The Strength of God's Children (Part 1)
God’s children should be strong because they were created in His image and likeness (Gn 1: 26); and God is powerful. We say about Him “Holy is the Lord God Almighty”; therefore, they should be strong like Him. In the book of Numbers, when God ordered Moses to take a census of the people, this was restricted to young men who can go to war (Nu 1: 3). When the Song of Solomon talks about – …
The Apostles’ Fast
May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 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. “And – …
Divine Grace at Work in the Human Personality
One of the loveliest truths about Christianity is that it does not try to eliminate man’s individual traits of any type. On the contrary, the grace of God works in every type of trait to produce many benefits, advantages, and blessings, whether for the one who possesses these traits, or for his family, his church, and his country. The Holy Spirit, who descended on the disciples in the upper room in the form of a – …
The New Vision and the Resurrection
The Easter’s Message 2006. I want to greet you with Easter, which is announcement of the Only Begotten Son’s Glory, after His crucifixion and the defeat of death giving true life for who believe in Him… His Resurrection announced to humans their resurrection in Him to open the door of eternal life for us, to give a clear crossing for Humanity through Him with Him to Eternal Life…then Humans can stand in front of this – …
Saint Mark and the Church of Alexandria
The Greatness of Alexandria Alexandria was the cultural capital of the world when St. Mark arrived there. Its famous School was the centre of science and philosophy with a library filled with hundreds of thousands of books. The population of Alexandria was estimated to be from half to three quarters of a million,(1) who were Egyptians, Greeks, Jews, Romans, Ethiopians, Nubians and other races. Its Religious Status The people St. Mark faced were a complex – …
The Role of Women in the Church (Part II)
Often times, females in our Church feel left out and ignored. Is this a correct feeling? Does the Church really propagate such an idea in Her teachings? In addressing the issue of the role of women in the Church, we have to distinguish between Holy Tradition and customs that are influenced by culture and do not spring from the true spirit of Christianity. There are popular traditions which are linked to various cultures or families. – …
The Holy Virgin Saint Mary
During the month of August, we live a period of fasting, bearing the name of the Holy Virgin, the Mother of Light. We celebrate her feast on August 22nd (Mesori 16th). The Fast of St. Mary, the Feast of the Holy Virgin, and talking about the Mother of the Savior are all beloved subjects to the soul. Even those who are not accustomed to observing all the Church’s fasts, observe St. Mary’s Fast and may – …
Brain Death
If a question is posed to a group ordinary people about what are the criteria in determining a person’s death, they will probably agree on a common answer. However, in a Western society such as the U.S., if this same question is presented to a group of physicians, scientists, and lawyers, they will need to hold a conference. In the end, they may or may not reach an agreement. Medical facts resulting from scientific development – …
Dialogue with the Assyrian Church of the East and its effect on the Dialogue with the Roman Catholic
A paper presented in the name of His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy at the Orientale Lumen conference in Melbourne, Australia, July 9th – 12th 2000. The Coptic Orthodox Church participated in the theological dialogue with the Assyrian Church of the East decided by the Fourth general assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Cyprus 1986. The long process of this dialogue continued until the Sixth (6th) General Assembly of the Council in November 1994, – …
What Does the Incarnation Mean For Us Today?
It is true that the Incarnation of Christ is a historic event; he actually appeared on earth as a man, and lived in a certain time period, but how are we to benefit from this appearance? How do we benefit today from our Lord’s Incarnation? Are we merely antique and history collectors in our church, or do these events have an actual meaning for us? When someone starts giving us information on a very high – …
The Divine Transforming Grace
The following article was published in The Ecumenical Review, vol. 56, No. 3, July 2004. The Ecumenical Review is the quarterly journal of the World Council of Churches. In Porto Alegre, Brazil, thousands of Christians will gather for ten days to pray in one voice and with one spirit: “God, in Your grace, transform the world.” This is the theme of the ninth assembly of the World Council of Churches, which will be held in – …
Practicing Christianity: Passages from the Letters of Saint Paul
The Letter to the Romans “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good, acceptable and perfect.” (12:2). “Let your love be without hypocrisy.” (12:9). “Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse them” (12:14). Live in harmony with one another. Do not be arrogant, but associate with those who are – …