A priest is ordained through the bishop to serve the Holy Mysteries, especially the Eucharist, and to shepherd the faithful through teaching, confession, absolution, blessing, prayer, and pastoral care. Calling him Abouna keeps that ministry close to the language of a spiritual household.
Abouna and spiritual fatherhood
The title is pastoral before it is ceremonial. A priest is called father because he is entrusted with a fatherly ministry: he teaches the faith, calls the people to repentance, guards reverence around the altar, and helps the faithful return to Christ when they are weak.
This fatherhood is received through ordination and lived inside the Church’s order. The priest serves under his bishop, according to the faith and worship of the Church, for the salvation and healing of the people entrusted to him.
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers.
Priesthood in the Church’s order
The priest receives a real ministry, but its source is Christ. Pope Shenouda’s teaching on priesthood emphasizes that ordained priesthood is a calling, a mission, and a service given through the Church. The priest’s fatherhood is therefore accountable, sacramental, and pastoral.
In the Liturgy, Abouna offers the appointed prayers, serves the altar, distributes Communion, and blesses the people. Outside the Liturgy, he hears confession, teaches, visits, counsels, prays, and helps the parish live as the household of God.
How to address a priest
If you are unsure what to say, Abouna is safe and ordinary in a Coptic parish. Father is also understood. If several priests are present, people may say Abouna followed by the priest’s name.
The more important matter is approaching him with respect and choosing a proper time, especially when the question touches confession, Communion, conversion, marriage, or serious spiritual struggle. The title should remind the heart to pray for the priest and to seek healing through the life of the Church.