Age: 54, Born in Cairo, Egypt, 1958 Education: M.D., Ayn Shams University, Pope Shenouda III Seminary Graduate. Ordination: A monk at Paramous monastery in 1990 under the name of Fr. Yostos, Ordained a General Bishop in 1997. Profession: Medical Doctor Prior Name: Michael Aryan Halim Age: 60, Born in Mansor, Egypt – 1952 Education: Pharmacy Degree, Alexandria University, Seminary School Degree Fellowship with International Health Institute, England. Ordination: Ordained a monk in St. Pishoy Monastery – …

With God’s grace, the Papal Nominations Committee of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church has thoroughly examined the list of 17 candidates for Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria. After giving each candidate much consideration, the list of 17 was reduced to a list of 5 names, which include: His Grace Bishop Rofail, General Bishop for the Downtown Cairo Churches His Grace Bishop Tawadrous, General Bishop in the Metropolitanate of El Beheira Fr. Raphael – …

The Diocese of Los Angeles, under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Serapion, and the Muslim Public Affairs Council jointly issued a statement on September 17, 2012 responding to the tragic film, The Innocence of Muslims, and the subsequent violence and persecution. The statement says, We collectively condemn desecration directed at any religion, namely the anti- Muslim film “Innocence of Muslims.” We strongly reject any humiliation or ridicule directed at the tenets or the respected figures – …

On Sunday, September 23, 2012, the children of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of the Southern United States enthusiastically signed a petition in Arabic and English supporting our beloved father, His Grace Bishop Serapion. Specifically, the petition was made against the wholly baseless and inappropriate accusation from the Egyptian Attorney General that Bishop Serapion or the Diocese was in any way involved in the film, The Innocence of Muslims. The English translation stated: – …

On September 20, 2012, the Clergy Synod of the Diocese of Los Angeles convened to discuss the recent disturbing news that His Grace Bishop Serapion was subpoenaed by the Egyptian Attorney General over his alleged involvement in the misguided film, The Innocence of Muslims. The news was particularly disturbing in light of the fact that Bishop Serapion, as well as the locum tenens of the See of St. Mark, His Eminence Metropolitan Bakhomious, made it very clear that – …

On September 21, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States (suscopts.org) issued a comprehensive summary of the upcoming process for nominating the 118th Pope and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. We quote from this excellent guide: The Holy Synod has approved the final list of voters. There are 2405 voters who will take part in this historical event. The voting process for the 118th Pope of the See of Alexandria will – …

On Monday, September 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., the Muslim Public Affairs Council and the Coptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Los Angeles, will hold a joint press conference to stand together in strongly condemning all violent reactions that have been playing out over the past several days in the Middle East. SEE: “MPAC Condemns Attacks on U.S. Embassies, Calls for Protection of All U.S. Personnel” (mpac.org) ALSO SEE: “Urgent Press Release: Diocese Condemns Inflammatory Film – …

The key figure behind “Innocence of Muslims,” a film denigrating Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, says he is Coptic Christian. The film has sparked protests in the Middle East and is implicated i…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — We strongly condemn the brutal murder of the United States ambassador to Libya and three of the embassy employees. In order for peace to reign throughout the world, brutality and hatred must be swiftly condemned and punished. Hope must be brought to desperate places, kindness and mercy must be given a chance. However, hope will not thrive in the midst of hatred and violence. Therefore, those who are responsible for this brutal – …

On Saturday, August 25, 2012, the Diocese community gathered at St. Mark Church and St. Mary and St. Athanasius Church around our beloved father, Bishop Serapion, for the 2012 Mahragan Al Keraza Competition. This year, for the first time, the competition was divided between two churches because of the sheer number of teams participating.  Over 140 teams from almost 30 parishes participated in this wonderful event after preparing for months. Approximately 60 teams gathered at St. – …

With God’s grace, we present to you the schedule of testing for the 2012 Mahragan Al Keraza Competition that will be held, God willing, at both St. Mary and St. Athanasius (Northridge) and St. Mark Church (LA). The following churches will be at St. Mark Church: Archangel Michael Church (Santa Ana) St. Demiana Church (San Diego) St. George Church (Bellflower) St. Marina Church St. Mark Church (Los Angeles) St. Mary Church (Victorville) St. Mary Magdalene Church – …

We’re approaching that time of year again when we all converge upon one location and enjoy each other’s company at the Annual GYP Fall Convention. This year’s retreat is extra special since it will be our 10th Anniversary – marked by a commemorative event. In honor of this milestone, you will also have the opportunity to compete in a string of challenges that are sure to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your sportsmanship, mind-bending – …