Pope Tawadros visits Coptic Church in California

CALIFORNIA, US - 11 October 2018: Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark Diocese visited the Virgin Mary and Mar Mina Coptic Orthodox Church in Concord California as part of his pastoral visit to the US which he started on September 13.

The pope wrapped up his visit to the US East Coast on Tuesday and arrived to the West Coast.

In statements on Thursday, Spokesman for the Coptic Orthodox Church Father Boulos Halim said the Pope expressed happiness over meeting the congregation of Virgin Mary church in Concord.

He also ordained two priests on his last stop in the US namely Father Joseph for the Virgin Mary and St John Church in Pleasanton, California and Father Mina to the St George Church in Kirland, Seattle, Washington State, the spokesman said.

In earlier statements, Father Boulos said the pontiff has during his month-long visit to the US, consecrated altars and icons in 14 churches and led 18 masses.

The pope held 14 meetings with church members in the US and baptized 36 persons.

He also laid down the foundation stone of four services buildings and ordained 11 clergymen to the rank of archpriest, said the spokesman, adding that the pope also ordained two men as priests and one arch deacon.

The pope also gave 41 lectures and sermons.