Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States is composed of 33 priests serving the 27 churches and 26 Coptic communities. More

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The Season of the Church

The Apostles' Fast

Jun 8, - Jul 11 2009
Paone 1 - Epep 4, 1725

Today's Readings

July 2, 2009
Paone 25, 1725



On this account, the apostles left Israel and accomplished that which had been commanded them by the Savior: "Make disciples of all the nations."
Origen C. 245, E

readings

Apostles Fast

On the Fifth of Epep we celebrate the "Feast of the Apostles." In preparation for this feast I would like to share some thoughts concerning the apostles and the establishment of the early church. It is my prayer that all will draw closer to God, to an understanding of the apostles, and to those who received instruction from disciples of the apostles.

"And He appointed twelve, whom He also named APOSTLES, to be with Him and to be sent out..." (Mark 3:14).

The twelve apostles formed the inner core of the Lord Jesus Christ's earthly ministry. They were personally chosen by the Lord Himself, had the power of working miracles, and were inspired to teach and to do extraordinary mission work. On the Feast of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came down on the apostles and they became great, giving witness with the power of the life and death and the resurrection of Jesus as He declared they should.

The apostles served the Lord Jesus and later provided leadership to the first generation Christian believers. They were of such importance that the word "apostle" occurs approximately seventy-nine times in the New Testament. Acts of the Apostles portrays the apostles as leaders of the first church in Jerusalem during the Church's first decade. The apostles truly established the church and with their fast we contemplate the glory of God, their faith, and hardships in which they overcame.
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Previous Articles

His Grace's Festal Message
Maundy Thursday's Sermon - The Garden and the Cup of Gethsemane

news and events

Press Release

Kidney Transplant Needed

H.O.P.E Relief Aid for Christian Victims of the Swine Flu

Nashville, Tennessee - Priest Ordination

Nashville, Tennessee - New Church, New Priest

2009 Weekly Holy Bible Study with His Grace

St. Stephen Retreat Center - Make a Difference

Divine Liturgy Books - 2nd Edition


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Diocese Programs

St. Verena Resource Ministry

(SVRM) Requesting assistance or registering to be a Volunteer Consultant Learn more

Family Ministry Program

(FMP) Fall Registration deadline: Jul 25, 2009
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Theological Seminary Program

Fall Registration deadline: Aug 1, 2009
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Diocese Events

GA/TN High School Retreat

Jul 24-27, 2009
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FL Kids Camp

Aug 9-12, 2009
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Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

P.O. Box 1005
Colleyville, TX 76034

Tel: 817-494-6215
Fax: 817-704-2389

admin@suscopts.org

St. Stephen Retreat Center

 
Pensacola, FL

 
 

retreatcenter.suscopts.org

St. Mary Convent

646 County Rd 415
New Smyrna, FL 32168

Tel: 386-423-0332
Fax: 817-704-2389

convent.suscopts.org

St. Mary & St. Moses Abbey

101 South Vista Drive
Sandia, TX 78383

Tel: 361-547-3257
Fax: 817-231-0135

abbey.suscopts.org