The Rites and Hymns of Pentecost
As Fr. Tadros explains, “When the Only-begotten Son paid the price for her salvation, He ascended to heaven to prepare a place for her. He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in her, offering her existence, guidance, sanctification and adornment as the Heavenly Bride. In this feast, the church chants hymns, being joyful with the resurrection of Christ, His ascension and the dwelling of His Holy Spirit in her, thus she connects the three feasts – …
"Come to Me…"
The following was the lecture given by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 in response to the incidents in Alexandria. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28) My, brethren: In my mind so many words to say, And in my heart even more. But I prefer to remain silent. I desire silence so the Lord may speak. And trust – …
Treasures of the Fathers: Pascha Tuesday
If the kingdom of heaven is likened to a kingdom in this parable, then the King must be the Son of God, for He is the King of the heavens, the absolute Wisdom, the absolute Righteousness and absolute Truth. Thus, is He not so also absolute Kingdom? But it is not a kingdom of any of those below, nor of a part of those above, but of all the things above, which were called heavens. – …
St. Polycarp, the Beloved Peacemaker
Pangratios was born about 69 AD to a Christian family who received its Christian faith from the very Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Apostolic Ages, the young church survived and was strengthened by visits from the chosen Apostles and the Apostles disciples. With such a strong religious background, it is not difficult to understand how one could become such an ardent defender of the Orthodox Faith. History tells us that Pangratios became – …
To Be Truly Human
We often say, "I am just human." We usually use this phrase as an excuse for our shortcomings and weaknesses. But what does it really mean to be human? It is the scriptural teaching than man was created in the image and likeness of God and our Christian faith gives great dignity to man. Adam was not created by nature; he was created by God and was given the breath (the spirit) of life. "And – …
The Holy Fifty Days
The period of the Fifty Holy Days is a special period in the ecclesiastical cycle. The prominent feature of this period is joy. The Church prays with a festal tune in all Her liturgies and prayers, including the funerals. During this period, the Church lives the life of happiness, which was experienced by the holy disciples after Christ’s resurrection and His appearance to them. The Divine inspiration describes this joy as such, “Then the disciples – …
Common Declaration from the Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches
(St. Ephrem Monastery, Ma’arat Saydnaya, Damascus, Syria February 10-12, 1999) In the name of the Fr., the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We, Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East and Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenians of the Great House of Cilicia, and the members of the Standing Committee H.E. Metropolitan Bishoy, H.E. Metropolitan – …
Questions and Answers About the Nativity
In the Name of the Fr., the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen. In this booklet we present to you some answers which are related to certain questions about the Nativity, of which there are: The sequence of the genealogy, and the mention of some sinful women in it; the difference between the two gospels of Matthew and Luke in regards to the names and the ascending and descending order in that sequence. – …
The Role of Fasting in the Spiritual Life
All strife against sin and its desires is to be preceded by fasting, especially if one is combating inward sin…Fasting is the strengthening of all virtues, the beginning of the struggle, the beauty of virginity and sanctity, the preservation of chastity, the beginning of the way of Christianity, the father of prayer…, for as soon as man begins to fast his mind will be desirous of intercourse with God. Fasting is a storehouse of all – …
Names of the Holy Spirit
He is called the Spirit, according to the Scripture just now read, “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom.” [1 Cor. 12:8] He is called the Spirit of Truth, as the Savior says, “When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come.” [John 16:13] He is called also the Comforter, as He said, “For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.” [John 16:7] But that He – …
Oration 38: On the Manifestation of God in the Birth of the Christ
I. Let Us Celebrate Christmas. Christ is born, glorify Him! Christ from heaven, go out to meet Him! Christ on earth, be exalted! Sing to the Lord all the whole earth (Ps. 96:1,11), and that I may join both in one word, let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, for Him who is of heaven and then of earth. Christ in the flesh, rejoice with trembling and with joy; with trembling because – …
How to Benefit Spiritually in the Holy Pascha Week
1. Our Behavior Inside and Outside of Church It is very noticeable that many people during Pascha Week are one thing inside church and completely different outside. In side church, black curtains, somber hymns, solemn readings, and concentrating on the suffering of Christ. Outside of church, we often laugh, joke around, socialize, think and talk about many worldly issues. We lose all the spiritual depth that we gained inside church. Let us concentrate our thoughts, – …