Today, Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Alexandria Diocese of the Anglican Church, led the prayers of the Divine Liturgy at the Episcopal Theological College in Zamalek, in the presence of Dr. Shady Monir, Dean of the College.
In his sermon, the Archbishop said:
“Spiritual life does not rely solely on hearing or intellectual knowledge, but on a living experience with God reflected in our conduct and obedience. It is not enough to show that we know the truth; the truth must live in our hearts and deeds. True faith is tested in keeping the commandments, for obedience to the Word is the genuine expression of love. Mere hearing without application is a clear warning proclaimed by the Lord: knowledge alone does not build, while active love shapes the person from within.”
He continued:
“Christ presents to us the parable of the wise man and the foolish man, both of whom heard the Word and built a house. At first glance, they seemed identical in enthusiasm, desire, and effort. But the essential difference was in the foundation: the wise man dug deep and built on rock, while the foolish man built on sand. Building on rock requires time, depth, and patience; it does not show immediately but remains firm. Building quickly on sand may seem successful at first, yet it collapses at the first trial.”
He concluded:
“Trials come to everyone without exception: trials from heaven in the form of suffering and hardships, trials from people in persecution or mockery, and hidden trials in sudden winds that reveal the heart’s true condition. The house built on sand shakes and falls, while the house built on rock stands firm and enjoys peace amid storms because it is founded on God’s Word. Therefore, we are called to examine ourselves constantly and ask sincerely: On what foundation are we building our lives—on sand or on rock?”