The Honourable Jason Kenney, Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on the first year anniversary on the passing away of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III:
Ottawa, March 16, 2013
“This weekend I join with Coptic Christians in remembering a great spiritual leader, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church and Patriarch of Alexandria, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.
Throughout his many years of tireless service, Pope Shenouda III demonstrated the love of a father for his people. He was a constant advocate for strengthening ecumenical relations and provided strong leadership to the worldwide Coptic community.
I will always proudly remember the honour and privilege I had of meeting with him and welcoming him to Canada. The tremendous depth of love and devotion that the entire Canadian Coptic community has to this day for his blessed memory is a testimony to the service and care he gave so selflessly to his Church.
His particular devotion to and established ongoing pastoral care for young people transformed the lives of thousands of Canadian Coptic youth. He famously and repeatedly said that “A Church without youth is a Church without a future.”
Another fruit of his labours is the growing size and integrity of the Coptic community here in Canada which is manifested most obviously in the recent appointment of a bishop for our country. When I met Pope Tawadros II at his enthronement in November, we discussed how ready Canada was for this moment in the life of a Church. May God bless Pope Tawadros II as he continues Pope Shenouda’s work.
I will be keeping all Copts in my thoughts and prayers as we remember Pope Shenouda III’s powerful legacy and memory.''
