The New Year

The General Message of the Lecture

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the meaning of the New Year from a Coptic Orthodox spiritual perspective. He explains that a true new beginning is not merely a change of calendar or outward celebrations, but a renewal of the heart, the mind, and behavior through sincere spiritual struggle against sin, relying completely on the grace of God.

First: The Spiritual Meaning of the New Year

The Coptic Church celebrates the New Year in a spiritual way through prayer, repentance, and Holy Communion, not through noise or superficial joy. The New Year is an opportunity given by God for inner renewal and a pure beginning with Him.

Second: True Renewal Is the Renewal of the Heart and Mind

The true “newness” is a new heart and a new spirit, meaning a change in thinking, principles, and life approach. External behavior naturally changes when the inner person is renewed.

Third: Seriousness in the Spiritual Life

The New Year has no meaning if a person remains unchanged. Seriousness means commitment to a steady spiritual discipline without negligence or retreat, regardless of difficulties.

Fourth: Struggle Against Sin

The spiritual life requires real struggle “even to blood,” resisting sin firmly in thoughts, senses, and speech, and fleeing from the sources of sin by closing every door that leads to it.

Fifth: Struggle with Oneself and with God

When a person succeeds in inner struggle with himself, he overcomes sin, succeeds in relationships, and grows in his relationship with God. This struggle depends on prayer and divine grace, not human strength alone.

Sixth: Self-Examination Without Self-Deception

The Pope calls for honesty with oneself, discovering weaknesses and repeated and beloved sins, without justifying mistakes or deceiving oneself, but choosing sincere repentance.

Seventh: Establishing a Practical Spiritual Program

This includes deep prayer, spiritual reading, memorizing Scripture, fasting, meditation, and guarding the senses, with perseverance and steadfastness.

Eighth: Depending on God’s Grace with Strong Will

God is ready to grant a new heart and purification, but the person must accept this gift and strive faithfully. Strong determination united with God’s grace is the path of true spiritual growth.

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