Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, whose membership is predominantly in Egypt, came on his first visit to Ireland last May. The Coptic Church is very close to the Catholic Church with a similar sacramental system and a mutual recognition of priests and episcopacy in both churches.
Earlier in the year, following a meeting between Pope Francis and Pope Tawadros, a new common declaration was issued. It emphasised the need for intensified prayers for all Christians who are persecuted and killed for their faith, especially in Egypt and the Middle East. It also called for a deepening of their shared roots in faith through common prayer, a common translation of the Lord’s Prayer and a common date for the celebration of Easter.
In Dublin, Pope Tawadros II was welcomed by the President at Áras an Uachtaráin and met with Archbishop Martin. He blessed and dedicated St. Maximus and St. Domadios Coptic Orthodox Church in Drumcondra, the former St. Alphonsus Church. “We’ll be neighbours and hopefully good neighbours,” said Dr. Martin, adding that it was a great joy that the Coptic Christians had found a permanent home and that they would “enrich all in common communion with God through love”.
Pope Tawadros then travelled to Cappoquin and Cahir where he was warmly received. In Cappoquin he was met by the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore who welcomed him to the Diocese. Bishop Cullinan said his visit was ‘a joy and honour’ especially for the growing Coptic community there.
His visit to Cahir had special significance for us as from the early 2000’s monks came to Cahir about once a month to serve the members of their faith community. They now number about one hundred and fifty. In keeping with their policy that wherever there are Copts, there are Coptic Churches to serve them, the monks asked if they could use our convent chapel for their services – Mass, baptisms and confessions. Kindly assisted and facilitated by our sacristan Sr. Angela, they initially came from Dublin until they finally bought a house in Cahir. Later when our convent closed they bought it and continued to visit us in Carrick-on-Suir and so the invitation to meet Pope Tawadros II was hand delivered to us!
Saturday, May 20th saw five of us on our way to meet Pope Tawadros in our former home, now renamed St. Mina Coptic Church. Security was provided by the Gárdaí and, in true ecumenical spirit, parking was made available by the parish priest. Everyone had to enter by the famous ‘covered walk’. It was amusing to be asked if we knew where to go! On reaching the front of the convent many Coptic people were excitedly waiting for the arrival of His Holiness. We were escorted upstairs to our former community room where all the invited guests assembled. It was great to see Catherine McAuley’s picture still hanging on the wall close by some Coptic holy people! There were about fifty guests including Clonmel Municipal Council in their colourful robes, clergymen of various denominations, two local members of government, the Principals of the two local primary schools, the Egyptian Ambassador, Sola Gendi, Cahir and Coptic parishioners and the Sisters.
Pope Tawadros finally arrived looking imposing in his black cope, staff and distinguished headdress. He shook hands with each of us, as we were introduced by Fr. Epiphanus, and then spoke for about fifteen minutes. He spoke of their origins with St. Mark, their sacraments (same as ours), belief in the Nicene Creed and the infallibility of the Bible. He also spoke of the strong relationship between the church and the Egyptian government in a country where Christians make up 14m of the 92m population. He talked warmly also of his recent meeting with Pope Francis, “a very wonderful visit” he said. He regretted his own stay in Ireland was so short and said he hoped to come again. He took some questions and then each of the guests was invited to come forward and receive an individual gift from His Holiness. We will long treasure our circular plaque which portrays the flight into Egypt in relief and the inscription “Out of Egypt I called my Son.” Mt.2:15.
“Out of Egypt I called my Son.” Mt.2:15.
Following this special meeting upstairs we all went to the chapel where the Pope again spoke. Then came entertainment by the children in their own language. There were several groups and their repertoire seemed extensive! The Pope was again very much at ease as he went among the children. We left about 4.00pm, long after our scheduled time. All the security was still in situ so we didn’t see too much of our ‘old haunts’.
It was a privilege to be invited back on such a special occasion and we are grateful to our friends the Coptic monks for including us. It was indeed a memorable occasion.
Josephine O’Grady Walshe rsm
Southern Province
