Today (Saturday), H.H. Pope Tawadros II attended the celebration held by the priests of Alexandria on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of his enthronement on the See of St. Mark. The event took place in the theater attached to the Papal Headquarters at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, under the theme: “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

The event was attended by H.G. Bishop Bavly (General Bishop of the churches of the Montazah Sector), H.G. Bishop Elarion (General Bishop of the churches of the Western Alexandria Sector), H.G. Bishop Hermina (General Bishop of the churches of the Eastern Alexandria Sector), Hegumen Abraam Emil (General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria), and the priests of Alexandria.

The celebration followed the ordination liturgy of five priests to the rank of Hegumen by Pope Tawadros, which was held this morning at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria.

The event began with a hymn dedicated to Pope Tawadros by the churches of Alexandria, titled: “A Wise Father.” This was followed by a detailed report by Hegumen Abraam Emil, highlighting 12 key aspects of Pope Tawadros’ pastoral work in Alexandria over the past year. Afterward, a theatrical performance titled: “The Upper Room” was presented, followed by words from the attending bishops. The priests of Alexandria also presented a commemorative gift to His Holiness; a mini-library containing three encyclopedias of the writings and translations of the Church Fathers.

The celebration concluded with a speech by His Holiness, in which he expressed gratitude to the Fathers for their pastoral efforts and service, and to the organizers of the celebration for their presentations. Pope Tawadros then addressed the topic of “The Sin of Partisanship,” emphasizing that division and cliques grieve the heart of God. He explained that the success of service lies in maintaining unity and three essential elements:
1.⁠ ⁠Constant prayer.
2.⁠ ⁠Abundant love.
3.⁠ ⁠Righteous zeal.

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