AP Photos: Egypt's minority Coptic Christians choose new pope
A blindfolded child reached into a crystal chalice and pulled out a slip of paper — and Egypt’s Coptic Christians had a new pope.
Egypt's Coptic Christian church chooses new pope for uncertain times as Islamists gain power
Egypt’s ancient Coptic Christian Church named a new pope on Sunday to spiritually guide the community through a time when many fear for their future with the rise of Islamists to power and deter…
Final Three Papal Candidates Announced for Altar Lot
After a very well organized and orderly day where events unfolded as expected, a total of 2256 out of 2417 (93,3%) eligible voters came to cast their vote. The final results were announced by H.E. Metropolitan Pakhomious: – H.G. Bishop Roufail 1980 votes – H.G. Bishop Tawadros 1623 votes – Fr. Roufail Ava Mina 1530 votes – Fr. Serafim Al-Souriany 680 votes – Fr. Bakhomious Al-Souriany 305 votes Based on these numbers the three candidates – …
New Permanent Location for St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church
With great joy we announce that St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church has moved to a new permanent location in the city of Tustin. The mission of St. Paul Church is to be an open multi-cultured community where people of all ethnic backgrounds who join the Church can feel welcome and at home. With God’s grace, the new location will allow the community of St. Paul to expand their services.
Egypt's Coptic Christian Church narrows candidates to succeed charismatic longtime pope
A council of Egypt’s Coptic Christians voted on Monday in a process that will lead to the selection of a new pope for the ancient church, as the community struggles to assert its identity and ri…
Biographies of the Candidates for the 118th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria
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 – …
Update Concerning the Election of the 118th Pope and Patriarch
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 – …
Joint Statement of the Diocese and the Muslim Public Affairs Council
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 – …
Thousands Sign Petition Supporting Bishop Serapion
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: – …
Summary of the Upcoming Process for Electing the 118th Pope and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark
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 – …
Diocese and Muslim Public Affairs Council to Hold Joint Press Conference on Monday, September 17
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 – …
Q&A: Coptic Christians on film sparking protests
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…