I was shocked, like many Copts, after the painful and tragic incident that led to the death of Bishop Epiphanius, head of the Monastery of St. Makkar. Several incidents added to such pain including the death of Father Zinoun and the severe attack against the church and its leaders.
For centuries, the Church is often surrounded by threats from outside and inside, but the dangers of this era are increased through social networks as well as television channels that have no rules or credibility. However, it should be known that the world cannot defeat the church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18)
The means of electronic communication are available to everybody, and everyone has the right to publish whatever he likes. Here, we should differentiate between freedom of speech and chaos of spreading rumors.
In all cases we must adhere to silence, patience, wisdom, calmness and rationality, especially in these difficult circumstances. we may face people who love causing troubles for the church and its leaders. They may also want to divide the people and talk about what they don t fully understand.
The ancient Coptic Church is passing through a stage that requires every one of its sons to adhere to the virtue of wisdom. The Scripture says: The wise have his eyes in his head; but the foolish walketh in darkness and also If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1: 5).
