Anba Bola, member of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod announced today that, in the wake of the passing away of Pope Shenouda III last month, this year’s Easter celebration will be
Anba Bola, member of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod announced today that, in the wake of the passing away of Pope Shenouda III last month, this year’s Easter celebration will be restricted to the Midnight Mass at St Mark’s cathedral in Abassiya, Cairo. There will be no invitations to public figures to attend the service at St Mark’s. On Easter morning however, said Anba Bola, public figures and officials who wish to present their greetings for Easter will be welcomed at St Mark’s or the various dioceses, but there will be no festivities, he stressed.
On the other hand, Anba Bola said that the Holy Synod has already assigned a committee which has begun preparations for the late Pope Shenouda’s arbaeen—an event marking 40 days since the departure of the deceased. He said that the late Pope will be commemorated throughout three days, starting 24 April with a commemoration ceremony at St Mark’s in the which the public and officials may take part upon personal invitations to those who wish to attend.
The following day, said Anba Bola, which strictly coincides with the ++arbaeen++, Holy Mass will be held in all Coptic Orthodox dioceses as well as at St Mark’s where invitations will also be required for attendance but will be restricted to Copts alone. The service will be broadcasted live and giant screens will be placed inside all churches for the congregation to follow the service.
On the third and final day a closed commemoration ceremony for the late Pope will be held, and will only be attended by members of the clergy. This will also be transmitted live on satellite TV.
Watani International
3 April 2012