Ministry in the Diaspora
General Message of the Lecture
The lecture discusses the importance of the Coptic Orthodox Church’s ministry in the diaspora, highlighting pastoral visits, church organization, and education as essential means to preserve faith and Coptic identity, connect new generations to the Mother Church, and introduce the world to the Coptic Church and its spirituality.
Lecture Summary
First: Direct Pastoral Care
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that direct visits to diaspora churches are essential, as written reports cannot replace seeing reality firsthand, listening to the people, and studying the situation thoroughly.
Second: People’s Participation and Service Organization
He highlights the importance of involving the congregation in expressing their needs and forming elected committees, which supports successful and stable ministry.
Third: Introducing the Coptic Church to the World
The visits are not limited to pastoral care, but also serve to introduce Western societies to the Coptic Church, its history, and the visit of the Holy Family to Egypt.
Fourth: Historical and Theological Dimension
The lecture explains the uniqueness of the Coptic Church through Old Testament prophecies, Egypt being the first place of a theological school, and the first translation of the Holy Bible into Greek (the Septuagint).
Fifth: Caring for the New Generations
The importance of establishing Coptic schools in the diaspora is stressed, combining governmental education with spiritual formation, Coptic language, and hymns to preserve identity.
Sixth: Unifying Church Laws and Organization
The lecture outlines efforts to unify church regulations in the diaspora and officially register churches to ensure unity and strength.
Seventh: Doctrinal and Liturgical Teaching
His Holiness stresses correct teaching, especially regarding icons, rituals, and the sanctity of the altar, so that the Coptic witness remains truthful and spiritual.
Eighth: The Church as a Living Body and Witness to Truth
The lecture concludes by affirming that the Coptic Church in the diaspora has become a living and influential body, bearing witness to truth and spiritual life wherever it exists.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
