Coptic Orthodox Church - Tasbeha.org Community

Coptic Orthodox Church - Tasbeha.org Community https://tasbeha.org/community/categories/coptic-orthodox-church/p37/feed.rss Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:29:47 +0000 Coptic Orthodox Church - Tasbeha.org Community en-CA Commuinon More than Once https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10990/commuinon-more-than-once Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:29:35 +0000 deaconmark123 10990@/community/discussions Church's view on Smoking https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10959/church-s-view-on-smoking Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:28:00 +0000 copticuser20 10959@/community/discussions Lenten Rites https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10929/lenten-rites Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:53:14 +0000 Cyril97 10929@/community/discussions
I was wondering about the rites of the church during lent.
Firstly, I was wondering, is there any rite that changes during lent?
Like not playing the cymbals in the weekdays.
Why? Isn't fasting a joyful thing according to the church?
I know that Meghalo is joyful anwe say it the first Monday of the fast
to symbolise the church is joyful entering the fast- getting a blessing.
Why would we be not happy when the church itself is happy?
Anyways, is there any other "rite" that changes during Lent?
God bless, Pray for me,

Cyril ]]> Circumstances where clergy can retire? https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10984/circumstances-where-clergy-can-retire Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:53:12 +0000 copticuser20 10984@/community/discussions Do Muslims go to Heaven? https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10957/do-muslims-go-to-heaven Fri, 11 Mar 2011 04:19:00 +0000 Zoxsasi 10957@/community/discussions
I need some advice, but I wanted to post it in this section because its to do with the official position of the Church.

There's a muslim guy at work who comes late and cleans the office. We always chat, and he's always trying to convince me at how good Islam is, and that the terrorist actions we see around the world are nothing to do with Islam.

I asked him if the God of Islam hates non-muslims? He didn't want to answer, and I told him that any muslim will not be "better than his god". If your god hates kafirs, then a human being is only going to be as good as the god he worships - hardly better.

I told him that the God of the Bible loves everyone... even those that do not accept Him. But that leads to the question about eternal hell?

What is the case with muslims - do they go to hell if they are not baptised? After all, the Bible says that unless you believe and are baptised, you are not saved.

I know the answer is usually : "Be concerned with your own salvation" - and that's true.. but if someone asks me if they are going to heaven, and are muslim, what can I say to them??

]]> JOY.E stories https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10964/joy-e-stories Sat, 12 Mar 2011 11:05:45 +0000 roubir2010 10964@/community/discussions
www.joyefamily.webs.com]]> In the name of Christ Jesus, the time for Unity is now. https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10951/in-the-name-of-christ-jesus-the-time-for-unity-is-now Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:57:34 +0000 joseph.vandenbrink 10951@/community/discussions
I'm not proposing we disobey our bishops nor do I suggest we disrepect them in any way--God forbid! I say we pray for them, pray for all our hierarchs, and I say we go to each others' churches when there is not a communion service so we can be exposed to and learn each others' services. One day, hopefully soon, we will be facing the clashing of two very different liturgical traditions, no matter how closely related they may be, good luck with EO and OO deacons trying to know what to do in each others' churches. In that same day, our hierarchs may call on a vast number of lay people to be involved in the reunification process in various capacities, and knowing each other will be infinitely helpful.

I also propose that make it known to our hierarchs that we support a glorious and God-pleasing reunification by banding together into a visible group that will be encouragement for them--if the OO is like the EO in this case, it is a group of "old guard" made up of a fair number of disgruntled monks, priests (though this is less common), deacons (also less common), and (especially) lay people who are so focused on, "well, we excommunicated them for a reason 1560 years ago, so it should stay that way." I say we form ourselves together, and in local chapters too, and create a network--an active network--where unity happens by us working together to organize youth events, social justice programmes, Gospel outreach, young adult events, married couples' retreats, etc. so that when our hierarchs look at their people, they are actually seeing one Body reforming, and not just two bodies that talk big about it.

Is there anyone ready for this? If so, send me a message to my account and start praying for reunion, and after Great and Holy Pascha, we will begin to act.

I wanted to bring this up now so we can also start to pray more intensely for this during this season of fasting and prayer, but that's also the reason I ask we not actively do anything other than pray until after Pascha, so we can focus on repentance in this season, and to work out our salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord. ]]> Coptic Converter https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10954/coptic-converter Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:48:57 +0000 Cyril97 10954@/community/discussions Do you guys know where I would be able to convert CS New Athanasius
into New Athanasius? Are they the same font?
Anyways, God bless, Pray for me,
Cyril]]> Miracle vs. Mystery https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10948/miracle-vs-mystery Wed, 09 Mar 2011 01:55:34 +0000 andrew8345 10948@/community/discussions 10 Coptic Christians Killed in Sectarian Clashes in Egypt https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10950/10-coptic-christians-killed-in-sectarian-clashes-in-egypt Wed, 09 Mar 2011 07:12:42 +0000 Zoxsasi 10950@/community/discussions http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/03/09/egypt.clashes/?hpt=T2

I am not sure if praying will bring peace in the Middle East. I don't think Islam is really about peace - is it?

Sorry.. its 10 Coptic Christians killed

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12683568
]]> What's the point? https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10945/what-s-the-point Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:13:56 +0000 PaulSamir 10945@/community/discussions i personally think its just for exercise ;D]]> Cymbals https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10930/cymbals Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:56:09 +0000 Cyril97 10930@/community/discussions
I was told that before the cymbals entered in the church, the used to be something
called a "naous" As in the "arba7 el naous". Firstly, who does it look.
Why is it gone? Can we bring it back in the church?
I heard it is like a plate on a stick and another stick that has a wheel that makes the sound
when you roll it back and forth.
God bless, Pray for me,

Cyril]]> Why 55 days? https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10887/why-55-days Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:43:26 +0000 andrew8345 10887@/community/discussions
I heard that originally we used to fast only 3 days. At another point 40. What is the reason for 55 days? Is it preparation week, 40 days, passion week, as many say?

Thank you.]]> Self Harm/Mutiliation for your salvation https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10922/self-harm-mutiliation-for-your-salvation Mon, 07 Mar 2011 05:58:29 +0000 Zoxsasi 10922@/community/discussions
"And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched. . .And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire..." -MARK 9:45-47

that He literally meant it.

Therefore, by this logic, if I find my mind sinning, I might as well kill myself to avoid evil thoughts. Surely God gave me a mind? I might as well eat something like lead or mercury that destroys the mind to stop it from thinking anything.

If I find my eyes looking at a naked woman, I might as well cut my head off because it attaches the head and my eyes to my body.

Is this really how God wants us to interpret such verses? Should we really be destroying our bodies or our limbs if they cause us to sin, or should we deal with the root cause of the problem - which is the heart?

As far as I can see, what this verse means is that if someone SO CLOSE to us causes us to sin, its best to cut them off than to be with them and perish. Am I wrong ?

I had someone email me this verse as a proof that self-harm , for the benefit of your spiritual life, is recommended by Christ.

Should we be walking around blind or legless because we've cut our limbs off to stop ourselves sinning? Is this literal?? or is it symbolical???]]> Who will be saved? https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10921/who-will-be-saved Mon, 07 Mar 2011 04:11:23 +0000 andrew8345 10921@/community/discussions
Is it someone who believes in the Lord Christ? Does that person have to be baptized? Do they have to believe in and practice the sacraments?

This topic might have already been discussed before. If it has please direct me to the appropriate link. Any literature on the topic is appreciated as well.]]> Help! Pope Shenouda wants the second islamic article to stay?? https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10894/help-pope-shenouda-wants-the-second-islamic-article-to-stay Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:24:21 +0000 marmar357 10894@/community/discussions I have a problem. I know that this post is very lenghty, but this is not just a personal matter, its a SERIOUS matter, about the church. And also about my friend. I have a friend who is done with the COC and he intends on going to an anglican church.
I am really confused and I will tell his arguments for this, but first I want to talk about a confusing matter.
Since i really need to say what my friend said about the Church leaders and not everything is personally at all, and my english is not that good, i will quote what he said. PLEASE don't report this post, this must to be posted to clarify the WHOLE PROBLEM!
His status:
" At the same time there are a lot of good muslims ,youth and men
are refusing the second article in the constitution which say the islamic law is
the only reason for judge ,Pope shenouda head of the egyptian church declared that
he with the second article to stay !!"

I shocked when i saw this. I know that there are journalists who can lie and not speaking the truth, but i am confused.
This is what he & I commented on the status:

*Me: uhm. where did u hear that
* Me:sources?
I am not going to quote the following literally, but he joked around that he dreamed it, and then i said that he dont must
let satan deceive him ( i thought he was talking seriously) and than hw said he didn't dream it.
Then he asked why i need sources and if 1 source isn't enough. I said:
* because i need valid sources to know exactly what he said.
If someone wants me to believe anything, they need to come with valid sources, which prove what the Pope said.
*He: where can i get you 'sources' ?do you want pope shenouda comes to a screen
and say 'listen people as a christians head in egypt i say yes to the
islamic law to be continued in egypt and **the christians here!",
I i don't want you to believe or not believe i say that as a
historical documentation to his words. Then he said "what if i get you ONE
source ?do you will ask for another ones ? what if this source wasnt
inside the church as usual but some journalists working in pubic
journals in egypt ? what if there were more than one journals ?
you know what's that looks like ,,it's look like what he said about
rebuilding the burning police station .the same you'll not find a
'sources' from the church! but it's in the close meeting and leaks
.. so easy it's dirty but effective (politics,hidden messages,leaks)"
Me:omg, do u really believe those journalists? Those people
say everything, all of rubbish, just to attract people to the media and to let
them hear some 'juicy' info. Pope Shenouda will NEVER say that the islamic law
must to be continued..., seriously, he is the POPE, yeah then why we
don't call him "sheikh" if he wants this law to be continued? Our Pope wants
to protect his children and he must be politic with the muslims, cause if he
wasn't, it would have be MUCH worse for the copts in Egypt. There are copts who
asked for the pope's support, and that's why the Pope wants to help us and he
tries to do his best. If he wants the islamic law to stay, than WHY does he cry
in this video

(see: 6:00) about the
persecution of copts?
* Me: any sources outside the church are not trustful
Then he told me that the problems are:
1-I'm not living in Egypt
2-I don't know the system here
3- the same pope shenoudais writing weekly in these rubbish journals
4-I don't want to believe
Me: yes, i am not living in Egypt thats right. But how can a
POPE who is the leader of the coptic orthodox church, wants the islamic law to
stay? That's ridiculous. The pope don't even read these journals, he said on
ctv, cause there are only rumors, than how does he write in them, lol. I don't
believe it, exactly, unless I get valid sources, not from stupid journalists of
satan who wants to destroy the church. I am not going to say anymore else, this
is my opinion, and if U believe that Pope Shenouda should be replaced by
another one, than I wil say : PRAY, and for sure God will answer and if he is
not good enough, he will show it soon. Come back to me if u have concrete
sources.

Then he sent me these links:
http://www.wataninet.com/News.aspx?N=3548
It's in arabic but i transalated it with google:

Said His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, in an exclusive interview today with the
leaders and servants of the churches that he is refusing to cancel the second
article of the Constitution, but it calls for adding an article of the
Constitution provides that the right of Copts also be judged them according to
their religion, as explained by His Holiness that, despite that the Muslim
Brotherhood formed party the center and in the process of the Party (Community)
and also demanding that the Salafi party but it was not in favor of the Copts
to be an independent party, but their best to establish a political party
includes 12 million Coptic and all the moderate Muslims; because this is in
everyone's interest.

His Holiness stressed the importance of discussing our problems quietly and
Coptic is no need for violence, which he read on the net and sites if there is
any problem for the Clerical Council For the victim to submit this directly to
His Holiness. And supported the Pope's servants saw a need to adopt Aghapy and
CTV and preaching of the Gospel and the subject of a newspaper and a national
electoral card and the need to accelerate them out.

and these: http://dostor.org/politics/egypt/11/february/24/36908 open the first site ; http://www.wataninet.com/News.aspx?N=3548 ,, get
He said 'gournal watani' is a christian journal ,,so close to the church. What is this??!

My friend also told me:
there are muslims so happy for pope shenouda
muslims commented on a christian ,church's journal
says pope okay with the second article but take care the christians!!
[b]
]]> a list of good websites!! https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8312/a-list-of-good-websites Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:01:45 +0000 jojo204 8312@/community/discussions http://www.avabishoy.com/index.htm
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Anastasis/message/3772
http://anchorite.org/blog/
http://www.stgeorgechurch.org/SGCOC/Church_Board.html
http://www.stbishoy.org.au/modules/ChurchInfo/churchhistory.php
http://www.suscopts.org/q&a/index.php?qid=387&catid=398
http://www.copticservant.com/Worship/W121%20Spirit/W121Z1.htm
http://www.frbishoy.com/blog/
http://www.saintgeorgeyouth.org
http://4incorporealcreatures.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/132/
http://www.saint-mary.net/youth/servprep/
http://www.saint-mary.net/youth/servprep/rporealcreatures.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/132/
http://groups.google.com/group/stmark_youth/browse_thread/thread/a8009c0d737d5a46/6e740fba346e1b6e
http://www.metroplit-bishoy.org/english/StDemiana.htm
http://www.haveyouseentheoneilove.com/content/view/14/1/
http://www.holystories.org/home.php?catid=6
http://stdemianamonastery.com/home.html
https://sites.google.com/a/stmarkdc.org/servants/
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/2542444/How-to-Develop-Spiritual-Habits
http://www.angelswebsolutions.net/costart/bible/biblestudyhome.asp
http://www.stmaryandstmina.org/archive.html
http://www.stmaryandstrewais.org/
http://www.stmaryscopticorthodox.ca/
http://www.st-mary-alsourian.com
http://www.lacopts.org/
http://www.mystjohn.org/drupal/?q=node/9
http://ekladious.info/
http://www.box.net/shared/d0oy9gi6ec
http://www.st-mary-mons.org/ENGLISH/video.htm
http://www.mallawi-demet.org/Arabic/abonabeshoy/frbpic/frpics.htm
http://theodorakis.net/orthodoxquotescomplete.html
http://orthodoxfathers.org/
http://stmarkcoccleveland.org/copticchurch.html
http://www.coptic.org/stmarkno/Web%20Links.html
http://www.stmina-monastery.org/popekyrillos6.htm
http://www.stmarkoschurch.com/KIDS/puzz6.html
http://www.hazzat.com/Requests/tabid/62/Default.aspx
http://www.saintgeorgechurch.org.au/Articles.htm
http://www.saintmarycopticorthodoxchurch.com/worship6.shtml
http://www.stmarkla.org/
http://www.antonius.org/
http://www.stantonymonastery.org/abbaantony/index.asp#featured
http://stbishoy.ca/stbishoy/?page_id=4
http://stshenoudajc.org/index.php/Presentations/
http://www.stgeorge.ca/Default.aspx
http://stgeorge-sporting.org/mcc/books.php
http://stmarkdc.org/en/
http://www.stmark.com.au/site.php?id_nav=1&subnav_id=72&thrdnav_id=141
http://www.stmark.org.uk/
http://www.stmarystjohn.org/index.php
http://www.saint-mary.net/
http://www.stmaryscopticorthodox.ca/index.html
http://www.stshenouda.rochcopts.org/Literature.php#Publications
http://www.stshenouda.com/cslinks.htm
http://www.stdemiana.org.au/history/church_history_part3.html
http://st-george-church.com/
http://montereycopticchurch.com/montereyCopticStart/bible.asp
http://www.abusefein.org.au/resources/copt/copt.html
http://www.stshenoudamonastery.org.au/
http://www.stgeorgestjoseph.ca/framePage.htm
http://www.stmarkos.org/stmarkos/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=35
http://www.stmarkla.org/?p=Stories%20and%20Miracles&option=com_zina&Itemid=266
http://www.copticsundayschool.ca
http://www.coptic.org/
http://www.coptic.net/exhibits/Lessons.html
http://www.theotokos.org/
http://vb.orthodoxonline.org/showthread.php?t=1554&goto=nextnewest
http://www.angelfire.com/ok/StMaryYouthMagazine/DontWorr.html
http://www.alanbamarcos.com/anbamarcos_en/services.asp?servicecode=010305
http://www.stdemiana.ca/index.php?option=com_jdownloads&Itemid=41&task=viewcategory&catid=17
http://www.tommyswindow.com/music_page_english.htm
http://www.copt.org.au/publications/index.htm
http://www.elmanahry.com/
http://www.nacopts.org/
http://www.kyrillos.com/
http://www.whitsend.org/abouttheshow/
http://www.st-mary-alsourian.com/Monks/Pope/Default.asp
http://copticsaints.wordpress.com/
http://www.mallawi-demet.org/Arabic/abonabeshoy/
http://www.thegrace.com/books/index.html
http://copticwave.com/start.htm
http://www.stantonymonastery.org/psalmody.asp
http://www.stmina.ab.ca/http://www.saintabraam.org/
http://www.coloradocopts.org/prayers.html
http://www.lacopts.org/audio
http://www.antonius.org/logos.php
http://www.monachos.net/content/home
http://www.stminastabanoub.org/index.php?option=com_afm&Itemid=111
http://www.stgeorge-lacopts.org/
http://www.sundayschoolservice.org/church.asp
http://www.stmarina.org/
http://www.st-mina.com/

Audio:
http://www.agpeya.org/Site_Map/site_map.html
www.orthodoxsermons.org
http://www.alhan.org/
www.tasbeha.org
http://www.coptichymns.net/
http://www.copticheritage.org/PagEd+index-page_id-791.phtml
http://www.amsacopticchurch.org/resources/index.html
http://www.stmarkla.org/index.php/media/audio-library
http://hymn.linga.org/tranemlist?AlbumID=286
http://www.coptic.org/music/
http://www.orthodoxsongs.org/
http://www.saintmina-holmdel.org/Bible/index.html
http://www.saintmina-holmdel.org/Multimedia/index.php
http://www.seraphimchorus.org/Objectives.html
http://www.amsacopticchurch.org/resources/sermons.html
http://stpeterandstpaul.org/index.php?page=download&op=category&id=35&title=Audio
http://copticmedia.org/

Books:
http://www.coepaonline.org/downDetails.php?nav=downloads&cat_id=1&subcat_id=23&thrdcat_id=50
http://www.saint-mary.net/books/
http://www.copticbook.net/bookmain.php?t=99
http://popekirillos.net/EN/books/index.php
http://www.nacopts.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47%3Ah-h-pope-shenouda-iii-books-&catid=27%3Ah-h-pope-shenouda-iii-books&Itemid=29
http--www.copticchurch.net-topics-thecopticchurch-Intro_to_the_Coptic_Church_fr_yacoub_malaty.pdf
http://www.stantonymonastery.org/bookstore/index.asp

videos:
http://st-takla.org/Multimedia/009-Videos-index.html
http://stmarycoptic.com/

"freely ye have received, freely give." (Matt. 10:8 )]]> Why Coptic Christians go to Protestant Churches https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10823/why-coptic-christians-go-to-protestant-churches Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:38:51 +0000 Zoxsasi 10823@/community/discussions
I know we have been discussing lately the rise of protestantism in our Church, but there is also the fact that Copts go to Protestant Churches which needs to be addressed.

I came across this article that may shed some light as to why this is happening:

http://continentalnews.net/christian-news/egypt-christian-news/learning-to-trust-a-young-egyptian-shares-her-faith-in-christ-6390.html

The Coptic Orthodox Christian in this report explains why she goes to the protestant Churches.

She feels that our Church is just "rules" and too "rigid" that take us from the relationship we need with Christ.

What do you all feel about that? Is this true? Does what she is saying hold any truth?

I can agree that we may not allow personal prayer time in our liturgy. Its all Priest-Congregation-Priest-Congregation-Deacon responses - one after the other. I don't even think we have enough time to actually worship the Body of Christ IN the Liturgy. Although we can bow and worship the Holy Body and Blood, I think this most intimate part just goes very fast indeed.

I can relate to her need for personal growth or relationship with Christ, but I am hesitant and very cautious of the way she intends to achieve it.
]]> The food line for Fasting https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10840/the-food-line-for-fasting Sun, 27 Feb 2011 10:48:10 +0000 copticuser20 10840@/community/discussions Blasphemy Laws in Islam - Amazing Video https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10867/blasphemy-laws-in-islam-amazing-video Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:43:43 +0000 Zoxsasi 10867@/community/discussions
I wanted to share with you this video of Shahbaz Bhatti who was murdered for trying to change the Blasphemy laws in Pakistan. As you know, any mention against the prophet Mohammad is a crime punishable by death.

Many Christians have been put in tough positions concerning their faith and by simply saying that they are Christians and do not accept the prophet of Islam, they are seen as blaspheming against Islam by many Muslims.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12617562

Although this video is a brilliant display of courage and Christian example, it is also a reminder to us of what Islamic Law entails should it be implemented in Egypt.

Can you imagine if Egypt became an Islamic State with Sharia Law (as in Pakistan)?

A muslim could EASILY go up to a Christian, in the privacy of his own home, or with 2 witnesses, and ask that Christian "Hey, why aren't you muslim?".

If the Christian responds by saying "Well, I believe that Christ died for us on the cross" - this is a blasphemy against the Quran, and Mohammad who said otherwise.

If they say "well.. i don't particulary think that Mohammad, the prophet in Islam, was a real prophet, and therefore I'm a Christian or Atheist" - this would be considered as blasphemy also.

Just read the case of Assia Bibi.

They have already murdered 2 politicians who have tried to challenge these blasphemy laws. But what is even more outrageous is that Pakistanis themselves - not even associated with the Taliban, want this poor woman to hang. They cannot find it in their hearts to forgive, nor give her a chance to explain what she said, nor do they want an apology. They want her to die.

If Sharia is implemented in Egypt, we'd be no different. Don't believe otherwise! Look at the story of Camilia Shehata and Wafaa Constantine. Over a FALSE RUMOUR that they had converted to islam, 1000's of muslims protested against our Church in Egypt, and even attacked us.

All they need is a rumour.

ANY RUMOUR.

A priest's son imports fireworks for celebrating the Eid and even muslim festivals sparks off a rumour that the church is building a stockpile of weapons and an arsenal to create a civil war.

A photoshopped airbrushed picture of a priest's wife wearing a hijab sparks of rumours and protests that she has converted to Islam, and they trust more the picture than a video of her testifying that she has NEVER converted to Islam?

So if she has converted to Islam, where are the other photos of her wearing a hijab? There are 1000's of photos of her on the net yet only one wearing a hijab?

I really feel the urgency, more than ever, to ask for support to ensure that the voice of moderate Egyptians are heard in the formation of a new secular government in Egypt.
]]> Day of Prayer and Commemoration: A New Vision for Egypt https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10857/day-of-prayer-and-commemoration-a-new-vision-for-egypt Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:30:12 +0000 geomike15000 10857@/community/discussions
“While we have a deep concern about the direction of the country, we still have strong hope and great dreams,” HG Bishop Serapion said Sunday afternoon at the Los Angeles Convention Center in an address about Copts’ vision and hope for building the new Egypt. The event, presented by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California and Hawaii, over which HG Bishop Serapion is bishop, honored Coptic Christians in Egypt who have been killed in religiously motivated attacks by extremists since 2000. Up to 1,500 people were expected to attend the event.

The event aimed to raise awareness of the plight of Coptic Christians in Egypt, where they comprise 10 percent of that nation’s 79 million people. The Copts are the largest Christian population in the Middle East. Approximately 40,000 Copts live in Greater Los Angeles, where there are 30 Coptic Orthodox churches.

Following the Jan. 25 revolution in Egypt, Copts’ concerns have deepened for the country’s direction, as pockets of violence have erupted against them. On Feb. 20, Daoud Boutros, a Coptic priest from Shotb near the southern Egyptian city of Assiut, was stabbed to death in his apartment. Father Daoud was a mentor of HG Bishop Serapion. That same day, Egyptian military forces began destroying fences protecting ancient Coptic monasteries, leaving the monks and monasteries vulnerable to attacks. On Feb. 23, military forces opened fire on monks and young people, wounding many severely.

In the past 11 years Coptic Christians have suffered severe persecution and martyrdom at the hands of Islamic extremists, including the New Year’s Day suicide bombing of Saint Mark and Pope Peter Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria, which killed 24 Copts and injured approximately 100. Extremists gunned down six Coptic youths in Nag Hammadi in a Mass on Jan. 7, 2010. Extremists also killed 21 Copts in the village of Al Kosheh Jan. 21, 2000.

HG Bishop Serapion offered prayers for the martyrs and observed a moment of silence for those who died in recent weeks during political demonstrations in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. He echoed the Rev. Martin Luther King’s call to use non-violent means in advocating for a fair society for all Egyptians.

“What is the direction the society will move? Are we moving toward a state where every citizen has equal rights, irrespective of gender or religion, or a religious state where some people are considered as second-class citizens?” he asked. “We are at a crossroads in our society. We must focus on freedom, justice and equality, irrespective of the name of the person.”

Prompted by biblical and theological convictions, to achieve this dream of equality, Copts must wage non-violent struggle, HG Bishop Serapion said. The struggle entails rejecting injustice, exposing the evils of discrimination and standing up for Christians’ rights through the power of the truth, not the perpetuation of violence. Copts aim to cooperate with people of goodwill, regardless of religion, and will remain steadfast in their struggle “until our dream becomes reality,” he said.

“We must be ready to accept sacrifices,” he said. “Martyrs will fall and people will be wounded. This is the price of freedom and justice.”

###

To schedule an interview with HG Bishop Serapion or other Coptic Orthodox Church officials, contact Ellen Olson at 714-267-5378 or eolson@inchristcommunications.com.
]]> Readings for Lent https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10850/readings-for-lent Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:10:14 +0000 geobish42 10850@/community/discussions
Does anyone know where I can find a listing of all the readings of Lent including the weekdays and prophecies?

Thanks in advance]]> Jeremiah 15:16 https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10841/jeremiah-15-16 Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:11:47 +0000 Cyril97 10841@/community/discussions Happy Start of the Great Lent!!!
I came across this verse:

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight,
for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty
-NKJV Jeremiah 15:16

First of all, I would like to ask: was the words fasting because this verse is coming
up a lot with the begining of the fast.
Second of all, what is this story and what does it mean?
I think I read or heard a story about a guy who received a commandement or something
Holy from God so he ate it. I think he said that it tasted like locust and honey but maybe I am mixing
that last part up with another story.
Anyways, what's the deal with eating God's words? Is this real or symbolic?
God bless and Pray for me,
Cyril]]> Miracle in Egypt https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7248/miracle-in-egypt Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:02:03 +0000 Godislove_ 7248@/community/discussions
Murder Miracle in Egypt

A Muslim man in Egypt killed his wife and then buried her with their infant baby and 8-year old daughter. The girls? were buried alive!

He then reported to the police that an uncle killed the kids. 15 days later, another family member died. When they went to bury him, they found the 2 little girls under the sand - ALIVE!

The country is outraged over the incident, and the man will be executed.

The older girl was asked how she had survived. "A man wearing shiny white clothes, with bleeding wounds in his hands, came every day to feed us. He woke up my mom so she could nurse my sister," she said.

She was interviewed on Egyptian national TV, by a veiled Muslim woman news anchor. She said on public TV, "This was none other than Jesus, because nobody else does things like this!"

Muslims believe Isa (Jesus) would do this, but the wounds mean He really was crucified, and it's clear also that He is alive! But, it's also clear that the child could not make up a story like this, and there is no way these children could have survived without a true miracle. Muslim leaders ar going to have a hard time to figure out what? to do with this, and the popularity of the movie Passion doesn't help!

With Egypt at the centre of the media and education in the Middle East, you can be sure this story will spread. Christ is still turning the world upside down!

Please let this story be shared. The Lord says, "I will bless the
person who puts his trust in me." Jeremiah 17:7.

]]> Christian Foster Couple Denied Fostering because of their Christian Views https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10851/christian-foster-couple-denied-fostering-because-of-their-christian-views Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:49:38 +0000 Zoxsasi 10851@/community/discussions
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-12598896

I think it would be worth creating a facebook group of Christians and Muslims and Jews who feel that we are being denied the freedom to act and believe according to our consciences and religious convictions.

This is getting out of hand.

I am all for live and let live, but we are talking about events in the privacy of your home!?

Anyone want to start a facebook group for this??
]]> Priest and monks killed https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10817/priest-and-monks-killed Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:07:42 +0000 geomike 10817@/community/discussions Statement of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on the Egyptian Revolution https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10832/statement-of-his-holiness-pope-shenouda-iii-on-the-egyptian-revolution Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:01:05 +0000 geomike15000 10832@/community/discussions
The Coptic Church praises Egypt’s honest youth, the Youth of 25 January who led Egypt in a resilient white revolution and sacrificed precious blood, the blood of the nation’s martyrs who were hailed by Egypt’s leadership, army and people. We too offer condolences to their parents and members of their families.

The Coptic Church praises Egypt’s brave Army and the High Council of the Armed Forces for their statements aimed at protecting Egypt both domestically and internationally. We support its position in dissolving parliament and the Shura council and in seeking to restore order.

We believe that Egypt should be a democratic civil country that selects its parliament through free and fair elections that represent all classes of the population.

We support all Egypt in fighting poverty, corruption and unemployment and in resisting anarchy and vandalism. We support the establishment of security, safety and the principles of social justice and national unity and the prosecution of all those who have broken the law.

The Coptic Church prays for our great Egyptian nation, with its long history and civilisation. We ask the Lord to keep it safe and to extend peace, safety, stability and prosperity.

Pope Shenouda III
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark
and Head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church
]]> Urgent: ahram survey to remove article 2 from constitution https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10761/urgent-ahram-survey-to-remove-article-2-from-constitution Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:33:57 +0000 Zoxsasi 10761@/community/discussions
The Ahram newspaper is doing an online survey to see how many of us want article 2 removed from the constitution.

Article 2 states that Islam is the state religion.

Please could you vote????

The site is at:

http://www.ahram-eg.com/

YOU NEED TO VOTE NO! The question asks if you want the Article 2 to survive or to remain as it is.

I hope you can see that this needs to be changed.

PLEASE SELECT NO (OPTION 2)

]]> LA Convention Center https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10831/la-convention-center Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:36:25 +0000 geomike15000 10831@/community/discussions When:02/27/2011 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Where:Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA, 90015
Get Directions

See map: Google Maps
Cost:$10.00

About:On February 27, 2011, the Diocese will be joined by leaders and members of other Christian denominations and faiths to commemorate all of the martyrs in Egypt and elsewhere who offered their lives as a pure offering for the faith.

The event will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Please see your priest or the person responsible at your church for details and tickets.

]]> Petition https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/10828/petition Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:59:25 +0000 Abounasarecool 10828@/community/discussions Im not sure about the validity of this...
but why dont we all sign this petition?
http://www.petition2congress.com/2798/the-status-coptic-in-egypt-as-2010/
What do u guys think
Thanks]]>