SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

monastery, particularly the Coptic icons and Eucharistic objects. In his discussion of Coptic icons, the author includes both an ideological and historical survey of Coptic art. He describes the creation of the Coptic icon as a spiritual discipline that flourishes today in spite of the dark ages that characterizes its history. In the following chapter, the author explains the significance of the objects used during the Eucharist, an existing Coptic tradition that is as old as the Church itself. Though the display of Eucharistic objects and vestments photographed against a solid colored background give the undesirable effect of a museum catalog, several photographs of monks engaged in liturgical service are included in order to offset the temporal display and capture the “living community” of the monastery. Despite the absence of significant information about contemporary monastic life, the book’s goal to depict the monastery as a flourishing community is achieved through various literary and artistic techniques. The foreword by His Grace Anba Agathon, discussion of existing Coptic traditions within the monastery, and photographs of monks engaged in service create the impression that the Monastery of St. Paul in Egypt is more than a historical landmark. Moreover, though this book is meant to serve as a guide, it is also an excellent introduction to Coptic history for non-Copts, as well as a valuable resource for Copts who wish to learn about their heritage in greater detail.

theme of spirituality and religious tradition is sustained throughout the first few chapters, in which the author presents to the reader an account of Coptic Church History and the lives of the Coptic martyrs and desert fathers. Photographs of wall paintings and icons found within the monastery complement the hagiography presented in these beginning chapters. In the following chapters, the author delves into the history of the Monastery of St. Paul, guiding the reader through the ancient nucleus of the monastery by employing detailed descriptions and color photographs of the churches, the mill rooms, the refectory, and parts of the outer wall. The spiritual words of the desert fathers are also included in these chapters in order to recreate the pious atmosphere of the old cells and of the agape, or communal meal, held in the old refectory. However, though the use of such quotes gives the reader insight into monastic life during the fourth century, the book lacks notable discussion of contemporary monastic life in terms of prayer and communal habits. The author seems to take a greater interest in current Eucharistic practices, as suggested by his frequent remarks regarding liturgical tradition. The author thus seeks to portray the “living community” of the monastery not through the contemplative life of the monk but through the religious service that continues to play a significant role in the lives of Copts today. The last few chapters of the book are dedicated to a presentation of the sacred objects found within the 1. Credit Card Payment: In an effort to make the Society's services available to a greater number of people, especially outside of the US, the Society has made an agreement through its local bank to accept Credit Card payment. This process is somewhat costly but it will facilitate the participation of many people that would not have been able to in the past. The process will be limited at this time to Visa or Master Card only. Even though the process was designed for foreign transactions (Purchases and memberships), but

News (by Hany N. Takla)

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter no restrictions will be applied to US transactions. There will be however a 4% surcharge for all transactions by non-dues-paying members that total less than $30 within the US. All foreign orders will be exempt from such surcharge.

2. Coptic Art Books from Egypt: The two new titles by Mr. Nabil S. Atalla are available. His earlier 2- volume Coptic Art book is also available. Prices for these items are as follows:

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