https://tasbeha.org/community/categories/coptic-orthodox-church/p47/feed.rss Fri, 19 Jun 2026 18:28:20 +0000 Coptic Orthodox Church - Tasbeha.org Community en-CA https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7594/coptic-orthodox-church-youtube-channel Sat, 24 Jan 2009 13:27:09 +0000 7594@/community/discussions
Does anyone here feel the pressing need for our Church to be a bit more vocal in the international community?

With topics such as abortion, stem cell research, homosexuality, and the rising cases of Aids and sexual promiscuity, does anyone here think that if we had a youtube channel, we could preach or evangelise to others:

a ) Orthodox faith,
b) The importance of Orthodox Christianity
c) The Commandments of our Lord and why they are important for us.
d) Comparative Theological discussions where we can tell Evangelical Christians (especially them!) what our faith is exactly, and what the Bible says concerning issues like confession and baptism, and paedo-baptism.


The only issue is this:

Which Bishop could do this? This has to be done. - there's no question there  - we only need a bishop to record videos on certian subjects. Also, it would be wise to get H.H. POpe Shenouda's sermon's on youtube with a translation in English as subtitles underneath.

It costs next to nothing. I just don't know any bishops who could do this!! Which ones would you suggest?]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9012/bible-timeline Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:34:41 +0000 kokiie 9012@/community/discussions
So studying my course is not as easy as I assumed, and I don't just mean academically. Every day my beliefs are being strained and challenged and... basically, it's hurting my head!

One thing that's really bothering me at the moment is the years that the Bible dates back human life (just under 10 thousand years i think) in comparison with traces of human life dating back millions of years ! Sorry I don't have exact numbers.. I suppose I can do some research if anyone needs.

The Catholics have been confronted with this evidence and they, among other churches, simply said that the Old Testament is not literal. They have a belief that all the stories were written to tell tales that teach important lessons. Now, I'm pretty sure we don't believe that.. And I know that evidence has been found in favour of certain biblical events such as Noah's ark.

I'm really hoping there's a really good, satisfactory explanation for this, or else I think my brain will burst.

Any help would be greatly appreciated !
+ God Bless !]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9248/hypostatic-unions-of-the-trinity Thu, 20 May 2010 07:38:43 +0000 Zoxsasi 9248@/community/discussions
I'd like some clarification concerning an issue of the Trinity (please correct me where I'm mistaken):

Concerning the Holy Trinity, we believe that each person (hypostasis) was in complete union with the other hypostases.

The Word (Logos) was Co-Eternal with the Father. A perpetual Son, to a perpetual Father. In the fullness of time, the Word of God took flesh from Saint Mary, and United it with His Divinity. There was no separation, no mingling or alteration between them. Complete Man and Complete Divinity United in the Person of Christ.

My question is this. In the person of Christ, was Christ STILL in Union with the Father and the Holy Spirit?? At the moment that Christ took flesh, did this change in anyway with respect to the union with the other 2 members of the Holy Trinity??

Thanks
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9226/why-do-we-have-the-icons-on-the-iconostasis-on-this-order Wed, 12 May 2010 04:18:53 +0000 hany58 9226@/community/discussions I'm doing some research about the Iconostasis. A question came to my mind: Why do we have the Icons of the Iconostasis in this particular order? Is there any reason why Angel Michael comes after Angle Gabriel? Also what if the saint of the church is Saint Mark? Where do we place his picture & why?

thanks ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9236/theosis Fri, 14 May 2010 20:22:24 +0000 Zoxsasi 9236@/community/discussions
Don't worry, I'm not interested in another debate on this.. its confusing already; I just need to know where I can get H.E. Anba Bishoy's statement on this?

Also, if you have the Pope's statement on this issue, that would be great also.

Also - if you happen to know how we differ with the Catholics and the EO's on this issue, that would be a HUGE help also.

Thanks]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9235/gregory-of-cappadocia-339-346 Fri, 14 May 2010 17:49:56 +0000 Zoxsasi 9235@/community/discussions
I just had a look on Wikipedia, and apparently St Gregory of Cappadocia was our Pope and was heretical!!!??

This is what it says:

Gregory of Cappadocia (339–346), Arian Patriarch, not accepted by the adherents of the Nicene creed (and thus not counted by Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox or Catholic lineages).

What happened? Was he a Pope of our Church or not??

This is remarkable as just before him was Saint Athanasius the Apostolic, the 20th Pope and the See of Saint Mark.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9232/ascension-for-kids Fri, 14 May 2010 11:59:34 +0000 Tzegemariam 9232@/community/discussions
Hello everyone,

I wanted to ask you a question,

What does the Ascension mean for you?
What can we learn from the day of Our Lord God and Saviors Ascension into Heaven?

Please help me with this, because I need to include this for the Sunday School lesson, God Willing.

May God Bless you and help you to answer this question, Amen]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9225/forgiveness-and-justice Tue, 11 May 2010 22:20:10 +0000 Copticdeacon 9225@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8290/do-we-believe-in-this Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:32:49 +0000 miskande 8290@/community/discussions
please support your answer with a verse from the bible or one of the fathers
thanks in advance]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9220/please-i-need-a-book-that-contains-information-about-the-rites-of-the-church Tue, 11 May 2010 05:29:44 +0000 hany58 9220@/community/discussions I need a PDF copy of a book (in English) that has information about the rites of the building of the church & what is inside the building of the church, the altar, the iconostasis, the censer, Chalice, Mysteer etc. If you know any...please let me know ASAP because I have a presentation this week. I need very specific information on each item & why the church has been built using this method.

thanks ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9218/annanias-safira-why Mon, 10 May 2010 16:06:32 +0000 Zoxsasi 9218@/community/discussions
a) what was so bad about what they did that they perished this way?
b) how comes this doesnt happen in our church nowadays?
c) Aaron, in the Old Testament, built an idol after Moses received the 10 commandments, because they couldnt be bothered to wait, they built some gold calf and he wasn't punished for that.

How come?
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9158/soul-s-journey-after-its-departure-from-the-body-aerial-toll-houses Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:21:35 +0000 maniel 9158@/community/discussions
My Question:

Has anyone one heard of the teaching of "Aerial Toll Houses"? (To me the teaching is not biblically sound)
Im curious too see what patristic backing there is of this teaching and if the oriental orthodox church believes in this "theory/teaching."

I know that many people in the Eastern Church beleive in this, especially because of the writings of Seraphim Rose. Overall I see it as a sensitive topic that can take away from our focus on Christ love for us, but my curosity is getting the best of me.

Thanks,

Daniel]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9198/eating-and-touching-divinity Tue, 04 May 2010 05:15:55 +0000 Zoxsasi 9198@/community/discussions
As you all maybe aware, there has been a lot of issue in our Church concerning this issue. His Holiness has written many articles responding to those who believe that we eat the Divine nature with the Human Nature in the Eucharist. The Pope's response was simple and very succinct: We cannot eat Divinity. Therefore, in the Holy Communion, we are only taking the Holy Body, and not the "Divine Holy Body".

But what I fail to understand is this: The Priest, during the mass says : "This is TRULY Christ's body, that He has taken from the Queen and Lady of us All Saint Mary... I believe that His Divinity did not depart His Humanity, for a single instance nor a twinkle of an eye...".

So, there appears to be some confusion: Christ's Divinity did NOT leave His Humanity. Therefore, why does the CoC now say we do not partake of Divinity?

Now, let's look at another issue:
------------------------------

Christ was born of Saint Mary (Human) and the Holy Spirit (Divine). We believe that, as Orthodox Coptic Christians, that Christ's nature is a nature where the Divinity united with every single part of His Humanity in the Person of Christ.

Therefore, when the adulteress washed and kissed Our Lord's feet, was she kissing and touching the Human Nature, the Divine Nature, or BOTH?

If she touched both, can we answer and say likewise, with the Holy Communion, we are partaking of both?

Do you all see the predicament or confusion here: we cannot eat Divinity, yet we partake of it. Even if we do not partake of it, then others who touched Christ, touched His Divine Body. Even in our mass, we say:
He took bread on His Divine and Spotless hands and gave thanks. (During the consecration of the bread into the Holy Body).

So, we can see evidently that as a human, He was Divine and Human, and His Divinity was united completely with His Humanity. If we cannot eat, nor touch the Divine Nature, then how did the others cope when they touched Him? We cannot say they touched only His Holy Body, because that would mean that His Divinity departed from His Humanity.

So, for example, the soldiers who nailed Him to the cross, they touched His Divine Body also. How? If we cannot eat NOR touch Divinity, how did they manage that??

What did Saint Peter mean when he said "Partakers of the Divine Nature"?


Thanks]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9188/priests-names Sun, 02 May 2010 21:16:22 +0000 Neniotee Ethoab 9188@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9185/urgent-i-need-a-book-that-explains-the-liturgy-the-rites-of-the-church Sat, 01 May 2010 02:22:54 +0000 hany58 9185@/community/discussions I'm in an urgent need for an English book that explains the holy liturgy & the rites of the church. I have a presentation next week & I really need this book,

Please let me know of any websites

Many thanks ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9177/the-coptic-orthodox-church-and-zionism Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:18:45 +0000 Zoxsasi 9177@/community/discussions
I am asking as I know that many Evangelical Christians insist and promote zionism and they say that it is according to their beliefs.

But as Coptic Christians, where do we stand when Jews say to us that: "This is the land that God gave us!". Where do we stand in terms of our faith?

My understanding was that, this was the promised land, and there were conditions for having it.

Why am I asking? Israel is building into Palestinian areas in East Jerusalem. You may be aware from this in news. Clinton, Obama and the EU all said to Benjamin Netanyahu that such building of settlements will stall any peace process. Benjamin Netanyahu then, a few days later, explains the reason for why they have not ceased building into Palestinian areas. He says "... God gave this land to our fathers... East Jerusalem IS Israeli land. It is our capital (all of it)".

Which is fine by me, except all his assertions are based from Judeo-Christian theology. As a Christian, as a Coptic Christian, what therefore is our position on such assertions?


Millions Christians in the USA and else where have a committed belief in the importance of standing with Israel and blessing the Jewish people. The verse most often referred to is Genesis 12:3 in which God tells Abraham “I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

But, how should we as Coptic Christians interpret this verse??

What is our position concerning Zionism? I always thought that our inheritance was spiritual, not physical.
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9170/saint-keriakos Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:00:46 +0000 davidawad94 9170@/community/discussions
God Bless]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9161/recent-departure-of-a-saint Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:51:15 +0000 flexmd 9161@/community/discussions How did he know I wished to see him?? He was very sick and couldn’t even talk and all he said was few words and sure enough what he said happened exactly the way he described. 

Few known facts about him:
1. He was the oldest monk in Wadi al-Natrun, he was born on April 1, 1922, became a monk on November 2, 1948 and departed to heaven on March 17, 2010 after a life full of valuable spiritual experience to everyone who knew him.
2. He was a hermit. I was told few stories and witness some.
3. One among few who was granted wearing El Eskiem by HH Pope Shenoda.
4. He knew the day of his departure.

Through the years I have learned the meaning of the word "unconditional love".  I do have his picture but didn’t know how to post it.

His prayers be with us. 
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9156/new-preist-keshi Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:54:49 +0000 Kyralison 9156@/community/discussions
I have a question that I was wondering about preists.

I am a Tewahdo beleiver (Eritrean/Ethiopian Oriental Orthodox) who was baptised in a Greek Orthodox  church as a baby because there were no Oriental Orthodox churches at the time.
Well I need to get baptised soon, and begin a confession and communion life with a preist but I don't know how to begin.

My preist is a very friendly, outgoing and helpful and all but the language barrier might be a little tricky.
I am thinking of calling the Coptic church and talking with the preist there because I think he will understand what I am saying clearly and relate a little more as well.

But at the same time I may be missing out without the Tewahdo preist because he can teach me more of the faith in terms of our Divine Liturugy, hymns, and other teachings that are specific to the Holy Tradition of the Tewahedo church.

My major question is if you guys have ideas on how to begin confession with my Tewahdo preist.. What do I say, and how do bring up the conversation?

Thank you and God Bless and Keep you all.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/6978/saints Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:32:52 +0000 Meena_Ameen 6978@/community/discussions "Again I say to you that if two of you agree ON EARTH concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:19-20).

why does the Lord say ON EARTH if we always ask intercession from saints who are not on earth. Its like he is putting the condition that the person must be on earth.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9063/resurrection-re-enactment Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:25:41 +0000 acopt 9063@/community/discussions Ekhristos Anesty!

Pi-Ekhristos Af-tonf!

Hello,

I was wondering about the meaning of the Resurrection Re-enactment (performed during the Resurrection Liturgy - taken from Ps 24).  Does anyone know?  Or do you know of a book or article that explains it?  Its origin and meaning?

Thanks!]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9144/slain-in-spirit Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:21:21 +0000 Zoxsasi 9144@/community/discussions
I'm sure many of you are aware of this term, or at least of what it looks like: Its a very charismatic behaviour where someone is prayed on - and they fall over. If you remember, Abouna Daniel did this (before he got excommunicated).

I'd like to know - did Fr. Matta El Maskeen do this also? Was he also promoting such spirituality?

I just heard that he encouraged this, but I'm not sure. Please can someone shed some light onto this.

Also, can anyone confirm whether this is something "real" or not? Is it Orthodox or not?

]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9138/who-should-i-vote-for Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:38:14 +0000 Zoxsasi 9138@/community/discussions
I am really torn.

Is it labour ?

I really like David Cameron, but he also voted for the war in Iraq.

There's the Lib Dems, but it worries me a PM like Nick Clegg who reminds me of a bus conductor.

And then, Im not sure, should we be in Europe or out of Europe? I never really saw the Brits as European, they seem to have more in common with India and Pakistan.

I really want to make the right choice, and its very confusing.

I am happy to vote for ANY party who introduces National Service again for all youths under 21; but no one is doing that.

I feel our Government systematically rewards irresponsibility and I'm fed up of it, so Labour are not top in my book. They have no respect for married couples, and the only person getting a tax break under them is if you are gay, divorced, transvestite, handicapped, or both. What's worth, they encourage teenage pregnancies by giving single mothers with babies priority to own their own council house.

Eh da!!


]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9139/replica-of-the-ten-commandants Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:22:37 +0000 Tzegemariam 9139@/community/discussions
I know the Ethiopian and Eritrean Churches put a replica of the Ten Commandments in their altar area.
Do any other Orthodox Church do that?
May God Bless ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9120/praise-thanksgiving-and-glorification Sat, 17 Apr 2010 05:51:02 +0000 godislove260 9120@/community/discussions This problem seemed almost impossible to solve and lasted for months, yet in prayer and supplication all joined together to ask our Father, our God, our Master ,our Beloved, our Lord Jesus Christ to take care of it...
With the intercessions of many saints, among whom of course our dear mother, the Holy Virgin St. Mary and the Archangel Michael, our God, who trampled death by death, saved all those involved in the problem with His mighty hand!!!

Glory be to our living God, Lover of mankind, Who hears our prayers and is very near to us in times of trouble.
Thanks and Praise be to our Mighty Lord, for whom nothing is impossible or too hard.
Glory be to our Lord who promised us that the gates of hell shall not prevail against His church.

Special thanks for the Holy Virgin, the Archangel Michael and St. Philopateer Marcurios for their intercessions on our behalf and their interference in the problem.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9134/christ-ascended-to-heaven-translation Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:59:07 +0000 LoveConquersAll 9134@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9131/icon-of-saint-mark Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:38:29 +0000 kokie 9131@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9128/who-is-this-saint Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:36:20 +0000 geomike 9128@/community/discussions i wondered if somebody had the life story of St. Bashnona or Bashouna something like that,
GBU]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9126/bible-versions Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:52:23 +0000 marmar_26_4eva 9126@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9092/express-mass-are-you-being-serious Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:03:28 +0000 Maryilftpd 9092@/community/discussions I don't know if this only happens at one church or not but sometimes the priest says things quickly in the liturgy and tells the deacons to speed things up all because he wants to finish at a certain time. Personally, it doesn't feel spiritual and sometimes things are skipped, like the hitenis for example.

People at church jokingly call it "express mass" but I cringe at that phrase because it takes the spirituality out of it because it is the BLOOD AND BODY OF THE LORD JESUS: THE KING OF KINGS at the heart of all this. Therefore there must be love, respect and fear. When an abouna prays things quickly, there is room for mishearing by the congregation and lack of deep spiritual reflection (and I speak from experience).

My question is why is this happening? Where else is this happening? How do you deal with it if it is happening to you?]]>