Mr. Osama Saraya’swrote in “A Tale of an Idea” column in Al-Ahram newspaper on Sunday, December 4, 2022, “Ermia… A historian and writer in love with Egypt!”
I follow the Journey of Life written by Bishop Ermia, and I follow with him the history of Beautiful Egypt, especially the role of the successive popes in the history of the Orthodox Church. Ermia’s language is easy and despite its depth, it reaches everyone at the same levels in the Egyptian daily newspapers and various books.If you read his writings, you will be addicted to this distinctive type of writing because of its smoothness as well as its constructive and cognitive purpose, Ermia fills a cultural void in his field of specialization.And in important areas to build the Egyptian character and increase the cohesion of Egyptians (Muslims and Christians) and their prominent unity throughout history, and presents the facts of history with sincerity and vision, although it is history in the language of lovers, you realize the authenticity of his documented accounts. I followed the encyclopedic writer who was oppressed by his high priestly position. Nonetheless, he was able to combine them with unparalleled professionalism, as both of them need full time dedication, but his vitality and perseverance achieved his goal. I visited Ermiawho introduced me an informative encyclopedia when he wrote about the Suez Canal, titled Egypt’s Gift to the World.
He did not forget to provide me with the wonderful historical documentation of the writings of Pope ShenoudaIII (the 117th Pope of Alexandria), whose artistic life was filled withthought and distinguished work that kept his name among the immortals. He also offered me the collection of Pope Shenouda’s articles written in Al-Ahram Newspaper, reminding me that I had invited him first to write there, his first article was published on July 29, 2006, I felt that it revived my memory, and I remembered my visit to His Holiness at the editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram, and his response with great love. He was a precious addition, of high status and prestige to our newspaper. Ermiadocumented the Pope’s speeches and writings in all Egyptian newspapers, which had been a wealth of knowledge scattered, transformed though wonderful documentation into a treasure of knowledge that lives for current and future generations, such work deserves thanks and praise for its honesty. He is proud that he was Pope Shenouda’s secretary and that he was taught writing and patriotism, until he became the General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, his writings about all Egyptians, Muslims and Christians, are wrapped in patriotism. Thanks Bishop Ermia.
Osama Saraya
