The lecture affirms that the mother is the first face and affectionate chest the child sees, and that she has a pivotal role in raising faith and behavior. The mother endured the hardship of pregnancy, breastfeeding, care, cleaning, and upbringing, and she has a great merit in forming the child’s personality and faith.

The spiritual and educational dimension (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective)

• The mother is not only a source of affection but a establisher of faith: many received their initial faith from their mothers and grandmothers, as in historical examples (Russia, the mother of Moses, the mother of Saint Augustine).

• The Church is considered a spiritual mother to the righteous and disciples, and the Virgin Mary is an example of spiritual motherhood who cares for the disciples.

• The mothers of martyrs offered their children for the sake of faith and encouraged them to persevere, which highlights spiritual tenderness filled with faith not false affection.

The duty of respect and honoring

• The Bible and the Law gave the commandment to honor parents special importance, and it is a commandment associated with a promise and blessing.

• Society and traditions (especially in Upper Egypt and rural communities) teach the appreciation of elders and their respect with tangible signs (kissing the hand, offering the seat, humble behavior).

• Honoring is not limited to words and a gift on Mother’s Day only, but it appears in success in life and practical daily help and not mocking or belittling the value of parents.

Practical examples for implementation

• That the son cares for his mother, gives her a kind word, asks for her blessing, and helps her in household tasks.

• Decorating schools and celebrating our country and the church as mothers as well, and showing loyalty and love.

• Treating the mother-in-law as if she were a mother at least out of respect for your husband, and respecting the elderly as if they were fathers and mothers.

Conclusion and pastoral consolation

• The reminder that Mother’s Day is an annual reminder to show duty, and that continuing in honoring parents is an obligation throughout the year.

• Encouragement to acknowledge the mother’s favor and try to lessen her fatigue and preserve her dignity and health.

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