SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

d. Coptic Language: Two papers were presented on the Coptic language. The first paper was that of Mr. H. N. Takla about proposed steps in the process of reviving and modernizing the use of the language. The paper dealt with several issue that need to be addressed for such goal to be achieved. The proposed changes in pronunciation of a couple of the letters sparked a spirited debate especially by Dr. Adeeb Makar, whose family speaks Coptic according to the system devised in the last quarter of 19th century. Dr. Makar was kind enough to send us his valuable remarks in writing to be included in the conference proceedings. The second paper by Mrs. Mary Erian, a speech pathologist, was a rather thorough investigation conducted by the presenter on the relationship between the speech of modern Copts and the Coptic Language. The conclusion was, interestingly enough, that Copts have no physiological obstacle to learning the language. So judging by the number of them that actually learn, then the obstacle must be emotional or mental!!! e. Coptic Literature: Three papers explored topics and authors in Egyptian or Coptic Literature. The first was presented by Mr. Samuel Youssef about the theme of God's grace and human salvation in Origen's Contra Celsum. This apologetic work by him was made as result of the strong attacks on the religion by the pagan philosopher Celsus. Works of this controversial 3rd Century Christian scholar has always been debated among many in Egypt and abroad for 17 centuries. It is worthy to mention that among surviving manuscripts that were read by the Copts, no Coptic or Arabic works have been found. It is only through recent Arabic translation from the Ante-Nicene Fathers edition that any of his writings became available to Copts in Egypt. The second paper was presented by one of the recipients of the St. Shenouda Coptic Scholarship, Mr. Mark R. Moussa of DC's Catholic University of America. The topic was St. Shenouda lengthy treatise "I am Amazed". In Mr. Moussa's discussion of this important literary work, he pointed out the Saint's use of the writings of St.

Department of the Diocese. Dr. Khalil described the purpose and methodology that such project will have. He has been gathering documents on this topic since the sixties, when the Departed Bishop Samuel used to visit the small number of families that were there at the time. The fifth paper was also another project being actively pursued in this field, which is the formation of the St. Mark Foundation for Coptic History. The founder of this organization, Dr. Fawzy Estafanous of Ohio was the presenter. He introduced the objectives of his foundation and the methodology for achieving them. In short he plans to involve the Coptic Church and scholars in a joint venture to produce the ultimate recording of our rich history. This would require an aggressive campaign to establish an endowment to fund these efforts. His efforts to involve Coptic talents in Egypt and abroad make this venture worthy of support. Such proposed projects as the CD-ROM edition of the Coptic Encyclopedia was mentioned. The Society has pledged its support, activity coordination, and active involvement with this foundation in the field and would encourage all to do so. The last paper in this field and in the projects group, was presented by Rev. Fr. T. Hall Partrick about the process and challenges that he faced in making his book, "Traditional Egyptian Christianity". Rev. Partrick (not Patrick), regardless of his advance age, made the trip across the country from North Carolina just to address this conference. He recounted the numerous challenges that his labor of love faced over a decade in bringing this work to light for the benefit of the Copts and to introduce the Copts to the Christian world in a frank and honest yet favorable way. At the end of the his presentation he encouraged all who have comments and corrections to send it to him for corrections in any future edition. The Christian virtues that this man has displayed since we established contact with him, over three years ago, has made the efforts expended in promoting his work worth the hardships that we at times had to face.

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

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