Monasticism began as a result of one man’s attempt to fulfill a Scriptural challenge, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Matt 19:21) And so the young Antony attempted to live out what God had mandated. Many followed the example …
St Shenouda the Archimandrite is famous for his life as a monk, national leader, and a writer. Perhaps he is less famous for his powerful defence of biblical truth. A highlight of this is when our holy fathers convened a synod to excommunicate the impious Nestorius. On this occasion Abba Shenouda and St Cyril the …
Macarius the Great, also called Macarius the Egyptian (to distinguish him from Macarius of Alexandria) is one of the most venerated saints of the Coptic Church (his name, which means "blessed," in Greek is "Makarios," in Arabic "Maqar"). He was born around the year 300 in Jijber (present-day Shabshir), a village in the southwest portion …
The powers of heaven stand ready in their ranks to advance with fear before the Bridegroom as he comes in glory on the clouds of heaven to judge the living and the dead; and we do not believe. What then will come upon us in that hour, brethren? How may we there defend ourselves to …
All the works, visibly done in this world, are done out of a certain hope of enjoying one's labors and unless anyone is fully convinced that he will profit from his labors, he would see no advantage in doing them. For the farmer sows seeds in the hope of fruit and he undergoes toils on …
My son, listen and be wise, accept the true doctrine, for there are many ways. Be able to obey God like Abraham, who abandoned his country, went into exile, and with Isaac lived in a tent in the promised land as in a foreign country. He obeyed, humbled himself, and was given an inheritance; he …
A certain brother came to Abba Arsenius, and said to him, “My thoughts trouble me, and say, you can't fast and you are not able to labor, therefore visit the sick, which is a great commandment.” Then Abba Arsenius, after the manner of one who was well acquainted with the war of devils, said to …
“There is a man in the south of Egypt called Shenoute. Whatever he says truly comes to pass.” - St Wissa When contemplating on the lives of the saints, we soon come to realise the love of God and His saving grace which is constantly perfecting His image in us. The great St Shenouda the …
The Commemoration of the Miracle performed by St. Basil, Bishop of Caesarea, Cappadocia. A young man, who loved his master's daughter, Satan, his enemy and the enemy of the human race, deceived him. Satan made him resort to a magician who made him write a covenant to deny the faith and to surrender completely to …
By the time of St. Athanasius (295-373) the concept of spiritual martyrdom had become fairly uniform and definite. From the first remarks of St. Athanasius about the spiritual martyrdom of St Anthony to those of Sulpicius Severus about the martyrdom of St Martin of Tours, the requirements for spiritual martyrdom remain rather constant. The requirements …
