This evening (Wednesday), H.H. Pope Tawadros II arrived at the Diocese of El-Qusiya and Mir, as part of his current pastoral visit to Asyut Governorate, which began yesterday.
His Holiness left El-Muharraq Monastery after concluding his visit there and proceeded to the Cathedral of Virgin Mary and St. Joseph the Righteous in El-Qusiya. The congregation of the diocese lined both sides of the road from El-Muharraq to El-Qusiya to welcome him. Inside the cathedral, thousands of people received His Holiness with prolonged applause and joyful ululations at his entrance.
His Holiness prayed the Raising of Insence of Vespers, joined by twenty metropolitans and bishops. Afterward, H.E. Metropolitan Tomas, Metropolitan of El-Qusiya and Mir, delivered a word of welcome, highlighting three virtues that distinguish His Holiness: precision, creativity, and a good conscience. He praised the Pope’s constant efforts for the growth of the Church and the raising of its state. He noted the honor of the Coptic Orthodox Church hosting the World Council of Churches Conference—a significant recognition for the Church.
In response, His Holiness expressed his joy at visiting El-Qusiya, recalling that it was the first diocese he visited after his enthronement in February 2012. He also conveyed his love and appreciation for H.E Metropolitan Tomas.
Continuing his series of “Specialized Chapters”, Pope Tawadros spoke on the verse “Love never fails” from the “Chapter of Love”—1 Corinthians 13. He explained that this verse is both a commandment with power for fulfillment and a principle or motto to be lived out daily.
His Holiness explained the importance of living by this principle as follows:
1)Love is God: “God is love” (1 John 4:8). God never fails, and love is His very nature and essence.
2)Love is the only virtue that extends with us into heaven: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
3)Love is the bond that connects us to God—an unbroken and eternal link in our relationship with Him.
4)Works without love have no value. The Righteous Judge will ask humanity about the measure of love they acquired in their lives, for love abides forever.
5)Love, being God Himself, triumphs over all things.
Pope Tawadros then illustrated the power of love with biblical examples:
1)Love does not fail with time, but grows stronger:
-Joseph with his brothers: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)
-The Good Samaritan, who showed love to a stranger, and thus his story is eternally recorded in Scripture.
-St. Stephen, who offered love even while being stoned: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” (Acts 7:60)
-Cain, who did not show love to his brother Abel, and as a result remained a wanderer.
-Mordecai, who once saved the king: “So Haman came in, and the king asked him, ‘What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?’” (Esther 6:6)
2)Love does not fail before evil, it overcomes hatred, and includes two acts: forgiving the other and forgetting what they have done.
3)Love does not fail before death, for example, St. Athanasius the Apostolic, who departed seventeen centuries ago, yet to this day we proudly call ourselves his children.
4)Love never fails because it carries God’s mercy: “For His mercy endures forever.”
5) Love never fails because it is a steadfast word: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
Pope Tawadros concluded by saying: “Love is a commandment, a motto, and also a test of the power of God: ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’” (Luke 18:27)
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