Activities of the training course for newly ordained priests – Logos Center – Wadi El Natrun (March 21-26, 2025)
Under the patronage of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, His Holiness inaugurated the training program on Friday, March 21, 2025, corresponding to 12 Baramhat 1741 A.M., which continued until Wednesday, March 26, 2025, corresponding to 17 Baramhat 1741 A.M. The program was for (61) newly ordained priests from the following dioceses: Cairo, Alexandria, and a number of dioceses in Upper and Lower Egypt (Luxor – Alexandria – Esna and Armant), in addition to 9 new priests from the dioceses of (the United States – Australia – Uganda). His Holiness delivered an opening address on the occasion of the start of the training program, reflecting on the dimensions of priestly service through the Arabic letter “Kaf” (ك):
1- The Holy Bible (Al-Ketab): It is the primary reference in everything, represents a source of comfort for personal life, and must be read accurately with correct verse and reference citation.
2- The Church (Al-Kanisa): It is the institution founded by the Lord Christ, as mentioned in Matthew 16, is intimately connected to Christ, and its teachings, canons, and rites must be preserved.
3- Kyrie Eleison: It means “Lord, have mercy,” expresses a plea for mercy and repentance, and this requires the priest to be repentant before calling others to repentance.
4- Catholic (Al-Katholikon): It means “universal” or “comprehensive,” necessitates that the priest’s service be inclusive of all groups, and includes home visitation, which is a fundamental duty of the priest.
5- Kiahk: It is the month of praise, vigilance, and contemplation on the life of the Virgin Mary, symbolizes the passage from the world’s darkness to the light of eternity, the month of Kiahk has its specific rites like its night prayers and hymns, and involves honoring the Virgin Mary.
6- The See of St. Mark (Korsi Mar Markos): It symbolizes the church order (Patriarch, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Servants), means that priests must be respected and valued, indicates the spread of the Coptic Church throughout the world, and requires the servant to be obedient and humble.
7- Preaching (Al-Karaza): It is spreading the sweet fragrance of Christ everywhere, is achieved through relationships of love that the priest pours into others, and the Coptic Church is present in 100 countries around the world.
The training sessions for the groups of newly ordained priests were presented by the Institute’s Dean, Prof. Dr. Magdy Latif, and a distinguished group of the Institute’s professors.
To watch the address of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to the new priests: Click here
