Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Alexandria, presided over the Divine Liturgy for the Myanmar congregation at All Saints’ Cathedral in Zamalek.
In his sermon, the Archbishop said:
The disciples faced persecution and threats, yet they prayed for God to grant them strength in preaching. This scene reveals that their calling from Jesus was not merely a message, but an irresistible commitment — a call to obedience and service. Despite their weakness and their falls into temptations such as ambition and selfishness, Jesus continued to teach and correct them, emphasizing that true discipleship lies in humility and serving others, not in earthly glory.
He continued:
Christ Himself faced the temptation of ambition and washed His disciples’ feet to teach them service. Then He faced the temptation of self-pity, affirming that every sacrifice made for His sake would be rewarded abundantly. When He called them to carry the cross, He did not mean a decorative symbol, but a one-way journey toward dying to self and selfishness.
He added:
The Apostle Paul summarized this meaning, saying, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” True discipleship means living united with Christ — crucified to the desires of the world, walking in His power, not our own. The question is not, “Can I follow Christ?” but rather, “Am I willing to follow Christ?” For even today, Christ continues to call His Church to walk as true disciples — called by Him, for Him, obedient to His Word, serving others, and carrying our cross daily to follow Him.
He concluded with a prayer:
We thank You, O God, for calling us to be Your disciples. We thank You for Your Church. Teach us to be true disciples, ready to follow You and to carry our cross every day.