The 18th annual conference for servants and handmaidens of the Coptic Orthodox Church's Beni Mazer and Bahnasa diocese was held with over 950 participants. The event, themed 'The Servant and the Cross,' took place at the St. Mark's Cathedral in Beni Mazer, the seat of the diocese. The conference was attended by Bishop Anianus of the diocese and several priests.
The conference began with a Divine Liturgy, followed by a reception for Bishop Gabriel of Beni Suef and Bishop Philopatir of Abu Qarqas. Dr. Refat Saber also participated in delivering lectures and discussing the spiritual dimensions related to the life of a servant and their church service. The lectures focused on the concept of the cross and its significance in Christian faith.
Bishop Gabriel delivered the first lecture, titled 'Why the Cross?', exploring the meaning and place of the cross in Christian life. His presentation sparked discussions on the importance of the cross in the lives of servants. This was followed by Bishop Philopatir's lecture, 'The Cross in the Fathers' Thought,' which highlighted the views of Church fathers on the cross and its spiritual and faith-related connotations.
Dr. Refat Saber concluded the series of lectures with the topic 'The Cross in the Life of a Servant,' emphasizing the connection between a servant's life and the principles of giving, sacrifice, and responsibility in service. The lectures aimed to deepen the understanding of the cross's role in the life of a servant.
The conference also included a draw for gifts, which were distributed to winners among the participants. The event concluded with a warm and joyful atmosphere, as Bishop Anianus took commemorative photos with the participating servants and handmaidens. The day brought together members of the diocese to reflect on the meanings of the cross and its role in the life and service of a servant.
The event was organized by the diocese's secretariat and held under the auspices of Bishop Anianus. It aimed to strengthen the spiritual bonds among servants and handmaidens and deepen their understanding of their roles within the church. The conference is a significant annual event for the Beni Mazer and Bahnasa diocese.
Keynote speakers at the conference included Bishop Anianus, Bishop Gabriel, Bishop Philopatir, and Dr. Refat Saber. Their presentations and discussions underscored the importance of the cross as a symbol of sacrifice and service in Christian life. The conference provided a platform for spiritual growth and fellowship among the participants.
Key points
- Over 950 servants and handmaidens participated in the 18th annual conference of Beni Mazer and Bahnasa diocese.
- The conference theme was 'The Servant and the Cross,' focusing on the significance of the cross in Christian faith and service.
- The event featured lectures by Bishop Gabriel, Bishop Philopatir, and Dr. Refat Saber on various aspects of the cross in Christian life and service.
