His Holiness Pope Tawadros II appeared as a guest on Romania’s national television channel in a televised interview in which he shared his spiritual and humanitarian message during his historic pastoral visit to Romania—the second stop in his visit of the Diocese of Central Europe.
At the beginning of the interview, His Holiness expressed his joy in visiting Romania for the first time, affirming that the purpose of his visit is to strengthen the bonds between the mother church and its children abroad. He said, “My visit aims to connect these Coptic communities with their church and homeland, Egypt. There are long-established and newly formed Coptic communities in the diaspora, and the Church is keen to remain present in their lives.”
His Holiness noted that the Coptic Orthodox Church, as an ancient Eastern Church over 2,000 years old, carries a rich heritage of faith and tradition. He stated, “We pass on this true faith and long history to our children in every generation.”
He spoke about the Church’s veneration of saints, explaining that the Coptic Church commemorates saints daily in addition to celebrating the feasts of Christ—such as the Nativity, Epiphany, Palm Sunday, and Resurrection—as well as the feasts of the Virgin Mary, recalling her historical apparition at her church in Zeitoun 65 years ago. He said, “The saints are our companions on the journey, and communion with them keeps us in constant fellowship with heaven. Today, for example, we celebrate the feast of Saint George, who represents courage and faith unto death.”
His Holiness explained that the Church remained united until the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, pointing out that the division occurred due to internal and political factors. He affirmed, “Our Church’s faith is in the One Nature. This belief means that Christ’s divine and human natures were united in one person without separation, confusion, or alteration. They remained unchanged and untransformed—but united in one nature of the Incarnate Word. We have held to this true faith since Saint Mark the Apostle to this day.”
He emphasized that the Church’s mission is grounded in practical love, citing St. Paul’s words: “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). He said, “Love is shown when we build a school—we declare our love for education. When we establish a hospital—we declare our love for health. When we serve the poor—we declare our love for humanity. The Lord Jesus instructed us: ‘Love your enemies’ (Matthew 5:44), and St. Paul said: ‘Being reviled, we bless’ (1 Corinthians 4:12). This is how we live love and teach it to our children.”
During the interview, His Holiness also spoke about the Church’s educational role in preserving faith through Sunday Schools and theological institutes. He said, “Sunday Schools are the tool by which faith is preserved. They provide Christian education to our children from early childhood, instilling in them love for God, the Gospel, and the Church, and making them resilient. Likewise, our theological institutes prepare priests and servants.”
He also highlighted the “Egyptian Family House” initiative, which brings Muslims and Christians together, and the Egyptian Council of Churches, which unites all Egyptian churches in their diversity. His Holiness noted that the Coptic Church lives within Egyptian society with love and cooperation. He said, “We are 15 million Copts in Egypt, living with our Muslim brothers in one homeland, united by genuine love. We work together for the peace of society. These are important experiences we share with the world. Dialogue is the key to bridging minds, hearts, and souls.”
His Holiness concluded the interview with a message of hope and love: “In the Church, we are an open heart to everyone. We pray that God grants peace to all nations, blesses our meetings and love, and grants us a share with the saints in His heavenly kingdom.”
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