The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 19 October 2026 that Pope Tawadros II attended the graduation ceremony for the first batch of the Strong Food program at the Rakuti School for Bible Study. The event was held at Saint Mark's Coptic Academy in the Monastery of Saint Anba Bishoy in Wadi El Natrun, according to the church.
\nThe graduating batch studied at Rakuti for seven years and consists of individuals aged 18 to 30, with a special section for listeners, the church said. The Rakuti School for Bible Study is a Coptic catechism school for youth affiliated with the Diocese of Assiut. In addition to the Strong Food program, the school offers the Body of Truth program, which provides specialized courses on the fundamentals of the Orthodox Christian faith, such as The Holy Trinity and the Mystery of the Incarnation and The Abundance of Grace.
\nDuring the ceremony, the Pope stated that the Church is traditional and conservative with a straight line in teaching, requiring only a new form of presentation. He explained that a successful triangle in the school consists of three elements: the youth, the Holy Bible, and the Church. The Pope noted that the area of this triangle is Lord Jesus Christ Himself, which is the vitality of the Coptic Church.
\nAnba Youannes, the Metropolitan of Assiut and Secretary of the Holy Synod, expressed gratitude to the Pope and the Saint Mark's Academy administration for hosting the Rakuti School batch and the school's conference, the church said. The Pope also thanked Father Barsoum, the priests, and the teachers, and expressed hope for the expansion of the school as it begins its eighth year.
\nThe Coptic Orthodox Church said on 16 October 2026 that Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark and President of the Supreme Council of Theological Colleges and Church Institutes, met with members of the Central Committee for Postgraduate Studies at the Papal Headquarters in Cairo on 16 October 2026.
\nThe committee, which is a committee of the Coptic St. Mark Academy, presented a report regarding its work for the 2025–2026 academic year, according to the church. This report covered the preparation of regulations for the Postgraduate Studies Committee and the follow-up of registration, supervision, and discussion of scientific theses. The committee also presented a plan for the upcoming period to continue developing academic programs based on approved standards.
\nAt the end of the meeting, the committee gave the Pope a copy of regulations for the committee's work with theological colleges and church institutes, the church said. These regulations aim to unify postgraduate procedures between the Academy, colleges, and institutes and to regulate researcher registration, thesis registration, supervision, discussion, and the awarding of academic degrees. During the presentation, the Pope provided directives to be observed and implemented.
\nThe Coptic Orthodox Church said on 1 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II performed monastic rites for seven novices at the Convent of St. George the Martyr in Haret Zuweila and Sidi Kreir.
\nThe prayers took place at the Convent of St. George the Martyr in Sidi Kreir, where seven new nuns joined the monastic community of the Convent, the church said. The new nuns are Nun Apollonia, Nun Apivieh, Nun Agia, Nun Abigail, Nun Agnes, Nun Axani, and Nun Eudokia. Five bishops, Fr. Abraam Emil, the Patriarchal Vicar General in Alexandria, and several priests participated in the prayers, according to the church.
\nMother Athanasia, the Abbess of the Convent, participated in the prayers alongside the monastic community of nuns of the Convent and abbesses from other convents, the church said. During the Divine Liturgy homily, Pope Tawadros II expressed joy regarding the growth of monastic life in the Convent and the addition of the seven new nuns.
\nPope Tawadros II highlighted the repeated phrase \"for My name’s sake\" found in the Divine Liturgy's Gospel reading. Referring to the final verse of the day's Gospel reading, \"By your patience possess your souls\" (Luke 21:19), the Pope noted that patience allows a nun to live her monastic life and become a saint, the church said.
\nThe Coptic Orthodox Church said on 8 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II met with the wives of priests serving in the churches of Alexandria at the LOGOS Center in the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, Wadi El Natroun. The Pope shared an “Agape” lunch with the attendees, according to the church.
\nDuring the gathering, Pope Tawadros II reflected on verses from the Song of Songs. The Pope explained that Song of Songs 1:7 expresses a person's inner longing to dwell in the divine presence. He noted that Song of Songs 3:1 expresses repentance, while Song of Songs 3:2 expresses the experience of seeking and allowing the Beloved. The Pope said that Song of Songs 3:3 expresses a deep desire to see the Beloved and behold His joyful face, and he explained that Song of Songs 3:4 expresses the enjoyment of life with Christ, who guides all aspects of life.
\nThe Pope summarized the five verses using the words longing, repentance, allowing, letting go, and enjoyment, the church said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and explained that the phrase “whom I love” symbolizes Christ's perfect love for the human soul.
\nAt the end of the gathering, Pope Tawadros II presented commemorative gifts to the attendees, the church said. The meeting was attended by Bishop Pavly, General Bishop of the Churches of the Montazah Sector; Bishop Hermina, General Bishop of the Churches of the East Alexandria Sector; and Fr. Abraam Emil, Patriarchal Vicar General in Alexandria.
\nThe Coptic Orthodox Church said on 12 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II inaugurated the Christian Counselling Conference from the Papal Residence in Cairo. The conference was held online and was organised by the European Academy for Coptic Heritage in London (TEACH), according to the church.
\nThe conference was titled “A Journey Towards Healing, Counselling, and Spiritual Recovery: Overcoming a Victim Mentality and Dealing with Psychological Manipulation,” the church said. H.E. Metropolitan Youssef, Metropolitan of the Southern United States, and H.G. Bishop Angaelos, Bishop of London, were present at the event, the church said.
\nIn his opening lecture, Pope Tawadros II noted that our Lord Jesus Christ is the anchor of lives, as the marital bond between “he, she, and Christ” is a lasting union, the church said. The Pope also identified five levels of union between spouses, according to the church.
\nThe Coptic Orthodox Church said on 13 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II received a delegation from the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) led by Mr. Maximos Charakopoulos.
\nThe Assembly includes representatives from 25 parliaments, and the visiting delegation includes representatives from Greece, Romania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Jordan, Armenia, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, and Iraq, according to the church.
\nDuring the meeting, Pope Tawadros II presented an overview of Egypt's ancient history, its geographical and civilizational significance, and the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church as one of the world's oldest churches with a global presence, the church said. The Pope also spoke about the origins of monastic life in Egypt and its role as a pillar of the Coptic Church.
\nMr. Maximos praised Egypt's commitment to peace, coexistence, respect for religious diversity, and efforts to promote religious tourism and accessibility to the Holy Family Trail, the church said. He affirmed that Egypt has always been and remains a land of safety and a meeting place for religions and civilizations.
\nThe 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.
\nMetropolitan 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.
\nOn 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.
\nPope 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.
\nThe 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.
\nAccording 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.
\nThe 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.
\nThe 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.
\nDuring 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.\"
\nThe 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.
\nMetropolitan 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.
\nThe 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.
\nBishop 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.
\nDuring 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.
\nPope 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.
\nThe 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.
\nAccording 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.
\nThe 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.
\nDuring 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.
\nThe 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.
\nDiscussions 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.
\nThe 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.
\nBishop 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!\"
\nThe 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.
\nMetropolitan 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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