This evening, a reception was held at the Monastery of Virgin Mary in Mount Asyut (Dronka Monastery) in honor of H.H. Pope Tawadros II, who is presently visiting the dioceses and monasteries of Asyut Governorate.
Attending the event were Major General Dr. Hisham Abu El-Nasr, Governor of Asyut, along with parliamentary, military, security, and religious leaders, as well as presidents of public, private, and national universities, representatives of ministries and institutions, leaders of Christian denominations, and notable figures of Asyut society.
The ceremony was presented by H.G. Bishop Yoannes, Bishop of Asyut and Secretary of the Holy Synod, while a speech was delivered on behalf of the metropolitans and bishops of Asyut’s dioceses by H.E. Metropolitan Tomas, Metropolitan of El-Qusiya and Mir. Twenty-seven bishops of the See of St. Mark were in attendance.
Several speeches were given, filled with words of welcome and appreciation for His Holiness, commending his patriotic positions and his constant preaching of love for all without distinction.
The addresses concluded with a speech by Pope Tawadros, in which he expressed his joy in visiting Asyut and his deep gratitude for the spirit of love he encountered in all whom he met during his tour, now in its third day.
His Holiness reflected on the meaning carried in the Arabic letters of the word “watan” (homeland):
The letter “waw” (و) signifies loyalty.
The letter “taa” (ط) signifies reassurance.
The letter “noon” (ن) signifies grace.
Pope Tawadros then spoke on the greatness of Egypt, both in her history and location, as well as the profound influence of the River Nile upon the hearts of Egyptians—creating closeness, affection, and shared life among them.
His Holiness further pointed to the value of uprightness, expressed by the Egyptians in various symbols: the obelisk in Pharaonic Egypt, the lighthouse in Christianity, and the minaret in Islam.
He commended the efforts of the Governor of Asyut in advancing the governorate, praising his concern for those with limited means and his endeavors to provide small projects for their livelihood.
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