Prayer Requests from the Gregorian Liturgy Series (Part 11)

[Mary Naeem]

Prayer Requests from the Gregorian Liturgy Series (Part 11): “The sinners who have repented, count them with Your faithful; Your faithful count with Your martyrs. Those who are in this place, conform them to Your angels,” at the Wednesday Meeting
December 11, 2024


H.H. Pope Tawadros II delivered his weekly sermon during the Wednesday meeting this evening from the Church of Virgin Mary and St. George in the city of El Shorouk. The sermon was broadcast on Christian satellite channels, the official website of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the online C.O.C. channel of the Church’s Media Center.

His Holiness visited the service building near the church, learning about the services it offers. He then met with the church’s priests and their families, and visited the land designated for constructing a new school as part of the “Eyes of Egypt” Coptic school network, being established in various regions across the country to support education in line with the vision of His Holiness.

Pope Tawadros proceeded to the church, warmly welcomed by the congregation. He led the raising of incense of Vespers prayers, alongside several bishops, the General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Cairo, and a number of priests.

After Vespers, Father Youhanna Ibrahim, the most senior priest of the church, delivered a welcome speech to His Holiness, followed by a presentation of a commemorative gift from the priests of the church. The children’s choir performed a selection of Kiahk praises. This was followed by a documentary about the church’s history and services, during which the congregation expressed their joy at the Pope’s visit. The preparatory and secondary school choir then sang Christmas hymns.

His Holiness honored several parliamentarians and executive and political leaders of El Shorouk City, as well as distinguished members of the church who achieved academic degrees (Ph.D. and Master’s) or won medals and championships in various mental and physical sports.

Pope Tawadros continued the series “Prayer Requests from the Gregorian Liturgy” and read a passage from the second chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians (verses 4–10). He reflected on the prayer: “The sinners who have repented, count them with Your faithful; Your faithful count with Your martyrs. Those who are in this place, conform them to Your angels.” His Holiness explained the stages of ascending to heavenly life through three stations, starting as follows:

1.âپ âپ “The sinners who have repented”

Repentance is the key to spiritual life as it transforms a sinner into a saint:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29).

Examples of repentant figures include the Samaritan Woman and St. Augustine. His Holiness emphasized that repentant individuals require two things:
-avoiding despair
-Consistently seeking forgiveness from God and clinging to the Church sacraments

2.âپ âپ ”Your faithful count with Your martyrs”

The word “count” refers to preparation—preparing believers to become strong martyrs for Christ. Examples include the martyrs of the Boutroseya Church in 2016, the children martyrs of Bethlehem, and St. Stephen; the first martyr. “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).

To reach to the level of a martyr, believers require two key attributes:
-daily testimony to Christ.
-the virtue of patience: “Here is the patience of the saints” (Revelation 14:12).

3.âپ âپ ”Those who are in this place, conform them to Your angels”

The qualities of angels include:
-servants of God.
-mediators between God and people.
-constantly praising God as companions in worship.
-symbols of purity and service: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Examples of angelic figures include Virgin Mary, the Prophet Elijah, and St. Anthony the Great, the “Father of Monks.”

His Holiness explained how believers can emulate angels through:
-inner purity.
-praise and worship.
-heartfelt obedience: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
-selfless and quiet service.

As the year draws to a close, Pope Tawadros encouraged everyone: “Strive to ascend from one spiritual level to another, so that one becomes worthy of heaven.”