His Grace Bishop Suriel of Melbourne is completing the development of the Theological Seminary in Melbourne and will open it to the general public. Moreover, the Seminary will soon be accredited through His Grace’s leadership.
What a wonderful and awesome endeavor that is greatly needed for our Church and for the public at large.
We ask our Good Savior to continue advancing these efforts for the glory of His Holy Name.
Please check out this wonderful video about the Seminary:
H.H. Pope Shenouda III, Pope & Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church
H.H. Pope Shenouda III presided over the North American Annual Coptic Clergy Seminar (NAACCS) which was held in Holy Virgin Mary’s Spiritual Vineyard of Charlton, MA from Monday, September 14, 2009 through Wednesday, September 16, 2009. There were 14 bishops and over 220 priests from the United States & Canada in attendance. Among the bishops in attendance where: H.G. Bishop Pisenti (Helwan), H.G. Bishop Botros (Patmos), H.G. Bishop Serapion (Los Angles), H.G. Bishop Youssef (Southern), H.G. Bishop Suriel (Melbourne), H.G. Bishop Agathon (Brazil), H.G. Bishop Youssef (Bolivia), H.G. Bishop Reweis (General Bishop), H.G. Bishop Makarious (General Bishop), H.G. Bishop Youannis (General Bishop), H.G. Bishop Youhanna (General Bishop), H.G. Bishop Armia (General Bishop), H.G. Bishop David (General Bishop), and H.G. Bishop Michael (General Bishop). The Seminar consisted of spiritual words of wisdom delivered by H.H. Pope Shenouda III and Their Graces the Bishops to the Reverend Fathers, as well as Question & Answer sessions.
On Tuesday morning, September 15, 2009, H.H. along with Their Graces the Bishop and Reverend Fathers travelled to Nashua, New Hampshire to consecrate the Coptic Orthodox Church of Virgin Mary & Archangel Michael (41 Chandler St, Nashua, NH 03064-2816). After consecrating the church H.H. and the clergy returned to the vineyard to continue their seminar.
On Tuesday evening, H.H. received and welcomed FTFT! (First Timothy Four: Twelve!), a faith-based church-supervised youth-managed missionary service organization. FTFT! presented to H.H., and all the clergy in attendance their origin, history, and goals. FTFT! explained that they are answering H.H.’ call for missionary service in the United States. They are serving with the spiritual goal of bringing people to Christ. They serve the neediest of our Lord’s people such as those who are hungry, homeless, sick, elderly, lonely, and imprisoned both Copts and non-Copts. H.H. was pleased with the group’s presentation, he blessed and encouraged them. H.H. distributed gifts to the presenters and took a group picture with them. H.G. Bishop David (Overseer of FTFT!) suggested that any priest interested in getting their local youth involved in such a service could contact FTFT! for help getting started.
UPDATE: Although there has been much confusion about H.G. Bishop Michael’s diocese and jurisdiction, it is clear that H.G. is a general bishop overseeing some selected churches which he helped found. Some of them are:
Archangel Michael & St. Anthony Church in Richmond, Virginia
St. George Church in Hampton, Virginia
St. Moses the Black Church in Sterling, Virginia
Coptic Community in Stafford, Virginia
St. George Church in Bethesda, Maryland
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The reception of His Grace Bishop Michael took place as stated below. Here is the link for some pictures of the event:
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Below are details concerning the welcome reception for His Grace Bishop Michael, General Bishop. May God preserve him on his seat for many years and peaceful times.
Saturday, August 22: Vespers at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church at 5:00 pm. The Vespers will be attended by:
H.G. Bishop Isidoros, Abbot of El Baramous Monastery, Egypt
H.G. Bishop Youssef, Bishop of the Diocese of the Southern States, USA
H.G. Bishop David, General Bishop (Papal Residence, Cedar Grove, NJ)
Sunday, August 23: Following the 8:30 am Divine Liturgy at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, a reception will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church** at 4:00 pm. The reception will be attended by:
H.G. Bishop Isidoros, Abbot of El Baramous Monastery, Egypt
H.G. Bishop Youssef, Bishop of the Diocese of the Southern States, USA
H.G. Bishop David, General Bishop (Papal Residence, Cedar Grove, NJ)
H.G. Bishop Serapion, Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, USA
H.G. Bishop Apollo, Bishop of Southern Sinai, Egypt
**Saint Peter & Paul Anitochian Orthodox Church: 10620 River Road Potomac, MD 20854.
