COLLEYVILLE, TX. September 25, 2005 -- His Holiness Pope Shenouda III called His Grace Bishop Youssef on Sunday, September 25, 2005, to ask about his children in the Southern States after the landfall of Hurricane Rita. Bishop Youssef assured His Holiness that the congregation, churches, and Abbey are safe except for minor damages in some areas.

His Grace also updated His Holiness on the condition of the Coptic congregation of Louisiana and Mississippi who were affected by Hurricane Katrina and on the situation of St. Mark Church, New Orleans. His Holiness assured Bishop Youssef that he is praying for all of us and the mother church in Egypt along with all the Coptic churches all over the world are praying for us as well.

His Grace has received many phone calls from metropolitans, bishops, priests, and laymen asking about the situation after these hurricanes.

We are thankful for the love and care shown to the Southern Diocese and we pray that the Lord Jesus Christ restore safety and peace to all who are affected by these disasters.