Intensive pastoral work was witnessed today, (Saturday) marking the fifth day of the visit of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to Milan and Venice.

His Holiness left Milan this morning, reaching Venice in the afternoon. Upon his arrival, he opened the Cathedral of St. Mark the Apostle in Venice, whose land embraces the body of patron saint of Egypt. This was in the presence of the delegation accompanying His Holiness, ten bishops of the dioceses of the Coptic Church in Europe, some priests and Copts from Venice and Milan. Children presented a bouquet of flowers to His Holiness to welcome his arrival. The bells of the cathedral rang joyfully, as per the Church’s custom in welcoming the Patriarch.

His Holiness unveiled the commemorative plaque marking its inauguration and consecration, which will take place tomorrow morning. Pope Tawadros opened the doors of the cathedral amidst the chanting of the the Church hymn “Khen Ifran…”

In the evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros prayed Vespers in the Cathedral itself, in the presence of a large congregation who filled the cathedral.

Patriarch Francesco Moraglia; Patriarch of Venice, was present to congratulate His Holiness on the opening of the cathedral. He delivered a loving and congratulatory speech and presented part of the relics of Saint Anianus the Cobbler, the Second Patriarch of Alexandria, as a gift to H.H. Pope Tawadros.

Also attending to congratulate His Holiness were Metropolitan Courteon Dionysius of the Greek Orthodox Church, a number of Catholic priests representing ecumenical relations.
This was in addition to Ambassador Manal Abdel Dayem (Consul General of Egypt in Milan), Mr. Nicola Conforti, (Mayor of Venice), and a delegation of Public Security personnel in Venice.

After the end of Vespers, His Holiness met with a number of members of the church in Venice and spoke with them, noting that the new cathedral in Venice will become the headquarters of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Europe.

Today also witnessed Pope Tawadros’ reception of the Patriarch of Venice, Patriarch Francesco Moraglia, at His Holiness’ residence in Venice. He also received His Grace Bishop Barnaba, (Bishop of Turin and Rome), and His Grace Bishop Arsany (Bishop of the Netherlands), who presented a report to His Holiness about the Monastery of Saint Anthony in Kreifelbach; South Germany, which they are currently supervising.

This page is also available in: العربية