Not properly an Arabic accent, but rather a Coptic accent more reflective of their liturgical language and the way it beautifies their speaking of Arabic and flavours their speaking of Greek. Egyptian Arabic is very different from Arabic spoken elsewhere to begin with (the Coptic influence in part), and there were moments where prayers were said in Greek that the Patriarch would have normally said in his own liturgical language in Egypt (for him the liturgical language is never Arabic in Egypt - as I recall - though some portions of of the Liturgy are in Greek).
Having just watched the tape via EWTN, I see that silly ass John Stafford's utter ignorance of the hymn "Christos anesti ek nekron". Poor booby. It was a beautiful addition after the Latin Rite absolution, and plainly a fraternal gesture to the Eastern Churches. It seems Western prelates in general are far behind the leadership of their late Patriarch.
Siobhan, I notice also that Piero Marini seems to have been mostly sidelined in this funeral. I was told 18 months ago that he was the most hated man in Rome. Perhaps his day is over.
"Not properly an Arabic accent, but rather a Coptic accent more reflective of their liturgical language and the way it beautifies their speaking of Arabic and flavours their speaking of Greek."
Well, see what comes of hanging out with Lebanese and Syrians? Now you Freepers will say, "Look at that poor old Balkan Bandit. He wouldn't know a Coptic accent from an Arabic one if it hit him in the ear!" :)