This evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II visited the Diocese of Manfalout as part of his current pastoral visit to the Governorate of Asyut.
His Holiness began his tour of the diocese with a visit to Saint Mary’s Language Schools, which are affiliated with the diocese. He was accompanied by Major General Dr. Hisham Abu Al-Nasr, Governor of Asyut, along with local officials and several bishops of the Church. During the visit, the official opening of Saint Mary’s Private Schools in Manfalout took place. The students of the school sang the Egyptian national anthem in four languages. The Governor then delivered a speech in which he welcomed His Holiness, expressed his greetings to the Egyptian people on the commemoration of the glorious October Victory, and presented the Shield of Asyut Governorate to Pope Tawadros as an expression of the Governorate’s appreciation.
Following that, H.G. Bishop Theophilus, Bishop of Manfalout, delivered a speech expressing his gratitude for the visit of His Holiness, the Governor of Asyut, and all attendees. He also recited a patriotic poem about the Egyptian flag.
In his address, Pope Tawadros expressed his great joy at visiting the schools, saying:
“I rejoice greatly whenever I visit a school, for the school is what builds the human being. I extend my greetings to the Egyptian Armed Forces, to His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and to all the sincere leaders of our country. There is no nation like Egypt; all the nations of the world are in the hand of God, but Egypt is in the heart of God. Our country is rich in civilization and history. I am following with great interest the wonderful activities of your school, and I encourage every diocese to establish a school to serve the community.”
After his speech, His Holiness unveiled the marble plaque commemorating his visit to Saint Mary’s Private Schools in Manfalout and laid the foundation stone for Saint Mary’s International School in Manfalout. He also laid the foundation stone for the Cathedral of Cana of Galilee at the Monastery of Prince Theodore of Shotep. His Holiness then toured the Shrine of the Late Bishops and the Regional Ecclesiastical Council Headquarters for Upper Egypt and Africa (Third District).
Afterwards, a celebration took place at the diocesan theater, attended by the Governor. The Saint George Choir began with the hymn “My Coptic Church,” followed by welcoming hymns for His Holiness amid an atmosphere of joy and reverence.
A documentary titled “The Lighthouse of the Nile – Diocese of Manfalout” was then presented, highlighting sixty years of service and giving in the diocese.
The Black Light Show team from the Church of Virgin Mary in Manfalout presented a remarkable artistic performance using black theater techniques, which was greatly admired by the audience.
The celebration concluded with a performance titled “Adorn Yourself with Virtue” presented by students of Saint Mary’s Schools. The play addressed the issue of bullying and emphasized Christian values of love and respect in dealing with others.
His Holiness commended all participants for the high quality of their performances and for the meaningful messages conveyed through each presentation.
Several speeches followed by representatives of the Egyptian Family House in Asyut, the Governor of Asyut, and H.G. Bishop Theophilus, concluded with the final address by His Holiness. In his closing words, Pope Tawadros thanked everyone and urged all to care for children, saying that “children are the flowers of life,” and affirming that “the greatest proof that God still loves humanity is the existence of children.” He advised society to regularly visit orphanages and all institutions dedicated to caring for children.
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