Today, Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Alexandria Province of the Episcopal/Anglican Church, presided over the second day of the spiritual revival titled “New Life in Christ,” held in partnership with the Church of the Nations at All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral in Zamalek.
The event was attended by the Very Rev. Hany Shenouda, Dean of All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral; Rev. Canon Medhat Sabry, Pastor of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Menouf; Rev. Mody Habib, priest of the diocese; Rev. Dr. Rafik Wagdi, Pastor of the Church of the Nations; Rev. Fikry Ragai; and worship leader Lydia Shadid.
In his sermon, the Archbishop said that Colossians 2:6–7 shows that the new life in Christ does not necessarily guarantee health, comfort, or material success as some may assume. Rather, it is essentially entering into a true relationship with Christ Himself, which is the essence of the Gospel. New life means living in Christ, with Him at the center of our lives, for apart from Him we can do nothing, but in Him we have all that we need. In Christ we find completeness, wisdom, and holiness.
He continued that the Apostle Paul explains how to live this new life, saying: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” Faith is not merely an emotional moment or a temporary decision, but a continuous way of life. Paul presents key principles for walking in Christ. The first is to be “rooted in Him,” meaning having deep and stable roots in our relationship with Him, because roots are the secret of stability. If our roots are in circumstances or people, we will be shaken, but if they are in Christ, we remain firm even when the winds grow strong.
The second is to be “built up in Him,” as God works in our lives quietly and patiently, shaping us day by day and laying a firm spiritual foundation through repentance, prayer, and the Word of God so that the spiritual building grows steadily and properly.
He concluded: “The third key, as Paul mentions, is to be ‘established in the faith,’ meaning remaining steadfast and unshaken despite difficulties, for true stability reveals the depth of genuine faith—whatever is shaken has not yet been deeply rooted within. The fourth key is to be ‘overflowing with thanksgiving,’ for life in Christ is not only about strength and stability but also a heart filled with gratitude that sees the hand of God in everything. A thankful person lives in peace, always looking to God and expressing gratitude through praise in all circumstances, whether in joy or suffering. Thus, the true life of a believer is revealed: rooted, built up, established, and overflowing with thanksgiving, because it is a complete life in Christ.”