these questions in this new program. Eat Well, Be Healthy The Nutritionist Eliane Moawad tackles in this episode the issue of Diet after the feast season helping the body to find again its balance with the healthiest nutrition. The Bitter Time When a dear relative or friend dies, is my faith shaken? Do doubts destroy my life? Does fear kill me? Who is able to save me from my tragedy? Is there any solution? Interesting episode about Death with Lilly Saad. Armenian Christmas GMT EST GMT EST GMT EST LIVE Launching the new office in Bekaa during the Week of Unity from January 18 th - 25 th 2011, with Bishop Semaan Atallah. The 1 st chaplain of Tele Lumiere was Fr. Louis Khawand. Sunday January 9th An exclusive documentary focusing on the life of Pope Shenouda of Alexandria and the Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of St Mark the Evangelist, since his birth, to his young age and the time H.H. entered the convent, including testimonies and extracts highlighting his stances. The Light of Faith Discover the secrets of God s Kingdom and the ways to reach His glory with Fr. Agapius Naous and Marie-Therese Basha Hnein in a new program aiming to promote the spiritual life and warn of heresies. The 1 st episode highlights the Kingdom of God and its dimensions. Thursday January 13th God is Love The Monk Pope GMT EST Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. In this episode, Fr. Marwan Khoury and Therese el-hajj discuss the issue of faith and answer an important question I am Christian but am I faithful? Challenges Charbel Zwein focuses, with Fr. George Kerbaj and Sister Micheline Najjar, on the challenges of evangelization in this world dominated by globalization and secularism and the current situation of the missionaries GMT EST LIVE GMT EST LIVE GMT EST LIVE GMT EST LIVE Previous issue Why did the Holy Spirit come down when Jesus is baptized? - Because Jesus is humble This issue When the human person became less opposing?

Local and International Condemnations Consequently, voices were loud all over the world condemning the incident shaking the consciences filled with

Protests in Egypt The Christians took to the streets protesting and shouting out of pain and fear in the Egyptian districts especially Cairo and

The protesters condemned strongly the last incidents, asking the state and all governments around the world to protect their rights and religious

Muslims participated in the demonstrations with the Copts, carried the Koran and banners showing the Crescent and the Cross, decrying this criminal

Pope Shenouda Pope Shenouda asserted that the bomb blast aimed to shake Egypt s security, there are forces refusing the welfare of this country and

H. mentioned that the victims didn t commit any crime, they were praying and celebrating but they fell to this disloyal crime.

Pope Benedict Called the ecclesiastic communities to persevere in faith and the witness of non-violence that comes to us from the Bible and

Sheikh Ahmad al-tayyeb Sheikh al-azhar accused Pope Benedict of intervening in Egypt s interior affairs and criticized the Pope s appeal, in his New

3 Local and International Condemnations Consequently, voices were loud all over the world condemning the incident shaking the consciences filled with hatred and violence. Protests in Egypt The Christians took to the streets protesting and shouting out of pain and fear in the Egyptian districts especially Cairo and Alexandria. The protesters condemned strongly the last incidents, asking the state and all governments around the world to protect their rights and religious freedom, to reveal the identity of the perpetrators and charge them. Muslims participated in the demonstrations with the Copts, carried the Koran and banners showing the Crescent and the Cross, decrying this criminal act that is denied by religions. Pope Shenouda Pope Shenouda asserted that the bomb blast aimed to shake Egypt s security, there are forces refusing the welfare of this country and committed this criminal attack on the New Year s Eve. H.H. mentioned that the victims didn t commit any crime, they were praying and celebrating but they fell to this disloyal crime. Pope Shenouda will preside, despite all incidents, the Christmas midnight mass on January 6 th. Pope Benedict Called the ecclesiastic communities to persevere in faith and the witness of non-violence that comes to us from the Bible and considered the attack against the Copts and putting the bombs near the Christian homes in Iraq is a despicable act to God and humanity. Sheikh Ahmad al-tayyeb Sheikh al-azhar accused Pope Benedict of intervening in Egypt s interior affairs and criticized the Pope s appeal, in his New Year s sermon, to the leaders around the world to protect the Christians in the Middle East. Sheikh al-azhar s statement was met by an immediate and definitive reaction from the Vatican. The Egyptian Islamic Legislation Authority The Mufti asserted that this criminal act is a terrorist one that is non-sectarian of which Islam and Muslims are innocent. This hideous irresponsible act cannot be committed by a Muslim who knows the real principles of Islam. The Pastor of the Coptic Church in Lebanon Fr. Rouis el-orshalimi considered that the innocents who were martyred in the bomb blast are the witnesses of Christ. Fr. Frederico Lombardi The Head of the Vatican Press Office condemned the terrorist attack and this new and detestable wave of violence, demanding that attacks against Christians be stopped.

The Egyptian President Hosni Moubarak stressed in a press conference that the blind terrorism doesn t differentiate the Coptic from the Muslim saying: We won t

sorrow for this terrorist attack, and condemned without reservations this barbaric act that affected all Egypt.

and Pope Shenouda, decrying the attack and offering to them his condolences.

country is ready to offer the necessary help for the Egyptian government.

religious and human values; the perpetrators aim through this attack to spark sectarian sedition.

Then, the Lebanese President visited the Coptic Church, Jesr el-basha to offer condolences to the leader of the Coptic Community in Lebanon Fr. Rouis Orshalimi.

through leaders to find a united stance regarding this urgent issue and consider any attack against coexistence among Muslims and Christians as an attack

President of the European Parliament denounced strongly the horrifying attack, wishing that 2011 brings peace and hope to the religious communities all over

4 The Egyptian President Hosni Moubarak stressed in a press conference that the blind terrorism doesn t differentiate the Coptic from the Muslim saying: We won t allow the violation of Egypt s national security We will bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack against the Church of Alexandria, defeat terrorists and those who are threatening Egypt. The French Minister Nicholas Sarkozy decried the crime, considered it a blind and cowardly attack, expressed to the Egyptian President, his deep emotion and sorrow for this terrorist attack, and condemned without reservations this barbaric act that affected all Egypt. The Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri addressed a telegraph to the Egyptian President, the Speaker of the Egyptian People s Assembly Ahmad Fathi Srour and Pope Shenouda, decrying the attack and offering to them his condolences. The US President Barak Obama condemned sharply the attack against the Saints Church in Egypt, asserting, in a statement published by the White House, that his country is ready to offer the necessary help for the Egyptian government. The Lebanese President Michel Sleiman described in a letter to the Egyptian President the bloody attack as contradicting the celestial laws and the simplest religious and human values; the perpetrators aim through this attack to spark sectarian sedition. Sleiman asserted to his Egyptian counterpart that Lebanon supports Egypt. Then, the Lebanese President visited the Coptic Church, Jesr el-basha to offer condolences to the leader of the Coptic Community in Lebanon Fr. Rouis Orshalimi. The Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri called in a telegraph to the Egyptian President for an Arab initiative either within the Arab League or directly through leaders to find a united stance regarding this urgent issue and consider any attack against coexistence among Muslims and Christians as an attack against the Arab national security. President of the European Parliament denounced strongly the horrifying attack, wishing that 2011 brings peace and hope to the religious communities all over the country. As well, he called to calm and agreement among Christians and Muslims, asking the Egyptian government to protect the Christian minority. The Italian Foreign Ministry demanded the introduction of the issue of violence and discrimination to which the Christians all over the world are subject, to the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union that will meet on January 31 st Italy The Italian Foreign Minister presented his condolences to his Egyptian counterpart Ahmad Abou el-ghayd, expressing Italy s support to the Coptic Community and the Egyptian people. As well, the Italian President Georgeo Napolitano called the European countries to introduce the issue of religious freedom into their discussions in order to take immediate and strict measures in this regard.

Arab Stances The Jordanian King Abdallah II, the Moroccan King Mohammad VI, the Tunisian President Zein el- Abidin condemned the attack, affirming their countries

Syria condemned as well the attack considering it as targeting the national unity, the religious diversity in Egypt and other Arab countries.

this mad act and calling for the promotion of religious freedom and the protection of the Christian minorities in countries where Muslims are the majority.

Patriarch Fouad Twal His Beatitude considered that these attacks occurred when Christians are fully celebrating Christmas that brings peace, love and fraternity,

Patriarch Ignatius Zacha I Iwas offered his condolences to Pope Shenouda III: God have mercy on all martyrs, and grant us all, the grace of patience and comfort.

World to maintain their faith and consider the state as their source of protection of its citizens.

5 Arab Stances The Jordanian King Abdallah II, the Moroccan King Mohammad VI, the Tunisian President Zein el- Abidin condemned the attack, affirming their countries solidarity with Egypt to confront all forms of terrorism. Syria condemned as well the attack considering it as targeting the national unity, the religious diversity in Egypt and other Arab countries. Switzerland According to the statement of the Swiss Bishops, there is a sign of hope that many parties of the Muslim world are raising high their voices to condemn this mad act and calling for the promotion of religious freedom and the protection of the Christian minorities in countries where Muslims are the majority. Security Measures The Egyptian Security Forces in Cairo and other districts imposed strict security measures to the churches, convents, touristic and archeological sites. The security authorities in Cairo Airport and other ones began taking strict measures and reviewing recently the names of all passengers, checking their identity and luggage electronically. Germany The Catholic bishops in Germany expressed their concerns toward the growing violence against Christians all over the world and asked for their protection. Patriarch Fouad Twal His Beatitude considered that these attacks occurred when Christians are fully celebrating Christmas that brings peace, love and fraternity, asserting that this will strengthen the Christians faith and loyalty to their homeland. Patriarch Ignatius Zacha I Iwas offered his condolences to Pope Shenouda III: God have mercy on all martyrs, and grant us all, the grace of patience and comfort. Patriarch Gregory III Laham stated that terrorism has neither religion, nor denomination and has any human values, calling the Christians in Egypt and the Arab World to maintain their faith and consider the state as their source of protection of its citizens. As well, His Beatitude extended his condolences to the Egyptian President and Pope Shenouda, expressing the solidarity of the Melkite Catholic Church with all categories of the Egyptian people. The Armenian Catholic Patriarch of Cilicia Nerses Bedros XIX In a telegraph to the Egyptian President, His Beatitude mentioned the possibility that the programmed plan to empty the Middle East from Christians has begun a new period after the barbaric terrorist bomb blast against the Saints Church in Alexandria. As well, Patriarch Nerses Bedros expressed his solidarity with the victims families and the innocent wounded Copts. Patriarch Ignatios IV Hazim sent a telegraph to Pope Shenouda, offering his condolences and underlining solidarity and prayer with the Copts of Egypt, asking God to grant to the Pope patience and wisdom in this trial. Patriarch of Moscow and of All Russia Kirill offered his condolences to the Coptic Pope affirming the Orthodox Russian community s support of the Copts in Egypt, knowing that this attack increases the sectarian conflicts.

Council of Ecumenical Churches in Geneva condemned sharply the attack against the Church of Alexandria, described it as a horrible attack and encouraged the Egyptians to remain united and firm.

Meanwhile, a French court revealed the beginning of a legal investigation after a priest in Paris made complaints on the internet about threats against the Christian Copts.

In Lebanon Crowds of condolers arrived at the Coptic Orthodox Church, Jesr el-basha following the calamity of Sts Peter and Mark Church, to express their strong pain and call for selfrestraint,

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and the Head of the Scholars Panel Sheikh Abdul Aziz al- Sheikh denounced the bomb blast targeting the Church of Alexandria, considered it a terrorist act that isn t

Al-Sheikh underlined that the incident of Egypt aims mainly to sow disagreement among Muslims and destroy the national unity in Egypt.

6 Council of Ecumenical Churches in Geneva condemned sharply the attack against the Church of Alexandria, described it as a horrible attack and encouraged the Egyptians to remain united and firm. Warning The German government warned the Christian Copts living in Germany of possible attacks, hours before the New Year s bomb blast in Alexandria. Meanwhile, a French court revealed the beginning of a legal investigation after a priest in Paris made complaints on the internet about threats against the Christian Copts. The Arab team for the Islamic Christian Dialogue Condemned the crime that ignored the simplest celestial laws, human values and contradicted the essence of the Arab and Islamic civilization. In Lebanon Crowds of condolers arrived at the Coptic Orthodox Church, Jesr el-basha following the calamity of Sts Peter and Mark Church, to express their strong pain and call for selfrestraint, wisdom and love to heal the wounds and impede any attempt that makes the situation worse. Several interviews were made by Tele Lumiere there. Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and the Head of the Scholars Panel Sheikh Abdul Aziz al- Sheikh denounced the bomb blast targeting the Church of Alexandria, considered it a terrorist act that isn t absolutely related to Islam. Islam forbids all forms of attacks against others. It is not the religion of bomb and doesn t allow attacks against the non- Muslim worshipping sites. Al-Sheikh underlined that the incident of Egypt aims mainly to sow disagreement among Muslims and destroy the national unity in Egypt. The Maronite Bishops in Lebanon In their statement following the monthly meeting, the Maronite bishops considered that the massacres against Christians in Iraq and Egypt urge all civil and political officials to adopt the suitable ways to end these tragedies and preserve the Christians presence in the East. Bishop Krikor Augustinos Kousa The Armenian Catholic Bishop of Alexandria denied with the utmost force the inhuman bomb blast, when H.E. presided the Divine Liturgy dedicated to the innocent victims at Our Lady of Annunciation Cathedral, Aabdine- Cairo. As well, Bishop Krikor visited Pope Shenouda and extended his condolences in the name of Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX of Cilicia for the Armenian Catholics in Lebanon and the Armenian Catholic community all over the world. The President of the Episcopal Committee for the Media in Lebanon Bishop Bechara Raï considered that we can t stop at verbal condemnations, according to the Pope also, but concrete work should begin, mentioned that Christians in Egypt are suffering tremendously because their rights and security are violated and they are treated as foreigners and called as well the Egyptian state to not treat Christians with discrimination. The Leader of the Chaldean Church in Lebanon Bishop Michel Kassarji called for action on the Arab and international levels to face the violence against the Christians in Iraq, Palestine and lately in Egypt. Bishop Kassarji underlined as well that the shy condemnations should concur with important initiatives from the Vatican and the Arab League. France Orthodox Bishops expressed concerns regarding the increasing terrorist acts against the Middle Eastern Christians aiming to force the Christian communities to leave the region. The bishops asked the French and European authorities to take immediate measures to stop violence and helping the Middle Eastern countries to be an example of peaceful coexistence depending on rights and recognizing others.

The Scholar Sheikh Afif Nabulsi mentioned during a conference in Sidon that the attacks against Christians is a part of the American- Israeli conspiracy against the region s people and a

Christians in order to spread hatred, divisions and sectarian conflicts. Christmas Events Message of Catholicos Aram I on Christmas www.christians-solidarity.

As well, the Armenian Orthodox Catholicos addressed the Armenian Church that remained loyal, despite the massacres and persecutions, to its Heavenly mission and then Lebanon the country

dealt with the Christians presence and witness in the Middle East that is the cradle of Christianity the Christian faith and the testimonies of believers are important pillars in the

We condemned, and we do it again, with the utmost force, the terrorist acts committed recently Throughout centuries, the Muslim- Christian coexistence has been a unique example and will

7 The Scholar Sheikh Afif Nabulsi mentioned during a conference in Sidon that the attacks against Christians is a part of the American- Israeli conspiracy against the region s people and a consequence of the growing Islamic fundamentalist extremism that justifies, with the weapon of expiation, its bloody and criminal acts against Muslim and Christian innocents and believers. Vice-President of the Supreme Shiite Muslim Council Sheikh Amir Kabalan confirmed that Islam commands unity, openness and cooperation for the good of humanity but condemns terrorism, killing and attacking the innocents. Spiritual Leader of Druze Sheikh Naim Hasan described the attack as a crime against humanity and the Egyptian national unity, targeting directly the coexistence between Muslims and Christians in order to spread hatred, divisions and sectarian conflicts. Christmas Events Message of Catholicos Aram I on Christmas During the Christmas mass, the Armenian Orthodox Catholicos Aram I considered that the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem means love and justice and the Church should spread them. As well, the Armenian Orthodox Catholicos addressed the Armenian Church that remained loyal, despite the massacres and persecutions, to its Heavenly mission and then Lebanon the country of coexistence, calling the Lebanese to take into consideration the interests of Lebanon first. Then, H.E. dealt with the Christians presence and witness in the Middle East that is the cradle of Christianity the Christian faith and the testimonies of believers are important pillars in the region s history and culture. We condemned, and we do it again, with the utmost force, the terrorist acts committed recently Throughout centuries, the Muslim- Christian coexistence has been a unique example and will always promote peace and prosperity in the region. Extract of Patriarch Antonios Najib s Speech on Christmas The birth of Christ is the beginning of a radical change in people s relations. With His example and words, He taught us that love is very essential to treat correctly others because human persons are brothers All of them are the children of God and each one of us is called to reconciliation with himself, others and God. It won t be complete without renouncing violence, fanaticism, division, and without being tolerant, forgiving those who trespass us, praying for our enemies and loving them. Christmas in Bethlehem, the Cradle of Christ The four Orthodox churches celebrated the birth of Christ at the Nativity Church, Bethlehem in the masses held in the attendance of a large group of believers.

8 IN THIS ISSUE 1 Tele Lumiere in Solidarity with the Copts of Egypt 2 Highlighted Programs Local and International Condemnations 7 Christmas Events 8 Tele Lumiere in Media For more reports about the Copts in Egypt, produced by Tele Lumiere, please visit our address on Youtube:

Tele Lumiere s Annual General Assembly

Tele Lumiere s Annual General Assembly Weekly Newsletter Issue 120 March 26th April 1st 2011 Coordinated and Supervised by: Marie-Therese Kreidy Script and Layout:Rita Karam Translation: Eliane Aoun Télé Lumière Dora Square Beirut - Lebanon