The priest and his relationship with all people
Introduction and Main Idea
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the work of the priest is work for all people without monopolizing: the priest is a father and his work encompasses all segments of the people — children, elders, the sick, the pious and others. Everyone should feel that they have a share in the priest’s care.
Collective Work and Shared Responsibility
He emphasizes the importance of involving everyone by giving them tasks and responsibilities (attendance registration, book distribution, leading hymns, organizing the place…) so that the servant or the youth feels his importance and his absence creates a void. This strengthens belonging and increases church activity.
The Priest’s Relations with Fellow Priests
The priest’s relations with his fellow priests should be of love and cooperation, not competition or revenge, because division among priests leads to division among the people and to harmful debates and rumors. He calls for unity of thought and opinion among priests through regular meetings and episcopal councils.
The Priest’s Relationship with Church Education and Sunday Schools
He warns against two extremes: neglecting Sunday schools or attempting to dominate them. The priest is a father of education, not a substitute for it; he must support the schools, encourage the servants, participate with them, and provide them with resources, place and time.
The Priest’s Relationship with the Church Council and Institutions
He stresses the necessity of cooperating with the church council and respecting its role; democratic cooperation yields better results than monopolizing decisions. Good relations with official bodies facilitate many matters more than always resorting to legal solutions.
Visitation and Pastoral Care (Aftiqad)
He considers the first year of the priest a year of visitation; actual home visits (or calls in the diaspora) enable him to know people’s spiritual and social condition and to establish a genuine loving relationship. Visits open channels for dialogue and care.
Neutrality in Family Conflicts and the Loving Approach
The priest should not take sides in a dispute between spouses; rather he is a father to each side. He must advise and rebuke with love and guide, not become partisan or hurtful. Firmness while maintaining love and respect is the right path.
Overall Spirit: Humility, Love and Giving
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III urges priests to humility and to avoid power and pride, and to be givers not takers so that people will love them and support them materially and spiritually. Understanding, humility, and using the talents of the people are all essential elements for a successful ministry.
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