As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Nayrouz, which is the feast of the new year beginning on September 12 in the Coptic Orthodox Church, we cannot help but notice the phrase, “Bless the crown of the year with Your Goodness, O Lord,” which is repeated throughout the hymns of the Church. This phrase is actually a quotation from Psalm 64:12 (LXX; 65 in the Protestant Bible), which reads, “Thou shalt bless the crown of – …

"Salvation belongs to the Lord" [Ps. 3:8, NKJ]. Just as no man is from himself, so no man is saved by himself. Therefore most truly and right well does the psalm say, "O Lord, You shall save men and beasts." Why? "Even as your mercy is multiplied, O God." For You are God, You have created, You save: You gave life, You give health…"Because with You is the fountain of life." The very fountain of – …

Offering praise is the work of angels who constantly love to be before the Throne of God. They praise Him zealously since all their pleasure, satisfaction, and comfort is in the praise of their Creator. Offering of praise is the most sublime type of prayer, for it is conversing with God. When we praise, we are likened with the heavenly hosts who praise God incessantly. As St. Gregory the Theologian says, “He who has granted – …