The Importance of Studying Languages for the Fathers, the Priests of the Diaspora
The Importance of Studying Languages for the Fathers, the Priests of the Diaspora
One of the fundamental matters in pastoral care with regard to the fathers, the priests of the diaspora, is that they should know the language of the country in which they serve.
This is for the sake of serving our children and our youth who do not know the Arabic language, do not speak it, and do not understand it.
If the Coptic priest there does not know the language of their country, and does not pray in it, and does not preach in it, then these people may not attend his Liturgies or his sermons. Consequently, they will not make their confession to him. They may even drift away from the Church completely and no longer become part of her flock.
Likewise, the Coptic Church cannot attract foreigners who may join her if the priest does not know their language and is able to speak with them. He can also nourish them intellectually and spiritually through his sermons…
There is no doubt that the Coptic priest in those foreign countries has time to study the language or to deepen his knowledge of it, just like any person sent abroad for academic study, for example.
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