His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Meets with the Priests of Milan and their Wives
On May 17, 2023’s morning (Wednesday), His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, held a meeting with the priests of the Diocese of Milan, in the presence of their bishop, His Grace Bishop Antonio, and His Grace Bishop Luka (Bishop of Southern France and the French sector of Switzerland). The monk Father Kirollos Anba Bishoy (Director of the Papal Office) was also present.
This meeting was preceded by the Divine Liturgy, which His Holiness Pope Tawadros II prayed with the participation of the priests and their wives.
In his sermon during the meeting, His Holiness spoke to them about the subject of “joy” due the occasion of the period of the Holy 50 Days. He indicated that the most important thing in the Resurrection is the spirit of renewal that prevailed as a result of it. The fathers the apostles wrote their gospels and epistles in the light of the Resurrection.
He added: The disciples lived with Christ and passed on this spirit to others. This can be summarized into three main points:
1- Joy: “Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20).
His Holiness asked: Are you joyful in your service, or is it just a routine?! When joy is from the heart, it is felt by everyone. Our feelings of the Resurrection are reflected in our service, our words, our life and our behaviors.
Joy comes through thanksgiving, “Giving thanks always” and prayer, “Pray without ceasing,” until we reach “Rejoice always.”
One of the fathers said, “Why are you looking sad whilst spiritually striving ?”
We must sow joy in the hearts so when we are exposed to problems, we face them with the joy of having hope for a solution…
This news was originally published on the website of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Please click here to read the full text.
