AN INITIATIVE OF THE MEDIA COMMITTEE - DIOCESE OF SYDNEY & AFFILIATED REGIONS. Copts News

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1 SUNDAY 9 th Hatour 1729 AN INITIATIVE OF THE MEDIA COMMITTEE - DIOCESE OF SYDNEY & AFFILIATED REGIONS Copts News 18 th November 2012 Volume 1, Issue 152 Volume 2, Issue 64 50c Thankyou for your kind donation Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men. - Luke 2:52 Find this issue online at Congratulations to HH Pope Tawadros II, our 118 TH Coptic Pope By John Nour On Sunday, 4th November 2012, at a ceremony in Cairo s Abbasiya Cathedral, HG Bishop Tawadros was selected as the next leader of the Coptic church. His Holiness is now named Pope Tawadros II (Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa in the Holy See of St Mark the Apostle). A 7 year old, blindfolded boy named Bishoy Gerges Mossad, believed to be guided by God s will, selected his name from a chalice, and hands it to interim Pope Anba Bakhomious, who has been in charge since Pope Shenouda III passed away in March 2012, almost 8 months ago. Pope Tawadros I was the 45th pope and Pope Tawadros II is 118th Coptic Pope. They call this process the altar lottery, and it s how Our Coptic Orthodox church has been selecting its heads since the 18th century. After the death of Pope Shenouda III in March, candidates from within the church put themselves forward for a lengthy selection process in which 2,500 prominent Christians from both inside and outside the church whittled them down to five and finally three candidates. The other two candidates were the auxiliary bishop of central Cairo, HG Bishop Raphael (54) and Father Raphael Ava Mina (70), a monk at the St Mina monastery near Alexandria. Even after the boy had picked out HH Pope Tawadros name, the other two names had to be picked out of the bowl, to illustrate the transparency of the process. 32 Pages His Holiness Pope Tawadros II (continue on page 7...) USYD CAMPUS BLESSING the 118th Pope & Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark Enthroned on Sunday, 18th November 2012 By SAMUEL KALDAS There s an ancient tradition that the Church ought to pray for the wellbeing of the whole world, believers and non-believers alike. In the Litany for Peace, we pray for all peoples and all flocks, from one end of the world to the other. This sort of prayer is powerfully Christian; we pray for the safety and health of all people, whether they belong to the Church or not. It was in this ancient spirit of Christian charity that FOCUS and the Catholic Society of St. Peter came together for a blessing of the University of Sydney campus on Wednesday 31 October, only a few days before His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was chosen as the 118th Patriarch of Alexandria. The blessing took the form a large and very visible procession around the university campus, stopping at many of the most important and popular locations in the university. In all, we were a group of around fifty Catholics, Syrians and Coptic Orthodox Christians. The purpose of the processions was two-fold: first, (continued on page 5...) editor@elmanara.org.au 9 th Hatour 1729

2 18 th November 2012 Parable of the sower By HG BISHOP DANIEL GOSPEL READING Matt 13: 1-9 Parable of the sower In the gospel reading of today, our beloved Lord is telling us the parable about how He is the sower of all things good. Now the Lord is telling us that it is our responsibility to be good soil so that His seed of divine love can grow in us, and so we can then produce fruits and continue with His service. A sower went out to sow his seed The sower is our beloved Lord Jesus Christ. He did not go out for any reason, but He went out to sow meaning that He had a plan and a vision of what He was going to do. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved What is the wayside? It is the world in which we are born and pass through. It is a path and a journey for all those who come from God and go to God. When we look at the wayside, we see that is hard because it is open and it lies under everyone s feet. Therefore, there is no depth for any seed to enter it. But instead it lies on the hard surface and is ready to be taken away by any bird that comes by. Therefore, those who have a hard mind and heart, do not receive the divine seed, but instead, they are a way for unclean people to walk on them. But what is found along the wayside? People living according to this world, who are concerned only about the desires of the world, and not about God. These people can stop us from hearing and practicing the word of God, if we are not strong in faith. Then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts: While we are sleeping, the devil comes and sows his weeds. And this is why the Lord told us to be alert and watchful. If we are lazy in our spiritual life and we do not bear spiritual fruits, then the devil will come quickly and sow his weeds of destruction. But if we are serious in our spiritual life and practice many spiritual exercises, then we will be able to remove all the weeds. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. What is meant by the rock? They are the people who don t give care to their faith, and do not care to know the divine mysteries. When everything is easy, then they can say they are Christian, but when things get difficult, they will leave their faith - they are not ready to exert effort for the Lord. A rock has 2 properties: it is strong and it is hard. Therefore, we can say a person is a rock, depending on whether he is strong in faith, or else he has a very hard heart. The rocky ground represents those people who are still attracted by the desires and lusts of the world. Although they may hear and accept in their minds Christianity, their heart is divided. And therefore, they may feel happy to listen to stories about the kingdom of God or the glory of the saints, but as soon as they are faced with hard times and persecutions, they forget these stories and run. Concerning this verse, St Athanasius wrote: Therefore, let us follow in the faith of the apostles, and always be in communion with our Lord. For the world is like a sea, and we float on this sea like wind, with everyone directing his own free will and path. If we are abiding in the Word of God, we will arrive to the port safely, but if we are abiding in false desires, we will be thrown about by the storm. For as in the sea there are storms and waves, so in the world there are many afflictions and trials. The unbelieving people may endure for a while, but because they have no root, they will fall away, because they are fixed on the temporary things and not on faith. (Letter 19.7, Easter, 347 AD) And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. To run after wealth and worldly things will take you away from God and attending church services. You will not have time to read the scriptures or follow in the footsteps of your forefathers. Therefore you will receive no nourishment. Even though you may come to church in the body, your mind will be very far. Though you may listen to the words of the liturgy or the sermon with your ears, you will not listen with your heart. Instead your heart is with and in the world. To desire wealth will stop you from doing good works and charitable deeds. Therefore, when you are concerned about the lusts of the world, you will choke the seed and you will not bring forth fruits. If your heart is pure, you will see Him and He will sow in you to good seed. But this will only happen if you take the time and care to remove the weeds from your soul these weeds are the bad habits and sins, which can be removed through prayer, confession, taking the Holy Communion, and so on. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. The good ground represents those who do not run after the lusts of the world, and so, they are able to bear much spiritual fruit. The more you are in the world, the less you will yield in spiritual fruits. The good ground, which brings forth good fruit, is an honest and good heart, which happily receives God s instruction and commandments. It is an upright heart, a tender heart, and a heart that fears God, and having heard the word, understands it (as is written in Matthew s parable), and receives it (as is written in Mark s parable), and keeps it (as is written in Luke s parable). If the word is kept in good soil, then with patience, it will bear fruit. Patience is a very important virtue in our spiritual life. Work hard to always look after your soil. Throw out the rocks and up-root the thorns. Do not have a hard heart or else the Word of God will have no effect in your life. You must have depth so that the root of divine love can find depth to enter and grow. Do not choke the good seed by giving attention to the cares and lusts of the world. Regarding this verse, St Cyril of Alexandria wrote: In order for the divine seed to blossom in us, let us first cast out of our minds the worldly cares so that we may become rich soil (Commentary on Luke, Homily 41). By being good soil, the Lord will use us to continue His job of sowing in the world in the same way that He used His disciples. We can consider this example in the form of an agriculture calendar. In agriculture, there are 3 seasons which correspond to 3 steps in our spiritual life: 1. the sowing: the Lord sows His seed in us. We must accept it with love, and share this seed by sowing the seed to others through preaching and being a good example. 2. the plowing: plowing is done to care and nourish the seed, and we can do this through prayer and the sacraments and spiritual exercises. 3. the harvesting: when we accept the word of God and be strong in faith and in spiritual exercises, we will bear fruits, and these fruits will help us, through God s grace and help, to continue sowing the seeds of faith to others. It is a continuous cycle in which the good ground can work to sow the seeds of divine love, to those on the wayside, on rocky ground, and even among thorns. But why did He also sow His seed on the hard path and on rocky ground and on thorns? Generally a sower would not do this because they know it would be useless. But when our beloved Lord went out to sow He went out with a vision and a plan He sowed on the wayside in the hope that one day, this path will no longer be trampled on or lie open to all those passing by, but might change and become a fertile field He sowed on the rocky ground in the hope that one day it might become a rich land He sowed among thorns in the hope that one day this plant will lose its thorns and the seed will find security The Lord did all this because He knew that it was possible. And our church history is full of wonderful examples of people who were like thorns such as St Augustine, and who were like rocky ground like St Paul the apostle, and who were like the wayside, like the hermits St Pelagia and St Mary the Egyptian. Because our beloved Lord has sown His seed to all people everywhere, we are without excuse on the last day. The Lord spoke this parable in front of His disciples to make them aware that, even though they have a mission of preaching to the people about the word of God, it is in fact God Himself who sows the seed into a welcoming heart. Glory be to God. 2 editor@elmanara.org.au

3 9 th Hatour 1729 BIOGRAPHY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE Tawadros II + Copts News BOARD OF DEACONS ELECTIONS 2012 In accordance with the Constitution of The Coptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Sydney & Affiliated Regions the procedures to elect the Board of Deacons 2012 for all the Churches is well underway since 3 weeks ago. Announcements about the different stages were announced in all the Churches and notices displayed on the notice boards. Born Wagih Subhi Baqi Sulayman on November 4, 1952 in Mansoura, Egypt, he studied pharmacy and graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Alexandria University. His father was a landscaping engineer. In his early years, Wagih managed a state-owned pharmaceutical factory in Damanhur and also studied for a year in Great Britain. In 1983, he graduated from the Coptic Clerical College and, in 1985, he became a member of the International Health Society of England. Wagih was raised in St. Demiana s monastery and attended a Coptic school headed by H. H. Pope Kyrillos VI s sister. This fostered his love for monasticism, which was fulfilled on August 20, 1982, when he joined St. Bishoy s Monastery in Wadi El Natrun. He studied theology for two years, was ordained a monk on July 31, 1988, and was elevated to the priesthood on December 23, Wagih, concurrently Fr. Theodore El Anba Bishoy, is said to be a strong advocate for the reunification with the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria and is also well known for his work with the youth. We must concentrate on what will bring Egypt s children together not on what will drive them apart. H. H. Pope Tawadros II On June 15, 1997, he was consecrated by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, as a General Bishop for El Beheira by the name of His Grace Bishop Tawadros. However, this did not stop him from completing his formal education: In 1999, he obtained a joint degree in pharmaceutical engineering, business administration and Christian education from a university in Singapore. As Bishop of El Beheira, H.G. Bishop Tawadros authored 12 books on Christian theology and remained a disciple of His Eminence Metropolitan Bakhomious, who served as acting patriarch after the departure of H. H. Pope Shenouda III on March 17, H. G. Bishop Tawadros will sit on the papal throne as H. H. Pope Tawadros II on November 18, 2012, to lead the Coptic Church in a very crucial and difficult time in Egypt. May God bless and keep for us the life of our new spiritual leader, H. H. Pope Tawadros II. Let us not forget that Unorthodox worship can pollute our being, leading to forgetfulness. It can cause one s mind to drift quite far, rendering him unable to value the Traditional Orthodox melodies and style of Church Worship.[...] Orthodox worship is distinct in its constant reminder of the real presence of Christ and his Saints in our lives. We must be careful to ensure that the worship songs we use are Orthodox in their origin, lyrics, melodies and in their spirit. Communion and unity with Christ ought to be embedded within their meaning. H. H. Pope Tawadros II We are currently in the acclamations stage where all acclamations must be submitted to the longest serving priest at every Church, the last date to receive acclamations will be 5 pm on Sunday 18/11/2012. The names of those acclaimed for the Board of every Church will be announced on Sunday 25/11/2012 on which date the objections stage starts and continues for one week until 5 pm on Saturday 01/12/2012. On 2/12/2012 announcement of the names of those nominated in each church for Board of Deacons. Voting will then take place on Sunday 09/12/2012. The congregation of every Church are kindly requested to check that their names are on the Church lists and if not fill in a membership form with the elections representatives of your Church. All updates must be done by Sunday 25/11/2012, any new membership forms submitted after this date will not be entered to the Church database until after the elections and so they will not be eligible to vote. Thank you for your appreciated efforts John Nakhla Chairman 2012 Elections of Board of Deacons Committee Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 3

4 18th November 2012 Pastoral care in Malaysia These photos have been taken during Fr Jonathan visit to Malaysia and Singapore this month. On Thursday 1st of November 2012, Fr Jonathan visited for the first time a group of Coptic families living in the state of Ipoh about 250KM from Kuala Lumpur (KL), the capital city of Malaysia. It was a fruitful visit where he met also with some Ethiopian families who shared in the bible study and hymns. It was a very blessed day. Some of the Ethiopian families shared with us the Coptic mass in KL on Saturday the 3rd of November. We currently have a regular monthly service in both Malaysia and Singapore, in which Fr Rafael Iskander, Fr Augustinos Nada and Fr Jonathan Ishak rotate in serving the Copts in this area. It is a custom that the late HH pope Shenouda III established that the church has to offer its pastoral care to its members wherever they go all over the world. Please pray for this service. ﺑﻨﻌﻤﺔ ﺭرﺑﻨﺎ ﻳﯾﺴﻮﻉع ﺍاﻟﻤﺴﻴﯿﺢ ﻭوﻣﺨﻠﺼﻨﺎ ﺍاﻟﺼﺎﻟﺢ ﻭوﺑﺼﻠﻮﺍاﺕت ﻣﺜﻠﺚ ﺍاﻟﺮﺣﻤﺎﺕت ﺍاﻟﺒﺎﺑﺎ ﺍاﻟﻤﻌﻈﻢ ﺍاﻷﻧﺒﺎ ﺷﻨﻮﺩدﺓة ﺍاﻟﺜﺎﻟﺚ ﻭوﺗﺤﺖ ﺭرﻋﺎﻳﯾﺔ ﺗﺪﻋﻮﻛﻢ ﺍاﻟﻜﻨﻴﯿﺴﺔ ﺇإﻟﻰ ﺣﻔﻞ ﻋﻴﯿﺪ ﺍاﻟﺸﻬﮭﻴﯿﺪﺓة ﺑﺮﺑﺎﺭرﺓة ﻭوﺫذﻟﻚ ﻳﯾﻮﻡم ﺍاﻷﺣﺪ ﺍاﻟﻤﻮﺍاﻓﻖ ﻧﻴﯿﺎﻓﺔ ﺍاﻟﺤﺒﺮ ﺍاﻟﺠﻠﻴﯿﻞ ﺍاﻷﻧﺒﺎ ﺩدﺍاﻧﻴﯿﻴﯿﻞ ﺍاﺳﻘﻒ ﺳﻴﯿﺪﻧﻲ ﻭوﺫذﻟﻚ ﺑﻌﺪ ﺇإﻗﺎﻣﺔ ﺍاﻟﻘﺪﺍاﺱس ﺍاﻹﻟﻬﮭﻲ ﻣﺒﺎﺷﺮﺓة ٢۲٠۰١۱٢۲/١۱٢۲/١۱٦.٢۲٠۰١۱٣۳/١۱/١۱٣۳ ﺳﺎﻋﺎﺕت ﻟﻤﺸﺎﻫﮬﮪھﺪﺓة ﻣﺪﻳﯾﻨﺔ ﺳﻴﯿﺪﻧﻲ ﻣﻦ ﺍاﻟﺒﺤﺮ ﻭوﻫﮬﮪھﺬﺍا ﻳﯾﻮﻡم ﺍاﻷﺣﺪ ﺍاﻟﻤﻮﺍاﻓﻖ ٤ ﺳﺘﻘﻮﻡم ﺍاﻟﻜﻨﻴﯿﺴﺔ ﺑﺮﺣﻠﺔ ﺑﺤﺮﻳﯾﺔ ﻟﻤﺪﺓة ﺍاﻟﺪﻋﻮﺓة ﻋﺎﻣﺔ ﻟﺠﻤﻴﯿﻊ ﻛﻨﺎﺋﺲ ﺳﻴﯿﺪﻧﻲ ﻣﺴﺎﻫﮬﮪھﻤﺔ ﻣﻨﻜﻢ ﻟﻠﻜﻨﻴﯿﺴﺔ. ﺷﺎﻣﻠﺔ ﻭوﺟﺒﺔ ﺧﻔﻴﯿﻔﺔ ﻭوﻣﺸﺮﻭوﺑﺎﺕت $٣۳٠۰ ﻗﻴﯿﻤﺔ ﺍاﻟﺘﺬﻛﺮﺓة By the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Good Saviour, and through the prayers of the late Pope Shenouda III and under the guidance of his partner in the apostolic ministry His Grace Bishop Daniel, the church invites you to the Feast of St Barbara on Sunday 16th of December 2012, which will start after the Holy Liturgy The Church will also be hosting a cruise aboard the ship Captain Cook for four hours, on Sunday 13th of January The ticket is $30, which includes a light meal and drinks. All churches are cordially invited to join, to support the Church. Ferry Wharf at Hill Rd, Wentworth Point 2172 Homebush Olympic Park Wharf Meet at 2:30pm, and board by 3pm sharp! For any further enquiries, please contact Fr Aughostinous El Antony on ﻭوﺍاﻟﺮﺏب ﻳﯾﺪﻳﯾﻢ ﻣﺤﺒﺘﻜﻢ ﻭوﺗﻌﻀﻴﯿﺪﻛﻢ ﻟﻠﻜﻨﻴﯿﺴﺔ 4 editor@elmanara.org.au

5 9 th Hatour 1729 Copts News (...continued from cover) to pray for the safety and wellbeing of all on campus, and second, to show that apostolic Christianity is alive and well in Australia. In a beautiful gesture of Christian unity, a large cross was carried throughout the procession, carried at (almost) all times by two Coptic and two Catholic students. USYD CAMPUS BLESSING There were three priests present in all: the FOCUS chaplain Fr. Matthew Attia, the Catholic chaplain Fr. Paul Rowse and Fr. Rahal, a Syriac- Catholic priest. At each stop, the priests and the congregants offered prayers for some specific group on campus: the students, the teachers, the administrative staff, the alumni and students who had died. As we moved between stops (and we covered a fair bit of ground!), the various cultures present sung hymns from their respective traditions. The Coptic deacons, dressed in tonias and bearing cymbals and triangles, sung O All You Heavenly Hosts, the processional Kyrie Eleison and Psalm 150 in its short Nativity tune. Fr. Rahal and his deacons prayed hymns in Syriac (closely related to Aramaic, the language of Christ). The Catholic contingent chanted the Litany of the Saints, which included calls for intercession to St. Mary, St. Mark, St. Peter, St. Anthony and St. Paul. One of the most pleasant things about the experience was the sense of Christian unity. It was one of the best ecumenical experiences I ever had, Fr. Matthew said, it demonstrated to the university community the beauty and splendour of our Christian faith and worship. The late Pope Shenouda III was one of the great ecumenical churchmen of the twentieth century, who maintained a wonderful relationship with Pope John Paul II of Rome. It was beautiful to see FOCUS continuing that tradition of friendship and Christian unity across denominational lines. Needless to say, the procession was quite a spectacle, both musically and visually, and drew many a curious glance from weary students emerging from their afternoon lectures. And that s not a bad thing. In Fr. Paul s words, Visibility on campus is everything. The procession and blessing are signs to the whole University that apostolic Christianity has a great gift to offer, one of freedom, love, and truth. Australia being the powerfully secular nation that it is, apostolic Christianity is becoming less and less popular with each passing day. And universities (Sydney in particular) are bastions of anti-religious rhetoric. The procession was a demonstration that apostolic Christianity can be a positive, wellintentioned and loving presence, both on campus and in society. Let s pray that this year s procession becomes the first of many! Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 5

6 18th November 2012 St Mary & St Merkorious "Abu Sefein" Church Annual Fete 02 December 2012 The Church invites you to its annual Fete. Come and join us after the Holy Mass. Large variety of craft, books, toys, jewellery, kitchenware, electronics, Christmas hampers, flowers, and much more تعلن كنيسة السيدة العذراء مريم والشھيد العظيم مرقوريوس أبي سيفين عن معرضھا 2012 ديسمبر 2 السنوي يوم االحد الموافق Date: 2 December 2012 Where: St Mary & St Merkorious "Abu Sefein" Church 2 Cavell Avenue, Rhodes Also don t miss out our Food Festival on Monday night 3rd of 7.00pm. POPE SHENOUDA III COPTIC ORTHODOX Bethany Christian Ladies Group The service of Brazil and Paraguay would like to invite you to: O T N A S O T I R I ESP ( HOLY SPIRIT ) a Holy Spirit - We see r efforts and the us! ou d d, an Go ica of er e Am ac With the Gr e people of South th th bo r fo s ng multitude of blessi When: sunday 25th November at 7pm Where: High Tide Room Bondi Pavillion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach Cost: $40 (3 course Dinner Inc. Spanish Paella) Theological college TIMETABLE FOR SUMMER 2012 Lectures will begin on Monday 19th November The lectures start at 7.00 pm. 72 Wollongong Rd. Arncliffe, adjacent to St. Mark s Cathedral MONDAY: CHURCH HISTORY II Lecturer: Mrs. Nadine Samir This course focuses on the theological conflict that the church and its leaders were under from the end of the third century to the middle of the fifth century. (Fees: $ 70.00) TUESDAY: DOCTRINAL THEOLOGY Lecturer: Mr. Amir Hanna, and Mr. Magdi Rizk This subject discusses the fundamentals of the Christian Orthodox Doctrine, followed by a study of the church, its theological concept and its authority. (Fees :$ 70.00) All proceeds go to the service in Brazil and Paraguay Facebook : Espirito Santo - Brazil Fundraiser Tickets Contact: Elaria Fanous: Marian Ayad: THURSDAY: OLD TESTAMENT I Lecturer: Mr. Saad Sefein This subject covers an essential introduction of the Old Testament, especially the historical and geographical context. Including: Manuscripts of the Bible, English Translations, the second Canonical Books, Biblical archaeology, Geography of the Bible, History of the Jewish people and patterns of interpretation. (Fees: $70.00) FOR MORE INFO VISIT: W W W. C O P T I C T H E O L O G Y. C O M editor@elmanara.org.au

7 9 th Hatour 1729 (...continued from cover) Pope Tawadros II is to be officially enthroned on 18 November Speaking from the monastery where he lives in the Nile delta governate of Beheira, he told the assembled congregation: The other two candidates were more deserving than me. I put myself in the hands of Christ, who is the true leader of the church. HH Pope Tawadros was formerly an aid to the acting Pope, HG Bishop Bakhomios and he was selected as pope on his 60th birthday. HH Pope Tawadros was born Wagih Sahby Soluman and had two sisters. One sister passed away and the other sister, Houda, lives in Alexandria and His Holiness mother is still alive in Egypt. HH Pope Tawadros became a pharmacist after he studied at Alexandria university and was briefly a manager of a government-run pharmaceutical lab in Egypt until he went to a monastery in Wadi El Natrun in 1986 where he studied religion for two years. He was ordained a priest in Copts News Congratulations to HH Pope Tawadros II, our 118 TH Coptic Pope The new pope will face tremendous challenges in navigating Egypt s changing political realities, where Islamists are now dominant and the liberal and secular groups behind last year s uprising are struggling. At the centre of the political squabbling is the role of Islam in the new constitution, currently being drafted. The new pope is also faced with the task of leading our Coptic community in a politically uncertain climate, following the last year s popular uprising. Islamists and Salafists continue to push their religious agendas, following the election of a Muslim Brother as Egypt s president and the ongoing constitution-drafting process. Challenges also lie within the Church. HG Bishop Rafael, for his part, said the new pope must devote himself to reorganising the church from within; set specific rules for the promotion of monks and priests; make an effort to draw alienated Coptic youth back to the church; and reinvigorate church services by preparing servants from the laity capable of keeping abreast with technological innovations. HH Pope Tawadros visited Sydney, Australia three months ago with HG Bishop Youssef from Southern USA and HG Bishop Daniel from Saint Paula Monastery in the Red Sea in preparation for the return of HG Bishop Daniel to Sydney. He prayed in many of our churches in Sydney and blessed us with his presence. Most people were touched with his wisdom, love and support to our Coptic community in the Diocese Sydney. We are so blessed that HH Pope Tawadros II, will carry our Coptic church to the future and we pray that His Holiness will have a long life to serve our Coptic church. 5 November 2012 His Holiness Anba Tawadros, Pope-elect of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark I was filled with joy on learning of your election as Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark and I gladly extend to you and to the clergy and faithful of the Coptic Orthodox Church my good wishes and prayerful solidarity, asking the Lord to pour out his abundant blessings upon the lofty ministry you are about to assume. I am confident that, like your renowned predecessor Pope Shenouda III, you will be a genuine spiritual father for your people and an effective partner with all your fellow-citizens in building the new Egypt in peace and harmony, serving the common good and the good of the entire Middle East. In these challenging times it is important for all Christians to bear witness to the love and fellowship that binds them together, mindful of the prayer offered by our Lord at the Last Supper: that all may be one, so that the world may believe (cf Jn 17:21). I thank the Almighty for the important progress that was made, under the leadership of your esteemed predecessor, in the relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, and I earnestly hope and pray that our continuing friendship and dialogue, guided by the Holy Spirit, will bear fruit in ever closer solidarity and lasting reconciliation. May our heavenly Father fill you with peace and strength for the noble task that awaits you. Benedictus PP. XVI MEDIA RELEASE Mark Coure MP Member for Oatley NEW POPE FOR THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH State Member for Oatley, Mark Coure MP congratulates the Coptic community on the election of their new pope on Sunday 4 th November 2012, HH Pope Tawadros II. "The election marks a significant event for the Coptic community and I warmly congratulate the church on the election of the new pope, HH Pope Tawadros II. PRESS RELEASE THE HON. TONY ABBOTT MHR, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WARRINGAH HIS HOLINESS POPE TAWADROS II The Coalition congratulates the world s Coptic community on the election in Cairo on Sunday of the 118 th Coptic Pope, His Holiness Tawadros II. In the Parliament in March, I acknowledged on behalf of the Coalition the Coptic community s sadness on the death of their previous Pope, His Holiness Shenouda III, a beloved and respected figure who served for over forty years. The Coptic community, including the tens of thousands in Australia, has much to be proud of. The Copts are the oldest and largest Christian community in the Middle East. The Coalition is concerned that the Arab Spring has turned out to be more of a winter for Egypt's Copts. After increased violence during Egypt s political turmoil of the past two years, they continue to be under great stress. To highlight the plight of the Copts, the community in Australia held a major prayer vigil in Sydney in October last year. As I said on that occasion, a democracy must be judged not by how effectively it implements the will of the majority but how effectively it protects of the rights of the minority. The Coalition wishes His Holiness Pope Tawadros II every success in his new and important role. 6 November 2012 Tuesday, 6 November 2012 Barry O Farrell MP Premier of NSW Minister for Western Sydney MEDIA RELEASE MESSAGE FROM NSW PREMIER BARRY O FARRELL "The Coptic community is a community close to my heart and I understand the great sadness endured following the loss of HH Pope Shenouda III, earlier this year in March who was patriarch of the church for some forty years. "My fondness with the Coptic community is further enhanced as my grandparents were born in Egypt. "Earlier this year, I visited St Mark's Coptic Church in Arncliffe and I hope to bring Premier Barry O'Farrell there one day soon." Mr Coure said. "I take great homage in wishing patrons of the church peace in the knowledge that their spiritual leader will be ordained the 118 th pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church on November 18 th, I look forward to a continued relationship with my Coptic friends under the leadership of the new pope, HH Pope Tawadros II" Mr Coure concluded. Media Contact: Oatley Electorate Office I warmly welcome the naming of Bishop Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of All Africa and the Holy Apostolic See of St Mark, as the new leader of the Coptic Church, including its thousands of followers in NSW. At a time of dramatic political change in Egypt, Pope Tawadros II, will face many challenges in leading his church as a minority faith group in the nation. We wish him every strength in his new role replacing the late Pope Shenouda III who served the Coptic Church faithfully for four decades. Coptic Christians in NSW form an important community in our multifaith society and have excelled in the professions, in medicine and in business. At the same time they have held fast to their religious belief and strengthened the foundations of Coptic Church structures in this state. Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 7

8 18 th November 2012 Congratulatory message for pope elect of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Bishop Tawadros of Coptic Orthodox Church, Egypt: Your Holiness, It is with gratitude to God that I congratulate you on behalf of the fellowship of Christian churches of the World Council of Churches on your election as the 118th pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Axios! Your new spiritual leadership in the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is the most significant Christian presence in the Middle East, is a tremendous task. We believe that the voice of the steady Coptic Orthodox Church will remain strong under your guidance and your witness to the Lord will bring new breath to the long and honorable history of the Coptic Orthodox Church which today is spread throughout the world. Due to our significant history of collaboration, we hope that the Coptic Orthodox Church under your leadership will continue its active involvement in the life of the World Council of Churches. We are aware of your striving towards unity and love between the various communities in Egypt and we pray that your ministry, in these uncertain times, will be strong in the quest for freedom, equality, justice and peace for and between all Egyptians, your leadership will be significant for the Christian presence in the Middle East as well as among the different communities in the region. We pray for peaceful time to accompany your holy ministry for the welfare of the Church and of your flock. May your episcopal gift for welcoming young generations in the life of the Church become exemplary to our fellowship of churches so that Christian youth be of one mind and the God of love and peace will be with them in all their activities. God has chosen you to guide the people of the Coptic Orthodox Church with your personal humility and meekness. May God multiply the fruits of love entrusted to you. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). In Christ, our Lord, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit WCC general secretary PROGRAM FOR THE VISIT OF HG BISHOP THEOPHILIUS BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF THE RED SEA Wednesday 21st November :00am Holy Liturgy The Apostles and Saint Abanoub Church Blacktown Thursday 22nd November :00pm Vespers Saint Mary, Saint Bakhomious and Saint Shenouda Church Kirrawee Strange But True $10 seem too much when you give it to the Church, yet if you wish to buy something for yourself, it seems such a small amount. one hour feels such a long time when you are in Church, but 60 minutes seem to fly when watching a TV soapie. when we are in the presence of the Lord for prayer, we do not know how to pray, yet when we are in the company of friends we are articulate. how some are committed Christians on Sundays. The rest of the week, they are Christians in disguise. if we go to a party, we seek front rows; in church we prefer rear seats. Friday 23rd November :00am Holy Liturgy Anba Abraam and Fr Mikhail El-Beheiry Church Peakhurst Sunday 25th November :00PM Celebration of the 40th Anniversary for Very Reverend Father Mina Kamel we find it so hard to talk about God, but so easy to talk about a friend. we believe and trust what is written in newspapers, but question the veracity of the Bible. how we can 100 jokes to friends, and these jokes spread like fire in hay. However, when it comes to circulating anything about Christ, we think twice or even about sending it at all. how careful we are and how much we worry about what others think of us, but we are not conscious of what is God s impression of us. we all want to go to Heaven, but few believe in what the Bible says about the Lord of Heaven. Exodus Youth Worx STATE DEBT RECOVERY OFFICE OUTSTANDING OR UNPAID FINES Did you know that if you are eligible for a Work & Development Order, you can apply to have all of your fines included in the order. Work & Development Orders are made by the State Debt Recovery Office to allow eligible people who are experiencing acute economic hardship, mental illness, are homeless, suffer from a cognitive impairment, or have addictions to drugs/ alcohol or volatile substances, to satisfy their fine debt through unpaid work with an approved organisation or by undertaking certain courses or treatments. EXODUS YOUTH WORX is an approved organisation with the SDRO. A WDO may include one or more activities to satisfy all or part of the fine debt. For example: a) Undertake unpaid work for, or on behalf of, an approved organisation, to reduce your debt (e.g.: hourly rates and monthly limits apply), b) Undergo medical or mental health treatment in accordance with a mental heath practitioner s treatment plan, c) Undertake an educational, vocational or life skills course, d) Undergo financial or other counselling, e) Undergo drug or alcohol treatment, OR f) Undertake a mentoring program ONLY if you are under 25 years of age. The terms of the WDO must be agreed between the SDRO, the applicant and the approved organisation or health practitioner supporting the application for the order. Find out if you are eligible by contacting EYW social worker Iman Biady on: or or iman@exodusyouthworx.org.au 8 editor@elmanara.org.au

9 9 th Hatour 1729 A message from St Shenouda Monastery, Sydney, Australia Report & Words of thanks about the Fund Raiser Dinner Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite Coptic Orthodox Monastery, Putty, NSW would like to thank every single person who helped with the Fundraiser dinner, last Sunday the 28th of October, Through God s Grace, the program was beautifully and very professionally presented, and it was a successful and pleasant event overall. Of course, an event like this was the result of many dedicated servants who worked very hard from the beginning right through to the end. We would like to thank His Grace Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions for his support, albeit his absence in Cairo for the Papal elections. Thank you to the Priests of the Sydney Diocese who came and supported us, and those who announced and encouraged it every week. Mr Zakaria Yassa too was extremely enthusiastic in his efforts and we would like to personally thank him for his time. All the representatives who sold tickets in the Churches, who hung up posters, who handed out fliers, who attended meetings, and who helped in any way for this night; your help is very much appreciated. There was also a very enthusiastic group of young girls from Archangel Michael and Saint Bishoy Parish who assisted us also on the night. Thank you to the Epping Club who catered to our every need, and assisted us throughout the entire process. CYC Channel broadcasted the night live, and Aghapi ran some interviews, both which received very positive feedback, and spread interest; thank you very much to those channels and the dedicated servants with them. Lastly, thank you to Charlene and Samuel Mikhael whose efforts helped keep the whole In loving memory of Manal Botros It has been a difficult year without you by our side, but your sweet memory is never far from our hearts. Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Isaiah 51:11 event together. Rest in peace our precious Manal, until we meet again. 1 st November, st December, Present with us on the night, we were fortunate enough to have His Eminence, Mar Malatius Melki Melki, the Hon. Rev. Fred Nile, and other members from the CDP and ACNA Christian political groups. Mr Brian Wood (the architect who has adopted this structure and advanced this project to the appropriate persons) was also present and greatly admires this project. The designs themselves were made by Mr. Mounir Abdou Fam who is probably the most recognized architect in the Coptic World, renowned for his exquisite and meticulous projects. We heard from many of the honourable guests praising the project, and reinforcing the fact that this structure is not at all for the benefit of the monks, but for the people, the visitors, the Dioceses within Australia, the guests, the community, and the future generations. Also, the Very Rev Fr Tadros Samaan said a very kind and spiritual few words to help us see this too. Because of this Fundraiser dinner, we, by the Grace of God, managed to raise approximately $33,000. This is truly a splendid effort and we thank you all and ask God to reward you. We heard that a structure of this magnificence and calibre would cost no less than an estimated $5 million. With all approvals underway, and all requirements and deadlines being met and fulfilled, it is clearly an issue of money now. Australian Banks are extremely generous in their loans with Churches and communities, considering they can see a membership, or regular attendance, to which the loan can be sustained. Unfortunately for our Monastery, this is not the case, as there is no such thing as regular attendance as Parish Churches do. Fortunately, however, if the banks can see that there is a membership, where people agree to donate a certain sum (as little as $50 a month), this will prove that there is indeed sustainable income coming in to the Monastery, which can maintain a loan. Having mentioned this point, the very first attendee of the night to hand in a completed membership form for $50 a month, was the Hon. Rev. Fred Nile. Many more followed suit on the night, and many others took the form home to complete it and hand in to the Monastery at a later date. Forms for the Bank Direct Debits will be available at All Churches & the Monastery. Once we get the Council approvals to commence the Project, we need at least $1, (one Million) for stage one to put the Foundation; the concrete Slabs. The evening commenced and concluded with prayer, and all through the night our minds were focussed on prayer. Our dear father, the late, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III saw and blessed this project, and also prayed for it to be completed quickly. Our hand is on the plough, and this is all what we now need; your generous prayers, and donations. Thank you and God bless you All. Bishop Anba Daniel. 1/11/2012. St Mary & St Anthony Coptic Orthodox Monastery QLD, Australia Please send donations to: Account Name: St Mary & St Anthony s Monastery BSB: Acc Number: Commonwealth Bank Swift Code: CTBAAU2S Please note: This is tax deductable. For receipts and other enquiries, please admin@copticmonasteryqld.org Visit for more info Copts News The New Egyptian Mafia By Dr Makram Girgis, M.D.,Ph.D It really saddens me to write on such a topic. I would have dearly loved to write about the happy news concerning the election of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. However, the sad news is coming to us daily from our dear country. 1. The news that we are hearing is not coming from Chicago or Sicily. It is coming from the heart of Cairo. Nowadays we don t hear any more about Mafias in Chicago or other places. In those days the Mafia were men not women. Now, at the Metro in Cairo, Muslem women carry a pair of scissors in their bags. A fortnight ago a Muslem woman cut the hair of an innocent young lady. When she left the Metro she found a large bunch of hair in her jacket. A week later, a 28 year old woman was attacked by two Muslem women. They cut her hair and just as the Metro was stopping they pushed her out resulting in fractures to her limbs and several other injuries. This is despite the fact that a school teacher was given 6 months punishment for cutting the hair of a young girl. 2. Young Coptic girls, 14 years or so, are continuously being kidnapped and the law appears to turn a blind eye. Recently, a Mafia (called Holako Abu Husain), has been terrorising Copts in a small town close to Cairo for almost 18 months. Apparently being a friend of the local police, nothing was done about it. Eventually he approached a Coptic family asking for one million dollars in ransom otherwise he will take a 45 year old mother. Her family managed to send her away to stay with friends. However, Holako came, terrorising the family, first by shooting all the animals in the ground floor, then on the way up he continued shooting. This resulted in a shooting between himself, the lady s husband, her son and his friends downstairs. In the end the husband, the son and the Mafia Holako all died. 3. Of course, for the last 2 years, we have been hearing of Churches being bombed, burnt and demolished. Last month a group of Salafis just simply invaded a piece of land next to the Cathedral at Shubra El Khaima and put up a big sign saying: This is going to be a mosque. As simple as that. For weeks the law did not take action until Bishop Marcos contacted all responsible people and the Coptic media. TRULY, RUBINA MAWGOOD, GOD PROTECTS OUR DEAR EGYPT Published by the Diocese of Sydney & its Affiliated Regions 9

10 18 th November 2012 St. Maurice Aged Care Ltd ABN: Postal PO Box 757 ROSE BAY NSW 2029 Office c/- Cross Tax Accountants Suite 2/12 Old Plaza Rd BANKSTOWN NSW 2200 phone facebook Announcement to the Coptic Community As you are aware, St Maurice committee has been established to oversee and take responsibility of the planning and development of Aged Care facilities in Sydney to service the needs of the elderly in the diocese. With the Grace of God, we wish to advise you of the progress thus far 1. St Maurice Aged Care Ltd has been registered as a company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act For your reference, please find the ACN and ABN details as follows: St Maurice Aged Care Ltd ACN: ABN: A new bank account for the company has been established. Please forward donations to either; Please make cheque s payable to; St Maurice Aged Care Ltd PO Box 757 ROSE BAY NSW 2029 Electronic Funds Transfers can be made to; St Maurice Aged Care Ltd Bank: Commonwealth Bank BSB: Account: The board has had the pleasure in welcoming 3 new directors to the board of the Company. The board welcomes Mr Hany Salib FCPA, Dr Assad Malek and Dr Atef Ghaly. The board has now been finalised as follows: Dr Farag Gobran (Chairman) Mr Hammam Awad (Deputy Chairman) Mr Ramy Mikhael (Secretary) Mr Hany Salib (Treasurer) Prof Abd El-Messih Malek Dr Assad Malek Mr Saad Sefein Dr Atef Ghaly Cr Maurice Hanna, OAM Mrs Tako Tadros Mr Anthony Hanna Hon Member Sister Elham 4. St Maurice Aged Care Ltd is tax deductible gift recipient. All donations made to St Maurice Aged Care Ltd of $2 or more are fully tax deductible. We appreciate your contributions and support which are vital to the success of the facility and services to the elders of the community. God Bless Farag Gobran Chairman Ramy Mikhael Secretary 10 editor@elmanara.org.au