However, your book (both chapters) lacks any references. Some stories apparently came directly from Abouna Matta’s bio but a lot of stories are about conversations between two individuals (e.g., Pope Shenouda and Bishop Samuel, Abouna Matta and Fr. Boules Boules, etc.). How did you know about those private conversations and (sometimes) unspoken thoughts and intentions? Forgive me if I have missed something regarding your writing style, but the history in your book needs to be substantiated with references. Best regards, Reda
Second I would like to let you know that I follow you articles since you wrote about Matta El-Maskeen. Abouna Matta in my eyes is greater than a saint, wiser than a philosopher, and tougher than a fighter. The title of your article about Abouna Matta was quite accurate “among men who do not die – Fr. Matta El Maskeen.” One of endless things I love about Abouna – as a historian – that he always supported his writings with numerous references. (see part 3 of 3)
Mr. El-Masry (I apologize for writing in English – don’t have Arabic fonts) First I want to acknowledge that we urgently need to know about recent history (last 70 years or so), as we – as a church - approaching a critical point in our life. Unfortunately, the church sometimes treat us like kids: “you cannot get the truth because you cannot handle the truth.” I love history and believe one of the reasons that the Western world is ahead of the rest of the world because they appreciate history. Some Copts are trying to hide the recent church history because it would cause offence to the multitude. Let be let be – offence is better than collapse. (see part 2 of 3)