Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Rev. Farouq Rizq, public relations manager of the Coptic Adventist Denomination in Egypt and Orthodox Fathers You’anas Kamal, Salib Matta Sawaris and Marcos Aziz Khalil sent letters to Rose El-Youssef commenting on its articles on the Adventist Church.

Rizq blames the magazine for publishing such "unjust" articles that "insult a group of innocent people." He argues that his church has nothing to do with Judaism and that it has the same faith of the Orthodox Church. He explains some of the beliefs of the church, especially these related to sanctifying Saturdays rather than Sundays. He says that the Adventist Church in Egypt has all respect for Pope Shenouda, "who represents not only the Orthodox Church but all Christians in Egypt as well." However, he blames him for attacking the Adventist Church and associating it with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He also blames him for not agreeing to meet with Adventist leaders to get acquainted with their real faith.

The three Orthodox fathers refute the beliefs of the Adventist Church, arguing that they have nothing to do with the teachings of the Holy Bible.

[Father Marcos Aziz Khalil of the Hanging Church writes in Al-Midan, March 13, 2003 an article titled "The patriarchs and leaders of the Orthodox Church reject sitting with the Adventists," on page ten. The article sheds light on the beliefs of the Adventist Church and the attitude of the Orthodox Church towards it. He also mentions the Mormon Church and the Unitarian Church as examples of denominations that falsely claim to be Christian.]