His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that preaching has many branches: general preaching to the people, preaching specialized for youth, preaching for the countryside and popular neighborhoods, and preaching for occasions (such as feasts, funerals, and weddings). Each branch has its own character and style.

Goals of preaching

Preaching must satisfy the mind, the heart, and the spirit; and those present should leave having benefited something new. There is educational preaching (in doctrine, liturgy, and history) and spiritual preaching that aims to affect the soul and its virtues.

Sermon style and content

The preacher is required to simplify knowledge so that people do not get bored, and to choose the topic appropriate to the listeners’ level and needs. Organizing information and dividing the topic (introduction, body, conclusion, summarizing each section) helps people understand and assimilate.

Practical examples

Liturgy-based preaching is often built on a passage from the Gospel or from the Synaxarion or the epistles. Funeral homilies mention the transition from the transient life to the remaining life, and other sermons speak about the meanings of rites (such as the oil, consecration, and baptism) in an educational and spiritual manner.

Method of attracting hearers

A successful preacher uses attractive verses or stories that can be applied (like the parables of the lost sheep, the prodigal son, and the lost drachma) to make the sermon moving, consoling, and prompt souls to repentance.

Spiritual outcome

The important thing is that sermons suit the minds and needs of the people, be simple and ordered, combine teaching and spirituality, and work to renew souls and lead them toward virtues and repentance.

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