His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the attribute of holiness which is God’s attribute by nature, and how it is applied to everything that is related to God: such as the Holy Spirit, the angels, heaven, the book, the church, and believing people. He explains that holiness means dedication to the Lord and sanctification by actions and rites like baptism, chrism (myron), and consecration.

Spiritual and educational dimension (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective)

The talk affirms that man is called to holiness as the Lord said “be holy as I am holy,” and that holiness begins with repentance and grows through spiritual practices: prayer, sanctification before communion, and inclination to a pure life. The speaker connects the holiness of places and symbols (temple, icons, priestly vestments) with the necessity of respect and sanctifying these sacred things.

Examples from Scripture and tradition

The speaker cites prophecies and visions (Isaiah, Revelation) and examples from the Old Testament (consecration of the firstborn, removal of impurity) to show how God alone is holy and how His people are called to be holy as well. He also mentions church rites: consecration, anointing with myron, and naming books and prayers as holy.

Practical application and moral advice

He calls to pursue holiness in speech, thought, body, and spirit, warning against impurity in its forms (fornication, lust, the words of the tongue) that defile the person and separate them from God’s grace. He emphasizes preparation with confession and repentance before communion, and that the life of holiness appears in humility, love, and long-suffering (patience).

Spiritual summary

Holiness is not merely a description but a practical calling: dedicating time, place, and self to the Lord, cleansing the soul with the sacraments and prayers, and striving that all our words and actions be consecrated to God. The holy life begins with continuous repentance and grows until the fruit of holiness appears in daily conduct.

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