Brothers who fought: On Orthodox [dis]unity – Part 1
There have been many fights lately about Christian unity. Oriental Orthodox vs. Eastern Orthodox. Catholic vs Orthodox. Protestant vs Catholic. You name it. We have acronyms to express every denomination and viewpoint on the planet. I cannot speak to most of those, but I want to reflect a little bit on the division between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox. This first blog will be an analogy of sorts from which to work from, and the – …
A Message to All Copts from His Holiness the Pope concerning Receiving the Egyptian President and Dignitaries
The dignity of Egypt is expressed by the dignity and honorable reception of Egypt’s President as His Excellence deserves. Many people can be victimized as a result of wrong and incorrect information fed by the media that publish lies and slanders against the true lives of Egyptians, both Copts and Muslims. We know well our society, and cannot at all accept what gives a wrong reflection of our society through articles, comments, and statements which – …
Ultimate Deception: What if he comes in our time?
This one is very long – more of an article than it is a blog – but it’s also important. If the Antichrist were to come in our time, what would it look like? How might we be deceived? Would it really be so obvious as doing signs and wonders, and if so – how would we not be able to recognise him? Background We just finished a time of the year that is different from the – …
Axios! Ordination of Deacon Giorgios Hanna
In the course of the Divine Liturgy for the September 2016 Clergy Meeting, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, along with Their Graces Bishop Abraham and Bishop Kyrillos, laid hands upon and ordained the blessed servant, Dr. George Hanna, to the priestly rank of Deacon with the name Giorgios. For many years, Deacon Giorgios faithfully served at St. Abanoub and St. Antony Church in Norco with the late Fr. Samuel Samaan of blessed memory and later at – …
The Monk who Paid for a Harlot
As we celebrate the Feast of the Departure of Abba Bessarion tomorrow, it is good to meditate on his beautiful encounter with Thais, the harlot who received crowns in the Kingdom of Heaven, as recounted in the Paradise of the Holy Fathers. AND now I desire to narrate unto you the excellent history and the great repentance of the blessed woman Thais or Thaisis, for speech concerning her is most excellent, and it is full – …
EARLY SPECIAL! 12th Annual GYP Convention
Written by admin on August 26, 2016. Posted in Conventions For this weekend only, we are having an early special for registration! Register anytime between today and Sunday, August 28th, 11:59pm for an early special of $199 for a quad, $309 for a double. Regular registration prices will go back to $219 for a quad, and $329 for a double after this weekend!
REGISTER TODAY! 12th Annual 2016 GYP Convention
Written by admin on August 26, 2016. Posted in Conventions 2016 GYP Convention: Register Today! “Peace Be Still!” Under the auspices of His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, the Graduates and Young Professionals (GYP) committee invites you to the 12th Annual GYP Convention on October 13-16, 2016. This year we are blessed to have His Grace Bishop Kyrillos formerly Fr. John Paul of the Saint Paul Brotherhood, will lead spiritual and introspection discussion as our speaker. We – …
Condolences to Fr. John Mikhail and Family
Today, with a firm hope in the Resurrection, the Diocese learned of the departure of the blessed priest, Hegumen Father Gawargious Morcos, the father of our own Father John Mikhail of St. Justina Church in Rancho Cucamonga, and the brother of His Eminence Metropolitan Hedra. His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion and Their Graces Bishop Abraham and Bishop Kyrillos offered condolences to the entire family. God willing, the family will receive condolences on Friday, August 26 at – …
Axios! Ordination of Fr. Daniel Nashed
On Sunday, August 21, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion and Their Graces Bishop Abraham and Bishop Kyrillos laid hands on and ordained Deacon Daniel Nashed to the priestly rank of presbyter at Holy Transfiguration American Coptic Orthodox Church in Chino Hills. Although the ordination took place at Holy Transfiguration, the new presbyter, Fr. Daniel, will spend a year serving in Orange County before being assigned more permanently. The Diocese rejoices in his blessed ordination and joyfully – …
Axios! Elevation of Hegumen Father Raphael Hanna
On Sunday, August 7, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church accompanied by Their Graces Bishop Abraham and Bishop Kyrillos. As part of the liturgical celebration, the Reverend Father Raphael Hanna was elevated to the priestly rank of Hegumen after serving at St. Mark’s parish for over 13 years. The children of the Diocese congratulate the new Hegumen and the entire congregation of St. Mark in Los Angeles for – …
Axios! Ordination of Deacon Daniel Nashed
At the monthly meeting of the Diocese clergy, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, accompanied by Their Graces Bishop Abraham and Bishop Kyrillos, laid hands upon and ordained the blessed servant, Daniel Nashed, to the priestly rank of Deacon at St. Demiana Church in San Diego. God willing, Deacon Daniel will be ordained as a presbyter on Sunday, August 21 for the Diocese and will continue his service at St. Verena and the Three Holy Youth Church – …
Axios! Elevation of Hegumen Father Bishoy Kamel
On Sunday, July 24, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion, accompanied by Their Graces Bishop Abraham and Bishop Kyrillos, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Marina Coptic Orthodox Church in Irvine. The parish community joyfully received the hierarchs in their first visit since the elevation of Metropolitan Serapion and the consecration of the two auxiliary bishops. As part of the joyful festivities, the Reverend Father Bishoy Kamel was elevated to the priestly rank of Hegumen after serving in – …