This Wednesday evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon at the Wednesday meeting in the Cathedral of the Annunciation and Archangel Gabriel in Mahmoudiyah; Alexandria. The sermon was broadcast on Christian satellite channels and the C.O.C channel of the Church’s Media Center on the Internet.

His Holiness prayed the raising of incense of vespers, with the participation of the general bishops supervising the pastoral sectors in Alexandria, Hegumen Abraam Emil (General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria), the priests of the church, and a number of priests from Alexandria.

Before the sermon, His Grace Anba Hermina, (the General Bishop of the churches of the eastern sector of Alexandria), and Father Morcos Mikhail (priest of the church), welcomed the visit of His Holiness, expressing words of love for him.

Pope Tawadros delivered the sermon, thanking the priests of the church. In today’s sermon, he discussed the fourth qualification for service, which is “the hobby of saving souls,” within the series of “qualifications for service” that he began at the start of the Apostles’ Fast. His Holiness then reflected on the verses of Acts 15:36-41: “Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”

He explained that the signs of correct visitation are:
1- Not looking at the differences in languages ​​or accents but rather at the heart.
2- Not focusing on the difference in nationalities.
3- Not considering the social status.
4- Not looking at the spiritual state, even for the wicked.

His Holiness expanded on the types of visitation:
1- Follow-up.
2- Participation.
3- Being close.

He described the characteristics of the servant who has the hobby of saving souls:
1- Sense of responsibility.
2- A good listener.
3- Wisdom in time and speech, observant, and long-suffering.
4- Praying before and after visitation.

His Holiness warned the servant of visitation against:
1- Laziness.
2- Becoming attached to the person he serves.
3- Curiosity and intrusion of the person he serves’ privacy.
4- Rushing to reap the fruits.

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