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

“Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.” John 16:20 . “Nothing in this world can distress or perturb me, for I take refuge in the impregnable fortress of the Church. I am reassured in the bosom of God’s mercies. Comfort and blessing continuously flows from Him. The Lord’s grace flutters its wings and casts away all sadness, and heals the heart with its indescribable balm. Oh, how sweet it is! No one can withstand the trials of this world without His care or power. Our Fathers compare this Grace with a mother teaching her child to walk. She stands at a distance and when she sees that he is about to fall she hurries to him and wipes every tear from his eyes. Such is the way that God’s Grace deals with man. Amid his struggles, God’s Grace distances itself just a little in order to train him to walk in the path of virtue. But when he is found to be saddened or discouraged, this Grace hurries to comfort and encourage him.” St Pope Kyrillos VI #StParsouma #AnbaBarsoumElErian #sorrowleadstojoy #resurrectionfollowsthecross #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will …