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.

Turkey announced lately that it is willing to go to war in Syria against the Kurdish people. Unfortunately with US is not a country you can depend on or trust right now we are not sure what could happen in the region next year. Germany and most of Europe condemned the operation turkey is going to do in Syria, however, it seems that Erdogan believes that he is in the strongest position to decide what he wants to do regardless of any other opinion.

At the time security services in Egypt seriously dealt with calls for a revolution and arrested many people and canceled a football match between Zamalek Egyptian team and Senegal, media was under great pressure as well that it couldn’t decide weather to cover the terrorist attack on security ambush in Sinai or to cover the celebrations of what we don’t know. On the other side, the president said to the people who welcomed him at the airport that nothing serious is happening and assured that he is following the procedures of randomly removing citizens from subsidy system, and ordered to stop such farce. On the other side, the Egyptian Parliament announced to discuss raising minimum wages and retirement wages. The president cleverly realized that revolutionary advocates and instigators of the country used rumors of corruption and building palaces to ignite the situation since the people are already suffering from bad economic conditions. The price of the US dollar is decreasing, but nobody feels such decrease and progress. He also realized that this was the reason behind the revolution of January 25, 2011.

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.

Again the media tries to give the Egyptian people one choice which is Sisi or the chaos but Who wants to live in the chaos or turmoil? As always Egyptian don t have many choices in their life either politically or economically. Now and now only Sisi media ask people to come and talk and Sisi will let listen to you. Unfortunately, Sisi and all regimes don t listen to people pain unless a disaster coming their way and wants to avoid it as soon as possible.

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.

After the actor “ Mohamad Ali” released many videos about the corruption in the army and how Sisi is caring more to build presidential palaces than caring to build the Egyptian people, all is asking will that lead to another revolution? In my opinion such videos might increase the pressure on Sisi to open the field to more political reforms and freedom of speech but not necessary to a new revolution.

A few years ago, perhaps months before the arrival of President al-Sisi, fuel and food crises and the spread of chaos and corruption were topical issues. He was not a magician to solve them in a blink of eye, but he needed firmness and discipline that were available only in the military establishment. The president moved from rent-seeking economy to one of the high value added economies, which needed: - New factories and support of small and micro production projects. - Facing overcrowding by building new cities. - Facing the problem of slums and informal settlements. - Reconsidering the import and export systems. - empowering regulatory agencies to besiege corruption after its over spread.

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.

Nabila Makram, Egypt s Minister of Migration and Egyptian Affairs Abroad, announced to sponsor the trip of the adventurer Ali Abdu who will traveled for 25.000 kilometers across Egypt to visit all Egyptian governorates on an electric bike. His trip comes to raise awareness of environmental issues and global warming and to spread the culture of electric vehicles in Egypt to preserve the environment and reduce pollution and fuel consumption. The trip is also sponsored by the Ministries of Youth, Sports and Military Production, in addition to the United Nations Development Program. Ambassador Makram said that the Egyptian adventure will also become an ambassador for the NO PLACE LIKE EGYPT campaign, which was launched by the ministry to promote Egypt abroad. His trip will draw attention to different places in Egypt, highlighting the Egyptian history and heritage. The videos and data of the trip will be used abroad to promote tourism in Egypt. The Minister also expressed her pride in the great achievements of Ali Abdu including his new Genes records for the longest driving distance of Motocross within 24 hours. I congratulate the minister on the great idea and positive thinking that will promote tourism in a brilliant way.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi did well at the youth conference yesterday when he decide to tell the Egyptian people about things that he was told not to mention. He decided to tell the truth to his people including those who elected him. He said that building presidential palaces is important for a modern powerful state. He was not talking to the elite, but to 92% of the Egyptians who voted for him. He spoke about untold numbers of the achievements of the Egyptian armed forces that will change Egypt and life of the Egyptians. He explained the great role of it that saved and built Egypt and prevented the Syrian, Iraqi and Libyan scenario in Egypt. He was open, frank and clear in answering the questions. He decided to face the rumors to kill them in our minds. He also invited the media to face them. Here, I thank our beloved organization the Egyptian Federation for Human Rights, for supporting the Egyptian army and its great achievements. In fact, the Egyptian armed forces is pride and protection for all Egyptians.

In your way you might face a lot of hardships and there are two main keys to overcome these hardships: first is to not give up and say I can t or its impossible, second is to have alternative always in your life. People could the obstacles or may be the capabilities you have at a certain time, but you need to always remember that none of these are the real obstacle is yourself to convince yourself with the opposite. Once you are convinced that you are the only obstacle for any hardships, you need to work on how to overcome this feeling because this is the feeling could destroy you more not others. There are some benefits for sure for hardships, some of them include that you will be able to know who your friend is and who is not, you would be able to know who loves you and how doesn t. Also the bible mentioned to not escape from hardships as you learn from it and it teaches us patience and that s completely true.

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 bishop in the Coptic Orthodox Church is the cornerstone of the hierarchy of the clerical pyramid, based on the fact that the real bishop of the church is Christ himself, according to the apostle Peter, For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. The apostle Paul describes himself and the rest of the disciples as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” St. Peter talked about the job of the bishop saying: The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. The bishop here is a trusting agent of service for those who are to inherit salvation. When we look at the clerical service pyramid in the Coptic church, we find on its summit the Pope, who is the bishop of Alexandria, and the universal church in the fourth century in the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) approved the leadership of the bishop of Alexandria to the church in Egypt and Libya. At the base of the pyramid, we find the priests who serve the churches and elect one priest in each church to be their leader (Hegumin). We are in front of a tight administrative arrangement and the priesthood remains the same, with various responsibilities between bishops and priests, so it is not possible to speak of a priest without a parish. What about the general bishop, who is assigned for general tasks without a parish within a geographical area? This pattern was created by His Holiness Pope Cyril VI, when he ordained a bishop for social services and a bishop for education in 1962, and chose them from the staff of his secretariat to help him, so as not to clash with the approval of the synod at the time. It was an evolving and successful experience that confirmed the Church to keep pace with the social developments and management sciences as well. The matter extended to the administration of Pope Shenouda III, who ordained a youth bishop in 1980, which confirmed the success of the experiment. Pope Tawadros did the same by ordaining general bishops for the bishoprics and then move them or enthrone them in the diocese. In the context of the revisions of the reformation, the general bishop experience needs to be re-examined for evaluation The rank of bishop s assistant has disappeared, and the Heugmin rank became useless though he is the most experienced priest in the church that should be able to direct his colleagues. The general bishop can be moved from his diocese for various reasons, not all of them are objective, because he helps bishop of the city without having a legal basis. The bishop may be jealous of the gerenal bishop for many reasons and simply ask him to leave. Therefore, the ranks of Bishops Assistant and Hegumin should be reconsidered. In order to teach the bishops how to deal with the general community, parish, priests, administration, government agencies and society, the Monastic School opened by Pope Joannes in 1929 and closed in the 1960s, must be revived.

On the 15th anniversary on the founding of the Coptic United website, I remember the situation happened with those working at the website. Eng. Adly Abadir invited me from Geneva to attend an important meeting with an Egyptian official in Zurich who was able to help the Coptic cause at that time. Abadir asked me and my colleagues to give the official a warm welcome in order to take the opportunity to show him all Coptic issues and try to find solutions. At that time, he commissioned me to write a legal note of rights and violations for the Coptic cause in order to present it to the Egyptian official. I did the job and presented the file, but Eng. Adly saw something that made him angry. I asked for the rights in a police form, but he said we don’t big for our rights. We are the authentic identity and the origin. He didn’t talk to me for one week after that and mocked me in front of my colleagues assuring that I shouldn’t do that again. Since then, I learned that we do not seek the rights and duties of anyone and we shouldn’t compromise knowing our value and that we are the origin and authenticity. Some may claim that we have rights and duties and so do they, but in fact, Copts are the origin of this country.

Recently Sudan could reach agreement for having a prime minister that will help in setting up more stability in Sudan after long time of instability in one of the most unstable countries in Africa. Sudan is a rich country with its natural resources however, the wars this country is going through from decades has great impact on its progress.