This evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon at the Church of Virgin Mary and St. Mina, located in Azbiko in Al Salam City, within the Al Salam City and El Herafeyeen Churches Sector. The sermon was broadcast on Christian satellite channels, the official website of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the online C.O.C. channel of the Church’s Media Center.

Upon his arrival, His Holiness was welcomed by scouts and musicians. He visited the newly established Al-Agaiby (wonderworker) Medical Center, which is being prepared to serve all residents of the area. He also met with the priests of the sector in the presence of His Grace Bishop Maximos, the General Bishop of the sector.

Pope Tawadros then proceeded to the church, where he prayed the raising of incense of Vespers with the participation of several bishops and priests from the Al Salam City and El Harafeyeen Churches Sector. Following Vespers, H.G. Bishop Maximos warmly welcomed Pope Tawadros, thanking him for his visit and pastoral care. The special needs choir and the children and youth choir of the church performed hymns. A documentary about the service in the sector’s churches was also shown.

His Holiness honored a group of distinguished individuals from the area. At the beginning of his sermon, he expressed joy at visiting the church, commending the service of H.G. Bishop Maximos and the great work being done in the region. Pope Tawadros praised the church’s health services and other contributions to the community without discrimination. He also acknowledged the efforts of local officials in the development of Al Salam City and surrounding areas. His Holiness noted that establishing places of worship—be they mosques or churches—fosters good citizenship, an initiative supported by the Egyptian state. Pope Tawadros also lauded the Center for those with special needs, which is open daily to educate, train, and develop the abilities of these individuals.

His Holiness continued the series: “Prayer Requests from the Gregorian Liturgy”, reflecting on a passage from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. He meditated on the request: “Remember those who have Fallen Asleep.” Pope Tawadros emphasized its importance in connecting heaven and earth, ensuring that heaven remains present before us.

His Holiness explained that during Vespers, the Litany of the Departed is prayed for several reasons:
1.⁠ ⁠We believe that the departed remain members of the Body of Christ and are not separated from us.
2.⁠ ⁠Our prayers for them reflect our loyalty to them.
3.⁠ ⁠The departed await the Day of Resurrection.
4.⁠ ⁠It comforts us: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
5.⁠ ⁠Communicating with them deepens our preparation, loyalty, and seriousness: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them’” (Revelation 14:13).

His Holiness highlighted that the consolation from the Litany of the Departed is through:
1.⁠ ⁠”Graciously, O Lord, repose all their souls in the bosom of our holy fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”: This signifies comfort granted since the Old Testament.
2.⁠ ⁠”Sustain them in a green pasture”: “Green” symbolizes continuous grace.
3.⁠ ⁠”By the water of rest”: this denotes the state of reassurance and the new life.
4.⁠ ⁠”In the Paradise of joy, the place out of which grief, sorrow, and groaning have fled away”: this refers to the continuous light, as it is the dwelling place of God.
5.⁠ ⁠”In the light of Your saints”: this reflects the light of heaven, “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light” (Revelation 21:23).

His Holiness explained the expression: “There is no death for Your servants, but a departure”:
1.⁠ ⁠God’s selection, for He is the giver of life.
2.⁠ ⁠The end of suffering: “Return to your rest, O my soul” (Psalm 116:7).
3.⁠ ⁠A reunion with Virgin Mary and the saints: “Having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23).
4.Eternal life.
5.⁠ ⁠Bliss and happiness: “You should not praise any man before his death” (Sirach 11:30).

His Holiness also reflected on (Psalm 36:7): “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.”
•⁠ ⁠God’s is gracious and the Beneficent.
•⁠ ⁠God is merciful to mankind and is the Pantocrator.
•⁠ ⁠God offered His protection to humanity, both on earth and in heaven.

At the end of the meeting, Pope Tawadros congratulated the Coptic Orthodox congregation worldwide on the start of the Nativity Fast, which started two days ago, wishing them a fruitful fast.

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