A Historic Popular Conference to Celebrate October 6
Salute to the Martyrs:
Before His Holiness the Pope began his speech, he called on the people to stand for a minute of silence in mourning for the souls of our great martyrs.
The Pope’s Salute to the Leader of the Crossing and to the Army:
The Pope said: I address, in your name all, our greetings from this place to the Leader of the Crossing and the owner of its plan and decision, President Anwar Sadat, and we also extend our greetings to our valiant fighting army, which proved that courage is a constant element within it, and that sacrifice and redemption are components of its character. This valiant army included within it all its strong men, foremost among them Field Marshal Ahmed Ismail and General El-Gamasy.
Salute to the Attendees:
After that, His Holiness extended his greetings to all those present, to the Deputy Prime Ministers, the ministers, the officers and soldiers, and to all the people. Then he said: “And we salute the national spirit that continuously binds us together, and on every occasion Christians and Muslims gather as dear brothers with one blood, which is the blood of Egypt, one patriotism, one nationality, one set of goals, and one set of means…”
October 6:
Then His Holiness said: “Indeed, the day of October 6 is a great day in history, many days were in its service, many days were watching it and waiting for it. Seventy-six months were watching this day, 2,100 days from June 1967, and Egypt was longing for this day…”
Then His Holiness the Pope spoke about the spiritual meanings inspired by the day of October 6, in terms of acting with wisdom rather than impulsiveness, in terms of patience and deliberation, in terms of not despairing, since all things are possible for believers, and in terms of Egypt and its steadfastness in the face of invaders. Then he spoke about the wisdom of the leaders of this country and said that President Anwar Sadat is distinguished by wisdom, deliberation, and deep thinking.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Keraza Magazine – Fifth Year – Second Issue – October 12, 1974
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