International Orthodox Christian News

Malawi Diocese put off a conference, planned to be held today to explain its final stance on Abu Fana incidents, to next August 14 after Malawi Bishop Dimeterus headed for the US following a phone call from Pope Shenouda III.

The diocese had finished arrangements for the conference and prepared buses for transporting media men and representatives of human rights organizations from Cairo. It had also fixed giant video screens and published more than 500 huge pictures, including pictures of the monks who were injured in the incidents.

Ramzy blasted statements made by Menya governor Ahmed Diaa Eddin while addressing the People’s Assembly National Security Committee. The statements were “arbitrary and arouse more tension”, he added. Al-Masry Al-Youm learned that Pope Shenouda held two days ago a two-hour meeting in Cleveland with deputy chairman of People’s Assembly Committee on Religious Affairs Alaa Hassanein, Father Yoannas, secretary of the papal office Father Armeya, Youth Bishop Father Moussa and chairman of Egyptian Expatriates Federation Hani Aziz.

During the meeting Hassanein reviewed the problem’s dimensions, stressing that the matter was a dispute over a plot of land and the real criminals were arrested and brought to book. So, the Pope decided to put off Malawi Diocese conference and summoned its bishop to the US. According to sources, the Pope stressed the necessity of reconciliation among neighbors in general and restoring good ties with Menya governor.

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