Statements by Vicar of Coptic Catholic Patriarch
VATICAN CITY, FEB 23 (ZENIT).- In Egypt, the cross is no less familiar to inhabitants than the proud pyramids. According to tradition, Mark the apostle arrived here, and his creed was defended at the price of the blood of martyrs who died in the time of Domitian. The Christian faith, guarded in the flowering and influential monasteries spread all over the land, is professed today in a splendid mosaic of confessions: Armenian, Syrian, Assyrian, Chaldean, Maronite, Malachite, etc.
The dominant presence is that of the most specifically Egyptian Church - the Coptic. The word comes from the Greek meaning Egypt, and indicates the ancient language of the inhabitants of the banks of the Nile. This language stems from that of the scribes of the ancient pharaohs, and continues to be used in the liturgy of this singular Christian tradition. The tradition is shared by two families: the Catholic and the Orthodox. The first is not very numerous, but it is vital. It has just over 200,000 faithful out of a total of 66 million Egyptians. It has one priest for every 500 inhabitants, but is active in 400 day-care centers, primary and secondary schools, 3 higher institutes and universities, 13 hospitals, 43 orphanages, and over 100 out-patient clinics. This small family is led by Patriarch Stephanos II Ghattas.
The Coptic Orthodox are far more numerous, embracing some 4 million, led by Pope Shenouda III, who in 1973, together with Paul VI, made a joint Christological declaration.
Another branch of Orthodoxy, the Greek, is led by the Patriarch of Alexandria, Petros VII. Like Shenouda III, he is also known by the ancient title Pope of Alexandria. Auto-cephalous, that is, independent of the other influential confessions, it is linked directly to the Greek-Orthodox Patriarchy of Jerusalem. In addition, there is the Orthodox Church of Mount Sinai, centered on the ancient Monastery of St. Katharine, which John Paul II will visit during his Egyptian pilgrimage in Moses' footsteps.
In Egypt, therefore, there is acknowledgment of, but also respect for, the great diversity the different confessions, because of the common values that unite them. For many centuries, the rich Christian presence in Egypt has been governed by relations of fraternity, good neighborliness, and competent diplomacy. John Paul II's visit could spell a significant stimulus in these areas, as confirmed to Vatican Radio by Msgr. Juhanna Kolta, Vicar of Catholic Coptic Patriarch Stephanos II.
"In the East, but especially in the Arab world, the largest and most influential is the Coptic Orthodox Church, with several million faithful. However, the Catholic Church carries out a very important role on the cultural and social plane and in development and, precisely because of this, the Arab governments have great respect for the Catholic Church. Moreover, it is not just the danger that comes from Islam, from the Muslims [that must be feared]. The danger is also represented by the fact that 14 Arab churches, 7 Catholic and 7 Orthodox, are slightly 'traditionalist,' and it is necessary to change many things, especially in the interior of each one and among them. This is the great difficulty they must address. The Pope's visit, at least from the psychological point of view, will be of great help. John Paul II will call at the door of the Patriarch of Alexandria. This gesture will, indeed, give luster to the Coptic Church, but it will also be a lesson of opening and humility," explained the vicar.
Msgr. Kolta spoke about this topic in the Greek Catholic parish of St. Cyril in Cairo, which was transformed for a day into a press office, in which local and international reporters were given further details on the papal trip. The reporters and special envoys insisted on referring to the political questions, like Iraq, the Nazareth mosque, Israel's responsibility in the Middle East. But Msgr. Kolta, the Church spokesman, took advantage of the moment to indulge in a bit of catechesis, the Vatican Radio envoy disclosed.
Msgr. Kolta emphasized the relation of this visit with Vatican Council II, which opened an unimagined page in the dialogue with separated brethren, with believers of other religions, and even with non-believers. The spokesman recalled that the Pope's visit to Grand Sheikh Tantawi of Al-Azar, is a courtesy visit but also an insertion into the dialogue begun in the 70s. The meetings between the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue and the corresponding commission of the prestigious Islamic Athenaeum, are regular and allow for improved and reciprocal understanding on ethical topics: the role of the family, the safeguarding of the environment, etc.
Local reporters are abuzz with news of the visit of a Pope from Rome, of an illustrious visitor, who comes to Egypt as a pilgrim. This is an important novelty in a land that has not always seen a pleasing side of the Western face, given the scars of colonialism and today's globalization, a synonym for Western development but seen here as a threat aimed directly at this part of the world.
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