On Wednesday, Pope Tawadros II, the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, addressed bishops and priests during his weekly meeting at the Church of the Virgin Mary and St. Athanasius the Apostolic in Shorouk City, east of Cairo. He emphasized the importance of focusing their teaching and sermons on easing people's frustration and encouraging hope. This directive comes in response to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's call to strengthen public awareness.
The Pope highlighted the president's emphasis on public awareness, stating that Egyptians need to understand the plots surrounding them. He described efforts to spread frustration as a form of warfare targeting the public. Pope Tawadros urged clergy to make their messages from church pulpits positive and encouraging, stressing the shared responsibility to protect Egypt and preserve national unity despite domestic difficulties and global crises.
Pope Tawadros also referenced El-Sisi's meeting with government officials on Tuesday, during which the president called for religious leaders to help raise awareness of the dangers of undermining the state. The Pope's remarks come amid a broader presidential call to explain Egypt's achievements and challenges. In August, El-Sisi ordered a report on achievements to be presented publicly.
Before his sermon, Pope Tawadros congratulated El-Sisi, the Armed Forces, and all Egyptians on the anniversary of the October 1973 victory. He recalled Egypt's recovery from the 1967 defeat, saying determination, unity, and careful preparation had enabled the country to achieve victory six years later. The Pope emphasized that this celebration continues from generation to generation, reminding Egyptians of their great history.
The Pope also shared his personal memories of preparations for the 1973 war, including the organization, discipline, and planning that preceded it. He concluded by praying for Egypt, its people, Armed Forces, police, and officials, urging Egyptians to protect their country from harm, frustration, and despair. He ended with the refrain El-Sisi regularly uses to close his speeches: "Long live Egypt."
Pope Tawadros emphasized that as October, the month of victory, begins, it offers a good opportunity to encourage everyone and provide a positive outlook on life. He added that life teaches us that after every night comes a new day, and this message should be reinforced in churches and homes alike, with an emphasis on the enduring possibility of hope.
The Pope's directive to clergy comes as Egypt continues to face various challenges. His call for positive and encouraging sermons aims to promote national unity and solidarity. By focusing on uplifting messages, the Coptic Orthodox Church seeks to play a role in strengthening public awareness and supporting the country's efforts to overcome its difficulties.
Key points
- Pope Tawadros II directs clergy to focus on lifting people's spirits through their sermons.
- The Pope's directive aims to promote national unity and solidarity.
- The call for positive sermons comes amid a broader presidential effort to explain Egypt's achievements and challenges.
