A Life of Purity and Simplicity
Father Falatous El-Soriany was a revered modern-day Coptic monk known for his purity, spiritual vision, miracles, and great love towards all people. He was born on April 1, 1922, in El Sharquia and was given the name Kamel Gergous. As a young man, he desired to live a life devoted to God, so he entered the monastery of St. Mary and St. Bishoy in the desert of Sheheet and was ordained a monk on November 2, 1948. For over 60 years, Fr. Falatous El-Soriany lived the monastic life, inspiring all those around him through his prayer, humility, and faithfulness.
In 1962, Fr. Antonious El-Soriany (who later became Pope Shenouda III) built a private cell for him in the monastery garden, where Fr. Falatous spent much of his life in quiet prayer and contemplation. The monks and bishops around him were amazed at his spiritual depth and holiness. A large assembly of monks and bishops, including Pope Shenouda III, attended celebrations marking 50 years of monastic life in 1998 and 60 years in 2008.
One of the virtues Fr. Falatous regularly emphasized in his teachings was purity. He taught that purity does not just entail an outward righteousness or the avoidance of sin. Rather, purity is the cleansing of the heart and mind so that we can draw closer to God. He taught that “purity enables man to behold the manifestations of the Lord our God who is capable of all things.” Thus, as we grow in purity, we are able to better understand and partake in God’s glory and heavenly mysteries.
But how do we obtain purity? Fr. Falatous explained that purity is a journey that requires continual repentance and spiritual struggle. He taught that “purity is being able to cleanse and purify yourself from all sin and from all wrongdoing…to purify yourself from anything that will rob you from relishing the glory and the splendor of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words, purity cannot be obtained passively. Instead, it is obtained through an intentional effort to turn away from sin and to choose Christ over all worldly desires.
He further explained that the journey of purity leads to communion with God. As we cleanse our hearts from sin, we make it a beautiful dwelling place for the Lord. As he teaches, “If a man obtains purity, he can lift his eyes up to heaven, and he can see God’s glory.”
Let us strive to imitate Fr. Falatous El-Soriany by seeking purity of heart, cleansing ourselves through repentance, and keeping our eyes on Christ no matter the obstacles or temptations we face. May his prayers be with us always.
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