The Work of the Priest Is the Salvation of People

The lecture explains that the essence and core mission of the priestly service is the salvation of souls, and that every church or pastoral work must be directed toward this goal, whether teaching, social service, or spiritual care.

Dimensions of Salvation in the Priest’s Service

• Salvation is the first and foremost issue in the work of the priest, as taught by Saint Paul the Apostle when he said: “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
• The priest is called to care for every person without distinction and to strive for their salvation regardless of background or circumstances.
• Salvation in the Coptic Orthodox understanding is not a single moment, but a continuous path of life, beginning with baptism and continuing through repentance and spiritual struggle.

Means of Salvation in Priestly Ministry

• Baptism: A fundamental responsibility, where no person is left without correct baptism, because it is the gate to entering the Kingdom of God.
• Repentance, Confession, and Communion: There is no salvation without repentance, and the priest leads the people to a life of continuous repentance and participation in the holy mysteries.
• Correct Teaching: Teaching is not for mere knowledge, but a means of salvation, because spiritual ignorance can lead to destruction.

Comprehensive Care for the One Soul

• The priest does not care only for those who attend church, but searches for those who are absent and at risk of being lost.
• Salvation of the soul also includes rescuing the person from harmful environments, controlling habits, or harsh social conditions that hinder spiritual life.
• Every soul has great value before God, like the lost sheep and Zacchaeus the tax collector.

The Salvation of the Priest Himself

• The priest is required to begin with himself: “Take heed to yourself and to the teaching,” because whoever serves the salvation of others must not forget his own salvation.
• Service without concern for the salvation of the soul may lead to the loss of eternal life, regardless of the abundance of activities or visible successes.

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