H.H. Pope Tawadros II spoke during his sermon at today’s weekly Wednesday meeting spoke about the departed Anba Athanasius, Metropolitan of Marseille and Toulon in southern France. Pope Tawadros said that His Eminence served a blessed service in the Church. He was an assistant to Bishop Morcos in France, then an assistant bishop (Khory Episkopos), then a general bishop, then he became metropolitan of the Diocese of Marseille and Toulon.
His Holiness explained that the Diocese of Marseille and Toulon cares for the French Copts. It is dedicated to the French who got to know the Coptic Church and became familiar with its rites and doctrine. It has a number of French priests and one Coptic priest, with a fruitful service.
Regarding His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasius, His Holiness said that he was a quiet, meek person who loved peace, served in silence, carried out a great job, and served the Church for decades.
His Holiness also announced that the Church is awaiting the arrival of the body of Metropolitan Athanasius from France, explaining that the funeral prayers will most likely take place on Wednesday of next week.
