The Twelfth Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II on the See of St. Mark

Gerges Mounir Hanna – OCP News Service – 19/11/2024

Cairo – Egypt:The Coptic Orthodox Church on November 18, 2024, celebrated the twelfth anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II as Pope and Patriarch on the throne of St. Mark the Apostle.

On this occasion, a festive liturgy was held at the Church of the Transfiguration in the Logos Center at St. Bishoy Monastery in Wadi El-Natrun. His Holiness presided over the liturgy, with the participation of about 100 metropolitans, bishops, the patriarchal vicars of Cairo and Alexandria, the director of His Holiness’s office, his secretaries, and his assistants among the clergy and monks.

During his sermon, His Holiness delivered heartfelt words, stating:

“Today marks 12 years since our weakness was entrusted with the service of His holy Church.” He added, “Undoubtedly, through the years, one gains experience, learns, and grows.”

He also highlighted significant events for the coming year, including the commemoration of the Council of Nicaea, which was attended by 318 bishops and rejected the Arian heresy. Additionally, he mentioned the dedication of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Anba Rueis in 2018.

His Holiness expressed gratitude to God for granting him the strength to serve the Church’s children thus far. He also urged the bishops to focus on instilling Gospel-centered living within families, ministries, and among the clergy, emphasizing that this is their foremost responsibility.

Regarding the faith of the Church, His Holiness stated:

“Our Church is deeply rooted, and its faith is sound, having raised countless generations in this faith. We must teach our children faith, but with piety.”

He also stressed the importance of unity, saying:

“When we come together, it profoundly impacts the hearts of the Church’s children. Being united today is a treasure greater than a hundred sermons. When people see us united (as fathers), they rejoice and feel reassured. When we meet, converse, draw closer, and exchange experiences, we grow, and the Church flourishes.”

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of the Alexandrian See, is considered one of the most significant patriarchs in the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church. His personality is characterized by openness, love for others, and exceptional dialogue and understanding skills aimed at building a strong and inclusive Church community far removed from fanaticism or insularity.

Ecumenical Relations Under His Holiness

His Holiness has taken significant strides in fostering relations with Oriental Orthodox Churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, and non-Orthodox Churches alike.

1. Gift to the Patriarchate of Antioch: In 2018, as a testament to complete faith communion, His Holiness gifted the Patriarchate of Antioch relics of St. Severus of Antioch, discovered during excavations at Deir El-Zogag in Egypt.

2. Participation with the Armenian Church: In 2015, he participated in the chrismation ceremony at the Armenian Apostolic Church in Antelias and joined commemorations of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide in Etchmiadzin.

3. Strengthened Ethiopian Ties: His Holiness welcomed His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia, to Egypt in 2013, marking the first visit since his enthronement, significantly strengthening historical ties between the two Churches.

4. Eritrean Relations: Relations with the Eritrean Orthodox Church were restored during his papacy, highlighted by the visit of His Holiness Abune Kerlos I, Patriarch of Eritrea, in 2022.

Relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church

Under His Holiness’s leadership, the Coptic Orthodox Church developed close ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. During his historic visit to Russia in 2017, he was awarded the “Award for Promoting Orthodox Unity” by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in recognition of his efforts in strengthening Christian Orthodox bonds. He also met with President Vladimir Putin during the visit.

The Coptic Orthodox Church has since supported the Russian Orthodox Church’s legitimate rights in Ukraine while maintaining a spirit of love and brotherhood with the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Historic Reception in Greece

Pope Tawadros II was the first Alexandrian Pope to be honored with a special session at the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church in 2016, a significant event since the Chalcedonian schism. His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria remarked:

“You are not just the Coptic Archbishop. You are my brother, my friend.”

Through his openness and dedication, Pope Tawadros II has become a symbol of unity and dialogue, leaving a lasting impact on the Church and its relationships worldwide.

Source:

OCP News Service