Slava Isusu Kristu
After all that, I didn't get to see him as his plane was late.
He was in town to consecrate the alter at our local Coptic Church. He was scheduled to attened Vespers and Midnight Praises the night before and then the Raising of Incense, Consecration, and Liturgy on Sunday.
Since I am Cantor at my own church, I could only attend Vespers. And, of course, HH's plane was delayed and he wasn't going to get in until late.
Still, however, it was a wonderful experience. There were several priests there and the local Bishop who gave a very interesting sermon on different ways of hearing the Word (and I was able to greet him)and following it.
I must say, they were the most inviting people I have met in a long time. I was ushered to the front as soon as I got there and greeted very warmly. I sat behind our local Greek Orthodox Priest whom I know well.
I continue to be impressed by the spiritual depth of Coptic Christianity. Their struggles to remain in existance despite constant suppression by Muslims and Byzantines shows through in their strong devotion and piety. We Slavs like to argue amoung ourselves as to who has suffered more. Personnaly, I think the Copts have us beat by more than a few hundred years.
Dmitri
