Category: Resources

What is your suggestion if someone, a really close friend, is on and off in his relation with me to a point that is really confusing me?

His Grace Bishop Youssef: The best thing in this situation is to talk openly to this person and ask exactly what is going on and why the change of mood every now and then. It is good to be friends with everyone and to try to keep a friendship; but if this friendship is not …

I am worried about my friends, who are a big part of the youth group at my church. Lately they have been doing inappropriate things. What is worse is that their parents know, but do not bother. Please tell me what I should do besides praying.

His Grace Bishop Youssef: It is tough when you see parents backing up their children in doing the wrong things. Don’t loose faith or hope but continue on praying for them and their parents. Consider this: First and foremost keep on praying for them and for yourself that God may give you the wisdom to …

Is there anything wrong with having different types of hairstyles, because, for example, in Leviticus 19:27, it says, “You shall not shave the sides of your head…”?

His Grace Bishop Moussa: The problem is not with the hairstyle, but with the essence of the person inside. When you cut your hair, what are you thinking about? Who are you trying to imitate? If you want to be different or distinguished, be different in your personality, your success, your achievements. The way you …

Isn’t fasting a decision made by a person according to his spiritual level? In the Catholic Church, it is logical that you shall not eat one hour before communion.

His Grace Bishop Youssef: In Christianity, fasting is not optional. In the Sermon on the Mount, regarded by Christians as the basis for Christian life, our Lord Jesus Christ emphasized on three points as requisites for living in Him. These are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In preparing ourselves to partake of the Holy Communion, we …

What is the church’s viewpoint concerning homosexuals and homosexuality?

His Grace Bishop Youssef: Homosexuality is a sin condemned by God in the Old and New Testaments. Homosexuality was condemned from the time of Sodom where apparent homosexual activity among men was widespread in this city. The Old Testament considers homosexuality a sin deserving capital punishment. “If a man lies with a male as he …