Statement from H.H. Pope Tawadros II
The Coptic Orthodox Church, headed by H.H. Pope Tawadros II, expresses its deep disapproval and denunciation at what was included in the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, in which the scene of the Last Supper of the Lord Christ with His disciples was included. This is the event when the sacrament of the Eucharist was established; the oldest and most sacred sacrament and practice of the Church. The way this scene was presented seriously offends one of the main religious beliefs on which Christianity is based.
It is strange to see this scene at the opening of the Olympics, at a time when such actions contradict the Olympic Charter and its declared values, which call for respect of universal moral principles, the value of setting a good example, and respecting everyone without discrimination. We saw the opposite of this reflected in the aforementioned opening ceremony, in order to advance certain intellectual agendas that serve trends unrelated to sports, which should unite, not divide.
This insult requires a clear and serious apology from the organizing bodies of the Paris 2024 Olympics, to all Christians who were insulted by this disdainful scene, which marred what we thought was a global sporting event that would bring joy and happiness to the hearts of all participants and spectators, with sufficient guarantees that such offensive behaviors will not be repeated.
We pray that the Lord will preserve peace throughout the world and protect man and humanity from all evil.
Sunday 28th July 2024… 21st Abib 1740 A.M.
Statement from H.G. Bishop Mina, Bishop of the Diocese of Mississauga, Vancouver and Western Canada
Statement from the Coptic Orthodox Bishops of North America
Leave a Reply