Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
overview

The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States is composed of 33 priests serving the 26 churches and 24 Coptic communities. More

Subscribe to the Diocese's Email List

Join to receive messages from His Grace and event reminders or update your information.

Subscribe

The Season of the Church

The Apostles Fast

Jun 16 - Jul 11, 2008
Paone 9 - Epep 4, 1724

Today's Readings

July 5, 2008
Paone 28, 1724


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

A Return to the First Church

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?

My beloved, could we aspire for a holy deep communal life, of the same strength as the life experienced by the first church; to the extent that every member gave up their belongings for the sake of everyone else to satisfy everyones need? "Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need" (Acts 4:34-35).

Children of God, dare we aspire for the unity of heart and soul that belonged to those who believed? "Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul" (Acts 4:32).

Could each one of us be expected to be a powerful, faithful testimony concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and God's Grace that has been bestowed upon us and poured in our hearts? "And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33). Have we acquired a spirit of fear and concern for each other that we may say with St. Paul "Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?" (2 Corinthians 11:29).
Read more


The Ministry of the Apostles - Arabic



Previous Articles

The Holy Spirit, Sent to Strengthen
The Passover


Make a donation to the Diocese

news and events

Press Release

2008 Weekly Holy Bible Study with His Grace

The New Melody Book

Now Available - Heaven by H.G. Bishop Youannis, the late bishop of Gharbia

Divine Liturgy Books - 2nd Edition


Hurricane Katrina


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, 2008
Learn more

Theological Seminary Program

Fall Registration deadline: Aug 1, 2008
Learn more


Diocese Events

Evangelism Conference

Jul 5, 2008
more info

Missionary Trips

Rochester, NY: Jul 10-14, 2008 more info
Mexico: Jul 25-Aug 2, 2008 more info

Summer Youth Retreat

GA/TN Region
College: Jul 16-19, 2008
High School: Aug 7-10, 2008
more info

Kids Summer Camp

GA/TN: Jul 21-24, 2008
Texas: Jul 21-24, 2008
Florida: Aug 13-16, 2008
more info

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. 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