A Historic Pastoral Visit to New Zealand
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III made his first pastoral visit to New Zealand to care for the Coptic Orthodox community there, consecrate new churches, and deliver lectures about the Orthodox Church and its mission in preserving faith throughout the ages.

Message of Unity and Love
His Holiness spoke about the good relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, recalling the joint declaration signed in 1973 affirming the shared faith in Christ despite theological differences. He emphasized that the Church works for the Kingdom of God everywhere, not to take from others but to welcome with love all who come.

Faith and Salvation in the Coptic Orthodox View
Pope Shenouda explained that salvation comes through the blood of Christ, received through faith, baptism, repentance, and good works as fruits of faith, quoting St. Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost.

The Church and the Young Generation
He stated that the Coptic Church cares for children from early life through Sunday Schools, involving hundreds of thousands of students, and continues this care through youth service led by a dedicated bishop. He affirmed that “a church without youth is a church without a future.”

Living in Love and Peace with All
His Holiness spoke about coexistence with Muslims in Egypt, emphasizing love, cooperation, and mutual respect. He distinguished between peaceful, moderate Muslims and the few extremists who do not represent true Islam.

A Call to True Spirituality
The Pope affirmed that every human being naturally seeks God, as conscience is the divine voice within. Even before written law, humanity knew right from wrong. Therefore, the Church must nurture this inner awareness through divine teaching and faith.

A Global Pastoral Vision
He presented his efforts in founding hundreds of churches, monasteries, and Coptic schools around the world, affirming that his mission extends beyond Egypt to wherever his spiritual children live, carrying with them the living Orthodox faith.

Faith, Work, and Love: The Path of Salvation and Service
His Holiness concluded that true rest is not the absence of work, but moving from one responsibility to another for God’s sake, as the Church continues to serve through the power of the Holy Spirit everywhere and always.

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