Coptic Church & Ecumenical Movement - Saint Mina Coptic ...

From this new knowledge of God follows the need for moral renewal. Saint Athanasius
calls for it strongly: “Whoever wishes to understand the things of God must purify
himself in his way of life and resemble the Saints by the similarity of his own actions, so
that united with them in the conduct of his life he may be able to understand what has
been revealed to them by God” (ibid.).
We are thus brought to the centre of the Christian event: redemption by the work of Jesus
Christ, the radical renewal of man with his restoration to the image and likeness of God,
restored communion of life between man and God, also expressed in a profound change
of conduct.
This is the sublime message that Saint Athanasius the Great today addresses also to us:
to be strong in faith and consistent in the practice of the Christian life, even at the cost of
grave sacrifices. It is up to us to accept this message, to meditate on it, examine it
closely and put it into practice in our lives.
Through the prayers of Saint Athanasius, Father and Doctor of the Church, may God
grant us, us too today, the grace to be able worthily to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
and that He is the Saviour of the world.
And finally we wish to address a word to the faithful whom we see here present.
Faithful of the Roman Parish of Saint Athanasius, we are happy to see you present for
this great ceremony. We greet you all and ask you to take our greetings and our blessing
to the entire parish community. We urge you especially to honour the memory of the
great patron of your parish Saint Athanasius. To honour him in what way? With the
commemoration of his life and the profession of his faith. With the love of Christ the
Eternal Word of God, Son of God and Son of Man, our Teacher and our Saviour. And
with a sincere and faithful commitment to the Church of Christ and with a practical
charity towards our neighbour. Are we understood? To all of you and to your Parish
Priest we impart our special Apostolic Blessing.
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