those who have no one to remember them
His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about a special type of church service — serving the “forgotten,” those we pray for in the Midnight Prayer, the weak, the abandoned, and those who have no one to care for them spiritually or socially.
Examples of this service
He mentions figures like Saint Julius of Aqfahs who cared for burying martyrs and writing their stories, as an example of unnoticed yet essential service. Then he points to neglected groups: people in alleys, street children, beggars, addicts, prisoners, working girls at risk, the elderly, the disabled, and families who have been forgotten by the church.
The message of comprehensive service
His Holiness stresses that service is not for the wealthy or the righteous only, but for the lost and the suffering, because Christ came to save what was lost. The church must reach out before problems grow, not after destruction has already come.
Serving difficult cases
He speaks about “serving difficult cases,” such as sinners who reject the church, reminding that Christ Himself served the Samaritan woman, Mary Magdalene, and Zacchaeus — all examples of divine love that seeks the lost soul.
Service to prisoners and the marginalized
He emphasizes the importance of serving prisoners and their families — visiting them, teaching, and offering both spiritual and material support — as an expression of Christ’s compassion for sinners.
Serving the poor, orphans, and the sick
The Pope calls for deeper spiritual care, not just material charity. True service must lift human dignity. He recalls his personal experience in orphanage ministry, teaching respect and love for the children.
Serving the powerful and the rich
He warns that even the wealthy and high officials are among “those who have no one to remember them,” since many are afraid to guide them spiritually, though they deeply need God’s word and repentance.
Spiritual conclusion
True Christian service seeks every lost and suffering soul, leading them back to Christ with love and wisdom. The Church’s mission is to serve everyone without distinction, in humility and complete pastoral care.
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