SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

Fr. Shenouda Maher, New York Hany N. Takla, California Dr. Gawdat Gabra, California Dr. Mina Abdel-Malek, Egypt Prof. Aida Nasr, Egypt

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The promotion of study of this heritage by non-Copts. They would bring their own expertise to assist in the reassembling of this giant mosiac of our heritage. A beautiful mosaic that is currently in a state, which is not fitting for such a great Church as the Church of Alexandria.

Restoration Committee: It has the responsibility o coordinating the preservation, treatment, and duplicating the manuscripts and rare books in the library. Members of the committee are: H.G. Bishop Kyrillos Ava Mina

What is needed: The responsibility of the completion of this project falls primarily on the shoulder every member of the Coptic Church, in Egypt and abroad. It is also, to a great extent, the responsibility of every scholar that has pursued Coptic Studies and every institution that holds part of that Heritage. What is needed, beside the financial contribution, is the donation of books, microfilms, photographs and/or slides, private manuscripts or even copies of them, artifacts, and of course human effort to catalog such material. For now all the donated acquisitions will be screened and stored in safe-keeping until the building and furnishing phases of the project are complete. At this time, the following are the generally designated collection areas: 1. In Egypt, the members of the Acquisitions Committee, residing in Egypt, will be in charge of that task. 2. In Europe, the headquarters of the Coptic bishops in Austria, Italy, Germany, and Great Britain. 3. In North American, SMF has designated

Fr. Timotheos Ava Mina Fr. Polikarpos Ava Mina Prof. Souhair Boshra

Computers and Equipment Committee: It has the responsibility of determining the specifications for the computers, networks, and other equipment needed for the library. Its work will also include the procurement, receipt, and coordination of their operation as well as operation training. H.G. Bishop Ermia has been named as the coordinator for this committee. Finances: This project is a multi-million dollar endeavor. It is as important as building a house of worship for the faithful, as it will help strengthen their faith during these times of increasing skepticism. Accordingly, the Pope appointed a committee to pursue the fund raising for the project in Egypt and abroad. SMF will be playing a major part in this effort, being the original promoter for the idea of this project. Benefits: There is no doubt that this project is long overdue for the Coptic Church. The benefits to be reaped from its establishment more than justify the cost that will be incurred. Some of these benefits can be summarized as follows: 1. The preservation of the written religious Heritage of the Copts in one place. 2. The promotion of study of this heritage by the Copts in Egypt in quality and quantity.

St. Shenouda the Archimandrite Coptic Society in Los Angeles, as well as as their office in Columbus Ohio.

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter For more details and/or questions, contact: Dr. Fawzy Estafanous, e-mail: jestodad@aol.com , or Hany N Takla, e-mail: htakla@stshenouda.com

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