Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

The Spiritual Meaning of Resurrection Enactment

In the Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection feast, after reading the Praxis and chanting the resurrection hymn “all you heavenly choirs,” the church lights are turned off signifying the darkness that had surrounded the world before the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:16); and the doors of the sanctuary are closed signifying the closed doors of the Paradise (Genesis 3:23).

So Very Great Was…His Goodness

During the last forty days of this Holy Great Fast, it is particularly important to focus on the positive meaning of the Lord's life on earth. The Lord Jesus Christ personified goodness. He was what good is: (Grace and Truth), was the deliverer of what good delivers: (Peace) and became what goodness ultimately leads to: (Salvation). The Lord Jesus Christ's main purpose on earth was to be goodness to all, and to show all how goodness: (the Kingdom of Heaven) is to be attained. No one could fathom how great His Goodness was to become.

The Response of the Lord Jesus Christ

Why did the Lord Jesus Christ choose not to perform a miracle for the Pharisees and the scribes? In their request for a spectacular sign from the Lord they display their wickedness. After having witnessed so many miracles why do they now need a sign? The Lord Jesus Christ did not respond to their hardheartedness.

The Holy Great Fast and Spiritual Discipline

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.

Putting Away Falsehoods With Patient Endurance

Forgiving someone appears initially to be a concept easily understood. It's meaning is one of granting forgiveness or pardon for an offense. But what if the offense was a misunderstanding or something taken out of the context in which it was presented? What if it was a misrepresentation of facts? Does this make the unforgiving acceptable?

Strength in the Service

H.H. Pope Shenouda III said that the major difference between the saints and us is SERIOUSNESS. The strength of our service is directly related to our seriousness regarding the service and our spiritual condition.

How To Be Effective in the Field of Service

The Holy Book of I Timothy 4:12-16
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Til I come, give attention to reading to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the leadership."

Grieving and Gratitude

Loss is a very real part of this earthly life. Loss which encompasses youth truly makes each of us recognize the shortness of life. Earthly life is composed of people, places, and experiences always in a constant state of change. We say hello and just as quickly could say good-bye. We become all too familiar with life and death as a normal part of earthly life. Often people say life on earth is struggle enough, why do we have to experience the loss of our youth?

Spiritual Preparedness for Partaking of the Holy Communion

Most Biblical writers referred to the term "spirit" to mean the inner nature of the human being. The human spirit was actually described in the Holy Gospel of St. Mark 14:38: "the spirit is indeed willing but the flesh is weak."

Chronic Complaining: Negative Attitudes Directly Affect Spiritual Growth

Spiritual healthiness affects the way we live our lives and how we relate to others. Positive spiritual health improves the way we pray, meditate, have hope, practice our faith, and grow within it. Spiritual healthiness can determine how the Christian is affected by a major health crisis or death, anxiety or fear.

Brotherly Love Surpasses Knowledge, Age and Wealth

Christian brotherhood brings together the knowledgeable with the less knowledgeable, the young with the old and the rich with poor in one accord. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III has written that "Love is the first of virtues; nay, it is the conglomeration of all virtues."

Laziness: A Spiritual Pitfall

We must beware of spiritual laziness. If you feel you are not growing spiritually as you should perhaps you have become what the writer of the New Testament Holy Book of Hebrews refers to as lazy and "dull of hearing." Many confess to infrequent prayer times, lack of motivation to read each night from the Holy Bible, and having a general lack of interest in quality spiritual time.

Incense

For it is written, "From the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My Name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My Name, and a pure offering; for My Name shall be great among the Nations, said the Lord God of Hosts. (Malachi 1:11)"

Raising the Morning and Evening Incense During The Holy Great Fast

As the Holy Great Fast approaches on and we begin to prepare ourselves for the fifty-five days of fasting prior to the Feast of the Holy Resurrection, I would like to encourage everyone to observe this fast from its beginning. Practice this fast in prayer, repentance, and spiritual readings with all strictness ensuring all the benefits and blessings it can afford. As a penitent practice, fasting is designed to strengthen our spiritual life.

"Night of the Apocalypse"

The word apocalypse in Greek means "revelation." The night of Great Friday is called the Night of Apocalypse because it is on this night that we read the entire Holy Book of Revelation. On this night we celebrate the descent of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into the pit of Hades to restore all those who died on the hope of the resurrection to Paradise. The church gathers around the tomb of the Lord Jesus Christ the whole night in prayers and rituals.

The Meaning of "Worthy to Partake of the Holy Communion"

All the Holy Gospels record that the Lord Jesus Christ ate one final meal with His disciples on the eve of His arrest. The Eucharistic Meal and Words of the Lord Jesus Christ both symbolically represent that this final meal would be a foretaste of the great Messianic Feast which will occur at the end of all times. The Lord Jesus Christ reveals to His disciples at this final meal with them that He will neither celebrate the Passover with them again, nor drink of the fruit of the vine until the Coming of the Kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-18).

The Lord Jesus Christ THE Passover Lamb

The celebration of the Passover and the correlating feast was instituted by God Himself to commemorate the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and the sparing of their firstborn when the destroying angel smote the firstborn of the Egyptians.

Halloween

As October 31st draws near, I want to make all uninformed Christians within our Diocese aware of certain traditions celebrated on this day, in the United States. This celebration, "Halloween," pays tribute to Satan. Every act revolving around Halloween is in honor of false gods. False gods are spirits in the realm of the Satanic.

Churchless Christianity

One of the tragic occurrences in the evolution of contemporary religion is the presence of "Churchless Christianity." The assertion that the followers of this Christianity believe is that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who saves us, not the Church. They no longer want or need a Church. They stress that "all you need is Jesus."

Suicide

The young adult years are a period of great transition for just about everyone. Physically, emotionally, psychologically, intellectually, and socially this can be the most challenging time of your life. The stakes are enormous. Suicide attempt behavior occurs frequently among adolescents who have difficulty meeting these challenges. It has been estimated that over 500,000 teens attempt suicide each year (Popkin, 1990,p.11).

Eminence of Justice: El-Kosheh

Much has been written about the three-day killing spree during last year's El-Kosheh massacre in which 21 Christians were killed and 260 Christian homes and business were destroyed. The bloodshed and violence, which erupted on December 31, l999 until January 2, 2000 were the end result of perhaps an argument that occurred between a Muslim customer and a Coptic Christian shopkeeper. A dissatisfied and unhappy customer who could and should have simply left and taken his business elsewhere, may today regret his decision for not having done exactly that.

Gambling: An Impulse Control Disorder

Often I encounter questions regarding the Christian stand on "gambling." I am frequently asked what are "types of gambling?" The three common types of gambling that mostly surround those who reside within the Southern Diocese of the United States are 1) casinos, 2) lotteries, and 3) raffles.

The Agreed Statements: Oriental Orthodox Responses

The theological dialogues between the Oriental Orthodox and the Eastern Orthodox churches unofficially began in Aarhus, Denmark in the year l964. This was followed by similar dialogues in Bristol in l967, Geneva in l970, then Addis Ababa in l971. In addition, other dialogues took place at regional levels at locations such as the Middle East.

Terrorism: TRUE Justice Will Win Out

Sometimes it seems as if evil has won. Sometimes it seems that the destruction is too great. Sometimes it seems that too many people have fallen. Yet God promises that justice will win out in the end. How can we be assured of this?

Position Statement

The Coptic Orthodox Church worldwide opposes terrorism and views terrorism as the most terrible type of evil that can originate from another. Historical review demonstrates that not one single terrorism act has advanced any terrorist cause. We further as a Christian faith believe that the innocent must be defended and human life protected.

Who is Harry Potter?

A lady asked me at the Southern Diocese Family Convention, "Anba Youssef, what do you think about Harry Potter for the children?" My reply was "Who is Harry Potter?"

Contemporary Ambivalent Attitudes...Homosexuality

Historically, homosexually (the preference for members of one's own gender for purposes of sexual gratification) has attracted much attention and deference. In the Holy Bible in the Old Testament it is addressed in these verses:

Church of Martyrs

The Coptic Orthodox Church is of the oldest known Churches in Christianity. Its Biblical worship, its 2000 years of Christianity, and unbroken chain of tradition directly link its faithful to the early church of the Book of Acts in the New Testament. The Coptic Orthodox Church has millions of adherents both in Egypt and Coptic communities around the world.

St. Anthony - A Saint in Search of Perfection

My admiration for St. Anthony, affectionately referred to as the "Father of Monks," began during childhood. Each year at the Church of St Anthony in Shubra, Cairo, while celebrating his feast day, the 22nd day of the month of Tubah (January 31), I would listen to sermons, which always described his life as a quest for spiritual perfection. St. Anthony strived not for a better position in life, a better social standing, but even greater than these -was his desire for spiritual excellence.

St. Anthony - Toward True Righteousness

St. Anthony is generally considered the Patriarch of the monastic family. He was born about 251 AD in the Village of Kemmen El-Arous, near the city of Beni Suef. He grew up in an influential and wealthy Christian family.

Jonah - "The Lord, 'his' God"

Jonah, according to Hebrew tradition, was the son of the widow, whom Elijah, the prophet, raised from the dead at Zarephath of Sidon (II Kings 17: 10-24). He was a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel around 825-784 BC. Therefore, Jonah prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II, the King of Samaria (II Kings 14:25).

St. Polycarp, the Beloved Peacemaker

Pangratios was born about 69 AD to a Christian family who received its Christian faith from the very Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Apostolic Ages, the young church survived and was strengthened by visits from the chosen Apostles and the Apostles disciples. With such a strong religious background, it is not difficult to understand how one could become such an ardent defender of the Orthodox Faith.

St. Macarius the Great: Clothed with the Holy Spirit

St. Marcarius the Great was truly a saint chosen by God from a very young age, perhaps even from his birth. He was born in the village of Shabsheer-Menuf, in the province of Giza south of Cairo, from good and righteous parents. His story is reflective of another found in the Holy Bible. His parents were Abraham and Sarah and they had no son. In a dream an angel of God told Abraham that he would have a son and his name would be known all over the earth. This son would be further blessed with a multitude of spiritual sons.

St. Mark: Steadfast and Strong from Youth

St. Mark was one of the seventy apostles appointed by our Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 10:10). He is distinguished as one of the four Evangelists. St. Mark authored the oldest canonical Gospel used by both St. Matthew and St. Luke, and probably also by St. John. Many believe the Gospel of Mark to be dated shortly before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Anba Abraam Late Bishop of Fayoum, "Merciful and Giving"

Anba Abraam was a saintly monk of the twentieth century. As it is said, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48)" so did St. Abraam live his holy life. Born in a small town near Cairo, Egypt, Anba Abraam grew up in a Christian home with the Lord Jesus Christ ever before him. He would gain renown not only in Egypt but far beyond because of his great love for the Lord which was shown through his sanctity, spirituality, and intense compassion for all the needy.

Anba Bishoi: A Life of TRUE Submission

A life of TRUE submission means living in complete obedience to the Holy Spirit. A person of TRUE submission accepts gladly whatever happens in their life and with thanksgiving, knowing that it was for their well being, whether in appearance or thought it is perceived as good or bad.

St. Takla Haymanot the Ethiopian: "Poor in Spirit"

St. Takla Haymanot was a blessed person always full of joy. He was blessed not with riches, not with mightiness and strength, not with worldly influence but with being poor in spirit. St. Takla's joy was found in his total dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

St. Barsoum El Erian: "Faith Working Through Love"

Faith working through love is all-powerful. The Lord Jesus Christ said, "For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20) St Paul wrote about "faith working through love", "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." (Galatians 5:6). Faith working through love literally means faith, which expresses itself by love, or the faith, which works through love.

"Samson the Nazirite"

Samson was a great man and a great Judge. God entrusted him with many responsibilities in particular to lead the children of Israel at a critical time. But this great Judge had one desire that he could not discipline. This desire troubled him all his life and made him face many problems until his demeanor became ungodly.

St. Matthew: The Galilean "Gift of Jehovah"

The Lord Jesus Christ was in His own city Capernaum in which he had restored the health of a paralytic whom displayed great faith. Following the departure of the healed paralytic taking up his bed and returning to his house, the Lord Jesus Christ continued onward. Next, the Lord then encountered a despised publican, a Galilean Jew, in his customhouse.

St. Mina: Blessed With the Gift of Healing

The Lord Jesus Christ promises us, "He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will also do, and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12)

Abu-Seifein: Loyalty Perseveres

The martyrs conquered the fears associated with persecution and always remained loyal to the Lord. They taught us that we must either conquer fear or be its slave. The Holy Bible confirms this ancient lesson again in the first of its Holy Books, Genesis. "I was afraid…and I hid myself" (Genesis 3:10) We must stand for what is right when in its ranks there are only a few. We must not be frightened to defend our faith, when the masses believe differently. Only the fearless are truly free in this earthly world.

Blessed St. Mary: "An Honored Lady of No Choices"

St. Mary was miraculously born to a rich man named Joachim and his barren wife, Anne. From the age of 6 months "undefiled" daughters of the Hebrews cared for St. Mary. At the very young age of 3, St. Mary was then taken to reside in the Temple at Jerusalem.
Did St. Mary choose to live in the Temple?

St Apollo and St Abib: Youthful Purity

Man was created from his infancy pure in the image of God. This was not a so-called accident of nature. This was a product of Divine creation. We can surmise from this that God gives unto all the possibility to live the life of purity particularly to the youth. The great potential of the power of youth is in its purity and chastity. A youth who gives in to the prisoner of his desires from an early age will also stand to fail in many other respects of his life as he matures to adulthood. The Holy Bible, Coptic Church history, and daily life experiences support this observation very well.

St. Phillip, a 'Found' Missionary

According to the Holy Gospel of St John, St Phillip was the third of the twelve disciples to follow the Lord Jesus Christ after St Andrew. St Phillip, though, has the great distinction of being the very first that the Lord Jesus Christ directly invited into His discipleship. The Lord Jesus Christ "found Phillip" and with the simple command of "Follow Me" (John 1:43) he willingly became the third of the twelve to follow the Lord. The Lord apparently was looking or searching for one such as St Phillip.

Saint John Chrysostom, Golden from Youth

Saint John Chrysostom was born in Syria in the city of Antioch in the year 347AD. He was the only son born to a prosperous father, Sakondos. Sakondos was the commander-in-chief of the imperial troops in Antioch which brought favor and wealth to the family. Saint John's mother, Anthosa, was a righteous mother known for her devotion to the Lord.

St. Timothy: Studied Holy Scripture from Youth

St. Timothy, the beloved disciple of St. Paul was a young man from Lystra in Southern Asia Minor. St. Timothy whose name meant "honoring God," was born into a religiously divided household, with a Jewish mother and a father of Greek descent who worshipped Greek gods. Most likely because of his father's lineage St. Timothy was considered a Gentile rather than a Jew.

Hosea the Prophet

Hosea the Prophet lived during the tragic and devastating final days of the Northern Kingdom. He is thought to have prophesied around the eighth century BC with his ministry following Amos the Prophet's. Amos was the prophet who threatened God's judgment on Israel at the hands of an anonymous enemy whom Hosea would later adamantly proclaim as Assyria (Hosea 7:11; 8:9). Scholars believe Hosea prophesied for approximately 38 years.

Shepherd of Shepherds

The angels announced the miraculous and wondrous birth of the Lord Jesus Christ to lowly and simple shepherds in a field watching over their sheep. This glorious announcement was not made to the richest of kings or the esteemed high priests. These mere lowly shepherds would be the first to hear of His birth and the first to share the message of His salvation with others. And the Lord Jesus Christ Himself would come to be called the "Shepherd of Shepherds." What was the significance of announcing the reconciliation of humanity to God and people to each other beginning with the shepherds in the Holy Gospel of St. Luke? What important connotations do sheep and shepherds illustrate in Holy Scripture to hold such great importance at the Glorious Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Incarnation of the Word

Upon the Feast of the Incarnation of the Word, it is important to reflect upon the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and what He represents. St. John in His Holy Gospel wrote, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (1:1) and the Apostle also wrote, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (1:14) Through these Holy Scriptures we learn that the Lord Jesus Christ is God, for He was with God before all times. This is the reason we recite, "We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only begotten Son of God…" in the Nicene Creed.

The First Coming…Preparation for the Second Coming

The Old Testament prophets foretold that the Word of God would become like us, take a body like ours, and unite Himself unto us in a way beyond human comprehension. These prophecies were to come to pass as the "First Coming" or the Glorious Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Star of Bethlehem

In the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew, the Magi appear as "wise men" guided by a star from the East to Jerusalem where they sought out the new born King of the Jews. Coming from the East denotes the magi are outside of Israel. Scholars seem to think the Magi perhaps came from the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, where astronomy was cultivated early by the Chaldeans.

The Feast of Circumcision: "A Sign of the Old Testament Covenant"

In the New Testament with the beginning and early growth of the Church, circumcision became one of the first issues for debate. St. Paul adamantly stated "Circumcision is nothing and not being circumcised is nothing, but obeying the commandments of God is everything." (I Corinthians 7:19). The apostles and the elders further supported this argument in the Holy Book of Acts 15:19 that circumcision was not required of the Gentiles. The apostles met in 51-52 AD in Jerusalem and agreed to send St. Paul and St. Barnabus, accompanied by Judas Barsabas and Silas to Antioch to settle the issue by explaining the spiritual significance of circumcision in light of the teachings of the New Testament (Acts 15:1-29).

Baptism: The Very Beginning of Eternal Life

So what exactly is "baptism?" Most scholars agree it is derived from a Greek word which means "to immerse with dye." Christian baptism according to the Orthodox faith is our death, burial, and resurrection becoming in union with the Lord Jesus Christ. "As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ…all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:27-28). It is a Mystery given to the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself necessary for our salvation.

Subtly, God Spoke to Jonah

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…

Glorified Through Suffering

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.

Continuing to Keep the Feast

Keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread following the Passover symbolized living the Christian life in dedication and service to God. How does this apply to us today? Living the Christian life in this context means allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to be Lord of every area of our life. We are expressly told in I Corinthians 5:8 to continue celebrating the holiness of life in dedication to God.

The Acceptance of Eleven and the Disillusionment of One

The life of the 12 Apostles following the Pentecost was one of miraculous amazement. Taking on the responsibility of leadership to the first generation of Christians certainly could not have been an anticipated task but rather one of submission to the Will of God. Their evangelism was to begin quickly and spread passionately. To say "it will take some time for evangelism to occur" was not a common saying of the 12 recorded in the Holy Gospels.

Redeeming the Time

With the blessing of yet another Coptic New Year approaching each one of us should consider the importance and meaning of "redeeming the time." St. Paul specifically preaches about the importance of continually walking in God's Will, guarding against all manner of evil. Christians do not dispute God's creation of the world as being good, but rather the man created ungodliness within it as evil.

The Genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ

Society in Biblical times was organized along family and tribal lines. Genealogy was of importance in establishing a person's lineage. Religious importance was determined by whom your forefathers were. For example, only the descendants of Aaron could become priests (Exodus 28:1). Temple officials had to examine extensively the genealogy of those presented for the priesthood. Old Testament genealogies also reminded the Israelites of their history as the chosen people of God.

Encompassing Endearing, Meaningful, and Unchanging Rituals: The Feast of the Glorious Resurrection

During these 50 Holy days we celebrate the Glorious Feast of Resurrection. In the Divine Liturgy, during the Glorious Feast of Resurrection, we do the Enactment of the Resurrection. In the Enactment, we close the curtains to the altar and turn the light off. Two deacons stand the outside of the altar and the priest is inside the altar. Then, a dialog is begun. The deacons on the outside start by saying, 'Christ is Risen' and this is repeated three times. The priest responding, 'Christ is Truly Risen', follows this. Then the deacons on the outside say, 'Be lift up O Everlasting Gates so the King of Glory enters.' The priest inside says, 'Who is the King of Glory?' The deacons outside answer by saying, 'The Lord Might in battle is the King of Glory.' The lights are then turned on and the procession starts.

A Reflection Upon the Effects of Terrorism

In Biblical times and as applicable today, violence and wars are waged for various reasons. Since before the age of the Patriarchs, war was there as a part of everyday life. Moses and Joshua helped the Israelites to conquer the Land of Canaan. Once conquered, the Holy Land remained constantly under attack by other nations such as Assyria.

Contemplations on the Historical Significance of the Cross

There are now thought to be 3 different forms of crosses used during Biblical times for crucifixion. The first resembled the small letter "t," the second form the capital letter "T," and the third was in the form of an "X."

Feast of the Nativity: Wise Mean Still Seek Him

The WISE MEN recognized and understood the meaning of the star. Their wisdom can be characterized as , "the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times." (I Chronicles 12:32) The quest of these wise travelers began with a revelation from God and continued by God's providence. In wisdom they doffed their worldly concerns and allowed the Heavenly Father to lead them. As Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses before them, they sensed God's leading and understood.

Thine is the Power

The Holy Pascha is a week filled with Holy memories of the most crucial stage of salvation and redemption in Christian history. Everyone benefits from the sharing of the Lord Jesus Christ's suffering during this time. Orthodox Church icons, pillars, and lecterns are covered in black to create a sober atmosphere conducive to meditation on the Lord's pain of suffering and pain of Crucifixion.

Feast of the Resurrection: A Reflection of Love

Love is an act of giving, "love does not seek its own." (I Corinthians 13:5) The Father gave His Only Begotten Son. The Son, the Lord Jesus Christ gave too. His most endearing acts of giving were while upon the Holy Cross. He gave forgiveness to His persecutors, gave Paradise to the thief on His right side, gave His blessed mother a spiritual son, gave St. John the blessing of accommodating His mother, and gave the Father the price of Divine Justice.

The Feast of Transfiguration

It is stated in both St. Matthew's and St. Mark's Holy Gospels those six days after the Lord's conversation with His disciples regarding the Cross-, He took St. Peter, St. James and St. John on a high mountain and was transfigured before them. St. Luke alludes to the same story but the length after the Lord's conversation was eight days. Is there a contraindication in Holy Scripture? No, it is thought that St. Luke counted the day of His conversation about the Cross-and the day of the Transfiguration; and that St. Matthew and St. Mark did not count those two days. This explains why St. Luke used the phrase, "about eight days after," while St. Matthew and St. Mark mentioned that it "was after six days."

The Transformed Holy Cross

Crucifixion was an ancient form of capital punishment. It was degrading, humiliating, and caused agonizing pain. Ultimately the HOLY CROSS symbolized absolute failure and death. Due to its barbaric nature, crucifixion was reserved for the lowliest of criminals: the slaves' death or the murderers' punishment. Today, many still look upon the HOLY CROSS with profound horror as a cruel way to inflict punishment or bring about death.

Coptic New Year

The first day of the blessed month of Tute marks the beginning of the Coptic New Year and is the day set aside to celebrate the Feast of El-Nayrouz. On this feast day we honor those who stood and confessed their faith in the Word of God with firmness and commitment and with the totality of their lives.

The Adoration of St. Mary

As Biblical history has recorded, St. Mary is the central figure in the two Holy Gospel accounts of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The "Mother of God" is seldom mentioned in the New Testament outside of the birth narratives in the opening chapters of St. Matthew and St. Luke. The name of St. Mary is mentioned only once in the Book of Mark and the Book of Acts. The Blessed Virgin is never explicitly named in the New Testament Letters. The name of St. Mary is only "referred to" in two episodes written by St. John in his Holy Gospel.

Apostles' Fast

On the Fifth of Abib 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.

Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt

Our Lord Jesus Christ is unrivaled as the wisest man to ever walk upon the face of the earth. He walked with sorrow, love, grief, and happiness. Facing trials and tribulations, the Lord Jesus gave to His people wise words and actions that continue to give us guidance and encouragement two thousand years after His death. They speak to us today in the same manner as they spoke to people hundreds of years ago.

Feast of the Holy Resurrection

The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus is our resurrection (Ephesians 2:6). God has created man to live, not to die. We were raised with Him, and accordingly we should set our minds on things above "the new everlasting life," not on things the earth has to offer "the old mortal life" (Colossians 3:1-2). To die with Christ is the end of the "mortal life" and the resurrection with Christ is the beginning of the "everlasting life." Believing in the Resurrection leads to a life of righteousness and virtue. Love of eternity makes the righteous long for something greater and more eminent than the world.

Confession: Second Baptism

The fall of Adam and Eve had led them to suffer from shame "because I was naked; and I hid myself" (Gen 3:10), guilt "they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden" (Gen 3:8), and fear "I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid" (Gen 3:10).

Conducting Our Thoughts

The observation of the Sabbath was the fourth of the Ten Commandments that Moses brought down from Mount Sinai. This was a Commandment that specifically prohibited manual labor and traveling great distances which the Holy Bible specified with such examples as plowing, harvesting, collecting of food, and building a fire. On the day before the Sabbath, the people gathered enough food for two days, and on the Sabbath itself they normally did not leave their homes.



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