Today, Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Alexandria, led the Holy Eucharist and a thanksgiving service to mark the first anniversary of the passing of Rev. Adel Touma. The service took place at the Church of the Redeemer in Suez, with the participation of The Very Reverend Hany Shenouda, Dean of the Canal Churches, and Rev. Ihab Ayoub, pastor of the church.
In his sermon, the Archbishop said: The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection shows us that Christ’s love does not spare us from illness or sorrow—these are experiences shared by all humanity. Lazarus was sick, and despite Christ’s love for him and his sisters Mary and Martha, he died and was buried. But Christ, knowing what He would do, came at the precise moment to reveal the glory of God. This story reminds us that God’s timing is precious, and that the day He grants us is enough to fulfill His will.
He continued: Jesus called death “sleep” because one who sleeps does not lose life but continues it with God in His kingdom. In doing so, He assured us that death is not the end, but the beginning of a new life with God. The miracle of Lazarus teaches us that it is Christ’s word that gives life, and He alone has the final say. Therefore, we believe that Rev. Adel’s departure is a passage to a better place, for Jesus conquered death to grant us a share in eternal life.
He concluded: The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, is the one who will give us every consolation we need. We thank God for giving us His servant, Rev. Adel, to live among us and touch our lives with the presence of God’s love. For God’s love for him surpasses all of ours, and He will turn death into the dawn of new life, transforming the sorrow of separation into the joy of heaven.