Departure of St. Ephrem the Syrian (Abib 15)
On this day, of the year 379 A.D., the holy father, St. Ephraem (Ephraim) the Syrian, departed. He was born in the city of Nissibis, in the beginning of the fourth century to pagan parents, during the days of the righteous Emperor Constantine. It happened that he met with St. James bishop of Nissibis, who preached to him and taught him the particulars of the Christian Faith. Ephraem believed on his hands. St. James baptized – …
The Amazing Coptic Race – August 14, 2010
The Amazing Coptic Race, hosted by the Graduates and Young Professionals, is a witty and unforgettable scavenger hunt that will lead you and your team through some of the hot spots of Orange County.Throughout the Race, your team will have to decode clues, play games, solve puzzles, and snap photos of key locations in order to earn points and advance through checkpoints. It will be a day filled with fun, food, fellowship and laughter. AND – …
New Diocese Summer Conventions Registration Website
Over the past few days, the Diocese launched a new registration website for its annual Diocese Summer Conventions for junior high, high school, and college youth. The new website will allow youth, parents, and chaperones to register and pay quickly.You may visit the new website directly at this link:http://www.lacopts-conventions.org/Also, many of the deadlines for registration have been extended in light of the technical difficulties with the previous registration software. Please check this page for up-to-date – …
Fluent English-Speaking Teachers Needed
The Samalout Diocese in Al Minya, Egypt is currently looking for fluent English-speaking teachers to help with the English Dept. of a newly established private school. Housing and extra money for food and necessities are provided. This position is a great opportunity for those interested in education and child-development and want to make a difference in a developing community. Where: New Testament School—Samalout, EgyptWhen: School start on September 18, 2010 – TBA(Mid May, 2011) Work days:Sunday- Thursday from 7:30AM-2:30PM Job – …
In Praise of St. Peter and St. Paul
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 16:24) See how we should begin and end everything? For with this St Paul laid the foundation of his Epistle, and with this he puts on the roof, at once praying for the mother of all good things for the Romans, and calling the whole of his loving-kindness to their mind. For this is the best proof of a generous teacher, to – …
2010 Al Mahragan Al Keraza Curriculum Updated
Today, the Diocese updated the curriculum for the 2010 Al Mahragan Al Keraza competition to reflect a minor change in the Grades 1-2 level.Initially, participants in the Grades 1-2 competition were asked to memorize Psalm 23. They now have the option of memorizing either Psalm 1 or Psalm 23.The updated Table of Contents for Grades 1-2 and the text of Psalm 1 is posted on the main Al Mahragan Al Keraza Curriculum page.
His Holiness Defends Coptic Position on Divorce, Remarriage
Coptic Pope Shenouda III held a press conference today in which he announced a decision by the Coptic Holy Synod vis-a-vis an administrative court ruling issued last month obliging the church to allow divorced Copts to remarry. “The Coptic Church is announcing its respect for Egyptian law,” [His Holiness] said at the press conference, held at the papal residence. “But it doesn’t accept rules that contravene biblical teachings and violate our freedom of religion, which – …
Diocese Posts Curriculum for Mahragan Al Keraza Competition 2010
The Diocese joyfully announces the availability of information and the curriculum for this year’s Mahragan Al Keraza Spiritual Competition.The information and curriculum may be found on this page.
Diocese Posts Curriculum for Youth Spiritual Competition (YSC) 2010
The Diocese joyfully announces the posting of the curriculum for the YSC 2010 for junior high, high school, and college levels.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 fun way of promoting deeper study and understanding in selected areas: Hymns, Bible Study, and Church Studies… a Spiritual Triathlon of sorts.You may – …
Pastoral Message on the Recent Egyptian Court Ruling on Divorce
On Sunday, May 30, the Supreme Administrative Court in Egypt issued a final decision in the case of a Copt who sued the Church for denying him authorization to remarry in the Church after divorcing his wife. The court decreed that the Egyptian constitution guarantees his right to remarry in the Church. This decision, however, is contrary to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and the Orthodox Church. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III respectfully rejected – …
St. Athanasius & St. Cyril Theological Library Conference 2010
The Diocese is pleased to announce the annual St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Theological Library Conference. The Conference will be presented by His Grace Bishop Serapion and Rev. Fr. George Dragas. This year’s topic will highlight “St. Cyril of Alexandria: A Model of Holiness in the Orthodox Tradition”. The Conference will be held at St. John Coptic Orthodox Church on Friday July 9th and Saturday July 10th 2010. Youth are especially encouraged to attend Friday – …
Feast of Pentecost
After the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, the disciples were waiting to receive the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem as were promised by Christ. Ten days after Ascension, the Holy Spirit descended as tongues of fire upon them. They were filled with grace and knowledge never known to them before. It is the knowledge that can only come from the Grace of the Holy Spirit himself. In the Pentecost we have the outpouring of the – …