His Holiness Pope Shenouda’s Address at the Laying of the Foundation Stone of St. Mark’s Hospital
The speech expresses appreciation for President Anwar Sadat and his role in Egypt, focusing on freedom, the rule of law, national unity, and relations between Muslims and Christians.
The speaker points out that Sadat became associated, in his view, with the principles of freedom and respect for human beings through abolishing detention and guardianship measures, calling for the rule of law, spreading democracy, and allowing room for opposition and different opinions.
He also highlights Sadat’s role in rebuilding the Egyptian army and preparing for the October War, viewing the crossing decision as leading from defeat to victory and restoring the position of the Egyptian army.
He also speaks about Sadat’s efforts to develop the Canal cities and the desert, reopen the Suez Canal, care for farmers, the poor, and the Egyptian village, as well as his foreign relations with the Arabs, Africa, and the West.
Spiritual Message
The speech then moves to the subject of national unity and emphasizes the importance of love and tolerance between Muslims and Christians, citing what is stated in the Quran about the People of the Book and Christians.
The speaker presents historical examples in which he sees cooperation and good relations between Muslim rulers and Christians in the fields of education, medicine, advisory roles, and financial affairs, as well as care for churches and monasteries.
Educational Lesson
The main lesson is that true goodness is not merely an outward action imposed upon a person, but rather love of goodness that comes from the heart through free choice.
The speaker emphasizes that a person may do good because of compulsion, embarrassment, fear, or imitation, but true virtue appears when a person loves goodness and righteousness from within.
Likewise, true repentance is not limited to abandoning sin, but includes hating sin in the heart, as illustrated by the example he gives of Joseph the Righteous, whose love of goodness within his heart overcame the temptation of sin.
Practical Application
The speaker calls for forming a person in righteousness from within, so that goodness becomes rooted in the heart rather than being the result of external compulsion.
He also emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to contribute to building a citizen who is good in heart and in conduct, and to serving Egypt and preserving its reputation.
The speech concludes by affirming love for Egypt and prayer for its president, army, and those working with him, with hope for God’s blessing upon Egypt and its people.
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