Linga

Pope Tawadros II encouraged Coptic Christians attending Christmas Eve mass on Sunday, Jan. 6; to not be afraid of the changes which the country is currently encountering.

“Don’t be afraid,” Tawadros addressed the attendees at Sunday midnight mass in his sermon, trying to reassure a community feeling anxious about the rise of Islamists to power here. As he selected messages from the Bible to reassure his congregation. “Even if humans feel lots of fear, remember God will take care of you. This is a collective message because fear is contagious. ... This is a message of reassurance.

"We don't pray for the land. We pray for the humans, all humans ... starting with the president, Mohammed Morsi, and all officials, and for God to give everyone wisdom and responsibility to manage the affairs of this country and its people in true Egyptian spirit," Tawadros said.

Pope Tawadros II also prayed for peace and stability for Egypt when he led his first Christmas Midnight Mass late Sunday night. As he asked God to guide Islamist President Mohammed Morsi and his government to lead “wisely.”