H.H. Pope Tawadros II: “Through today’s meeting, I call upon the bishops in their dioceses and the priests in their churches to ensure that teaching, explanation, and preaching focus on lifting discouragement from people’s hearts.”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II: “Through their strength and unity, Egyptians were able to achieve the October Victory, and we will always continue to preserve our unity and our country together as Egyptians.”

Before beginning his sermon at the weekly Wednesday Meeting today, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II congratulated President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Armed Forces, and all Egyptians on the anniversary of the October Victory.

His Holiness held the Wednesday Meeting this evening at the Church of St. Mary and St. Athanasius the Apostolic in Al-Rabia, El Shorouk City.

In his congratulatory remarks, His Holiness said: “As we begin the month of October and commemorate the victories of the October War, this is a good opportunity to congratulate ourselves and all Egyptians, foremost among them the President, as well as the Armed Forces, on the anniversary of the October 1973 Victory. Egypt achieved this victory during an extremely difficult period following the setback of 1967. Yet through Egypt’s determination and the strength and unity of the Egyptian people, the result was remarkable, honorable, and joyful: the Victory of 1973.”

He added: “Our celebration of this victory continues from generation to generation, reminding us of the great history of Egypt’s army and people, and that within only six years of the setback, Egypt was able to achieve victory. Personally, I clearly remember all the details of the preparations for the war: the organization, discipline, strength, and careful planning that ultimately led to victory.”

Referring to the expanded meeting held yesterday by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi with senior state officials, His Holiness said: “Yesterday, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi delivered an important address, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and a number of ministers. The meeting included many directives and a review of numerous achievements. Among the important directives was President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s emphasis on the importance of awareness—the awareness of each individual and of the people as a whole regarding what is taking place around them—particularly as there is a deliberate campaign aimed at causing Egyptians to become discouraged.”

His Holiness also referred to the President’s remarks concerning the role of preachers in churches in this regard, saying: “Through today’s meeting, I call upon the bishops in their dioceses and the priests in their churches to ensure that teaching, explanation, and preaching focus on lifting discouragement from people’s hearts.”

His Holiness stressed the necessity of preserving the country and national unity together, noting that our country possesses many beautiful things, even amid crises, whether domestic or global.

He reiterated the importance of ensuring that words spoken from church pulpits are positive and encouraging, and of raising everyone’s awareness in this regard.

His Holiness added: “Throughout its history, our country has been one of the great nations of the world. Egypt has faced many crises and hardships throughout its history and has overcome them all.”

He continued: “As we are in October, the month of victory, we have a good opportunity to encourage everyone and present a positive outlook on life. Life itself teaches us that after every night comes a new day. Therefore, we must emphasize this in our churches and indeed in every home: there is always hope for every person.”

His Holiness concluded: “May God preserve our beloved country and protect its people, its Armed Forces, its police, and all those entrusted with responsibility. We are all proud, as Egyptians, to be children of this land—the great land of Egypt in which we were raised. Our pride in Egypt, our joy in our country, and our responsibility compel us to protect our country from every evil, discouragement, and despair. And we conclude, as the President always concludes his addresses, by saying: ‘Long live Egypt… Long live Egypt… Long live Egypt.’”

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