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ZoxsasiZoxsasi
edited December 1969 in Faith Issues
Hi,

I thought it would be good to tell you that the Holy Synod, of the Coptic Orthodox Church, has officially stated that there will be no Christmas celebrations.

There will be no parties afterwards. All that they will allow is AFTER TWO DAYS (i.e. 9th of January) - they will be taking condolences from people.

In terms of what clothes to wear, I would not be too worried about the colour, I'd be more concerned with the type of clothing. I'd say anything bullet proof.

In fact, MANY MANY people are not even attending the Church tonight. Partly , it is in mourning with the victims, and partly, because there have been CLEAR threats against us.

I would like to stress the words from the Islamic website is asking muslims to attack us: They want any occasion where the Churches are "full".

Now, its obviously up to each and everyone of you if you wish to go; but as Anba Angaelos said, after the Church massacre in Iraq, we were warned that we were next.

I dont know what to do.. NO ONE feels like its Christmas where I am. Its a very weired feeling. To be in a festive period, and be mourning.

If anyone has any updates, please post them.

Thanks

Comments

  • ilovesaintmarkilovesaintmark
    I will be going to church, and enjoy the Liturgy.
  • ilovesaintmarkilovesaintmark
    Eventhough it is the Feast of the Nativity, the Liturgy is a celebration of the Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord.
  • ZoxsasiZoxsasi
    [quote author=ilovesaintmark link=topic=10397.msg126468#msg126468 date=1294329999]
    Eventhough it is the Feast of the Nativity, the Liturgy is a celebration of the Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord.


    I dont believe your Church was listed in the Islamic Website.

    But please go and pray for us.

    Having said that, let me be clear: There will be the Christmas Liturgy, but absolutely NO celebrations afterwards, and from what I have understood, there will be no dignatries in the Church either.
  • TITLTITL

    In fact, MANY MANY people are not even attending the Church tonight.

    That's not what I've been hearing for the past 5 days.

    I dont know what to do.. NO ONE feels like its Christmas where I am. Its a very weired feeling. To be in a festive period, and be mourning.

    I personally think we should mourn over the youth that are leaving the church everyday, rather than the Martyrs who are now living with Christ in eternal happiness.
  • ZoxsasiZoxsasi
    Yes TITL,

    Although many are in fact going to Church (in places like Shoubra), many are not also.

    look

    http://copticblog.wordpress.com

    There's a video on there of a victim's father asking the Pope to not even do a Liturgy for Christmas.
  • TITLTITL
    I stopped watching after 11 seconds. I couldn't handle the look on his face. The setting I am in right now does not allow me to bawl like a baby.

    I am assuming the reason he does not want to attend the liturgy is because of his son, not because he is afraid to die. Which do you mean when referring to Copts not attending tonight? I thought the latter.
  • TITLTITL
    [center]Papal Message
    Feast of Nativity
    7th January 2011    [/center]

    My beloved children in the lands of immigration, both clergy and laity.
    Peace to you and grace. My congratulations for the Feast of Nativity of our Lord, to Whom is Glory.

    Be all well, shepherded by God who keeps you. May we hear all good about you. May you have contemplations in the Glorious Nativity and its happenings.

    As for us, I want you not to worry about us – we are well......
    The painful circumstances that happened to us have brought compassion upon us from all sides, as well as extreme care and eagerness in protecting the churches, as well as care for our
    cause. Also, tribulation, by its nature, makes the soul closer to God. And we believe that God is the Protector and Helper, and that “unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” We also believe the promise of the Lord to His Church, that the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Therefore all are in peacefulness.

    Be calm all of you, assured of the work of the Lord, and all of you to rejoice in this Feast, for it is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I mean, His Incarnation was the starting point for all the good that graced humanity till it was crowned with redemption. As well, the Incarnation was proof of the love of God to us, and the reconciliation that was fulfilled between heaven and earth.

    Rejoice in the Lord my dear children, and again I say rejoice. In all circumstances that pass by you, say ‘it’s all for good.”

    Finally, my love to you all.

    Be absolved from the Holy Spirit.

    (Signed)
    His Holiness Pope Shenouda III
    Feast of Nativity 2011
  • ilovesaintmarkilovesaintmark
    Thank you, TITL.
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