Date: June 20, 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 3:00–5:00pm
Venue: CRT-5.41, 5/F., Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus
Speaker: Fr. Dr. Daoud Lamei
Abstract:
Africa has often been thought as a having an oral culture. Although many African societies have oral culture such a generalised assumption forget the presence of various writingcultures/languages one of which is the Coptic language and culture. This seminar aims to enlighten the audience about the multifaceted aspects of the Coptic world by providing a comprehensive overview of the Coptic language, its origins, development, and significance, as well as delving into the rich cultural and religious aspects that have shaped the Coptic identity throughout history.
The first part of the seminar will focus on the Coptic language, an offshoot of the ancient Egyptian language written in a unique script derived from the Greek alphabet.
The second part of the seminar will delve into the cultural aspects of the Coptic community, discussing the contributions of Coptic art, architecture, and literature to Egypt's history.
In the final part of the seminar, the focus will shift to the religious aspect of the Coptic community, specifically the Coptic Orthodox Church, its origins, doctrines, and rituals. A brief history of the Church, from its establishment by Saint Mark the Apostle in the 1st century AD to its development into a distinct Christian denomination, will be provided. Furthermore, the seminar will examine the theological and doctrinal beliefs that set the Coptic Church apart from other Christian denominations, as well as the various rituals, ceremonies, and practices that define Coptic religious life.
Speaker’s Biography:
Fr. Dr. Daoud Lamei studied medicine at Ain Shams University in Cairo and graduated as adoctor in 1985. During his university years, Daoud Lamei was the president of the university's Christian Medical Society. During the same period, he was introduced to Caritas Egypt, an NGO caring for the underprivileged and needy, which influenced his later service to the poor.
Daoud Lamei earned his master's degree in dermatology in 1990. He worked as adermatologist for thirteen years, from 1985 until 1998. In 1998, he was ordained as a priest atSaint Mark Church Heliopolis, where he is currently based. Since his ordination, he haspublished several books that focus on the Coptic religion and personal development.
All are welcome. No registration is required.
For enquiries, please contact us at smlc@hku.hk