Today, the Coptic Church celebrates the Glorious Resurrection of Christ.
The Resurrection comes as the culmination of the Passion of the Lord, which the Church
Today, the Coptic Church celebrates the Glorious Resurrection of Christ.
The Resurrection comes as the culmination of the Passion of the Lord, which the Church marked all through the week preceding Easter, and which fulfils the Redemption of mankind.
As we celebrate the Resurrection, I find myself reminded of what I wrote the last time the Church celebrated a major occasion: Christmas. I wrote then that the Coptic Orthodox Church is marking this year’s feasts under the papacy of Pope Tawadros II who last November succeeded his widely-loved predecessor Pope Shenouda III. Yet, even while celebration is in order, Copts are pained and embittered at the injustices they are enduring and the turmoil Egypt is reeling under. Pope Tawadros has said that the homeland is undergoing a real crisis while so many questions—on the political, economic, and security levels—go unanswered. Amid the rampant violence and insecurity while the State does nothing to enforce the rule of law, the promising words of leaders are no longer fulfilling their mission of reassurance; Egyptians now need to see deeds on the ground, not words.
We pray for Egypt and the Church as we offer our best wishes for a joyous, blessed Easter Day to Pope Tawadros II and all the clergy and congregation of the Coptic Orthodox Church, as well as the patriarchs, clergy, and congregations of all the Churches in Egypt.
I pray for the good Lord to preserve Egypt, her Church, and people, and to help her override the current difficult times with His love, grace, and blessings.
WATANI International
5 May 2013