Contemplations Archives • Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.

Third Hour of Good Friday 🤍 “My spirit is given over to the humble service of the Cross, which is a stumbling block to unbelievers, but to us salvation and eternal life.” – St. Ignatius of Antioch • • • #goodfriday #pascha #holyfriday #fast #faith #orthodox #coptic #salvation #cross #trials #holyweek #pascha #orthodoxy

The sixth Hour of the Eve of Holy Friday⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “By saying then, “If it be possible, let it pass from me,” he showed his true humanity. But by saying, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as you will,” he showed his virtue and selfcommand. This too teaches us, even when nature pulls us back, to follow God. In order to make clear that he is truly God and truly human, words alone would not suffice. Deeds were needed. So he joined deeds with words in order that even those who have been highly contentious may believe that he both became man and died” – St John Chrysostom

Thursday Eve of the Holy Pascha Week O madness! The covetousness of Judas altogether blinds him! Yet not for that did the Lord cease to do His part. St. John Chrysostom • • • #coptic #orthodox #orthodoxy #paschaweek #pascha #holyweek #judasiscariot #betrayal #holywednesday

Tuesday of the Holy Pascha Week “The lamps” which they carry in their hands are their works, of which it was said above, “Let your works shine before men.” Or, by the five virgins, is denoted a five-fold continence from the allurements of the flesh; for our appetite must be held from gratification of the eyes, ears, smell, taste, and touch. – St Augustine of Hippo • • • #coptic #orthodox #orthodoxy #pascha #parableofthetenvirgins #augustineofhippo #paschaweek #holyweek

It is love that asks, that seeks, that knocks, that finds, and that is faithful to what it finds. – St. Augustine (+430)