SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

& ST. SHENOUDA COPTIC NEWSLETTER

SUBSCRIBER'S EDITION Quarterly Newsletter Published by the St. Shenouda Center for Coptic Studies

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October, 2000

Volume 7(N.S. 4), No. 1

In This Issue: The Seventh International Congress of Coptic Studies (1) by Hany N. Takla ............... 1 Copts and Coptica in Paris 2000 by Hany N. Takla........................................................ 6 The Second St. Shenouda Coptic Symposium (4) by Hany N. Takla ............................. 10 Monastery of St. Paul - Book Review by Nefertiti M. Takla.......................................... 11 News by Hany N. Takla .................................................................................................. 12 The Seventh International Congress of Coptic Studies (1) (August 27 - September 2, 2000 - Leiden University, The Netherlands) (by Hany N. Takla)

Ireland 1; Italy 6; Poland 7; Portugal 1; Russian Federation 2; Sweden 1; Switzerland 7; The Netherlands 37; United Kingdom 5; United States 33. Refreshingly, this year there was a significant number of Copts in attendance. If fact it was the largest number of Copts that participated in such a congress with the possible exception of the first one that was held in Egypt. Over 50 Copts were registered, with about 20 of them coming directly from Egypt and the rest coming from eight different countries. Many were attending for the first time. Several of them were either in the course of getting their doctoral degree in the field or were in the process thereof. There was also a significant presence by the Coptic Clergy. Aside from the familiar presence of Bishop Samuel of Shibin al-Qanatir, Bishop Thomas of el-Qusiah was in attendance. Fr. Pigol of Germany was joined by two other priests, serving in the Netherlands and Greece. There were also two monk-priests, serving in the Netherlands and France along with six other monks from four different monasteries in Egypt.

Introduction: Just a few weeks ago, the most prestigious event in Coptic Studies was held at the friendly confines of Leiden University, the Netherlands. This event occurs every four years and this time it was the seventh convening of such an illustrious gathering. It is an event that I among many long for its arrival and lament its passing. While it lasted, many students and scholars in the discipline of Coptic Studies and related fields find a common forum to share their passion for Coptic Egypt. Such passion transcends cultures, genders, generations, and language. It is a wonderful experience that only those w o toiled to participate in it can feel it. I hope that more and more Copts would participate in such wonderful gatherings. Attendees: Such event usually attracts the best and brightest names in the field. This year was no exception. According to the Congress authorities, 230 persons participated, making this the largest of all previous congresses. The official register listed participants from 19 different countries as follows: Australia 2; Austria 7; Belgium 7; Canada 8; Egypt 24; Finland 2; France 20; Germany 43; Greece 3;

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

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