Summary of His Holiness Pope Shenouda

Introduction

In this speech His Holiness Pope Shenouda gives an overview of the services and concerns that were accomplished during the papal seat leadership over a quarter century, with thanks and love to the communities and flocks.

Organizational and Pastoral Achievements

The number of churches in the diaspora increased from a few to more than one hundred and fifty churches; priests were established and many dioceses were founded in America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Africa; about 75 bishops were ordained and some were elevated to metropolitans.

Theological and Pastoral Education

Theological colleges and institutes were founded in Egypt and abroad (Jersey, Los Angeles, Sydney); attention to clerical formation increased and the level of education and ordination rose; institutes for care and for the Holy Bible were also established.

Monastic Care and Monasticism

Monasteries grew and the number of monks and convents increased; monastery properties were expanded and places were prepared to host guests and youth desiring a spiritual period, and in many monasteries there are large numbers of monks.

Youth Care and Social Services

Special care was given to youth to the extent that the Church ordained a bishop for youth affairs; episcopal work in public and social services expanded and service and care committees spread.

Work in the Diaspora and Challenges of Language and Laws

The Church in the diaspora faced financial challenges for building churches and obtaining locations, and legal problems due to differences in laws of states and countries, and linguistic difficulties in Europe and Africa to translate prayers and the Divine Liturgy into many local languages.

Security, Social and Political Issues

His Holiness addressed terrorism problems which have decreased and are concentrated in certain areas; he pointed to unemployment issues and the need for the Church’s care for needy families; he also expressed concern about the status of Jerusalem and its complexities and called for a political solution to end the conflicts.

Role of Women and Interfaith Dialogue

He pointed to a large role for women in service, education and secular administration within the Church, while rejecting women’s ordination to the priesthood due to absence of historical and biblical precedent; he explained that dialogue with Muslims is based on cooperation and joint work, not doctrinal dialogue.

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