His Holiness
Pope Tawadros II
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark
CAIRO
Uppsala August 1, 2018
Dear Brother in Christ,
The sad news about the violent and tragic death of Bishop Epiphanius has reached us.
On behalf of the Church of Sweden I would like to express our sincere condolences to you, the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Monastery of St Macarius. May the Holy Spirit comfort the bereaved and lead us into the truth that liberates us all (John 8:32).
Please, rest assured of our prayers and sympathies as you mourn the loss of an important leader in your Church. We are aware of the significance of Bishop Epiphanius’ leadership for the development of the Monastery. His scientific background and his engagement for education was a gift not only to the Christian community – as important as that is – but also to society at large. The global Church has lost an active participant and contributor to ecumenical meetings and theological conferences.
May his work and his research continue to be an inspiration in your Church and beyond!
We remain connected in faith and prayer. This coming Sunday’s gospel reading in the Church of Sweden lectionary reminds us of Jesus, the True Vine, who says: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.” (John 15:9) We pray that our gracious God grant us all steadfastness on the path of love, truth and peace.
Yours in Christ,
Antje Jackelén
Archbishop of Uppsala