Category: Resources

Why must we use the Agpeya in prayer? Can a person just use their own words if they feel that it helps them get closer to God, or would this be disobeying the Church? Also, as time goes by, are we supposed to be growing in how many psalms we recite from t

First, I would like to refer you to a well-written article on the Agpeya in the first issue of the Mighty Arrows (vol 1, no 1). After reading the article, let’s examine the work of prayer. A well practiced prayer pleases God a lot. St John Chrysostom says, “Prayer was described as incense because of …

Who is/are the author/s of the Agpeya? When and how was it written?

Praying the Agpeya prayers is a teaching received from the apostolic and patristic fathers. History tells us that during the time of Abba Pachomious, the fathers of the church met together to establish a daily worshipping system for all believers to pass on to the following generations. While they were trying to come to an …

What is the view on abortion and adoption of the Coptic Orthodox Church?

Abortion is not a solution approved of by the Church unless a mother is in medically serious danger. Adoption is a solution for a married couple who cannot have their own children. Adoption can also be a solution for a woman who may have been raped and thereby conceived as a result. If she cannot …

In the Holy Book of Numbers chapter 12, both Miriam and Aaron talked about Moses behind his back; but God punished Miriam only. Why did God not punish both of them?

Miriam, but not Aaron was struck with leprosy, because Miriam was the first to transgress (Num 12:1) God differentiates between those that mislead and those who are misled. Had Aaron been struck with leprosy, the priesthood itself would have fallen into contempt. Aaron would have been suspended from his duties. This would have rendered him …

What are the qualities that make one “a man after God’s own heart?”

“A man after God’s own heart” was said about David the prophet. Let’s examine his attributes to know how he pleased God. David was a man of prayer “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.” (Ps 55:17) He loved to praise God “Seven times …