Our Coptic brothers and sisters are asking for our prayers on December 4, 2010 at 10:30 am. Let us remember those suffering Christians in Egypt, as well as those persecuted Christians in Iraq, in Iran, in Pakistan, in India, in Sudan and elsewhere and remember to pray for the souls of those who went ahead of us. In particular let us pray for the Church of Christ that we may soon become ONE CHURCH. -Catholic Defender. (visit copticchurch.net)
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| His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of the Coptic Church |
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:
- Pray for the peace of the Church and for our beloved father and shepherd, Holiness Pope Shenouda iii.
- We pray for the souls of the martyrs and their families, and those who are unjustly imprisoned, injured and all who are suffering.
- Pray for peace and security in Egypt, and for our beloved President, and all officials.
- 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 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
we can also consider them as a another Church with apostolic succession since Pope Shenouda III is also a successor of St. Mark the Evangelist. And St. Mark is also St. Peter's youngest companion.
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