To Remember
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III teaches that human beings are naturally forgetful, and therefore God gave us spiritual and communal means of remembrance so that we do not forget His commandments and the events of our salvation. Remembrance is important for spiritual life so that we do not return to sins and forget God’s mercies.
The spiritual and educational dimension
The Church, the Holy Scripture, the rites, the feasts and the prayers were all established to fix God’s word in the heart and memory; to strengthen faith, awaken conscience, and remind of the work of redemption, love and God’s goodness. Remembrance moves repentance, thanksgiving and preparation for the Second Coming.
Suggested methods of remembrance
- Reading and repeating verses daily and placing the words in the heart and the home (the family).
- Celebrations, annual readings, feasts, liturgies and rites (examples: Passover/Easter, Nativity, fasting).
- Symbols and commemorative items (the rainbow, the Ark, the Cross, icons, names of saints).
- Writing down advice, verses and miraculous events and reading them regularly.
The effect of remembrance in practical life
In distress or trials, recalling verses and events comforts and strengthens the moral/spiritual life. Remembrance prevents sins from repeating and turns experiences into spiritual lessons. Giving thanks for God’s continual mercies requires conscious remembrance to avoid forgetting.
Short practical summary
Place important quotations in a special place, repeat readings and prayers, participate in the Church’s liturgical life, and record God’s mercies and blessings so that our memory remains alive and bears repentance, thanksgiving and an authentic Christian life.
For better translation support, please contact the center
