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 – …
The Holy Spirit in the Church of the Apostles
The Holy Spirit was the One who gave the necessary power for the work of preaching. The sending of the Holy Spirit was a promise from the Lord (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:7), however, despite this He said to them, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Fr. upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:29). Where will this power come from? He said – …
Treasures of the Fathers: Fifth Sunday of the Great Lent (The Paralytic Man)
Take Your Bed and Walk The passage of the holy gospel which speaks about the Pool of Siloam, beloved brethren, addresses us in particular, because owe are freed. From the listlessness of sin through the grace of Baptism. Just as the paralytic whom the Lord cured was weak in all his members that he could accomplish no good act, so before the coming of the Lord the entire human race was weakened interiorly in soul – …
Treasures of the Fathers: First Sunday of the Holy Fifty Days
The Confession of St. Thomas the Apostle And now let us see whether the confession of Thomas the Apostle, when he cried, "My Lord and My God," corresponds with this assertion of the Evangelist. We see that he speaks of Him, Whom he confesses to be God, as My God. Now Thomas was undoubtedly familiar with those words of the Lord, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is One." How then could the faith – …
The Role of Women in the Church (Part I)
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. – …
True Love
Saint John the Beloved identifies Christian love by two essential descriptions: love must be both active and genuine. He said, “My little children, let’s not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) Christian Love Must Be Genuine, Proceeding From a Heart Free of Hypocrisy and Not Hiding Ulterior Motives “Let love be without hypocrisy.” (Rom 12:9) Although excessive praise may seem to be proceeding from a loving – …