H.H. Pope Tawadros II: “Fatherhood is the Secret of the Church’s Success and Continuity.”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II met with the priests of Alexandria at the theater attached to the Papal Residence in Alexandria. This was in the presence of the two General Bishops serving in Alexandria: H.G. Bishop Pavly (Montazah sector) and H.G. Bishop Hermina (East Alexandria sector), along with Hegumen Abraam Emil (General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria). They congratulated His Holiness on the 13th anniversary of his enthronement on the Throne of St. Mark the Apostle.

The meeting included a theatrical performance titled “The King’s Commandment” presented by the “De Maria” theater group from the Church of Virgin Mary in Asafra, a hymn written and composed by the youth of Alexandria, and a documentary titled “That They May Be One”, showcasing meetings of love and fraternity with various Churches around the world.

Several speeches were delivered, including one by Hegumen Abraam Emil, who presented a summary of a full year of His Holiness’ activities and ministry in Alexandria. At the end of his speech, he described Pope Tawadros with four characteristics:

-Silent before negativity.
-Possessor of a pure heart.
-One whose effort is guided by grace.
-Bringing forth from his treasure things new and old.

H.G. Bishop Hermina also congratulated His Holiness, highlighting the magnitude of the accomplishments and ministries achieved over thirteen years with paternal love.

H.G. Bishop Pavly reflected on the verse: “O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance” (Psalm 16:5–6).

To conclude, Pope Tawadros delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude to all for their love and encouraging words. He congratulated them on the ordination of the new priests. His Holiness then gave a meditation titled “Talents in the Life of the Clergy.” He spoke about several talents in his own ministry during the past year, including the talent of Divine Liturgy of the Patriarchs of the three Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, the talent his pastoral visit to Asyut, the talent of the celebration of the World Council of Churches, and the talent of founding of St. Mark’s Coptic Academy at the LOGOS Center.

His Holiness summarized five talents in the life of the clergy as follows:

The Talent of Consecration: The priest works in the vineyard of Christ’s Church.

The Talent of Fatherhood: The secret of the Church’s success and continuity is fatherhood; priesthood is fatherhood and embrace.

The Talent of Time: The priest’s time becomes occupied and dedicated to God; it becomes fruitful because he labors for the sake of heaven.

The Talent of Repentance: The priest is close to the altar, continually offering prayer and repentance which is constant and renewed.

The Talent of Service: Serving every person and anyone in all their needs, through a ministry that carries the sweet aroma of Christ.

Afterward, Pope Tawadros distributed commemorative gifts to those in attendance.

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