His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Prays the Golden Jubilee Liturgy of the Laying of the Foundation Stone for the Church of Virgin Mary in Ard El Golf
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark prayed the Saturday Liturgy of the fifth week of the Holy Fifties at the Church of Virgin Mary in Ard El Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo. This was in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the laying of its foundation stone by the Thrice-Blessed Pope Shenouda III on May 29, 1975.
His Holiness arrived at the church this morning and was welcomed by its priests and church council. He unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the Jubilee occasion, then proceeded into the church accompanied by the chanting of the deacons’ choir, singing the hymn "Evlogimenos" (which is sung in honor of welcoming the patriarch) along with Resurrection hymns.
Nine of the Church's bishops and the General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Cairo participated in the Divine Liturgy.
During his sermon, His Holiness said:
“Today we celebrate a blessed remembrance — the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the church’s establishment and the laying of its foundation stone by the late His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, which marked the beginning of a strong journey of service involving our esteemed bishops, priests, deacons, archons, and all the congregation.”
Regarding the Gospel reading from John 14:1–11, Pope Tawadros highlighted that in the fifth week of the Holy Fifties, the Church reminds us that Christ is the Way: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, NKJV).
1. Christ is the true Way that leads to life: “Nor is there salvation in any other”(Acts 4:12).
2. Christ is mankind’s only way to Heaven: while all the world’s philosophies strive to improve life on earth, they do not lead to Heaven. Christianity begins and ends in Heaven…
This news was originally published on the Facebook Page of the Coptic Orthodox Church, click here to read more.