SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

Ms. Clara ten Hacken, the Netherlands Dr. Susanna Hodak, Germany Dr. Helena Jomasevic, Russia Dr. Alexi Krol, Russia Dr. Annetta Lyzwa-Piber, Poland H.G. Bishop Martyrus, Egypt Dr. Maria Mossakowska-Gauber, France Dr. Ewa Parandowska, Poland Dr. Siegfried Richter, Germany Mme Marie-Hélèn Rutschowscaya, France Mrs. Sofia Schaten, Germany (Absent) Dr. Zuzana Skalova, The Netherlands Dr. Jacques van der Vliet, The Netherlands Dr. Gregor Wurst, Germany (Absent) Dr. Youhanna Nessim Youssef, Australia And from the Organizing Committee: Dr. Fawzy G. Estafanous, USA Dr. Gawdat Gabra, Egypt Opening Ceremony: A very elaborate opening ceremony was done for this symposium. H.H. Pope Shenouda was not able to attend and he delegated H.G. Bishop Suriel of Melbourne, Australia to represent him and deliver the keynote address. Joining the host, Bishop Abraam, were H.G. Bishop Iakobos of al-Zaqaziq and H.G. Bishop Martyrius of the Old Churches in Cairo. Also in attendance was a large number of the priests and monks and deacons of al-Fayoum. The Catholic and the Evangelical Churches there also sent representatives to attend. The Moslem community was represented by Sheik Senarawi, the chief Islamic authority there. Estimated attendance at the ceremony was between 300 and 400. This number included visitors from Cairo and residents of al-Fayoum. The ceremony began with the traditional procession by scores of Coptic choir members for the four bishops in attendance with many traditional Coptic hymns. Bishop Iakobos began the ceremony with the customary Prayer of Thanksgiving, recited all in Coptic. This was followed by brief introductory words by Dr. Estafanous. The keynote address was delivered by Bishop Suriel, representing Pope Shenouda III.

In it he briefly discussed the early history of the region, how monasticism began there in the 3 rd -4 th Century, and the presence of 35 monasteries in the region as mentioned by Abu Salih al-Armani. He recognized the work of the Polish Mission at Naqlun and their numerous discoveries and accomplishments. He also mentioned the discovery of the Martyrs of al-Fayoum, whose relics can be seen in many of the Coptic monasteries and churches in Egypt and abroad. He then briefly touched upon the subject of the Fayoum portraits and their influence on Coptic Christian Art and modern Coptic Iconography. Other topics he touched upon were the famous library of St. Michael Monastery at al-Hamuli, the Manichean library at Madinat Madi, and of course St. Abraam the Great hose relics reside a short distance away from the meeting place. This speech was followed by a short talk from Dr. Estafanous about how the Symposium in al- Fayoum was the brainchild of Dr. Gawdat Gabra. Bishop Abraam then gave a short speech in Arabic, welcoming the guests and the participants. In it he gave a short history of the Fayoum in 2 nd - 3 rd century and again recognized the work done by the convening scholars in the area. He concluded by a call for the establishment of a Center for Documents from al-Fayoum. The audio-visual group provided English subtitles on the screen for the benefit of the many non-Arabic-speaking members of the audience. The talks concluded with a short speech by Dr. Estafanous about the St. Mark Foundation and the St. Shenouda Society and how the work of both organizations is promoting Coptic Studies. Most significantly, he relayed the Pope's message of the beginning of the General Library of the Coptic Church Project in Cairo, and his assignment of the responsibility for its development to the St. Mark Foundation. This subject will be dealt with separately at a later time. Papers Presented: The Symposium was divided into nine sessions over four days, three on the first and third days, two on the second, and one on the last day. The session had a pre-selected chairman,

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

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