The
President and the Trusttees of the Coptic Medical
Society
have the pleasure to invite you to the Society’s
Dinner on
Saturday 28th November
2009, 6.30pm at Liffy
Suite, Copthorne TARA Hotel Scarsdale place
London Kensington W8 5SR.
We are contiuning celebrating the achievements
of two eminent fellows of the Society, who will give
us an after Dinner Speachs
"Stem cells for patients with
cirrhosis and diabetes"
Professor Nagy Habib of
Imperial College London
Professor and Head
of Department of Biosurgery & Surgical Technology
Chief of service – Surgery and Director of
HPB Clinical Services - Hammersmith Hospital London
Professor of Medical
Oncology
Division of Surgery, Oncology, Reproductive Biology,
Hammersmith Hospital London
†
With
great regret we
sadly
announce of
the
passing away
of
Fr. Mikhail Ibrahim Salama
St. Mary
& Archangel Michael Church
Golders
Green ,London
London
Thursday 10th July 2008
Annual general meeting of the CMS
trustees
9/12/07, Birmingham
1.
New trustees were elected: Mr Magdy
Michel, Mr Michael Georgy,Maria Dimitry,
Mark Michel and
Claire Raphael. Nagy
Aziz to be contacted to see if he wishes
to serve as a trusteee to cover
Manchester.
the young people wish to call thrmselves
" Coptic Health Carers" ; to widen the
umbrella and include
all those who work
in health, not just medics
2.Essam presented the accounts up to
31/3/07, Gross income £140771.00, Gross
expenditure 139930.00.
Main areas of
spending: Palliative Cancer Care,
Support of the poor and needy, Support
of new doctors.Accounts approved
It was suggested that CMS membership to
remain at £10 annually, but a voluntary
contribution of
£100 a year is to be
encouraged
3.In order to increase membership and
awareness of the society, the following
was suggested:
a.Have reps to cover various regions,
Magdy to cover Nottingham, need a cover
for Manchester
b. Produce a leaflet explaining the
range of activities, ( MB) to coordinate
c. A get together Fri evening and
Saturday. Fr Yohanna and Fr Thomas to be
approached
Kamel Sharobeem, Magda Youssef,
Samia Georgy to work on this. Aims
: social/ spiritual,but
light
d.Fundraising for Baroness Cox ? March
08, Fayek to coordinate with Onsy Luca
and Ibrahim Habib
4.Magdy Bassilious presented his work.
The Alexandria Hospice is progressing
well. Anticipated date
to open May 08. A
doctor and a nurse will come in Feb 08
for a month for training. The Hospice;
the
1st in Egypt will have 8 beds, a day center. Work will also go on in
community setting. Projected
cost around
£50,000.00
The Kenya project is also progressing
well. Magdy purchased equipment worth
new in excess of £700,000 ,
for only
£50,000 from NHS auction. Cost of
shipping and storage will take overall
cost to £70,000.
Anba Boulos is very
appreciative. Endoscopes, ventillators,
theater equpment, blood testing
machines, etc.
Fayek asked if trustees are to
contribute £1000 each to support, this
was agreed
All trustees thanked Magdy for his work
Coptic Medical Society
Newsletter
There is an ongoing support of needy patients, the
poor in Egypt and Africa, and support of newly arriving doctors.
However, the last few months saw some very exciting progress for the
CMS.
In Africa:
His Grace Bishop Boulos, visited London in May 2007. He explained the
great need for medical equipment for the Coptic Hospital in Kenya. A new
hospital is being planned for Nigeria. The hospital programme is
necessary for the Coptic mission in Africa. The cost of equipment is
high. Dr Magdi Bassilious attended several NHS auctions and managed to
purchase large quantities of medical equipment at a fraction of the cost
price.
The following equipment were purchased: eight
ventilators, six monitors for BP, oxymetry, CO2, blood gas machines to
test acidosis, suction machine, nebulizers, three gastroscopes, a
bronchoscope, a colonoscope and a light source, two theatre tables, six
diathermy machines, monitors for the operating theatre as well as a
large set of surgical instruments for orthopaedic, plastic and
gynaecology operations. Laryngoscopes, stethoscopes, 15 ripple
mattresses, Kitchen food warmer, washing machine and dishwasher, mobile
X-ray machine and equipped dental unit. The real cost of the above is in
the region of £650 000. Magdi was able to get the above for around £30
000. One large container was sent to Kenya recently and another one is
to be sent soon.
In Alexandria:
A charitable foundation is about to be registered in Alexandria through
the social affairs ministry. The foundation will support the running of
probably the first hospice in Egypt for cancer patients. A large six
bedroom flat was purchased in Fleming, Alexandria. The plan is to have
eight beds, operating theatre for nerve blocks including epidurals to
control cancer pain. The hospice will offer facilities for
physiotherapy, occupational therapy and a roof terrace including a
kitchen. The official opening is planned for January 2008.
Ibtisam, a recently retired army major who ran the
army nursing school will be in charge of the palliative care centre. She
will come for four weeks to London shortly for palliative care training
in an English hospice and for further training by Samira Gabra, a
palliative care consultant.
Everyone is encouraged to contribute financially to complete the above
and doctors support is needed .Donations by cheque in the name of The Coptic Medical Society at
Furlongs, London Road, Surrey GU20 6PJ. Please give your name and
address for tax claim purposes.
Sharing Faith with Patients
by
Mark Pickering
On the
24th June Mark Pickering the Student Secretary of the Christian
Medical Fellowship (CMF) came to speak to the Coptic Medical Society about how
Christian doctors can share their faith with their patients. Dr. Pickering
mentioned many barriers that doctors face which prevent them from talking about
their faith, these included courage, uncertainty as to how to discuss spiritual
issues, a lack of experience, difficulty in using the right language, the
negative attitude of peers and the GMC, concern that you may be abusing your
position as a doctor and finally a very real concern was a lack of time.
However, research shows that faith is important and has a strong relationship
with health. There is significant evidence to show that faith has a positive
impact on illness prevention, coping, recovery from surgery and even improving
treatment outcomes (on the other hand faith can also have a negative impact e.g.
due to feelings of guilt or condemnation). Statistics show that 71% of the
public have an important spiritual belief even though many do not express it in
a religious way.
So faith is important to patients and impacts on their health, but is
it appropriate to talk about it in a medical setting? The answer is yes but
there are three important things to remember when opening about spiritual
matters:
sensitivity
permission
respect
In
Colossians 4:6 it says,
“Let
your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you
ought to answer each one.”
Thus
we are called to be salt and light to the world… However, it is important to be
just the right saltiness. Doctors know this, when treating patients there are
times when a high concentration of salt is needed to help them get better whilst
other times a weaker concentration is needed (and a higher concentration would
be deadly).
0.9%
salt – usually a healthy amount
3%
salt - sometimes need this much but rarely (can be deadly if used
inappropriately)
5%
dextrose (sugar) - can be bland (although it is good to give sweet words, it is
not enough to survive, the salt is needed as well as the nice things)
If you
turn to Act 17:16-34, we see how Paul speaks to the Athenians… To begin with
when he spoke in the synagogue he was misunderstood, but in the Areopagus he met
them on their own territory and spoke of things they understood e.g. the Unknown
God, Greek poetry. St. Paul did three important things in this second meeting
with the people of Athens:
·He
created a safe environment
– by talking to the people about what they feel comfortable about he made the
people as comfortable as possible.
·He
used words the people could understand
- St. Paul used simple words and words that the Greeks were familiar with (much
like how you should not use medical jargon, you should not use Christian
jargon).
·He
gave them an opportunity for questions anddiscussions – if you give people small amounts of the truth and then let
them ask questions and show you their understanding.
As
doctors it is important to know what the General Medical Council expects of
doctors and if speaking about spiritual matters is against their regulations.
In the
duties of a GMC registered doctor, there are 14 points to adhere to, including:
•
Respect patients’ dignity and privacy
•
Listen to patients and respect their views
•
Give patients information in a way they can understand
•
Respect the rights of patients to be fully involved in decisions about their
care
•
Make sure that your personal beliefs do not prejudice your patients’ care
•
Avoid abusing your position as a doctor…
“In all these
matters you must never discriminate unfairly against your patients or
colleagues. And you must always be prepared to justify your actions to them”
The
GMC says that if you are talking about spiritual matters, it is important to
firstly give good medical care. Also, you are expected to be able to justify
why what you said was important and why you said what you said. In the GMC
Annual Report 1993:4, the GMC spoke regarding the doctors’ use of professional
standing to promote personal interests & beliefs, it concluded that it was
important to be sensitive and give good care and that it would not be right to
stop doctors from addressing their beliefs.
“Do
all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may become blameless and
harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse
generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word
of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain
or laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16
These
verses from the book of Philippians help us to take an eternal perspective when
speaking to others. We should pray for opportunities to speak to others about
God, and ask God how we can help Him serve this person in what God is doing in
this person’s life. We must also consider the spiritual baggage of major
influences and past experiences in the person’s life. In reality most people
meet Christ through ongoing influence in friends and relatives. It is our role to
help people get closer to Christ and often we can help be just one step on a
long path towards Him. So some people we meet will be far from Him and maybe we
can make them less sceptical about the Church or Christ whilst others will be
already close to Him and we can help draw them nearer.
Sometimes it is easier to discuss spiritual matters with a patient, such as when
a patient is suffering from a terminal illness or major illness or when they are
in a perioperative stage. Also, during social and psychological problems like
depression or at a time of loss, it may be something that the patient would like
to discuss, or even during health maintenance examinations.
If it
is appropriate just like taking any other history you can take a “Spiritual
History”.
Belief – Do you have a personal faith that helps in a time like this?
Practice – How does this affect the way you live? Have you ever prayed about
your situation?
Faith Community – Who gives you support? Do you belong to a faith community?
However, sometimes it is not the time for a “Spiritual History” or there simply
is not time for one… in which case you can use faith flags. These are small
things which raise spiritual issues in a non-threatening quick way as a natural
part of conversation. They do not need a response but create an opportunity
that the patient can grasp and lets them know that you are a member of God’s
family. Examples of faith flags include saying thank God or when asked about
your weekend saying if you went to church. Even just wearing a cross can be a
faith flag.
Other
people can also be involved in reaching out to patients e.g. fellow Christian
healthcare professionals, chaplains or Christian counselors, church ministries
e.g. the Alpha Course or you could recommend a book or give a booklet with the
permission of the patient.
The
passage in Philippians 2 speaks of penetrating the darkness for this it you need
light, this involves being a good doctor, a good person and someone who really
cares. It is a great privilege that doctors have contact with so many people,
far more people visit their doctor than go to church. Also, it takes prayer, we
should ask for wisdom, opportunities, courage and to know what God is doing in
each situation.
Finally, Dr. Pickering reminded us that evangelism is a process, we just try and
bring people closer to God but in the end their eternal destiny is in God’s
hands and although we can introduce a person to Christ it is up to them if they
want to really get to know Jesus.
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
meanwhile, praying for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to
speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, that I may make it
manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,
redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt,
that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:2-6)xz
Lydia Dimitry
Doctors as tools in the
hand of God
By Dr. Michael Henein
Wisdom 38:
“His knowledge will come from the Most High”.
The
knowledge we receive in our career is from God Himself.
It is true that we work hard and do research but the
knowledge itself is ultimately from Him. Our knowledge
is given to us to help humanity and to alleviate their
pain.
Although, it is true that medicine allows us to cure
many diseases, we know that this is not always the case
and that is why our words matter too. It is important
for us as Christian doctors to treat patients as a
whole, to think of the third dimension and this can take
much time. When medicine cannot provide a cure, the
patient’s family can often feel much grief, and we
should try to provide comfort at this time.
Medicine is not a 9 to 5
job. We are asked by God to serve His children. I
believe it is, or at least I look at it, like a human
mission that needs to be guided by God rather than just
a job. Our mission as Children of God is to try our
utmost and to leave the situation in God’s hands and not
to interfere with his plans.We, as
Christians, need to believe in the importance of
allowing God to work through us. The book of Isaiah says
that we are tools in His hand. Likewise, we should be
vehicles for God to give His Word to the patient.
Our
work in medicine should be based on HONESTY, PATIENCE
and UPDATED KNOWLEDGE.
HONESTY:
Shortcuts are beloved to the human nature, we often
choose ‘the route of least resistance’, on the other
hand, to be a good doctor we should take the right path
not necessarily the easiest. If we believe that we have
surrendered the whole plan of our lives to God, and
medicine is His plan for us then He has left a certain
responsibility in our hands. In the same way, as Abouna
is entrusted with our spiritual lives, we are entrusted
with the health of our patients. It is true that the
right way is not always easy; although we should not
feel it as very hard. I see our work in medicine as
similar to an order of prayer and not less important.
As
Christian physicians we should not hesitate to approach
the long way in this service of helping patients,
although we may be deprived from our free time,
this commandment (to take the right path) is no
different from any of God’s other commandments. Even if
in work, you are mocked or seem a little bit different
because you use your spare time trying to find out the
best treatment for your patient, rather than watching a
television programme or participating in other social
activities. Although, these would be good and not doing
them may leave you feeling left out, we should think of
it as one of The Lord’s commandments, to put the health
of our patients first.
I
have learned from my uncle that I should research in
books and the internet for the solutions for difficult
cases the same evening that I meet the patients. A
valuable piece of advice is that if you fail in solving
a case on your own, then try to find a 2nd/3rd
opinion even if they are abroad, in the US... or however
difficult it may seem and do not be afraid to refer your
patients to other doctors as needed. Looking after a
patient is a great responsibility. Be honest when
looking after your patients’ health. The more knowledge
you seek for your patients’ benefit the more blessing
God will ordain you.
Sometimes you will find you are able to solve a very
difficult case, one that your seniors were not able to
solve (when you humble yourself). Enlightenment comes
from God, so humble yourself and let God work in your
life. God is not ‘slow’ to work through us if we humble
ourselves and ask for his help. He can help us acquire
knowledge and help our understanding.
You
can humble yourself before God in your bedroom but when
you are on the playing field and you know the treatment
for a patient you need to speak up, this is not the time
to be humble. We need to have knowledge but also
wisdom to apply it appropriately. If you are certain of
your answer you need to be assertive however you should
never, ever be assertive or stubborn out of selfish
pride.
PATIENCE
Don’t rush your study, you might need to study
biochemistry as part of your degree and you do not enjoy
it or find it hard. However, you need to know it just
in case one day one of the chemists comes to you
discussing the effect of a certain drug; you will need
to be fully aware of its chemical structure. I do not
mean to be harsh but anyway this is a serious bit of our
life. Success in medicine is not a gift or special
talent, it’s an effort; a big and hard effort.
UPDATED KNOWLEDGE:
A
physician should not stop studying a certain part of
medicine. To fulfil the commitment, you need to continue
your life updating your knowledge and you’ll be
surprised by what God does through your effort. God
knows exactly when you will hang your stethoscope, when
your last day in medicine will be.
On
one occasion I was with Father Bishoy Kamel, a great
spiritual leader in Alexandria, during his last days
when he was dying of cancer. He was talking to a group
of people and he pointing at a certain man in front of
the congregation and said: “You are the best one”. It
turned out that he was Father Bishoy’s physician
throughout his last days. He had tried his best to
alleviate Abouna’s terrible pain from cancer.
At
the end of the day, engineers deal with machines, but
physicians deal with human beings. This is what grace we
get from our job.
It’s a life mission if we respect it, we’ll be really
successful.
Questions at end:
How
can we choose our speciality?
We
need to pray and ask God’s guidance. We will hear many
people saying many different things to us, ‘this is good
for you’, ‘this is easier’, ‘this is less competitive’
etc; this is all like noise in our ears but we need to
pray and we will know the speciality God wants for us.
Ask priest??
Do
you find that medicine helps spirituality?
Yes, on one occasion, there was a surgeon doing an
operation and I was the anaesthetist. The patient had
lost much blood and I could not find a pulse. I had
expected the next morning when I got to work that she
would have passed away but to my surprise she was well
and sitting up. In this occasion, you can say that God
wanted her to live and therefore we saw His hand in our
w
•Medical
Society meeting held on Sunday 17th September
2006
The Coptic Medical Society and the United Copts of Great Britain
Held a meeting on 18th Feb 2007
At Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel NECSpeaker was:Bayoumi
KndilJournalist, translator, researcher in Egyptology & linguistics and short story writer & playwright & poet
On the 18th Feb, Copts
United and the Coptic Medical Society held a meeting at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham. The speaker, Mr Bayoumi Kandil, is a Coptic scholar and an
Egyptian thinker. He gave two valuable lectures. The first was on the
concept that the colloquial Arabic is an independent and equal to the classic
Arabic. It is in no way inferior to the classic Arabic. Mr Kandil spoke
eloquently in colloquial Arabic. The colloquial Arabic has various roots. The
Coptic as well as the Turkish roots left there prints on it. For example,
Arm in Arabic is zeraa. The word is feminine. The colloquial Arabic is deraa
which is masculine. To describe someone who is a thug, you say "Ayesh bel
deraa", if you try to translate this into classical Arabic, it will not
make sense." He lives with his arm" is meaningless. The Coptic word for deraa is
shops which is masculine. The expression is based on Coptic phrase.
Mr Kandil looked at the Iranian culture which includes Islam but
not built on Islam. A disciple of Al Khomeini was quoted as saying" Islam
is my wife and Iran is my mother. I could divorce my wife, but I cannot
divorce my mother". While Iranians adopted Islam, they kept their language
and culture. We should be looking at our common denominators with our Muslim
brothers. There is a common fabric that all Egyptians can identify with.
Islamic extremism can weaken such fabric. A secular party like "Mother
Egypt" party could be an umbrella to bring all Egyptians together.
We had live entertainment from Sophia and music from Emad Shaker A much enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to Magda Youssef and Ibrahim
Habib who made it happen."On the difference/differences between
Modern Egyptian
language,
dubbed "Amiyya" and the Classical Arabic"."The Urgent Necessity of a Political Partyexpressing & defending Egyptian Identity: an attempt towards translating a
cultural perspectiveinto
a political program."
Egyptian live Music
لقاء
الأستاذ بيومى قنديل مع جمعية
الأطباء القبطية ببريطانيا و الأقباط المتحدون ببريطانيايوم
الأحد 18/2/07بفندق هيلتون
متروبول برمنجهام
Annual general meeting of the CMS trustees
Birmingham, 09/07/06
Trustees Present: N Raphael, E S
Dimitry, M Bassilious, R Gadelrab, I Neoman, N S
Isshsk, I B Sidhom, M Youssef, M Bassilious Members Present: George Malek,
Fayek Youssef, Samira Iskander-Gabra, Gamal
Gabra, Inas Matta, Mary Atalla, M Ibrahim Appologies: S Shalaby, N
Aziz
1 Approval of minutes of London meeting
of 9th April 2005.
2 Approval of accounts of the charity for
the period from 1/4/05 to 31/3/06 presented by
ES Dimitry.
● Total donation of year £71879
● Total spent £52874:
● CMS newsletter £575
● Global cancer care Egypt £7780
● New doctors support £8620
● The poor and the needy £35608
3 There is a problem with the £6000 that
was sent to GCC Egypt, where the Egyptian
Security forces have frozen the account for now.
It was decided to try to move the money back to
the account. It may be best to release the money
in cash to be redirected to the poor and the
needy as well as global cancer care, on the
understanding that receipts will be provided.
4 Money collected for support of Global
cancer care should be spent on global cancer
care.
A steering group for Global Cancer care involves
N Isshak, Samira Gabra, Fayek Youssef, Magdy
Bassilious, and Nabil Aziz.
5 A method of regular communication
between the chairman, treasurer and the
trustees. All e-mails were collected for future
use (Raafat gadelrab).
6 Detailed report on progress of Global
Cancer care in Egypt and projected activities
(Mr. N S Isshsk & S Iskander-Gabra) -
Training and teaching activities. -
Contacts with various organisations and
individuals e.g. Ragaa centre, Rev. L Daoud,
national organisations and churches. -
Palliative care provision to cancer care in
Egypt
●
Ihab
Karam in Cairo
●
Dr. Gordon Hafez & Dr. Ghobrial Kamal in
Alexandria
●
Dr. Soheir Kamel in Tanta. -
Establishing two cancer care centres in Warrak,
Embaba, Giza & Al-Romany
Hospital, Al-Hadra, Alexandria
7 Fundraising for the charity activities: -
Personal invitation, standing order, Gift aid
forms, Global Cancer care information. -
Fundraising dinners at Manchester, Birmingham
and London with Good speakers. -
The donators need to know the expenditure on the
palliative care and encourage the Donators to
help and support the services with medicine.
8 Assistance to new comers doctors from
Egypt (E Dimitry, F Youssef, K Sharobeem &
Father J Albair)
9 Three meetings of the CMS Medical
student through 2005-2006
Coptic MusicClassic & Modern
Fundraising Dinner
Sunday 14th
of May 2006
Maria Centre
23
Kensington Square, London
Guest Speaker
Mr. Nabil Kamel
Coptic Musician, Alexandria
+
Coptic Music from pre-entering Christianity to Egypt
to the 21st Century
it
has been said perhaps a little too often that "East is east and West
is west, and never the Twain shall meet." But if there is one medium
through which I am sure they can and eventually will meet, it is
that of Music…….
These themes (Coptic Music) are in
many cases extremely fine. In some instances they are magnificent.
They compare favorably with those of the greatest masters in musical
history.
A wider understanding to several
issues related to the characteristics of Coptic music, deeper
spiritual meditations, answering questions on why the Coptic Hymns
are always sung by Ow www, ae eee, Why it’s only vocal Music, why
some hymns are long and other questions, comes from a Spiritual,
historical and Musical view to the Coptic Hymns.
Main features
Before we start our tour, we should take a look at
the main features of the Coptic Music.
When we listen to any Church Hymn or we say it we'll
find that the long part of the theme is on the "O"," Aó",
"Ee", etc.. And if we notice we will find that these letters are the
VOWELS of the language.
If we take any Hymn for example as “Alleloya”
we'll find that the long parts of the theme are on the "A", "E", "O"
and "A", other like “Hi ten niebresvia” we'll find
the long part of the theme is on the "I", and so on for any other
theme, so one of the main features of the Coptic Hymns is that the
long part of the theme is centered on the vowels, there is a reason
for that, and it will appear later
The proof
Now the major question from where are we going to
know about the music of pre-entering Christianity to Egypt, and what
is the relation between today Coptic Music and pre-entering
Christianity Music ?
Dr Er.Newlandsmith said “For seeing that this
music is Coptic, that St. Mark-the-Evangelist was the first
Patriarch of the Coptic Church, and that there has been an unbroken
patriarchal succession from his day until now, it is practically
certain that this music not only dates back to the first days of the
Christian Era but that it probably dates from a much earlier date.
We know that the Coptic Church took over many usages from the
ancient Egyptian temple worship such as the surplice and the
tonsure; and, in view of the deeply spiritual part that music played
in the worship of the ancient Egyptians, it is almost certain that
some of this music also must have been carried over.”
“First, the Christians took from ancient themes
in Egypt for worship, if they took from it as it is, or they took
from it and add to it a spiritual depth, or if they did not take,
but at the beginning of Christianity the Arts (referring to the
Hymns) were Egyptian by flesh and blood”
So we can see that the Hymns of the Coptic Church
are related to the period of pre-entering Christianity to Egypt,
after Christianity some themes where used as it is with changing the
lyrics to Christ and some other where composed “in style of” music
of that time, exactly as today when a student study music
composition he is asked to compose “in style of” Mozart for example,
so he composes exactly like Mozart style when any body listen to the
composed music its exactly Mozart but its not Mozart composition,
its in style of Mozart.
Also since Chaledonian (4th Century B.C.) till
today the Coptic Church didn't change any of its belief and the way
of practicing it.
Pre-Christian Egypt
The ancient Egyptians used
Music in every occasion such as Marriage, Birthdays, during work, in
funerals, in teaching, also every season of the year got a special
type of music, there was instrumental music and vocal music, the
vocal music was very important at that time and especially the
sacred, and was sung by the use of vowels
Alexandrian philosopher Philo
“The ancient Egyptian priests prayed using the
seven vowels, which were retained in the Greek and Coptic languages”.
During this period (round 4th/5th century A.D.)
there was common researches between the Ancient Egyptians and
Ancient Greeks round several subjects and one of the important was
Astronomy, they figured out many theories one of them by
Aristotle(322-384 BC) that was very famous was the Cosmic Theory
which is a study related to our planet and the universe, also there
was several researches related to the seven planets that where
discovered at this period (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Saturn,
Jupiter and Mars), and due to their researches they figured out
something called Cosmic Music which is a study about sound which
occurs from outer space, due to their researches they found that
each planet of the seven planets when moves occur a sound and they
found that each plant gives a sound similar to the vowels, -there is
a research by NASA related to the sound of the planets we’ll speak
about it-
Philo says “These vowels were believed to have been derived from
the sounds of the seven planets in distant antiquity and were
therefore venerated by the ancient Egyptians. For them, the
hieroglyphics were 'divine words'. The ancient Egyptians thus used
the sounds of the heavens to praise the creator of the heavens”.
So the use of vowels was very important at that time,
and by using them they felt as if they were speaking by the language
of the universe, since the vocal music occurs from a human being so
it’s much near to the universe sound than the sound of an invented
instrument.
The use of
vowels was on Sacred Music, Healing in which the priests where using
it with physicians, also the music scale is related to the vowels,
Pythagoras taught in the school he founded in Croton “Magna
Graecia” that the seven notes of the musical scale came from the
sounds of the planets
Christian Egypt
The fathers of the Church
started using the same technique (singing by vowels) but they add to
it a spiritual, Theological, belief depth,
so when we listen to Abouna saying for example ´Efnoty´
(O LOARD), well find the long part of the theme is on the ´O´ and
we’ll find the theme is going up, that to indicates that we are
ascending to the LORD in heaven with all our thoughts and every
things, then sometimes the theme go up three tones indicating
Trinity.
20th/21st Century
Several researches where
made by NASA about the sound that occurs form the planets when they
move and they found that the Sun streams a wind called a Solar wind
and when it hits the planets it makes sound Dr. Maged S. says “the
winds only become potentially audible when they meet the earth's
magnetic field, which moves outward in circular movements, and again
modifies the flow of this energy. The vibrations, or frequencies of
the solar winds arriving from each planet, or directly from the sun,
vary according to the size of the planet and its distance from the
earth. Each planet, therefore, produces a different 'sound' “
“The Great Man” as
described by Prof. Ernest Newlandsmith.
When the Coptic Hymns are sung in tonality and clear
pure voice, we can feel the musical effect of the theme, and vice
versa, Cantor Mikhail is a message introducing us how can we feel
the beauty of the theme when it’s sung in tonality and purely.
Dr Ragheb Moftah says in an article about him
“On winter 1928, I began to work with Mlm.Mikhail as
I had already invited the world known musicologist Prof. Ernest
Newlandsmith to transcribe the music of liturgies and offices of the
Coptic Orthodox Church. By this time, people claimed that
Mlm.Mikhail is changing and adding to the original hymns which made
me avoid asking him at first. I compiled a list of names of all
cantors all over Egypt & asked them all of them to come to Cairo to
perform before Prof. Newlandsmith. This latter listened carefully to
them & finally told: "I should like to apologize & cancel our deal
since I can't do this job accurately.. Those cantors' voices are not
clear & pure & include a lot of deviations...”
I could nothing but bring Mlm.Mikhail who rescued
me!! I still remember this decisive instant in recording the Church
Heritage as if I see it now! We were on a Golden ship in the Nile in
front of El-Dobara Palace.. Under us, still water of the Nile flew
in peace and we were surrounded by wonderful gardens on both banks..
Mlm.Mikhail entered and beholds two great musicians met!! I asked
him to recite a Coptic hymn to the professor. An example to show the
beauty & value of the Church Music... He performed the hymn: "Vi et
ou enmashg..." - "He who has ears let him listen what the Spirit
says unto the churches". On the mode of the Hymn of Virtues & other
hymns...”
So as we can see for nine years Dr. Ragheb Moftah
invited Pro. Newlandsmith for the purpose of transcribing the Church
Hymns and the source he transcribed from was Cantor Mikhail, Dr
Ragheb added “He was a loud "Baritone" which is the most suitable
voice for Church Music. His rhythm & accurate counting was also
good, performing notes clearly without no mistakes nor deviations
He was also able to recite any hymn starting at any middle point
without the slightest hesitation... Sometimes he knew two versions
for the same hymn. Amongst were The Joyful Trisagion and the big Ti-shory”
He Studied in Germany at
the Faculty of Agriculture in the University of Bonn in the
Rhineland, his great passion was music, he obtained degrees in Music
from Germany, he devoted his life to the recording and notation of
Coptic liturgical texts, and he made a studio at St.Mary Coptic
Orthodox Church Kasriet El-Rihan in Old Cairo.
- In 1927 he invited Prof.Ernst Newlandsmith from
London who transcribed all the Coptic Heritage 1928-1936
- In 1955 he was responsible for the Music & Hymn
Department at the Institute of Coptic studies and moved the primary
studio he had already made in St. Mary Church, and began recording
the hymns and all the Church services with Mlm.Mikhail voice and
then published in more talented voices in Cassette Tapes the number
of tapes achieved are 54 tapes.
- In 1970, he invited the scientist Margaret Toth to
co-operate in achieving St.Basil's Mass transcription which
Prof.Newlandsmith had prepared only responses and the first part in
each priest (solo) part, The work lasted until everything was
accomplished, all the mass with hymns in Musical notation with the
Coptic, English and Arabic text.
- In 1992, he offered all his works to the American
Congress Library, Washington DC to be kept over generations using
the latest technology.
-In 1998 The America University in Cairo published
the Music transcription of St. Basil's Mass.
Other Personalities
Since 1975 several
personalities gave a Master and PhD. theses in Coptic music, such as
Salwa El-Shawan,
Nabil Kamal Boutros
Music Critic, Musicologist and
composer, he was one of the writers in
“Watani” newspaper, the
founder of “Panorama” section, he was also a lecturer in
Universities in Egypt and abroad, a member of jury in international
choir competitions, member of many international organizations, and
also he had a several publications.
He felt that there is something
deep in the Coptic music and he was fascinated by many Coptic Hymns,
beside his studies and appreciation to the Classical Music in 1991
he was thinking very strongly in both Classical and Coptic Music.
- In 1993 he started thinking about
his project, which was dealing with Coptic themes arranged in
Classical Music forms with twentieth century compositional
techniques.
- In 1996 he composed “Fugue on a
Coptic theme” followed by “Agios”, these two where not
only a Music compositions but they where also a research, in which
he had earned a PhD in from the Zoltan Kodaly Pedagogical Institute
of Music (Kesckemet, Hungary), and Coptic institute in Cairo.
“Fugue on a Coptic theme”, is
dealing with the Coptic theme "Golgotha" presented in a17th
century /baroque 3 voices polyphonic texture with 20th
Century compositional techniques.
“Agios” Presents the Coptic
theme "Agios the prolonged" in "18th century" Classical Period
style, melody with accompaniment and harmonic three voice texture
with twentieth century compositional techniques.
These two works where written
originally for trio, but in 2001 a Piano transcription was made by
Dr. Adel Kamel and Nabil K. Agaiby.
In 2002 he composed “Al el
Orbana”, as a prelude to the Fugue, and its dealing with the
theme “Al El Orbana" arranged in 20th century
composition style, wrote for Piano solo.
In October 2002 he wrote his last
composition “Melodie Copte", a monophonic theme in a Dorian mode.
Dr. Adel by his works connected two
periods which are 2000 years apart, and present features of several
civilizations in just one piece of music, also this works could be
the first classical compositions dealing with materials related to
the first centuries AD.
Q&A
Is the work of Dr. Adel
means that the Church Hymns will be changed like this or is he wants
to change the Hymns to this way?
Dr. Adel didn’t mean that by his works the Hymns
will be changed like this nor its a request for changing the Hymns
like that, the Hymns of the Church got a very high spiritual,
musical, theological quality(read above), Dr. Adel’s compositions
are a work created by a Coptic lover, introducing his love towards
the Coptic Church and his identity by using tools that he got in his
hand exactly like a painter who may paint an icon of St.Mary in a
modern art techniques, that doesn’t mean that it should be added to
the Church nor the Church icons will be changed to this technique.
How the Coptic Church still using traditions from a
very long period isn’t that against modernism and many other things?
The Coptic Church didn’t change the tradition which
is transferred from one generation to another, this tradition is the
Bible, Fathers, The Saints, Canons, Church Art, The Symbol of Faith,
the Holy Trinity etc... and is not willing to change it as this is
what the Church took from early Christianity since St. Marc came
preaching in Egypt, but the Coptic Church give opportunity for
musicians -for example- in expressing their art in modern spiritual
songs in “meetings” such as “Biblical study meeting”, “prayer
meetings” or other meetings, so as for any other art or work.
New Vision
A new Piano solo CD,
includes one of the works of Dr. A K which is “Agios” performed by
Nabil K. Agaiby the other pieces on CD are modern Piano solo arrangements for
some traditional and modern Coptic Hymns arranged and performed by Nabil K. Agaiby the Hymns are arranged to create Calmness
environment, Spiritual meditations, release, relaxation and to give
a Music tableaux.
For listening to a sample from this CD and a sample
of what Nabil performed in this presentation he gave in London, also for
more information abut this CD and from where to obtain it visit
www.gnka.com/cd.html
The Society Meeting
Of the Coptic Centre Stevenage
Saturday 5th June 2004Being
Christ like His Grace Bishop Angaelos’ address to the
Coptic Medical Society on Saturday 5th June 2004
We are lucky in the UK to have such skilled people in our congregation.
However, please, remember that God will ask us one day about
how well we used such skills and talents.
Christian doctors should be Christ like in their professional career.
You spend many hours every week working. Your challenge is how to be
Christ like at work. This is more relevant to your profession than any
other profession.
Remember what the Lord said; ‘those who are well have no need for a
physician, but those who are sick’. Our Lord realised the needs of the
sick. He healed every disease and every affliction. We often refer to
Our Lord Jesus as the true physician.
We the clergy are your colleagues in many ways. You are the physicians
of the body and we are the physicians of the spirit. You have not got
precise working hours. As soon as people know you are a doctor, they
ask you questions whether you are on duty or not. It is not a job, it
is a vocation. People come to you because they feel sick; they seek
renewal in their strength through you.
It is easy to be cynical in your job and not believe that people are
genuinely suffering. You may see 100 patients with fever, but for the
100th patient, his fever is very important. He is worried about his
condition.
We read in the gospels how the Lord gave special attention to
individuals who were unwell e.g. the 10 lepers, the widow of Nain,
Jairus’s daughter etc. He had mercy on them and healed them.
In the gospel of the eleventh hour of the agapia, it says; ‘and he
healed those who were in need of healing’.
Registered
Charity
We are pleased to announce that the
" Coptic Medical Society" has been entered in the Central
Register of Charities with effect
from the 9th September 2004
We thank Our Lord , it will enable the CMS to extend its
charitable
activities a great deal.
The charity registration was only possible through the
perseverance of Dr Fayek Youssef of Birmingham.
Lord will reward him for all his
hard work
You may worry about your shrinking budget and your demanding targets.
This may put you under stress. Your vocation as a healer should
not be diluted by such stresses.
There is a danger that the medical professional concerns himself/herself
only with affluence and prestige. In the process the practitioner may
forget about his most important call; to serve patients who are
sometimes in desperate need.
Patients need doctors who are compassionate and understanding, who are
able to bring healing. Remember that the ways you communicate with
patients are just as important as your treatment. The Bible said,
‘there is one whose words are like swords, but the tongue of the wise
brings healing’.
Remember as you
practice medicine. That you are Christ’s ambassadors; who bring healing
to those in need.
Fundraising Diner was held on
Sunday 2nd May 2004 in aid of
Cancer Care in Egypt
Speaker was:Father Pigol Bassili
(The Coptic Personality
in the Egyptian Society)
On 2nd
of May, the Coptic Medical Society held a fundraising dinner for cancer patients
in Egypt at the Royal
Masonic Hall, Piccadilly, London. The event was supported by a large number of
the Coptic community, medics and nonmedics alike.
The
guest speaker was Father Bigol who ses in Frankfurt, Germany. A well known
coptophile, he delivered a most entertaining talk on “The Coptic
personality in the Egyptian Society”. He highlighted the central role of
the Coptic traditions and the Coptic language in present day life for Copts
and Moslems alike.
Dr
Nabil Sabry, from Rotherham, gave a presentation on a range of activities that
are ongoing to improve cancer care in Egypt. These range from working amongst
the deprived Egyptian communities in Cairo and Alexandria, starting a day
centre for cancer patients in Alexandria, and giving further training to
doctors and nurses from Egypt in palliative care.
The
dinner was made possible by the generous support of Hany and Nadia and also
through
the tireless efforts of Raafat and Dalal who managed to fill the hall
with 110 guests
His
Grace Anba Angaelos, blessed the meeting and announced the engagement of Mary
Salama and Michael Habib. The couple smiled amidst the applause and joy of
all.
The
Society is grateful for the support of all the Fathers who attended and for
the
generosity of the Coptic community.
The Birmingham 2nd Meeting of the
Coptic Medical Society
5th July 2003
Venue: The Coptic Centre, Hockley Heath, West midlands
The meeting was attended by several doctors and their families who
gathered from different parts of the UK. A substantial number of young people were present
The event was blessed by the presence and the prayers of his Grace
Bishop Misael of Birmingham and
Rev. Father John Yanni.
It started by a Holy Mass followed by Agaby
sponsored by a drug company.
Dr IbrahimHabib chaired the meeting and introduced the
speakers.
In between the talks, Dr NabilIsshak presented “Global Cancer Care” update and the
members of “Angel Choir” in London, a
group of 20 youth chanted spiritual songs. The choir presented their CD,
the revenue of which goes towards helping the homeless and supporting the
orphans in Egypt.
In his update of “Global Cancer Care”, Dr Isshak
explained that the initial plan was to arrange for 6 doctors from Egypt to come for training in the UK. Unfortunately, because of the difficulties in obtaining visas, it
seems that only one is likely to succeed in getting it. Therefore,
alternative arrangements are considered.
First speaker was Mr David Radford,
Sat-7’s Development Director
for Great
Britain and Ireland.
In his talk he explained the following;
What is
Sat-7?
Sat-7 is a non-denominational Christian Television Broadcaster
providing daily programming in Arabic from the Middle East and
for the Middle East.
What is its
vision?
A growing church in the ME, confident in Christian faith, serving
the community and contributing to the good of society and culture.
What is its’
mission?
To provide the churches and Christians of the ME with an
opportunity to witness to Jesus Christ through inspirational, informative
and educational television services.
Any
connection with the Coptic Church?
Sat-7 has 3 Coptic Bishops on its
board and frequently features the Coptic Church, Pope Shenouda
III along with Coptic prayers, songs and tradition.
Second speaker was: Dr AshrafSadek, Professor of Egyptology at the University of Limoge, France. He is a renowned Coptologist and the
main editor of the Encyclopaedic Collection “Le MondeCopte”. Prof. Sadek
spoke about ‘The role of women in Ancient Egypt.” In his very interesting talk, Prof. Sadek
covered the following point
A
quick review of the periods of Egyptian history and its’ dynasties.
The powerful
role Egyptian women played through the ages as queens, mothers, wives, sisters
or daughters.
The great
care Ancient Egyptian women gave to their appearance, figure and make-up.
The
tremendous care and kindness both husbands and wives were expected to treat
their partners with.The
human rights and freedom, women of Ancient Egypt
enjoyed.
Dr Ashraf Sadek expanded on some goddesses and
queens, for example;
Isis
the devoted wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus.Hatshepsut,
the capable queen who reigned like a king.
To strengthen her position she claimed she was the daughter of “Amun-Ra”.Nefertitie,
the beautiful queen, who believed in “Aten” and followed
her husband Akhenaten to the new capital “Akhetaten” and remained loyal to her faith till the end.Nefertari,
wife of Rameses II, whose magnificent tomb is in the valley
of Queens.
Questions were then asked and the day ended by prayers.
St
Mary and Archangel Michael Church, Golders Green, London
MrNaimBoutrosreviewed IT and Medicine. The use of IT in
medicine increases every day, helping doctors to make diagnoses and nurses to
advise patients through NHS direct.The Internet offers a large selection of information for the patient and
medics alike, students use their computers extensively. A cadaver is no longer
considered necessary when an anatomy simulator is available on the net.Job hunting is made easy with online access.
Of course there are drawbacks.Computers can delay the consultation time,
can go wrong, costing large sums in callout and repair, and can quickly go out
of fashion. There is an important security issue, where confidential
information may not be secure. Finally, the future of IT is in your hands. 50%
of medical students in America
use handheld computer everyday. Is this what we are heading for in the UK?
MrNabil
Isshak
talked about the sex maze. He drew the attention to Father TadrosMalaty’s book “Let me grow” and the reviews about
sexual issues in the Triple Helix magazine of the Christian Medical
Fellowship.There are many drawbacks to
the liberal attitude to sex that is advocated by our post-religious society,
for example, emotional disarray and the breakdown of marriages. Counsellors are
often faced with the chronic problem of lack of sexual satisfaction amongst couples, their answer is to get back to the basic values of
love and appreciation.The current state
of values in our society in regard to sex and marriage can be traced back to
the 1960s with the advent of the pill and a decrease in the practice of
Christianity, as well as the increasing financial independence of women.The media glamorises sex, which has a
profound effect on the way children view the subject. Nabil
backed his talk with numerous useful and sometimes alarming statistics.
To conclude, parents and the Church have a hard
task ahead of them. They must continue to be tolerant, consistent and
forgiving, maintaining dialogue with the children all the time and never
allowing the relationship between generations to break down.Christianity should not be solely about
emphasising refrain, it is more difficult and challenging to help children to
enjoy Christianity first. It does not help to avoid the issues, to talk
reluctantly and gloss over the topic. Undoubtedly above all we need God’s grace
to guide us in dealing with this issue.
MrRaouf
Azmy
drew our attention to the usefulness of the weekly newspaper
“Watani”. It is a very useful paper
that contains a weekly article by the Pope and many Coptic writers. It covers a
wide range of political, social and cultural issues and has a weekly English
supplement of four pages. Yearly subscription is £50, including postage to your
house. For details, contact DrLaila
Farid
on lailawatani@hotmail.com
Coptic Medical Society Meeting of 23.11.2002
at St Mary and Archangel Michael Church, Golders Green, London.
Mr Onsy Luca led a fascinating and informed discussion on various tax
issues. He particularly highlighted that any donation to a charitable
organisation should attract extra funds to the charity. On submission of a
receipt for the charitable donation to the Inland Revenue, for every £100
given, the Inland Revenue will pay the charity an extra £28 and the tax
payer will be given a reduction in tax of a further £18, assuming that the
person is a higher rate taxpayer. The charity may be overseas i.e. Egypt,
provided that a valid receipt is submitted the above scheme applies. Talk to
your accountant !
Nabil Raphael presented “Drs who followed Christ”. Medicine is full of
eminent Christian doctors. Big names like Lister, Hodgkin and Paget were
all committed Christians. Magdy Yacoub is an example to follow in his many
charitable works. Mohsen Naguib, who served the Coptic community tirelessly
till his sudden departure in 1993, is a great example of a doctor who truly
followed Christ.
Father Philopatier, who was an orthopaedic surgeon in Egypt and now serves
in Wales, explained that a Christian doctor could serve both the physical
and spiritual needs of the person. In a loving and humble way, he showed us
how we can have a spiritual journey during everyday work. Father
Polycarpos, who serves in Bournemouth and who was also a doctor before being
called to the monastic life, kindly gave a copy of his new book “An Overview
of the Coptic Church” to each member present at the meeting .
Michael Boneh managed to get an ultrasound scan machine (almost new) and is
shipping it to Kenya to Bishop Boulos for use in the local Coptic hospital.
Michael recently went to Kenya and was enthused by the great work that he
saw going on there. Thanks to Michael and to all those who helped in this
initiative. If you have any items, such as instruments/ disposables that
could be sent to Kenya please contact
Fathers Bishoy , Mikhail Ibrahim and Philopateer celebrated the Holy Mass. 35 members attended.
Dr Raafat Saeed gave a fascinating talk on God’s hand or volcano.
The author of a recently published book argued that a volcano that erupted in the area could have explained the ten plagues in the old testament. Raafatnoted the different sequence a volcano could cause to the record of events in the scriptures. The book also failed to explain why the plagues affected the Egyptians and not the Israelites. Also, Moses was able to terminate each plague contrary to an uncontrollable volcano. What concluded the debate was another recently published book that puts the date of the volcano at least a hundred years before the plague. Raafat
concluded that the Holy Scriptures have yet again stood the test of scientific
interrogation
Dr Lila Fareed gave an entertaining talk on the History of Coptic journalism over the past 100 years. She explained that the Coptic journals express the identity of the Copts and link them to their homeland.However, Coptic journalism faced many obstacles including funding, failure to attract famous authors and its tendency to avoid critical style in articles. Coptic journalism started with Pope Cyril IV in 1860.He welcomed the first printing machine with the same chant that is given to the bishops as they enter the church. He said he would have danced before it as David danced before the tabernacle.He had the foresight to see the importance of printed material. Several Coptic periodicals were stopped by successive governments, as they were felt to be politically incorrect.
Watani
has proved to
be resilient and has lasted for the last 40 years. Now it also appears in
English for the benefit for the second generation of Copts.
Dr Nagy Nazer presented a range of challenging ideas on how to establish the identity of Coptic doctors in Britain. This sparked off a lively debate. It was noted that fundraising events to help various charities can bring members of the society closer as well as providing a service to the community and raising the profile of the CMS.Retirement as well as graduation parties could serve an important social role.
On 18th of May 2002, The Coptic Medical Society held a fundraising dinner in support of university students in need in Egypt. The dinner was held at St Mary and St Shenouda’s Church in Coulsdon, Croydon.
The CMS members were warmly greeted by the church members. Fr Ishak started the meeting with prayer. Dr Wasfy Yany welcomed everybody. In all 60 members and guests attended. The BBQ was delicious. Dr Zoser Boulis gave a brief and interesting account of the history and the development of the Croydon church.Mr Wagih Aclimandos , Consultant Ophthalmologist at King’s College Hospital gave a thoughtful and witty speech on “ The NHS Today : fun and
frustration". The fun of the NHS varied from the excellent training we all had in the NHS, progress in our careers. Two main areas of frustration were highlighted. The first: the blame culture which produces many unnecessary complaints . The second: the stress caused by the style of many of the NHS managers today. A clinician approaching retirement may find himself being managed by a twenty five year old bureaucrat. Worse still, a senior manger in a well known Trust started this professional life in second-hand car sales. Wagih wandered how much do such managers really know about the NHS . Wagih thanked St Kyrel Trust
for the excellent work they are doing in Egypt. Dr Michael Henein explained briefly about the mission of
St Kyrel Trust. It supports 125 students in need in Egypt. Each student receives £100 every month, and an extra £100 at Christmas, Easter and the beginning of each university year. He reminded us of the great care Pope Kyrollos used to give to university students. Dr Zoser Bouliskindly arranged for a successful tombola. The generosity of people, the support of the pharmaceutical companies and the
tom bola all helped to raise £4000. Above all we all enjoyed a very pleasant evening.
The Birmingham fourth Meeting of the Coptic Medical Society
The fourth meeting of the Coptic Medical Society was held on 30/03/02. The
Holy Liturgy was led by His Grace Bishop Misaeel. He welcomed the delegates
warmly. 58 members attended. The chairman Mr Sabry Gabriel introduced Fr
Yohanna, who spoke briefly about medicine and in particular the long hours
doctors work. This may lead to stress. He suggested coping with stress as a
future topic.
Mr Ahmes Pahor Labib , an ENT consultant and historian, gave a most
interesting lecture on "Medicine& Surgery in Old Egypt". He gave numerous
examples of how advanced medicine was in old Egypt. The technique of reducing
a dislocated shoulder remains the same as now. Trephine operation was known
in old Egypt. Dental abscesses were drained with a hand drill. The first
prescription in the world was written in Egypt.
Fr Mikhael Salama gave a stimulating presentation on how Christianity came to
the UK. He explained that seven Egyptian monks were buried in Ireland. St
Patrick, who first introduced Christianity to Ireland, sent his disciples to
learn the monastic rules from the Egyptian monks, which would explain the
similarity between the Coptic and Irish liturgy and art.
Mr Essam Dimitry led a discussion on investment in property and inheritance
tax. He suggested contacting Mr Tim Henderson, a financial consultant, for
further advice. Tel 0207 744 1500. He also reminded the delegates that
occasionally, some surgical sutures and instruments may become surplus to the
NHS need. These could be of use in Coptic charitable hospitals. Tel; 01276
479045.
The third meeting of the Coptic Medical Society
The meeting started at 2PM at St Mary and Archangel Michael, Golders Green.
Father Pigol, a monk from the Syrian monastery opened the meeting. He is in
London on a training course. He talked about his work on the royal collection
at the royal library in Windsor. His speciality is on restoring parchment
paper and old books. His aim is to work on old Coptic and early Arabic
manuscripts, to restore them. The oldest manuscript in the monastery dates
from the 5th century and contains parts of the Old Testament. The old
manuscripts are bound in the royal library on the same way as the earlier
manuscripts in the monastery. He is also working on restoration of icons;
some of them date back to the 13th century. He welcomes visitors to the
Syrian monastery to see for themselves the work that is being done.
Mr Essam Dimitry, then talked about Sts Cosman and Demian. Two Coptic brothers
From the 3rd century. They practiced medicine. They gained fame. They always
prayed before they saw a patient. There is evidence that they actually
transplanted a limb successfully and therefore are considered patron saints
of surgeons. Sir William Osler sent the Mayo brothers an icon of the two
saints when they opened their new clinic in the USA. There are many churches
dedicated to their names in Germany, Rome and of course in the Mayo clinic.
They were martyred in Dioclecian era because of their faith. They were quoted
saying. "Doctors do what they can , but healing is from God"
Mr Ragai Gadelrab then explained his experience of treating patients in Egypt.
He had to arrange for suitable instruments to be shipped first and ensure
high standard of sterilisation of instruments locally before embarking on
total knee replacement operations. All this was time consuming, but ensured
the success of 85 replacement operations in a private hospital in Alexandria.
He also visits a charitable hospital in Helwan.In 3 days, he may see up to
150 patients with various orthopaedic problems.
Patients may be Copts or Moslems. Usually of limited means, but they all have
great faith in the local Coptic hospital. He acknowledged the sensitivities
that could exist with the local specialists. In all, hard work but enjoyable
too.
Mary Boutros and Claire Raphael, two medical students talked about the role
of medical students in the CMS. Student electives, visiting patients in
hospitals, getting advice on their career prospects were highlighted as
relevant issues. It was refreshing to see the second generation represented.
Tim Henderson, a doctor who has become a financial consultant, gave various
helpful tips on financial matters for doctors. He can advise on investments,
ISA's, inheritance tax and many other things. Writing your will properly can
save 100,000 paid otherwise to the taxman. Interested? His telephone no is
0207 744 1500, Fax 0207 744 6523
The first meeting of the Coptic Medical Society
The first meeting of the Society was held on Saturday, 30th June 2001 at St Mary and Archangel Michael Church, Golders Green, London. Father Mikhail Ibrahim prayed the Mass, light refreshments followed.
Father Mikhail welcomed the launch of the Society explaining that His Holiness Pope Shenouda has given His blessing to the venture. A letter of support was read from His grace Bishop Angelos.
Members discussed the aims of the Society, this included supporting each other, especially younger members, discussing ethical issues, supporting patients and Christian hospitals in Egypt, contacting various Coptic Medical Societies in other countries as well as promoting the spiritual health of members.
It was noted that in the 1920s in Egypt a group of Coptic doctors met together on a regular basis for fellowship and discussion. This group included El Menyawi Pasha and Naguib Mahfouz Pasha. On of the blessings of these meetings was the formation of the Coptic Hospital which remains to this day a centre of excellence in Cairo.
It was agreed to hold quarterly meetings on the last Saturday of each quarter. Mr Sabry Gabriel was elected Chair of the Society. Dr Nabil
Raphael as Secretary and Mr Essam Dimitry as Treasurer. The following members were elected to the Council of the Society:
Name
Responsibility
Mr Sabry Gabriel
Chairman
Dr Nabil
Raphael
Secretary
Mr Essam Dimitry
Treasurer
Dr Meena Naguib
Stevenage
Dr Isis Neoman
Kensington
Dr Raafat Gadelrab
London, Communication
Miss Sarah Yanny
Students ,Young Graduates
Dr Ibrahim Habib
Birmingham
Dr Waheeb Atia
Golders Green
Dr George Yanni
Golders Green
Dr Wasfy Yanny
Croydon
The Society congratulated Dr Michael Henein on his recent appointment as a Consultant Cardiologist at The Royal Brompton Hospital and Dr Nabegh Mikhael on his recent appointment as a Medical Oncologist at St Thomas’ Hospital.
Members agreed that there should be an annual membership fee of £10. The treasurer agreed to put this in effect.
Dr Michael then addressed the Society on the subject of “The Christian Doctor”. He said that the perfect example that a doctor could look up to is the Lord Jesus Himself. In the prayers of intercession for the sick, the church prays “You are the true physician for our souls and bodies.”
The doctor while examining a patient to the best of his ability, he also examines the anguish a patient may be going through as a result of the physical illness. Therefore, the Christian doctor should always draw strength from the Lord. He prays for the patient and for the wisdom to treat him/her physically and spiritually. In this way the doctor becomes a vehicle through which God heals the patient.
The Old Testament draws a beautiful icon for the spiritual doctor. In Ecclesiastes 38 vv 9 -13 “ My son when you are ill do not be depressed, but pray to the Lord and He will heal you. Reverence your thoughts, your faults, keep your hands unsoiled and cleanse your heart from all sins. Then let the doctor take over - the Lord created him too - and do not let him leave you for you need him. Sometimes success is in their hands, since they in turn will beseech the Lord to grant them the grace to relieve and to heal, that life may be saved.”
how well we used such skills and talents. 
Masonic Hall, Piccadilly, London. The event was supported by a large number of
the Coptic community, medics and nonmedics alike.
Dr Lila Fareed gave an entertaining talk on the History of Coptic journalism over the past 100 years. She explained that the Coptic journals express the identity of the Copts and link them to their homeland.
The first meeting of the Society was held on Saturday, 30th June 2001 at St Mary and Archangel Michael Church, Golders Green, London. Father Mikhail Ibrahim prayed the Mass, light refreshments followed.
It was noted that in the 1920s in Egypt a group of Coptic doctors met together on a regular basis for fellowship and discussion. This group included El Menyawi Pasha and Naguib Mahfouz Pasha. On of the blessings of these meetings was the formation of the Coptic Hospital which remains to this day a centre of excellence in Cairo.
