It is said, “Greatness in this life does not lie in not stumbling, but in getting up after every stumble.” This has been presented throughout the ages. Pages of history testify that the Egyptians had made the most ancient civilization, they also witnesses that they accomplished what was deemed impossible!
I extend my sincere felicitations to you all on the golden jubilee of the glorious October victory, which shook the entire world since the afternoon of October 6, 1973. Words were uttered all over the world, expressing the Egyptian’s greatness he has been known for across times. Here is the French newspaper Le Figaro said: “Egypt, backed with seven thousand years of civilization, is engaged in a long-term war with Israel, which is fighting today so as to live tomorrow…” The valor of the Egyptian soldier was the focus of the enemy’s talk, as well as the entire world. Major General Calman, an Israeli commander in Sinai, said: “The Egyptian forces are entering Sinai from everywhere, from every direction and by all means; by helicopter, by boat, and on foot… These forces are fighting fiercely and are armed with the latest weapons.” The October War was not just a battle, but rather a new history written by the Egyptians with their determination and blood. I recall the words of the great writer Naguib Mahfouz: “October 6 is a revolution, not just a battle. Battle is a struggle that may end with victory or otherwise, but the revolution is a spiritual leap that extends in space and time until civilization is achieved. It is a symbol of man’s revolution against himself and his transcendence of his reality, his challenge to his fears, and his confrontation with the most violent and tyrannical forces of evil. The spirit of October is never extinguished, as it has opened for us an endless path. Crossing is only the first leap in the stream of its challenges.”
This greatness achieved by the Egyptian fighter was but a reflection of that determination that filled the hearts of the Egyptians, and that perseverance that characterized them over the years until they achieved victory and crossed the barrier of defeat, as it is said: “A person who has determination is self-confident, believing in his abilities and capabilities. That would qualify him to reach the result he desires in the end.” The Egyptians did so indeed with their strong determination as they defied the reality of defeat, confident in their God-granted internal capabilities and abilities that could accomplish the impossible. This had led them to persevere and keep the flame of challenge burning in their souls. We know, great deeds are achieved only through perseverance, preceded by reliance upon God as the Egyptians learned. Perseverance is their usual path followed, it was said: “Nothing is more necessary to achieve success – after relying upon God – than perseverance, because it overcomes all obstacles.” With deep perseverance, they presented to the world a new creative scene, transforming their ideas and efforts into achievements focused on by the whole world till this day, including, for example, destroying the myth of the Bar-Lev Line. They also presented an icon of courage imprinted in minds, that Major General Shumuel Gonen, Commander of the Israeli army on Sinai front said: “The Egyptian soldiers were advancing in successive waves, they kept advancing although we were shooting at them! We turned the surroundings into hell, yet they kept advancing! The color of the canal was bloody dark, however, they kept advancing!”
Happy anniversary to all of you. We plead for God to bless our beloved Egypt, keep it safe from all evil. I would conclude citing the words of the great author Tawfik Al-Hakim: “We crossed defeat through crossing into Sinai. Whatever the outcome of the battle is, the most important thing is to leap into it: Egypt will always remain Egypt; the world might think it has slept, but its spirit is sleepless, if it slumbers a little, it definitely rises and roars! Egypt will remember this moment in its history with gratitude and pride.” Yes, these are moments that made history, and the men of Egypt continue to make history. And… Stories about beautiful Egypt never end!
The General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
