This morning, H.H. Pope Tawadros II consecrated the altar and icons of the Church of St. George in the city of Asyut, after it had been demolished, expanded, and rebuilt. With this consecration, the number of churches consecrated by His Holiness during his pastoral visit to the Governorate of Asyut has reached seven.
Upon his arrival at the church, His Holiness unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the event. A young boy and girl presented bouquets of flowers to His Holiness before he entered the church, led by the choir of deacons chanting hymns amid joyful participation from the congregation.
Eighteen metropolitans and bishops took part in the consecration prayers and the Divine Liturgy that followed.
After completing the consecration rite, Pope Tawadros spoke about its spiritual significance, noting that through consecration, the altar becomes sanctified and dedicated for prayer. He emphasized that the main goal of all rites and prayers is to be filled with joy, as the spiritual life in its entirety can be summarized in seeking mercy and the acceptance of repentance in order to taste the grace of spiritual joy.
Then H.G. Bishop Yoannes expressed his happiness and that of all the people of Asyut for the visit of His Holiness, noting that it was not merely ceremonial but held deep spiritual impact. He mentioned that Major General Dr. Hisham Abu Al-Nasr, Governor of Asyut, said that the Pope’s visit elevated the name of the Governorate of Asyut throughout the world. At the end of his speech, His Grace thanked the metropolitans and bishops who accompanied His Holiness throughout the visit, and expressed gratitude to all who labored in the establishment of the church, commending the efforts of the local authorities. He then read the document of the church’s consecration, which was signed by His Holiness, the metropolitans, bishops, and the church’s priests.
In his sermon following the Gospel reading, Pope Tawadros began by praising the church founded by the late Metropolitan Mikhail, the former Metropolitan of Asyut, noting that it holds a great place and has a congregation that has experienced the work of God’s grace in their lives.
He then meditated on the verse: “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24)
Ask in Faith:
The first step in any spiritual work is prayer, for prayer is a grace that God has given us to remain in constant communion with Him. It is good for a person to pray with the fervor of his heart, for God listens and grants the desire of the heart. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, prayed earnestly and with tears, and God answered her and gave her Samuel the prophet—her tears and feelings touched the heart of God. It is good to ask with faith and from the depths, for such prayer rises to heaven. The Holy Bible teaches us: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15)
Whenever we speak with God, He listens to us—even the beating of the heart is a prayer, for the heart is the altar upon which we offer prayers with power.
Receive with Patience:
“By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19)
Nature itself teaches us patience. Whoever possesses this virtue walks the path of heaven. In our modern age, everything has become so fast that it causes psychological strain linked to this constant haste. This rush has made people feel as though they are the center of everything. It is good to teach our children patience, that they may calm the turmoil present in the world. God’s timing is not limited—let us learn to wait for Him, for He gives at the most appropriate time.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
That Your Joy May Be Full:
Today we are filled with joy for this great work—it is truly a joyful day and a feast for this church. May God make all our days full of joy and celebration.
The Church of Saint George is located on Yousry Ragheb Street in the Qelta Company area in the city of Asyut. Its history dates back more than eighty years, when three adjacent plots of land were purchased and donated for its construction in 1945, totaling an area of 1,050 square meters. A royal decree (No. 30 of 1947) was issued by King Farouk I on April 27, 1947, permitting its establishment.
The foundation stone of the church was laid on October 26, 1947, in the presence of the late Metropolitan Mikhail, and the event received wide attention in the newspapers at the time. His Eminence consecrated the church on Saturday, July 24, 1948, and the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated there the following day, Sunday, July 25, 1948. The church was built on part of the land, and over the years three service buildings were added.
In modern times, the church was among those attacked on August 14, 2013. In 2015, it was decided to demolish the old structure and its adjoining buildings and rebuild the church on the full site over two floors. Today, the altar of the church located on the upper floor was consecrated.
