First: The Priesthood as a Blessing

• His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God is the source of every blessing, yet He sometimes grants His blessings through chosen persons.

• The Holy Bible presents many examples of people who themselves were a blessing, such as the patriarchs, prophets, and priests.

• The blessing is not a personal power within man, but a divine gift transmitted through God’s stewards.

• Priests bless the people because they are servants of God, conveying what they have received from Him to others.

• Blessing also comes through parents, the righteous, the poor, and even through the prayer of any person for another.

Second: Authority in the Spiritual Concept

• The authority given to humanity since creation does not contradict God’s sovereignty if it is practiced with humility.

• Objections to titles such as “master” arise from misunderstanding, as Christ opposed the spirit of domination, not the concept of leadership itself.

• The Bible clearly states that God granted spiritual authority to some of His servants without diminishing His divine glory.

• Many examples show that spiritual authority does not imply pride, but can coexist with humility and submission.

Third: The Priesthood as Service

• Although the priest may be called a master or a spiritual father, the essence of the priesthood is service.

• Christ Himself, though Lord, declared that He came not to be served but to serve.

• Priests and apostles are described as servants of God, servants of the altar, and servants of the Word and the mysteries.

• Service is the framework within which spiritual authority is exercised, and it is the true mark of authentic priesthood.

Conclusion:
The priesthood in the Orthodox understanding is both a divine blessing and a humble service, carrying spiritual authority not for domination but for edification, making the priest an instrument of love and grace in the hand of God.

“For better translation support, please contact the center.”