The Coptic Orthodox Church denied reports of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III remaining America, to protest the suffering of Coptic Christian from attacks after the January 25 Revolution, and denied that the Pope canceled the annual meeting of the Holy Synod. The Church assured there was no truth in any of the rumors about the Pope's continuous presence in U.S. to protest against the events in Egypt or of His Holiness staying there to complete his medical treatment. Head of the Research and Publishing Unit at the Coptic Cultural Center and priest of the Church of the Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, Reverand Basilus Sobhy responded by saying the Pope did not attend the Pentecost Gala on June 2. The Holiday Pentecost falls on Sunday, June 12 this year and not on June 2. Upon the cancellation of the annual meeting of the Holy Synod, Rev. Basil said there are laws of the church dictating there be two meetings yearly at a fixed time; once at lent and once at the beginning of the Coptic year. There is no actual obligation to meet at Pentecost. Basil said since the Pope did not issue a press release regarding why he is remaining in America, anything report is purely speculation. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, left Cairo to the U.S. on May 22 to go for medical tests at the Levland Clinic in Ohio. He was scheduled to return after 10 days, but extended his stay although sources from church expect his return before 12 June.
