CAIRO: Egypt s Coptic Orthodox Church on Wednesday refused to recognize a dissident priest who recently broke away to form his own church and warned against dealing with him, the official MENA news agency reported.
Max Michel recently proclaimed himself Archbishop Maximus I when he broke from Egypt s official church, currently headed by 83 year-old Pope Shenuda III, in what some perceive as the first split in the Egyptian congregation.
Michel received his religious title from those who broke away from the Orthodox churches in the world, particularly the United States, said a statement from the Egyptian Church, published on MENA.
His title is therefore void because these people are not recognized by the Orthodox churches around the world, said the statement.
Father Maximus has said he plans to appoint bishops around the country in a long-term expansion effort.
Shenuda has been undergoing medical treatment in Germany and the United States over the past month which has led to speculation about the future of the Church and the next pope.
Egypt s Copts make up 6-10 percent of the 72 million population. AFP
