The Care Provided to Widows

First: The Holy Bible’s Care for Widows

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the position of widows in the Holy Bible, where they are often mentioned together with orphans, since their problem is often connected with having children who need care, upbringing, and support. This connection shows the depth of God’s concern for this weak group and His continual commandment to care for them.

Second: The Psychological and Social Problems of the Widow

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the widow suffers from several dimensions:

• The loss of the husband and what he represents of protection and support.
• The financial burden and responsibility of supporting the children.
• The difficulty of upbringing in the absence of the father’s authority.
• The feeling of loneliness and the need for security.
  Also, the young widow may be exposed to social dangers or the greed of others, which requires special care and spiritual and moral protection.

Third: Different Situations of Widows

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III points out that widows are not one category:

1. A widow who may remarry and come under the care of a husband.
2. A widow who raises and supports her children with the help of the Church.
3. A widow who dedicates herself to spiritual service within the Church, as Saint Paul referred to “widows who are truly widows.”

Fourth: The Role of the Church in Practical Care

Care is not limited to words of consolation, but includes:

• Providing suitable work that gives the widow income and preserves her dignity.
• Involving her in spiritual or social service.
• Providing monthly or seasonal assistance when needed.
• Following up cases through the visitation of the priest.
• Providing legal and administrative support to protect her rights and the rights of her children.
• Training the children of widows vocationally so that they become able to work and produce.

Fifth: The Importance of Work and Occupation

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III stresses that work is not only a source of income, but a means:

• To protect the widow from emptiness and painful thoughts.
• To make her feel that her life did not end with the death of her husband.
• To help her raise her children in a proper way.

Sixth: Distinguishing Between Service and Projects

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes the necessity of separating charitable service from economic projects, so that projects do not fail due to lack of competence. The priority in any project is suitability and competence, while social service remains standing on its own through support funds and organized contributions.

The General Spiritual Message

The main message is that caring for widows is an integrated spiritual and social responsibility, based on practical love, wise organization, and preserving human dignity. The Church is called to be a true support for the widow, not merely by consolation, but by continuous care, protection, and empowerment so that she may live a stable and fruitful life in the fear of God.

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