This evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II prayed the vespers of the Feast of Nayrouz (Coptic New Year), at the Papal Residence in St. Mark’s Cathedral; Alexandria.

The General Bishops supervising the pastoral sectors in Alexandria and Hegumen Father Abraam Emil (the Deputy General of the Patriarchate in Alexandria) participated in the prayers. Also present were the wives of the priests of Alexandria.

After the vesper prayers, His Holiness held a meeting with the priests’ wives, during which, he listened to them and answered their questions and suggestions. Pope Tawadros then gave a speech, at the beginning of which he congratulated the people of the Coptic Church throughout the See of Mark on the beginning of the Coptic New Year, known as the Feast of Nayrouz, noting that we celebrate it for 16 days and the celebration ends with the Feast of the Cross.

His Holiness highlighted that the Feast of Nayrouz is celebrated by the Coptic and Ethiopian Churches, and it is the feast of the martyrs throughout all ages. He read part of the Gospel of our teacher St Matthew: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)

Pope Tawadros described four forms of martyrdom:
1- Martyrdom through bloodshed
2- Martyrdom through sweat
3- Martyrdom through tears
4- Martyrdom through the word

After the meeting, His Holiness the Pope participated the wives of the priests in the Agape table (food), and distributed souvenirs to them.

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