His Holiness Pope Tawadros II visited today the Church of St. Marina in the Brock and Dermore area of the Austrian Diocese.
His Holiness was accompanied during the visit by His Grace Bishop Gabriel, Bishop of Austria, and Fr Kyrillos, St Bishoy, Director of the Pope’s Office.
This visit comes within the framework of His Holiness’s pastoral visit to Austria, and in conjunction with the ten-year anniversary of the consecration of the church.
H.H. was welcomed by a number of priests, deacons and congregation who joyfully welcomed H.H. who were joyful with the pastoral visit of H.H.

A documentary film about the history of the establishment of the church and the services it provides was presented, then the choir of children and adults presented some hymns. After that, His Holiness the Pope spoke with the people about the spirit of the resurrection and how we live it, indicating that we celebrate the resurrection through:

Prime hour prayer every day
On Sunday every week
The 29th day of each Coptic month

H.H. explained that the Resurrection is a period of light in a person’s life, as the Resurrection is not just a feast day, but rather a spirit that we live every day of the year. The spirit of resurrection is characterized by:

1- Does not know despair, but always has a spirit of stepping in , and an example of this is Mary Magdalene when she thought that the Lord Christ had died.
Also, David the prophet said: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬), and we all say: “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”‭‭(Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭27)‬ ‭

2- Does not know doubting: and this is the opposite of having faith, and an example is Thomas the disciple who doubted resurrection and said: “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John‬ ‭20‬:‭25)‬ , and our Lord Jesus Christ pointed out the importance of not doubting and blessed the faithful saying: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬)

3- Does not know fear: one of the most things that disturbs a person is fear. The doors of the upper room were closed because the disciples were afraid but the Holy Bible says: “Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” ‭‭(John‬ ‭20‬:‭20)‬

After the sermon, His Holiness blessed the people and shook hands with all of them, and was keen to check on each one of them.

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