If it's true, it's not a small issue because that means a bishop is guilty of simony and the integrity of the Holy Synod can be considered questionable. If it's false it's still important because then we can restore any lost trust in the hierarchy o…
I don't mean to disrespect any of you and I'm sure your responses have been well thought out but I do believe the answer to this question can be found in Matthew 22. It is written: 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scr…
This link might clarify some things. All it says about the taylasana is that "It is the head cover…and it is like the twenty-four elders who had their crowns while they stand before God…it reminds the priest of the honor and glory of his divine ser…
I know that Jeremiah the prophet would often appear to St Bishoy and explain to him his prophecies, etc. hope this helped a little, not much but it's a start. The book of Jeremiah should keep you busy for some time.
I'm not sure that what I'm about to say will help but if I was in your shoes I'd leave the guy just for being deceptive. I mean he's already lying (by omission) now, what will he do if you get married. You or somebody else may disagree with me but I…
There isn't an actual "checklist". However before the monastery accepts you, you need to finish your worldly responsibilities first (e.g. pay any debts you might have, completed your studies (college), etc). But whats more important than all of that…
I remember Pope Shenouda saying something along the lines of "Those who desire it [the priesthood] don't deserve it, and those who deserve it don't desire it."
Here's one place that might be interesting: -http://www.stthomasprintshop.com/#!icons/c49g
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http://copticegypt.weebly.com/wooden-crosses.html
The second website has some crosses that are also in the St Moses Bookstore (St Moses Bookstore is much c…
That was the first time I heard that.There was no official statement that I was aware of. For the record there is around 90 monks in Wadi el Rayan. Abu Maqar already has a hundred something; for all those monks to move to Abu Maqar would mean doubli…
@coptic_deaconI didn't say you should conform blindly but what's the point of disobeying a law which doesn't harm your spiritual life; you're only going to put yourself at odds with the system and you'll lose and end up in prison. Good luck trying t…
I am not a 100% sure but in terms of the "deacon" in the coffin, I believe he has to be a full deacon (diakon) or an archdeacon. I think this is because they can help with the distribution of the blood during the Eucharist, and they often do. Also a…
Civil disobedience can be many things. For instance, if there is law which prohibits the use of cannabis, remember Romans 13 verses 1 and 2 (Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are o…
In terms of birth control, only abortion is sinful because it is murder. But if you mean the use of contraceptives, this isn't sinful; if used by a married couple. Someone who isn't married usually uses contraceptives (like condoms, etc.) to avoid p…
In the church it's rank first then seniority (how long they have had the rank + age). For example lets say a bishop was ordained yesterday and he goes to a church which has a priest with 40 years, the bishop would lead the liturgy. If there is a bis…