On November 29, 2009, servants of the churches in the southern region of the Diocese gathered at St. Mary and St. Verena Coptic Orthodox Church in Anaheim for a Servants’ Meeting. His Grace Bishop Serapion opened the meeting with a prayer followed by a lecture entitled "Who is the Orthodox Servant?" This lecture addressed stereotypes concerning practices and attitudes in the service that are considered Orthodox and not Orthodox. His Grace taught the gathering that – …

Through the blessings and prayers of our beloved father H.G. Bishop Serapion, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles joyously presents its biannual Marital Enrichment Retreat. This retreat is designed specifically for couples who have been married less than seven years. Speakers include Dr. Yousry Armanious and Dr. Nabil N. Soliman. Babysitting will be provided during all lectures. For more information, please see this attached flyer. Newlywed Flier 12-09.pdf354.2 KB

On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some – …

The Diocese joyfully announces its annual College Winter Retreat Monday, December 28 through Wednesday, December 30. From the promotional material: It’s about that time of year again for the 2009 College Winter Retreat. This year’s retreat will cover a topic which is guaranteed to be close to the hearts of all Christians seeking to reach greater depth in their relationship with their Savior. The topic that we will cover is concerning how we can deepen – …

El Quosia is a province of Assiut in Upper Egypt which lies 325 km south of Cairo. It is a poverty-stricken province where employment, clean water, electricity, good education, and health care are scarce. Approximately more than three quarters of the population live with an income that places them at or below the poverty line. (The poverty line represents an income of 200 L.E. per month, roughly $40 U.S. Dollars) Since His Grace Bishop Thomas – …

The Church recently celebrated the 29th day of the Coptic month of Paopi. The 29th day of certain months in the Coptic calendar is very special, because the Church, in Her wisdom, commemorates the Feasts of the Annunciation, Nativity, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on these days. We have this commemoration on the 29th of every Coptic month with the exception of two months, Tuba and Meshir. When we think about these three – …

The Christ-loving Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and Hawaii under the pastoral care of His Grace Bishop Serapion congratulates her beloved father, the Shepherd of Shepherds, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Pope of the Great City of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Ancient See of St. Mark and all lands of emigration, on the 38th Anniversary of his accession to the Apostolic See of St. Mark. We have been blessed by your pastoral care – …

The Diocese joyfully announces its annual Pre-Marital Couples Retreat from Friday, December 11 to Sunday, December 13 at the Coptic Village in Big Bear Lake. This retreat is intended for Christian couples seeking enrichment before their marriage and comprised of a series of lectures, discussions, and workshops led by the Hegumen Father Gawargious Kolta. Topics include: The Christian Concept of Marriage The Engagement Period Premarital Questionnaire Eight Important Factors in a Strong Marriage Necessity of – …

On this day in the year 481 A.D., the Great Saint Abba Peter III, 27th Pope of Alexandria, departed. He was chosen patriarch after the departure of St. Timothy, 26th Pope. Shortly after his enthronement upon the apostolic throne, he received a letter from St. Acacius, Patriarch of Constantinople, confessing in it the one nature of Christ, according to the faith of St. Cyril and St. Dioscorus. He also stated clearly that it is not – …

The Diocese joyfully announces the upcoming visit of His Grace Bishop Youssef, the Coptic Orthodox Bishop of the Southern United States, in which His Grace will present a lecture entitled "Living Between Two Worlds: Egyptian Christians in America" on December 1 at Claremont Graduate University from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. From the university’s promotional material: Culture consists of socially acquired information through beliefs, values, knowledge, ideas, etc. that impact one’s behavior and attitude especially in – …

On Monday, October 26, 2009, the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) and the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches (SCOOCH) held their 9th Annual Joint Vespers Prayer service for the United Nations Community. Presiding over the Vespers prayer was the Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch His All Holiness Bartholomew, who welcomed assembled Hierarchs (including His Grace Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Church), clergy, ambassadors, and dignitaries of the United Nations Diplomatic Corps – …

The Diocese joyfully announces its annual Youth Missionary Trip to Hawaii from June 30 to July 12, 2010 under the guidance of His Grace Bishop Serapion, who will participate in the missionary trip. Participants work among homeless children and their families. All of the Lord’s brethren served in this mission are invited to the parish church in Honolulu for a meal and a lecture about the faith. In addition, participants are enriched by daily liturgies, Bible studies, – …