215- God Is Always Present

(This story was told by H.H. Pope Shenouda III concerning his brother, the late

Fr. Botros Gayed)

After finishing his studies in the clerical college, Mr. Shawky Gayed joined the faculty of Arts and Philosophy. One day an atheist professor was lecturing against the existence of God. Shawky stood up and argued against the professor's points. The other students listened as Shawky proved the professor wrong. After the discussion was over the professor asked Shawky for his name and asked him to meet him in his office.

The student went to the office where the following dialogue took place:

“I advise you to find another college.”

“Why should I?”

“Because I’ll never let you graduate as long as I live.”

“God exists.”

“Whether He does or not; it doesn’t matter now. He won’t save you from my hands. You must transfer to another college.”

“I’m not leaving.”

“Then, you won’t graduate from this college.”

On the exam day, the registrar informed Shawky that he could not attend the exam because he did not comply with the attendance requirements. The student accepted, counting this a small price to pay for his faith in God his Savior.

The following year the professor went to Iraq to teach for three years. Shawky then took the exam, completed his studies and received his diploma signed by the dean of the college and the president of the university.

After obtaining his Bachelor degree, the professor had returned from Iraq. The student went to the professor’s office and asked him, “Do you remember me?”

When the professor responded affirmatively, Shawky said, “I’ve just received my Bachelor degree, Thanks God, Who is always present.”

The professor congratulated Shawky admiring him for his strong faith. The professor could not make Shawky leave the faculty but he himself had to leave for 3 years until the student had finished his studies.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: ربنا موجود.

I am carried by Your eternal arms.

So why should I be afraid?

What can confuse my soul?

 You are my Helper and the Source of my success.

 You know all of the deepest mysteries.

 You are the God of impossibilities.

 I trust in You and in Your Divine promises.

Long The Angel of Mercy

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

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