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The Father and Shepherd

Keraza Magazine issue 9-10 March 8, 2013

The Psalm says, "Let them exalt Him in the church of His people, and praise Him in the seat of the elders, for He has made the family like a flock of sheep" (Cf. Psalm107:32, 41), meaning that in the true shepherd fatherhood and care are not separated. We have seen this vividly in our beloved father His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the father and shepherd.

As the shepherd tends his flock in green pastures, likewise, His Holiness enriched us with spiritual teachings that satiated us. His era truly was the era of education and knowledge. Not only academic knowledge, but his words came out anointed by the Spirit of God, pricking the heart, moving it towards loving God, therefore, it is not astonishing to find many of his disciples fully consecrating their lives to the life of contemplation or the life of service.

As the shepherd seeks the lost sheep, His Holiness sought each soul, therefore, he ordained many bishops and priests and designated diocese boundaries to enable for focused service. He personally traveled throughout the world; he established churches in six world continents. Being concerned for the youth, he established a diocese especially for them. He cared for missionary work, and so there are bishops in our Holy Synod who are of non-Egyptian descent. Thus, I can say that His Holiness was able to reach every soul, to lead it to repentance and the life of perfection.

My beloved father, words, no matter how many, cannot do you justice. Please remember us before God always.

Bishop Youssef
Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States