The prophets left us a few Scriptures called the Twelve Minor Prophets which speak of what sin does to us and how we live the life of repentance. One of these Minor Prophets is Hosea. HG Bishop Bakhomios, Archbishop of Al-Buhaira, Matrouh and North Africa in his book "Hosea" explained to us that the prophetic books tell about an important historical period in the life of the people of Israel, the Babylonian and Assyrian captivity, and also about the Lord s call to the people to repent through his prophets. Hence Hosea tells us about the sins of the people that led them to captivity, the reproach of the Lord to his people and his warning to them, and the Lord s call for them to come back and offer a collective repentance before Him.

The Egyptian Cabinet Media Center published the latest data on the number of churches and service buildings that have been legalized by the main committee for the legalization of churches in Egypt, which was formed in January 2017 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister and the membership of six ministers and representatives for the churches. At the last meeting on Monday, the committee agreed to legalize 71 churches and service buildings, bringing the total number to 1,179 churches and buildings. According to human rights reports, the Egyptian churches have submitted about 3,730 applications for legalization of churches and service buildings. Thus, in just two years, about 32% of the applications were considered and accepted. If there are some approvals on the license of some churches, because they do not get the due approvals, for example, churches built on state land and others need approvals from the Ministry of Agriculture or Antiquities, the committee is subject to the completion of licenses to complete these papers. There is no doubt that the Committee is dealing with a large response to requests for codification, and take into account the maintenance of the state social peace, which made the province of Minya top of the list of churches that have been licensed. Reports indicated that the committee approved the legalization of 189 churches and buildings in Minya governorate, equivalent to 10% of the total churches that were legalized. It is worth mentioning that the Egyptian state is keen to build new churches in new urban communities, where the state has taken into account the existence and establishment of places of worship. There is no doubt that the great achievement in the file of legalization of churches in Egypt, which was expected to issue many years ago, is a landmark and distinctive in the history of Egypt, in the framework of the Constitution and law, belonging has become to the country under the civil state before all other belongings. Importance of national unity needs to be acknowledged in order to develop the homeland and to achieve social peace. This requires positive steps on the ground including the legalization of churches, which already witnesses positive and effective steps.

Dr. Frans Jonckheere in his book les medecins de l Egypte pharaonique or The doctors of the Pharaonic Egypt listed 82 doctors in all specialties including the oldest physicians Merritt Ptah and Pseshet. Henry E. Sigerist in his book on the History of Medicine talked about medicine in ancient Egypt stated that they identified 69 disease and 78 drugs. The oldest book showed us the magnificent progress in ancient Egypt more than 4600 years ago, which is a therapeutic medical papyri.

We can t deny that there is anger among the people after president al-Sisi talked about building palaces in the country that suffers from poverty. The regime must be wise and take care of the needy. In 2008 and 2009, the global economy was based on the real estate economy in America, which collapsed after the bankruptcy of more than 100 US banks and hundreds of millions around the world had a great loss, but those who invested their money in an industry were safe. The opposite happened in Egypt after the January 25 revolution when 4200 factories were shut down and didn t open again. The economies of poor countries are based only on small and micro projects. Their revenues are achieved faster than Mage projects of the state. China, Brazil and Malaysia became great economic powers through the micro and small enterprises, and their economy is still based on it. The most dangerous thing in Egypt is the interference of the army in the economy and competing with the private sector though all the army institutions are exempted from taxes, electricity and water fees and outside the control of Central Auditing Organization. Such interference of the army affected the economy badly and led to an increase in unemployment in Egypt. We could benefit from such experiences and the army has to leave the economy and concentrate on military and arms factory that will bring better benefit than pasta and cement factories. The president has to listen to experts and resort to feasibility studies instead of personal decisions. He needs to listen to wise people instead of the military and the beneficiaries surrounding him. Moreover, he should stop spending on unnecessary palaces, conferences and celebrations.

Many rumors and lies target Egypt since it restored its security and stability after chaos and street war were spreading in the streets during the revolution of 25 January 2011. Enemies of the state started this war after the great achievements and steps taken by Egypt firmly in the field of development and construction with hundreds of giant national projects in order to build a new state besides the battle of economic reform and facing terrorism. When an enemy is defeated and fails to achieve its aggressive goals on the ground, it often resorts to the weapon of broadcasting lies and cheap rumors, which can be more lethal than bombs and explosive belts. Many facts are mixed with rumors and this must be faced by trust and transparency. The failure of these terrorist groups increases and their shouting on satellite channels increases. Their calls did not receive support from the Egyptian people since they know their plans, targets and dirty methods. Yes, it is time to confront Facebook terrorism, which we call the fourth generation wars and activate the deterrent laws that may stop troublemakers that threaten the unity and safety of the homeland. On the other hand comes the role of the Egyptian media to educate citizens and confront the enemies of the country by argument and proof and focus on the achievements made in all fields. Egypt will remain great and by its people and civilization.

Calls to make another revolution in Egypt by chaos seekers and traitors and human rights claimers only aim to make Egypt fall back in destruction after many achievements have been made on the ground in many fields like security, combating corruption, facing terrorism, economic reform and the construction of infrastructure and new cities, improving slums, fighting and treatment of hepatitis and the restoration of Egypt s leading role in the region. I agree that the prices are too high and the people are suffering from many problems, but this is very cheap price to keep our country united and safe. Stability of Egypt is the target of the recent campaigns by evil forces using a fifth column agents inside the country. I wish the Egyptians be careful against such plots. Hatred will remain in the hearts of many countries against Egypt that envy its success and achievements. The participation of Egypt in all international meetings make their anger and hatred even worse since all they dream for Egypt is destruction. All the people of Egypt should pay attention to these malicious and despicable calls to try to demolish and sabotage Egypt by the hands of its people. They use social networks and other means like those traitors whose aim is to destroy Egypt and its army. Yes, we need a revolution in facing ignorance and retardation by thinkers and philosophers to change our minds, but Egypt cannot bear another leap in the darkness. I call the Egyptians to be aware and united against such plots. Long live Egypt.

Australia is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It is a democratic country with a great history and civilization of 200 years. Its cities are included in the list of the best cities in the world. Thanks to the policy of immigration that welcomed many people from different religions and races and granted them all freedoms, rights and duties. The country has included many civilizations and cultures and its minister of immigration became a multicultural ambassador for citizenship. Immigrants from the Middle East, Europe and Asia arrived in Australia in Great numbers in the 60s till today because of wars and seeking better standards of living, in addition to legal and illegal new comers of refugees.

Our Coptic churches in Egypt and other countries of the Diaspora celebrate the feast of Martyrs (Nayrouz ) which comes on August 11 of each year. It is also known as the Egyptian New Year in the Middle Ages during the Mamluk rule. It is known that Christianity introduced many saints and millions of martyrs and confessors as a result of their persecution from the early Christian times in the first centuries to the fourth century under the era of the Roman Empire. Under the Islamic caliphate many martyrs have been killed and persecuted till today by terrorist groups supported by Islamists. Christianity has also offered millions of confessors who were subjected to torture and persecution without martyrdom. The Church placed them in the rank of martyrs and raised them to the episcopal rank after the end of Diocletian s reign. The Holy Synod of our Coptic Orthodox Church decided last year headed by Pope Tawadros II to name February 15 as a feast for the martyrs of the Church in the modern era, which is commemorating the martyrdom of the Copts of Libya who have adhered to their Christian faith and many martyrs who have been recently killed for their faith. Those who have been injured were called confessors. Our church celebrates and hail the martyrs and confessors and call their names on the churches and monasteries. Their accounts are mentioned in the Synaxarium. Their relics are celebrated and magnified in the martyrs feasts. Among them, for example, are Saints Peyman, John, Abanoub, Jacob, Melanius and Pope Athanasius as well as the saints Virgin Mary, Saint Nolasadonita. Shall we celebrate a day for the confessors in order to appreciate their role in saving the faith just like we celebrate a feast of the martyrs associated with the Coptic New Year.

The Egyptian government heard the Arabic song saying that Egypt will remain dear to us. Thus, it discovered a brilliant way to make such wish come true. It decided to float the currency and increased the prices, and this way, living in Egypt became too dear to the Egypitans! However, this was not enough for the regime, and it decided to impose an annual tax on the seashore to continue its brilliant policy in making our lives harder.

What if the Egyptians including Christians, Muslims, jews, and atheists in addition to the tourists decided to follow the Salafis and wear the niqab? Will they be protected from sexual harassment. It is a tough question, but I will try to answer. In the beginning of the nineteen century, an English orientalist named Sir Edward William Lane learned Arabic and claimed his conversion to Islam to be able to live among the Egyptians and collect the material of his book, printed in London in 1835 and entitled ‘Traditions and customs of modern Egyptians’ The book was a masterpiece in the presentation of information and wrote in detail in a full chapter on the clothes and fashion of Egyptians in their various sects. He mentioned that women used to wear identical cloth, yet in different colors. Muslim women wore white niqab, while non-Muslim women wore black niqab. He added that non-Muslim women dressed while niqab in secret in order to avoid sectarian discrimination, and possible harassment. We return to the first question: will niqab prevent harassment in Egypt. The answer is no since they will impose different colors on each sect. This will enable them to target the other groups as much as they want.

It is strange that Egypt s Christians only protest when a church is closed or a Coptic Christian girl escapes with her Muslim lover. However, she and her lover know nothing about Islam or Christianity. I believe that refusing to appoint a Copt in a teaching job at the university only because he is a Christian, which is unfair discrimination that deserves protest. Equal citizenship should be demanded like muslims enjoy their rights in Europe. Copts have to change their culture of protest since their are many things that deserve such protest rather than converting of Coptic women or building churches. This is the reason to decent life and freedom, or else the Copts will stay as Dhimmis behind the walls of churches.

I admit I was not surprised or shocked when the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir admitted in court that he had received $ 90 million from the Prince Crown Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, among the 113 million dollars that were found in the house of Bashir at the time of his arrest. These presidents always emphasize the cleanliness of their hands and show their honesty and honor, and take pride in fighting corruption and refusing any bribes, but they are quite the opposite. On this occasion I tell you about the bribery offered to President Nasser: In 1955, the revolutionary approach taken by Gamal Abdel Nasser threatened the interests of America and Israel in the region. America has tried to break through the financial discharge of Gamal Abdel Nasser by sending him a bribe.

She was chosen by God to be the Mother of God, and to take part in the incarnation and the salvation of mankind. Thus, His Eminence Bishop Benjamin of Menoufia told us in his article The Status of the Virgin explaining to us the value of the Virgin as highlighted in the Bible. The Virgin was chosen by the Lord as faithful servant of the temple So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him. (Psalms 45: 11) The angel told her: “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Elizabeth also said to her: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Even the Virgin Mary said “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. The Virgin has become a second sky once the Son of God has taken flesh from her. Her unique qualities gathered in one person that she became intercessor of human race as a loving mother. We praise her saying You are the most honorable intercessor We asks her to pray for the Lord to forgive us our sins. We ask her to spread joy and lead us to repentance.

Evangelization of Christian faith in France came at the hands of St. Lazarus, who had to flee from the Jews who persecuted him severely after he was resurrected from death. He fled to France where he started evangelizing. Father Benjamin of Muharraq monastery said in his article Evangelization in France that St. Lazarus came to France with his sister Martha and Mary. As a result of the severe persecution, they boarded a ship from Palestine and sailed through the Mediterranean Sea to the coast of the city of Lyon, which is considered the first Christian capital in France. In the church tradition in France, Mary after preaching in Marseilles settled in the area of Mount Saint-Boum, which is far away 60 km from the city of Marseilles, where there is a cave where she spent about thirty years in prayer and worship until her departure, and this place was turned into a monastery for the Dominican monks. St. Lazarus went to the island of Cyprus where he was ordained by the Apostles Paul and Barnabas as the bishop of the town of Caitone. Lazarus lived for more than thirty years after the Lord raised him from death. He was buried there for the second and last time. The remains of the Saint are located in Marseilles, Where Lazarus was the patron saint of many French cities and his name was called on many places. There is a large railway station in Paris named Saint Lazarus. In the city of Aition there is a large cathedral in the form of a cross of three Altars bearing the name of Saint Lazarus and St. Mary and St. Martha. The evangelization of the Christian faith is a message to every human being in every time and place. We must learn from the early missionaries love and giving in order to spread the word and win the souls.

On the occasion of opening of Naguib Mahfouz Museum in Al-Azhar district, I remembered the day 14 October 1994 in the Nile Street in Agouza and under the giant eucalyptus tree, where a friend of the great writer Naguib Mahfouz was waiting to pick him up in order to take him to the weekly seminar at the Casino of the Palace of the Nile. At five o’clock, Mahfouz leaves his office and meets with his friend. Suddenly, a man holding a knife attacks Mahfouz inside the car and stab him in the neck trying to slain him before the assailant flees. Mahfouz was moved quickly to the police hospital very close to his house. Two days later, the police arrested the perpetrator Mohammed Naji, who said he tried to kill Mahfouz because he defamed Islamic religion in the novel ‘The children of our neighborhood’. He added that he doesn’t regret doing this. Mahfouz said commenting on the success of the police in arresting the offender: "The police may have won a battle ... but I am afraid that the entire society has lost the war." I will visit the museum with my family since the novels of Naguib Mahfouz are stories of the Egyptian society and its longing for justice and freedom and its struggle against tyranny and backwardness.

Another attack by followers of ISIS in Minya in a village that was originally inhabited by Coptic monks, just like Egypt was inhabited once by Copts. The village of Koum al-Raheb my have had several churches, but now it has only one that was shut down though it used to serve Copts from 7 other villages. Just imagine their suffering now after this church was also shut down. Furthermore, the fanatics decided to gather and set some properties of the Copts on fire and intimidate them. When can such persecution, hatred, intolerance and racism come to an end? Such rejection and intimidation comes in the name of God! The constitution and law are ignored and the funerals of the Copts are held in the streets. They claim that Omar refused to pray in a church to prevent Muslims from taking over it, but none of them show us Omar s behavior and good deeds. We demand the reopen of the church and build other churches in the other villages, since Egypt is not your own property. We demand our right in building churches in a villages full of mosques and other Islamic service buildings. Our demands are supported by the Egyptian constitution and law. We don t hate you, even though you may not hesitate to kill our children. We have taken too much, but let s hope we will finally see justice.

The Algerian team won the African Nations Cup in football after beating Senegal 1-0. The match was played last Friday evening at the Cairo International Stadium in the final of the championship which was organized by Egypt from June 21 to July 19. Despite the loss of the Egyptian team and its early exit from the tournament, Egypt was able to achieve several important victories and proved before the whole world its ability to host such big events. It is worth mentioning that after the withdrawal of Cameroon, which was due to host it, Egypt decided to take the challenge and enter the competition to organize the tournament in a record time. Egypt has come under great challenge and has taken on the huge responsibility of organizing this great African tournament from the first moment, after gaining the confidence of the African Union s executive office on January 8 this year, the third biggest tournament in the world. The Egyptian political leadership was keen to provide all the factors of success for the championship, both from the infrastructure of roads, stadiums and hotels as well as security, media and public. This led to the presence of the Arab and African fans in stadiums to follow up the African teams. Egypt has been able to leave a good image through the wonderful organization of the tournament, to assure the world of its capabilities, infrastructure and security. The whole world praised the Egyptian success and the testimony of the President of the International Federation of Football (FIFA) and the African Union proves such good impact. The African Football Confederation decided to hold the annual celebration of the selection of the best player and African team in Hurghada, Egypt, in January 2020, which reflects the confidence in Egypt s ability to host international sporting eventss.

The Bible is like a crown on our heads for its valuable commandments and heavenly wisdom. Staying close brings life and staying away is death. In his article "The Holy Bible in the Coptic Church", Pope Shenouda III explained to us the importance of the Bible and its great impact on our lives. The prophet David says that the commandments of the Lord kept him alive and gives him heavenly wisdom”.

The strength of the disease did not prevent him from continuing to preach, but he continued to serve with all vigor and activity until the last breath. He is our teacher Paul the Apostle who considered illness at his young age a blessing for his life. Father John Nassif, Priest of the Church of the Virgin in Chicago, said in his article thorn in the flesh told us about the blessings of the disease as mentioned by St. Paul the Apostle.

We talked repeatedly about the Islamization of girls, and everyone knows that most of them have willingly converted to Islam, and I don t write this article about those girls, but about the role of the family and the church in such cases. In our community, girls can t talk openly about their romantic relations to their families, but they can talk to their father of confession if they can trust them, which is rare these days. This is such a big problem in our community and our churches. At the end, it is a matter of love that should be offered inside our families and churches.

The Holy Spirit came down on the disciples as they gathered in the attic and gave them power to make miracles and heal diseases and unclean spirits. HG Bishop Moussa of Youth in his article "Behold, I am, sent me." Explained the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. First, He gave them power to preach in the name of Jesus Christ to change empires as well as the face of history. Second, they walked in obedience and accepted pain in the ministry offering their lives and love.