Letter to the New Pope by Father Tadros Malaty
Source http://www.copticworld.org/articles/1405/
The New Pope And The Power of the Communal Repentance
In a very serene and joyful atmosphere in Egypt and abroad, the three candidates were chosen for the papal position. Right before the Alter Draw to take place, I felt the need to stay calm, and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for my repentance as well as the whole Church’s repentance. It is befitting for the church to be holy and to benefit from the surrounding circumstances to increase her spiritual growth and fulfilling her mission as the living body of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
SITTING ATOP THE MOUTH OF A VOLCANO
More than five years ago, one of the beloved brethren told me that H. G. Bishop… in a private meeting said that Pope Shenouda is sitting on top of a volcano’s mouth, and he asked God to keep him alive longer to avoid the eruption of that volcano, whose consequences we do not know. In my opinion, this bishop’s feelings and words were reflective of many clergy and congregants feelings.
This indeed came true after the start of the papal elections process, but only for a short while. God’s grace interfered to save the Church and keep it in peace. Amazingly, God allowed for this temporary eruption for the growth of many souls. Also, it allowed us to be acquainted with God’s thoughts and will.
SPECIAL DIARY
What I write now is not for publishing one way or another. I write this only for the purpose of going back to it from time to time as a reminder for me about God’s amazing actions. Also, it works as to keep my mind straight forward to His will for myself and my brethren.
I hope that what I write remains far away from any personal factors or blame anyone publicly or privately in my heart or mind!
THE EVENTS OF THE ALEXANDRIA STUDENTS AND THE FIERY HEART!
Father Pishoy Kamel was famous for his fiery heart, and his concern of the salvation of everyone. We went through a very difficult time when some Christian students in the colleges and the dorms faced violent attacks from some of their non-Christians brothers. When the ambulances came to tend to the injured; the offenders often faked injuries and were taken by the ambulances first leaving the truly injured Christians victims behind.
Father Pishoy’s heart bled with every injured person. He embodied the apostle’s saying: “Who is weak, and I am not weak?!” (2 Cor. 11:29)
The Patriarchate representative would often call in the priests in Alexandria, even after midnight to contact the Bureau of Investigation. I will never forget what one of the Bureau Investigators said to the Patriarchate representative: “please calm yourselves, that will happen in the future is going to be a lot worse than what is happening now and you will say that we were living in luxury.”
The Church led a courageous and zealous doctrine and asked the government to act. Meanwhile, all were crying out to God in faith: “Do not put your trust in princes, [Nor] in a son of man, in whom [there is] no help” (Ps 146:3).
The meetings of the priests were always held inside the Patriarchate building. Despite that, the higher ranks of government were fearful of the Church because God is in her midst so she will not be shaken.
At that time, there weren’t any enthusiastic cheers in a worldly manner that was empty of faith like the ones that took place afterwards. For example, one of the phrases that are not reflecting any kind of faith is “with soul and blood we will redeem the cross.” The question is: who can redeem? Do we redeem the cross or the other way round!
Through all of this hardship, the Church continued to grow and God was glorified in mysterious ways. God had a hand in the repentance of many and many were praying even for the ones who persecute the church.
A SERIOUS DEVIATION!
Regrettably, the Coptic Church went through a serious phase that is characterized as follows:
Those wrong doings were behind the massive hardship. Almost every week there would be a painful event in either a city or a town in Egypt. We did not listen to God’s call for repentance. On the contrary, we explained what happened as a result to our active church. Not only were we concerned with appearances, but we also glorified ourselves saying that the devil is fighting us for our (apparent) successful services.
THE NEED OF GOD’S FEAR
The hardship and problems started to come one after the other. It came in all levels for clergy and congregants as well. Instead of repentance, the church became a place for applaud and cheers. There was no sign of God’s fear in them. The problems started to become complicated and much harder to resolve. Nobody thought of the communal repentance as Nehemiah did (Neh. 9) and Josiah in (2 Kings 23) and many more.
A CALL FOR COMMUNAL REPENTANCE
Pope Shenouda passed away, and the time for papal elections started. Then the volcano erupted in a way that we have never seen before.
Discussions and arguments about Papacy started to take place concerning the bishops of the parishes. Some thought that others were striving to get to the Papal Chair giving excuses to do so. There were accusations against the leaders in the media, the satellite channels, and the face book. In addition to that, a lot of people drew their attention to these futile discussions. The situation was very complicated.
GOD’S HAND WORKS THROUGH OUR FAITHFUL REPENTANCE
The Holy Council adhered to fasting and prayers with honest repentance. Things started to clear in a marvelous way. That was due to those unknown people whose fasting and prayers were accepted from heaven to glorify the Lord.
The history is full of those kinds of pious heroes. Their names are engraved in the book of life.
Our souls crave for the church to stay in this honest state of communal repentance. This is not only to ask for the new Pope to have the wisdom and the grace but also for the Holy Trinity to work towards the salvation of the humanity as well.
God has taught us a lesson in choosing the candidates for the Papal Chair. This lesson is not just to choose a pious, wise Pope who is able to manage the church, in Egypt as well as abroad. Also, He will choose the spiritual, wise and mature leaders who can deal with the government in a wisely and loving manner according to the biblical teachings.
It is a great lesson not to be forgotten. The following must be put into consideration.
We came in touch with the amazing work of God, after the despair, the pessimism and the frustration that controlled the hearts of many people. God’s work was fulfilled in a very peaceful way. Everybody accepted it. People became joyous.
It is not right for the believer to worry about the future of the Church. It is always in the Good Shepherd’s hand. He is the Lover of the salvation of mankind.
The believer should not expect the new Pope to be an Icon for one of the previous Popes, no matter how holy he was. Everyone has his own personality which is bestowed by God, and has his own talents and is worthy to carry our Lord Jesus Christ’s icon and not a human icon.
God always sends us the appropriate person for the right time. If God allows sad things to happen to us, that is to reprimand us for leaving Him.
Again, we have to realize that we are all humans and none is without sin. My call of reformation is not to criticize what happened in the past, or belittle the positive actions of the past. Also, it is not right for us to compare between the previous Popes for each one of them had his own talent.
Just to state a fact, we look forward to a better picture; we don’t blame any previous leader. For example, Pope Shenouda wrote an article about how he desired to bring all the monasteries back to its state in the fourth century. He himself couldn’t make that to happen. But in this he calls upon the new pope to achieve what he couldn’t, if God allows him to do so.
We always remember how the Great Prophet Moses led the Israelites from Rameses to Moab (Num 33:3). But his great disciple Joshua was the one who crossed with them to the Promised Land. Joshua couldn’t achieve God’s will without Moses; also Moses couldn’t achieve God’s will without Joshua.
It is not appropriate for the believer to keep a close eye on the Pope, the Patriarch, the Holy Synod or the priests. Everyone should keep their eyes on their true Savior, the Lover of mankind, who controls the history.
The Pope has a vital role in the life of the church, it is befitting for the believers to realize that they are obligated to support the Pope in order for him to behave in God’s spirit and not deviate to the left or right. That can be fulfilled by continual prayers for him and positive actions. As St. Basil the great said to his congregants: “You are the Bishop. The Pope can’t go to a store and meet with people, but so many righteous women that can witness the truth of the bible by their honest behavior in the stores.”
The Pope is in need of every little child. The child is more capable of gaining another child to God much better than a Priest!
The Pope was chosen as a result of the fasting and the prayers of the people, and not as a result of applause and cheers. It is not appropriate for any believer to participate in any celebration in a wordily manner.
I remember three stories about Pope (Cyril) Kyrellos VI. By mentioning those stories I don’t want to depreciate Pope Shenouda’s rank and Holiness in God.
Pope Kyrellos used to visit Alexandria a lot. At that time, I was serving with my beloved Father Pishoy Kamel. We used to visit him to take his blessings. Father Pishoy asked me that if any of us hears of the Pope’s visit, that he should go to him and apologize on the other’s behalf for not seeing him in the past 6 months. Indeed, when I heard of his visit, I went to see him and ask for forgiveness on Father Pishoy and my behalf for not visiting him in the past 6 months. He in return smiled and explained to me that he is more concerned not of our visit to him but of each priest care for the service of his own parish. My heart melted from all his love, wisdom and humility. He longed not for the social greetings but the spiritual service and the salvation of people.
I see this example in one of the current Bishops. As one time I apologized to him because I visited his parish several times without stopping by. He answered me saying: “I feel happy when you come to serve”. Also, he told me that what concerns him is the work. He told me a story about his visit to one of the counties in Europe; he was welcomed by two priests in the airport. They both asked to accompany him in his visits. He answered them, saying: “I thought it is better for you to send me one of your children to wait for me at the airport, so both of you don’t waste time waiting for me”.
On the contrary, one of the fathers told me that he is going to the airport to welcome one of the Bishops. He said bitterly: “you can’t imagine how he rebuked me in front of the congregation when I couldn’t go to the airport to welcome him last time”.
I wrote this before the alter draw has been done, wishing for the new Pope to be aware of the time of every Bishop, priest, deacon and servant in addition to every individual. Their time should be always consumed by the constructive service and the spiritual work, not by social complements.
One of the priests went to his Holiness Pope Kyrellos to congratulate him on the anniversary of his ordination in Cairo. The Pope thanked him for the visit, and then asked him: “did you know that I’m travelling to Alexandria tomorrow?” he answered positively. Then the Pope said: “Next time you should come with all the other priests!”
I will always remember when Pope Kyrellos used to be in Alexandria at the time of the anniversary of his ordination, all the priests would gather at the Cathedral. Father Youssef Megaly may God bless his soul used to say a good word out of his good heart. Then we all get the blessing from the Pope then leave without even getting a piece of candy. We ask of the new Pope to follow the same way.
OUR DUTY TOWARDS THE NEW POPE
It is appropriate for the believer, before anything else, to stick to prayers for the sake of the new Pope. May God keep him away from those who are concerned only with social complements without spiritual depth. Especially, those people who exaggerate in praising him using words or songs with motives of flattery.
God allowed choosing from three candidates who were approved by many, if not all. The three of them are humble. We ask God to keep this spirit of humility in them till the last breath.
To finalize my diary, with no doubt, that these events will be engraved in our memories. I wish I would always remember what I have witnessed with my own eyes. During my visits to the families in United States of America, I got to know young kids who have wide hearts and broad minds. They pray for the peace in Egypt and in church from the bottom of their hearts as well as the salvation of the entire world.
In one of the visits, an elderly lady who is eighty years old or may be older said that her husband is always praying using the Agpia Canonical Hours) and the bible that I saw beside her husband. Usually, he spends the night talking to God saying: “Is it possible for You to forget Your people in Egypt? It is the same place that welcomed You when You were a baby?” The lady was asking me to pray for her husband. I actually felt that I’m the one who needed this man’s prayers for me and to follow his path when I grow older.
Our Good Father is able to make the new Pope possess the work of the Holy Trinity. He will be supported by the elderly fathers’ prayers and the ones of Pope Kyrellos and Pope Shenouda who went through a lot of experience.
HOW TO CONGRATULATE THE NEW POPE
Now the result of the draw is known. Bishop Tawadros is chosen by the grace of God, he can disappear in Jesus Christ who was crucified and resurrected so he could transfigure through Him. He will work through God for the salvation of many people.
I thought that the best way for me and everyone else to congratulate him is to enter the room and throw ourselves into God’s bosom. He is the only one who can make us all holy.
My heart’s desire is that we all stand with love as priests and congregation in humbleness in front of our Savior. There is no one among us that would be the cause of what it is said about the church:” There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel” (Joshua 7:13).
Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty
Source http://www.copticworld.org/articles/1405/
The New Pope And The Power of the Communal Repentance
In a very serene and joyful atmosphere in Egypt and abroad, the three candidates were chosen for the papal position. Right before the Alter Draw to take place, I felt the need to stay calm, and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for my repentance as well as the whole Church’s repentance. It is befitting for the church to be holy and to benefit from the surrounding circumstances to increase her spiritual growth and fulfilling her mission as the living body of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
SITTING ATOP THE MOUTH OF A VOLCANO
More than five years ago, one of the beloved brethren told me that H. G. Bishop… in a private meeting said that Pope Shenouda is sitting on top of a volcano’s mouth, and he asked God to keep him alive longer to avoid the eruption of that volcano, whose consequences we do not know. In my opinion, this bishop’s feelings and words were reflective of many clergy and congregants feelings.
This indeed came true after the start of the papal elections process, but only for a short while. God’s grace interfered to save the Church and keep it in peace. Amazingly, God allowed for this temporary eruption for the growth of many souls. Also, it allowed us to be acquainted with God’s thoughts and will.
SPECIAL DIARY
What I write now is not for publishing one way or another. I write this only for the purpose of going back to it from time to time as a reminder for me about God’s amazing actions. Also, it works as to keep my mind straight forward to His will for myself and my brethren.
I hope that what I write remains far away from any personal factors or blame anyone publicly or privately in my heart or mind!
THE EVENTS OF THE ALEXANDRIA STUDENTS AND THE FIERY HEART!
Father Pishoy Kamel was famous for his fiery heart, and his concern of the salvation of everyone. We went through a very difficult time when some Christian students in the colleges and the dorms faced violent attacks from some of their non-Christians brothers. When the ambulances came to tend to the injured; the offenders often faked injuries and were taken by the ambulances first leaving the truly injured Christians victims behind.
Father Pishoy’s heart bled with every injured person. He embodied the apostle’s saying: “Who is weak, and I am not weak?!” (2 Cor. 11:29)
The Patriarchate representative would often call in the priests in Alexandria, even after midnight to contact the Bureau of Investigation. I will never forget what one of the Bureau Investigators said to the Patriarchate representative: “please calm yourselves, that will happen in the future is going to be a lot worse than what is happening now and you will say that we were living in luxury.”
The Church led a courageous and zealous doctrine and asked the government to act. Meanwhile, all were crying out to God in faith: “Do not put your trust in princes, [Nor] in a son of man, in whom [there is] no help” (Ps 146:3).
The meetings of the priests were always held inside the Patriarchate building. Despite that, the higher ranks of government were fearful of the Church because God is in her midst so she will not be shaken.
At that time, there weren’t any enthusiastic cheers in a worldly manner that was empty of faith like the ones that took place afterwards. For example, one of the phrases that are not reflecting any kind of faith is “with soul and blood we will redeem the cross.” The question is: who can redeem? Do we redeem the cross or the other way round!
Through all of this hardship, the Church continued to grow and God was glorified in mysterious ways. God had a hand in the repentance of many and many were praying even for the ones who persecute the church.
A SERIOUS DEVIATION!
Regrettably, the Coptic Church went through a serious phase that is characterized as follows:
- 1. Every Church would display what she has in possessions, buildings, projects, resources, and activities. Some of the leaders and followers of the church were thinking what the Prophet Isaiah’s saying in his conversation with the righteous King Hezekiah concerning what the king did with the Babylon’s deputies, where he showed them all what he had in treasure inside the Temple and inside his palace.
- What have they seen in your house?
- They have seen all that [is] in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.
- Hear the word of the Lord: “Behold, the days are coming when all that [is] in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left.” (2 Kings 20:15-18).
That was all said when Babylon was a small country, meanwhile Assyria was a great empire that ruled most of the world. Nobody would think that Babylon would become a greater empire which conquered Assyria, and would conquer Judah.
The righteous Hezekiah, in his humbleness cried to the Lord for help. God sent him an angel to save him from the Assyrian army. One hundred eighty five thousand were killed in one night (2 Kings 19:35).
One Angel was able to finish the battle against the Assyrian army, but Hezekiah didn’t glorify the Lord. God spoke to Isaiah as mentioned above. A lot of the Copts feared that this might happen to the Church as it happened before to the kingdom of Judah, through the deviation of their king Hezekiah.
At that time, nobody listened to God’s call for repentance, or stayed away from the vainglory which corrupted us. Similarly, the churches did not hide behind their own Humble and Meek Christ. - 2. Falling into a very careless uncontrolled life style in all occasions, especially in parties like birthdays, graduations, engagements, and weddings. Even in funerals, instead of caring for the poor in lieu of the decedent, people started to show off by offering souvenirs. We can say: They denied the rights of the poor for the boastfulness and appearances.
- 3. Some of the appearances that were painful to the soul at that time include:
- a. The church has established a special shrine for our beloved Father Pishoy which was and remains a great blessing to many. He lived a holy life and had an important role in uncovering the practical meaning of serving. He had a broad mind and great thoughts and a loving heart to all. He knew no boundaries to a certain church or certain country. He loved the believers as well as the nonbelievers. Other churches started to compete in building shrines. Many people started to think that churches at a certain point will become cemeteries for their priests.
- b. Many people cared about publishing books for those who passed away from the priests, deacons, and secular young or old. Those books usually end up in the trash can.
- c. Other people feel bad when one of their priests tries hard to celebrate the anniversary of his ordination instead of reevaluating his service and lamenting his carelessness and negligence in his service.
- d. The number of the announcements increased drastically to congratulate even the monks who left the world behind, for their anniversaries and their ordinations as priests.
- e. The wide spread parties of the anniversaries of ordinations of bishops and priests. The meaning of priesthood which is a communion with the Crucified who rose from the dead was almost lost.
- f. How beautiful were the words of Bishop Rafael concerning the ordination’s anniversary of the Pope. It is like celebrating Palm Sunday, followed by a long Holy (Paschal) Week.
Those wrong doings were behind the massive hardship. Almost every week there would be a painful event in either a city or a town in Egypt. We did not listen to God’s call for repentance. On the contrary, we explained what happened as a result to our active church. Not only were we concerned with appearances, but we also glorified ourselves saying that the devil is fighting us for our (apparent) successful services.
THE NEED OF GOD’S FEAR
The hardship and problems started to come one after the other. It came in all levels for clergy and congregants as well. Instead of repentance, the church became a place for applaud and cheers. There was no sign of God’s fear in them. The problems started to become complicated and much harder to resolve. Nobody thought of the communal repentance as Nehemiah did (Neh. 9) and Josiah in (2 Kings 23) and many more.
A CALL FOR COMMUNAL REPENTANCE
Pope Shenouda passed away, and the time for papal elections started. Then the volcano erupted in a way that we have never seen before.
Discussions and arguments about Papacy started to take place concerning the bishops of the parishes. Some thought that others were striving to get to the Papal Chair giving excuses to do so. There were accusations against the leaders in the media, the satellite channels, and the face book. In addition to that, a lot of people drew their attention to these futile discussions. The situation was very complicated.
GOD’S HAND WORKS THROUGH OUR FAITHFUL REPENTANCE
The Holy Council adhered to fasting and prayers with honest repentance. Things started to clear in a marvelous way. That was due to those unknown people whose fasting and prayers were accepted from heaven to glorify the Lord.
The history is full of those kinds of pious heroes. Their names are engraved in the book of life.
Our souls crave for the church to stay in this honest state of communal repentance. This is not only to ask for the new Pope to have the wisdom and the grace but also for the Holy Trinity to work towards the salvation of the humanity as well.
God has taught us a lesson in choosing the candidates for the Papal Chair. This lesson is not just to choose a pious, wise Pope who is able to manage the church, in Egypt as well as abroad. Also, He will choose the spiritual, wise and mature leaders who can deal with the government in a wisely and loving manner according to the biblical teachings.
It is a great lesson not to be forgotten. The following must be put into consideration.
We came in touch with the amazing work of God, after the despair, the pessimism and the frustration that controlled the hearts of many people. God’s work was fulfilled in a very peaceful way. Everybody accepted it. People became joyous.
It is not right for the believer to worry about the future of the Church. It is always in the Good Shepherd’s hand. He is the Lover of the salvation of mankind.
The believer should not expect the new Pope to be an Icon for one of the previous Popes, no matter how holy he was. Everyone has his own personality which is bestowed by God, and has his own talents and is worthy to carry our Lord Jesus Christ’s icon and not a human icon.
God always sends us the appropriate person for the right time. If God allows sad things to happen to us, that is to reprimand us for leaving Him.
Again, we have to realize that we are all humans and none is without sin. My call of reformation is not to criticize what happened in the past, or belittle the positive actions of the past. Also, it is not right for us to compare between the previous Popes for each one of them had his own talent.
Just to state a fact, we look forward to a better picture; we don’t blame any previous leader. For example, Pope Shenouda wrote an article about how he desired to bring all the monasteries back to its state in the fourth century. He himself couldn’t make that to happen. But in this he calls upon the new pope to achieve what he couldn’t, if God allows him to do so.
We always remember how the Great Prophet Moses led the Israelites from Rameses to Moab (Num 33:3). But his great disciple Joshua was the one who crossed with them to the Promised Land. Joshua couldn’t achieve God’s will without Moses; also Moses couldn’t achieve God’s will without Joshua.
It is not appropriate for the believer to keep a close eye on the Pope, the Patriarch, the Holy Synod or the priests. Everyone should keep their eyes on their true Savior, the Lover of mankind, who controls the history.
The Pope has a vital role in the life of the church, it is befitting for the believers to realize that they are obligated to support the Pope in order for him to behave in God’s spirit and not deviate to the left or right. That can be fulfilled by continual prayers for him and positive actions. As St. Basil the great said to his congregants: “You are the Bishop. The Pope can’t go to a store and meet with people, but so many righteous women that can witness the truth of the bible by their honest behavior in the stores.”
The Pope is in need of every little child. The child is more capable of gaining another child to God much better than a Priest!
The Pope was chosen as a result of the fasting and the prayers of the people, and not as a result of applause and cheers. It is not appropriate for any believer to participate in any celebration in a wordily manner.
I remember three stories about Pope (Cyril) Kyrellos VI. By mentioning those stories I don’t want to depreciate Pope Shenouda’s rank and Holiness in God.
Pope Kyrellos used to visit Alexandria a lot. At that time, I was serving with my beloved Father Pishoy Kamel. We used to visit him to take his blessings. Father Pishoy asked me that if any of us hears of the Pope’s visit, that he should go to him and apologize on the other’s behalf for not seeing him in the past 6 months. Indeed, when I heard of his visit, I went to see him and ask for forgiveness on Father Pishoy and my behalf for not visiting him in the past 6 months. He in return smiled and explained to me that he is more concerned not of our visit to him but of each priest care for the service of his own parish. My heart melted from all his love, wisdom and humility. He longed not for the social greetings but the spiritual service and the salvation of people.
I see this example in one of the current Bishops. As one time I apologized to him because I visited his parish several times without stopping by. He answered me saying: “I feel happy when you come to serve”. Also, he told me that what concerns him is the work. He told me a story about his visit to one of the counties in Europe; he was welcomed by two priests in the airport. They both asked to accompany him in his visits. He answered them, saying: “I thought it is better for you to send me one of your children to wait for me at the airport, so both of you don’t waste time waiting for me”.
On the contrary, one of the fathers told me that he is going to the airport to welcome one of the Bishops. He said bitterly: “you can’t imagine how he rebuked me in front of the congregation when I couldn’t go to the airport to welcome him last time”.
I wrote this before the alter draw has been done, wishing for the new Pope to be aware of the time of every Bishop, priest, deacon and servant in addition to every individual. Their time should be always consumed by the constructive service and the spiritual work, not by social complements.
One of the priests went to his Holiness Pope Kyrellos to congratulate him on the anniversary of his ordination in Cairo. The Pope thanked him for the visit, and then asked him: “did you know that I’m travelling to Alexandria tomorrow?” he answered positively. Then the Pope said: “Next time you should come with all the other priests!”
I will always remember when Pope Kyrellos used to be in Alexandria at the time of the anniversary of his ordination, all the priests would gather at the Cathedral. Father Youssef Megaly may God bless his soul used to say a good word out of his good heart. Then we all get the blessing from the Pope then leave without even getting a piece of candy. We ask of the new Pope to follow the same way.
OUR DUTY TOWARDS THE NEW POPE
It is appropriate for the believer, before anything else, to stick to prayers for the sake of the new Pope. May God keep him away from those who are concerned only with social complements without spiritual depth. Especially, those people who exaggerate in praising him using words or songs with motives of flattery.
God allowed choosing from three candidates who were approved by many, if not all. The three of them are humble. We ask God to keep this spirit of humility in them till the last breath.
To finalize my diary, with no doubt, that these events will be engraved in our memories. I wish I would always remember what I have witnessed with my own eyes. During my visits to the families in United States of America, I got to know young kids who have wide hearts and broad minds. They pray for the peace in Egypt and in church from the bottom of their hearts as well as the salvation of the entire world.
In one of the visits, an elderly lady who is eighty years old or may be older said that her husband is always praying using the Agpia Canonical Hours) and the bible that I saw beside her husband. Usually, he spends the night talking to God saying: “Is it possible for You to forget Your people in Egypt? It is the same place that welcomed You when You were a baby?” The lady was asking me to pray for her husband. I actually felt that I’m the one who needed this man’s prayers for me and to follow his path when I grow older.
Our Good Father is able to make the new Pope possess the work of the Holy Trinity. He will be supported by the elderly fathers’ prayers and the ones of Pope Kyrellos and Pope Shenouda who went through a lot of experience.
HOW TO CONGRATULATE THE NEW POPE
Now the result of the draw is known. Bishop Tawadros is chosen by the grace of God, he can disappear in Jesus Christ who was crucified and resurrected so he could transfigure through Him. He will work through God for the salvation of many people.
I thought that the best way for me and everyone else to congratulate him is to enter the room and throw ourselves into God’s bosom. He is the only one who can make us all holy.
My heart’s desire is that we all stand with love as priests and congregation in humbleness in front of our Savior. There is no one among us that would be the cause of what it is said about the church:” There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel” (Joshua 7:13).
Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty
