Many of the Desert Fathers experimented with harsh ascetic regimens, severely limiting their sleep and their intake of food and drink. For example, Abba Arsenius claimed that “it is enough for a monk, if he is a real fighter, to sleep only one hour”; Abba Dioscorus boasted that he never ate cooked food or fruit …
Asceticism is to live with satisfaction on your minimal needs without experiencing delight and getting away from materialism. St. Paul the Apostle reminded his disciple Timothy in his first epistle, “But godliness with contentment is great gain”; “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” and “But those who desire to be …
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 The resurrection of Christ is a turning point in human history. It was the resurrection of our Lord that gave humanity a new chance to enjoy being in Christ again after …
The angels proclaimed the news of Christ’s resurrection to the women saying, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen" (Luke 24: 5-6) The news of the risen Christ brought tremendous joy to the disciples, but terrified the Jewish leaders. As much as the day of …
Anba Abraam was a saintly monk of the twentieth century. As it is said, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48) so did St. Abraam live his holy life. Born in a small town near Cairo, Egypt, Anba Abraam grew up in a Christian home with the …
The life of this saint is a poured ointment and a sweet incense accepted by God... He appeared as an angel among men… My mouth is sanctified when I utter the name of Anba Abraam, and my pen is blessed when I write about him.... and my soul is humiliated before him, and gets smaller …
According to Besa (wissa), Shenoute's relationship with God began early in life and was the reason he joined the White Monastery. Besa portrays the seven-year-old Shenoute as a boy with mystical powers that led his parents to place him in the care of his uncle Pcol. It is noteworthy that Besa, as narrator, did not …
There was a man that had three friends, then came a messenger from the king to call upon him. And when he asked this man to go with him to meet the King, the man became baffled and confused, and said to the messenger, "I have a very dear friend whom I love very much, …
Monasticism is the backbone of the church that protects it and carries it just like how Moses was to Joshua in his fight against Amalek. Moses is a symbol of monasticism which lifts its hands towards heaven to pray for Joshua who symbolises the servants, the consecrated and the clergy while he fought Amalek who …
My dear beloved children, monks and nuns of our Coptic Orthodox monasteries in the Egyptian deserts and the lands of immigration; May the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). As we celebrate the commemoration of the departure of the patron saint of our monasteries, …
