https://tasbeha.org/community/categories/faith-issues/p48/feed.rss Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:27:10 +0000 Faith Issues - Tasbeha.org Community en-CA https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8000/st-mary-and-st-joseph-the-carpenter Sat, 16 May 2009 04:41:22 +0000 f753789 8000@/community/discussions She amazes me!
I also would like any contemplations about St. Joseph the Carpenter, he is rarely spoken about and his virtues and is mentioned briefly in the Bible, but in my eyes, he had a GREAT role through the journey of my salvation. I would like to learn more about him.
All contemplations/thoughts/ comments appreciated :)

please keep my weakness in your prayers
-sister in Christ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8017/why-the-guardians-of-the-key-to-the-holy-sepluchre Tue, 19 May 2009 08:04:49 +0000 Melchoir 8017@/community/discussions are not Christians? Imagine, if the guardians of the Kaaba in Mecca were either Christians or Jews!

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An 800-year-old tradition of religious co-existence in Jerusalem's old city looks set to come to an end at the insistence of the Israeli authorities. The ministry of tourism is forcing through a plan to open a second entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites of Christianity, and relieve two Muslim families of custodianship of what is currently the only door. The Nusaibi and Joudah families have been the sole guardians of the key to the church since they were entrusted with it by the Muslim ruler Salah el-Din (Saladin) in 1178.

It seems that has been the only solution to squabbling between the numerous Christian denominations, which have jostled for space in the building since it was built 900 years ago. Salah el-Din closed all but one of the 10 entrances to the building, causing what the Israeli authorities now describe as a serious risk to pilgrims in the modern era of mass tourism.

But some observers say the Israelis are exaggerating the risks for territorial purposes, in a city whose sovereignty lies at the very heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Millennial flood

The Jewish state, which claims sovereignty over Jerusalem's old city after occupying it in 1967, says the new arrangement is necessary in preparation for the 4 million Christian pilgrims it says it expects during next year's millennium celebrations.

Months of negotiations between the authorities and the churches have resulted in an agreement to open a new entrance and transfer custodianship of the key to the churches, the tourism ministry announced this week. He said the decision on where to put the entrance will be taken by the end of June. But the ministry could be being over-optimistic, given the long-standing territorial disputes within the building between the churches, which jealously guard every inch of space they occupy.

The Israelis say the second entrance could be via an Ethiopian monastery situated on the roof of the building. Ethiopian monks have occupied the roof since the 1600s, when they were forced out of the main body of the church for not paying their taxes to the Muslim governors of the city. But the Ethiopian Patriachate has already expressed unwillingness to cede its quiet little spot without a fight.

Terminating the contact

Meanwhile, the bemused Muslim key-holders have not even been officially informed of the termination of their ancient responsibilities.

Wajeeh Nusaibi continues - as he has done for 20 years - to open and close the building's only door morning and night, before returning the ancient 25 cm (10 inch) long key to his neighbours, the Joudah family, for safekeeping.
He appears unconcerned about the fuss: "I don't pay attention, it's all talk," he told reporters.

The families are not paid for their services. Salah el-Din gave them about 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) of land near the West Bank city of Nablus, which provides some income, but much of it has been confiscated by Israel since 1967 to build settlements.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/375320.stm

]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8049/the-christian-swat Thu, 28 May 2009 19:08:42 +0000 [Deleted User] 8049@/community/discussions The user and all related content has been deleted.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8016/what-does-this-part-mean Tue, 19 May 2009 01:27:08 +0000 Kimo 214 8016@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8019/aithiesm-what-are-your-thoughts Tue, 19 May 2009 17:24:55 +0000 [Deleted User] 8019@/community/discussions The user and all related content has been deleted.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8020/evolution Tue, 19 May 2009 19:08:22 +0000 [Deleted User] 8020@/community/discussions The user and all related content has been deleted.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8015/how-to-properly-learn-the-coptic-language Mon, 18 May 2009 21:32:50 +0000 coolboy1000g 8015@/community/discussions
I can read arabic and english so any book would be helpful]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8014/hi-help-please Mon, 18 May 2009 10:23:32 +0000 bigeee 8014@/community/discussions
salam.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7909/rumors Sun, 03 May 2009 15:41:35 +0000 Vany2010 7909@/community/discussions Ive got a Question.
For Example:
Someone in my Family told me a story about a Woman in our Church she is sometimes in the Monastery in Germany.
One Time it was Morning the "Bakir" Prayer just started,she and her Grandson wanted to go to the Prayer.
Then they went into the Church,suddenly the church sound very full and many people are there. (The Church trough the Normal Week Days is very Empty)But she didnt saw anybody it,it was like there are many people and it took her 15 minutes till she get to a Sat.
Do you Think if someone tells you something like this you not sure that its true would you believe it?And what do you think of Rumors?
PS:Allegedly,a Abouna Did confirmed it.But what is if she just said it without its true?

Please Remind me in your Prayers.

Vanessa]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7790/homosexuality-information-request Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:22:05 +0000 epshiri 7790@/community/discussions THIS POST IS ON BEHALF OF A FRIEND OF MINE WO HAS NOT YET HAD A CHANCE TO ENROLL IN THIS FORUM SO THEREFORE HE HAS REQUESTED THIS POST TO BE CREATED ON HIS BEHALF - I REPEAT DO NOT BLAME ME FOR ANYTHING!

"Why does God hate... or dislike homosexuals, even if they are strict Christians in all other respects, and why please?

We have been studying this topic in our school's religous studies from a non Orthodox perpective, and in little detail. Just to round off, as a homosexual I know that there is not always a choice regarding sexual orientation.

Many thanks."

]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/8001/the-poor Sat, 16 May 2009 09:40:22 +0000 aidan 8001@/community/discussions
I guess it matters where you are as to who the poor are. In a developed society we see shabby people, tired out, travelling by public transport; beggars; people who sleep rough and some elderly people who maybe didn't have a large enough pension. Then there are massive disasters abroad.

The Saints and Our Saviour favoured the poor and we must too. But where are they so that I can help directly (rather than, say, give them something indirectly as to a charity)? What, I am asking, is the definition of poverty? Who would Our Lord be referring to-to the general populace living from hand to mouth or what?

St John Chrysostom said that if a man asks for a handout on horseback we must comply. So is poverty sometimes not obvious to us? Do we need to seek it out?

Love to hear from you

In Christ

]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7991/trisagion Wed, 13 May 2009 15:48:08 +0000 aidan 7991@/community/discussions
Bit of a chestnut this one!

The Russian, Greek etc Trisagion seems to be directed towards the memebers of the Trinity whereas the Coptic one seems to be directed to Christ Our Lord only.

In a book I read by an Athonite monk he uses this fact as evidence that the Copts had deviated from the Apostolic faith by adding to the Trisagion.

I haven't a clue about this, it seems good to pray to our Saviour or the Holy Trinity.

However, as a Russian Orthodox who sometimes prays from the Agpeya and also as someone who longs to see unity among Orthodox Christians I would like some clarification and maybe a bit of explanation as to the differences.

In case you didn't know what we say in the EO churches is;

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us (three times)

God bless you]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7937/the-holy-mysteries Wed, 06 May 2009 16:17:26 +0000 aidan 7937@/community/discussions
Given that the European Orthodox Churches had a common history with The Coptic Orthodox church as some of our prayers testify, I am interested to know know something about our differences in preparation for receiving the Holy Mysteries.

In the Russian and Greek churches one reads several verses on the night before and several long prayers on the actual day. I have noticed that the Agpeya gives a short preparatory prayer.

Am I mistaken or is this the way things are ?

In Christ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7987/how-do-we-fill-our-hearts-with-christ Wed, 13 May 2009 10:11:41 +0000 geomike 7987@/community/discussions


Pray for me]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7975/praying-under-all-circumstances Mon, 11 May 2009 16:24:51 +0000 7975@/community/discussions But, in life I realised that being coptic in cities where there are no Coptic Churches is quite hard.

So, I went to the Catholic Church, and frankly, not only could I pray, but I enjoyed it, and my prayers were answered.

Is that bad to go to the Catholic Church? After all - we should " pray that God teaches us to pray in all Circumstances"?


]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7963/praying-without-understanding-nor-concentration Sat, 09 May 2009 05:27:00 +0000 7963@/community/discussions
I personally find that I can concentrate on the entire mass. Let's say the mass is 2 hours long. I admit, if it is in English, I can really understand and pray every word of the liturgy.

However, as soon as abouna switches to Arabic, or we pray in Coptic, and I don't particularly understand the EXACT meaning of the words, I find it hard to actually pray. I know the hymn, and in some cases, i MAY know the meaning, but generally speaking - whether I know the meaning or not, because it is not in my mother tongue, I feel my prayers are not efficient.

Does anyone else have this problem?

The strangest thing is this:

The liturgy of the Eid (Major Feasts) is SO long, yet I really enjoy them. However, as soon as they start to sing Pinishti, I feel an urgency to just stop praying and take a break.

Would it be wrong therefore to take a break if you find yourself TOTALLY unable to concentrate??? It usually happens in cases where a deacon wants to show off and sing something he's learnt by himself in Coptic.. although I am deeply grateful that his ego has increased and he's happy, it sometimes makes me lose complete concentration.

There was once a time when a deacon sang something from a book NO ONE had heard of, it was in Coptic, and it was so long. We all left the Church. There was absolutely no books translated with respect to the book he was using. It was in complete coptic, and no one knew what he was singing.

Is that bad? I feel if I'm not concentrating, I'm just wasting time.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7959/is-it-a-sin-to-be-fat Thu, 07 May 2009 14:44:10 +0000 7959@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7913/why-did-god-create-adam-from-mud Mon, 04 May 2009 13:48:44 +0000 magedassad 7913@/community/discussions
I was looking at the Ancient Christian commentary and St. Augustine says that mud is made from earth and water.
Does anyone know what the meaning of earth and water mean in the scriptures?

Or does anyone have an explanation for the mud?

God bless.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7867/is-egypt-more-spritual-than-usa Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:54:38 +0000 7867@/community/discussions What do you think?
I'm thinking about moving to Egypt for spirtual reasons.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7936/does-the-bible-say-anything-about-science-or-knowledge Wed, 06 May 2009 14:58:01 +0000 Kimo 214 7936@/community/discussions
Thanks your brother Kimo.


I pray for all]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7931/prayer-extremley-important Wed, 06 May 2009 06:59:17 +0000 Kimo 214 7931@/community/discussions Please answer my brothers and sisters]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7938/greet-one-another-witha-holy-kiss Wed, 06 May 2009 17:28:19 +0000 abanoub2000 7938@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7800/miracles Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:43:31 +0000 marina008 7800@/community/discussions
I love to read and listen about miiracles that occurred.
If you have any miracles that happened to you please share!!!

Pray for me and my weaknesses]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7918/masterbation Tue, 05 May 2009 05:14:10 +0000 Kimo 214 7918@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7900/what-days-that-christian-couples-are-abstained-or-restricted-from-having-sex Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:44:30 +0000 binC 7900@/community/discussions
  I wanted ur advice on this topic. Thank you. May God help us to learn from eachother.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7892/john-5-1-13 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:22:06 +0000 godislove260 7892@/community/discussions by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

Could someone please elaborate on what is meant here?
And if it has something to do with the water and blood coming out of Christ's side while He was on the cross, what is its meaning and significance...?

Thanks in advance,
Gb

]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7891/orthodox-view-on-public-testimony Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:02:58 +0000 rpm 7891@/community/discussions       I was just wondering about the very evangelical and protestant practice of giving testimony in public. What is the Orthodox viewpoint with regard to this practice?

God bless,
R

]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7883/colossians-1-24 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:38:49 +0000 miskande 7883@/community/discussions "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the Church...."

the underlined part kind of confuses me?!?  ???

God Bless ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/4182/sunday-school-songs Mon, 24 Jul 2006 06:58:07 +0000 christ_lover 4182@/community/discussions i'm looking for children songs maybe the age of preschool in English
sunday school songs for children
any websites i can download them
something that children can learn and enjoy
hope to hear from you guys soon
waiting for your reply
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/7778/weeping-for-sins Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:15:35 +0000 aidan 7778@/community/discussions
Today in my church is the Sunday of St John of the Ladder. The Bishop preached about something he said that often has me thinking. He said we will not be judged on the miracles we have not performed but whether we have wept for our sins.

I have never been close to weeping for my sins, although I aknowledge myself as a sinner. I believe tears is a gift that I pray for only when I am reminded of their importance.

So what do you say? Is the absence of tears enough to jeopardise are salvation? If so how do we work with the Lord on this one and walk the path of genuine, heartfelt contrition?

Please pray for me to receive the gift of sorrow.]]>