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Spirituality and Service
Articles on spirituality and service in the Orthodox Church. These articles are less historic and more personal in nature.
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Past NewslettersA Monk in the Wilderness (of Death)
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
by Father Boutros El Maqaari
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From the handwritten notes of the Departed Father Boutros El Maqaari, which were found in his cell. This article is an amazing account of a soul's vision of death, and the opportunity to repent and prepare for the departure from this world.
The First Epistle to the Thessalonians
Monday, October 11, 2004
by Father Matta El Maskeen (Matthew the Poor)
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Paul the Apostle wrote First Thessalonians in the spring of 50 A.D., after his arrival at Corinth, and sent the second epistle five weeks later. It contains the first rules for spreading the Gospel in a tradition delivered by the Lord... Because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1 Thess. 2:13.)
The Mystery of God's Love in Relation to Renewed Mankind
Sunday, October 10, 2004
by Father Matta El Maskeen (Matthew the Poor)
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Our love for God was impossible because of sin and the judgment of death. Removing the barricade, Christ, the Son, opened the way for us to God the Father's love. Through the cross He broke down the barriers, which were sin and the curse of death, that separated us from God the Father...
God in the Life of Youth
Friday, October 08, 2004
by The Late Hegomen Pishoy Kamel
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In this inspirational article of short meditations, Fr. Pishoy reminds us how God's continuous presence in our lives will give us strength to endure all obstacles.
The Dynamism of the Cross - Part IV: "The Cross of Psychological Problems"
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
by The Late Hegomen Pishoy Kamel
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In the final installment of this article, Fr. Pishoy discusses how meditating upon the Cross will alleviate many psychological troubles we face in today's world.
The Dynamism of the Cross - Part III: "The Cross of Thoughts"
Sunday, October 03, 2004
by The Late Hegomen Pishoy Kamel
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In the third part of his article, Fr. Pishoy analyzes how meditating upon the purity of the Cross will release us from the pride, fear, hatred, and lust that continually occupy our thoughts.
Coping with Spiritual Paralysis
Friday, October 01, 2004
by Fr. Matta El-Maskeen
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Periods of impasse, of oppressive grief, of darkness engulfing the soul are inseparable parts of religious life. Read about how to deal with these times in this week's CMN Newsletter.
Not a subscriber yet? What are you waiting for? Click here.
Not a subscriber yet? What are you waiting for? Click here.
The Day of the Cross
Friday, October 01, 2004
by Father Matta El Maskeen (Matthew the Poor)
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This is an epic article released by Father Matthew the Poor (Abouna Matta El-Meskeen) on Good Friday 1973.
This article follows the Divine Trial of judgment that Christ endured for our sake.
This article follows the Divine Trial of judgment that Christ endured for our sake.
The Dynamism of the Cross - Part II: "A Cross of Pleasure"
Monday, September 27, 2004
by The Late Hegomen Pishoy Kamel
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A Blessed Feast of the Cross! In Part II of his book, Fr. Pishoy Kamel discusses how we can develop a lasting spiritual pleasure from meditating upon the Cross, and how that spiritual pleasure can replace all worldly pleasures and lusts.
The Dynamism of the Cross - Part I
Saturday, September 25, 2004
by The Late Hegomen Pishoy Kamel
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As we draw near to the Feast of the Cross, this article is the first in a four-part series of the dynamism (literally, the vigorous, active energy) of the Cross in our lives. In Part I, Fr. Pishoy Kamel discusses what it means to "crucify the flesh" by examining the Cross as a weapon of purity.
Try Before You Buy: Purity from Sexual Sin
Thursday, September 23, 2004
by St. Mina COC - Gods Calling Monthly Magazine – September 2004; contributed by tinab
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"Flee forbidden longings, those lusts that lure you when you are young. Press instead into what is real and right in character: conviction and faithfulness, unselfish affection. Rest content in Him with those who also call on the Lord's help for a clean heart." (2 Tim 2:22)
What Do I Eat? The Deal with our Diet.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
by sotirmou
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Are we filling ourselves with worldly "food" and neglecting to feed ourselves spiritually? Are we engaging in spiritual activities without realizing a spiritual life? In this excellent article, CMN Member sotirmou (Mina Demian) takes a thoughtful look at the importance of communing with God.
I am the Light of the World
Friday, September 24, 2004
by Father Matthew the Poor
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This is a brief article by Fr. Matthew the Poor (Abouna Matta El-Meskeen), the Spiritual Father of the Monastery of St. Macarius, Wadi el-Natroun, Egypt, featuring a contemplation on the meaning of Christ's declaration, "I am the light of the world."
It is an excerpt from a larger work bearing the same name, written in Arabic, and is reprinted here with express permission from Fr. Matthew the Poor and St. Mark's Monthly Review, where the article was also published.
It is an excerpt from a larger work bearing the same name, written in Arabic, and is reprinted here with express permission from Fr. Matthew the Poor and St. Mark's Monthly Review, where the article was also published.
Pastoral Commentary - The Question of Sex Addiction
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
by Fr. Alexey Young
The following article is written by Fr. Alexey Young of the Russian Orthodox Church. Fr. Alexey has now retired from parish ministry to monastic life and was given the name Hieromonk Ambrose.
The article is by its nature direct and frank. It may not be for all readers, but is especially aimed at clergy and those lay people who suspect that they may have become sexually addicted or are engaging in sexually obsessive behavior, even within marriage.
The article is by its nature direct and frank. It may not be for all readers, but is especially aimed at clergy and those lay people who suspect that they may have become sexually addicted or are engaging in sexually obsessive behavior, even within marriage.
The Last Supper
Monday, September 20, 2004
by Father Matthew the Poor (Abouna Matta El-Meskeen)
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"Do this in remembrance of Me"
(1 Cor. 11:24.)
"Remember me till I come"
(Coptic Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great)
"I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer"
(Luke 22:15.)
This was how Christ expressed His desire to complete His mission and bestow eternal life.
(1 Cor. 11:24.)
"Remember me till I come"
(Coptic Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great)
"I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer"
(Luke 22:15.)
This was how Christ expressed His desire to complete His mission and bestow eternal life.
The Joy of Nayrouz on 9/11
Saturday, September 11, 2004
by CMN Admins
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Perhaps it is fitting that the world commemorates the tragedy inflicted upon freedom-loving peoples on September 11, 2001 today as the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates a new year and a glorious procession of martyrs.
The Sacrament of Love
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
by Ramez Mikhail
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Powerful Research on the Sacrament of Matrimony
Today we added a powerful research paper on the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony, titled "The Sacrament of Love". This paper was written by Sherry Fahmi as part of the effort of the church of Saint Cyril in this year's college youth competition. Many thanks to Sherry for her contribution to the site, and I hope everyone who reads this paper benefits from it.
Read more to learn about the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Read more to learn about the Sacrament of Matrimony.
What is Fellowship?
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
by Andrew Helmy (CopticSoldier)
Unity as an earthly concept is based on either intellectual or emotional cooperation...
What is Discipleship?
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
by Andrew Helmy (CopticSoldier)
A look at this vital part of spiritual life...
What is Service?
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
by Andrew Helmy (CopticSolider)
A spiritual examination of the importance and necessity of service in Orthodox Christian living...
Welcoming Youth to their Church
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
by Coptica
An important article on youth - and their entry or return to the Church. This spiritual article discusses the humility and responsibility required of all members of the community in welcoming and receiving youth to their safe haven.
Toward a Sound View of Celibacy
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
by H.G. Bishop Moussa, General Bishop for Coptic Youth
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How can we understand celibacy? Can anyone be celibate? Are you impure if you are not? His Grace answers these questions and more in this beautiful article.
Practical Instructions in Prayer for the Beginner
Monday, June 21, 2004
by H.E. Anthony Bloom, Metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church
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We are all beginners in prayer; that is why I do not intend to discuss prayer in detail. I will only share with you some of what I have learned, sometimes from personal experience, but mostly from the experience of others.
Contemplations on the Life and Martyrdom of the Great Martyr St. Demiana
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
by Raouf Ibrahim (Raouf2430)
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The following article consists of five contemplations on the life and martyrdom of the great martyr St. Demiana. Looking back on her childhood, youth, purity, faith and, ultimately, her blessed martyrdom, we can draw for ourselves a wealth of spiritual instructions and inspiration...
St. Pope Kyrillos VI: On Seclusion
Thursday, May 06, 2004
by Sons of Pope Kyrillos VI
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The following article is based on extracts of letters and correspondence of the late saintly Pope Kyrillos VI on the topic of "Seclusion". While mainly addressed to monks, the article still speaks loudly to those of us living in this fast-paced world who are in desperate need of learning about silence and spiritual solitude...it is in such silence that we hear the voice of God ("Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10).
Assorted Prayers for Your Life
Thursday, May 06, 2004
by PaulS
Browse and print these assorted prayers for every step of your daily life, such as before/after Communion, during studying, etc.
The Exercise of the Arrow Prayer
Thursday, May 06, 2004
by His Grace Bishop Moussa, General Bishop for the Youth
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It consists of repeating many times this short prayer: "My Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me, a sinner." This is all the practice consists of. Although it seems simple, it needs some effort of concentration and a lifting of the heart to God.
Christian Behaviour: On Reading
Sunday, March 07, 2004
by H.H. Pope Kyrillos VI
An excerpt from the book "Christian Behaviour". This section deals with the importance of reading for the monk and layperson alike.
Holy Wednesday
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
by Raouf Ibrahim
A sermon delivered to St. Demiana Church, CA, on Wednesday of the Holy Pascha.
Palm Sunday
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
by Raouf Ibrahim
A sermon delivered to St. Demiana's church, California, on the feast of Palm Sunday.
Personal Rule of Prayer
Monday, February 02, 2004
by Raouf Ibrahim
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A spiritual and instructional guide to individual prayer.
Raouf Ibrahim (Raouf2430) is a servant and youth counsellor at St. Demiana Church, Solana Beach, California.
Raouf Ibrahim (Raouf2430) is a servant and youth counsellor at St. Demiana Church, Solana Beach, California.
Callings...
Saturday, January 24, 2004
by Alexander A. Malek
This was originally written in response to a discussion on whether or not marriage, monasticism, priesthood etc... were callings, or whether they were vocations chosen by individuals.
It is worth noting that the word calling here is not being used in the sense commonly understood by the Roman Catholic Church. A calling in the context of this article is an active, direct, and obvious call from God: a Revelation.
It is worth noting that the word calling here is not being used in the sense commonly understood by the Roman Catholic Church. A calling in the context of this article is an active, direct, and obvious call from God: a Revelation.
Origins of the Agpeya
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
by Montreal Agpeya
Read about the origins of one of the integral parts of our Orthodox prayer life...
Callings...
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
by Alexander Abdel-Malek
This was originally written in response to a discussion on whether or not marriage, monasticism, priesthood etc... were callings, or whether they were vocations chosen by individuals.
It is worth noting that the word calling here is not being used in the sense commonly understood by the Roman Catholic Church. A calling in the context of this article is an active, direct, and obvious call from God: a Revelation.
It is worth noting that the word calling here is not being used in the sense commonly understood by the Roman Catholic Church. A calling in the context of this article is an active, direct, and obvious call from God: a Revelation.
Prostrations After Communion?
Monday, December 29, 2003
by Content Admins
Can we bow after Holy Communion?
Service: A Daily Walk in the Gospel
Friday, December 05, 2003
by Mina Demian
A transcription of an Arabic lecture given by HG Bishop Moussa
Fasting
Friday, December 05, 2003
by The Thrice-Blessed Pope Kyrillos VI, Provided and Translated by Protopresbyter Athanasius Iskander
The late Pope Kyrillos VI of triple blessedness, wrote this moving message to his children that had emigrated to other countries on the occasion of holy Lent. It was written shortly before his departure. We are reproducing it on the occasion of Lent and also on the occasion of the anniversary of his Holiness' departure on March 9, 1971.
Discipline of the Memory and Imagination
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
by Protopresbyter Athanasius Iskander
Satan can use both imagination and memory to tempt us to sin. Any object we perceive by our senses, leaves an impression in our memory that can be recalled, for good or for bad.
Sins of memory and imagination are even more dangerous that sins of the senses for these reasons.
Sins of memory and imagination are even more dangerous that sins of the senses for these reasons.
Discipline of the Senses
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
by Protopresbyter Athanasius Iskander
Theophan the Recluse likens man to a king (the soul) who lives in a castle (the body) The castle has 5 windows and a door. The 5 windows are the 5 senses. The door is the mind. The enemy, can not enter into the castle except through the windows or the door. If these are closed shut, the enemy can not enter into the castle...
Discipline of the Mind
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
by Protopresbyter Athanasius Iskander
If you wish to pursue Christian perfection, you have to protect your mind from information that is unprofitable to your soul.
1.Protect your mind from harmful and unprofitable knowledge
2.Plant in your mind the spiritual knowledge
3.Guard your mind against forming the wrong opinions about people and things.
1.Protect your mind from harmful and unprofitable knowledge
2.Plant in your mind the spiritual knowledge
3.Guard your mind against forming the wrong opinions about people and things.
The Workings of the Holy Spirit
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
by Protopresbyter Athanasius Iskander
An address by Father Athanasius Iskander to the world day of prayer meeting, March 7, 2003, Guelph, ON. The day was hosted by the women of Lebanon.
The Temptation of Jesus
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
by Protopresbyter Athanasius Iskander
The Devil is reminded of his humiliating defeat before Christ and we are reminded of our victory over him through Christ. And the same Jesus that conquered the Devil, we partake of whenever we take communion. And as we receive His body and His blood we receive the same power that conquered Satan.
On Discernment of Thoughts
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
by Protopresbyter Athanasius Iskander
It is our duty to discern our thoughts, in order to know their origin and thus avoid being fooled by the Devil. "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God" (1Jn 4:1).
Discipline of the Will
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
by Protopresbyter Athanasius Iskander
St. Paul tells us in Romans 7:22-23 “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."
The Fathers tell us that this means that each one of us has in him two wills, a higher will, the inner man, which seeks after things that are, “above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”Col 3:1, and a lower, sensual will or the law of sin which is in our members, that seeks after things of the world and the flesh. These two wills are at war with each other as St. Paul tells us...
The Fathers tell us that this means that each one of us has in him two wills, a higher will, the inner man, which seeks after things that are, “above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”Col 3:1, and a lower, sensual will or the law of sin which is in our members, that seeks after things of the world and the flesh. These two wills are at war with each other as St. Paul tells us...
The Christian in the Parables of Christ
Monday, December 01, 2003
by Fortunatus
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This article examines the conception of a Christian in the teachings of Christ.
Walking in the Desert
Friday, November 28, 2003
by Fortunatus
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This was the first walk in the desert, and for that youth, it promised to be the beginning of unending lessons...