Orthodox Church

Inspired from Sirach- Chapter 23: HAVE MERCY O, MY FATHER, FROM MY WISDOM! - To You, I complain of myself, O Lord, the Father of my life, and my Master. May Your will be fulfilled in my life, and may my careless judgments be crucified. Who else can correct my careless thoughts and scourge them with a whip? I trust no one other than You to correct me. For You are my heavenly and merciful Father, You are Almighty, and You know all my depths! Your firm yet loving lashes demolish the pride of my haughty eyes, To You alone belongs the power to root out my evil lusts and greed, as well as all ...

Immerse yourself in the spiritual journey of "Fasting," a short pamphlet exploring the ancient Christian practice as viewed through the lens of the Coptic Orthodox Church. With a blend of biblical narratives and theological insights, this guide invites believers and seekers alike to experience the transformative power of fasting. "Fasting is a calling to see God," begins the pamphlet, addressing the innate questions about the purpose and necessity of this discipline, far from a mere abstention from food. Journey through the experiences of Moses and Elijah, whose mountaintops during periods ...

Jesus Ben Sirach did not only speak to his disciples, but he also prayed for them while in their presence. He also recorded prayers about them. Together with the prayers of the saintly people of God - men and women of earlier times - these are all considered contemporary prayers for new generations. His prayers constitute a dialogue shared between him and God. They offer honor to God in anticipation of His divine care to all human beings, and they also convey the love of humankind. The desire and spirit of prayer are a gift from God. A person who desires to pray stands in the presence of ...

Rediscover Timeless Wisdom: A Patristic Commentary on The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy Delve into the ancient yet ever-relevant teachings of St. Paul's commentary on The First Epistle to Timothy. This work is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of pastoral teachings and their enduring significance in our daily lives. This commentary invites readers to consider the practical applications of St. Paul's words. Whether you are a church leader, a seeker of spiritual truths, or simply someone interested in the historical foundations of Christian doctrine, this book offers a rich source ...

The Ancestors of Israel Glorify God A Poem Dedicated to the Heroes of the Faith glorifying God across history The roots of wisdom are found in the people of God and are mentioned in the Old Testament. Wisdom spread to all nations through the Incarnate Word of God, who offers wisdom and salvation to all humankind. It is only through union with the Lord Jesus Christ that we receive true wisdom, for He is the Incarnated Wisdom of God. He protects His believers from sin and grants them eternal life. Ben Sirach does not mention all the famous ancestors. Instead, he wishes to assert that every ...

This is book 3 of the series "BROTHERLY LOVE". It discusses the following topics: 1. FAMILY BOND: Caring for every member of the family - Family stability - Love is the pillar of the family structure. 2. PARENTHOOD IN CHRISTIANITY: The concept of parenthood. 3. RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD: The importance of raising children - you are responsible! - you are responsible even for the salvation of the illegitimate son. 4. PARENTHOOD BETWEEN LOVE AND AUTHORITY: Childhood world - 1. Parental authority is for the children! - 2. Your job is to pave the way not to own them - 3. Mutual benefits - 4. ...

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 ...

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 "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 ...

Dive deep into the heart of the most holy periods of the Christian liturgical year, Holy Week and Pascha. This exploration invites readers into a profound dialogue with Christ, mirroring the intimate conversations that shape our journey towards spiritual renewal and resurrection under his leadership through His Holy Spirit. The book weaves the narrative of Lazarus Saturday with the sequential days of Holy Week, shedding light on the powerful biblical events and their implications for personal practical faith. From the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to the profound mysteries of the Last ...

For more than a millennium, the Russian Orthodox Church has shown astonishing survival skills—from the Mongol yoke, to tsarist demagoguery and enlightenment, Soviet atheism, the chaotic 1990s and now two decades of Vladimir Putin. In this provocative new book, Lucy Ash reveals how, under Putin, religion is being stripped of its spiritual content and used as a weapon to control the population in a way never seen before. Orthodox clerics and their acolytes are trying to drag Russia backwards into a new Middle Ages.

In the early chapters of Acts all the Christians were Jews, that was until (1) Peter went to the God-fearing Roman Centurion Cornelius, and (2) some of the Jewish Christians who had fled Jerusalem, at the havoc wreaked by Saul, later started evangelizing the Greek speaking pagan Gentiles in Antioch in Syria. One of these was Titus, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas with their gift for famine relief to Jerusalem and then had a meeting with Peter, James and John. However, throughout the period of time covered by the Acts of the Apostles, all the leaders, all the teachers, all the evangelists ...

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...

Dive into the captivating world of "The Last Romans: A Brief History of the Byzantine Empire," where the echoes of ancient Rome blend seamlessly with the dawn of the modern world. This enthralling book invites readers on a journey through the corridors of history to explore an empire that stood resiliently at the crossroads of civilizations for over a thousand years. "The Last Romans" presents a distilled narrative that captures the essence of Byzantine history—from its inception in 330 AD, when Constantine the Great christened Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire, to its...

In a world grappling with uncertainty and the quest for authentic significance,' Patristic Commentary: The Epistle of Jude' emerges as a profound guide, illuminating the path. This work delves into the timeless teachings of Jude's epistle, offering a beacon of hope and a call to unwavering faith that resonates powerfully in our modern era. Jude's words echo with striking relevance as we find ourselves on the precipice of times that mirror the trials of early believers. His warnings against apostasy and the promise of Divine glory through Jesus Christ compel us to stay alert in our spiritual...

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 ...

Step into the spiritual wisdom of the beloved Apostle, St. John. John. This New Testament Patristic Commentary Series volume delves into the timeless truths of love, truth, and vigilance against deceit, offering a pathway to deepen their relationship with Christ and His Church. In this commentary, the gentle yet powerful voice of St. John the Beloved resonates, calling us to abide in love that springs from the truth—Christ Himself. This epistle, uniquely addressed to a “chosen lady and her children,” reminds us of the unity and equality we share in Christ, who unites us beyond ...

In a world often shrouded by darkness and closed doors, discover the profound message of hope and renewal in "The Feast of the Ascension: Opened Gate." This pamphlet invites readers on a spiritual journey to understand the significance of Christ's Ascension. Explore how the Ascension opens the gates of Heaven and transforms our lives. Learn how Jesus, through His sacrifice and love, demolishes the barriers of sin and despair, offering us a path to eternal joy and communion with God. Feel your heart uplifted as you contemplate the open gates of Heaven, the renewal of your soul, and the ...

Encounters of Our Savior Jesus Christ with Families: A Journey from Resurrection to Ascension Inspired by the Holy Fifty Days This booklet explores the timeless wisdom and divine encounters of Our Savior Jesus Christ with families, as inspired by the Holy Pentecost Season. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church, it brings to life Christ's practical and relevant teachings. Join us as we explore the sacred moments when Jesus engaged with families, revealing His divine plan and love for all. From the joyous greeting of St. Mary to Elizabeth to the powerful lessons imparted...

In this fifth book of the apologetic discipline series, we will examine practical insights for continuous development of the apologist’s ministry. In addition, we will revisit the foundational creeds which should fortify the apologist’s ministry. We will also explore modern considerations for engaging in apologetic ministry presently.