September 2020 Letter

Dear brethren,

In September, we will celebrate the beginning of the new Coptic year 1737 AM, which is known as the year of Martyrs. It is a good opportunity to learn about “How the church prepared its children for martyrdom” from an article by HH Pope Shenouda titled “Martyrdom and Martyrs”:

The Church prepared its children for martyrdom by various forms and methods, perhaps in the forefront of which is the absence of fear of death or suffering. She encouraged them very much on this point, and in that she presented to them a good example of the sufferings that the church fathers endured. For example what was said about the apostles after flogging and dragging them that they: “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5: 41).

The church also prepared them by the life of asceticism, and her saying: “Do not love the world or the things in the world … And the world is passing away, and the lust of it” (1 John 2: 15 & 17), and this phrase is repeated in every liturgy.

At the same time, she deepens in them the love of God, His heaven, and His kingdom, and reminds them of the Divine promises that God has prepared for those who love Him.

She also prepared them with books and articles on “incitement to martyrdom”.

The Church also cared for the families of the martyrs and took care of their members from every aspect, so that the one who is heading to martyrdom would not be concerned for his / her family after his departure.

Here, I remember the following question that some had asked to St. Augustine: “I want to be a martyr, but martyrdom is not available now, so what should I do?” And St. Augustine’s answer was: “He who has the spirit of a martyr, God will count with the martyrs”.

Of course, this answer is followed by another question: What is the spirit of a martyr? This undoubtedly includes complete ascetism and the lack of attachment of the heart to anything or anyone in it, with complete love for God and deep faith in Him. As well as courage and boldness, as it appeared in the story of Saint George and Abu Fam the soldier.

In addition to the martyr’s spirit, the ability to endure, he shows his endurance, then God grants him a great grace for more endurance that strengthens him over everything.

May the blessing of St. Mary, St. Mercurius and all the martyrs be with us all. Amen.

Belleville, September 1, 2020

رسالة شهر سبتمبر ٢٠٢٠