H.H. Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon during the Wednesday meeting this evening at the Church of Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite and Saint Hermina the Hermit in Dana East, Alexandria. The sermon was broadcast through Christian satellite channels and through the online C.O.C. channel affiliated with the Church Media Center.

His Holiness prayed Vespers, joined by Their Graces Bishop Angelos (General Bishop of the churches of North Shoubra), Bishop Pavly (General Bishop of the Montazah district churches), Bishop Hermina (General Bishop of the East Alexandria district churches), Hegumen Abraam Emil (General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria), priests of the church and from Alexandria, the deacons’ choir, and a large congregation that filled the church.

Following Vespers, the church’s priest, Hegumen Shenouda Anis, warmly welcomed His Holiness, expressing the joy of the congregation and the local community at his visit and his appreciation for His Holiness’ gracious willingness to accept the invitation to visit the church

Bishop Hermina also welcomed Pope Tawadros and congratulated him on the twenty-ninth anniversary of his episcopal ordination. He then presented a brief history of the church and the Dana district, known as “Ard El-Arz,” highlighting the challenges of ministry in the area and the beginnings of the service under the late Hegumen Constantine Naguib on July 8, 1973. He also spoke about the commencement of pastoral ministry with the ordination of Hegumen Abd El-Masseih Labib on January 27, 1974, the reason behind the church’s name, and the connection between the feast days of its patron saints. He noted that the first icon of St. Hermina the Hermit, now known throughout the Coptic Orthodox Church, originated there, and recounted the dedicated ministry of Hegumen Abd El-Masseih Labib and Hegumen Samuel Mounir in the district.

At the beginning of his sermon, His Holiness expressed his gratitude to all the fathers and church leaders. He praised the church, saying: “This church, with its beautiful white color, resembles a shining and radiant jewel. In the Monday Midnight Praises we pray: “God is Light and dwells in Light, and the angels of Light praise Him.” This saying applies to your church, for white is a symbol of light. May your hearts and homes always be filled with light. May the Lord bless this beautiful and wonderful little church and bless its people.”

Continuing his series, “Spiritual Laws for Life,” Pope Tawadros spoke about “The Law of Fellowship.” He read Acts 2:42–44, drawing particular attention to the verse:
“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:44). He noted that the nature of fellowship proceeds from the very nature of God Himself.

His Holiness explained that God, the great Creator, desired to share existence with humanity and granted us the gift of existence. He also bestowed upon us three gifts so that we might bear His image and likeness:
-The mind, that we may think and create.
-The hand, that we may work and create.
-The heart, that we may feel and create.

His Holiness explained how God desired that we live a life of fellowship (working together in cooperation) through:

The Tabernacle in the Old Testament, which represented God’s presence: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.” (Genesis 28:15)

The Incarnation: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.” (John 1:14)
“And they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23, NKJV)

The Sacrament of Holy Communion (Fellowship):
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16)

Eternal Life in Heaven:
“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem… Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men.” (Revelation 21:2–3)

His Holiness then explained how believers can actively participate in fellowship:

-Fellowship begins in the heart. Saint John Chrysostom said: “This is mine and that is another’s—such language is foreign to the nature of true love.” Fellowship requires the rejection of selfishness.
-Cooperation through service and giving, just as the widow offered her two mites out of her poverty and received praise from the Lord Christ.
-Right intention. God values quality rather than quantity. H.H. Pope Shenouda III said:
“When there is willingness, God grants the ability.”
Whenever we work together, we present the finest image of Christianity: “Praising God and having favor with all the people.” (Acts 2:47)

Pope Tawadros identified three hindrances to a life of fellowship:

-Love of possessions: “But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:22)
-Lying: “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 5:3)
-Absence of love: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

His Holiness described several forms of fellowship that God desires us to live:

-Fellowship of the Spirit: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:44). This is nurtured through always reading the Word of God together at home.
-Fellowship in Suffering: “So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him.” (Job 2:13). This involves sharing the burdens of those who suffer and being sensitive to the needs of others.
-Fellowship in Joy: “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” (Romans 12:15)
-Fellowship with the Saints: Through holding fast to their intercessions and following their example: “Considering the outcome of their conduct, imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)

Pope Tawadros concluded: “A life of fellowship, in all its various forms, is what presents a beautiful image of your faith in Christ.”

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