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

“So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.” – ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:17‬ . “But what was the result of the miracle? It was the satisfying a large multitude with food: for there were as many as five thousand men besides women and children, according to what another of the holy Evangelists has added to the narrative. Nor did the miracle end here; but there were also gathered twelve baskets of fragments. And what do we infer from this? A plain assurance that hospitality receives a rich recompense from God. The…

“So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.” – ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:17‬ . “But what was the result of the miracle? It was the satisfying a large multitude with food: for there were as many as five thousand men besides women and children, according to what another of the holy Evangelists has added to the narrative. Nor did the miracle end here; but there were also gathered twelve baskets of fragments. And what do we infer from this? A plain assurance that hospitality receives a rich recompense from God. The…

Jul 24, 2016

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalms‬ ‭133:1‬ ‭ We were blessed this weekend to have a gathering of 5 wonderful bishops (from left to right): H.G. Bishop Angaelos, H.G. Bishop Moussa, H.G. Bishop Antony, H.G. Bishop Missael and H.G. Bishop David May the Lord preserve your lives and bless your service.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalms‬ ‭133:1‬ ‭ We were blessed this weekend to have a gathering of 5 wonderful bishops (from left to right): H.G. Bishop Angaelos, H.G. Bishop Moussa, H.G. Bishop Antony, H.G. Bishop Missael and H.G. Bishop David May the Lord preserve your lives and bless your service.

Jul 24, 2016

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”” – John 21:15 . “The Lord asked Peter to “Feed (His) lambs”…, and did not mention his denial or challenge what he had done. It was as though the Lord was telling him: ‘You had said that you would sacrifice yourself for my sake, so now I am asking you to sacrifice yourself for my lambs’.” – St. John…

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”” – John 21:15 . “The Lord asked Peter to “Feed (His) lambs”…, and did not mention his denial or challenge what he had done. It was as though the Lord was telling him: ‘You had said that you would sacrifice yourself for my sake, so now I am asking you to sacrifice yourself for my lambs’.” – St. John…

Jul 23, 2016

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:27 . “The path of God is a daily cross. No one has ascended into heaven by means of ease.” – St. Isaac the Syrian #bearyourcross #carryyourcross #followernotfan #disciple #thecrossispainful #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:27 . “The path of God is a daily cross. No one has ascended into heaven by means of ease.” – St. Isaac the Syrian #bearyourcross #carryyourcross #followernotfan #disciple #thecrossispainful #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

Jul 22, 2016

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 . . . There is nothing more worthwhile than to pray to God and to converse with him, for prayer unites us with God as his companions. As our bodily eyes are illuminated by seeing the light, so in contemplating God our soul is illuminated by him. Of course the prayer I have in mind is no matter of routine, it is deliberate and earnest.…

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 . . . There is nothing more worthwhile than to pray to God and to converse with him, for prayer unites us with God as his companions. As our bodily eyes are illuminated by seeing the light, so in contemplating God our soul is illuminated by him. Of course the prayer I have in mind is no matter of routine, it is deliberate and earnest.…

Jul 21, 2016

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you – John 16:22 . . . In the house of God there is never ending festival; the angel choir makes eternal holiday; the presence of God’s face gives joy that never fails. Saint Augustine #joythatnoonecansteal #heaven #joyfromseeinggod #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodoxy

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you – John 16:22 . . . In the house of God there is never ending festival; the angel choir makes eternal holiday; the presence of God’s face gives joy that never fails. Saint Augustine #joythatnoonecansteal #heaven #joyfromseeinggod #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodoxy

Jul 20, 2016