Biblical Figures – Noah and the Ark

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about Noah’s Ark as a profound symbol of salvation through baptism, showing that God used the flood to cleanse the world from sin, just as baptism cleanses the human heart to begin a new life.

Faith Amid Mockery:
Noah built the ark with steadfast faith despite people’s ridicule, trusting that God would fulfill His promise. He persevered for many years until the ark was completed, and only he and his family were saved.

The Flood as a Symbol of Baptism:
The flood represents baptism — through water, the old world perished, and a new life began. As Noah and his family were saved in the ark, we too are saved through baptism, which joins us to Christ’s death and resurrection.

Obedience and Holiness:
The animals obeyed Noah because the Holy Spirit granted him wisdom and authority, symbolizing creation’s harmony with God’s will when guided by faith.

The Dove and the Olive Branch:
The dove returning with an olive branch symbolized the beginning of new life — a sign of the Holy Spirit bringing peace and renewal after salvation.

Orthodox Teaching:
Pope Shenouda explains that baptism is not a mere ritual but the true mystery of salvation — a participation in Christ’s death, where the old self is buried and the new person rises with Him.

Spiritual Message:
From Noah’s Ark, we learn that faith, even amid rejection, leads to salvation. Baptism is our passage from death to life, from corruption to holiness, united with Christ’s resurrection.

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