The Priest Blesses and Is Himself a Blessing

8 May 19950 Comments

The lecture emphasizes that the essence of the priest’s ministry in the Coptic Orthodox Church is that he is himself a blessing, and that blessing is inseparable from his person and his priesthood, as he is a steward of God on earth.

Biblical and Patristic Foundation

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that blessing is a divine principle extending from the calling of our father Abraham, through the fathers of the Old Testament such as Isaac and Jacob, and the prophets Elijah and Elisha, and reaching its fullness in the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid His hands and blessed, especially the children.

Means of Granting Blessing

Blessing is granted through multiple spiritual means:

Laying on of hands
Prayer
The sign of the Cross
The word of blessing
Sprinkling with water or oil
All these express God’s grace working through the priest.

Blessing in Church Rites

Blessing appears clearly in the liturgical life: in the Divine Liturgy, in blessing the people, the priestly vestments, the Lamb, homes, food, and every project that begins with prayer. Even the bowing of the priest’s head carries the meaning of blessing.

Ecclesiastical Order of Blessing

Orthodox teaching highlights the hierarchical order of blessing:
The Patriarch blesses the bishops, the bishop blesses the priests, and the priest blesses the people, all in the name of the Holy Trinity.

Receiving Blessing and Obedience

Blessing is also connected to obedience and the priest’s approval, for “the son of obedience is filled with blessing.” The spiritual state of the priest affects the strength of the blessing that proceeds from him.

What Prevents Blessing

The teaching notes that certain matters may hinder blessing, whether from the priest’s side or from the recipient, such as injustice or unworthiness, while affirming that God alone is the source of every blessing.

Spiritual Conclusion

The priest is a divine channel conveying grace and blessing, not only through prayers and rites, but also through his life, gentleness, joy, and even his very presence.

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