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Pope Tawdros II Word in the Occasion of the Opening of the Monastery’s new Library Building for Manuscripts
Pope Tawdros II Word in the Occasion of the Opening of the Monastery’s new Library Building for Manuscripts
In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the sea of Saint Mark
My fathers, the respectful Bishops, Abbots, librarian monks, and all blessed attendees –Monks, Ladies and gentlemen.
May we welcome you at your Monastery of the Virgin St. Mary, known as El Syrian Monastery.
This ancient monastery was established in the late fifth century AD, to confirm the Theotokos doctrine (The Mother of God) related to the Virgin Mary after the heresy of Nestorius and the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, and remained standing strong until today, witnessing the greatness of the Coptic monasticism, founded by the great Father Saint Antonius, the father of all monks in the entire world. Monasticism was founded in this area by the great Father Saint Makarios, so that monasteries remain the light of the world and the protector of the faith.
It is our pleasure to welcome you today in this occasion of the opening of the Monastery’s new library building for manuscripts.
This ancient library is considered one of the first monasteries libraries in terms of the number of manuscripts, its scientific value, and its diversity in languages and culture. The library is a reference for monks and researchers from all over the world in liturgical, theological & historical matters. It’s a scientific light that deserves we give attention and preserve this precious scientific treasures.
The library was moved to several places in the monastery. At first it was located in a small room in the old fort of the monastery, and then Bishop Thaoufilus the former Abbot allocated to it half of the ground floor of the new monastery building, and later it was moved to the third floor of the monastery’s latest building (Hospitality Building), and when the place became small we created this stand-alone building, rather than the small portion it occupied in the monastery’s public Library (publications and manuscripts).
On this occasion, we would like to thank everyone who has put efforts and contributions in this building and its establishment, and a special thanks to the English Lafontaine Foundation, its board of trustees and all its members for their contributions in this building and their annual visits to restore the exposed to damage manuscripts.
May we also extend our thanks to every person who has financially and morally contributed in the completion of this great work, enabling El Syrian Monastery library to take its rightful place between the valuable worldwide libraries.
We thank you all for accepting our invitation and coming.
May the lord reward each one who has put efforts, and keep you all safe, and may your giving and generous love lasts forever.
Glory be to our God forever and ever. Amen