His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains, through the Psalm of shepherding “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want,” the deep meaning of the shepherd’s responsibility toward his flock. The true shepherd is the one who attends to all the needs of his children: spiritual, psychological, social, financial, and family needs, so that the people may feel that God sent this shepherd to complete what they lack, and that they “shall not want.”

Comprehensive Care and the Responsibility of Attention

His Holiness stresses that the shepherd cannot restrict his ministry to a narrow circle, but must look into every need in every home. This is why many services appeared in churches: student housing, care for the poor, medical help, housing needs, and debt assistance. Shepherding means that the flock does not remain in spiritual or material hunger.

Spiritual Food and the Table of Life

The shepherd is responsible to provide “green pastures” of teaching, sermons, and rich spiritual nourishment, and to ensure that the people partake of the holy mysteries. The Eucharist is a table that gives strength, stability, and a spiritual weapon against the enemy. The wise, faithful steward is the one who offers suitable spiritual food for every soul.

Restoring the Soul and Guiding the Straying

His Holiness explains that the shepherd must search for the lost, restore the expelled, and care for those absent from confession, communion, and church meetings. Shepherding is not a passive act but a constant effort to restore and guide souls in ways fitting each person.

Water of Rest and the Wisdom of Guidance

The good shepherd provides “water of rest,” meaning comforting words, understanding guidance, and wisdom that calms the soul—not harsh commands. The spiritual water is the work of the Holy Spirit that gives life and fruitfulness. Therefore, the shepherd’s counsel must be filled with peace and reassurance.

Special Care and the Shepherd’s Presence

“Because You are with me” is an experience every person must feel: that the shepherd is with them in their joys, sorrows, sickness, and difficulties. And if the shepherd cannot follow everyone, he must at least follow the most needy and use servants to be his hand and eye.

The Church as Green Pastures for Souls

The church must be a joyful place for the human heart: offering correct teaching, touching words, spiritual example, and a fulfilling liturgy. Thus the shepherd needs to be studying, searching, and diligent in preparing rich spiritual food for his children.

Spiritual Conclusion

Coptic Orthodox shepherding is not only teaching, but practical love, comprehensive care, and continual work to restore and guide souls. The true shepherd is the one who works by the Spirit of God and provides green pastures and water of rest to lead his children into the paths of righteousness for Christ’s name’s sake.

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