His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the priest is God’s representative and agent in the church, not by his personal identity but as a bearer of the work of the Holy Spirit, and he cites verses that show the priesthood as an agent and shepherd of the people.

Authority and the sacraments

The priest proclaims forgiveness from his mouth because the Holy Spirit working in him is the one who forgives from the merits of Christ’s blood; therefore when he gives absolution it comes from the Holy Spirit and not from the priest’s self, and laying on of hands and ordination grant him authority and spiritual gifts to administer the sacraments.

Responsibility and example

The priest represents the faith before people — his actions and words give an image of Christianity. Therefore he must be careful in everything: in teaching, in behavior, and in his words, because people attribute the action to the faith itself when they see the priest do something.

The true Shepherd and the flock

God is the true Shepherd and the church is the place of God’s presence, and the priest or bishop are instruments to shepherd people by God’s indwelling in them; if God does not dwell in the priest he is not a true shepherd.

The priest as a vessel of the Spirit

The priest is a vessel of the Holy Spirit: he is outwardly visible while the Spirit works in him inwardly. He must always declare: “Not I but Christ who lives in me” — he does not act by his own ability but by God’s power and the love within him.

Love and power in ministry

Priestly ministry is based on divine love and divine power together: love moves him to serve, and power helps him to save people and guide them with wisdom and mercy.

Conclusion — A call to humility and reliance on God

The priesthood is a great responsibility that requires humility and reliance on God’s work rather than on human abilities; if the priest is conscious that he is a vessel and that God’s Spirit works in him, then his ministry will be genuine and fruitful.

For better translation support, please contact the center.