Austrian Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary yesterday which is one of the official holidays in Austria. On this occasion, Cardinal Christoph Schonbrun, Archbishop of Austria, extended a congratulatory speech to Catholic Christians all over the world assuring that the feast of St. Mary brings hope and peace to the world.

Copts in Austria were shocked to receive the news of the departure of Metropolitan Cyrilos, the Papal deputy and Bishop of Milan. They said that they felt his love and he is a great loss for them.

Catholic Church in Austria has laid the foundation stone of a new building to care for minor refugees with no family and the poor. The building will accommodate more than 30 minors and will cost 1.5 million Euros.

Cardinal Christoph Schönbrunn, Cardinal of Austria, and Rev. Michael Bunker, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austria, participated in a discussion panel about the unity among Christian churches and deliver the message of Jesus Christ to humanity.

For the first time in Austria, authorities permitted an outdoor Ramadan breakfast which is going to be attended by 1500 Muslims.

Cardinal Christoph Schönbrunn, Cardinal of Austria congratulated Christians around the world on the Pentecost day, especially the persecuted and displaced Christians in the Middle East. He prayed for peace in the world with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Austrian Cardinals Christophe Schonbrunn told Copts United that Copts cause a blessing for Europe for their suffering and faith. He added that Europe has to support Egypt in its war against terrorism as well as to support Christian minorities in the Middle East as they became targets of the terrorist organizations.

Sebastian Kurtz, Austrian Foreign Minister, said during his short visit to Libya that his country will do anything to support freedom of faith in the Arab world.

Several Copts in Austria said they are very happy after the historic visit of Pope Francis to Egypt and the historic agreement to accept the baptism of the Catholic church. They added that the current phase requires mutual love and unity between the churches in order to overcome disagreements and solve many problems.

Dina Iwon, governor of Kyzyl province in Russia, told Copts United that Russian tourists are returning to Egypt with the increasing security and stability in the country.

Sources in the church told Copts United that Pope Tawadros’ health conditions improved during receiving medical treatment in Austria.

Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and the St. Mark See, traveled today to Austria for medical treatment after he suffered from pain in the back and the leg.

The Egyptian community in Austria celebrated the fifth anniversary of the departure of Pope Shenouda III. Bahgat Ebeidi, leading member of the Egyptian community in Austria that all Copts remember the Pope and still mourn him for his great role in uniting Egypt and teaching the Copts with great wisdom and love.

Coptic Churches offered their sincere condolences to the Catholic Church in Austria for the death of Christian Fursten,

The religious festival of the Anglican Church Arab in Austria entitled Jesus House continues until March 11th. Rev. Bahgat Attala said that the activities continues to offer the youth great time and is held in German with translations to Arabic, English and Persian.

In his interview with Copts United, Bishop Charlie, Assistant Cardinal of Austria said that he stands in solidarity with the Copts in El-Arish after they suffered from murdering and forced displacement.

Coptic Congregation in Austria denounced a strange act by a priest in Austria who distributed medals bearing his image after he received his doctorate from the Theological school of Pope Shenouda in Austria.

Islamic Center in Austria supported Valentine's celebrations on February 24th, after fanatics have issued fatwas to prohibit celebrating it considering it feast of infidels and contradict with Islamic Sharia.

Islamic Center in the Austrian city of Leoben said that Muslims praying at American airports sent a message to the extremists in the Islamic countries that the west believes in God and have tolerance more than what we have in the Islamic countries that can’t allow Christians to celebrate mass at the airport.

Young Copts of Austria celebrated the first anniversary of the ordination of the first monk in Austria Father Theodor of St. Antony monastery as a priest.

St. Mark Church in Vienna hosted Father Theophilus of the Syriac monastery, agent of Turin and Rome Bishopric, who visits the diocese at the invitation of Abba Gabriel, Bishop of Austria. Father Theophilus celebrated the holy mass at the church and was welcomed by the congregation.