Principles – The Tailor – 18/7/2015

   I wish our Muslim brethrens a merry feast of al-Fitr, we pray to God to keep Egypt safe and to let joy and happiness prevail over us. I salute each Egyptian participating in building, supporting and loving our great country. The dream of Suez Canal project is going to come true soon thanks to Egyptians.

   Samuel Smiles, a writer, has stated that hard workers represent a role model that is more effective than knowledge as no science would ever affect man’s life as much as  the everyday inventions in the houses, fields and on streets; he was  speaking of people’s role in promoting their country. If scientific progress kept imprisoned in human minds as a mere science without being applied at everyday life, it would become valueless.

   We should realize that man’s strength lies in his independence as the more he depends on others, the more constant his need for help becomes. Thus, our call to promote our country can’t be achieved except though the promoting of her citizens. It is also our call to learn how to be independent and hard workers as whoever works honestly and sincerely will achieve utmost success. He will also represent a role model of integrity, straightforwardness and reliability and his life will turn to an example that his successors and predecessors would follow. Success is the only fate of those who depend on themselves and work hard walking in the steep path of life till they reach their goals. As they said whoever seeks glory with determination and resilience would get it. If we take a closer look at many successful people’s biography, we will discover that the difficulties and afflictions they faced have helped them to achieve success. A member of the English parliament once recounted his life story saying that his dad died when he was 14.  Then, he sailed from Glasgow to Liverpool unable to pay for the ship’s fees, thus he served the ship’s captain at coal purification and when he arrived at Liverpool he found no job except after 7 weeks. He was sleeping outdoors and hardly had found food. When he was 19, he worked on a ship and due to his hard work he became the captain of the ship. At 23, he left the sea and began his journey of toiling in life. Then he said that true reason of my success is my toiling while keeping the golden rule that I consider the bible of my behaviors which is treat others the way you like them treat you. Many are doing the same.

   If one is toiling in life, the hard times he goes through will increase his strength and steadfastness. He would be more powerful after each ordeal. People create their own countries. The more they learn and work honestly and diligently, the more their countries will prosper. The 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson, once said that people had insulted him for being a tailor; nevertheless he has never felt any shame for that as he was known for his honesty and accuracy. He has always finished his work on time and with great accuracy.

   Egypt needs its people to help her to overcome difficulties and reach success in order to gain its position back as a pioneer country.

Anba Ermia,

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center