From August 21 through August 24, 2005 His Holiness Pope Shenouda III visited the Diocese of Los Angeles.
On Sunday August 21, His Holiness visited St. Maurice Coptic Orthodox Church in Pomona, and prayed the Thanksgiving Prayer. Afterwards, His Holiness congratulated the church and spoke briefly about the life of mission, with the examples of St. Maurice, St. Mark, and other saints. Also attending with him were H.G. Bishop Serapion, H.G. Bishop Thomas, and H.G. Bishop Youannis. Hundreds of members of the congregation welcomed His Holiness with joyful hymns.
On Monday, August 22, His Holiness attended the 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Establishment of St. Mark Church in Los Angeles. For this occasion, two presentations were given about the establishment of the church and its history from 1969 until today. Then, His Holiness delivered a spiritual talk about the life, history and impact of the great St. Mark to the Christian world.
On Tuesday, August 23, His Holiness visited the St. Maurice and St. Verena Coptic Village in Big Bear Lake. There, His Holiness answered many questions and congratulated Bishop Serapion for the wonderful retreat project.
On Wednesday, August 24, His Holiness is traveling to Boston for the annual North American Coptic Orthodox Clergy Conference.
We thank His Holiness for his time, effort, and love in serving the Coptic Orthodox congregation throughout the world. May the Lord keep him for us for many years and peaceful times.
