Pope Tawadros of Alexandria delegated Abba Raphael, general secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, to attend the Third International Conference on Coexistence and Peacemaking in Austria.

The Cardinal Christoph Schonbrun, Archbishop of Austria, said that Jesus Christ is the most famous refugee in history and Egypt is the most important recipient and cradle of refugees. He explained that the story of the flight into Egypt described in the Gospel of Matthew Matthew 2:13–23 shows that King Herod intended to kill the infants of that area, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him to flee to Egypt with Mary and infant son Jesus. The Cardinal said that the Holy Family remained in Egypt until the death of Herod the King and when the danger ended, they returned to their native land of Nazareth.

Catholic Church in Austria congratulated the people of Mosul on the first Christmas celebration in their city after the expulsion of ISIS. Prayers for peace and stability in the world were included in the Holy Mass.

The Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, Archbishop of Austria, stressed the importance of working hard to prevent turning the Middle East into a Christian-free zone. He added that the suffering Christians in Syria should receive help to be able to live in their country. NGOs should continue to support Muslims and Christians in Syria, he added.

The Catholic Church in Austria said that 30% of Iraqi Christian migrants want to return to their country before Christmas after the defeat of ISIS in Iraq. Church added in a statement that thousands of Iraqi people are hoping to be able to return to their homes before Christmas.

Catholic Church in Austria praised the visit of Cardinal Bishara Raey to Saudi Arabia for two days during which he met with the Saudi King and Saudi crown prince. The Catholic Cardinal said he was convinced by the reasons that made Lebanese Prime Minister resign, and promised to return to Lebanon soon.

The Evangelical Christian Church in Vienna called on Arab Christians in Austria to attend a joint Catholic-Evangelical prayer service on Friday (November 17th). Bahjat Attallah, the pastor of the church, said that a group of Catholic monks and nuns from France will join the prayers asking for blessing for our lives and our country.

On the International Day of Prayer, Pope Francis called to stop conflicts and wars and to start a fight against hunger instead. He added that the lack of peace and the increasing conflict put the credibility of the international society in question. Pope called for the right to live in peace and to find enough food and better future in home to avoid illegal immigration.

Austrian Church congratulated 500 Iraqi Christian families on their return to their villages in the Nineveh Plain after being liberated from the terrorist organization named ISIS. 2500 Christians chanted hymns and held a celebration in the streets holding the holy crosses to express their joy to return safe to their homes.

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.