Coptic Orthodox

A long time ago, Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and had destroyed the city and its walls. The Samaritans and the opposing gentiles found destroying the walls an opportunity to enter without resistance from its inhabitants. God has allowed that to chastise His people for a time. Also, God ordered Cyrus, the king of Persia, to return the Jews from captivity and build the temple. So He sent Zerubbabel and all the Jews who wanted to return, and they started putting the foundation of the temple; however, the enemies opposed them, but finally, it was built. After...

Delve into the depths of early Christian leadership and spirituality with "A Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus". This epistle, penned by the apostle Paul, is not just a theological discourse but a vibrant call to live in Christ, applicable to all believers in their daily walk. Saint Paul brings to the forefront the essential aspects of Christian shepherding, highlighting the ordination of church leaders and their role in the community. He presents a simplified yet comprehensive portrait of pastoral care that is as relevant today as it was in the nascent days of the ...

Because we are the children of God, we know with certainty that this pandemic, whether under natural circumstances or was human-made, occurred with the permission of God. That is why we will not worry because we are carried on God's arms. He transforms what is bitter into sweetness, and whatever hardship will not be for destruction but edification. That is why it is appropriate for us to go through it joyfully, accepting whatever its outcome may be. As believers in the grace of God, His love, and His care for us, we can pass through this time successfully and learn a lot from it through our...

Who can imagine that someone comes back home rejoicing, after bidding farewell to a son or a dear friend at the airport, because his son or friend has left town? But what amazes us is that the disciples and whoever with them, who went back from the Mount of Olives after the ascension of whom they got attached to, and very much loved and left everything for, they came back to Jerusalem with great joy (Lk.24:52). They have watched the most marvelous and splendid scene that humanity has ever seen since its creation. The new Adam spreads out his hands to bless them, rising in defiance to ...

I thank You, My Lord Jesus, O You who genuinely loves children. You became a child that I may experience You being a wonderous friend! When You entered Jerusalem, the infants and little children rejoiced and were praising You without anyone teaching them. For my sake You were crucified, allow me to kiss Your wounds! How joyful were the angels with the martyrs, especially the little children among them! Satan and his evil angels were envious, since they were banished from heaven, while we became like righteous angels! We await Your coming on the clouds that we may also join the procession of...

From the inspiration of St. Basil the great on the Feast of the Holy Epiphany: - Baptisms of Moses, of John the Baptist and of the Lord Jesus - My Holy Spirit will guide you to the new birth - I received you that I may cover you and become your Goodness, your holiness and your salvation - The Father loves you!

Homilies on the Feast of Epiphany By St. Jacob of Serugh Step into a realm of divine revelation and timeless wisdom with "Homilies on the Feast of Epiphany" by St. Jacob of Serugh. This profound collection unveils the spiritual richness of the Feast of the Lord's Baptism as seen through the eyes of a revered Church Father. St. Jacob of Serugh's words resonate with the echoes of ancient truth, guiding the reader through the mystical union of Christ with His church at the waters of the Jordan. Journey alongside St. John the Baptist as he adorns the bride of Christ in preparation for the ...

The Church Fathers often address the role of the Baby of the manger in the lives of the believers, which transforms us into a joyful bride that through her heavenly Bridegroom (Jesus) can resist the forces of darkness, sin, evil, and Satan himself. St. Jacob of Serugh was the one who had pictured the reaction of the kingdom of Satan to the Birth of this glorious Child. St. Jacob of Serugh recorded a memoir depicting in his deep spiritual sense, his rich imagination, and his intriguing style, a serious meeting revolving around the Baby of the manger. The attendees of this gathering are all ...

The fruit of keeping God's commandment, with all the heart and soul faithfully and abiding by the divine covenant, is that the believers become a special people and that God elevates His people and sanctifies them: "And that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the Lord your God, just as He has spoken." (Deut. 26: 19). God elevates their names, so they are attached to His great name. Heaven and earth are astonished for the honor and the splendor they have in the Lord, and He sanctifies them to become...

Suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty rushing wind on all the apostles. The wind mixed with the sound, and tongues of living fire from the Father, came down on their heads; and all of a sudden, they felt stronger, in body, soul, and wisdom. Their minds got enlightened more, and many things became clearer to them. They then knew for sure that the Holy Spirit has dwelt in them, and started to be their Instructor and Guide. The weak and simple became strong and wise. The fishermen became teachers and scholars. The rushing wind that came all of a sudden turned into an ...

In great sweetness and honest feelings, St. Jacob of Serugh recorded for us the moments of Jesus’ ascension as a unique event that shook Heaven and earth. On that great day, the Lord Jesus Christ met with His Church at the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12), raised His hands and blessed her (Luke 24:50) to enjoy the guarantee of the heavens. And while she was kneeling in front of Him, He raised his hands toward Heaven. This is why St. Jacob stands in amazement, trying to record for us these moments so we can share them. He sees the incarnated Son approaching, the heavenly Groom, holding the lost...

At the beginning of a new year, many believers start revisiting their spiritual lives to confess their sins which is excellent! But unfortunately, some of them forget the positive side of their relationship with Christ when it comes to their thoughts, hearts, words, actions or even their dreams. For example: Are our hearts and minds always thinking of Christ? Are we joyful amid tribulations and hardships? Are we enjoying the kingdom of God within our hearts? Do we have a relationship with the saints and angels? Do we ask God to guide us on the way of truth? What is our role with those who ...

Unlock the ancient wisdom of the Patristic Fathers with this commentary on the Book of Haggai. Discover how their insights reveal the deep spiritual layers of this Old Testament Book, guiding us to rebuild not just physical temples but the temple within our hearts. This volume of the series offers a profound journey into the messages of divine priority and inner sanctification. Embrace a path to spiritual renewal and joyous salvation with this compelling read.

This book is Illustrative stories with Coptic icons for the children on the Book of Judges. The interaction between two young children not only effectively teaches the story of all of the judges, but allows to imagine themselves in the shoes of Sarah and Jack, and want to talk about the saints with their friends.

To our Beloved Children: What do you know about historical books? To know the Judges' era in the Old Testament, we have to know the various historical stages from the standpoint of the salvation of mankind. 1. The creation stage: The book of Genesis talked to us about the creation to realize how God granted man authority and power to learn and explore until the modern man reached outer space. 2. The renewal stage: Since the creation was defiled, there was only one righteous family, which was Noah, his sons and their wives. God asked them to renew the world through the ark and the flood. 3. ...

“DEAR GOD, HOW SWEET IS YOUR WORD?” is an illustrated book with Coptic Icons in the form of a dialog between a child and His heavenly Father about His sweet Words inspired by the Book of Genesis

THE CHURCH AS AN ICON OF HEAVEN The epistle of St. Paul the apostle to the Ephesians is similar to an invitation given to each believer to be taken up to the third heaven, so we can elevate our hearts and say with St. Paul: "I know a man in Christ… whether in the body, I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven… He was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Corinth 12:2-4). What did he see but the Church, the pledge of the Heavenly Jerusalem, people's ...

If the life of Jesus, our Lord, has ended with His death on the cross or His burial in the sepulcher, which is not possible, because in Him is the power of the resurrection and life and thus it is impossible for corruption to grab hold of Him. His mission would have failed and the cross would have not been able to reveal God's true and active love for mankind, able to forgive the sins and raise the dead. Hence, the life of Jesus, our Lord, on earth would have become a mere humane story recorded by history, and the cross would have been considered a disgrace, and the disciples would have ...

To our Beloved sons and daughters: What do you know about the Book of Second Samuel? The book of Second Samuel recorded the history of the kingdom of King David since he was enthroned and for the period of 40 years. This book concentrated on “The presence before the Lord”, so David does not move unless he asks the Lord (2:1 & 5:19, 23 & 21: 1) He became ruler over Israel “before the Lord” (5:3) He danced “before the Lord” with all his might. (6:14) When Michal rebuked him, he did not retreat but ascertained to her that he is so small in his eyes “before the Lord” who ...

The "Patristic Commentary on the Book of Jonah" offers a rich and profound journey through the Old Testament narrative of Jonah. This text is a read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring relevance of ancient scripture in our modern lives. This commentary invites readers from all backgrounds to delve into the spiritual and historical depths of the Book of Jonah. The work presents a critical approach that challenges the reader to contemplate authorship, symbolism, and the structure of the biblical text, while simultaneously providing a clear and accessible interpretation. Through the ...