Press Release: HH Pope Tawadros II receives the title 'Defender of Pro Oriente' in Austria on 27 May 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use 

28 May 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark received the title ‘Defender of Pro Oriente’ by the Pro Oriente Foundation on 27 May 2013 during his twelve day visit to Austria.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was awarded the title of ‘Defender of Pro Oriente’ by His Eminence Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna during a ceremony held by the Pro Oriente foundation in Vienna’s Archbishop’s Palace. The ceremony marks the tenth anniversary of the official recognition of the Coptic Orthodox Church by the Austrian parliament.

The Pro Oriente Foundation was established in 1964 by Cardinal Franz König (1905-2004) in order to maintain the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

The award comes just weeks after Pope Tawadros visited His Holiness Pope Francis, 40 years after his predecessor, His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, who signed the official Christological agreement with the late Pope Paul VI.

In his address, Pope Tawadros said: 

‘Unity is the norm and essence of our Christian identity and character, and separation is the exception to that norm’

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, accompanying His Holiness in Austria, said:

'We have seen yet another historic event as this award comes only weeks after His Holiness Pope Tawadros was received by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. This visit, among those previous, indicates the firm commitment on all parts toward a realised unity and continued ecumenical dialogue and relations.' 

During his 12-day visit to Austria, Pope Tawadros will consecrate five Coptic churches, deliver numerous sermons, and on 28 May 2013, meet with Federal President Heinz Fischer at Hofburg Palace. On Saturday 1 June, His Holiness will pray the Divine Liturgy in St Mary Cathedral in celebration of the great Coptic feast ‘The entry of the Holy Family in Egypt’. On Sunday 2nd June Pope Tawadros will visit the Syrian Orthodox Church of St. Efrem in the 13th District of Vienna before returning to Cairo.

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Christian thoughts on liberty, equality and social justice - by HG Bishop Angaelos

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His Holiness Pope Tawadros II visits His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome on the 9th and 10th May 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

10 May 2013
 

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK Media and Communications Office

Official Media Office for The Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark visited His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on the 9^th and 10^th of May 2013.

This historic visit marks 40 years since His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, and His Holiness the late Pope Paul VI signed the Christological agreement between their respective Churches in the Vatican in 1973.

Accompanying Pope Tawadros, are His Eminence Metropolitan Pakhomious of Boheira and Pentapolis, His Eminence Metropolitan Hedra of Aswan, His Grace Bishop Serapion of Los Angeles, HG Bishop Kyrellos of Milan, HG Bishop Raphaeil, General secretary of the Holy Synod, HG Bishop Barnaba of Turin, HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, HG Bishop Epiphanious, Abbot of the monastery of St Macarious, and Papal secretaries Father Angelos Ishak and Father Seraphim el Souriani.

In his official address Pope Tawadros said:

‘We appreciate all we have in common and need to work together to improve the relationships between our ancient Churches and prepare our people for our greater unity.’

In response to Pope Tawadros, Pope Francis said:

‘I am convinced that – under the guidance of the Holy Spirit – our persevering prayer, our dialogue and the will to build communion day by day in mutual love will allow us to take important further steps towards full unity.’

Speaking from Rome as part of the official delegation accompanying His Holiness Pope Tawadros, HG Bishop Angaelos, also Co-chair of the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum in the United Kingdom said:

‘This has been a historic meeting, as it is the first international visit by Pope Tawadros II, who is also the first head of Church to be received by Pope Francis after his installation. During this visit we have seen, in the two fathers of these ancient Apostolic Churches, a real commitment to working together for realised unity.

While centuries have kept us apart for a variety of reasons, it is clear that continued ecumenical dialogue and relations over the past decades have continued to bring us closer.’

The formal meeting was followed by a private prayer service in Pope Francis’ private chapel, led by Pope Tawadros and Pope Francis.

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Resources

Address of the Holy Father Pope Francis to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II

http://www.news.va/en/news/to-his-holiness-pope-tawadros-ii-pope-of-alexandri

Coverage on Twitter http://www.Twitter.com/BishopAngaelos

http://www.Twitter.com/CopticMediaUK

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to meet His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

8 May 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark will visit His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266 Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

This visit comes 40 years after His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, and His Holiness the late Pope Paul VI signed the Christological agreement between their respective Churches in 1973.

Pope Shenouda III’s visit to Rome came approximately one thousand five hundred years after the Christological schism of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, and encouraged the move towards greater unity between the Churches.

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