(November 15, 2012-Los Angeles) — The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and Hawaii will unveil the official portrait of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II in celebration of his enthronement on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 4:00p.m. at the Coptic Orthodox Christian Center in the City of Orange. After the passing of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, who faithfully served congregants in Egypt and around the world for nearly four decades, the Coptic Church will continue its commitment to peace, unity, and youth centered ministry.
“We are humbled and honored to serve under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II,” said Father Joseph Boules, Priest of St. Mary & Verena Coptic Church in Anaheim. “The Coptic community takes tremendous pride in our longstanding history of peace throughout the world. We look forward to many more years of faithfulness under our new leader’s direction.”
With its first church in Los Angeles established in 1962, the Coptic Church stems from the ancient roots of Saint Mark the Evangelist who served as the first Bishop of Alexandria, all of Egypt, and several nearby territories. The congregation welcomes the entire community to share in this historic event and experience the church’s dedication to a harmonious coexistence within the community.
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“The Enthronement presents a remarkable opportunity for the Diocese to open its doors to those who are unfamiliar with our mission,” said Father Joseph. “We enthusiastically welcome our neighbors in fellowship as we celebrate this momentous occasion.”As the 118th Patriarch, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was one of 17 candidates selected to lead the Coptic Church, which has 27 million members worldwide. The selection committee reduced the candidates to five, subsequently allowing 2,400 authorized voters to select three. In a thrilling and unforgettable moment, a blindfolded nine-year-old boy chose one name from a glass bowl holding the 3 names, representing God’s hand selecting the pope, in front of thousands at St. Mark Cathedral in Cairo, Egypt on November 4, 2012.
The Enthronement of Pope Tawadros has drawn the well wishes of spiritual leaders throughout the world with Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI writing, “I am confident that, like your renowned predecessor Pope Shenouda III, you will be a genuine spiritual father for your people and an effective partner with all your fellow citizens in building the new Egypt in peace and harmony, serving the common good and the good of the entire Middle East.”
The Diocese enthusiastically welcomes Coptic members and the community at large to celebrate this moment of renewed spirit and hope:
Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.
Coptic Orthodox Christian Center
491 N. Hewes Street
Orange, CA 92869
714-349-1011
