› ›

Visits to the Holy Land

Unknown
edited December 1969 in Faith Issues
Dear All:

I'm aware that the Coptic Orthodox Church has forbidden any visits/pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Why is that? Also, is it visits to the Holy Land that are prohibited or pilgrimage? I mean, is going to say Jerusalem on business allowed, but going there to pray in any of the Churches not allowed?

I'd really like to know why? I understand that we are not in communion with other western orthodox Churches, but this prohibition seems to be more to it than just that. For example, we are not in communion with the Catholic Churches, but many many Copts (priests even) still go to "sight see" some interesting catholic places. Apparently, there are even some catholic Churches that have orthodox relics of Saints that we share in common with them.

Thanks for any information anyone can provide.

Comments

  • Unknown
    [quote author=vassilios link=board=1;threadid=4240;start=0#msg58701 date=1154946066]
    Dear All:

    I'm aware that the Coptic Orthodox Church has forbidden any visits/pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

    Why is that? Also, is it visits to the Holy Land that are prohibited or pilgrimage? I mean, is going to say Jerusalem on business allowed, but going there to pray in any of the Churches not allowed?


    I think the Pope's comment was more to do with pilgrimage. That being said, given his reasons (the Palestinian conflict), going there to do business with Zionists is perhaps not the greatest idea.


    I understand that we are not in communion with other western orthodox Churches, but this prohibition seems to be more to it than just that. For example, we are not in communion with the Catholic Churches, but many many Copts (priests even) still go to "sight see" some interesting catholic places.

    The prohibition has nothing to do with who are in or out of communion with Copts (as you already said). Jerusalem is a very diverse city. Most of the Arabs being Eastern Orthodox or Catholics, but also with a huge Armenian quarter (Armenians being in communion with Copts).

    Also, being out of communion with someone does not mean you are prohibited from visiting their churches, etc. Concelebration of the Eucharist, etc. would be forbidden, but buildings and shrines are fine.


    Apparently, there are even some catholic Churches that have orthodox relics of Saints that we share in common with them.

    Yes, several such Saints are in Catholic shrines. Many relics were stolen during the Crusades, when the Catholics pillaged them to sell them in Europe.


    Hi, i just read that the Pope had prohibited this act because of the injustice against the Palestinians? If that's the case, all i can say is :" Viva la Pape!!!". Great idea! However, I'd just like to be sure??

    Yes, this is the reason. That being said, Copts don't seem to be listening - when I went there in April there were literally hundreds of Egyptians there, and the Coptic church on the roof of the Holy Sepulcher was full. ???
  • minatasgeelminatasgeel
    i think this can help:
    http://www.copticpope.org/index.php

    there is a sermon HH spoke is about this. it's a zip file so just download it and unzip it normaly.
  • minatasgeelminatasgeel
    [quote author=vassilios link=board=1;threadid=4240;start=0#msg58710 date=1154958017]
    I think such a decision by His Holiness Pope Shenouda will bring about more solidarity between Copts and Muslims in Egypt.

    God bless u H.H Shenouda!!!


    well, the only way you can know why or to basicly answer your quesion is to ask him. :D
Sign In or Register to comment.