Today, H.H. Pope Tawadros II visited the landmarks of the Monastery of Virgin Mary at Mount Qusqam (El-Muharraq Monastery), as part of the third stop of his current pastoral visit to the governorate of Asyut, which he began yesterday (Tuesday).
His Holiness toured the monastery, during which he visited the Didymus Institute for the Training of Cantors. The students performed a number of hymns, for which His Holiness commended and encouraged them, also joining them in chanting.
He then proceeded to the Theological Seminary, where he held a meeting with its students and those of the Didymus Institute, in the presence of faculty members, metropolitans, and bishops.
The monk Hegumen Arsany El-Muharraqi, the supervising priest of the seminary students, delivered a word of welcome to His Holiness. Afterwards, Pope Tawadros spoke to them about an important triad through which the Church accomplishes her mission: Teaching, Consecration, and Pastoral Care—which together form the triangle of ecclesiastical service.
He emphasized that the stronger the sides of this triangle, the more successful the service becomes. His Holiness also stressed the importance of specialization, whether for the teacher, the consecrated, or the shepherd.
He further noted that godliness can be placed within this triangle, for all that we do is meaningless without godliness. Pope Tawadros added that godliness is lived and labored for, not studied. It makes us place Christ before us as our ultimate goal.
Afterwards, His Holiness inaugurated the renewed Cultural Center at the monastery and then held a meeting with the community of monks, speaking to them on the theme: “Monasticism: Joy and Uprightness”, based on Psalm 50 (The Psalm of Repentance).
-Monasticism is Joy:
Monasticism is joy through the daily encounter with Christ, for monastic life grants us the blessing of meeting Christ every day.
Monasticism is joy through brotherly fellowship. Living together as brothers in the monastic community provides support and joy.
Monasticism is joy in the opportunity for continual repentance, just as the wise virgins made good use of their time and were always prepared through repentance. Thus St. Paul the Apostle says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:14–16).
Monasticism is joy through the life of ascetic struggle in gradual growth: for all that is in the world has no place in heaven. Monastic life imparts wisdom and a deeper understanding of life.
-Monasticism as Uprightness:
Uprightness in relationships, that they may remain pure.
Uprightness in dealings, that our peace may be preserved.
Uprightness in conversations, lest they steal away our time and years.
Uprightness in practicing the Sacrament of Confession.
Uprightness in reading and spiritual study.
Finally, His Holiness visited the shrine of St. Mikhail El-Beheiry El-Muharraqi and the Church of Virgin Mary. A commemorative photograph was taken of His Holiness with the monks of the monastery.
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