On Life 191 – Egypt and the Impossible – October 7, 2017

   In life, man can hurry or stumble. Whoever understands life is the one who changes stumbling to success. This was done by October heroes. As we celebrate October victory, we recall that day in which the Egyptians gave the world the icon of “Egypt and the Impossible.” The heroes changed the setback to victory, which is not impossible for the Egyptian whose love for his country and ingenuity are testified to by history.

   Here, I recall what I read in newspaper about a reportage prepared by the Israeli channel of the military engineers on the occasion of the forty-fourth year of the October War. They said that the Egyptian Army made an unprecedented military victory, and that the war had changed the name of the Israeli Army from “invincible” to “under construction”!

   Israel had many material losses. Likewise, about two thousand officers and soldiers were killed, and others were taken to captivity. Indeed, this is the Egyptians’ unseen capacity which enables them to work miracles through diligent work, and strong, unshaken will. According to French dramatist Jean Anouilh, “Men can work true miracles when they use their talents and minds.”

   Great deeds can be achieved not through wishes, but by faithful work which is backed by great love that supports man to resume his march toward achieving his goals.

   Egypt needs love and diligent work. Here, I recall what reposed Pope Shenouda III said about Egypt:
We love her and all what’s in her
We love her Nile and land
Her streets and alleys
Her fields and deserts
Her workers and farmers
Her past and future
Her mentors and scholars
Her Copts and Muslims
We love our motherland in rage and peace
In giving and prohibiting
We love her with June setback
And with October victory
We love the Pharaoh’s, our ancestors
The land where I was born
And the Nile not only when it runs through the Valley
But also when it runs in your heart and mine.

   With this overwhelming love, we can achieve more victories for our country in all fields. Battles are not just in which we carry weapons, but also in which we establish whatever Egypt needs.
Many happy returns on the memory of October victory which was achieved by the Egyptian will emanating from hearts full of love.

General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center