The Pope Welcomes a Delegation of African Church Leaders
Main Idea
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III welcomes the delegation of independent African church leaders who have come to Egypt, expressing the Coptic Church’s joy at the presence of its brothers and sisters from different African countries. He explains that the Coptic Church is an African Church with an ancient history and an influential role in spreading the Christian faith throughout the continent and beyond. He emphasizes that Saint Mark the Apostle was an African saint, and that his preaching extended to Egypt, North Africa, Nubia, Sudan, Ethiopia, and other countries.
Spiritual Message
The Pope points out that the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to Egypt with the Holy Family brought a special blessing to this land, citing biblical prophecies concerning Egypt, including: “Blessed is My people Egypt” and “In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt.” He also highlights Africa’s role in preserving the Christian faith through Saint Athanasius the Apostolic, who defended the divinity of Christ and confronted Arianism, and Saint Cyril of Alexandria, who led the Council of Ephesus. He explains that monasticism originated in Egypt through Saint Anthony, and that Saint Pachomius contributed to establishing the monastic system that spread throughout the world.
Educational Lesson
The Pope presents the contributions of Egypt and Africa to the Christian heritage through the theological School of Alexandria, its library, the Septuagint translation completed in Egypt, and the role of African Church Fathers in formulating and defending Christian teaching. He also draws attention to the Coptic Church’s pride in the heritage of the early Church Fathers, its ancient churches and monasteries, and its old traditions. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the history of the African Church and not looking at Africa as inferior to other regions, but rather as a continent with a prominent place in the history of Christianity.
Practical Application
The Pope calls for strengthening the bonds between African churches through joint publications and magazines, mutual visits, and cultural and spiritual cooperation. He also encourages Africa to play an active role in spreading the Word of God throughout the world, not only in African countries. He concludes by expressing his welcome to the delegation and his hope that they will enjoy a pleasant stay in Egypt and have the opportunity to discover Egyptian and Christian monuments, as well as ancient monasteries and churches.
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