Statement from the Bishops of North America on the Martyrdom of Hegumen Samaan Shehata and Terrorism in Egypt
From October 17-19, 2017, we, the Coptic Orthodox bishops of North America, gathered for our semi-annual conference in Titusville, Florida and discussed the acts of sectarian violence directed against our beloved brethren in Egypt. The most recent of these events resulted in the martyrdom of Hegumen Samaan Shehata from the Diocese of Beba and El Fashen. We joyfully commend the righteous soul of this father, the martyr Hegumen Samaan Shehata, to the Paradise of Joy, – …
Metropolitan Serapion Speaks on the Barbaric and Cowardly Attacks on Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Cairo
In the wake of today’s barbaric and cowardly attacks on the ancient Coptic Orthodox Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, which is adjacent to the Great Cathedral of St. Mark and the Papal Residence, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion delivered powerful and comforting remarks in the course of his homily at Holy Annunciation Coptic Orthodox Church. Use the links below to listen in English or Arabic. English http://lacopts:8888/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Metropolitan-Serapion-on-the-Bombing-at-Sts-Peter-and-Paul-Church-English.m4a Arabic http://lacopts:8888/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Metropolitan-Serapion-on-the-Bombing-at-Sts-Peter-and-Paul-Church-Arabic.m4a
A Prayer for Peace and the Turning Away of Violence
On Wednesday, a married couple full of violence and hatred attacked a group of government employees in San Bernardino. On Thursday, many secular lawmakers and journalists attacked prayer as the proper response, preferring to place their faith in man-made gun control legislation rather than in the power of prayer to God. Faithful Christians, however, know that prayer is more fundamental to human life than air, food, and water. As the Holy Apostle wrote, we are – …
The Ultimate Powerlessness of Violence
In the wake of yesterday’s tragic violence in San Bernardino, let us be reminded of a powerful passage in the Holy Gospel that teaches us about the ultimate powerlessness of violence. We join our Savior as He is about to be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane by the command of the wicked Jewish leaders aided by Judas the Betrayer: “Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, – …
Statement on the San Bernardino Mass Shooting
The Diocese mourns the tragic shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, which took place near several diocesan parishes and homes of the faithful. It is the latest in a seemingly growing chain of gratuitous violence which has engulfed our beloved country.We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Peace, may console every grieving soul affected by this senseless violence and restore peace and order to our society. At the same – …