Today, H.H. Pope Tawadros II visited the Monastery of Saint Mina the Wonderworker (the Hanging Monastery) on Mount Abnoub, as part of his ongoing pastoral tour of the dioceses and monasteries of Asyut Governorate, now in its seventh day.
Upon his arrival, His Holiness unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the completion of the first phase of the construction of the monastery’s surrounding wall.
He then proceeded to the Church of Saint Mina within the monastery, where he offered the Prayer of Thanksgiving, met with the community of monks, visited the shrine of the late Bishop Lukas, and addressed the monastery’s workers, offering them words of encouragement and commemorative gifts.
In his talk to the monks, Pope Tawadros expressed his joy at meeting them and visiting the monastery, commending their efforts in developing and maintaining it. He noted that Egypt is blessed with monasteries rich in history, roots and numerous events, which have produced many generations of faithful monks who have preserved monastic life in all faithfulness.
Drawing from Psalm 139, His Holiness reflected on six foundational principles of monastic life:
- The Guardian of Monastic Grace Is Humility
Humility keeps monastic life on the right path. The call to monasticism is a call to humility; a monk must always see himself as the least of all. Through humility, the sweet fragrance of Christ is made manifest in him.
- The Guardian of the Mind Is the Holy Bible
The Word of God protects the mind from the assaults of the evil one.
A monk should be like the farmer in the Bible who digs deep in it and meditates upon it: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
The Bible serves as a practical guide for man before he goes to heaven and has a major role in a person’s life.
- The Key to Hearts Is Love
Love is the medicine for every situation, and true love is expressed through actions.
The monastery is meant to be a community of love and cooperation.
- The Key to Monastic Success Is Example and Discipline
A monk must live according to the rule of the monastery, faithfully observing its boundaries and regulations. This will lead the monk to a joyful end.
- The Enemy of the Monk Is His Ego
The greatest danger for a monk is to think that he different than others; that he is better or more advanced than them.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
The ego wages war against the monk through desires and their many forms, including the love of money.
- The End of a Matter Is Better Than Its Beginning
What truly matters is a good and faithful ending.
A monk must strive throughout his life toward one goal — that his final moment may be pleasing to God and bring joy to God’s heart, earning him a heavenly crown.
Every person will stand before God and give an account of his stewardship — for the monk, that stewardship is his soul.
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