In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the life and ministry of Saint Habib Girgis, founder of Sunday Schools in the Coptic Orthodox Church. He highlights how Habib Girgis was a pioneer in Christian education, building the Church’s spiritual and educational foundations through faith, perseverance, and creativity, without ever complaining about his era’s limitations. The Pope concludes with a call for every believer to live with a purpose — a divine mission that serves God and others.

Main points:

• Faithful remembrance: The gathering was held to honor this great teacher who founded the Sunday Schools and renewed theological education in the Coptic Church.

• A man of action: Despite the lack of resources, he created opportunities, established the Coptic Seminary’s library, wrote textbooks, trained preachers, and built schools for servants and teachers.

• The Pioneer of religious education: Like St. Anthony, founder of monasticism, Habib Girgis pioneered the path of organized spiritual education in the Church.

• Purity and dedication: He lived a celibate, consecrated life devoted entirely to ministry, caring nothing for titles or ranks.

• Teacher and poet: He wrote spiritual hymns inspired by Church melodies, expressing faith through heartfelt simplicity.

• Constructive spirit: He never criticized or attacked but worked faithfully to build and reform the Church through positive effort.

• Personal challenge: Pope Shenouda asked each listener: “Do you have a mission in life?” — Are you living for yourself, or for God’s purpose in serving others?

• Enduring mission: True missions bear fruit beyond one’s lifetime, just as Habib Girgis’ works continue to bless generations.

• The spiritual mission: The greatest mission is spiritual — one that brings souls to God and remains eternal in its fruit.

Spiritual message:
Every Christian is called to live for a divine mission — to glorify God and serve others. Like Habib Girgis, we must build, teach, and love with faith and dedication, trusting that “He who is faithful in little will be made ruler over much.”

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