SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

Coptic Monasticism, 4 papers. Coptic Codicology and Paleography, 3 papers. Coptic Gnosticism, 7 papers. Christian Nubia, 12 papers over two days. Coptic Manichianism, 5 papers. Christian Arabic Literature, 2 papers. Papers presented by Copts: There were about 11 papers presented by members of the Coptic community in Egypt as well as abroad. They were, arranged in the order of delivery, as follows: 1. The Architecture Elements newly discovered in the area of John the Little Monastery in Wady Natrun, by bishop Samuel of Egypt and delivered by Dr. P. Grossmann. 2. Les Rituels de la Reconsecration, by Dr. Youhanna Y. Nessim of Egypt. 3. The Copts in North America, by Dr. Zachariah Wahba of Maryland USA. 4. The Orthodox Eschatological and Ontological Metaphysics of Being and Incessant Quest after Supernal Knowability, by Prof. Fayek Ishak of Canada. 5. Contribution des Scalae Medievales a la Lexicologie Copte. Rapport sur un Project de Recherche, by Prof. Adel Sidarus of Portugal. 6. Plato at Heliopolis of Egypt. A Critical View at the Relation between Egyptian Philosophy and Alexandrian Theology, by Dr. Rachad M. Shoucri of Canada 7. The Anti-Chalcedonian Movement in Byzantine Egypt: An Evaluation of Current Interpretation and Past Scholarship, by Mr. Mark Moussa of the St. Shenouda Society. 8. Projet d'Edition. Le Manuscrit Copte 44 de Paris, by Mr. Fouad Khouzam of France.

11. The 13th Century Coptic Martyrdom of St. John of Phanidjoit, Reconsidered, by Mr. Hany N. Takla of the St. Shenouda Society. The Role of the Society: There were many objectives for the Society's presence at the congress. Primarily we wanted to establish an acceptable presence in this the most illustrious body of Coptic Scholars. This is essential to our main goal of the Revival and Promotion of the Coptic Heritage. We participated in the form of three papers that were presented by our delegation as well as informal discussions with the notable scholars in the different fields of Coptic Studies. It is premature at this time to say that this primary object has fully been met. However, it is safe to say that great strides has been taken toward achieving it. The impression gotten from the scholars was that the Society's publications and activities has for the most part been well received. They were even acknowledged during one of the presentations. This is a great improvement over what was experienced in 1992 during the previous congress. The road is still long and dues have not been fully paid yet! The Copts in Germany: This trip allowed us to have a first-hand look at the Coptic community living in Germany. Unlike the main Coptic immigrant communities in the US, Canada, and Australia; this community is highly assimilated in the German Society. Many of its members have been in the country for up to 30 years and most of those have German wives. There is relative concentration in the big cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin; but the numbers are rather small. According to Bishop Demian, the Coptic bishop of Germany, there is about 800 families scattered throughout Germany. They are served by seven churches and a new monastery, but not every church has a resident priest to pray regularly. There is also a good number of students enrolled in German Universities which apart from their excellent academic reputation are tuition-free! There is also two young Copts who will be

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter 9. The Restoration of Coptic Wall Paintings from the Coptic Museum, by Mr. Ashraf Nageh.

10. The Thought of St. Shenouda of Atripe, by Mr. Maged S. Mikhail of the St. Shenouda Society.

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