This morning, H.H. Pope Tawadros II consecrated the Cathedral of Saint Anthony and Archdeacon Habib Girgis, in New Asyut, belonging to the Diocese of Abnoub, El-Fath, and New Asyut. The consecration took place with the participation of twenty-four metropolitans and bishops, marking the fifth station of His Holiness’ pastoral visit to the Governorate of Asyut.
The event began with the drums of the scout team in joyful welcome. Two children presented a bouquet of flowers to His Holiness, who then unveiled the commemorative plaque recording the consecration of the Cathedral. His Holiness entered the church, led by the deacons’ choir, amidst an atmosphere filled with joy from the congregation.
The consecration prayers commenced, during which three altars were consecrated:
-The central altar, in the name of Virgin Mary and Saint Anthony.
-The northern altar, in the name of Archdeacon Habib Girgis.
-The southern altar, in the name of Saint Mary of Egypt.
The baptistery was also consecrated, together with the Pantocrator icons (“The Bosom of the Father”) of the three altars, as well as all the icons of the Cathedral.
In his sermon during the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness reflected on the message of assurance offered by the Church at the beginning of the Coptic year, through the Gospel reading: “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:6–7).
Pope Tawadros explained five forms of the “two coins” by which we build our spiritual lives:
The Two Testaments (Old and New): Through them the Word of God abides in our lives.
The Two Hands Lifted in Prayer: When you stand to pray and lift up your hands to heaven, God listens. Your uplifted hands are the two coins with which you purchase your life with God.
The Two Fasts (Wednesday and Friday): Wednesday reminds us of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and Friday reminds us of the greatness of Christ’s salvation.
The Two Sacraments (Sacrament of Repentance and Confession, and the Sacrament of the Eucharist): The Church teaches us that repentance is always required, and the door of repentance is ever open through the sacrament of confession. She also teaches us to unite with Christ, who abides in us and we in Him, through partaking of His holy Body and precious Blood.
The Twofold Love: Love of God and love of neighbor. A human life is like the Cross: the vertical beam represents our love for God, while the horizontal beam represents our love for others—whoever they may be, regardless of differences.
His Holiness congratulated H.G. Bishop Besenti, the clergy, and the congregation on the consecration of the Cathedral, commending the labors of the late Bishop Lokas, the former bishop of the diocese, for his efforts in building the church and shepherding the diocese.
H.G. Bishop Besenti, in turn, offered words of gratitude to His Holiness, noting three divine gifts we rejoice in:
The Homeland in which we live and which embraces us all, under the wise leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, whose efforts in building the nation he praised.
The Church, with her deep-rooted heritage, in which we are nurtured and preserved.
The Spirit of Fatherhood, handed down from Saint Mark the Apostle to His Holiness Pope Tawadros today.
As part of his pastoral tour in the dioceses and monasteries of the Governorate of Asyut, His Holiness has thus far visited the dioceses of Dayrout and Sanabo, Rizqat Deir El-Muharraq, El-Qusiya and Mir, Abnoub, El-Fath, and New Asyut, in addition to visiting the Monastery of El-Muharraq.
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