St. John Chrysostom and Carrying our Cross
This week, as millions of Americans around the world give thanks during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates the exemplary life and departure of one of the most influential figures in the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church: St. John Chrysostom (the “Golden-Mouthed”). St. John was one of the most eloquent preachers of Christ’s Gospel as well as an ascetic and great teacher. His love for our Lord Jesus Christ was great, as was – …
The Martyr Portrays the Icon of the Resurrection
During these blessed and joyous weeks, we celebrate the The Feast of Nairouz and the beginning of another Coptic New Year. The Church chose the beginning of the reign of Emperor Diocletian in 284 A.D. to mark the beginning of the Church Calendar, because he was one of the cruelest emperors, who severely persecuted the Christians, especially in Egypt. The Coptic Orthodox Church offered thousands of martyrs during the reign of this emperor.When we celebrate – …
Muslim Extremists Attack Coptic Christians Over Church Fence in Marsa Matrouh
On Friday, March 12, Muslim extremists attacked a church and community center in Marsa Matruh and injured 28 Coptic Orthodox Christians, some critically. According to Egyptian officials, the cause of the attack was the assailant’s anger over a new fence that was erected around the center. The assailants mistakenly believed that construction workers were building a new church, not a simple fence around the center. The following audio files contain firsthand witness accounts of this – …
Diocese to Commemorate Nag Hammadi Martyrs
On February 14, the diocese will solemnly observe the Fortieth Day Commemoration of the Nag Hammadi martyrs. His Grace Bishop Serapion has called upon all parish churches to remember the names of the blessed martyrs in their celebrations of the Divine Liturgy. The names of the seven martyrs are as follows: Mina Helmy Said, Bishoy Farid Labib, Boula Atef Yassa, Ayman Zakaria Louka, Abanoub Kamal Nashed, and Rafik Refaat William. Also, His Grace has released – …
Christianity and Martin Luther King’s Dream
On Monday, January 18, millions in the United States and around the world observed the Martin Luther King holiday, which commemorates the life of Dr. King and the struggle of the African-American community seeking freedom, equality, and justice in the United States. The significance of this holiday should not be lost on Orthodox Christians. The experience of African Americans persevering in their pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice has many parallels for modern Christians around – …