Today, H.H. Pope Tawadros II Prays the Holy Liturgy at the Cathedral in St. Bishoy’s Monastery, Wadi El Natroun, during which H.H. ordained 22 priests for the service inside and outside Egypt, with the presence of Bishops and the Patriarchal Vicars of Cairo and Alexandria.

Ten priests were ordained for Alexandria, ten priests were ordained for Cairo, one priest was ordained for Esna and one priest was ordained for Burundi in Africa.

During the sermon, H.H. indicated that the decision of priesthood is a decision of complete devotion for the rest of the life, and H.H. stressed on the need for the priest to be pay attention throughout his path, because it is not just about the beginning but rather the end.

H.H. mentioned a saying of St. John Chrysostom, “A martyr dies once for his master, but a shepherd dies everyday for his master’s flock”.

H.H. discussed three points that summarises the priests’ services:

1. Spirit of Fatherhood: fatherhood and having a big heart preserved our Church since St. Mark the Apostle. A big heart for everyone (the sinner, the righteous, the old and the young), and to be a father to all your children at church and not only that, but to also be a father everywhere. A father is he who accepts the weaknesses of others, so before you leave your house, pray that God will grant you the spirit of fatherhood.

2. A Shepherd: with a humble heart, and to pay attention to spiritual visitations and that 80% of your time should be for spiritual visitations. This is how you become a shepherd through all teachings, during confession and during all interactions. A shepherd can be exposed to praises, but this should not affect you in any way, as well as any insulting words, they should not disappoint you.

3. A Teacher: with an open mind and daily precise readings of the Holy Bible, and also Fathers’ writings, liturgical books, modern science and all its branches, that is to combine originality and modernity.

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