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The Importance of Goals in Life
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Youth

Life without goals means being totally lost. This is a fact most people would concur with. When the hedonists in olden times said; “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1Cor. 15:23), they met with strong opposition throughout the ages. Man does not consist merely of a body and senses; he consists of also a soul that prays, a mind that thinks, and a social being with relation-ships that have the potential for love, happiness, sacrifice, and responsibility.

St. Anthony the Great: Wisdom Derived from Humility
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Humility to virtues, it is often said, is like a root to a tree. A tree could not grow strong, bear fruit, or live a long life unless its roots are established deep in the ground. The branches of humility are modesty, unpretentiousness and respect. Therefore humility, defined as being free from pride, is primary for all those seeking a strong enduring relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ

عيد الظهور الإلهى
الأنبا موسى

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

تقابل السيد المسيح أثناء كرازته مع إنسان ولد أعمى، ولم يستطع هذا الإنسان أن يتمتع بنعمة البصر إلا بعد أن قابله السيد وطلى بالطين عينيه، وأمره بالإغتسال فى بركة سلوام، مثالاً لكل البشر، الذين فقدوا بصيرتهم الروحية وإستنارتهم السماوية، وكيف أنهم سينالون الإستنارة من خلال المعمودية.
إن الله لم يترك نفسه بلا شاهد (أع 17:14) بل أعلن لنا نفسه فى القديم بواسطة رموز وصور متعددة مثل:

Glorified Through Suffering
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Crucifixion entailed extreme suffering and excruciating pain. The thoughts of being nailed to a cross through ones ankles and wrists makes a person envision horrific agony. Death slowly overcoming a person through suffocation after becoming too exhausted to pull oneself up in order to breathe makes one wonder how could our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have to suffer this form of execution. This manner of bringing about death was only set aside for the most violent of criminals in ancient Rome.

A Return to the First Church
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

As we are about to celebrate the Holy Apostles Fast, also known as the Churchs Fast, dare we call upon the life, the first church had lived? Dare we do so, now that we have received and put on Power from above just as our forefathers the apostles had been given; allowing the fiery Spirit to mould and shape them all over again?

The Holy Spirit in the Mysteries of the Church
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Our Lord Jesus Christ promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His disciples I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever (John 14:16). He assured them that the Holy Spirit would reveal truth to the Church. When He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you (John 16:13,14). Just before His Ascension our Lord Jesus Christ promised, John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now (Acts 1:5). This word was fulfilled ten days later on the Day of Pentecost.

Raised Up to Sit in Heavenly Places
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

"And raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6).

The Glorious Feast of Nativity: 7 January? 29 Kiahk? 25 December?
Fr. John Ramzy

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

The first Church did not celebrate the birth of Christ. And the actual date of his birth was and still is unknown. The earliest known indication to such a celebration comes in a passing statement by St. Clement of Alexandria who mentions that the Egyptians of his time celebrated the Lord's birth on May 20. At the end of the 3rd century, the Western Churches celebrated it in the winter, and this was only accepted in Rome in the middle of the 4th century.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Blessed Nativity in Our Lives
Father Shenouda Anba Bishoy

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

A few contemplations on two of the many meanings of the Nativity in a Christian's life.

St. Mary: Served Without Stipulation - Part IV
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Awake, O my harp, your chords,
in praise of the Virgin Mary!
Lift up your voice and sing
the wonderful history of this Virgin,
The daughter of David,
who gave birth to the Life of the world!
--St. Ephraim the Syrian

St. Mary: Served Without Stipulation - Part III
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

St. Mary: Served Without Stipulation - Part II
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

One must believe in God's plan for each of us, especially with the example of St. Mary having been consecrated in the temple to God at the very young age of three, would one day become the True Tabernacle where God would dwell at the innocent young age of twelve. Further in our beloved Coptic Church, St. Mary is often described as "the Holy of Holies which contains the Tables of the Covenant, and the Ten Commandments written by the very finger of God" (Sunday Theotokia, Holy Psalmody). St. Mary's simple obedience molded her into a namesake of service and a precious name of the lips of us all.

St. Mary: Served Without Stipulation - Part I
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Not by the letter, but by the spirit
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

The Spiritual person always places before himself the words of Saint Paul: "Not of the letter but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3: 6) . This principle involves all his life, because it is in all God's commandments.

The Promise
H.G. Bishop Angaelos

Spirituality | Food for the thought

Although we celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection every year, we may become distracted by the festivities and rituals, and lose sight of the true relevance and meaning of the occasion.

The Body And Its’ Parts
H.G. Bishop Angaelos

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with [it]; or if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with [it]. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27)

The History of the Liturgy
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Understanding the Liturgy

The History of the Liturgy from the Apostolic Era to the present.

Rites of the Consecration of Deaconnesses
H.G. Bishop Mettaous

Spirituality | Liturgical Texts of Rites and Prayers

The rites of ordaining a deaconness.

Contemplations on the Hymn of the Cross, Fai Etafenf
Mena Rizkalla

Spirituality | Coptic Hymnology

This article features contemplations and meditations on the hymn of the Cross, Fai Etafenf, which is chanted on the Feasts of the Cross, Great Thursday, and Good Friday.

H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Church Worship

"For Christ our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed."
(I Corinthians 5:7)

(Most Biblical references apply the term "Passover" to the Paschal meal and the Feast of Unleavened Bread which followed. The Hebrew word for Passover, "pesach," is derived from the verb that means "to pass over".)

10 The World Passes Away and All That is Therein
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

Contemplate about the creation - look above, below you, at your right and at your left. You will see various creatures and an unlimited number of beings. All these were created from nothing, and the day will come when they will all go back to nothing once more.

09 Not Loving the World to Reach God
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

If you desire to be happy and perfect, and want God to dwell in your heart, then despise all that is in the world: lusts, vanity, and evil desires.

08 Detachment of the Heart from the World
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

Do not let your heart slant toward the world, get attracted to it, love it, and hang onto its vanity; but release yourself from its fancies or urges, and be free.

07 Consecrate the Heart to Jesus
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

You are not your own. Rather, you are for God, who created you and made you as you are. All that you have, all that is within you, and all that is for you - they are all from God. So it is only reasonable to live for His glory.

06 Preparing the Soul for the Dwelling of the Heavenly Groom
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

O my soul, love grace and hate sin and evil.

05 Jesus Fills the Soul
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

Open the bedchamber of your heart to let Jesus in and you will find perfect rest, for everything is vain without Him. You will not find anyone to carry your burden to ease it off, but Him. In Him you will find happiness, and with Him you will find...

04 Purifying the Heart and Preparing for Jesus' Dwelling
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

Wool, in its early stage, can be dyed with any color you want; in the same way, virtue can be acquired when the person starts during his youth.

03 The Charm of Christ's Love
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

Blessed is he who realizes the love of Christ, and happy is he who tastes His sweetness.

02 Jesus Christ is All in All
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

I would like you to go everywhere and search in all places, but you will find nothing that will comfort you and fill your heart with hope, joy, peace and calmness, except Jesus Christ alone.

01 Jesus is the Door, the Way, and the Life
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

The Lord said: "Anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit... I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture" (John 10:1, 9).

Introduction
Habib Guirgus

Spirituality | The Mystery of Godliness

The Mystery of Godliness is a valuable book that contains a precious collection of deep spiritual experiences, based on the precise overlooking of Mr. Habib Guirguis.

Tattooing and Body Piercing
Father Markos Hanna

Spirituality | Contemporary Issues

This article attempts to provide a beneficial and convincing explanation, based on the Biblical references and commentaries by the early fathers of the Church, concerning the matter of tattooing and piercing of the ears, nose, etc.

Our Provider
H.G. Bishop Angaelos

Spirituality | Food for the thought

Our Lord Jesus Christ is a generous and loving Father, always giving us more than we need. As He is perfect in His love and perfect in His knowledge of His children, He knows our hearts desires and always provides for us.

The indicators of Psychological Health
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Contemporary Issues

Psychologists define psychological health as good adaptation within a person and between him and his society. It means that he reaches some kind of social and psychological balance. In fact, this state of social and psychological adaptation and balance is preeminently possible in Christian life because of divine support for man in his daily struggle, whether at the individual or societal level.

The Great "I Am"
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Who He is - What He has done - What He can do - What He will do

Nowadays, the market is full of different religions and denominations each claiming authenticity, reliability and viability. Christians, on the other hand, firmly believe that there is only one true religion, Christianity, and one true God; the great "I AM" as described to Moses in the Old Testament, (Exodus 3:14) His Only begotten Son Jesus Christ "I am He" (John 18:4), Who is one with Him and the Holy Spirit.

The Coptic Calendar of Martyrs
Deacon Dr. Medhat R. Wassef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

The Feast of Neyrouz marks the first day of the Coptic Calendar known as the Year of the Martyrs "ANO MARTYRUM, A.M." Its celebration falls on the 1st day of the month named Tut, the first month of the Coptic year, which usually coincides with the 11th day of September.

The Coptic calendar, the oldest in history, originated three millennia before Christ. The exact date of its origin is unknown. It is believed that Imhotep, the supreme official of King Djoser C.2670 BC. had a great impact on the construction of the calendar.

True Love
H.G. Bishop Serapion

Spirituality | Youth

Saint John the Beloved identified Christian love by two essential descriptions: love must be both active and genuine. He said, "My little children, let’s not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)

There are also many examples of how practical love towards God and one another should be. We also showed how God, when he died for us, provided us with the perfect model of active love which was revealed in its highest form. (Rom 5:8)

Repentance
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

As sin is separation from God, repentance then is returning to God. God says: "Return to me, and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7). When the prodigal son repented, he returned to his father (Luke 15:18-20). True repentance is a human longing to return to the origin from which it was taken. It is the desire of a heart that stayed away from God, and felt that it stay away any longer.

As sin is a dispute with God, so repentance is reconciliation with God. This is what our teacher Saint Paul said about his apostolic work,: "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading by us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Actually repentance is not only reconciliation, but the means by with God returns and dwells in the human heart, transforming it to a heaven. As for those non-repentants, how can God dewll in their hearts while sin is dwelling therein? The Bible says, "What communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

The Lord's Prayer
Saint Cyprian

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

1. The evangelical precepts, beloved brethren, are nothing else than divine teachings,--foundations on which hope is to be built, supports to strengthen faith, nourishments for cheering the heart, rudders for guiding our way, guards for obtaining salvation,--which, while they instruct the docile minds of believers on the earth, lead them to heavenly kingdoms.

The Feast of Nayrouz
Fr. Tadros Malaty

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

The Coptic New Year is the very first calendar ever known by man on planet earth! It goes back 4241 BC.The word "Nayrouz" is of Coptic origin. The stem is niiaro-oo meaning: "the rivers." The suffex "ouz" is Greek, thus, the word "Niiaroouz." Mid September is usually where the waters of the Nile river rises, so the prayers are lifted to God for the rising of the waters of the rivers for irrigation and ask for His blessings at the beginning (crown) of the Coptic Calendar year. When the Persian ruled Egypt from 525-405 BC, they adopted the word and incorporated it in their language and took it to mean "the beginning of their Persian year," and called it "Nayrouz." The word "Nayrouz" in Persian, means "the new year."

The Great "I Am" Armor
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:14-18).

Saint Mary in the Orthodox Concept, Part I
Servants' Manual

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

We focus this discussion on the life of Saint Mary and discuss the feasts of the Theotokos, as well as some minor feasts of Christ which involve Saint Mary.

The Virgin's Fast
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

What is it about this fast for the Holy Theotokos that draws the Coptic Orthodox faithful with such fervor? This article provides an overview to the Fast for our Lady the Virgin. May her intercessions be with us all, Amen.

Ruth: A Mother-in-law's Influence Led Her to God
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Bible

Ruth was not a Hebrew. She was a Moabite who married an Israelite. Ruth's husband's family had left Judah during a famine and traveled to Moab where Ruth resided, apparently met and married her husband, Mahlon. His brother Chilion married Orpah another local Moabite. In a nation that prided itself on being the chosen ones of God, both sons had married outside the Israelite faith. It is left to speculation as to whether her husband's parents, Elimelech and Naomi, were pleased or displeased with the marriage.

Chapter 10 - Discernment
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

The final installment of his book, Practical Spirituality, includes how to discern what thoughts are from the devil, as well as advice on how to make decisions.

Chapter 9 - Chastity
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

A vital chapter in this series on "Practical Spirituality".

Chapter 8 - Meekness
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

Meekness is a “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:23) The Lord Himself exhorts us to meekness by saying, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:29-30)

Chapter 7 - The Pursuit of Virtues
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

Part 7 in this excellent series on obtaining and living "Practical Spirituality".

Chapter 6 - Presumptuous Sins
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

Part 6 in the series on "Practical Spirituality".

Chapter 5 - Discipline of the Memory and Imagination
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

Part 5 in this excellent series on "Practical Spirituality".

Chapter 4 - Discipline of the Senses
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

Part 4 in the series on "Practical Spirituality".

Chapter 3 - Discipline of the Will
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

The third chapter in this excellent series on Practical Spirituality.

Chapter 2 - Discipline of the Mind
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

Part 2 of "Practical Spirituality" discusses how to: 1) protect your mind from harmful and unprofitable knowledge; and 2) plant in your mind the spiritual knowledge.

Chapter 1 - Introduction
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Practical Spirituality

This is the introduction to Hegomen Athanasius Iskander's Book, entitled, Practical Spirituality.

The Joy of the Resurrection
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

The angels proclaimed the news of Christ's resurrection to the women saying, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen" (Luke 24: 5-6) The news of the risen Christ brought tremendous joy to the disciples, but terrified the Jewish leaders.

The Man Born Blind (Homily 56)
Saint John Chrysostom

Spirituality | Bible Studies

"And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth." Being full of love for man, and caring for our salvation, and desiring to stop the mouths of the foolish, He omitteth nothing of His own part, though there be none to give heed. And the Prophet knowing this saith, "That Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou art judged." (Ps. 51:4) Wherefore here, when they would not receive His sublime sayings, but said that He had a devil, and attempted to kill Him, He went forth from the Temple, and healed the blind, mitigating their rage by His absence, and by working the miracle softening their hardness and cruelty, and establishing His assertions.

On the Resurrection of Lazarus
Saint Augustine

Spirituality | Bible Studies

"Among all the miracles wrought by our Lord Jesus Christ, the resurrection of Lazarus holds a foremost place in preaching. But if we consider attentively who did it, our duty is to rejoice rather than to wonder." A commentary on John 11:1-54 by Saint Augustine.

Why Should We Read the Desert Fathers?
Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov

Orthodoxy | Orthodoxy

There's a real benefit to reading the Desert Fathers for our spiritual growth. This week's CMN Newsletter features an article by a Russian bishop that helps shed some light on the benefits to reading the lives and sayings of these great saints, and how we can apply their experiences in our daily lives.

The Beauty of Orthodoxy - Part 2
H.G. Bishop Angaelos

Orthodoxy | Orthodoxy

Our view of Orthodox faith and worship is misconstrued – we think of it as dry, constraining, even bitter. To understand Orthodoxy, we must understand how the Church has evolved, while at the same time, preserving the teachings handed down by our Lord Jesus. This article is the second in a series on "The Orthodox Life."

The Beauty of Orthodoxy - Part I
H.G. Bishop Angaelos

Orthodoxy | Orthodoxy

Our view of Orthodox faith and worship is misconstrued – we think of it as dry, constraining, even bitter. To understand it, we need to go back to the grass roots – what is Orthodoxy? What are its main characteristics? This article is the first in a series on "The Orthodox Life."

Pope Kyrillos VI on Seclusion
H.H. Pope Kyrillos (Cyril) VI

Spirituality | Monasticism

The following article is based on extracts of letters and correspondence of the late saintly Pope Kyrillos VI on the topic of "Seclusion". While mainly addressed to monks, the article still speaks loudly to those of us living in this fast-paced world who are in desperate need of learning about silence and spiritual solitude...it is in such silence that we hear the voice of God ("Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10).

Monasticism in Egypt
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Monasticism

The text of a speech given by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. Delivered at the Opening of the exhibit, "A Still, Small Voice: Sixteen Centuries of Egyptian Monasticism," at the Washington National Cathedral, March 15, 1992.

Worthiness
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

The worthiness of each of us, whether of the Kingdom of Heaven, salvation, communion or even our worthiness of prayer and worthiness of service and priesthood, is a matter that needs to be examined. I will also talk about repentance as a condition for worthiness and about unworthiness as evidence of repentance.

Do Not Weep
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed" (Revelation 5:5)

The scene of Mary Magdalene, weeping before the Lord's tomb that had been sealed by the order of Pontius Pilate, reminds us of the scene of St. John the theologian weeping before the scroll that had been sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:4); and no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll or to look at it. All the seven seals had to be loosened before all the kingdoms could become the Lord's kingdom (Revelation 11:15).

The Glorious Joyous Days: Days for Reflection, Restoration, and Reverence
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

The Pentecost takes place fifty days after the Glorious Resurrection. The risen Lord Jesus Christ made appearances to His disciples for forty days until His Ascension following the Glorious Resurrection. During these forty days the Lord Jesus Christ would speak about the Kingdom of God and evangelism, "…you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1: 7-9)

In the Garden of Gethsemane
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

In the soliloquy between the Lord Christ and God the Father, He said to the Father, “I have glorified You on the earth”, and, “ I have finished the work which You have given Me to do “(Jn.17: 4) The Lord Christ has not glorified the Father by words, but...

Contemplation on John 17, Part I
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

In the evening of the last Thursday, Maundy Thursday, when the Lord Christ was on His way to Gethsemane, then to trial and crucifixion, He said to the Father as if reporting His ministry on earth, “I have glorified You on the earth."

Contemplation on Holy Tuesday of Pascha
Saint Augustine

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

A contemplation on the passage, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’” (Matt. 23:37-39), read during the Third Hour of Holy Tuesday.

A Spiritual Study of the "Song of Songs" During the Holy Great Fast
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Now we have begun to fast the Holy Great Fast; earmarked as a time of solitude with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time of spiritual retreat in which we spend our time or most of our time with the Lord.

The Holy Great Fast and Spiritual Discipline
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

"The true fast is that in which sins, anger, tongue, and instincts are under control."
(St Basil the Great)

The Holy Great Fast is often referred to as "The Spring of Our Spiritual Life." Spring being the most beautiful season of the year and a time of spiritual renewal.

Jonah, Nineveh, and Us
Father Matta El Maskeen

Spirituality | Feasts

As Church regulations have always been inspired, it is not in vain that the Church has established this blessed fast at this special time.

The Life was Made Manifest
Father Matta El Maskeen

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

“...the Life was made manifest, and we saw it and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us--that which we have and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you have fellowship with us; and our fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that your joy may be complete” (1 John 1:1-4.)

The Agpeya
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Youth

We must begin by saying that probably the only people who will benefit anything from this short message are those who are, like the present writer, weak in prayer. But it will benefit them only if, despite poorness in prayer, they nevertheless strive daily to meet God in prayer.

What is the Meaning of the Incarnation For Youth in 21st Century America?
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Youth

It is difficult to explain to the modern mind the idea of a religious mystery. Our notions of the word have been completely swallowed up by terms like "murder mystery" or "mystery of science". When it comes to our faith, however, mystery refers to another dimension of life...

A Fish Swallowing a Man Whole?
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Youth

"I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me" (Jonah 2:2).

Subtly, God Spoke to Jonah
H.G. Bishop Youssef

Spirituality | Feasts

Jonah was an eighth century BC famous prophet from Gath-helper, a small Galilean town near Nazareth. Jonah the Prophet is famous for the well-known story about him and the diverse ways in which the Lord spoke to him. Most often, Jonah was spoken to in obscurity pertinent to his needs at the very time he was spoken to. Perhaps this is similar to the way in which the Lord speaks to us all today…

Letter to a University Student
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Youth

I thank God that He has granted you the blessing of entering the academic field. A university is not only a school of knowledge, but also a school of life. The young person who spends the university years with an upright heart builds a mature and effective Christian personality and increases his experiences of life day by day. He is transformed by grace into a faithful witness to Christ in an age in which faithful witnesses are rare.

The Christian View Of Cloning
H.G. Bishop Serapion

Spirituality | Contemporary Issues

Cloning is the ability to produce an exact duplicate of a certain creature using one of its cells and the ovum of another creature of the same species to produce an "embryo". This is then implanted into the womb of a surrogate mother resulting in a "clone", or an exact replica.

Abortion
H.G. Bishop Serapion

Spirituality | Contemporary Issues

Termination of pregnancy occurs for various reasons. When there are either maternal or fetal factors, which cause termination of pregnancy without human intervention, then it is referred to as "spontaneous abortion". It can also result from trauma to the mother as a result of an accident, or due to other reasons. However, sometimes termination of pregnancy is due to human intervention because of the woman’s choice to abort by request or consent.

What Is My Coptic Orthodox Faith
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Contemporary Issues

"...Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God...for as we have many members in one body...so we, being many, are one body in Christ...having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy...or ministry, let us use it in our ministering...or he who exhorts, in exhortation...and live peaceably with all men...if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink...do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good..." (Romans 12:2-21)

Union With God
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

“He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me and I in him.” (Jn.6: 56)

Thus said our glorious Lord, but do you allow me, dear reader, to repeat this verse in the negative? “He who does not eat My flesh and does not drink My blood, does not abide in Me and neither do I abide in him!!” Do you not agree with me that this is an alarming version and its result a painful one?!

If you find that you are spiritually weak and not fixed in Christ and that Christ does not abide in you, you will know that the reason is that you do not take Holy Communion regularly or with preparedness.

The New Birth
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

You might be irritated by this question and might think it is an invasion of your privacy. I frankly implore you to put up with me when I tell you that this is both an important Biblical and patrological commandment .

Where the Holy Bible is concerned, The Lord Jesus Christ appointed two different types of priesthoods: a general priesthood for all the believers and a special priesthood for some of the believers. He appointed the general priesthood when He created everything and then created Adam as a priest for all of creation: spiritual, intellectual, with the gift of language, free, righteous, a friend of God, looking forward to eternity, able to live in the Lord for ever. Also St. John the Beloved tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ, Who loved us and washed us form all our sins with His blood, made us kings and priests for Him and His Father (Rev. 1: 5,6). These are the same words of St. Peter the Apostle which he quotes from the Old Testament: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Pt. 2: 9).

The Eucharist:: 4 Gifts & 3 Responsibilities
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ONE GOD. AMEN.
Our theme for this convention is about the Bread of Life that’s our Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself to us through the Eucharist and when we attend the liturgy we participate in taking this bread of life. Then we are going to enter into union with Christ.

Who Is Christ?
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

The Lord Jesus Christ is not simply a man who thinks that He is God, for He is God manifest in the flesh, as St. Paul the Apostle says: “Great is the mystery of godliness” (1 Tim. 3: 16).

God is a simple spirit Who fills heaven and earth and Whom we cannot see with out eyes because they are material and limited. That is why He had to take a tangible body free from sin so that we could see Him. This is just like the waves that are sent via radio and television which are diffused everywhere but are invisible. We can only see them if they are “embodied’ in a voice or image. The same is true of the electrical current which is present in the electrical outlet but which is only visible when it is connected to a lamp, and if we are foolhardy enough to touch it, we feel a tremor through our bodies which could kill us without our even seeing it.

The Whole Armour of God
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

“Therefore, take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication” (Ephesians 6:13-18).

Five New Testament Commandments
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Bible

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you ... Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22)

In the Old Testament, we received 10 commandments which God gave to Moses to give to the people of Israel, as well as to us. And there are another five commandments, which St. Paul wrote to the people of Thessalonica, and for sure, these five commandments can serve us and help us to lead a Christian life.

- Commandment 1 : Rejoice always

- Commandment 2 : Pray without ceasing

- Commandment 3 : Give thanks

- Commandment 4 : Test all things

- Commandment 5 : Abstain

Questions & Answers on The Bible
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Bible

QUESTIONS:

1- Is the Bible supposed to be taken literally, that is, word for word?

2- In the book of Genesis, what do the ‘waters’ refer to in the Creation of the world: “Thus God made the firmament and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so” (1:7)?

3- When God created the world, was each day a period of 24 hours?

4- Why did people in the Old Testament practice polygamy (marriage to more than one wife)?

5- Is it true that Cain and Abel married their sisters?

6- What is the meaning of the words in the Psalm, “Be angry and do not sin” (Psalm 4:4) ?

7- What is the meaning and significance of the three books of King Solomon (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Songs)?

8- What is the meaning of the Bible verse “Do not be overly righteous nor be overly wise: why should you destroy yourselves?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16)?

9- What does the Song of Solomon symbolise?

10- What is the meaning of the verse, “Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines” (Songs 2:15)?

11- Why did Jesus convert water to wine at the wedding of Cana, if the Bible speaks against alcohol?

12- What does it mean when Christ says, “To look at a woman lustfully you have already committed adultery” (Matthew 5:28) ?

13- What is the meaning of ‘the world’ in the Bible, because in one place the Lord says, “For God so loved the world”, and then in another He says, “Do not love the world” ?

14- What is meant by the Bible verse “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10)?

15- What is the meaning of the number of the beast 666 in the Book of Revelation?

16- Where in the Bible does it say that people who went to heaven are alive?

كيف أعد الله العالم للتجسد
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

كان الرب قد وعد آدم عقب السقوط مباشرة بمجئ السيد المسيح من نسل المرآة لكى "يسحق رأس الحية" (تك 15:3).
وأخذت الأجيال تتعاقب فى انتظار ذلك المخلص الموعود. إلى أن جاء "ملء الزمان" حين "أرسل الله أبنه مولوداً تحت الناموس ليفتدى الذين تحت الناموس" (غل 4:4) فما معنى "ملء الزمان"؟ معناه الوقت الذى كان قد جهز الرب فيه العالم لإستقبال المخلص. وقد كان هذا التجهيز يشمل نواح كثيرة منها:

الرسالة البابوية لعيد الميلاد المجيد يناير 2007
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Papal Messages

أبنائى الأحباء فى المهجر كهنةً، و شعباً،

أهنئكم بعيد الميلاد المجيد و ببدء عام جديد، راجياً لكم من الرب حياة سعيدة و مقدسة فى محبته.
و يسرنى فى ميلاد السيد المسيح له المجد، أن أخبركم أنه فى تجسده قد قدّس كل شئ بالاستخدام الحسن. و هكذا قيل “كل شئ طاهر للطاهرين” (تى1: 15).

هل التجسد يتعارض مع طبيعة الله؟
H.G. Bishop Moussa

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

يتصور البعض أن التجسد يتعارض مع طبيعة الله، لأن الله روح بسيط خالد، غير مركب، ولا مادى، ولا يصح أن يأخذ صوراً حسية، مرئية أو مسموعة أو محسوسة. فهل هذا التفكير سليم؟ وما خطورة هذه الفكرة على البشرية وعلى خلاصها؟.

يتصور البعض أن التجسد يتعارض مع طبيعة الله، لأن الله روح بسيط خالد، غير مركب، ولا مادى، ولا يصح أن يأخذ صوراً حسية، مرئية أو مسموعة أو محسوسة. فهل هذا التفكير سليم؟ وما خطورة هذه الفكرة على البشرية وعلى خلاصها؟.

Christmas Message, 2007
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Papal Messages

My beloved children in the lands of immigration, priests and congregations.

I congratulate you for the Glorious Feast of Nativity and the beginning of a New Year, wishing you all from the Lord a joyous and holy life in His love.

Intercession and Veneration of the Saints
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Why do we venerate Saints? Hegomen Athanasius shows why we are expected to venerate Saints, and shows how the church venerated people over time...

Holy Tradition
Hegomen Athanasius Iskander

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

Understand some of the reasons why our church and even the Protestants use Holy Tradition...

Biblical Foundation of the Orthodox Christian Faith - Part I: Sacraments and Intercessions
John Greiss

Spirituality | Orthodoxy

As we grow to learn more about our own faith and others, it is important to realize that our faith and the practices handed down to us through the Apostolic Tradition have their roots within the Holy Bible. This booklet/article helps to identify key verses that uphold the Orthodox faith.

An Introduction to the Orthodox Conception of the Holy Trinity
Raouf Ibrahim

Spirituality | Papal Messages

The following lesson was used as part of a Servant's Preparatory class as an introduction to understanding the Orthodox teaching on the Holy Trinity.

Statement on the Departure of Pope John Paul II
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Papal Messages

Statement by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

Easter Message 2006
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Papal Messages

My beloved children in the lands of immigration, Priests and congregation. I congratulate you all for the Feast of Resurrection, wishing you all on this Feast peace and edification, with all goodness and blessing. I always love to hear good news about you regarding your spiritual growth and active service in the church, and building the Kingdom of God on earth.

Christmas Message, 2006
H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Spirituality | Papal Messages

As is the tradition, His Holiness has sent his blessings and prayers to all of us in the lands of immigration. Please click "Full article" to read His Holiness' spiritual message for the Feast of the Nativity, 2006.

Part 12: The Family and Bearing Witness for Christ
H.G. Bishop Moussa