Prss Conference – Crown plaza Hotel Christ church

In this historic interview with His Holiness Pope Shenouda III during his first visit to New Zealand, His Holiness offers a profound vision of the Coptic Orthodox Church and its global mission. He speaks about his pastoral visit to the Coptic people in the lands of immigration, affirming that the Church works for the Kingdom of God for every person, not only for migrants, and that whoever comes to her is warmly welcomed in love.
His Holiness explains that although the Church exists in secular societies, it remains God’s instrument for spiritual work, building faith, and supporting spiritual values throughout society. He sees within human nature an innate longing to know God and a divine implantation of conscience that moves man toward good even without a written law.
He clarifies the Orthodox concept of salvation, that it is achieved through the blood of Christ by atonement and redemption, and is received through faith, repentance, baptism, and good works as the fruit of faith.
He also speaks about the Church’s ministry to youth, explaining that he established a special bishopric for youth dedicated to their spiritual and social care, opening before them the path of holiness and growth in grace. He emphasizes that a church without youth is a church without a future.
He mentions his good relationship with Islamic leaders, highlighting the importance of coexistence and love among religions, and the need to distinguish between extremists and moderates in order to build peace.
When asked about his previous exile, he answers with humility and peace, saying he found God everywhere, and that solitude in the monastery was not punishment but a chance for contemplation, writing, and teaching.
His Holiness concludes his talk by calling for perseverance in service, saying that true rest is not in ceasing from work but in changing the type of ministry, for the life of the shepherd is holy labor for the souls loved by Christ.

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