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The International Symposium on
The Symposium is the first of its kind to be held by
the Coptic Orthodox Church and was organised by the Coptic Orthodox Church
Centre in Stevenage, United Kingdom, under the care of His Grace Bishop
Angaelos on 15-17 May. The Conference organiser was Dr. Mariam Ayad, Associate
Professor of Egyptology at the University of Memphis,
Tennessee. For
the first time, the conference at the Coptic Centre brought together,
specialists working on all aspects of Coptic Culture, from its earliest phases
to the present day. 25 Coptic and Pharaonic
specialists came from 10 countries, namely: Australia, Canada, Egypt, France,
Italy, Germany, Holland, the United States as well as Wales and England. The
conference highlighted new research on Coptic art, writings, and archaeology, patristics, monasticism, theology, and many other areas. By
bringing together specialists, academics, and Coptic clergy, the conference
fostered an active discussion on what defined Coptic identity in centuries
past, and what it means to be Coptic in contemporary culture, both in Egypt and
abroad. As
we gathered, it was important that we draw on, understand, and appreciate the
rich cultural heritage of this period as we look to our past to inform our
present and define our future. The opening lecture, which was conducted at the
British Museum on Thursday 15 May and was attended by
250 people including His Excellency Mr. Gehad Madi, Egyptian ambassador to the United Kingdom, as well as
many ecumenical and official guests and members of the Coptic community, was
followed by an official reception at the Museum. This photograph is taken in front of the Sanctuary of
the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George at the Coptic Orthodox Church
Centre in Stevenage. |
