وجبـــــــة روحيـــــ(†)ــــــــــة يوميـــــــــة

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II


“ثُمَّ قَالَ لِيَسُوعَ:
«اذْكُرْنِي يَا رَبُّ مَتَى جِئْتَ فِي مَلَكُوتِكَ»”
(لو ظ¢ظ£: ظ¤ظ¢)

قبول الآخر الغريب:
مثلما قبل السيد المسيح اللص اليمين،
ولذلك تُنشئ الكنيسة بيوت للضيافة حسب الوصية.

[Mary Naeem]

“قَالَ لأُمِّهِ: «يَا امْرَأَةُ، هُوَذَا ابْنُكِ».
ثُمَّ قَالَ لِلتِّلْمِيذِ: «هُوَذَا أُمُّكَ»”
(يو ظ،ظ©: ظ¢ظ¦، ظ¢ظ§)

الوفاء:
حب الصليب أن يكون الإنسان
وفيًّا لأهل بيته، والمجتمع، والكنيسة، والخدمة،
“أَكْرِمْ أَبَاكَ وَأُمَّكَ لِكَيْ تَطُولَ أَيَّامُكَ عَلَى الأَرْضِ”
(خر ظ¢ظ : ظ،ظ¢).

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II


“«إِيلِي، إِيلِي، لِمَا شَبَقْتَنِي؟»
أَيْ: إِلَهِي، إِلَهِي، لِمَاذَا تَرَكْتَنِي؟”
(مت ظ¢ظ§: ظ¤ظ¦)

احتمال الألم:
يقدم الإنسان حب الصليب باحتمال الألم،
قد يكون ألمًا جسديًّا أو نفسيًّا أو داخليًّا
أو في شتى المواقف، مثلما احتملت القديسة
مونيكا زوجها الوثني حتى آمن بالسيد المسيح
وهو على فراش الموت، ثم واصلت جهادها
بالبكاء من أجل ابنها القديس أغسطينوس.

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II


“«أَنَا عَطْشَانُ»” (يو ظ،ظ©: ظ¢ظ¨)
الاحتياج والاتضاع:
الإنسان عندما يُظهر احتياجه
للآخر فبذلك يقدم صورة
من صور حب الصليب
لأن الاحتياج يحمل الاتضاع فيظ داخله.

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II


“«قَدْ أُكْمِلَ»” (يو ظ،ظ©: ظ£ظ )
تكميل الأعمال:
قالها السيد المسيح دلالة على أن الخلاص قد جاء وتم،
لذلك الإنسان يقدم حب الصليب
بأن يتمم عمله وخدمته بكمال، مهما كان العمل صغيرًا
“وَمَنْ سَخَّرَكَ مِيلًا وَاحِدًا فَاذْهَبْ مَعَهُ اثْنَيْنِ”
(مت ظ¥: ظ¤ظ،).

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II


“«يَا أَبَتَاهُ، فِي يَدَيْكَ أَسْتَوْدِعُ رُوحِي»”
(لو ظ¢ظ£: ظ¤ظ¦)

الخلاص والطمأنينة:
الحب يظهر في الطمأنينة والخلاص،
عندما يكون الإنسان سببًا لطمأنينة الآخر.

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II


سبع صور للحب قدمها السيد المسيح في يوم الصلبوت
لكي نقدم الحب في حياتنا اليومية من خلالها، وهي:

ظ،- “فَقَالَ يَسُوعُ: «يَا أَبَتَاهُ، اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ، لأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ مَاذَا يَفْعَلُونَ»” (لو ظ¢ظ£: ظ£ظ¤)
الغفران:
يحمل الإنسان حب الصليب عندما يكون لديه الإمكانية أن يسامح الآخر، “وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا كَمَا نَغْفِرُ نَحْنُ أَيْضًا لِلْمُذْنِبِينَ إِلَيْنَا” (مت ظ¦: ظ،ظ¢).

ظ¢- “ثُمَّ قَالَ لِيَسُوعَ: «اذْكُرْنِي يَا رَبُّ مَتَى جِئْتَ فِي مَلَكُوتِكَ»” (لو ظ¢ظ£: ظ¤ظ¢)
قبول الآخر الغريب:
مثلما قبل السيد المسيح اللص اليمين، ولذلك تُنشئ الكنيسة بيوت للضيافة حسب الوصية.

ظ£- “قَالَ لأُمِّهِ: «يَا امْرَأَةُ، هُوَذَا ابْنُكِ». ثُمَّ قَالَ لِلتِّلْمِيذِ: «هُوَذَا أُمُّكَ»” (يو ظ،ظ©: ظ¢ظ¦، ظ¢ظ§)
الوفاء:
حب الصليب أن يكون الإنسان وفيًّا لأهل بيته، والمجتمع، والكنيسة، والخدمة، “أَكْرِمْ أَبَاكَ وَأُمَّكَ لِكَيْ تَطُولَ أَيَّامُكَ عَلَى الأَرْضِ” (خر ظ¢ظ*: ظ،ظ¢).

ظ¤- “«إِيلِي، إِيلِي، لِمَا شَبَقْتَنِي؟» أَيْ: إِلَهِي، إِلَهِي، لِمَاذَا تَرَكْتَنِي؟” (مت ظ¢ظ§: ظ¤ظ¦)
احتمال الألم:
يقدم الإنسان حب الصليب باحتمال الألم، قد يكون ألمًا جسديًّا أو نفسيًّا أو داخليًّا أو في شتى المواقف، مثلما احتملت القديسة مونيكا زوجها الوثني حتى آمن بالسيد المسيح وهو على فراش الموت، ثم واصلت جهادها بالبكاء من أجل ابنها القديس أغسطينوس.

ظ¥- “«أَنَا عَطْشَانُ»” (يو ظ،ظ©: ظ¢ظ¨)
الاحتياج والاتضاع:
الإنسان عندما يُظهر احتياجه للآخر فبذلك يقدم صورة من صور حب الصليب، لأن الاحتياج يحمل الاتضاع فيظ* داخله.

ظ¦- “«قَدْ أُكْمِلَ»” (يو ظ،ظ©: ظ£ظ*)
تكميل الأعمال:
قالها السيد المسيح دلالة على أن الخلاص قد جاء وتم، لذلك الإنسان يقدم حب الصليب بأن يتمم عمله وخدمته بكمال، مهما كان العمل صغيرًا، “وَمَنْ سَخَّرَكَ مِيلًا وَاحِدًا فَاذْهَبْ مَعَهُ اثْنَيْنِ” (مت ظ¥: ظ¤ظ،).

ظ§- “«يَا أَبَتَاهُ، فِي يَدَيْكَ أَسْتَوْدِعُ رُوحِي»” (لو ظ¢ظ£: ظ¤ظ¦)
الخلاص والطمأنينة:
الحب يظهر في الطمأنينة والخلاص، عندما يكون الإنسان سببًا لطمأنينة الآخر.

[Mary Naeem]

Spiritual Laws for Life” Series (16): “The Cross Is the Sign of Perfect Love”


H.H. Pope Tawadros II




H.H. Pope Tawadros II: Seven Expressions of Love Revealed by Christ on the Cross — Forgiveness, Welcoming the Stranger, Faithfulness to Those Close to Us, Enduring Pain, Need and Humility, Completing the Work, and Salvation and Reassurance

More Than 500 Children from the Churches of Obour Welcome H.H. Pope Tawadros II

The Feast of Nayrouz, the Coptic Months, the Hymns “O Bride of the Redeemer,” “Shine, O Church of Christ,” and “My Church, My Church,” and the Hymn “Hiten Ni Presvia” Featured in H.H. Pope Tawadros II’s Meeting with the Children

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon at the Wednesday Meeting this evening from St. Paul the Apostle Church in Obour City. The sermon was broadcast on Christian satellite channels and on the C.O.C channel of the Church’s Media Center online.

Upon his arrival, His Holiness was welcomed by Dr. Eng. Hossam Abdel Fattah, Governor of Qalyubia, along with officials of the governorate. His Holiness then proceeded to St. Mary Church on the ground floor, where more than 500 children from the churches of Obour City were waiting to welcome him.

The children gave His Holiness a warm reception. A number of them lined both sides of the aisle leading to the church, carrying bouquets of flowers and candles while singing the hymn “Shine, O Church of Christ.” His Holiness was keen to join them in singing.

Upon reaching the church sanctuary, His Holiness was enthusiastically welcomed by the children and their servants. He asked them about the Feast of Nayrouz, the names of the months of the Coptic year, the meaning of the name of St. Paul the Apostle, the number of his epistles, and the names of his first and last epistles in the Holy Bible, among other questions. The children answered all the questions correctly, prompting His Holiness to encourage and commend them.

His Holiness then proceeded to the main church on the first floor, where he prayed Vespers with the metropolitans and bishops present, the priests of the churches of Obour, the church’s deacon choir, and the large congregation that filled the church.

Fr. Raphael of St. Bishoy Monastery, Papal Vicar for the churches of Obour City, delivered words of love and welcome to His Holiness. The church choir then presented a number of Church praises, while two children, Holly and Youssef, spoke about their participation in the LOGOS Junior Forum and the experiences they gained through it.

Before beginning the sermon, His Holiness welcomed the Governor and officials and expressed his joy at visiting the church, which he had previously visited and consecrated 12 years ago. He noted that it was the first church established in Obour, followed later by other churches.

His Holiness also pointed to the continued expansion of Obour City, including the development of New Obour City, giving thanks to God for the presence of a number of priests serving there alongside Fr. Raphael of St. Bishoy Monastery, who serves as Papal Vicar for the rapidly growing city.

In his sermon, His Holiness continued the series “Spiritual Laws for Life,” speaking on the theme “The Cross Is the Sign of Perfect Love.” He read from the third chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, verses 16–21, in preparation for the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, which the Church will celebrate beginning next Sunday for three days.

His Holiness noted that this year’s celebration carries particular historical significance, marking 17 centuries since the discovery of the wood of the Holy Cross.

He explained that the Coptic Church commemorates the Cross three times during the year: on 17 Tout, on 10 Paremhat, commemorating the discovery of the Holy Cross, and on Good Friday.

His Holiness explained that the fourfold form of the Cross can be seen throughout creation and life from the beginning:

The earth has four directions.
Creation on earth can be grouped into four: inanimate matter, plants, animals, and humans.
There are four seasons.
The human being consists of body, spirit, soul, and mind.
In Christian thought, the family consists of Christ, the husband, the wife, and the fruit—whether children or ministries.
The Church consists of the bishop, priest, deacon, and congregation.
There are four Gospels.
In heaven are the four incorporeal living creatures.
The Lord Jesus Christ was incarnate in the fourth Coptic month, Kiahk.

His Holiness also highlighted several references to the Cross in the Holy Bible. He noted that St. Paul the Apostle was deeply devoted to the Cross: “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14), and “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). His Holiness pointed out that St. Paul placed particular emphasis on two themes: love, especially in 1 Corinthians 13, and the Cross throughout his fourteen epistles.

Regarding Christ’s words to St. Mary, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4), His Holiness explained that the word “hour” refers to the hour of the Cross—the hour of salvation and the hour of love.

He also reflected on the verse: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), describing its movement from heaven to earth, through the Cross and ministry, and ultimately back to heaven. Christianity, he said, begins in heaven and is fulfilled in heaven.

His Holiness also cited: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory” (John 1:14), emphasizing that Christ’s love for humanity was a practical love expressed in action.

His Holiness then presented seven expressions of love revealed by the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of the Crucifixion, calling on Christians to embody them in their daily lives:

Forgiveness
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

A person carries the love of the Cross when they are able to forgive others: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

Welcoming the Stranger
“Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Just as the Lord Jesus Christ accepted the thief on His right, we are called to welcome the stranger. His Holiness noted that, in accordance with this commandment, the Church establishes guest houses to receive others.

Faithfulness
“He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’” (John 19:26–27).

The love of the Cross means being faithful to one’s family, society, Church, and ministry: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land” (Exodus 20:12).

Enduring Pain
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).

A person expresses the love of the Cross by enduring suffering, whether physical, psychological, internal, or arising from difficult circumstances. His Holiness gave the example of St. Monica, who patiently endured her pagan husband until he believed in Christ on his deathbed, and then continued her struggle with tears for her son, St. Augustine.

Need and Humility
“I thirst” (John 19:28).

When a person acknowledges their need for another, they express one of the forms of the love of the Cross, because recognizing one’s need carries humility within it.

Completing the Work
“It is finished” (John 19:30).

The Lord Jesus Christ declared these words to signify that salvation had been accomplished. Likewise, a person expresses the love of the Cross by faithfully completing their work and ministry, however small the task may be: “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41).

Salvation and Reassurance
“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46).

Love is expressed through bringing reassurance and salvation—when a person becomes a source of peace and reassurance to others.

[Mary Naeem]

Spiritual Laws for Life” Series (15): The Law of “Blessing”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II





His Holiness Pope Tawadros II held his weekly Wednesday Meeting this evening at St. Mark the Apostle Cathedral in Mallawi, the headquarters of the Diocese of Mallawi, which His Holiness consecrated this morning, as part of his current pastoral visit to the Diocese of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein. The sermon was broadcast on the Coptic satellite channels and the C.O.C channel of the Church Media Center.

His Holiness prayed the Prayer of Thanksgiving together with the attending metropolitans and bishops. Two children from the Diocese who participated in the LOGOS Junior Forum last July then shared the experiences and skills they had gained through the Forum.

Karas Bishoy, 14 years old, presented an agricultural project he called the “Smart Farm.” The project consists of six devices designed to assist with agricultural work, contributing to water conservation, electricity generation, organic fertilizer production, early fire detection, and site security. The children received encouragement and praise from His Holiness.

His Eminence Metropolitan Demetrios, Metropolitan of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein, also delivered an address in which he thanked His Holiness for visiting the Diocese in conjunction with its celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of its establishment.

A choir composed of persons with special needs chanted several Church hymns, and a documentary film was screened chronicling the past 50 years (1976–2026), on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of the Diocese of Mallawi, Ansena, and Ashmunein.

In his sermon, His Holiness continued the “Spiritual Laws for Life” series, speaking today about the law of “Blessing.” He read Psalm 103:1–5 and explained that God’s blessing is indispensable in a person’s life.

His Holiness addressed several principles concerning blessing:

The more a person gives, the more he receives. Whatever a person sows in the lives of others, he also sows in his own life. His Holiness referred to the love between David and Jonathan. After Jonathan’s death, David cared for Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who was unable to walk. Therefore, the more a person gives, the more blessing increases in his life.
A person should use one measure in giving in order to receive blessing, rather than using two different measures. His Holiness gave the example of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee praised himself before God in the Temple, while the tax collector asked God for mercy and went away justified.
A person should make his measure generous: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38). His Holiness explained that the Lord Jesus Christ speaks not only about giving, but also about how we give. He referred to the widow who offered the two mites, whom the Lord Jesus praised because she gave out of her poverty. Therefore, a person’s measure should be based on the quality of giving rather than merely the value of what is given. It is good for a person to give abundantly and generously in order to receive blessing in his life.

His Holiness then gave a spiritual exercise for everyone to practice and teach their children: write down 30 blessings that God has given us, so that on each day of the month we may thank Him for one of these blessings.

His Holiness reflected on some of God’s blessings toward humanity through the verses of the Psalm:

“Who forgives all your iniquities”: God forgives all our sins and takes them away.
“Who heals all your diseases”: God protects us from many illnesses.
“Who redeems your life from destruction”: God delivers us from many problems and tribulations.
“Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies”: God continually grants us mercy throughout our lives.
“Who satisfies your mouth with good things”: God grants us contentment and fulfillment.
“So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s”: God renews the youthfulness of our minds and hearts so that we may recognize and appreciate the value of life.

His Holiness also emphasized God’s goodness through the seven gifts mentioned in the Prayer of Thanksgiving, beginning with the blessing that God has covered us and culminating in the blessing that He has preserved us and brought us to this hour. These blessings lead us to contrition and humility and move us to thank God every morning and evening.

[Mary Naeem]

Spiritual Laws for Life” Series (14): The Law of “For to Me, to Live Is Christ”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II




His Holiness Pope Tawadros II: Five steps to live “For to me, to live is Christ”: Put Christ first; be faithful even in small matters; do not be ashamed of Christ or your faith; live the Gospel by practicing the commandment and make it evident in your life; and keep your heart pure through repentance.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon at the Wednesday Meeting this evening from St. Peter and St. Paul Church (El-Botroseya) in Abbassia. The sermon was broadcast on Christian satellite channels and on the C.O.C channel of the Church’s Media Center online.

Upon His Holiness’s arrival at the church, he was received by a number of metropolitans and bishops, the two priests of the church, Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali, Chairman of the Church Council, and Dr. Mourad Wahba, a member of the Council.

His Holiness prayed Vespers together with the attending hierarchs, the Patriarchal Vicar General in Cairo, and a number of priests and monks.

Following Vespers, the church choir presented a number of hymns and spiritual songs on the occasion of the Coptic New Year. His Holiness commended their performance and honored members of El-Botroseya Church who had completed their secondary education and university degrees.

Before beginning the sermon, His Holiness congratulated the members of the Church on the Feast of Nayrouz, saying: “Happy Feast of Nayrouz, which we call the Feast of the Martyrs, and happy Coptic New Year 1743. The months of this year are the same as those of the ancient Egyptian calendar, beginning with the month of Thout.”

He added: “It is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate in this church, which bears the names of Saints Peter and Paul and also commemorates the names of the martyrs whose martyrdom in December 2016 will mark its tenth anniversary.” His Holiness also commended the renovations currently underway in the church building.

In his sermon, His Holiness continued the series “Spiritual Laws for Life,” speaking about the law: “For to me, to live is Christ.” He read a passage from the first chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians (Philippians 1:21–26). On the occasion of the beginning of the new Coptic year—the Year of the Martyrs—and the celebration of the Feast of Nayrouz, His Holiness noted that the martyrs understood the value of Christ and the salvation found in Christ.

His Holiness explained that our celebration of the martyrs is a celebration of their entire lives, not merely the day of their martyrdom, because their whole lives were a testimony to Christ.

His Holiness then presented five steps for living according to the verse, “For to me, to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21):

1. Let Christ be first in your life

His Holiness gave the example of Abraham, the father of the fathers, who received the command to sacrifice his only son and offer him as a burnt offering. Abraham obeyed God because God came first in his life.

He also referred to St. Abanoub the Martyr, who refused to deny Christ, saying: “I cannot leave my Lord Jesus Christ and worship idols.”

Therefore, the first step is for Christ to be first in your life: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).

2. Be faithful even in small matters

The Holy Bible says, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Therefore, we must be attentive to faithfulness even in small matters, such as not cheating in examinations, being faithful in church attendance, in our words, and in keeping appointments.

“Be faithful until death [throughout your whole life], and I will give you the crown of life [in heaven]” (Revelation 2:10).

Faithfulness should also extend to what the eyes see, what the ears hear, and the feelings of the heart. His Holiness cited Joseph the Righteous and the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste in the fourth century, who confessed their faith, emphasizing that faithfulness should characterize every aspect of life.

3. Do not be ashamed of Christ

The Holy Bible says, “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed” (Luke 9:26).

His Holiness encouraged everyone to be proud of Christ and of the Church. Christ became incarnate and was crucified for our sake in order to grant us forgiveness and salvation from our sins. Christ is more precious than how others may look at us, and therefore we should never be ashamed of Him.

His Holiness gave the example of the Three Holy Youths, who refused to bow down before the image and were not ashamed of their faith. The king asked them, “And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” (Daniel 3:15). When they were cast into the fiery furnace, the fire did not harm them. He also referred to St. Marina the Martyr, who was not ashamed to bear witness to Christ.

4. Live your Gospel and continually practice the commandment

The Holy Bible says, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).

His Holiness explained that the Gospel should become a lived reality within us. He gave the example of St. Tabitha, a servant in the Early Church who sewed garments for those in need and thus lived the Gospel through serving others.

Therefore, let the Gospel be clearly evident in your life and live according to the commandment, because through the Gospel you come to know the way to heaven: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

5. Live with a pure heart through repentance

His Holiness urged everyone to keep the heart continually pure through repentance: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

“Wash your heart through repentance until the final day of your life,” His Holiness said, explaining that whoever has a pure heart sees God.

He pointed out that a martyr was not someone who sought death, but rather someone who held firmly to Christ and continued to do so until death came to him: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

His Holiness explained that the goal Christ desires for us is purity of heart, and that God has given us our lifetime as an opportunity to attain this purity. Therefore, each day in the Synaxarium begins with the expression “On this day we celebrate,” because we live in a state of joy with these saints.

His Holiness concluded by recommending that everyone read the first chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, noting that although St. Paul wrote this epistle while he was in prison, it is filled with joy and expresses a strong and profound union with Christ..