Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Gentle Among You


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But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own childrenwe exhorted, and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children (1 Thess 2:7,11).

The secret of the success of Father Pishoy was his care for every single person individually. Each person use to feel that he was personally being served by him and personally cared for by him. In truth he carried the name of ever single one of his flock engraved on his heart. He would concern himself with every problem they had, whether big or small. His big heart encompassed everyone, even the widow, the orphan, the stranger and the poor.

At the beginning of Father Pishoys service a young boy, the son of a widow, fell seriously ill with a high fever to the extent that he had to be taken to hospital. Father Pishoy carried him to hospital in his car and then he took him in his arms and went up the steps of the hospital.

At the time he was seen by a young Christian doctor running with the boy in his arms down the corridors of the hospital and from one specialist to the other to diagnose what he had imploring them to assist the boy. He then saw him assisting the staff in carrying a large oxygen tank when the young boy had difficulty breathing and how he then stayed by the boys bed for a long while thereafter while his breathing recovered.

This young doctor did not know much about Father Pishoy at the time but was greatly moved by what he had seen, and when a few days later he chanced across one of the church servants he asked, How is Father Pishoys son? Has he got better or not yet?

The servant asked in surprise, What son of Father Pishoy? Father Pishoy does not have any children! What are you talking about??

At which point the doctor explained what he had seen.

Truly Father Pishoy treated every son and daughter as he would a son or daughter in the flesh and much more Such love is rare to find.


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