H.H. Pope Tawadros II pointed out that today, the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates the commemoration of the apparition of Virgin Mary in Zeitoun in 1968.
This was mentioned at the beginning of his sermon during his weekly Wednesday meeting, which was held this evening at the Papal Residence in Cairo.
His Holiness also praised the Thrice-Blessed Metropolitan Pakhomious (Metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities), who reposed in the Lord on Sunday, noting that he left a clear imprint in modern Church history.
Regarding the apparition of Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, Pope Tawadros said: “Today, we celebrate the 57th anniversary of the apparition of our Mother, Virgin Mary, in her church in Zeitoun. We remember this beautiful apparition that took place in 1968, the same year when part of the relics of Saint Mark the Apostle was returned, during the papacy of Saint Pope Kyrillos VI.”
He added: “Our Mother, Virgin Mary, is our intercessor, and she has had a profound role in our lives as Egyptians, from the time of the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt, to the 10th century miracle of the moving of the Mokattam Mountain, and in the 20th century, her apparitions in Zeitoun and in other churches in Cairo.”
Regarding the passing of Metropolitan Pakhomious, His Holiness said: “A few days ago, we bid farewell to Metropolitan Pakhomious (Metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the Five Western Cities)—a wise voice in the Holy Synod, the metropolitan elder, and the Acting Patriarch after the departure of Pope Shenouda III.”
Speaking about the late metropolitan’s service journey, Pope Tawadros added: “He witnessed many generations and had a significant role and clear imprint in modern Church history. God granted him the blessing of a long life (around 90 years) and the blessing of an extended service (about 75 years), during which he held an unimaginable number and variety of service positions, both in Egypt and abroad. He also played a crucial role in maintaining the peace of the Church and the nation during various crises.”
His Holiness continued: “We have full faith and trust that he is now in heaven, praying for us, as we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who testify, support, and strengthen the work of the Church in every era.”
He concluded: “We bid him farewell in the hope of the resurrection, with our eyes always set on heaven, thanking God who grants us servants who serve in spirit and truth, setting an example for those who minister in the holy Church of God.”
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