In this profound poetic reflection, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the background of his famous poem “A Stranger”, noting that its first verse is taken from the Psalms of David, which says: “I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.”
He begins his poem in the same spirit:
“A stranger I lived in the world, a sojourner like my fathers; a stranger in my ways, in my thoughts, and in my desires.”

🕊 Main Idea:
The poem expresses the believer’s sense of spiritual estrangement in a noisy, worldly society. The faithful person walks a different path—one that seeks heaven rather than earthly pleasures.

🌿 Spiritual Dimension:
This estrangement is not physical isolation but a holy spiritual exile, lived by all who make God the center of their life. The believer finds joy in quiet communion with the Creator, as the Pope writes: “In sacred hours I was alone with my Creator.” It is in these moments that he resists temptation, proclaiming with strength: “Beware, for I live as a stranger like my fathers.”

💧 Educational Message:
The poem calls us to live in the world but not belong to it—to keep our hearts pure amidst noise and distraction, leaving behind earthly allurements to gain heavenly joy. Such spiritual exile is not loss, but a deeper belonging to God, who fills the soul with peace the world cannot give.

For better translation support, please contact the center.