Among the series of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center Book issues
Recently issued: “The Pope of Discourse and Communication” book
A historical record of patriotic stances for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the Patriarch of Alexandria and See of St. Mark
Introduced by:
His Grace Bishop Ermia
The General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
November 2010
Foreword
Belonging and patriotism are prominent features of Christian history since early Christian times, as the Fathers of the Church line up the most beautiful pages of true patriotism and good citizenship through a journey of history spanning nearly 20 centuries. Fathers considered that patriotism was an integral part of faith and that the defense of the homeland was no less than the defense of faith.
Since the Copts are an integral part of the fabric of the Egyptian nation, the history of the homeland, and its cultural heritage, we find it necessary to restore the national memory glittering with the sincere stances of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, the Head of the Coptic Church which embraces the homeland. He truly deserved to be called “the Patriotic Pope – the Pope of discourse and communication”, thus adding to the history a new shine of the patriotic role which His Holiness mastered, in addition to his spiritual, religious, educational and pastoral role.
Searching the history of the Church, we will find His Holiness Pope Shenouda III the most shining patriotic star among all the popes of Alexandria, he illuminated the way for all the Egyptians through his eminent patriotism. He is the Patriarch linked to the homeland, patriotism and citizenship most, he said: “Egypt is not a country we live in, but rather a country that lives in us”, thus, His Holiness the Pope had this homeland living in his heart already, this beloved country to his heart – Egypt, which lives in his depths and heart, and in all his being entity. He expressed that when said: “Egypt is our country and our mother. What hurts her does hurt us”. His love for the country was flowing, emanating patriotism inside everyone’s heart, he said: “We are Egyptians, every drop of our blood does believe in Egypt and Egyptian citizenship”. His Holiness the Pope is an honest patriotic conscience, a conscious symbol of Egyptian patriotism symbols.
Since the role of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center is to highlight those bright pages from the history of our Church, we are keen to make this book one of its first publications, as it is a historical record of the patriotic stances – the stances of discourse and communication of Pope Shenouda III, as a bundle of love offered to His Holiness on the 39th anniversary of his ordination over the See of St. Mark, we introduce it to the sons of this cherished homeland to be a luminous lamp, guiding everyone to live in love with our Egypt.
I’d like to express thanks to all who toiled in introducing this book until it is published, specially:
– The Revered Priest Basilious Sobhy, the Secretary General of Middle East Council of Churches and Professor of the Old Testament in the Seminary College.
– Engineer Emad Nasri, the personal photographer of His Holiness the Pope.
May the Lord make this book a reason of blessing to many, through the intercession of our mother St. Virgin Mary, St. Mark the Apostle, the Preacher of Egyptian homes and the prayers of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, may the Lord keep his life for several years and peaceful times.
30th of Babeh 1727 AM
9th of November 2010 AD
The Consecration of St. Mark the Apostle’s Church in Alexandria
Bishop Ermia
The General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
