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Assembly of Bishops Offers Condolences on the Passing of Coptic Pope Shenouda III

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Chairman of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, writes:

On behalf of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, I am offering our profound condolences on the falling asleep in the Lord of the most blessed Father of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the deeply beloved and respected late Pope Shenouda Ill. The passing of Pope Shenouda is a deeply felt wound not only for the pious Coptic People all over the world, but for all the people of Egypt, who have admired his saintly and wise pastoral stewardship of the Coptic Church.

During his long tenure and in moments of tremendous challenge, his courage, wisdom and spiritual guidance have again and again brought comfort, stability and tranquility to the minds and hearts of his faithful flock. As all Christians reflect on this incalculable loss, we are reminded of the need for his message of mutual respect and interfaith cooperation to be continued by his successor in the future. As we remember him through this season of grief and mourning, we shall also offer our fervent supplications to God for the pious Coptic People everywhere, who are berefl of their father in Christ, and for Egypt, that it may know a peaceful and stable transition to a new Pope of the Coptic faithful.

May the late and ever memorable Pope Shenouda find the reward of “the faithful and wise steward” that he most surely was, and that he may rest in the blessed hope of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. May his memory be eternal.

Read the full letter at AssemblyofBishops.org.