In the “Dialogue of the East and the West” forum held in Italy a few days ago, a number of subjects were raised that related to religions and homelands. Homelands are not just countries whose children live on their territory, but they become an integral part of their depths where they have for her overwhelming emotions and loyalty. Thus a patriot is the one who loves his country, supports its existence, and protects its interests.
As for religions, they are but a relation between a person and his Creator; when he finds his mission is to make others happy. Hence, the true concept of a religion, found for the sake of man’s life, becomes related to the existence of a homeland to which man belongs and which he is trying to erect. On the sidelines of the forum: I find that we must recognize some of the facts, that we live in a world that is turned by “globalization” into a small village where all its members are affected by the successive and rapid events they face, difficulties and problems they suffer.
First: no man can walk alone on the path of life. If we want our paths, societies, but also our world to be full of peace, we have to learn how to coexist with others despite our differences. Through the mutual bases that all religions call for; honesty, sincerity, friendship, mercy and peace…etc, we should learn and teach: how human life ought to be like in the societies that call for growth, success and stability.
As for the private beliefs they are nothing but only a person’s relation with God, Glory be to His name, while He is the only One entitled to hold man accountable. I strongly believe that once people have managed to live within their societies and aimed at erecting, this must have an impact on world’s peace as a whole. It can be the first step towards erecting one world seeking the welfare of all humanity; offering the ability to all people to enjoy peace and prosperity that the world lacks today.
Second, we have to accept differences. For example, family members may have various personalities and dispositions. In order to remain steadfast against collapsing winds, each one has to move towards the other, believing of the importance of working on their ability to coexist with each other. A small family is the launching point of human concepts that every individual learns in his life till they turn into life principles.
Third, do not wait for a change, start making the change yourself. The change of a family or a society that we all seek begins by the person himself. Before he asks people to shake hands with, he should learn to stretch it first to welcome others…and… to be continued
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
