In the church of the village of Doronka, a thousand people gathered to welcome their “Baba (father).”

In the village of Deir Rifa, the locals spread palm branches in front of the Pope’s car.

In the village of Deir Al-Zawya, His Holiness visited the oldest monastery in the world named after Saint Athanasius the Apostolic.

On his way to the Diocese of Abutig, H.H. Pope Tawadros II visited three churches in villages of the Diocese of Asyut — a pastoral tour that lasted about two and a half hours, made possible by the short distances between the three villages.

The reception of His Holiness by the congregation was beyond description — their overwhelming joy, heartfelt warmth, and deep affection expressed the sincere love they hold toward their “Baba” (Father).

First Stop — The Village of Doronka

Pope Tawadros first visited the Church of Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael in the village of Doronka, where more than a thousand faithful awaited his arrival.
He spent only a few minutes among them, offering a few heartfelt words that deeply touched their hearts. The people responded with simple, genuine emotion, and it was difficult for him to depart, as they did not wish to see him leave.

Second Stop — The Village of Deir Rifa

The next visit was to the Church of Saint Mina and Pope Kyrillos VI in Deir Rifa, where the people prepared an unexpected and joyful surprise. They greeted His Holiness at the village entrance with horses, drums and psaltery, as per the custom in Upper Egypt, while others stood along both sides of the road holding palm branches and olive boughs, spreading them along the path to the church — a Biblical scene reflecting their love and reverence for their “Baba.”

Inside, His Holiness offered the Prayer of Thanksgiving and listened to a welcoming hymn sung by the church choir.
Then H.G. Bishop Yoannes, Bishop of Asyut and Secretary of the Holy Synod, delivered a welcoming address, noting that Deir Rifa has produced more than fifteen priests serving in various places. He recalled that the Thrice-Blessed Metropolitan Mikhail was keen to visit Deir Rifa even in his old age. His Grace added that this was the first-ever visit by a Pope of Alexandria to Deir Rifa, calling it a great and historic blessing for the village and its people.

In his speech, Pope Tawadros expressed his joy in visiting the people of Deir Rifa, saying: “The people of Deir Rifa are beautiful and kind-hearted, and that is why the saints love you — Virgin Mary, Saint Mina, and Pope Kyrillos. I thank the fathers who have labored in serving you.”

He then spoke about three spiritual laws governing our relationship with God:

God is the Lover of Mankind: God loves every human being, even sinners, though He hates sin itself.

God is the Doer of Good: Everything God does for us is for our benefit. That is why we always say in our prayers, “Let us give thanks to the Beneficent God.”

God is the Pantocrator (Ruler of All): Nothing happens in the universe except by God’s permission and His good providence.

Third Stop — The Village of Deir al-Zawya

The final visit was to the ancient Church of Saint Athanasius the Apostolic in Deir al-Zawya. As in the previous villages, the people lined both sides of the road to greet His Holiness.
He unveiled a marble plaque commemorating this historic papal visit, then entered the church and prayed the Prayer of Thanksgiving. The church choir followed with a hymns program titled: “The Strong Coptic Church Throughout the Ages, the Foundation of the Faith”, celebrating the 17th centenary of the First Council of Nicaea, whose hero was Saint Athanasius the Apostolic.

H.G. Bishop Yoannes welcomed His Holiness, saying: “We welcome Your Holiness in this blessed monastery. I know your special love for Saint Athanasius the Apostolic. Recently, the ancient church here was restored in a way befitting its history and sacred place.”

Father Gabriel Hanna, the church priest, then added: “This is truly a meeting of patriarchs — the twentieth patriarch meeting the one hundred and eighteenth.”

He continued: “This monastery was visited by Pope Athanasius in the fourth century,, during his fourth exile, after consecrating the altar of the Hanging Monastery of Saint Mina at Anoub. Your Holiness’ visit coincides with our celebration of seventeen centuries since the Council of Nicaea, where Saint Athanasius defended the Orthodox faith.”

Fr. Gabriel further explained: “This monastery is considered the oldest in the world dedicated to Saint Athanasius the Apostolic, also known as the “Monastery of the Apostles,” for the teachings of its monks preserved the same uprightness as the teachings of the Apostles.
The church floor lies about three meters below ground level, crowned by thirteen domes symbolizing our Lord Christ and His twelve disciples. Its sanctuary is unique with a five-part design, and its chambers are adorned with stone capitals engraved with the lotus flower.”

A young man named George presented His Holiness with two icons depicting scenes from the life of Saint Athanasius the Apostolic:

The first portrays him as a disciple under Saint Anthony the Great and Pope Alexander.

The second depicts him defending the Orthodox faith at the Council of Nicaea.

At the conclusion of the visit, Pope Tawadros offered a brief word, saying: “I am very happy to visit this blessed church. The name “Athanasius” means “the immortal one,” and every stone in this church is filled with prayers. I am very joyful for this church, and very joyful to be with you.”

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