Parish Churches to Participate in 2009 Al Keraza Spiritual Competition
The Diocese joyfully announces that, for the first time, its parish churches will participate in the Mahragan Al Keraza Spiritual Competition for elementary school children. This competition, based in Egypt under the direct supervision of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, is similar in nature to the Diocese Youth Spiritual Competition, but for elementary school children.There are two parts to this competition:A written examination that will take place on August 15, 2009 at each of the – …
Diocese Announces Third Annual Patristics Conference
June 22, 2009 – St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Theological Library joyfully announces its Third Annual Patristics Conference on Saturday July 11, 2009 at St. Maurice Coptic Orthodox Church. As with previous conferences, this year’s event will feature lectures from His Grace Bishop Serapion and the Reverend Father George Dion. Dragas of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts. The theme of this year’s event is "The Lord’s Prayer in the Fathers." For the – …
Fast of the Pure Apostles (June 8 – July 12)
The Fast of the Apostles follows the Great Feast of Pentecost and precedes the Feast of the Apostles, which commemorates the martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul on Abib 5 (July 12.) The History of the Apostles’ Fast The Apostles’ Fast commemorates the service of the holy and pure apostles when they preached the good news of Christianity throughout the world. This fast is firmly rooted in the Holy Scriptures. When the Pharisees criticized the – …
Information and Registration for Diocese Premarital Counseling and Marital Enrichment Retreats
Through the blessings and prayers of our beloved father H.G. Bishop Serapion, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles joyfully announces two retreats aimed at counseling those who are about to get married as well as those who are already married. Fifth Annual Premarital Retreat Fifth Annual Marital Enrichment Retreat Complete information and application forms are available at the links above.
Great Feast of Pentecost
"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them." Acts 2:2, 3. Quote: Today He bestows on us this Descent of the Holy Spirit, and through Him imparts to us a thousand other gifts of heaven. Quote Author: St. John Chrysostom, On Pentecost, – …
Youth Spiritual Competition 2009 Information and Curriculum
With great joy and enthusiasm, the Diocese announces the availability of the curriculum for all levels (junior high, high school, and college) participating in this year’s Youth Spiritual Competition on August 29, 2009 at Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in Los Angeles. The YSC started in the year 2001 with the start of the new millennium as a way of encouraging our youth to grow in their faith. The competition is used as a – …
Feast of the Ascension
The Feast of the Ascension is celebrated on the fortieth day after the feast of the Resurrection, always on a Thursday. In this feast we recall Him Who raises and lifts us up to sit with Him in heaven (Ephesians. 2:6). Quote: For after having gone down hence into Hades, and come up again to us, He ascended again from us into heaven, His Father addressing Him, and saying, “Sit on My right hand, until – …
Paschal Letter for the Glorious Feast of the Resurrection 2009
My Beloved, the Blessed Children of the Holy Church, Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Today, we rejoice in hope as we celebrate the Glorious Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the midst of today’s culture of despair, which is prevalent throughout the world, we as Christians nonetheless rejoice in hope. The Feast of the Resurrection is a source of everlasting joy and hope in the midst of – …
The Joyous Fifty Days
The church celebrates the Holy Fifty Days after the Lord’s Resurrection from April 20 through June 7, 2009. Quote: But when our Lord rose from death and trampled it down, when He bound the strong man and set man free… He died to restore life to us; He was buried to raise us up. Quote Author: Pope Alexander of Alexandria (d. 326)
The Role of Women in the Church (Part III)
THE OFFICE OF DEACONESS Oftentimes in our Church girls wonder why they can not be ordained as deaconesses. It is hard to argue against their ability to learn and chant the hymnology of the Church (al-han) as well as the boys. In order to answer this question, as Orthodox Christians, we have to clarify the service (ministry) of the ordained deacon (male diaconate), as well as discuss the service (ministry) of the deaconess (female diaconate) – …
Friendship
Actually friendship is a vital part of young people’s lives today. They cannot do without their friends. They would feel so threatened if they lost their friends. It is a natural part of growing up. Everyone needs Friends; even adults cannot do without certain friends. So, it is a human need. Rarely do we find someone who does not have a couple of friends, especially in the teenage years. I am worried however, that perhaps – …
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is considered to be one of the most serious issues which society faces in the modern age, for addiction is the destruction of man and the loss of the most valuable thing that society possesses, namely, youth. It is an expression of the frustration and the pain from which the community suffers. Addiction and crime are two sides of the same coin, and they are a threat to humanity at large. Addiction is – …