Zooming in on Coptic heritage Marking its 50th anniversary, the American University in Cairo Press celebrated its Coptic publications at the Hanging Church in Old Cairo, last Sunday. Carolyn Ludwig, editor of The Churches of Egypt : From the Journey of the Holy Family to the Present Day (AUC Press, 2007) -- by Gawdat Gabra and Gertrud J. M. van Loon, with photographs by Al-Ahram Weekly 's very own gifted photographer Sherif Sonbol -- spoke about the book and Coptic heritage. The Churches of Egypt is the first fully illustrated volume with 350 stunning photographs devoted to Christian houses of worship in Egypt of the present day. It also traces the trail of the Holy Family from northern Egypt to Assiut. Ludwig said about The Churches of Egypt, when it was first launched two years: "While working on this book, the story and history of the Holy Family in Egypt and what happened in the country were very important to me. I felt honoured to be doing it as a gift to the Coptic people. Telling this story to Christians in the Western world is very important." During the AUC Press celebration at the Hanging Church, all religious study books published by the AUC Press on Coptic heritage were also highlighted and available for sale. Last week, in a magnificent ceremony, Al-Sawy Cultural Wheel held its annual celebration at the Wisdom Hall. The celebration integrated a triple bill: commemorating the birthday of late founder of Al-Sawy Cultural Wheel Abdel-Moneim El-Sawy, marking Al-Sawy Cultural Wheel's seventh anniversary, and celebrating the Day of Honour. The ceremony included readings of the work of El-Sawy presented by veteran actors Mahmoud Yassin, Abdel-Rahman Abu Zahra, Ahmed Abdel-Aziz and Ashraf Abdel-Ghafour accompanied by an improvised musical background. Literary and professional honours were bestowed in the name of El-Sawy by veteran novelist Bahaa Taher and veteran journalist Louis Gereis. The ceremony was attended by a plethora of intellectuals, high- profile figures and celebrities, among them were Minister of Social Solidarity Ali Meselhi who expressed his admiration of Al-Sawy Cultural Wheel's role in transmitting culture to society, while renowned pianist Omar Khairat enchanted attendees with an exquisite performance. Within the framework of Arab Orphans Day celebrations, a press conference was held in the name of 5,000 Egyptian orphan children in need of support ahead of Orphans Day slated for the first Friday of April. The impressive gathering was held under the auspices of the permanent cooperation between the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and Dar Al-Orman Association. One of the aims of the SCA is to enhance antiquity awareness among the youth and children by encouraging children to visit archaeological sites and museums. The press conference was attended by Minister of State for Family and Population Mushira Khattab, head of Dar Al-Orman Association Hossam El-Qabani, Ahmous Gebreil, United Nations Children's Fund Representative Erma Manoncourt and actor Khaled Abul-Naga. The Cairo Opera House Main Hall witnessed an extravagant concert for consummate pianist and music composer Omar Khairat. He fascinated his fans throughout a delightful evening that was attended to capacity. A prestigious honorary ceremony for US Cultural Attaché Helen Lovejoy was held at Le Pacha Nile Boat on the occasion of the end of her term in Egypt. The pleasant evening was attended by a bevy of high-profile personalities, including US Chargé d'Affaires Matthew Tuellar, US Cultural Councillor Heinz Mahony, US Embassy Press officer Manal Rizqallah, head of Garden City Lions Club Awatef Serageddin, publisher Dalia Ibrahim, director of Al-Sawy Cultural Wheel Mohamed El-Sawy and plastic artist Laila Shukri. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo witnessed the inauguration of the exhibition "Drawings Through Time... Impressions on Edfu Temple" by Spanish artists Asunción Jódar and Ricardo Mar�n, showcasing 100 paintings reflecting priests of Edfu temple, known as "flag holders", whose paintings are located on the western stairs of the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus in Edfu. The exhibition is on show in seven halls at the museum under the auspices of the Cervantes Institute. The inaugural ceremony was crowned by the presence of Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Zahi Hawass, director of the Egyptian Museum Wafaa El-Seddiq and world-renowned actor Omar Sharif. El-Seddiq stated that the museum aimed at showcasing contemporary art as well to link the past and the present. (see Listings p.7) Head of Lions Clubs of Egypt District 352 Hossam Khodeir granted head of Nile Lions Club and versatile artist Samir Sabri the International Governor Medal in an exciting ceremony at Al-Salam Concorde Hotel. Sabri was granted the medal for his restless efforts in supporting charity work. The ceremony was attended by Jordanian singer Diana Karazon, actress Menna Fadali, retired belly dancer Nagwa Fouad and actress Iman. Rotaract Club Nasr City in cooperation with Rotaract Saqqara and Rotaract Club of Fayoum governorate has organised the touring of a medical caravan organised by 50 Rotaract Club young men and women members aged between 18-30 years old. A group of qualified doctors of different specialisations -- such as ophthalmology and obstetrics -- accompanied the caravan. More than 300 patients underwent medical checks inside Kamal Barakat School. Organising such medical caravans is one of the permanent activities of Rotaract Clubs. Singer Tamer Hosni featured in a thrilling concert at Al-Gezira Youth Centre with the attendance of a large audience of Hosni 's fans. The revenues of the concert were earmarked to the benefit of flood victims in Aswan and Arish. Music composer Mohamed Rahim, singers Karim Nour and Hossam El-Husseini sang along with Hosni at the concert. In a dazzling evening, TV presenter-cum-actor Amir Karara and Hind Hosni tied the knot in a lavish wedding ceremony attended by family, friends and a galaxy of celebrities. The wedding was enlivened by the powerful voice of singer Khaled Selim who delighted the attendees. Veteran actor Ahmed Rateb, actresses Randa El-Beheiri and Amira Fathi, and actress-cum-singer Boshra were all present to share with Amir and Hind this special occasion. What a thrilling event! A very important upcoming social gathering, which is the Intronisation Gala of the Cha"ne des Rotisseurs, will take place in Cairo. The Cha"ne des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society dedicated to bringing together professional and non- professional members from around the world who appreciate cuisine and fine dining. This year the Bailliage D'Egypte is holding its Grand Chapitre with induction of new members tomorrow at 7:30pm at the Conrad Cairo Hotel Ballroom. The guests of honour at this event are Princess Diane d'Orleans, Duchess of Cadaval and of Anjou and her spouse Prince Charles-Philippe, Duke of Anjou. They are members of the royal families of Portugal and France respectively. Mrs Mary Jones, Officier Commandeur, Membre du Conseil d'Administration International will preside over this event. The Cha"ne in Egypt "Bailliage d'Egypte" plays an important role in tourism in Egypt. The Bailliage represents Egypt among the 72 countries of the Cha"ne des Rôtisseurs. Furthermore, by organising high quality dinners, the Bailliage contributes to the formation of Egyptian chefs and restaurateurs.
