From the Events of History
Fame Is Not in Rank
+ Saint Anba Rueiss:
He attained very great fame, both in his own time and throughout the generations. He was neither a bishop, nor a priest, nor a monk.
He had no ecclesiastical rank at all. He wandered about as a poor man, almost naked, leading his camel. He was a layman, a camel driver.
+ Saint Stephen the Deacon:
Merely a deacon… Yet all the Fathers, Patriarchs, bishops, and priests ask for his intercession…
+ Saint Simon the Tanner:
A simple layman, but he had the faith that moves mountains. Pope Abram Ibn Zaraa sought his help in the matter of Mokattam Mountain, and he succeeded.
+ Anba Abraam, Bishop of Fayoum, and Anba Sarabamon Abu Tarha:
Each of them was a bishop, yet each was more famous than many Popes.
It is not a matter of rank, but rather of one’s relationship with God…
God measures a person by the purity of his heart, not by his rank or degree.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, published in El-Keraza Magazine, Year Eight, Issue Forty-Three, October 27, 1977.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
