The calendar of the Coptic Orthodox church begins with the beginning of the terrible reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian in 284 A.D. During his time, Christians in Egypt were tortured, massacred, and martyred in countless numbers. For early Coptic Christians, this was the “Era of the Martyrs.” As a result, the Copts based their …
This is an ancient custom, which dates to the early Church. St. Cyril of Jerusalem mentions in his lectures to catechumens: Let men be with men, and women with women. For now I need the example of Noah’s ark: in which were Noah and his sons, and his wife and his sons’ wives. For though the ark …
What does it mean when we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Hallowed be Thy Name” or in the Liturgy “we bless You” or “we glorify You?” Also, how could St. Mary say, “My soul magnifies the Lord?” Does God Who is full and perfect need to be blessed, glorified, or magnified? Does His Holy Name …
The following advice comes from Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894), a Russian Orthodox saint best known for his work, Unseen Warfare, and his spiritual counsels to beginners, especially youth. In order to facilitate the development of true prayer, take these steps: Keep a prayer rule according to the blessing of your spiritual father – not more than you can …
During prayer there sometimes occur moments of deadly darkness and spiritual anguish arising from unbelief of the heart (for unbelief is darkness). Do not let your heart fail you at such moments, but remember that if the Divine light has been cut off from you, it always shines in all its splendour and greatness in …
