SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

our own, Deacon Dr. Severus (Maged) S. A. Mikhail is approved. The title is "Egypt from Late Antiquity to Early Islam: Copts, Melkites, and Muslims Shaping a New Society." We are all elated at the completion of this monumental work which our Society played a part in inspiring and facilitating its path to completion along with many others, including H.G. Bishop Serapion and the UCLA staff. However, most of the praise for producing this over 400-page gem in the History of the Copts goes first and foremost to its author. In spite of the numerous difficulties and the temptations encountered, he kept the faith when others would have easily bowed out. The Abstract of the dissertation is included below, courtesy of its author. The cultural dialectic that took place in Egypt from the early seventh to the tenth centuries CE , by which a complex society combining Coptic Christianity with a Greco-Roman cultural foundation was transformed into an Arabic-speaking society defined by Islam is examined. By drawing upon Greek, Coptic, and Arabic narrative and documentary sources, a number of topics and issues are analyzed in order to elucidate the history and historiography of this transitional period. Several long-held views pertaining to the Arab conquest of Egypt, the use of the Greek language in the Coptic community, and anti-Chalcedonian political ideology are challenged. Introductory comments relating to the methodological aims and scope of this study are presented in chapter one. Next, religious conversion (between Christian sects as well as from Christianity to Islam) is analyzed. In chapter three, the history and historiography of the Arab conquest and its afterm th are examined along with the vital roles played by Christian notables throughout these defining centuries. In the fourth chapter, the use and perception of Greek among Copts and Melkites is discussed. The transition from Greek and Coptic to Arabic as the primary language of communication and literature is also treated. Three issues relating to the eighth century CE are considered in chapter five; these include Islamization in terms of legislation and the recasting of historical traditions, the history and social significance of tax revolts, and a survey of the various means of reckoning and labeling time. Developments within the Muslim community are explored in chapter six. The urban bureaucracy, administrative dynasties, and rural mechanisms used to maintain order are the focus of chapter seven. The shifting social and political realities of Coptic Christianity are discussed in chapter eight. In chapter nine, inter- and intra-religious polemics are addressed. Drawing on the conclusions of the previous chapters, the existence of a distinct, new society is demonstrated in the final chapter.

A copy of the dissertation will be available at the St. Shenouda Center for Coptic Studies. It is also hoped that it will be published soon, so we can all benefit from this truly historic work. The Society wishes Dr. Maged the best on advancing his academic career. 4. Eighth International Congress for Coptic Studies: Due to health reasons, the Society's delegation will not include Mr. Takla, the Society's President. The delegation this year includes Mr. Ramses Wassif, Mr. Boules Samuel, Deacon Dr. Severus (Maged) S. A. Mikhail, and Mr. Mark Moussa. The last two will be presenting papers at the Congress. The Sohag Consortium will also be meeting at the Congress to discuss the progress of the work being done on the St. Shenouda monasteries in the area. The Consortium, which is coordinated by Dr. Elizabeth Bolman, includes members of St. Mark Foundation (SMF) and our Society along with other international scholars. The published schedule shows a good representation by the Copts among the presenters as well as the session moderators. This group of presenters are predominantly from Egypt but include participants from Australia, Germany, Greece, and North America. The next congress will be considered for Egypt in 2008. Dr. Fawzy Estafanous and Dr. Gawdat Gabra will be making the presentation on behalf of H.H. Pope Shenouda III, St. Mark Foundation, and our Society. 5. COEPA's Products: The newest announced production is a CD-Rom, titled, The Coptic Orthodox Reference library (CORL). Its main contents are as follows: · Holy Bible (NKJV), including Deuterocanonical books · Early Church Fathers (The Nicene Fathers, 38 Volumes), · All H.H. Pope Shenouda III Previously published by COEPA (40 books) · All An Altar to the Lord Books (40 books) · New Books for HH, HG Anba Mettaous, HG Anba Daniel, Fr Tadros Malaty and many others, · Coptic Lessons and Dictionary by Permission of St Shenouda Coptic Society); and · Full version E-katamarous (The full daily readings) by St Mark Coptic Church - Troy Michigan USA. CORL expected publishing date has been pushed back to September 11, 2004; the Coptic New Year. The society has copies on-hand of all other COEPA- produced CDs, as follows: COEPA 1 Holy Bible & Pope Shenouda's Writings COEPA 2 The Coptic Liturgy of St. Basil (Audio) COEPA 4 An Altar to the Lord COEPA5 Coptic Midnight Psalmody (Audio) The cost for each Computer CD or Audio CD-Set has been discounted $20 for a single copy. Within the US, it is

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

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