His Holiness Pope Shenouda III’s Address on Egyptian People’s Radio on the Just Cause of the Battle – The Glorious October War of 1973
The discussion addresses the legitimacy of the war being waged by the country to reclaim its land and its usurped rights.
It emphasizes that the country tried for a long period to reach a peaceful solution and did not resort to war until the peaceful solution became unable to end the existing injustice.
The discussion explains that religion does not exist to protect injustice, but to protect the oppressed, and that the state is responsible before God and before its people for protecting the homeland and the rights of its citizens.
It also clearly distinguishes between defensive war, which aims to reclaim rights, and aggressive war, which aims to attack others and deprive them of their rights.
Spiritual Message
The discussion stresses that forgiving and relinquishing a personal right is different from relinquishing the rights of the homeland and the rights of others.
Defending the homeland, according to the principles presented in the discussion, is a duty supported by religious principles when the purpose is to protect rights and not to attack others.
It also highlights the role of the clergyman in clearly proclaiming religious principles, reassuring the people, strengthening faith in their hearts, and encouraging them to pray for the safety of the country and its people.
Educational Lesson
The discussion explains that the role of the clergyman during wartime is not limited to speaking, but also includes acts of love, service, and humanitarian care.
He should visit the wounded, comfort those who have been affected, care for the families of the fighters, and help spread peace and reassurance among the people.
He should also contribute to educating the people, encouraging donations, and strengthening unity among members of society, because difficult circumstances require the combined efforts of everyone.
Practical Application
The discussion calls on clergymen to pray continually and encourage people to pray for the salvation of the country and the safety of its people.
It also calls on them to spread faith and hope in the hearts of the people and to affirm that God watches over, protects, and cares for everyone.
Through this, the clergyman can raise morale, encourage people to remain steadfast, and motivate them to participate in actions that serve the safety of the country.
The central practical message is that every person, especially the clergyman, should offer whatever he can through prayer, service, love, education, and unity for the safety of the homeland.
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