Coptic News: Church

Pope Tawadros II consecrates altars and icons at St. Mark the Apostle Cathedral, church says

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:58:59 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 16 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II consecrated the icons and altars of the Cathedral of St. Mark the Apostle in Mallawi. The cathedral serves as the headquarters for the Diocese of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein. The consecration followed renovations and the addition of a ground-floor church to the building, which was originally built in 1927 by the late Fr. Manassa Youhanna.

Metropolitan Demetrios, Metropolitan of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein, laid the foundation stone for the church's complete renovation on 3 May 2025. During the consecration, three altars on the first floor were dedicated: the main altar for St. Mark the Apostle; a southern altar for St. Pope Kyrillos VI, St. Pope Youannes XV, and the Patriarchal Fathers; and a northern altar for St. Pope Demetrios the Vinedresser and Fr. Bishoy Kamel. The Pantocrator icons above the altars and the icons on the iconostasis were also consecrated, the church said.

On the ground floor, altars were consecrated for St. Mary the Virgin and St. Demiana the Martyr; St. Pope Athanasius the Apostolic and the Fathers of the Three Ecumenical Councils; and St. George the Martyr, St. Mina the Martyr, and the Holy Martyrs. The church said the event coincided with the Golden Jubilee of the diocese's establishment and the 40th anniversary of Metropolitan Demetrios's episcopal ministry.

Pope Tawadros II also elevated six priests from the Diocese of Mallawi to the rank of Hegumen. The elevated priests are Fr. Pavlos Beshara, Fr. Pimen Fakhry, Fr. Augustinos Elia, Fr. Basilios Kromer, Fr. Abdel-Messih Agaiby, and Fr. Elia Anis. The Pope also noted that the first phase of the Kom Maria Project was completed the previous day.

Sources

H.H. Pope Tawadros II Consecrates St. Mark Cathedral in the Diocese of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Pope Tawadros II inaugurates club at elderly home, church says

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:58:59 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 15 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II visited the St. Mary and Pope Shenouda III Home for the Elderly and inaugurated its affiliated club.

According to the church, the Pope toured the departments of a center that serves 170 persons with visual impairments and employs 50 trainers. The Pope visited the Psycho-Acoustic Therapy (Psychometer) Hall, the Montessori Hall, the handicrafts exhibition, and the nursery and primary school classroom. The church said the Pope expressed admiration for the high standard maintained in all departments of the center.

The church said the Pope met with the residents of the Home and spoke with them about their well-being. To mark the new Coptic year, the Pope joined in chanting the hymn “O Coptic Bride of the Redeemer,” the church said.

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H.H. Pope Tawadros II Visits the “Life Together” Center for the Inclusion and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities and Their Families, and St. Mary and Pope Shenouda III Home in Deir El-Barsha,, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Pope Tawadros II attends Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein, church says

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:51:01 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 16 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II attended a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein. The event took place during a pastoral visit to the diocese that began the previous day, according to the church.

During the celebration, Pope Tawadros II expressed gratitude for the security of the country and stated: "We thank God for the security our country enjoys. Love for the homeland strengthens our peace and security, and everyone, according to their responsibility, should plant, participate in, and nurture this school of love for the homeland."

The Pope noted that the words "Egypt" and "Egyptians" appear more than 700 times in the Holy Bible, which he said helps people learn to love their homeland and serves as a source of pride. The celebration was attended by the Governor of Minya, Major General Emad Kedwany, alongside military, security, religious, and parliamentary officials, the church said.

Metropolitan Demetrios, the Metropolitan of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein, expressed thanks to everyone during his address, the church said. At the conclusion of the event, Pope Tawadros II presented the Golden Jubilee Shield of the Diocese of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein to the Governor of Minya, according to the statement.

Sources

H.H. Pope Tawadros II Attends the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Establishment of the Diocese of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Pope Tawadros II visits the Diocese of Beba, El-Fashn, and Sumusta, church says

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:51:01 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 19 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II arrived at the headquarters of the Diocese of Beba, El-Fashn, and Sumusta during a visit that began earlier that day.

Bishop Estefanos, the Bishop of the Diocese of Beba and El-Fashn, welcomed the Pope, the church said. The procession of Pope Tawadros II then moved toward the main church, the Church of St. George the Martyr.

During the visit, Pope Tawadros II congratulated the congregation regarding the upcoming Feast of the Cross and mentioned the Silver Jubilee of the ordination of Bishop Estefanos, the church said. The Pope stated that the Church is a place for worship, purity of heart, and drawing closer to God.

Pope Tawadros II said the Church is where people learn to live a righteous life with God and learn faithfulness in thoughts, relationships, and conduct, citing Revelation 2:10. The Pope also expressed thanks to God for living in Egypt, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the security authorities in Beni Suef, the Director of Security, and his assistants, the church said.

Sources

H.H. Pope Tawadros II Arrives at the Headquarters of the Diocese of Beba, El-Fashn, and Sumusta, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Pope Tawadros II delivers sermon on the Law of Enlightenment Through the Cross, church says

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:57:28 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 30 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II delivered a weekly Wednesday sermon at the Church of St. Mary and St. Athanasius the Apostolic in Al-Rabia, El Shorouk City. During the sermon, the Pope spoke on the Law of Enlightenment Through the Cross as part of a series titled Spiritual Laws for Life.

According to the church, the Pope read from Psalm 34:1–5 and reflected on Psalm 34:5 during celebrations for the Feast of the Discovery of the Wood of the Holy Cross. The Pope explained that enlightenment is the presence of light within the human heart, which is sourced from the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. The Pope also outlined five blessings of enlightenment through the Cross, the church said.

Sources

“Spiritual Laws for Life” Series (17): “The Law of Enlightenment Through the Cross” at the Wednesday Meeting, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Pope Tawadros II inaugurates CTS Theological Studies Program, church says

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:57:28 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 8 October 2026 that Pope Tawadros II inaugurated the CTS Theological Studies Program at the St. Mark Coptic Academy headquarters in the Papal Residence at St. Bishoy Monastery in Wadi El-Natrun. The church said the program is the first educational program offered by the Academy and includes 37 students from several dioceses of the See of St. Mark.

During the inauguration, the Pope delivered an address regarding the importance of scientific research within the Coptic Church. The church said the Pope highlighted the Academy's role in preserving the Apostolic Tradition and Patristic heritage through cooperation with theological colleges and institutes while utilizing modern technological tools and advancing academic research methodologies.

Sources

H.H. Pope Tawadros II Inaugurates the CTS Theological Studies Program at St. Mark Coptic Academy, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Pope Tawadros II meets Bahraini Minister, church says

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:57:28 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 29 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II received H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa at the Papal Residence in Cairo. The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance attended the meeting.

Discussions during the meeting focused on promoting peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and mutual understanding, as well as strengthening national security and safety to build stable societies, the church said. Pope Tawadros II highlighted the role of the Church’s youth forums in building capacities, developing personalities, and fostering responsibility and national belonging. The Pope also emphasized the importance of investing in young people as a pillar for a future of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Sources

H.H. Pope Tawadros II Receives H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Pope Tawadros II meets South Shubra priests, church says

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:57:16 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 7 October 2026 that Pope Tawadros II met with the priests of the South Shubra Churches Sector and their families. The meeting followed the Pope's weekly Wednesday Meeting and included Bishop Makary, the General Bishop overseeing the sector. During the gathering, priests and their wives asked the Pope questions regarding ministry and pastoral work, which he answered.

Bishop Makary expressed gratitude to the Pope for his regular meetings with priests and his care for the well-being of the clergy and their families, the church said. Pope Tawadros II said: "When you celebrate the Divine Liturgy, you are a man of prayer; when you preach, you are a teacher; but when you visit your congregation in their homes, you are a father!"

Sources

H.H. Pope Tawadros II Meets with the Priests of the South Shubra Churches Sector, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates 17th centenary of the discovery of the Wood of the Holy Cross

Church Desk — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:24:23 GMT

The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 27 September 2026 that it celebrated the 17th centenary of Queen Helena's discovery of the Wood of the Holy Cross. The celebration took place at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassia in conjunction with the Feast of the Cross. Pope Tawadros II signaled the start of the event by carrying a relic of the Wood of the Holy Cross, the church said.

Metropolitan Youannes, Metropolitan of Assiut and Secretary of the Holy Synod, gave an address emphasizing the importance of keeping the Cross at the center of Christian life, according to the church. The program included a poem by cantor Ibrahim Farag of Queen Helena Church in Maadi and a theatrical performance titled “They Were in Need.” Pope Tawadros II concluded the celebration by commending the theatrical performance and expressing appreciation to Metropolitan Youannes and the cantor, the church said.

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Celebration Marking 17 Centuries Since the Discovery of the Wood of the Holy Cross Attending by H.H. Pope Tawadros II and Members of the Holy Synod, Coptic Orthodox Church.