In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III continues speaking about preaching and the preacher, emphasizing that a true sermon is not rigidly read nor memorized, but comes out from the heart with sincere and warm spirit.

1. The nature of an effective sermon

• A sermon that is not memorized or read word by word carries deeper spiritual impact because it comes from the preacher’s heart, spirit, tone, and expressions.

• Repetition causes boredom, and long introductions or unnecessary explanations waste time.

2. Preaching and doctrinal faithfulness

• The preacher does not present personal opinions but expresses the doctrine of the Church.

• Words must be based on study, with no invented stories or false quotations.

• The pulpit is not for settling personal conflicts nor for discussing financial or administrative matters.

3. A gentle and respectful style

• His Holiness Pope Shenouda III stresses avoiding harshness, insults, or offensive speech, for the mouth that blesses does not curse.

• The focus must be on positive points and virtues rather than humiliating people or mocking them.

4. Practical preaching

• A sermon should not present unreachable ideas; rather it must explain practical steps for acquiring virtue and growing spiritually.

• The true preacher knows souls, their spiritual battles, and how to guide them.

5. Stories in preaching

• Stories are highly influential and loved by children and adults alike.

• Stories may come from Scripture, saints’ lives, history, or everyday life.

• What matters is that they carry spiritual meaning and are as new as possible without contradicting the faith.

6. Considering time and the people

• The preacher should consider the listeners’ circumstances, especially in early morning liturgies.

• A wise preacher shortens or extends according to need and reads people’s feelings.

7. Funeral sermons

• They are an opportunity to present Christian beliefs before non-Christians, but without hurting their feelings.

• Empty praise should be avoided, and verses must be chosen carefully.

8. Preaching from the readings

• One may preach from the Gospel, the Synaxarion, or any part of the daily readings.

• A strong preacher unites all the readings into one clear and coherent theme.

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