Feasts of the Saints
The feasts of the saints have become occasions that attract the feelings of the Copts in every land; they seek their intercessions and ask for their blessings.
Among the most important feasts that draw tens or even hundreds of thousands are:
the Feast of Saint George in Mit Damsis, the Feast of Saint George in Al-Rizziqat, the Feast of the Virgin in Zeitoun and in Mostorod, and in the Monastery of Al-Muharraq, the Feast of Saint Demiana in Barari Belqas, the Feast of Mother Rebecca in Sanbat, the Feast of Mother Dolagy in Esna, and the Feast of Mother Julitta and her son Saint Cyriacus in Tahta.
Then came the feasts of the great fathers of monasticism: Saint Moses, Saints Maximus and Domadius in the Baramous Monastery, the Feast of Saint Mina in his monastery at Mariut, and the Feast of Saint Bishoy in his monastery.
All these feasts, crowded with visitors, indicate the depth of faith in the hearts: faith in blessing, faith in the afterlife, and in the truth that these saints have not died. They also show faith in intercession and in miracles.
They believe in God’s love for His saints and in the boldness of these saints before Him.
They also love the pure life that these saints lived and set it as an example before their eyes.
The feasts of the saints used to be called Mawaled, and this name is still common among the public to this day.
However, the Church does not celebrate the birth (Mawlid) of the saint, but rather his martyrdom or departure—the day he completed his life in peace and departed to God in purity. As the Apostle said: “Consider the outcome of their conduct and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). And as he said about himself: “I have finished the race… Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
The Church not only changed the name (from Mawaled), but also changed their style, abolishing all unsuitable amusements. Now the feasts of the saints have a spiritual purpose. They have become spiritual days and vigils, including liturgies, hymns, chants, and spiritual programs beneficial for the edification of the soul.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Keraza Magazine – Year Thirteen – Issue Four – July 16, 1985
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