If my words tried to describe the life of H.H Pope Kirollos VI in my previous article, they are trying to describe another personality that still lives in the hearts of the Egyptians and the memory of Egypt’s and the world’s history as well. He is the “The Pope of Arabs” who has left a great influence and a fingerprint on the lives of those who met him. Our deposed Pope Shenouda the 17th hundred of Alexandria who we are to celebrate his departure tomorrow.
The life of Pope Shenouda III was so deep and rich of thoughts; which made him a wise leader. It was rich of deep paternal emotions toward any one as we experienced. He led a life of unceasing giving till the last moment. Pens made haste to write on this Egyptian national character who was and still much appreciated. It was said, “Pope Shenouda III was an example of the clergy man who believes in tolerance and coexistence.”His Holiness was a great brilliant religious Egyptian figure who shared Egyptians and Arabs their sorrows. He had a great faith that made him support national unity and the issues of Arabs.”
They said about the glow of this figure that influenced the world, “He was a unique person. Time would never offer as much but a little!” All the international figures expressed their love to His Holiness thus they said in the condolence speech, “Departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III was a loss to the Arab world”.”Pope Shenouda was a symbol of religious tolerance. He was compassionate, kind and humane toward his society and those who belong to other religions He was loved by the young and the old.”
This deep love was not but a reflection to what His Holiness has grown of love, kindness; goodness and deepness of thought at all the stages of his life. His loneliness made the book his true friend; hence this friendship resulted in a deep contemplative, encyclopedic mind that made people admire his attractive personality.
The suffering of his childhood due to the departure of his mother few days after his birth, made his heart full of compassion and warmness toward all who met him, so much that you cannot see but the waves of his gentle feelings attack the shore of their live and water it with his paternity. You would feel at his company that he is the fresh breeze that helps you overcome the distress and problems of life. He had a gentle smile that made heart and soul rejoice and wiped sadness away. He said once, “Your life and all your energies are a gift (talent) from God. Thus, you ought to develop your personality and turn it into a strong one, with a strong mind, conscience, will, knowledge, wisdom, behavior as well as sound judgment and psyche.” He truly enhanced his God-gifted talents like intelligence, quick wits plus his talents in writing and poetry that he used wisely for the good of Egypt, its people and his children.
His Holiness had a great interest in all people. He served them. He always said, “We have two ways; either to toil and make others rest or to rest and make others toil.” His choice was always to get tired for the comfort of others; this is how great people live.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
