1/09/2012
September 11TH Marks the Coptic New Year. This year will be called 1729 AM or the year of the Martyrs. The Coptic Church takes the start of the reign of Emperor Diocletian in 284AD as the start of the Coptic Calender. This was the last of the 10 great persecutions of the Romans against Christians. Diocletian in particular had a policy of demanding the worship of the Emperor as a god, and all his subjects were to offer his image incense or prostrate publicly before his image. When Christians refused they were beaten, imprisoned, tortured and beheaded. The aim of the Roman government was to bring all the Roman Empire under one religion to ensure its unity. People could worship whomever they wished as long as it included the worship of the Emperor and the honouring of the Emperor’s gods first. Christian, worshiped only One God, Maker of Heaven and earth and all that there was. God Himself had commanded them: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Exodus 20:2-6) So Christians could not obey the Emperor edict nor was there any room for compromise. The eternal struggle was set up, Between God and Diocletian. Diocletian had an Empire to run; made up of many different races and nations; he wanted them to follow him. In many ways Diocletian gave the peoples sound government and stability but at a price, their souls. Just bow your heads as you walk by (not as a sign of honour but as a form of worship), put a little bit of incense for me and the riches and the might of the Roman Empire will be at your service. Disobey the system and all the might of the Roman military will be employed to make you change your mind. Sadly, many did. Many thought I can be a Christian in my home and a Roman citizen, a worshiper of the Emperor in the streets. That can be you are a Christian 24/7, 360° or you’re not. But there was a faithful army of Christ, who said you can’t have our Souls they have already been transformed by the renewing of our mind (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. Romans 12:12). These were the ones who stood firm, afraid of no man but full of the fear of the Lord. For this reason they could bear the horrible and unimaginable cruelty inflicted on them. One side was trying to keep the world together with all his might (Diocletian) and the other side was trying to keep their Eternity intact (Christians). This is not too dissimilar to battles we face each day. How many times are you called to compromise your Christian principles just to get by? How many times do your morals and your Christian virtues get challenged each day? There may not be incense to rise to an Emperor these days but there may be a bottle to share with your mates. There may not be a pressing wheel before you, but there may be someone threatening your virginity and purity of heart. Not much has changed. The World is trying to hold itself together and Christians are battling to keep their eternity intact. No Compromise. It’s winning or loses. “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. (Deuteronomy 30:15-16) So come September 11, remember it’s not just a joyous feast of the New Year, it’s not just a commemoration of the Martyr heroes of our Church, but we also bring to mind that we are still fighting the same battle.
"Blessed is God! In our time as well martyrs have come forth, and we have been made worthy to see people sacrificed for the Lord Christ, people who shed their holy blood to irrigate the entire Church. We have been made worthy to see people, advocates of piety, who are victorious; who are crowned......and we now have these crowned ones among us."
The first day of the blessed month of Thoout marks the beginning of the Coptic New Year and is the day set aside to celebrate the Feast of ElNayrouz. On this feast day we honor those who stood and confessed their faith in the Word of God with firmness and commitment and with the totality of their lives. The risen Lord sent His chosen disciples throughout the world with this message, "You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The disciples were the Lord's WITNESSES. "MARTYRS" is the Greek word for "WITNESSES." The early church
thought of death as the complete and final act of witnessing. Thus the term "martyr" has come to be defined as one who witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ by dying for His name. During the first four centuries, the Coptic Orthodox Church produced an overwhelming number of martyrs whose steadfastness and perseverance was an inspiration to all Christian believers. Martyrdom was a fact of life for those who confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Egypt, known as "the land of the martyrs," counted more martyrs in its midst than any other country in the world. Our early saints became legendary examples on how to be a faithful member of the Church. As early as May 8, 68 AD, St. Mark was slain on Monday following the glorious feast of Resurrection after being dragged from his feet by Roman soldiers all over Alexandria's streets and passageways.
expectation and hope that nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or death."
The Copts have been persecuted by almost every ruler of Egypt. Being abused, tortured and martyred under the Romans, Byzantines, and the Moslems has only instilled dedication and courage to believers to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, the saints had to suffer to be closer to God. "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified" (I Peter 4:14).
Upon studying Coptic persecutions, many have asked, "Why did the early Christians have to suffer?" The suffering of the Christians can be addressed with four Biblical scriptures. First, Philippians 1:19-20 tells us Christians have to suffer to glorify God. "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest
Secondly, they had to suffer to prepare for the eternal Kingdom. "Which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer" (II Thessalonians 1:5). Also Matthew 5:10-12 confirms this stating, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Those before us not only suffered, but they rejoiced in their sufferings. They prayed and endured their suffering in a steadfast way. They thanked God for their sufferings. We are told in Acts 5:40-41, "And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So
they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." In remembrance of these great saints, the Copts adopted a calendar called the "Calendar of Martyrs". This calendar truly honors the sacrifices of the Apostles, the disciples, and other saints of the early church. The Calendar of Martyrs sequences the years "in the year of the martyrs". The calendar began its era on August 29, 284 AD in commemoration of those who died for their faith during the rule of Diocletian the Roman Emperor. Today, this calendar is still in use in our Coptic Liturgies and commemorates saints in all historical eras. It has often been said that the "blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church". All of the apostles were inhumanely tortured for their faith, and severely martyred. All but one. They died testifying of their faith in the Lord Jesus: of His Gospel, His life, His death, His resurrection, and His ascension. I pray that we always hold dear those who suffered the dark ages of persecution. Always keep near to our hearts those Christians who dwelt on the earth but were not of the earth. Those who sustained hardships, persecutions, and tribulations but continued to increased more and more. St. John Chrysostom passionately summarizes the death and dying of the fallen martyrs in this manner: "The death of martyrs is encouragement to the faithful, daring of the Church, confirmation of Christianity, destruction of death, proof of the Resurrection, mocking at
demons, condemnation of the devil, teaching of true wisdom and a pious way of life, instillation of disdain for present material benefits and the path of striving for the good to come, comfort in the face of the misfortunes which befall us, an inducement to patience, instruction in courage, the root and fount and mother of all blessings...The blood of martyrs nourishes the Church much much more than the moisture of dew brings gardens in bloom." The martyrs truly professed and declared their faith;
Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. O Lord, help me to be pure, but not yet. Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation. Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.
May the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ and all the martyrs be with us in this upcoming New Year! Bishop Youssef Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
Patience is the companion of wisdom. It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul. I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are wise and very beautiful; but I have never read in either of them: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden. O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. By faithfulness we are collected and wound up into unity within ourselves, whereas we had been scattered abroad in multiplicity.
read; others are very ready to serve, while others work at some form of labour.
That the brethren ought to live in sincerity, simplicity, love, and peace with each other, and to carry on contest and war in their inward thoughts. 1. The brethren ought to dwell together in much charity, whether they are praying, or reading the scriptures, or doing some kind of work, that they may have the foundation of mutual charity. In this way, those various inclinations may find favour, and those who pray, and those who read, and those who work, can all live in sincerity and simplicity with each other to their profit. What is written? Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10), in order that as the angels in heaven dwell together in great concord, peace and charity, and there is no such thing there as pride, or as envy, but they live together in charity and sincerity, so should the brethren dwell together. Some thirty, perhaps, are under one government; they cannot continue all day and night at one thing. Some give themselves up to prayer for six hours, and then would like to
2. Whatsoever they do, the brethren ought to be in charity and cheerfulness with each other. Let him who is at work say of him who is at prayer, "The treasure that my brother gets is common, and therefore mine." Let him who prays say of the reader, "The profit which he gets by reading is to my advantage." Let him who is at work say, "The service which I am doing is for the benefit of all." As the members being of the one body, and help each other, and each performs its own function. The eye sees on behalf of the whole body, and the hand labours for all the members, and the foot, as it walks, carries them all, and another member suffers with all alike, so let the brethren be with one another. Let not him who prays judges the labouring brother because he is not at prayer. Let not him that is at work judge the one who is praying, or say, "He lies by, while I am working." Let not him who serves judge someone else, but let each one do whatever he is doing for the glory of God. Let him who reads hold him who prays in charity and cheerfulness, with the thought, "It is for me that he prays"; and let him who prays think of him who is at work, “What he is doing is done for the benefit of us all." 3. Thus much concord and peace and unity is in the bond of peace holds them all fast, and they are
enabled to live together in sincerity and simplicity and the favour of God. No doubt the principal thing among these is continuance in prayer; but one thing is required, that a man should have treasure in his soul, and the life which is the Lord in his mind -- that whether he is working or praying, or reading, he should have that possession which passes not away, which is the Holy Ghost. There are some who say thus that the Lord requires of men only the fruits that are visible and that it is for God to rectify the things that are hidden. That is not the case. As a man secures himself with regard to the outer man, so ought he to carry on strife and war with his thoughts. The Lord requires of thee to be angry with thyself, and to do battle with thy mind, and neither to consent nor to take pleasure in the thoughts of wickedness. 4. Nevertheless, to root out sin and the evil that is ever with us, this can only be accomplished by the divine power. It is not possible or within a man's competence to root out sin by his own power. To wrestle against it, to fight against it, to give and receive blows, is thine; to uproot is God's. If you had been able to do it, what need was there of the coming of the Lord? As the eye cannot see without light, as a man cannot speak without a tongue, or hear without ears, or walk without feet, or work without hands, so he cannot be saved without Jesus, nor enter into the kingdom of heaven. If thou says, "In, outward conduct, I do not commit fornication or adultery, I am not covetous; therefore I am righteous," thou art wrong in
this, thinking that thou hast fulfilled all. Sin has not only three departments against which a man ought to ensure himself, but ten thousand. Arrogance, presumption, unbelief, hatred, envy, deceit, hypocrisy, whence are they? Ought thou not to wrestle and strive against these in the hidden places in thy thoughts? If there is a robber in the house, at once thou art distressed; he does not allow thee to be at ease; thou beignets to strike back; blows are exchanged. So ought the soul to strike back, to resist and to repel force by force. 5. What follows? By resisting and taking trouble and pains, the will begins to get the upper hand. It falls; it recovers itself. Sin throws it again in ten, in twenty conflicts. It conquers the soul and throws it; then the soul after a time in one engagement conquers the sin. If the soul perseveres and in no direction flags, it begins to have the best of it, to see through the enemy, and to carry off the trophies of victory from sin. But if the man is strictly examined even at this point, sin still is too hard for him, until he comes to a perfect man, to the measure of his stature, and perfectly conquers death; for it is written; the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Thus will they get the upper hand, and be the conquerors of the devil. But if, as we observed before, a man should say, "I do not commit fornication or adultery; I am no money-lover; and that is enough," in this reckoning he has contended against three forces, but against twenty others that sin can employ upon the soul he has not contended,
and is therefore beaten. He ought to contend against them all, and to strive; for the mind, as I have said many times, is an even match for it, and possesses a power that is well balanced against sin, to withstand and repel its suggestions. If you say that the opposing power is too strong, and that evil has complete sovereignty over man, you make God unrighteous when He condemns mankind for submitting to Satan, because Satan is so strong, and wields a power which compels submission. "Thou make Satan greater and stronger than the soul, and then commands 'Do not submit.' It is as though a young man should wrestle with a little child, and the child, when he is beaten, is condemned for being beaten. This is a great injustice. "I tell you then that the human mind is a good match for the enemy and evenly balanced against him; and a soul of that kind, when it seeks, finds help and succour, and redemption is vouchsafed to it. The contest and struggle is not an unequal one. Let us glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost forever. Amen. SOURCE: Fifty Spiritual Homilies - St Macarius the Great
Faith is believe what do not see; reward of faith is to what believe.
to you the this see you
Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering. Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again. What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. Give me chastity and continence, but not yet. If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. Love is the beauty of the soul. Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation. Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
She used to always go to a monk named Abouna Bishoy and she would ask him to pray for her and the child. They then started to ask for the intercessions of the virgin St Mary and St Bishoy. One night she had a dream that she walked into the hospital and as she was entering she saw a catholic nun, as she was in her hospital room she looked out the window and saw the sight of St Mary as if she appeared In the Zeitoun on the side of an apartment building.
This is the story of a miracle performed by the Virgin St Mary 17 years ago. There was a mother who had RH- blood and her husband was RH+ blood and in the medical world there was a high chance of serious medical complications and the doctors informed her of this matter and told her that she had to go to either a hospital in India or one in England as they were the only two hospitals that could perform a blood transfer on the new born baby. The whole family were very sad and worried. Every 1-2 months the husband and wife had to travel to Cairo to check blood levels of the baby They then applied for the visa so that they could travel to one of the hospitals overseas but the mother scared of dying while giving birth said that she would rather die with her family then if she was alone.
Rejoicing from what she saw she went to the hospital and just like the dream there was a catholic nun at the entrance. She then went up to the room were the she was to give birth and to her amazement the room had the exact same view with the apartment like the dream she saw the night before In the hospital the doctors were preparing the blood so that they were going to change the blood for the baby. When the mother gave birth do the doctors and nurse’s amazement the baby was in no need of a blood transfer and came out as clean as a whistle and he grew up to be a lovely boy.
How we need to serve the spirit at a time when materialism, atheism and digressive ideas are prevailing the world. How do people need to see Christ in our life, and sense this sweet smell in us? The Church has a crucial duty at this stage that the world has reached. The Church has to strengthen faith in all hearts, spread virtue and give peace and tranquillity to all the tired souls. By this, it will provide stability and increase happiness. The message of the Lord Jesus Christ is to give a better life to people “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.� It is the immaculate, pure and quiet life that makes the good productive citizen and the active member of the Church, who knows how to be always honest to GOD, his nation and the human society, dealing with all in a brotherly cooperative spirit.
Abba Barsoum was a thirteenth century Coptic saint. He lived in Egypt among the trials and tribulations of the Ayyubid Era of persecution. Abba Barsoum offered the comfort of the Holy Spirit to all those who suffered around him. God also granted this holy saint the gift of performing signs and miracles due to his unwavering faith.
Abba Barsoum was born in 1257 A.D. Abba Barsoums' history reveals that at his parents' death he inherited great wealth. His uncle coveted his wealthy inheritance. St. Barsoum did not quarrel with his uncle nor think ill thoughts toward him. Rather, St. Barsoum remembered the words of King Solomon, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity... what profits a man of all his labor that he endures under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:2) His relatives encouraged offense at the uncle, but St. Barsoum refused. St. Barsoum unhesitatingly left his wealth behind and followed his heart's desire. He sojourned to live as a hermit in a cave near the Church of St.Mercurius in Old Cairo. History records that a large and foreboding snake lived in the cave he entered into and St. Barsoum changed the nature of the snake (see icon on the right). "You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra. The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot." (Psalms 91:13) Abba Barsoum spent his days meditating, worshipping, and
serving others in the Holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many people, including Muslims, sought his blessings. St. Barsoum being an extremely humble and pious man was not concerned with his material needs. He wore a simple goatskin around his waist for covering and therefore was called "El Erian" (Arabic), which means "the naked or disrobed." During one of the persecutions, he along with other Christians were tortured and thrown into prison. In jail he continued to pray to the Heavenly Father on behalf of his tortured Christian brothers. Those imprisoned were released quickly and allowed to go on about their way due to the faith and prayers of this humble saint. His works continued to be ongoing.
Many miracles are attributed to this great saint. One of such wellknown miracles occurred when he went to reside on the roof of a church in Turah, south of Cairo near Helwan. Many people had come from far and near to see Abba Barsoum. The crowds of people were so numerous that the monastery's abbot was embarrassed because he didn't have enough food for all the people. Abba Barsoum sensed the abbot's distress and called for one of the monks who worked in the kitchen. He requested that the monk bring him a little of the soup they were cooking. Abba Barsoum prayed over the soup and made the sign of
the cross, then asked the monk to take it back to the kitchen and mix it with the rest of the soup being prepared. St. Barsoum then instructed the monk to serve the soup to everyone in attendance. That day the Lord who blessed the five loaves and two fishes also blessed the food of the monastery and everyone ate until satisfied. When the abbot realized how his lack faith had made him weak he confessed his shortcomings to Abba Barsoum. Abba Barsoum El Erian departed in the Lord on September 10, 1317 A.D. (Nasie 5, 1033 A.M., according to Coptic calendar) and was buried in the Shahran Monastery. Miracles continue to occur to this day through the powerful intercession of St. Abba Barsoum the Naked.
(Among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist) Luke 7:28 His real greatness was manifested in his message, which carried to the world .He was carrier of a message to prepare for the Lord people who are ready, repentant and joyful to receive Him. He is giving a real example for those who serve. To every parent who toils for the spiritual and worldly success of his kids and then simply set in the back rows cheering for their success. St John was not just a hermit for the sake of breaking a record in controlling the body desires as many try to do these days through other beliefs and cults. His real motivation was his love to the Lord. It was not imposed on him by circumstances or for personal reasons but it was coming as a natural product to his love to God. Let us learn from St. John the practices of true love in which all the body, innersole and even the world will dissolve and disappear.
The fruits of sincere prayer are simplicity, love, humility, fortitude, innocence, and other things similar to these. Such fruits which precede the heavenly fruit are developed in this life by a man eager for prayer through hard labor. Prayer is adorned with such fruit. Who lacks such fruit undertakes in vain laborious tasks. This applies not only to prayer, but also to every path of philosophy, which is born out of such a growth process. It is truly a way of justice and leads to the proper goal. One who is lacking in these is left only with vanity and is similar to the foolish virgins, who did not have at the necessary time the spiritual oil to enter into the wedding feast (Mt 25:1-13). For such did not have a light in their hearts, the fruit of virtue, nor the light of the Spirit in their souls. This is why Scripture rightly called them foolish, because they lacked virtue before the coming of the Bridegroom and were abjectly excluded from the heavenly bridal chamber. They did not enjoy any reward for their efforts of virginity because the power of the Spirit was not with them. When we
cultivate a vineyard, the whole of our attention and labor is given in the expectation of the harvest. If there is no vintage, all our work is to no purpose. Similarly, if through the activity of the Spirit we do not perceive within ourselves the fruits of love, peace, and the other qualities mentioned by St. Paul (Gal 5:22), then our labor for the sake of virginity, prayer, psalmody, fasting, and vigil is useless. From the Great Letter in Pseudo-Macarius: The Spiritual Homilies and the Great Letter, Paulist Press, pp 267-268
We are currently studying GENESIS in Junior Bible Study! Please join us to hear this amazing story of the history of the people of God! Here are some activities to help us learn more about this wonderful book!
St Anthony’s Youth Meeting Every Friday Night at 7:30pm
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matt 18:20)
Date
Topic
Speaker
SEPTEMBER: Theme: The Eucharist – a closer look at the Divine Liturgy and its meaning in our lives 07.09.12 The Eucharist: History & Intro into the liturgy Fr Daniel Ghabrial 14.09.12 The Eucharist: Catechumens Fr Daniel Ghabrial 21.09.12 The Eucharist: Anaphora & Consecration Fr Daniel Ghabrial 28.09.12 The Eucharist: Fraction/Distribution & Communion Fr Daniel Ghabrial SPECIAL EVENT: To conclude this series we will be having a step-by-step 6.10.12 divine liturgy (10am-12pm) followed by a BBQ Lunch – Not to be missed! OCTOBER: Theme: Coptic Heroes: Lessons we can learn from heroes in our Church’s history 5.10.12 Godly Heroes: Prophets Ayman Awad 12.10.12 Coptic Heroes: Ascetics Fr Macarious Wahba 19.10.12 Coptic Heroes: Martyrs Fr Daniel Ghabrial 26.10.12 Coptic Heroes: Confessors and Defenders of Faith Fr Moses Curly NOVEMBER: Theme: Victory Over… Practical lessons in how to be victorious over things that negatively affect our spiritual lives 2.11.12 Victory over… TIME Tasony Meriam Atalla 9.11.12 Victory over… PRIDE Fr Abanoub Atalla 16.11.12 Victory over… ENVY Amany Ishak 23.11.12 Victory over… LUST Sherif Youssef SPECIAL EVENT: Our first ever ADVENT RETREAT – Stay tuned for more details. 30-31.11.12 This will be a really spiritually beneficial event for all of us!
English Bible Study Every Thursday Night at 7:30pm Given by Father Daniel – Come and enjoy studying the Word of God and growing closer to Him every week! “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (1 Timothy 3:16)
بالشكر
لٍيافة احلرب اجلمين األٌبا سورياه ومجيع اآلباء الكههة والشمامصة وكل مو قام مبواشاتها واألخ رؤوف واألخت ثريا ربها يعوضكم تعب حمبتكم . جوهرة مثيهة فكدناها ومشعة مضيئة احرتقت مو أجلها ،أحو وأطيب قلب خصرناها .فراقك أدمى قلوبها وأدمع أعيهها ،ال األيام وال الصهني تهصيها حمبتك .حتمليت األمل بشكر فرحبيت الصماء .أذكريها أمام عرش الهعمة .زوجك أدموند وبهتك نانصي وابهك جوزيف . متهيها لك الشفاء ولكهك لبييت نداء الصماء ،عساؤنا أنك مع الكديصني و األبرار .أخوكي رشدي وزوجته مهى وأجناله اشحل ويعكوب – زوجة أخوكي املرحوم رفعت نادية وجنلتها مريي .
ترحب كٍيسة املالك ويخائين واألٌبا أٌطوٌيوس باٌضىاً أسرة جديدة هلا :
األستاذ /جورج بشاي و زوجتْ السيدة /كاتريَ دوس واألبٍاء املباركنت جوٌاثاُ وكريس ٌسأه اهلل أُ يرعاِي ويبارك يف حياتّي وخدوتّي.
يرجى يٍ األسر انجذيذة باسخرانيا و انخي اَضًج اني كُيست انًالك و األَبا أَطىَيىس في انفخرة يٍ عاو 2010وحخى اآلٌ برجاء أٌ حىافىَا بأسًاء أفراد انعائهت وحاريخ وصىنها يٍ يصر أو انخارج و رنك نهخعرف عهيهى وانخرحيب بهى ويًكٍ ارسال انبياَاث عهى ايًيم انًجهت أو يكخبت انكُيست . ( ييالد -يعًىديت -خطىبت -اكهيم – عيذ ييالد – عزاء – اربعيٍ) برجاء ارسال انبياَاث وانصيغت انًطهىبت وانصىر انى اييم انًجهت.
THE DOME and SQUINCHES
Nabil S. Mesiha
In Church Building In many of our Coptic church buildings, there are two domes; a larger dome in the middle of the church and another on top of the altar. The dome is a symbol of heaven. For this reason, it is usually painted with the icon of the Lord Jesus, with His arms outstretched, looking down at His people. It is painted in a bright blue colour; and decorated with pictures of angels and stars.. Icons of St Mary –the second heaven - or the 12 apostles may also be painted inside the dome.
THE SQUINCHES Squinches are the arches placed on four pillars to support the dome. Icons of the four Evangelists are painted on the squinches in the four corners of the principal dome of the Nave. The Holy Fathers found a close relationship between those Evangelists and the “Four Living Creatures” who were seen by St John the Beloved in his revelation carrying the throne of God. They represent the four Evangelists who also raised the believers to the throne through evangelic life. Each of the four Evangelists is depicted together with his symbol i.e. one of the four incorporeal creatures.
Evangelist
Symbol
Resemblance
St Matthew
A living creature with a face like a man
St Matthew wrote his gospel showing our Lord as the Son of man who incarnated for our salvation.
St Mark
A living creature like a lion
St Mark wrote to the Romans, showing our Lord Jesus Christ as the strong king.
St Luke
A living creature like a calf
St Luke wrote about sacrifices and offerings. His Gospel shows “Christ as priest and sacrifice”.
St John
A living creature like a flying eagle
St John wrote his Gospel after seeing the revelation. He wrote to prove the Divinity of our Lord. St John in his Gospel mentioned some miracles which are not mentioned in the other three Gospels, to highlight the Divinity of the Lord.
القــــبّة و الحنــيات الركنــيّة فى مبنى الكنيسة
فٗ كثيش يٍ كُائسُا انقثطيح يتض ًٍّ انًــثُٗ قثّـــتاٌ ،أحذاًْا كثيشج ٔتثُٗ فٗ انٕسظ فٕق صحٍ انكُيسح ٔاألخــشٖ فٕق انًــزتح انشئيسٗ. ٔ ترمز القبّة للسماء ٔ ،نٓزا انسثة تشسى أيقَٕح انشب يســٕع فاتحا رساػيّ َٔاظشا ألسفم َحٕ شؼثّٔ .تكٌٕ تهٌٕ ســًأٖ صاْٗ ٔيضيُح تصٕس انًالئكح ٔانُجٕؤ .قذ تشسى أيضا أيقَٕح انسيذج انؼزساء – انسًاء انثاَيح – أٔ انشسم اإلثُٗ ػشش داخم انقثّـــح.
الحنــيات الركنــيّة تشتكض انقثّــــح ػهٗ انحُياخ انشكُـــيّح ٔ .كثيشا يا يتى سسى اإلَجيهييٍ األستؼح ػهٗ انحُياخ انًٕجٕدج تاألسكـــاٌ األستؼح نهقثّـــــح انشئيسيح فٕق صحٍ انكُيـــسحٔ .قذ ٔجذ آتــاء انكُيسح ػالقح ٔثيقح تيٍ اإلَجيهييٍ األستؼح ٔ ،األستؼح انًخهٕقاخ غيش انًتجسذيٍ انتٗ سآْا انقذيس يٕحُا انحثية فٗ سؤيـــاِ ،حايهيٍ نؼشش هللا .فٓى يًثهٌٕ اإلَجيهييٍ األستؼح انزيٍ يشفؼَُٕا إنٗ انؼشش اإلنــٓٗ يٍ خالل انحياج اإلَجيهيّحٔ .يتى سسى كم ٔاحذ يٍ اإلَجيهييٍ األستؼح يغ سيضِ ،أٖ يغ ٔاحذ يٍ األستؼح انًخهٕقاخ غيش انًتجسذيٍ.
وجه الشبه
اإلنجيل
الــرمز
انقذيس يـــتٗ
يخهٕق نّ ٔجّ يثم ٔجّ إَساٌ
كتة انقذيس يتٗ إَجيهّ يظٓشا انشب كإتٍ اإلَساٌ انزٖ تجسّذ يٍ أجم خالصُا.
انقذيس يــشقس
يخهٕق شثّ أســـذ
كتة انقذيس يشقس نهشٔياٌ ٔأظٓش انشب يسٕع انًسيح كًهك قٕٖ
انقذيس نـــٕقا
يخهٕق شثّ ػجم
كتة انقذيس نٕقا ػٍ انزتائح ٔانتقذياخ ٔأظٓش انسيذ انًسيح فٗ إَجيهّ ككاٍْ ٔرتيــحح
انقذيس يـــٕحُّا
يخهٕق شثّ َسش طائش
كتة انقذيس يٕحُا إَجيهّ تؼذ انشؤيأ .قذ كتة إلثثاخ الْٕخ انسيذ انًسيحٔ .قذ ركش انقذيس يٕحُا فٗ إَجيهّ يؼجضاخ غيش يزكٕسج فٗ انثشائش انثالثح األخشٖ ،نيهقٗ انضٕء ػهٗ الْــٕخ انشب.
نبيل مسيحه
Allylouia =a=l@ I=y=c P=,=c `pSyri `mV ` ]@ vy`etauasf `epi`ctauroc@ ek`eqwmqem
`m`pCatanac@
capecyt `nnen`[alauj. =A=l =a=l.
Hiten ni`eu,y@ `nte pa=o=c `pouro Ftai`yout pimyuni Iycouc Je
gar `nte
`emasw@
`nje
pi`ctauroc@
`nte
Pi`,rictoc pennou]
`f`cmarwout
`nje
Kwctantinoc@
nem
`Ylany
tefmau ]ourw@ P=o=c...
`pouro@ `n`aly;inoc.
Viwt
nem Psyri <ere pi`ctauroc@ vy`etaues pa=o=c `erof@ sa `ntefcw] `mmon@ `ebol qen nennobi. `K`cmarwout
I=y=c
P=,=c
`pSyri
`mV ` ]@
vy`etauasf `epi`ctauroc.
Pa=o=c
I=y=c
P=,=c@
vy`etauasf
`epi`ctauroc@
ek`eqwmqem
`mp ` catanac@
capecyt
`nnen`[alauj. Ni<ero
vy`etauasf
`epi`ctauroc
ek`eqomqem `m`pcatanac@ capecyt `nnen[alauj.
nem nimoumi@ nem nici] nem nikarpoc. Allylouia =a=l
Allylouia =a=l =a=l =a=l@ `cmou `epi`,lom
`nte
]rompi@
tekmet`,ryctoc
hiten `P=o=c.
Vai ere pi`wou er`prepinaf@ nem Pefiwt `n`aga;oc@ nem pi`Pneuma <ere pi`ctauroc@ `etaues pa=o=c
e;ouab@ icjen ]nou nem sa `eneh.
`erof@ ,ere pi`mhau@ etau ,w `mpefcwma
`nqytf.
Pi`ctauroc
pe
penhoplon@
pi`ctauroc
pe
tenhelpic@
pi`ctauroc
pe
pentajro@
qen
nenhojhej nem nen`;li'ic
Allylouia =a=l@ =a=l =a=l@ `cmou `epi`,lom
`nte
]rompi@
hiten
tekmet`,ryctoc `P=o=c.
Cmou hiten
`epi`,lom
`nte
tekmet`,ryctoc
]rompi@ `P=o=c@
ni`arwou nem nimoumi@ nem nici] nem nikarpoc.
Cmou hiten
`epi`,lom
`nte
tekmet`,ryctoc
]rompi@ `P=o=c@
ni`arwou nem nimoumi@ nem nici] nem
nikarpoc.
`K`cmarwout
`aly;oc@ nem pekiwt `n`aga;oc nem
Allylouia =a=l@ `cmou `epi`,lom `nte
]rompi@
hiten
tekmet`,ryctoc `P=o=c@ ni`arwou
كاْ ًّ ع٘ا٢د املصسٙني اْ ٙسبط٘ا بني طسح االزض ٗأعٚادٍٓ ٗف ٟاهِريٗش اهر ٘ٓ ٜاٗي اهطِ ٞاهقبطٗ ٞٚاهطِ ٞاهصزاع ٞٚاملصسٞٙ ًٗع دِ ٟاهبوح زبط االقباط بني اهبوح األمحس ٗعٚد ُريٗش ٗتقَ٘ اهلِا٢ظ بت٘شٙعٕ عو ٟاحلاضسٙٗ ّٙشرت ٠االقباط اهبوح األمحس ٗٙأكوُٕ٘ ف ٟاهِريٗش ٗٙركسٍٓ ذهم باهشٔدا ١فاهبوخ ٞاهو ٟهُ٘ٔا امحس هْ٘ دَ اهشٔدا ٗقوبٔا ابٚض ًجى قو٘بٍٔ اًا اهِ٘ا ٝاهصوب ٞفٔ ٟكإميأٍُ اهصوب اهر ٜال ٙوني ٗٙسمن االطفاي تسُ ٌٞٚتساث ٞٚتق٘ي ٙا بوح ...هُ٘م أمحس ش ٜدَ غصٙس زٗ ٠أزضِا زٙدَ غصٙس دَ اهشٔدا١ ٙا بوح قوبم أبٚض ش ٜقوب ُعٚف ٗبٚطٜ٘ ضٚقوب ُعٚف قوب اهشٔدا١ ٙا بوح برزن ُاشف ش ٜاإلمياْ اهصوب احلٚاهو ٛكاْ عِد اهشٔدا١ ٗٓلرا ٙسبط املصس ٠اهقبط ٟبني إميإُ ٗتازخيٕ ٗازضٕ ُٗأكى أٙطاً اجل٘اف ٞاهتٟ تصدٓس ٗقت اهِريٗش ٗٓ ٟبٚطا ١اهقوب كقوب اهشٔداٗ ١بداخؤا برٗز كجري ٝدداً كعدد اهشٔداٗ ١حنّ ُق٘ي اْ دًا ١اهشٔدا١ براز اهلِٚطٞ ًّٗ اهع٘ا٢د اهت ٟمل تعد ً٘د٘د ٝاْ االقباط كاُ٘ا ٙرٓبْ٘ هوِٚى ف ٟذهم اهَ٘ٚ هالغتطاي ٗكاُ٘ا ٙسشْ٘ ب٘ٚتٍٔ ًّ ًا١ اهِٚى ف ٟاٗي اٙاَ ضِ ٞددٙد ٝهوربكٗ ٞفٟ اهلتاتٚب اهت ٟمل تعد ً٘د٘د ٝكاُ٘ا ٙصِعْ٘ أشلاال ٙطٌُ٘ٔا ُ٘ازٙص ٗٙصُِٔ٘ٙا باهصوباْ ٗص٘ز املال٢لٗ ٞاهشٔداٗ ١زمبا أخر املعوٍ أٗالدٖ ف ٟاهلتاب اىل اهِٚى هالغتطاي ٗاالحتفاي ٗظى ذهم ًعٌ٘ال بٕ اىل قسب ُٔا ٞٙاهقسْ اهتاضع عشس
"ٗاْ مسعت مسعا هص٘ت اهسب اهلم هتخسص أْ تعٌى ظٌٚع
ٗصاٙاٖ اهيت أُا أٗصٚم بٔا اهَ٘ٚ .....تات ٛعوٚم مجٚع ٓرٖ اهربكات ٗتدزكم ً ..بازكا تلْ٘ يف املدِٞٙ ًٗبازكا تلْ٘ يف احلقىًٗ .بازكٞ تلْ٘ مثس ٝبطِم ٗمثس ٝأزضم ٗمثس ٝبٔاٌ٢م ُتاج بقسن ٗاُاخ
غٌِمً .بازك ٞتلْ٘ ضوتم ًٗعذِمً .بازكا تلْ٘ يف دخ٘هم ًٗبازكا تلْ٘ يف خسٗدم .جيعى اهسب أعدا١ن اهقاٌ٢ني عوٚم ًِٔصًني أًاًم.يف طسٙق ٗاحد خيسدْ٘ عوٚم ٗيف ضبع طسق
ٔٙسبْ٘ أًاًمٙ .اًس هم اهسب باهربك ٞيف خصاِ٢م ٗيف كى ًا متتد اهٙ ٕٚدن ٗٙبازكم يف األزض اهيت ٙعطٚم اهسب اهلم " )تث ) 9- 1 :28
" ال ختف كى دوٚات هٕ داٗد ِٙتعسٖ ِٗٙتصس عو ... ٕٚباضٍ زب اجلِ٘د " (قداض ٞاهبابا شِ٘د ٝاهجاهح )
ابساَ :األب اهعاه – ٛاألب اهسفٚع – األب امللسَ أدِٚظ ُ:ق – ٞٚطآسٝ أدٚا :قدٙطٞ أدزٗضٚظ :حفى – ادتٌاع
"اهطل ٞاهوً ٛش آخسٓا زبِا .....ابعد عّ أٗهلا " (اهبابا شِ٘د ٝاهجاهح )
1/09/2012