Words and Prayers from the Ecumenical Day of Prayer and Solidarity for Christians Suffering in Egypt in New York

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Prayer at Ecumenical Day of Prayer and Solidarity, New York

His Excellency Most Reverend Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt

JCD, the current Permanent Observer of the Holy See of Vatican to the
United Nations

His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian

Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America

H.G. Bishop Serapion, Bishop of Los Angeles

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H.G. Bishop Youssef, Bishop of the Southern United States

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H.G. Bishop Suriel, Bishop of Melbourne, Australia

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H.G. Bishop David, General Bishop - North America

Ecumenical Day of Prayer and Solidarity for Christians Suffering in Egypt

As the world follows the unfortunate events affecting Christians in Egypt and experiences the pain and injustice they face because of their faith, the Coptic Orthodox bishops of the United States, including Their Graces Bishop Serapion, Bishop Youssef, Bishop Macarious, Bishop David, and Bishop Michael have called for a Day of Prayer and Solidarity on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.

Confident in the promise of God that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against [the Church]" (Matt. 16:18), all of the bishops, priests and people will celebrate Divine Liturgy on this day to express solidarity with Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt who are undergoing painful circumstances because of their faith.

This Day of Prayer and Solidarity is an ecumenical one, reflecting the words of St. Paul the Apostle "that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Cor. 12:25-26).

On this day, there will be a joint prayer at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral (Corner of 34th St. & 2nd Avenue, New York, NY). In addition, all Coptic Orthodox churches in America will celebrate Divine Liturgies on the morning of Tuesday, December 14.

We call upon all members of the Church to pray for Christians in Egypt. We call upon anyone who wishes to express feelings of outrage and solidarity with our brethren in Egypt to be objective and do so in a manner worthy of the Christian teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. We call upon everyone to pray for the following:

1. Pray for the peace of the Church and for our beloved father and shepherd, Holiness Pope Shenouda iii.
2. We pray for the souls of the martyrs and their families, and those who are unjustly imprisoned, injured and all who are suffering.
3. Pray for peace and security in Egypt, and for our beloved President, and all officials.
4. Pray for those who mistreat us and persecute us, as our Lord taught, that they may  see the beauty of God in justice and equality.

Bishop Serapion 

Bishop of Los Angeles  

Bishop Youssef 

Bishop of the Southern United States 

Bishop Macarius 

General Bishop-North America

Bishop David 

General Bishop-North America

Bishop Michael

General Bishop Virginia & nearby parishes

Download the Arabic announcement (pdf)

Download the English announcement (pdf)

"He is a Chosen Vessel of Mine" (Acts 9:15) - Pope Shenouda III

On Sunday, 14th November 2010 the Coptic Orthodox Church worldwide will celebrated the 39th Anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III as the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Holy and Apostolic See of St. Mark. The unprecedented revival of the Coptic Church toward the second half of the 20th Century and the first decade of the 21st Century is one of the great historical events of world Christianity. This is directly due to the charismatic and dynamic leadership of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, who has transformed the entire landscape of the Church.

Congratulate His Holiness on Tasbeha.org

Blessed Holy Week and availability of the Holy Pascha book

As we draw near to the end of Great Lent, we look forward to the holiest week of the year, Holy Week. A week where one is immersed in the holy bible and follows our Lord Jesus Christ's steps to the cross and resurrection. In an effort to help you concentrate and follow Holy Week readings, we are glad to announce that we have reprinted the Holy Pascha Book. This book contains the text and rites of one of the most holiest seasons in the Coptic Orthodox Church. All Holy Week readings are in English, Coptic, and Arabic. This edition presents the text in a clear, understandable and readable manner to aid the reader in truly immersing himself in Holy Week. With the grace of God, we have reprinted this book in its second edition after the first edition ran out in a few weeks. Order yours today so you have it in time for Holy Week. For more information visit: http://www.CopticChurch.net/paschabook/ Discount available for orders of 10 or more books, contact us for more details.

Press Release regarding massacre of innocent Coptic Christians in Nag Hammadi, Egypt

Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America

The Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America condemns the massacre of eight innocent Coptic Orthodox Christians in Nag Hammadi, Egypt following Christmas Eve liturgy on January 6, 2010. Witnesses reported that three gunmen opened fire on the Christians as they were exiting the church. In addition to the eight young Coptic Orthodox Christians who were killed, several others remain in critical condition.

The joy of Christmas, celebrated on January 7 according to the Coptic Orthodox Calendar, was extinguished by the mourning which filled the streets for a heartbreaking funeral procession for the victims on Christmas day. The youngest of the victims was only seventeen years old. The following day brought more destruction. Numerous homes and businesses were set ablaze leaving many homeless or without a livelihood.

This violence which took place on Christmas day in Egypt is yet another in a long series of incidents of violence, killing, looting, destruction and arson that have occurred in Egypt against Coptic Orthodox Christians. These extreme acts of brutality, which the Church has continually suffered throughout its history, have escalated in recent years.

His Grace Bishop David and the Reverend Priests of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America condemn the attacks on innocent Christians, express great concern for those in Nag Hammadi, send their condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this horrific act, including the family of the lone security guard of the Church, who also lost his life, and call upon all people to pray for the safety of the Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt.

The Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, comprised of approximately 105 churches, has announced daily Divine Liturgies and a voluntary fast from January 13-15, 2010 (Wednesday - Friday).

Following this special fast, on Saturday, January 16, 2010, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, His Grace Bishop David and the Clergy of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America will celebrate a Divine Liturgy in memory of the Nag Hammadi martyrs at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, located at 433 Riva Ave, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

The names of the martyrs of Nag Hammadi will also be mentioned during each Divine Liturgy celebrated until the 40 Day Memorial, and the Church will continue to pray for the recovery of those who remain in critical condition.

In response to questions regarding public expression, the Church does not discourage anyone from exercising their rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. However, the Church reminds each person to conduct him or herself in a peaceful and Christian manner.

We pray for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, all the Metropolitans and Bishops of the Church; that God may strengthen them. We also pray for the peace and safety of the land of Egypt; that God may grant the leaders the wisdom to protect the rights of all Egyptian citizens.