A word about diving in New Jersey

In this profound sermon, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the Feast of Epiphany as the Feast of Baptism, explaining that the Church chose this name to affirm the doctrinal truth that baptism is by immersion. He adds that this feast is also called “Theophany,” as the Holy Trinity appeared at the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Baptism as the Beginning of Ministry

His Holiness explains that baptism was the beginning of Christ’s ministry after thirty years of silence, showing His humility and obedience.
He honors John the Baptist, who baptized the Lord, as “the greatest among those born of women,” a man of asceticism filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb.

2. The Holy Family of John

He contemplates the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth:

• John was filled with the Spirit in the womb.

• Elizabeth was filled when she heard Mary’s greeting.

• Zechariah prophesied filled with the Spirit.
  It is an example of a family filled with divine grace.

3. Humility in the Story of Baptism

From Nativity to Baptism runs the spirit of humility:

• The Virgin said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.”

• Elizabeth said, “Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

• And Christ Himself, the Holy One, came to be baptized like sinners, saying gently to John: “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
  This, the Pope says, is “a story of divine humility.”

4. The Theological Meaning of Baptism

Baptism is not only forgiveness but death and resurrection with Christ.
Man is buried with Him in water and rises to new life.
As Scripture says:

“We were buried with Him by baptism” (Romans 6)
“Buried with Him in baptism” (Colossians 2)
Thus, we put on Christ and are born again of water and the Spirit.

5. Baptism of Infants

He clarifies that infant baptism is based on the faith of the parents, just as circumcision was in the Old Testament.
Children were saved by their parents’ faith — through the Passover blood and crossing the Red Sea — likewise they are saved in baptism.

6. Keeping the Grace of Baptism

The Pope urges the faithful to preserve the grace received in baptism:
to continue renouncing Satan, keeping the white garment of righteousness, and not returning to worldly life after putting on Christ.
He concludes with the appeal:

“Let us live in the grace we have received — in the new birth, in righteousness, and in the renewal of baptism.”

7. Pastoral Message to the Coptic Church Abroad

At the end, His Holiness encourages the Coptic churches in America to unite, to establish a center for the Alexandrian See, and to live as one church in faith, spirit, and service.

For better translation support, please contact the center.