From Bishop Yuhanna of Pakistan
Dear Patriarch Bates, Archbishops, brother bishops, all the clergy and all the faithful gathered for the occasion of this convocation,
I am happy to be here as a representative of the ICCEC in Pakistan. This coronation is a most momentous time and I am delighted to be amongst this communion, this beautiful assembly of the faithful from all around the world. This is no ordinary conference or convention with a large number of people gathering together. No, in this assembly we come from so many different civilizations, each with its own unique gifts and difficulties, but here we can find unity in Christ.
Patriarch Bates, on behalf of the ICCEC of Pakistan I offer my congratulations on your coronation to the office of patriarch. Today we make a pledge to work together, side-by-side, under your servanthood and leadership for the salvation of the lost and the glorification of the Lord’s kingdom. We are thankful to be given the opportunity to take part in the work of the Gospel as spoken of in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
In my country of Pakistan, we share borders with the great countries and cultures of China, India and Afghanistan, and we have very different perspectives on many things. These differences have often led to war, hatred, intolerance, and other acts of destruction. Christians in particular suffer persecutions for the beliefs all of us here share in common. But on this journey of faith that we are on together with the ICCEC and the church in Pakistan, we have come to know the Lord better. We are not afraid. We trust and believe what Paul spoke to us in Romans 8:35 (NIV)
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (v37-39) “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
It is with this confidence of faith, this boldness nurtured by our trust in the faithful Lamb of God, that we approach the future with peace, hope, and joy. Knowing that all of our yesterdays - our successes and failures - were used by the Lord to bring us to this day. And knowing that all of our tomorrows will also be used to further His kingdom until we see our precious Lord Jesus face to face. Thank you and God bless you all.
