The story behind this picture

The beautiful story behind the picture:

His Holiness, The Thrice Blessed Pope Shenouda III went to consecrate this church in Alexandria. Then, something very unusual happened during this sacred event, His Holiness, instead of sitting on his throne seen in the picture behind him; he sat on the carpet, on the step.

At first, people thought that it was because the church was not yet consecrated. But, even after its consecration, he still sat on the ground and refused to sit on any chair that was offered to him.

People were wandering, why is Say’eddna not sitting on any chairs?

When he was asked privately by one of the bishops he answered him saying that he could see St. Mark himself sitting on the throne, and that it would not be appropriate to ask his teacher to get up so that he can sit there instead. It is an honour and privilege to sit at his feet.

My Comment:

Even without knowing the story behind this picture, just looking at the great shepherd, Pope Shenouda III, sitting on the ground while his people around him are sitting on the chairs (and he did not explain why except to someone close to him) shows the humility that we read about in saints’ stories.

May The Lord Jesus Christ repose your soul Say’eddna in the bosoms of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the heavenly Jerusalem and may the Lord accept your prayers on our behalf.