QuestionDAYS OF CREATION AND GEOLOGYHow can the saying of the Bible that God created the world in six days coincide with the opinion of the geologists that the age of the earth is thousands even millions of years?
Answer
The days of creation are not Solar days as our days now.
The day of creation is a period of time, not known how long, which could haven been a second or thousands or millions of years. This period was determined by the saying "so the evening and the morning were..."
The evidences for this are many, among which are:
1. The Solar day is the period of time between the sunrise and its rising again or between the sunset and its setting again. Since the sun was only created on the fourth day [Gen 1:16-19]., then the first four days were not solar days.
2. As for the seventh day, the Bible did not state that it has ended.
The Bible did not say [so the evening and the morning were the seventh day], and thousands of years passed from Adam till now while this seventh day is still going on. Accordingly, the days of creation are not Solar days but unknown periods of time.
3. As a whole, the Bible said about all the creation and its six days: ". This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens," [Gen 2:4].
So the Bible summed up in the word (day) all the six days of creation...
Let the geologists say then whatever they want about the age of the earth; for the Bible did not mention any age for the earth that may contradict the views of the geologists.
The way the Lord looks to the measurement of time is explained by the apostle as follows: "With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" [2Pet 3:8].
Author: Shenouda III.
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Posted on: 2023-01-28
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QuestionWHEN WAS THE LIGHT CREATED?The Book of Genesis states that God created the light on the first day [Gen 1:3], while it states that the sun, moon and stars were created on the fourth day [Gen 1:14-18]. What is the difference between the two matters?
And was the light created on the first day or the fourth?
Answer
God created light on the first day as the Bible indicated. But, what light? It is the substance of light, the shining mass of fire from which God made the sun, the moon and the stars on the fourth day. On the fourth day also God established the astronomical laws and the permanent relation between these celestial bodies...
Author: Shenouda III.
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Posted on: 2023-01-28
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QuestionIS THE EARTH PART OF THE SUNI have read in a book a criticism of the story of creation as mentioned in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis. How can the earth be part of the sun as the scientists say, while the Bible states that the sun was created on the fourth day after the creation of the earth? So how can the earth be part of something that was created later on?!
Answer
Scientists do not say that the earth was part of the sun and separated from it, otherwise the sun will be missing this portion.
What scientists say is that earth is part of the solar system and not of the sun itself. It was part of the Nebula; that fiery mass which was no doubt luminous. This Nebula is what the Bible meant by saying on the first day "Then God said, let there be light, and there was light."
Earth was part of this mass and separated from it. The earth gradually cooled down until its surface became completely cool and on the third day became fit to grow plants and trees on, using the light and heat radiating from the Nebula.
On the fourth day, from this mass God created, the sun, moon, stars, meteors and all other celestial bodies and regulated the interrelations and the movement of these bodies.
The sun, on the fourth day, remained as it is; a whole with the earth attached to it, but God set the relation between earth and sun, moon and other stars and planets through the astronomical laws.
Author: Shenouda III.
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Posted on: 2023-01-28
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QuestionABOUT THE CREATION OF MANIn Genesis there are two stories about the creation of man, the first is in the first chapter where God created man; male and female, and the second is in the second chapter where Adam and Eve were created. Do these two accounts coincide with each other.
Answer
The story of making man is one story for the same man.
The account is mentioned as a whole in the first chapter but in detail in the second chapter.
In the first chapter, the making of man was part of all the process of creation. Then the details came in the second chapter about how Adam was created of dust then God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; how Eve was created from one of Adams'ribs. It also mentioned the feelings of Adam before and after making Eve and giving Adam and Eve their names.
The two accounts are integral; in the first you find the given blessing and the allowed foods and in the second you find how they were created, the names given to them and a hint about Paradise.
Author: Shenouda III.
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Posted on: 2023-01-28
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QuestionTHE SONS OF GOD AND THE SONS OF MEN[Gen 6:2] describes before the account of the flood "that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful,. and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose." Who are the sons of God? and who are the daughters of men?
Answer
The sons of God are the descendants of Seth and the daughters of men are the descendants of Cain.
After the slaying of Abel the righteous, Adam begot another son and named him Seth, "for God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel" [Gen 4:25] “And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the LORD.” [Gen 4:26]. In the genealogy of Jesus Christ it is mentioned that "the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God." [Luke 3:38].
The sons of Seth were called the sons of God for they were the sanctified offspring from which Noah came, then Abraham, then David, then Christ through whom all the tribes of the earth were blessed. They are the believers that belong to God; those took the blessing of Adam [Gen 1:28] and then the blessing of Noah [Gen 9:1].
It was good that God called some humans His sons before the flood.
The sons of Cain were not attributed to God for the curse that befell Cain, befell them also [Gen 4:11] and they walked in the way of corruption so they were called the sons of men and they all drowned by the flood.
Author: Shenouda III.
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Posted on: 2023-01-28
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QuestionApologeticsDid God create dinosaurs? Did they really walk upon the earth? Can you explain why it was never mentioned in the Holy Bible?
Answer
We know that dinosaurs existed. Therefore, yes! God had created them. The Holy Bible says “So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kind and every winged bird according to its kind….” [Gen 1:21]. Here, “great” does not refer to ferocious and man eating creatures as Greek mythology portrays. When created, Great creatures were not enemies to be feared; but were part of God’s good creation to be appreciated.
I encourage you to read about the questions asked. If you combine your quests with search in the Holy Scriptures, you will get answers. Discussions are a good beginning. Follow them up with reading the Holy Bible with your friends; topping them up with prayers from the Agpeya.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesHow can I deal with hindrances in prayer?
Answer
During prayer there sometimes occur moments of deadly darkness and spiritual anguish arising from unbelief of the heart (for unbelief is darkness). Do not let your heart fail you at such moments, but remember that if the Divine light has been cut off from you, it always shines in all its splendour and greatness in God Himself, in God’s Church, in heaven and on earth, and in the material world in which “His eternal power also and divinity” are visible. Do not think that truth has failed, because truth is God Himself, and everything that exists has its foundation and reason in Him. Only your own weak, sinful and darkened heart can fail in the truth, for it cannot always bear the strength of the light of truth, and is not always capable of containing its purity, but only if it is being, or has been, purified from its sins, as the first cause of spiritual darkness. The proof of this you may find in yourself. When the light of faith or God’s truth dwells in your heart, only then is it tranquil, firm, strong, and living; but when this is cut off, then your heart becomes uneasy, weak as a reed shaken by the wind, and lifeless. Do not pay any attention to this darkness of Satan. Drive it away from your heart by making the sign of the life-giving Cross!
When praying, keep to the rule that it is better to say five words from the depth of your heart than ten thousand words with your tongue only. When you observe that your heart is cold and prays unwillingly, stop praying and warm your heart by vividly representing to yourself either your own wickedness, your spiritual poverty, misery, and blindness, or the great benefits which God bestows every moment upon you and all mankind, especially upon Christians, and then pray slowly and fervently. If you have not time to say all the prayers, it does not matter, and you will receive incomparably greater benefit from praying fervently and not hurriedly than if you had said all your prayers hurriedly and without feeling: “I had rather speak five words with my understanding … than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
As after having unworthily communicated, so also after having prayed unworthily and coldly, our soul feels equally ill at ease. This means that God does not enter our heart, being offended at its unbelief and coldness, and allows the evil spirit to nestle in our hearts, in order to make us feel the difference between His own presence and its yoke.
Sometimes during prayer you feel a kind of estrangement from God, and despair. Do not be carried away by such a feeling; it proceeds from the Devil. Say in your heart: “I despair not of salvation, reprobate as I am; and emboldened by Thine immeasurable compassion, I come unto Thee. If there is any hope of salvation for me, if Thy loving mercy can overcome the multitude of my transgressions, be Thou my Saviour.”
When praying with people, we sometimes have to pierce through with our prayer as if it were the hardest wall – human souls, hardened and petrified by earthly passions – to penetrate the Egyptian darkness, the darkness of passions and worldly attachments. This is why it is sometimes difficult to pray. The simpler the people one prays with, the easier it is.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesHow can I have pure fun and still live a true repentant and a victorious Christian life?
Answer
Praying, reading the Holy Bible, and knowing about the saints are all very important elements required for spiritual growth and attainment. All of these attributes are not against having fun. Actually, it is by complying with these guidelines, that you can enjoy fun events and social gatherings in a more fulfilling way. Sports are fun, whether you are a spectator or a participant. Nonetheless, you should be aware of the shortcomings of watching sports, e.g., during the half-time shows for football, inappropriate commercials, profanities, etc are shown. Therefore, diligently plan to avoid any portion that is unsuitable.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesHow can I help my friend who is addicted to drugs and does not see it is wrong?
Answer
Pray for your friend and talk to her about how our body is a gift from God and it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. we should take care of it and not ruin it with drugs. If your friend does not see that it is wrong and if she is doing hard drugs, then that is not just casual use. She is an addict. It is hard to convince such a person to give up this addiction just by talking to them. Most probably, your friend needs professional help.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesHow can one get rid of evil, disturbing thoughts? Regardless of frequent repentance and prayers, disturbing thoughts keep coming back.
Answer
In responding to how to be rid of persistent evil thoughts, one of the early fathers Abba Pimen answered: “If a man has on one side of him fire, and on the other side a vessel with water, then if he starts burning from the fire, he takes water from the vessel and extinguishes the fire. Like to this are the evil thoughts, suggested by the enemy of our salvation, which like a spark can enkindle sinful desires within man. It is necessary to put out these sparks with the water, which is prayer and the yearning of the soul for God.”
Tell your friend to persist in prayers and not entertain these thoughts but try to get rid of them. I also suggest that she gets her priest to pray for her and anoint her with holy oil.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionTheology & DogmaHow is the Coptic Orthodox church different from all other Christianities in terms of doctrine and dogma related to marriage and divorce?
Answer
While divorce is on the rise in the world and among Christians, our Coptic Church follows the teachings of the Holy Bible considering a marriage to be everlasting “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” [Matt 19:6]. Divorce should be strictly forbidden except when adultery is proven “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” [Matt 19:9]. It is true that the Catholic Church does not believe in divorce; but she went around this by granting annulments of marriage for various reasons.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesI am suffering from laziness and lack of energy. Can you help me?
Answer
A student’s day schedule can be overwhelmingly packed with lectures to attend, people to meet, studying, and decisions to make. If students do not learn how to mange their time properly, they can be in trouble.
Everyday, we must desire and seek the will and guidance of God. Making good decisions, living a productive life, avoiding temptation, laziness and procrastination, eating healthy food and exercising should be our goals. Exercise such as walking has been proven in clinical trials to elevate mood. Above all we must follow the path of God in each day.
I encourage you to begin every day with prayers from the Agpeya, asking God to enlighten your path and strengthen your faith. Pray also for wisdom and understanding that you may overcome procrastinating and wasting your precious time.
I am going to give you some biblical verses to help you out.
“He came out and went, as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed Him. When He reached the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial” [Luke 22:39-40].
“Do not bring us to the time of trial” [Matt 6:13].
These verses are stating “save us from the coming trials,” “do not bring us to the test.” They are ways of asking God to guide us through each day; and to help us know what is the right way to follow.
At the close of the day, review the events one by one; with a thankful spirit for those things accomplished and those you fell short of fulfilling. Pray that God will guide you in your shortcomings and follow this meditation with the Lord’s Prayer and the prayers of the twelfth hour.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesI am worried about my friends, who are a big part of the youth group at my church. Lately they have been doing inappropriate things. What is worse is that their parents know, but do not bother. Please tell me what I should do besides praying.
Answer
It is tough when you see parents backing up their children in doing the wrong things. Don’t loose faith or hope but continue on praying for them and their parents. Consider this:
First and foremost keep on praying for them and for yourself that God may give you the wisdom to lead them to the right path.
It is very important for you to know and believe that you can make a difference, so don’t give up. Do not point out their wrong doings to them bluntly, but talk to them over and over again about God’s commandments and how He loves us and wants us to be His children doing His own will.
Don’t be discouraged if they sneer at you, but be persistent. Ask them to reflect on their actions and see if their deeds glorify God and edify them one way or another. They should also ask themselves: what would the Lord Jesus Christ do if He were in their place, would He act the way they do?
Help them renew their mind and grow spiritually. Try to get them to read the Holy Bible with you and discuss with them verses like “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” [Rom 12:2] and “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.” [Eccl 11:9]
Talk to your youth servants about their wrong actions, without mentioning names, and suggest that they have these topics addressed in the youth meetings.
First and foremost keep on praying for them and for yourself that God may give you the wisdom to lead them to the right path.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSocialI have a boyfriend whom I like to talk to on the phone. We do not have bad conversation we’re just friends. Is this sinful or bad behavior?
Answer
I want you to ask yourself what do you mean, “We’re just friends”? What does this friendship give you that no other same sex friendship can give?
As a Christian, when you are about to make friends with someone, you should ask yourself, is Jesus Christ the center of this relationship? Would He bless it? Am I growing in grace and faith?
In a relationship involving the opposite gender, what starts out as just innocent conversation that seems harmless, after a while turns by nature into intimacy and seclusion from others, private talks and discussion of secrets, and sharing things that you would not normally share with anyone else. These are the steps when opposite gender friendship loses the true meaning of friendship and is taken to a different level that cannot any longer be recognized as simple friendship.
The danger of having such a relationship is that by the very nature of sin itself, one can easily be tempted knowingly and unknowingly. Within opposite gender relationships one could readily find themselves in a position of submitting to this temptation, finding it hard to resist the desires and the lusts of our weak nature. This risk does not exist in same-gender- spiritually enriching relationships.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesI have a very close friend of the opposite gender and we love each other as friends; and we’ve spoken about keeping our friendship pure. We’ve become very close and we sometimes hug. Although neither of us feels lust, I wonder if what we are doing is wrong.
Answer
What you are doing is playing with fire. Examine where this relationship is leading you. You have started as regular friends; then you love each other ‘as friends’; then you have become ‘very close’ that you sometimes ‘hug’. Can you see the trend? The next is going to be a little kiss on the cheeks and so on. Do not let the devil trick you; and beware of desires and temptation “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” [Jas 1:15]. Keep you distance, and ask yourself where this friendship is leading you. If you are not ready for marriage and cannot make a commitment at the present time; I advise you to withdraw from this relationship before lust overtakes.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesI want to fast but I think that fifty-five days of fasting are too long. What is your advice?
Answer
To say ‘fifty-five days of fasting are too long’ is quite a strong statement that does not build spiritually; but gives the impression that we are negotiating and wanting to give God what we think He deserves and nothing more.
Fasting becomes very hard when we start counting it by days and hours, when it is considered just a change of diet and food deprivation. If we do not have the real spirit of fast, humiliate ourselves before the Lord and, having our sins before our eyes at all times, repent and ask for His forgiveness we will not benefit from the fast and it will not be accepted by our Lord. The Israelites fasted and afflicted themselves before God; yet their fast was unacceptable to Him “Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’” [Isa 58:3].
Our fast should be motivated by a sincere desire to communicate with God. It is a time when we stop everything else and give Him our attention responding wholeheartedly to His word to us. I suggest you read more about the great sacrifice our Lord Jesus Christ made for us to leave His throne and incarnate, carry our sins and be crucified for our sake. If we truly feel the immensity of this sacrifice we will not question the days or the weeks of fasting.
I would like you to read [Isa 58] and meditate on the acceptable and the unacceptable fast. Our Church is rich with literature about the spirituality of Fasting and its benefits. I hope during these holy days, you make the effort to read some of them lifting your heart to the Lord asking Him to give you the strength and to guide you continually to follow His ways with joy and gladness. May your fast be for the glory of God and a means of repentance.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionBiblicalIn the Holy Book of Numbers chapter 12, both Miriam and Aaron talked about Moses behind his back; but God punished Miriam only. Why did God not punish both of them?
Answer
1. Miriam, but not Aaron was struck with leprosy, because Miriam was the first to transgress [Num 12:1] God differentiates between those that mislead and those who are misled.
2. Had Aaron been struck with leprosy, the priesthood itself would have fallen into contempt. Aaron would have been suspended from his duties. This would have rendered him and his office lowly, and would have been a lasting blot upon his family.
3.Aaron as a priest was to be the examiner and judge of the leprosy [Lev 13:49-14:3] surely seeing Miriam, leprous, was a sufficient degradation for him. He was struck through his side, and could not pronounce her leprosy without trembling, knowing himself to be equally guilty.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionTheology & DogmaIs it okay to occasionally drink some alcoholic beverages at home and not before people?
Answer
The Church does not openly say that drinking alcohol in itself is sinful but that the abuse of alcohol is. However the Church advocates complete abstinence from drinking because the possibility of abuse is usually very high.
Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us ask ourselves: are we bringing honor to the Holy Spirit through the consumption of alcohol [1Cor 6:12-15], [1Cor 6:19-20]?
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSocialIs it sinful for a female to kiss a male even if it feels good, satisfying and would be considered by me as a sign of affection and not sex?
Answer
If kissing did not feel good no one would have the desire to do it. Like everything else in life there is a time and a season for everything. Kissing a guy who is not your husband is definitely wrong no matter how good it felt. Since you felt good this implies that you would not mind doing it again! And when you do it again, this ‘affection’ will not stop at kissing but you will desire more intimacy and as St. James says, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” [Jas 1:14].
When you kiss you are allowing a guy to have privilege over your body. This privilege should be given only to your husband and no one else. The Holy Bible says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” [1Cor 3:16-17]. God wants us to seek guidance form scriptural truth not feelings. Affection or love looks beyond personal desires and the momentary gratification of the senses. It looks at the big picture: serving others and glorifying God. Do not think of what you want, but at what God wants.
I suggest you read these books: Purity, by Fr. Tadros Malaty and I Kissed Dating Goodbye, by Joshua Harris.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesIs there any unforgivable sin such as blasphemy or adultery or does it take longer for certain things to be forgiven?
Answer
The only unforgivable sin is the perpetual refusal to repent. This is true for the believer, who has been baptized and confirmed in the Orthodox faith, but refuses to heed to the guidance of the Holy Spirit; and for him who refuses the Holy Spirit. Our Lord confirms this truth saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation” [Mark 3:28-29].
Adultery is a forgivable sin but its memory always carries extra burdens because of the extensive damages done. “Can a man take fire to his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?” [Prov 6:27-28]. We learn of the grief of recovering from adultery from David the Prophet and Psalmist, St. Mary of Egypt, St. Augustine, St. Moses the Strong, and many other extraordinary penitent saints. Adultery defiles the body where the Holy Spirit dwells: “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” [1Cor 6:18-19].
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesIsn’t fasting a decision made by a person according to his spiritual level? In the Catholic Church, it is logical that you shall not eat one hour before communion.
Answer
In Christianity, fasting is not optional. In the Sermon on the Mount, regarded by Christians as the basis for Christian life, our Lord Jesus Christ emphasized on three points as requisites for living in Him. These are prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
In preparing ourselves to partake of the Holy Communion, we need to be fully aware that the Bread of life is not ordinary bread, and the Blood of the Lamb is not an ordinary Cup but are the source of life. Preparation for Holy Communion has to be spiritual and has to do with our inner self. Before partaking of the Holy Communion, we need to examine our life, our values, and advance with a clean conscience that is worthy of the holy Mystery. Prayer is an essential pre-requisite to preparing for Holy Communion. Nothing prepares the soul for receiving Christ as much as sincere prayer, asking God for His forgiveness and thanking Him for all the many blessings and gifts He bestows upon us.
Fasting is both a means of self-discipline and a tangible reminder that one is indeed to receive Christ in Holy Communion. Abstaining from food and drink should precede the receiving of Holy Communion, provided that one also abstains from other pleasures and entertainment, concentrating on prayer and religious and Scripture reading. If we actually believe that the Holy Communion is the Bread of Life, what other food should enter our mouth on that day? Abstaining from food and drink for at least nine hours is to remind us of the nine hours our Lord suffered on Good Friday from 9:00 AM. To 6:00 PM. At the third hour (9:00 AM) Pontius Pilate condemned the Savior to be crucified, then the path to crucifixion began with a long series of tortures, lashing, scourging, mockery etc. after which our Lord was led to be crucified. He suffered the pain of the crucifixion until He gave up His Spirit at the ninth hour (3:00 PM). Even after his death, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear. Then at the eleventh hour (5:00 PM) He was taken down from the Cross and after having His body anointed with spices, was laid in the tomb at the twelfth hour (6:00 PM). The Scriptures says “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” [1Cor 11:26] so before partaking of this Body and Blood and proclaiming His death, we should also remember the great suffering He endured for us and for our salvation.
The night before receiving Holy Communion one should read the Scriptures, retire early, avoiding social engagements that do not glorify the Lord. I want to go further and say that whether preparing to receive Holy Communion or not, we should not eat or drink anything prior to attending the Divine Liturgy. The Divine Liturgy is our invitation to partake of the Lord’s banquet, so why should we eat before receiving the Holy Gift.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWhat are the qualities that make one “a man after God’s own heart?”
Answer
“A man after God’s own heart” was said about David the prophet. Let’s examine his attributes to know how he pleased God.
1.David was a man of prayer “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.” [Ps 55:17]
2.He loved to praise God “Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments” [Ps 119:164]. “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” [Ps 104:33]
3.David loved the Word of God “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” [Ps 119:103]. “My eyes are awake through the night watches that I may meditate on Your Word.” [Ps 119:148]
4. He loved to meditate on God’s works, precepts and majesty and witnessed to God “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” [Ps 63:6]. “I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds” [Ps 77:12] also [Ps 119:15], [Ps 119:27], [Ps 119:48]; [Ps 145:5]
5. He shielded himself from mingling with the wrong crowd and hated wickedness [Ps 101].
6. His repentance was very strong [Ps 50].
These are only some of David’s qualities that made him deserve to be called ‘A man after God’s own heart’.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWhat happens if I repent for my sins but don’t take the next step of confessing?
Answer
Repentance is the first step but you need confession to have your sins absolved. Our Lord commanded His disciples saying, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” [John 20:23]. This authority was passed on from the Lord to the disciples, who passed it on to the bishops and to the priests who, acting on behalf of God, can give you the absolution.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSocialWhat is the churches view on karate as a sport or hobby? Can I join a club that might even have an evil dragon sign knowing that I do not care about their philosophy/religion?
Answer
It is commendable that you are concerned about the choices you have before you. Prayer and asking for spiritual advice is the right track to follow. As a rule, any activity that compromises or diverts you from your spiritual path is not worth traveling.
Involvement in sports is generally a good pastime. Sports can help build teamwork, leadership, and good sportsmanship. Karate is different, in that regard, because it is for the most part an individual sport. To attract and excite customers, some clubs do promote evil logos. It is advised that if this is the sport in which you want to participate, research a facility that does not use negative ads or promotions, neither imposes a particular questionable philosophy.
A background check on the history of karate identifies it mainly as a self-defense sport which does not employ the use weapons. Martial Arts, in general, include disciplines which exercise physical and mental energy as self-defense or relaxation techniques. The purpose of the symbolic use of animals, such as, the dragon, cheetah, snake, etc., stress the methods used by these animals in battle and for survival.
There is some concern regarding this sport when it goes too far. Participants are deceived about their own ability, becoming self-absorbed, self-sufficient, self-confident, self-reliant, and independent of God. Rather than imitating the gentleness and meekness of Christ, the angels that praise Him, and the saints who trusted in Him, they resort to the tactics of animals. See the real inner strength of the Three Youth (The Book of Daniel) who had the greatest confidence in God. You, too, can be more like them.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king…’” [Dan 3:16-17]. “Look! He answered, ‘I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God’” [Dan 3:25].
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSocialWhat is the church’s viewpoint concerning homosexuals and homosexuality?
Answer
Homosexuality is a sin condemned by God in the Old and New Testaments. Homosexuality was condemned from the time of Sodom where apparent homosexual activity among men was widespread in this city. The Old Testament considers homosexuality a sin deserving capital punishment. “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them” [Lev 20:13].
In the New Testament St. Paul says, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” [1Cor 6:9]. In the first chapter of his epistle to the Romans [Rom 1:24-32], St. Paul also judges it as unnatural. Homosexuals are included elsewhere among the immoral people who, St. Paul says, deserve judgment by God [1Tim 1:10]. There is no example in all of the New Testament of approval, acceptance, or even tolerance of homosexuality.
It is not approved scientifically that the homosexuals are born with that feeling; but at one point of their life they feel an exclusive psychosexual attraction toward members of the same sex. Our Coptic Orthodox Church does not condemn people but condemn their acts and would minister to homosexuals who wish to be freed from this inclination.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWhat is the difference between love and lust?
Answer
The Book of Esther reveals the two sides of one man who operated in lust at first; but then learned love. Notice how King Ahasuerus was driven by lust when he requested of Vashti, the queen, to parade her beauty before the drunken crowd. When she refused this exploitation, he dethroned her. However, although Queen Esther was even more beautiful, he recognized her virtues and honored her: “The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king” [Esth 2:17-18]. Also read [1Cor 13:4-13]. If you line up all the definitions of what love is and what love does, you can write alongside the opposite which is lust: Love gives but lust takes; Love empowers but lust exploits.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionTheology & DogmaWhat is the difference between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Coptic (Egyptian) Catholic Church?
Answer
When Catholic missionaries came to Egypt with the claim to preach Christianity to non-Christians, they managed to convince some of the Coptic Orthodox Christians to leave their church and become Catholics. They approached them with the false pretence that they did not need to change anything in their faith or church rituals except that they will be under the papacy of the Pope of Rome instead of our Pope of Alexandria.
The Coptic Catholic Divine liturgy is very similar to the Coptic Orthodox except for the Creed ; as the Catholic creed is recited instead. In addition, being Catholic, the Coptic Catholic Church has adopted all the new dogmas of the Catholic Church. For example, the Immaculate Conception, the purgatory, the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son etc.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWhat is the purpose of “hymns and spiritual songs”? Why is it an important part of our spiritual life?
Answer
The Holy Bible teaches us that in singing hymns we are imitating our Lord Jesus Christ, Who after instituting the holy mystery of the Eucharist, sang a hymn with His disciples just before he went to the Mount of Olives where He knew He were to be arrested “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” [Matt 26:30]; [Mark 14:26].
Singing hymns is a way of uplifting one’s spirit especially in the time of distress. While in jail, St Paul and St. Silas not only prayed but also sang hymns “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” [Acts 16:25].
Singing hymns is a means of communicating and a mode of worship. St. Paul says “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God” [Eph 5:18-20].
Singing hymns and Psalms is a method of teaching and reproving “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” [Col 3:16].
Singing hymns is a tool for comforting one another during suffering and distress and also expressing our joy and cheerfulness “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” [Jas 5:13].
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWhat is the significance of praying with the Agpeya? How does it compare to American Christian Denominations way of praying?
Answer
In [Ps 118], David the Prophet and King, prays saying: “Seven times a day I have praised You because of the judgments of Your righteousness.” The Agpeya contains the seven canonical prayers commemorating the most significant events pertaining directly to our Lord Jesus Christ. The Protestant churches, in general, have not been interested in preserving or using an anthology of prayers or tradition. The Catholic church diffes in that the Catholics have maintained their own traditional prayers of the Rosary which commemorate the “joyful, sorrowful, & glorious mysteries” of our Lord, through the intercessions of the Blessed Mother. St. Mary is strictly the goal of the Rosary. Novenas are also prayed nine days before feasts, including those of saints.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSocialWhat is the view on abortion and adoption of the Coptic Orthodox Church?
Answer
Abortion is not a solution approved of by the Church unless a mother is in medically serious danger. Adoption is a solution for a married couple who cannot have their own children. Adoption can also be a solution for a woman who may have been raped and thereby conceived as a result. If she cannot raise the child, adoption perhaps through a family member or a Christian foster home, will at least, grant the child a decent life and a chance to obtain eternal life.
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me…
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, and that my souls knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them…
And lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139 NKJV).
This portion of the Prophet David’s Psalm is the voice of every unborn child. It affirms the origin of the soul’s precious bond and relationship with God. It also recognizes that even the most intricate details prior to the body formation in a mother’s womb are witnessed and documented. Despite existing and anticipated adversities, God’s unconditional love is confidently realized. The final appeal concludes with a sincere plea to be “lead in the way everlasting”.
Two dearly loved prophets, St. John the Baptist and Jeremiah the Prophet, were preordained before their births for awesome roles in life. St. John the Baptist, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord” [Isa 40:3], acknowledged our Lord from his mother’s womb, “For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy” [Luke 1:44]. The Lord, Himself, assured the young awkward youth, Jeremiah, that his call to be a prophet was predetermined before his birth: “Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” [Jer 1:4-5].
Adoption is an extraordinary act of love and mercy. Examples of adoption from the Holy Scripture includes: Queen Esther who was adopted by Mordecai, an older cousin: “When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter” [Esth 2:7]. Moses the Prophet was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter: “…she saw the child, and behold the baby wept. So she had compassion on him…” [Exod 2:6]. When David the king wanted to show an act of kindness to Saul’s house and his beloved departed friend Jonathan, he found Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son in both feet, and had him stay in Jerusalem with him declaring “he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons” [2Sam 9].
We, ourselves, were adopted into God’s family. “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” [Gal 4:4-7].
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSocialWhat is Your Grace’s opinion concerning tattooing? Is it true that it is a sign of permanent enslavement [Exod 21:5-6]? Why do we accept ear piercing?
Answer
The Holy Bible mentions that ear piercing is a sign of a slave who has devoted himself permanently to his master. The question is: who is your master? St. Paul says, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you” [1Cor 6:19].
Our body is a temple inhabited by the Holy Spirit. Therefore it belongs to God and we have no right to damage it in any way through piercing, tattooing, smoking, drinking etc. Our duty is to keep it pure and holy as our Lord wants us to be. In Holy Book of [Lev 21:5], we read, “
They shall not make tonsures upon their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.”
It is enough that you have your ears pierced which is more customary than biblical; you do not need to pierce other parts of your body because of fashion. What is the message you would be sending to those around you? As soon as this fashion disappears, you will not feel at ease having your nose pierced. I hope you keep the words of the Holy Spirit in your heart and be in the image of Christ a role model to those around you “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” [Rom 12:2].
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSocialWhat is your suggestion if someone, a really close friend, is on and off in his relation with me to a point that is really confusing me?
Answer
The best thing in this situation is to talk openly to this person and ask exactly what is going on and why the change of mood every now and then. It is good to be friends with everyone and to try to keep a friendship; but if this friendship is not for building and is causing you such confusion and anxiety, then perhaps it is time to accept the fact that you would be just fine without this friendship. Friendship should bring joy, peace and love. A true friend is someone you talk with at ease without pretence and feel happy to be with when they are around.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWhat should I do when constantly the same sins over again?
Answer
Because we are not infallible, it is expected that we may commit the same sins again, especially during Certain stages of life. But you must always struggle against this sin by nourishing yourself spiritually in order to be victorious, and you must cofess your sins to the priest so that he may help you overcome this sin by praying for you and giving for you guidance.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWhat should I do when my mind wanders during prayer?
Answer
The following advice comes from Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894), a Russian Orthodox saint best known for his work, Unseen Warfare, and his spiritual counsels to beginners, especially youth.
In order to facilitate the development of true prayer, take these steps:
1. Keep a prayer rule according to the blessing of your spiritual father – not more than you can read unhurriedly on a normal day;
2. Before you pray, in your free time become familiar with the prayer in your rule, fully take in each word and feel it, so that you would know in advance what should be in your soul as you read.
It will be even better if you learn the prayers by heart. When you do this, then all of your prayers will be easy for you to remember and feel. There is only one final difficulty: your thoughts will always stray to other subjects, therefore:
3. You must struggle to keep your attention focused on the words of your prayer, knowing in advance that your mind will wander.
When your mind does wander during prayer, bring it back. When it wanders again, bring it back again.
Each and every time that you read a prayer while your thoughts are wandering (and consequently you read it without attention and feeling) then do not fail to read it again.
Even if your mind wanders several times in the same place, read it again and again until you read it all the way through with understanding and feeling.
In this way, you will overcome this difficulty so that the next time, perhaps, it will not come up again, or if it does return, it will be weaker. This is how one must act when the mind wanders.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionQuestions & AnswersWho is/are the author/s of the Agpeya? When and how was it written?
Answer
Praying the Agpeya prayers is a teaching received from the apostolic and patristic fathers. History tells us that during the time of Abba Pachomious, the fathers of the church met together to establish a daily worshipping system for all believers to pass on to the following generations. While they were trying to come to an agreement regarding the number of Psalms they should pray every hour of the seven prayer hours, an angel appeared among them as they were about to start the eleventh hour prayers, and started to praise God with Psalms. They listened attentively and behold he stopped after the twelfth Psalm and disappeared. They took this as a divine revelation that we should pray twelve Psalms every hour of the seven hours.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionTheology & DogmaWhy can’t we take Communion at the Catholic Church? Is it allowable at our church, to immerse the Body into the chalice and dispense it?
Answer
In order to take communion at the Catholic Church or any other church we should be united in faith with that Church. The Catholic Church adopted several doctrines such as, the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Son, the Immaculate Conception of St. Mary, the purgatory, the infallibility of the Pope etc .., all of which our Coptic Orthodox Church has rejected. These doctrines were not the belief of the early Church nor are they based on the writings of the early fathers.
Regarding putting the Body into the Blood, our Lord Himself did not do that. We derive our practice from the pattern that He himself has established when instituting this Sacrament “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you” [Luke 22:19-20]; see also [1Cor 11:24-24]. Our Lord did not give His disciples His Body and His Blood together.
How can we justify changing what our Lord Himself did and instructed us to follow? What is a good reason for changing?
You can read about the differences between the Orthodox and the Catholic Churches in “Theological and Dogmatic Differences Between: Orthodox and Catholics” compiled by Fr. Markos Hanna; St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Los Angeles, CA.
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWhy do I have to confess to a priest? Isn’t it enough to confess directly to God?
Answer
In the parable of the “Prodigal Son”, we learn a great deal about confession. The priest is your spiritual father to whom has been assigned the task of monitoring your spiritual growth. Confession to the spiritual father is evident; for once the son repented of his sin and returned to his father confessing: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight…” [Luke 15:20-21], he had been forgiven and his place in the family (the church family) had been restored with celebration.
The priest has been given the authority from Jesus Christ our Lord, Himself, to bind and lose sins on earth; so that what is bound on earth will be so in heaven, and what is loosed on earth, will likewise be so in heaven: “So Jesus said to them [the disciples] again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any they are retained’” [John 20:21-22].
When we confess to the priest, he will hold us accountable; he will give us spiritual direction and advice, pray for us, and support us in weakness or relapse. He will frequently check on us to see that we are committed and steadfast. Also since we are human, not only spirit, we need to hear: “your sins are forgiven, you are absolved. Go in peace.” These words will relieve us from the consequences of sin (guilt, shame, and fear).
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSocialWhy is dancing wrong? God did not forbid dancing overtly in the Holy Bible. Many people danced (David, Miriam … Aaron’s sister…)
Answer
To be a Christian is to imitate the Lord Jesus Christ and follow His footsteps. In any situation we should learn to always ask ourselves ‘What Would Jesus Do?” Our Lord said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me” [Matt 11:29]. Do you think if He were with us today would He dance?
Dancing is a worldly way to express fun and joy. We, as Christians should not conform to this world but be transformed by renewing our mind [Rom 12:2] and as St. John taught us “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” [1John 2:15-17].
Unfortunately, many Christians justify dancing claiming that it is biblical, referring to David’s dancing before the Ark of Covenant. This is completely different in motive, meaning and style from today’s dancing. David’s motive was to glorify God. He was playing religious music and singing psalms and hymns of thanksgiving praising the Lord “Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals” [2Sam 6:5]. David did not mean to dance for fun and earthly joy but it was a religious ceremony, a holy procession. “Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet” [2Sam 6:14-15]. His style of dancing was “leaping and whirling before the LORD” is this the type of dancing we are talking about today and is it before the Lord? When his wife criticized his action, David answered “It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the LORD. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight” [2Sam 6:21-22].
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionSpiritual IssuesWould I be judging my friends who are dating, if I stop mixing with them? I honestly do not want to harm my spiritual life. What is your Graces’s opinion in this matter?
Answer
The first thing you should do is talk to your friend about dating and why it is wrong to date. A good book that you can give him to read is “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris.
Secondly, concerning judging, when we disagree with peoples’ actions, we are not judging them but are judging their actions. If two people are not old enough, nor socially, spiritually, financially and psychologically ready to be responsible enough to start a family then there is no point in having a relationship that is not going to lead to marriage, but could very well be the cause of great temptations. You should not feel you are the guilty party and be defending yourself to your friend. On the contrary, it should be the other way around: these friends or couples should feel they are actually a stumbling block to you and to others. “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” [Rom 14:13].
Author: Youssef
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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QuestionMAKER OF PEACE AND CREATOR OF EVILIsn't God the absolute goodness? How then is it said about Him that He is the maker of peace and creator of evil [Isa 45:7] while evil doesn't agree with God's nature.
Answer
We should know first the meaning of the word "good" and the word "evil" in the biblical terminology for they have more than one meaning.
The word "evil" could mean sin which is not the case in the verse "creator of evil" in [Isa 45:7].
"Evil" meaning sin doesn't agree with the goodness of the Lord for He is the absolute goodness. But it comes also in the Bible to mean tribulations and hardships.
The word "good" has also two contradicting meanings: it could mean righteousness - opposite of sin, and it could mean opposite of tribulations - richness, blessing, abundance and various kinds gifts.
* This is very clear in the story of Job the Righteous, when the tribulations befell him and his wife grumbled, he rebuked her saying " "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" [Job 2:10].
Job did not mean by the word "evil" here "sin"; for no sin befell him from the Lord but he meant by evil the tribulations he underwent.
As for the death of his children, the destruction of his house and the plundering of his oxen, donkeys, sheep and camels, all these tribulations and calamities commonly known as evil, the Bible says " when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place; to mourn with him and to comfort him." [Job 2:11]
With the same concept the Lord had spoken about His punishment for the people of Israel saying "'Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book” [2Chr 34:24]. Surely the Lord here did not mean by evil the sin.
What He meant by evil was the captivity of the children of Israel, their defeat before their enemies and the other afflictions that He brought upon them to punish them.
* Another example is the saying of the Lord about Jerusalem "Behold, I will bring such a catastrophe on this place, that whoever hears of it, his ears will tingle" [Jer 19:3] The Lord mentioned the details of that evil saying "I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies... their corpses I will give as meat for the birds of the heavens and for the beasts of the earth. I will make this city desolate and a hissing... even so I will break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, which can not be made whole again" [Jer 19:7-11].
* The same meaning is given in the Book of Amos. [Amos 9:4].
* In the promises of the Lord to rescue the people of Israel from captivity, difficulties and defeat “For thus says the LORD: 'Just as I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will bring on them all the good that I have promised them.” [Jer 32:42] the word evil meant captivity and the promise was to return them from captivity.
The word "good" here does not mean righteousness or godliness as it is also clear that the word "evil" here did not mean sin.
The word good means also blessings, wealth, and prosperity.
The Psalm says "Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" [Ps 103:5] and the Lord says in [Jer 5:25] "Your iniquities have turned these things away, And your sins have withheld good from you."
In the same meaning also it is said about the Lord that He is "the maker of good and creator of evil" which means He gives the blessings and prosperity and also He allows afflictions and adversities.
If the word evil means afflictions, then it can be from God. He wants or allows it as a discipline for people or to urge them to repent or for any spiritual benefit that might be gained from these afflictions [Jas 1:2-4].
The phrase "creator of evil" or "maker of evil" means whatever the people regard as evil or trouble or tribulation which also might be for good.
Examples for good in the sense of righteousness, and for evil in the sense of sin:
+ " for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good." [1Pet 2:14].
+ Also "Depart from evil, and do good." [Ps 34:14].
+ And the saying of the Lord "your little ones and your children, who you say will be victims, who today have no knowledge of good and evil" [Deut 1:39] and also the verse "the tree of knowledge of good and evil" [Gen 2:9].
Accordingly the verse "He treated him well" means helped him, aided, rescued, had mercy and gave him good gifts and presents.
On the other hand the verse "you meant evil against me" means to harm him.
When the Lord brings evil on a nation, it means put them under the rod of correction by tribulations and plagues which are considered evil.
Author: Shenouda III.
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Posted on: 2023-01-29
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"What did He mean by ordering His disciples to buy a sword? Why when they told Him "here are two swords He replied "it is enough." [Luke 22:38]. 07.02.2023 03:02'] "
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QuestionWHAT IS THE MEANING OF "BUY A SWORD"?How can the Lord Christ he the maker of peace and the king of peace, and at the same time tell His disciples "he who has no sword let him sell his garment and buy one.” [Luke 22:36]
"What did He mean by ordering His disciples to buy a sword? Why when they told Him "here are two swords He replied "it is enough." [Luke 22:38].
Answer
The Lord Christ absolutely did not mean the sword in its literal sense.
As an evidence of that, hours after He said this statement, and during His arrest "Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest servant and cut off his ear... then Jesus said to Peter: put your sword into the sheath'' [John 18:10-11], "for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. " [Matt 26:51-52]. If the Lord was asking them to use the sword, he would not have stopped Peter from using the sword in such circumstances.
But the Lord meant the symbolic meaning of the sword which is the spiritual struggle.
The Lord was talking to them on his way to Gethsemane [Luke 22:39] in His last minutes before His arrest to be crucified. He said "Let him sell his garments and buy a sword" then right after that He said 'for I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me", "and He was numbered with the transgressors" [Luke 22:37]. What is the common line between these two statements? It seems as if He was telling them, while I was with you, I guarded you, I was the sword that protected you, but now I am going to give myself up in the hands of sinners and the saying "numbered with transgressors" will be fulfilled... then take care of yourselves and struggle.
Since I am going to leave you, every one of you should fight the spiritual fight, and buy a sword.
St. Paul had spoken about "the sword of the spirit" in his epistle to the Ephesians and about: "the whole armour of God, the breast plate of righteousness, and the shield of faith" [Eph 6:11-17]. That is what the Lord Christ meant by that; so we might be able to be steadfast in face of the snares of Satan in these spiritual fights.
The disciples did not understand that spiritual symbol at that time so they answered: here are two swords.
As He told them before in the same symbolic concept "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees" [Luke 21:1], He meant their hypocrisy but they thought He spoke about the bread [Mark 8:17]. In the same manner they answered Him, when He talked to them about the sword of the spirit, here are two swords, so He replied that "It is enough"... It is enough discussion in this subject since there wasn't enough time... He did not mean the swords by the statement "It is enough" otherwise He would say they are enough...
We should distinguish between what the Lord meant to be understood symbolically and what literally. The flow of the conversation usually indicates that.
Author: Shenouda III.
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Posted on: 2023-02-07
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