When St. Paul says that many run for the crown but only one receives it, does that mean only a few go to heaven?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

1. St. Paul and the "Few Who Receive the Crown"

In 1 Corinthians 9:24, St. Paul says, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it."

• Does this mean only a few go to Heaven? No. St. Paul is not giving a mathematical percentage of who gets into Heaven. He is using an athletic metaphor to describe the seriousness of the spiritual life.
• The Meaning: In a marathon, everyone wants to win, but only the person who trains the hardest and remains disciplined reaches the top. St. Paul is telling us: "Don't be a lazy Christian. Don't assume you will be saved just because you have the 'title' of Christian. Fight against your sins as if you are an athlete fighting for a gold medal."
• The Hope: God wants all to be saved. However, the "crown" is given to those who finish the race. Heaven is not restricted to a small number, but it is restricted to those who are faithful until the end.

2. The Priest Washing Women's Feet

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the general rule and tradition is that the priest washes the feet of the men and anoints the foreheads or hands of the women.

• Is it heretical? No, it is not "heresy." A heresy is a false teaching about God (like saying Jesus isn't God). A priest washing a woman's feet is a matter of liturgical practice and social boundaries, not a violation of the Creed.
• Why did he do it? In some parishes, especially in the lands of immigration (the West), if a woman approaches the priest during the Laqqan, he may choose to perform the rite for her out of pastoral compassion or because the local custom of that specific parish under its Bishop allows it. While it differs from the traditional "village" custom in Egypt, it does not invalidate the prayer.
• Straightforward View: The priest is the "spiritual father." If he felt it was appropriate in that moment to grant the blessing in that way, we trust his discernment. As long as the prayer over the water was correct, the Grace was delivered.

3. Is Confessing Once a Month "Too Often"?

Absolutely not. In fact, many Fathers of Confession recommend once a month as a very healthy and standard rhythm for a young person.

• The "Spiritual Check-up": Think of your soul like a room. If you clean it once a month, it stays manageable. If you wait a year, the "dust" (sin) piles up so high that it is hard to find the floor.
• The Benefits: Confessing once a month keeps you honest. It prevents you from forgetting your sins and helps you see patterns in your behavior (such as constantly cussing or being disrespectful to your mother).
• The Verdict: You are not "bothering" the priest. He is there as a physician. There is no such thing as being "too clean." If you feel the need to go once a month, you should go! It shows you are serious about "running the race" for the crown St. Paul mentioned.

Summary

• St. Paul wants you to have the mindset of a champion, not to fear that Heaven is a "limited club."
• The Foot Washing was a pastoral choice by your priest; as long as he is an ordained Coptic priest, follow his lead and don't worry about "heresy."
• Monthly Confession is a perfect habit. It is the best way to ensure you are "guarding your heart".

Keep running the race, Mary! The Lord be with you.