This evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon at the Wednesday meeting from the St Mary’s Church in Helwan (the headquarters of the Diocese of Helwan and Al-Maasara). The sermon was broadcast through Christian satellite channels, the official website of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the online C.O.C. channel of the Church’s Media Center.

The scout team welcomed His Holiness at the church entrance, playing their distinctive music as a greeting. He then met with the clergy of the Helwan Diocese, where he discussed the priest’s pastoral responsibility. Following this, Pope Tawadros entered the church amidst a warm welcome from the congregation who lined the path to the church. His Holiness made sure to greet and bless them. After the sermon, he also went to the church balcony overlooking the spacious courtyard, filled with people, and blessed them as they expressed their love and with ululations and words of affection for their father and shepherd.

Prior to the sermon, His Holiness led the raising of incense of vesper prayers, joined by several metropolitans, bishops, and the priests of Helwan.

H.G. Bishop Mikhail (Bishop of Helwan) delivered a welcoming speech, congratulating His Holiness on the 12th anniversary of his enthronement on the See of St. Mark. The church deacons’ choir, along with the children’s choir, sang a selection of church hymns, followed by the church youth choir performing a set of spiritual songs. Two documentary films were played: one about the history of the Helwan Diocese and another about H.H. Pope Tawadros II, titled: “Portrait.”

His Holiness praised the hymns sung by the children, youth, and deacons and thanked H.G. Bishop Mikhail for his welcoming speech. He also commended the young deacon Peter for saying: “We exalt you O Mother of the True Light” in Coptic.

In his sermon, Pope Tawadros spoke about childhood on the occasion of World Children’s Day (20th of November). He read a section from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 1–9. He explained that the stature of a child represents the stature of the Heavenly Kingdom, and that God’s ongoing love for humanity is evident in His continual creation of children, as a sign of hope that humanity can turn away from sin.

His Holiness gave examples of children and events involving children in the Holy Bible, such as:

– The childhood of John the Baptist and the story of his birth.
– The childhood of Jesus Christ up to the age of 12.
– Jesus’ dialogue with the teachers in His childhood.
– The Lord Christ’s miracles involving children and the only child, such as raising Jairus’ daughter and the son of the widow of Nain.

Pope Tawadros elaborated on the biblical term “little ones who believe,” referring to several groups:

1. Young in age: “Let the little children come to Me” (Matthew 19:14).
2. Young in knowledge: such as Zacchaeus, who was “short” in his knowledge of faith.
3. Young in voice: the weak and overlooked.
4. Young in heart: those with a humble heart.

His Holiness noted that our Coptic Church celebrates childhood on the Feast of Palm Sunday, considering it as the annual children’s feast. He emphasized that all Christians are called to embody the spirit of childhood: “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Pope Tawadros highlighted how the Church cares for children through:

1. Baptizing infants, even those only one day old.
2. Sunday School.
3. Choirs and praise teams.
4. Ordaining children as deacons (degree of epsaltos/hymn chanters).
5. Teaching them early on to make the sign of the cross and recite the Lord’s Prayer.
6. Instilling in them that attending church is a day of celebration, as we celebrate and read in the Synaxarion, “Praise God in all His saints.”

His Holiness outlined ways to help children grow into positive role models:

1. Offering love in all its forms: through affectionate words, storytelling, gifts, gentle touches, playing with them, and fulfilling their need for love; “A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb” (Proverbs 27:7).
2. Being a role model: by listening attentively, engaging in dialogue, looking into their eyes, praying with them, reading the Bible and saints’ stories, and playing with them.
3. Avoiding emotional harm: by refraining from oppression, mistreatment, deprivation, hitting, undermining their personality, or invading their privacy, but rather protecting their purity.
4. Avoiding spiritual weakness and neglecting their spiritual life: by handing them down the faith and teaching them spiritual practices, such as consistent prayer and Bible reading.

Pope Tawadros concluded by affirming that children are earthly flowers and heavenly models: “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Matthew 18:5). They are humanity’s hope, and we must pray for their well-being, that God may bless them to excel in their studies and deeds.

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