15 - 21 November 2001
Issue No.560
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 15 - 21 November 2001 Issue No.560 |
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In the seat of St Mark
THE COPTIC Orthodox Church celebrated last Friday the 30th anniversary of the rise of Pope Shenouda III to head the Diocese of St Mark. A ceremony was held in Alexandria and dignitaries from various churches flocked to the Coptic Cathedral in the Cairo district of Abbasiya to pay tribute. Special hymns and chants were sung, and presentations made.
Pope Shenouda was born in August 1923, donned a monk's frock in July 1954 and was elevated to Bishop for educational affairs in September 1962. After the death of Pope Kyrollos VI, Pope Shenouda was chosen to take up the position of Patriarch of the Coptic Church and the See of Alexandria in 1971. Pope Shenouda is the 117th patriarch to preside over the Coptic Church, which was founded after St Mark introduced Christianity in Egypt in 48 AD.
Pope Shenouda, unlike his predecessor, has been vocal on political issues. This has sometimes come at a price. He was banished to a monastery in the Western Desert by the late President Anwar El-Sadat in September 1981 as a result of a heated confrontation over the status of Copts. He was released shortly after the rise of President Hosni Mubarak to power.
Pope Shenouda won acclaim in Egypt and in many Arab countries for his anti-Zionist, pro-Palestinian stand. He was praised for saying that he will not enter Jerusalem except hand-in-hand with fellow Muslims following its liberation. Pope Shenouda is also known for his strong views on national unity between Egyptian Muslims and Christians.
One of his prominent achievements has been the establishment of Coptic churches for expatriate communities in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. At present, prayers are offered abroad at some 150 churches, most of which were built during his tenure. He also acted to upgrade the performance and capabilities of priests.
Pope Shenouda is known to be a prolific writer, having published more than 100 books and many more articles. He has received seven honourary doctorates and was awarded the UNESCO prize for tolerance last year for his promotion of a culture of peace and understanding.
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