HINDUS HAVE offered heartfelt condolences on the death of Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria Shenouda III on March 17 in Cairo (Egypt).
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that they were saddened by the passing away of His Holiness Pope Shenouda, 88, 117th Pope of Alexandria, known to his followers as “Baba Shenouda”. He would be greatly missed. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, voiced appreciation for charismatic Pope Shenouda’s tireless efforts at propagating peace, forgiveness, brotherhood, human dignity, religious harmony, understanding and dialogue during his 41 years shepherding of the Church.
Zed urged Pope Shenouda’s successor to pioneer interfaith dialogue working together with various world religions and denominations on issues facing the humanity, as serious and honest interfaith dialogue was the need of the hour. This dialogue might also help us vanquish the stereotypes, prejudices, caricatures, etc., passed on to us from previous generations.
Zed, mourning Pope Shenouda’s death, extended heartfelt sympathy at this time of great sorrow to Coptic Orthodox brothers and sisters spread worldwide. Our love and prayers are with you during these days of momentous transition, he adds.Headquartered in Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, one of the oldest Christian denominations, is said to be the biggest Christian church in Egypt and the Middle East, with adherents estimated up to 18 million.
