The Humble Bishop Welcomed as a Superstar

It was just another September Sunday afternoon as I drove to Sydney international airport. This would be my second time in a week, different from
my usual trips as this time was to welcome Bishop Daniel home.

I walked into the arrivals area and the buzz was already starting. I first saw Father Tadros with a few of the clergy we greeted each other and he was directed through a closed door. This was to be the VIP entrance area.

I walked a bit further into a large crowd all waiting for the delayed SQ 211 to land. I soon found Fr Shenouda with his daughter, they were pleased to see
me and quickly started introducing me to those around us.

With eyes watching the monitor a whisper soon spread the plane has landed excitement growing announcing "he has arrived". Soon the crowd realized that Bishop Daniel would come through the passageway near the flower shop. The crowd moved it's focus and soon there was no room to move. The federal police were concerned at the size of the crowd and announced that unless a pathway was cleared the Bishops party would come through a different entrance straight to the cars.

The organisers managed to clear a space and we waited. At the sight of the top of the bishops hat the gathered started singing from the Coptic liturgy.

As Bishop Daniel made his way out of the passage way the ranks were first broken by the priests and then the crowd swelled behind them. As the crowd surged forward there was a fear that the small children would get crushed. Personally I chose to move out of the crush to a safe space.

Walking out of the terminal through a different door I was outside just as the official party came out the next door. The crowd again swelled and surged as a close knit group of protectors ringed Bishop Daniel moving him quickly to the cars.

The whole scene looked like that of welcoming a pop star or movie celebrity. I imagine that others at the airport would have been surprised that this superstar was the much loved bishop.

Leaving the airport some headed for home while others, myself included set our sights on the Cathedral at Bexley. Again the people gathered, as I reached the gates the cars arrived and again the people eager to catch a glimpse of the bishop surged forward.

As we moved into the cathedral several of the priests took my hand taking me with them down the side aisle of the church leaving me safely at the front of the church.

As we moved through the congregation I thought of Jesus and the crowds that flocked to see him. I wondered if the disciples tried to surround and protect him too. I thought of Bishop Daniel's words to me when in Kingston Jamaica at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation; "I am just a humble monk and seek to live a simple and faithful life." I wandered what must this monk be thinking at the celebrity style welcome.

At last he and the three Bishops from the Holy Synod had reached the sanctuary area of the cathedral and prayers began. It was a joy to see the Bishop returned to his cathedral. As this began Fr Shenouda located me and cleared the way for me to stand at the steps.

When the prayer was concluded those in the sanctuary began to crowd the bishop and greet him. Then before I knew it I was beckoned to come. Knowing that females do not go to the sanctuary platform I stood at the steps. To my great surprise I was told come. I began to say but and the priests said come I removed my shoes and remember one saying "leave them on or you might lose them"

Out of respect for the space I took them off anyway. It was an amazing moment in front of an overflowing church to welcome Bishop Daniel home. He was so pleased and surprised to see me. After the welcome kiss on each cheek he introduced me to each of the accompanying bishops. After welcoming each of them I returned to the congregation for the official speeches.

As I collected my shoes and returned to stand near the front pew several asked with disapproval "What were you doing up there?" I simply replied His Grace asked me to come to introduce me to the Bishops. They were clearly puzzled.

After a reading of the decision of the Holy Synod followed by an address from each Bishop we eventually were to hear from Bishop Daniel.

He began to speak in Coptic and then indicted for me to stand introducing me and thanking me for being present. I responded very briefly. Now I felt like the honored guest.

After the formalities concluded the people could meet Bishop Daniel at the door or enter the hall for refreshments and a meal. As Bishop Daniel exited he stopped again to greet me and thank me. Now was the time for him to be with his people.

Fr Shenouda gathered me up and we moved to the hall. The food was laid out and the other bishops entered thanks for the food was offered and dinner began. It was now close to midnight.

As I stood and ate the Bishops at the official table called me to sit with them. This in itself was very special.

As the hour approached one am I started to make my way home. The people were still meeting Bishop Daniel at the cathedral door. I moved close r and he immediately greeted me and arranged a photo with Fr Shenouda and me. We shared a few more words and agreed when the visiting delegation has departed we would meet for coffee.

What had started as an ordinary afternoon concluded with a sense that for these people of faith their spiritual father was home.