The Journey of Faith and Service in the Life of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III

The lecture narrates the life of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III from his youth, showing how he devoted his heart to God from the start, choosing monasticism and inner peace over worldly noise. His Holiness explained that monasticism was not a sudden decision but a calling that grew within him, as he wrote poetry about it even before living it. Divine love was the unbroken thread connecting every stage of his life — from teaching to ministry, monasticism, and patriarchate.

He spoke about the Church’s role in teaching and shepherding, showing how Sunday Schools flourished, spiritual meetings multiplied, and magazines and books nourished Orthodox faith and knowledge. He emphasized that the Church is responsible for souls before they go astray — to prevent error — and after they stray — to restore them.

His Holiness stressed that teaching is the true remedy for error, clarifying that the Church fights wrong ideas, not people, seeking to erase sin through instruction, not condemnation. He also explained that human freedom is a divine gift that is not canceled by grace — the Holy Spirit works, but man remains free to respond.

He spoke on the value of spiritual life above material needs, explaining Christ’s words: “Man shall not live by bread alone.” The body needs material bread, but the soul lives by heavenly bread — the Word of God and union with Him.

He then shared his experience of moving from solitude to public ministry, saying it was the hardest day of his life when he left the silent monastic life for service among crowds, yet he accepted it as God’s will and obeyed faithfully.

Finally, His Holiness described the qualities of a true shepherd — one who gives himself for his flock, caring for the weak, the lost, and the wounded, as Christ taught in the Gospel of John and the Book of Ezekiel. He concluded by speaking of the Church’s global growth during his papacy, stressing that the main goal is to preserve the faith of Coptic children everywhere, through service grounded in love, humility, and respect for every person.

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