SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

However the computer equipment upgrade at the Center was accomplished primarily be in- kind contributions by members. It also showed our continued steady growth and accomplishments. 2. The Eighth International Coptic Congress, Paris June 28- July 3, 2004: The representation of the Society at the Paris Congress was discussed. Also members were informed of the financial participation of the Society. They were also encouraged to attend such a momentous event to further appreciate the work that is done worldwide in the field of Coptic Studies. 3. The Christianity in al-Fayoum Symposium, Al-Fayoum February 2004: Dr. Gawdat Gabra briefed the members on the progress made in the preparation of this symposium. It was very encouraging to hear some of the notable names that has agreed to participate. This included Dr. Ann Boud'Hors, the Paris Congress Secretary and Prof. Stephen Emmel of Münster, among others. He asked the members interested to attend, to contact the Society as soon as possible, due to space limitation. He also mentioned that a nominal fee to defray individual expenses would be required. 4. Coptica: The second issue of this joint effort between our Society and St. Mark Foundation was discussed. Its delay in appearance was a result of delay in receiving some of the papers, the varied styles employed, and the vast number of illustrations submitted. It was suggested and agreed to, that all participants of the Fayoum Symposium will receive a gratis copy as soon as it is produced. 5. Coptic Chair at an American University : Dr. Gabra earlier call for the establishment of a Chair in Coptic Studies was further discussed. As a result, an exploratory committee will be formed to research the feasibility of such a bold venture. More details will be

forthcoming in future editions of this Newsletter. 6. Proposed Changes to the Society's By-Laws: The members were told of the impending changes to the By-Laws that the Society was planning to put to membership vote. In summary, these changes are designed to restructure the membership classifications and duties and description of the officers. Because of the extent of text changes, it was opted to have it communicat d to the members in writing. Time and Location: This year the event was held on Friday and Saturday August 22-23. The place was at UCLA Royce Hall Room 314. Organizing Committee: This conference is a cooperative effort of the Collegiate Coptic Orthodox Christian Club of University of California, Los Angeles (CCC-UCLA), Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures of UCLA (DMELC-UCLA), and other members of the Society (SSACS). The following individuals have been designated as members of the Organizing Committee: Dr. Nabil Elgabalawi (SSACS) Joseph Fahim (SSACS) Deacon Severus (Maged) S. Mikhail (SSACS) Nardine Saad (CCC-UCLA)

Dr. Saad Michael Saad (SSACS) Monica Soliman (CCC-UCLA) Monee A. Takla (CCC-UCLA) Hany N. Takla (SSACS)

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter Publications of the Proceedings: Selected papers presented at the Conference will be published in Coptica for the year 2005. A final draft of each paper shall be submitted by the presenter no later than January 30, 2004.

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