Le Caire, le 28 juillet 2024

Le Conseil des Patriarches et Évêques Catholiques d'Égypte dénonce ce qui a été présenté lors de l'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques en France.

Lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture, il y a eu une moquerie flagrante du Christ, où le tableau de "La Cène" a été remplacé par une scène débordant de sensualité et de mépris des valeurs humaines en général et chrétiennes en particulier. La cérémonie a consacré la laideur et a exagéré l'exaltation du plaisir et de la luxure.

Le comité d'organisation des Jeux Olympiques a dépassé les bornes en blessant les sentiments des chrétiens, en déviant de l'objectif du sport qui, en de telles occasions, cherche à construire des ponts de rapprochement entre les peuples et les cultures différentes, à approfondir les concepts des valeurs humaines communes et à préserver la dignité humaine.

Cairo, 28 July 2024.The Presidency of the Protestant Church of Egypt, headed by Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki, expresses its deep sorrow over the inappropriate artwork presented in the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Paris 2024, which contained a scene embodying the symbolism of the “Last Supper” image, that holds great significance in the history of Christian faith and doctrine.

We also stress that The Olympic Games ceremonies should never be used as a platform for religious or cultural conflict or for an attempt of offense in any shape or form. On the contrary, these ceremonies should play their historical role in accommodating and encouraging athletes from all over the world, respecting diversity and promoting understanding among peoples, nations and cultures. What happened in Paris strikes the roots of moral values aimed by the athleticism of the Olympic games, We warn that such acts may cause the International Olympic Committee to lose its distinctive athletic identity and humanitarian message.

L'Église Copte Orthodoxe, sous la direction de Sa Sainteté le Pape Tawadros II, exprime sa profonde indignation et sa condamnation quant à la mise en scène de la Cène du Christ avec ses disciples lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques de Paris 2024. Cette représentation concerne le sacrement de l'Eucharistie, le plus ancien et le plus sacré des sacrements et des pratiques de l'Église.

Il est regrettable que la manière dont cette scène a été présentée constitue une grave offense à l'un des fondements de base sur lesquels repose le christianisme.

Il est étonnant de voir cette scène lors de l'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques, alors que de tels actes sont en contradiction avec la Charte olympique et ses valeurs fondamentales déclarées, qui appellent au respect des principes éthiques universels de base et à l'exemplarité, ainsi qu'au respect de tous sans discrimination. Ce que nous avons vu lors de cette cérémonie d'ouverture contredit ces valeurs en promouvant des idéologies spécifiques qui n'ont aucun rapport avec le sport, lequel devrait rassembler et non diviser.

The Coptic Orthodox Church, headed by H.H. Pope Tawadros II, expresses its deep disapproval and denunciation at what was included in the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, in which the scene of the Last Supper of the Lord Christ with His disciples was included. This is the event when the sacrament of the Eucharist was established; the oldest and most sacred sacrament and practice of the Church. The way this scene was presented seriously offends one of the main religious beliefs on which Christianity is based.

It is strange to see this scene at the opening of the Olympics, at a time when such actions contradict the Olympic Charter and its declared values, which call for respect of universal moral principles, the value of setting a good example, and respecting everyone without discrimination. We saw the opposite of this reflected in the aforementioned opening ceremony, in order to advance certain intellectual agendas that serve trends unrelated to sports, which should unite, not divide…

The Chaldean Church condemns what happened in Olympics

What happened at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics is shameful and a mockery of the Christian religion, hurting the faith and feelings of more than two and a half billion Christians in the world. The Islamic religion was also violated by burning the Quran in Sweden. These heinous acts are completely unacceptable and the Olympics image does not shine with.

Secularism, as it presents itself, is not hostile to religions, but rather respects everyone, believers and non-believers. This is a positive thing…

Mk 6,30-34

In last Sunday’s Gospel (Mk 6:7-13), we learned of the Lord’s disciples’ mission: to meet the world in their pain.

It is not about waiting for those who suffer to come and knock on the Church’s door, but about seeking them out, joining them, and sharing in their pain.

The disciples were sent out by their Master. They did not take many tools or develop specific strategies. They left empty-handed, and because of this, they experienced the weaknesses and pains that affect human life.

Thus, to heal this soul illness, there is only one remedy: to become a person who is welcoming and hospitable to others so they can unburden themselves without fear.

“We are proud of our children in Matn, Lebanon, the Levant, and the entire world; we are proud of them being pioneers in their societies.”

July 21, 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Orthodox Family, emphasized the role of the members of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in all places and at various times. His Beatitude stressed the importance of the saying by Saint Elias, who is being celebrated: “The Lord lives” in the life of every person who feels the mercies of God, the Father of lights. His Beatitude Patriarch John X uttered these words at the end of the Sunday Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskinos (Mansour) of São Paulo and all of Brazil, in the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Elias - Shouwaya, with the participation of His Eminence Bishop Ghattas (Hazeem), Metropolitan of Baghdad and Kuwait and their Dependencies and His Eminence Bishop Constantine (Kayal), Head of the Patriarchal Monastery Saint Elias - Shouwaya, and a group of clergymen. As well as, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs attended the Divine Liturgy.

On the evening of Wednesday 17 July 2024, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, delivered his weekly Sermon at the Wednesday meeting in the Cathedral of the Annunciation and Archangel Gabriel in Mahmoudiyah; Alexandria, Egypt. The Sermon was broadcasted on Christian satellite channels and the C.O.C channel of the Church’s Media Center on the Internet.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II prayed the raising of incense of vespers, with the participation of their Eminences the General Bishops supervising the pastoral sectors in Alexandria, Hegumen Abraam Emil (General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria), the Priests of the Church, and a number of Priests from Alexandria.

Before the Sermon, His Grace Anba Hermina, (the General Bishop of the churches of the eastern sector of Alexandria), and Father Morcos Mikhail (priest of the church), welcomed the visit of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, expressing words of love for him.

On July 15, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited the construction site of the Latakia Community Center, Syria.

He inspected the progress in the work as well as the plans and different stages of the project.

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was accompanied by their Eminences: Mor Boutros Kassis, Archbishop of Aleppo and Environs, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, Mr. Louay Oussi, and Mr. Maher Kourieh.

On July 14, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, visited His Excellency Mor Julian Yacoub Mrad, Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Homs, Hama and Nabak, at his headquarters in Homs, Syria.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, accompanied His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II during this visit.

On July 13, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, arrived to Homs, Syria, and presided over the Ramsho Prayer, at the Lady of the Girdle (Zunoro) Cathedral.

Their Eminences: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, attended the Prayer.

On July 14, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, celebrated the Holy Qurobo at St. Georges Church in Zaydal, Syria.

His Holiness was assisted by their Eminences: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary. His Grace Bishop Mor Iwannis Boulos Al-Souqi was also present.

During the Holy Qurobo, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II bestowed the Pectoral Cross to the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Gabriel Hazim in appreciation of his years of ministry to the parish in Zaydal.

the “Study Zone” Center in Damascus

On July 12, 2024, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, inaugurated the “Study Zone” Center in Damascus which is under the administration of Hope Center.

The inauguration was attended by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, and Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education as well as His Excellency Mgr. Hanna Jallouf, Latin Apostolic Vicar in Syria, and representatives from other Churches…

The Armenological Center of the Educational-Armenological Department at the Catholicosate of Cilicia held its 2023-2024 graduation ceremony in Bikfaya, attended by the Cilician Brotherhood, faculty members, students, and graduates. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches, presided over the ceremony and distributed certificates to the graduates.

Mr. Aharon Shekerdemian, Director of the Center, opened the ceremony with heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness for his unwavering support of the Center and extended congratulations to the graduates. Marina Daghlian, representing the students, delivered an inspiring speech.

On Friday, June 29/July 12, 2024, the feast of the glorious and Chiefs of the Apostles Peter and Paul was celebrated by the Patriarchate.

On this feast, the Church especially remembers these two holy Apostles, Peter, brother of Andrew the first-called, following Christ from Tiberias, confessing Him “as the Son of God”, denying Him, being accepted again through repentance, preaching Him, writing two Catholic epistles of the New Testament and martyred in Rome through a cross in AD 66.

The Church also remembers the Apostle Paul as a persecutor of Christ and His Church, as one who was called by a vision and became a chosen vessel, preaching Christ above all things, as is witnessed in the Acts of the Apostles and in his fourteen epistles and having testified during the reign of Nestor in Rome and was beheaded.

Mark 6:7-13

In today's Gospel passage (Mark 6:7-13), we read about a significant transition in the story of Jesus and the disciples.

After Jesus has called his friends to accompany him and instructed them in the way of the Kingdom, he now sends them out, meaning he entrusts them with the Word of peace and reconciliation so that they may begin to bring it to all who longed to hear it, even without knowing it.

We first observe that at this point in the Gospel, the disciples have not come to a particular knowledge and understanding of their master: the last time Jesus addressed them, as we saw two Sundays ago, had been to rebuke them for their lack of faith. Yet, immediately thereafter, Jesus sends them in his name and entrusts them with the same power he had, that of healing people.

I am pleased to welcome every one of you and to thank you for being here to participate in this Synod, in spite of the challenges that our Church is currently facing and the overall complicated social, political and security circumstances, in a hope that this meeting will bring to live Psalm (133/ 1) “How pleasant it is, when brothers dwell together”, especially when our gathering is for the benefit of our Church and our people.

First of all, I thank God for giving me strength, wisdom, and determination that enabled me to go through the crisis of withdrawing Presidential decree (147) of 2013 as well as several malicious complaints. However, most of you may know that I, personally was not the target (as being told by some officials), but the purpose was rather to seize Church properties.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, anointed the body of Saint Bishoy, on Tuesday 9 July 2024, in his Monastery in Wadi Natroun, Egypt, on the occasion of his Feast, which the Coptic Church celebrates this coming Monday (8th of Abib, corresponding to the 15th of July).

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II arrived at the Monastery this afternoon and was received by His Grace Bishop Aghapious, Bishop and Abbot of the Monastery, Bishops and the Monastery’s Monks…

His Holiness Pope Francis has approved a set of norms guiding the Foundation entrusted to the Jesuits and developed by the Apostleship of Prayer that broadcasts "The Pope Video" with his monthly prayer intentions thanks to a network in 89 countries.

Vatican News

His Holiness Pope Francis has approved new statutes guiding the Vatican foundation that oversees the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network. Made public on 8 July, the new statutes recognize the history of the initiative and its mission. The Secretariat for the Economy now holds reponsibility for final approval of budgets and the appointment of a sole auditor, tasks previously entrusted to the Secretariat of State.

From the General Secretariat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

On Sunday, June 24/July 7, 2024, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Forerunner and Baptist John in the Holy Monastery named after him, located in today’s suburb of Ein Karem, which is also his birthplace.

During this Feast, the whole Church, especially the one in Jerusalem, remembers that the Holy Forerunner is the fruit of childless parents, Zacharias and Elizabeth, according to the testimony of the Evangelist Luke. Elizabeth hid her pregnancy for five months until Mariam visited her in the hill country, having gone in haste from Nazareth. Zacharias’ speechlessness was resolved when he wrote John’s name on a tablet (Luk. 1, 5-25).