Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, today greeted the leader of the ancient Coptic Orthodox Church upon his arrival in Toronto, on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada. Pope Tawadros II (see image), who became the 118th leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church on November 19, 2012, arrived in Toronto this evening to officially begin his month-long Canadian visit. His first trip to Canada will include the consecration of the first Coptic cathedral in North America, Markham’s St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church, visits to other parishes across Canada, meetings with religious leaders, and the delivery of a lecture at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, joined Minister Kenney in Toronto to greet Pope Tawadros.
Quick facts
•Copts are among the oldest Christian communities in the world, having preserved their traditions for nearly two millennia in Egypt. Canada is home to some 50,000 Coptic Orthodox Christians.
•In March 2013, Pope Tawadros II appointed Canada's first Coptic bishop, Bishop Mina.
•Minister Kenney attended the Enthronement of His Holiness in Cairo, Egypt in November, 2012 on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Quotes
“His Holiness is visiting one of the most vibrant Coptic communities in the world, here in Canada. Canada’s growing Coptic Christian community has been a model of successful integration and reflects the very best of our country’s pluralism. We are deeply honoured that His Holiness has dedicated a full month to visit communities across our great country, and I look forward to discussing matters of shared concern with him, including the plight of persecuted faith communities throughout the Middle East.”
