SO GOOD QUOTES

A lesson to a new priest

A priest from Alexandria, a spiritual child of St. Pishoy Kamel, explains:

My first interaction with my dear Fr. Pishoy was immediately after my return from my forty-day retreat at the monastery following my ordination. I sat with him and asked him for a word of benefit as I begin my service. The following conversation took place.

He began, “Do you know who I remember when, at the end of the liturgy, I search for every single jewel (the crumbs) remaining from the Body, ensuring none are left behind in the paten?”

I sat quiet, knowing full well that anything I would say would not be what Fr. Pishoy was looking to teach me. I was sure he was going to give me a piece of advice out of his own vast experience in the ministry.

He continued, “The jewels remind me of the people who are left unseen and forgotten. We must search them out, and never leave them behind, for they are a part of Christ’s Body.”

For a second time, I sat quiet, and I smiled. I was taught a lesson I would never forget so long as I live.

Fr. Pishoy Kamel constantly looked for those who had no one to remember or care for them. Every person had immense value to him. Those far from the church were his priority. Those who were rejected, he accepted. Those who were suffering, he embraced with such warmth.

orthodoxsaintstories