Deposition of the Relics of St. Severus the Great of Antioch

Deposition of the Relics of St. Severus the Great of Antioch

Otto Meinardus writes, "The Coptic Synaxarion commemorates the translation of the relics of Saint Severus from Sakha to the Monastery of al-Zugag (the Ennaton), west of Alexandria [on 10 Kiahk]. Some of the relics of Saint Severus were kept in the tenth-century feretory of the Monastery of the Syrians in Wadi al-Natrun. They are now preserved there in a bolster together with other relics." These relics were then distributed to various Coptic Orthodox monasteries and parishes. On June 18th 2018, in a historical event, and for the 1500 Jubilee of the Exile of Patriarch Mor Severus the Great to Egypt, their Holinesses Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East: Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia, consecrated together Mor Severus Church in the new Patriarchal Residence in Atchaneh – Lebanon. During the service of the saints, after the relics were venerated by the 3 Patriarchs, the relics of St. Severus were placed in the recesses of the nave, under the newly commissioned icon. Thanking God for this moment, HH Patriarch Mor Aphrem II said, "He made us worthy to consecrate this house, altar and church for the great Saint Mor Severus Patriarch of Antioch, who, today, through this blessing – the relics – that was brought to us, returns back symbolically to his church in Antioch after he flee from it in 518 even though he never stopped caring for his flock”. HH Pope Tawadros II expressed his joy that the relics have returned now to Antioch, noting the mentioning of Mor Severus in the Coptic liturgy. HH also pointed out that the relics of Mor Severus the Great were kept at St. Mina Monastery in Egypt. He then presented to His Holiness the Patriarch Mor Aphrem II an official document signed by His Holiness the Pope and the monastery’s abbot as well as the keeper of relics and monuments at the monastery. Mor Aphrem II also thanked His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, whose participation is respite for centuries of misunderstanding about Mor Severus; His Holiness expressed that he looks forward for further researches and studies that will make clear the life and teachings of Mor Severus for the Armenian Orthodox Church, and makes sure that this great Saint will always be a Saint of all the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Official news report: https://bit.ly/NewsAtchaneh2018