Born on November 4th, 1952 Tawadros II was chosen as the 118th pope to lead Egypt's Coptic Church on Sunday; on the same day as his 60th birthday. Tawadros II will be formally consecrated Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa in the Holy See of St Mark the Apostle at a ceremony on November 18, 2012.
People look to a Pope as a Holy Father. The Pope is as his role on earth a father for the people. He is a shepherd to the people and earthly guardian of the people. Because not everyone is of the Coptic Orthodox Church, other people are in this role.
All the Coptic Orthodox Popes of Alexandria have succeeded the Apostle Mark the Evangelist in the office of Bishop of Alexandria, who founded the Church in the 1st century. This marked the beginning of Christianity in Africa.
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is one of the Oriental Orthodox churches (not to be mistaken with the Byzantine Orthodox group of churches) that presided over by the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria who is the body's spiritual leader.
In trusting God will make the right decision for the next Pope, an innocent boy child from the church has been chosen to be the one who takes the name from the crystal chalice of names. He is blindfolded for this purpose.
There are three names selected out of more. Each name is sealed and so even if the balls could be seen, not one name could be identified to show what is written for preference of one person over another. This is a church of faithful people.
The Orthodox Church is a Spirit led church - Led by the Holy Spirit of God and trusting that God orders all things as He wants them to be and as they are meant to be.
The decision for a successor to a Pope who has passed away, is one that must be addressed. There is a continuation of spritual leaders in the church to maintain the church. The name of the chosen Pope is held high for all people to see.
In the background the wall of Holy ancestors has been painted. Notice two figures standing together wearing golden cown halos - spiritual light. They are related to eachother. In the other wall panel we see the Holy Mother and Christ as a small child. The 'Holy Royal Family' is always reference to the Royal Family who are annointed by God.
The lady in Blue and white is holding a closed scroll in her hand. We can see standing next to her, someone with long hair, holding a long feather and an open scroll to show that She is given God's Wisdom for the people. We can also see that is wearing the Holy Belt of Righteousness. A fine golden crown is visible too.
The Coptic Orthodox Church is filled with people for the occassion. The people are happy, because a new Pope is new Hope. The successor would be expected to meet the criteria for being chosen in this role. Everyone is united in this choice.
Some churches carry out succession privately and if done in secret we do not know what takes place. The Coptic Orthodox Church carrries out the election process publically. There is transparency, there are witnesses and there is family unity seen here.
The role a Pope is not of ego or having power over people. Responsibility is held on his shoulders to be faithful to God and be a constant light for the people. Notice that the new Pope is holding a cross that is symbolic of a Spiritual Key. The key here is a physical Key and this is especially important to recognise too.
To be a Pope is a role of responsibility for a lifetime, not a limited time. There are no days off and early retirement. Being of service to God is a way of being and this is with conscientious thought to do right by everyone.
Bishop Tawadros earned a degree in pharmacy from the University of Alexandria in 1975, then worked at a state run pharmaceutical factory until 1986. As a young man, he gained a scholarship from Britain's International Health Institute. Study in health and healing seems to be the spiritually guided choice given that Christ is our healer too.
The new pope obtained a clerical degree in 1985 and was made a monk in 1988 at Saint Bishoy monastery in Wadi Natrun, northeast of Cairo. He was consecrated bishop in 1997. Tawadros II has also worked with Bishop Pachomius, who was appointed acting head of the church after the death Shenuda III. Tawadros II, author of 12 books is noted for his knowledge in theology. He favours a pastoral role for the Church and rarely involves himself in political matters.
We are witness to a gentle natured gentleman who recognises to be a good shepherd, listening to the voices of the youth is necessary. If we are not able to identify the problems in our world, we are not going to be able to find the workable solutions.
All over the world, people from all faiths are called to realise a higher consciousness. Just remember God is not a religion. Everyone is asked to come to the present time instead of arguing about religious differences. We can learn from history.
The message that is given by Tawadros his wish for good relations with Muslims, saying he has "asked the media to accentuate common values between the two religions to avoid extremism and consolidate national unity."
Inside Story - What role can Copts play in a changing Egypt?
It is time to rebuild relationships between people. To learn and know that everyone has God given rights. Everyone in Egypt is living in a country with such a long history of spiritual and cultural inheritance. Value all the positives.
In my personal heritage family have come from Egypt - four generations back, on my mother's family if I recall the timeline. With myself personally, I see the world as a whole. The lands in our world are separated by the ocean. At the bottom of the ocean is the ground that unites all lands and the whole of humanity.
Peace, love and best wishes
Pauline Maria
