Showing results by author "Bishoy Boshra Behnam" in All Categories

Unlock the ancient wisdom of the Patristic Fathers with this commentary on the Book of Haggai. Discover how their insights reveal the deep spiritual layers of this Old Testament Book, guiding us to rebuild not just physical temples but the temple within our hearts. This volume of the series offers a profound journey into the messages of divine priority and inner sanctification. Embrace a path to spiritual renewal and joyous salvation with this compelling read.

In a world often shrouded by darkness and closed doors, discover the profound message of hope and renewal in "The Feast of the Ascension: Opened Gate." This pamphlet invites readers on a spiritual journey to understand the significance of Christ's Ascension. Explore how the Ascension opens the gates of Heaven and transforms our lives. Learn how Jesus, through His sacrifice and love, demolishes the barriers of sin and despair, offering us a path to eternal joy and communion with God. Feel your heart uplifted as you contemplate the open gates of Heaven, the renewal of your soul, and the ...

The Minor Prophets are called “Minor” because their prophecies were short, not because they were any less important. The Jews paid special attention to these Scriptures and compiled them in one Book as they have a common goal. They did tackle the dark period that the kingdoms of Judah and Israel had lived through. They covered the time before, during and after the Assyrian captivity of Israel as well as the Babylonian exile of Judah. The Minor Prophets focused on the wonderful Kingdom of God. As they reveal the vulnerabilities of all the classes of the Jewish people. They also reveal ...

I thank You, My Lord Jesus, O You who genuinely loves children. You became a child that I may experience You being a wonderous friend! When You entered Jerusalem, the infants and little children rejoiced and were praising You without anyone teaching them. For my sake You were crucified, allow me to kiss Your wounds! How joyful were the angels with the martyrs, especially the little children among them! Satan and his evil angels were envious, since they were banished from heaven, while we became like righteous angels! We await Your coming on the clouds that we may also join the procession of...

On one of the Jewish Feasts, Aaron, the first high priest of the Jews, noticed that many of the Jewish children gathered together were wearing beautiful and elaborate clothes specifically for the holiday. These children met in a large tent very close to the Tabernacle of meeting and got to know each other. They came from Egypt, Greece, Italy, Syria, and so on. They were all foreigners born of Jewish families and they were very proud to title themselves as children of God. Aaron decided attending one of these meetings would be a great opportunity for him to meet and talk with the children to...

In a world of rapid advances in modern technology grafted together with the continual evolution of contemporary philosophies, humanity is plagued by an increasing number of cases of depression, psychological ailments and suicides. These societal maladies affect even our youth. By contrast the Church's Early Fathers, pastors, ascetics and theologians never expressed concerns associated with such hardships. Despite the ardent believer's exposure to today's many adversities he remains unaffected mainly because of his appreciation of man's true eminence. The Church's Fathers often invite us to ...

The book of Daniel has a special significance in the life of believers, for it is not a record of Daniel’s life or an era of the history of the Israelites during the Babylon captivity. But instead, it is a divine book that the Holy Spirit offers us to instill hope in the hurt souls. Sometimes, God allows throwing us in the fiery furnace of trials, yet He changes the nature of fire for our comfort and peace. On the one hand, the book reveals to us that God is the Controller of all histories, who works for the edification of his faithful believers in any place. On the other hand, this book ...

Dive into the depths of Christian history and spirituality with "The Epistle of St. Paul to Philemon" – a profound exploration of love, forgiveness, and transformation. This commentary brings to light the timeless message of a unique New Testament epistle. The text captures the essence of Christian fellowship and its impact on societal structures such as slavery. The book delves into the relationship between Paul, Philemon, and the once runaway slave Onesimus, whose story unfolds into a powerful testament of change through faith and life in Christ. With discussions on the implications of ...

Unveiling the layers of early Christian life and challenges, "A Commentary on the First Epistle of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians" offers a deep dive into the apostle's words and their enduring significance. This book provides a penetrating look into the sociopolitical and spiritual context of Thessalonica, a pivotal city in the Roman Empire known for its strategic location and port. The introduction meticulously sets the scene for the Thessalonian church's birth against the backdrop of Saint Paul's missionary journeys and the complexities of spreading the Christian faith in a diverse and ...

The Ancestors of Israel Glorify God A Poem Dedicated to the Heroes of the Faith glorifying God across history The roots of wisdom are found in the people of God and are mentioned in the Old Testament. Wisdom spread to all nations through the Incarnate Word of God, who offers wisdom and salvation to all humankind. It is only through union with the Lord Jesus Christ that we receive true wisdom, for He is the Incarnated Wisdom of God. He protects His believers from sin and grants them eternal life. Ben Sirach does not mention all the famous ancestors. Instead, he wishes to assert that every ...

This book is Illustrative stories with Coptic icons for the children on the Book of Judges. The interaction between two young children not only effectively teaches the story of all of the judges, but allows to imagine themselves in the shoes of Sarah and Jack, and want to talk about the saints with their friends.

We often find it hard to talk about obedience. For many people, especially the young, obedience is associated with a weak personality and submitting to others, as with parents, consultants or leaders at school, in the community, or even in the church. Many people see obedience as controlling others and forcing their opinions and experiences on them, which can cause feelings of being belittled or the desire to rebel. If these feelings are not shown through outward behavior or body language, they are nevertheless present in the mind. - Now why does God ask for our obedience? - Does obedience ...

Homilies on the Feast of Epiphany By St. Jacob of Serugh Step into a realm of divine revelation and timeless wisdom with "Homilies on the Feast of Epiphany" by St. Jacob of Serugh. This profound collection unveils the spiritual richness of the Feast of the Lord's Baptism as seen through the eyes of a revered Church Father. St. Jacob of Serugh's words resonate with the echoes of ancient truth, guiding the reader through the mystical union of Christ with His church at the waters of the Jordan. Journey alongside St. John the Baptist as he adorns the bride of Christ in preparation for the ...

In the midst of his suffering in prison, St. Paul gives us a true glimpse into his faith and hope. Despite his circumstances, he describes his life as a joyful journey, because it is under the leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Incarnated Word of God. During his time in prison, St. Paul neither expresses care for being deprived of his preaching the Gospel, or for his lack of freedom to meet his Beloved. Yet, in the midst of his pain and suffering, his soul did not cease to rejoice in the victorious life of faith in Jesus Christ – in every minute of every day. He did not view faith ...

To our Beloved sons and daughters: What do you know about the Book of Second Samuel? The book of Second Samuel recorded the history of the kingdom of King David since he was enthroned and for the period of 40 years. This book concentrated on “The presence before the Lord”, so David does not move unless he asks the Lord (2:1 & 5:19, 23 & 21: 1) He became ruler over Israel “before the Lord” (5:3) He danced “before the Lord” with all his might. (6:14) When Michal rebuked him, he did not retreat but ascertained to her that he is so small in his eyes “before the Lord” who ...

Because we are the children of God, we know with certainty that this pandemic, whether under natural circumstances or was human-made, occurred with the permission of God. That is why we will not worry because we are carried on God's arms. He transforms what is bitter into sweetness, and whatever hardship will not be for destruction but edification. That is why it is appropriate for us to go through it joyfully, accepting whatever its outcome may be. As believers in the grace of God, His love, and His care for us, we can pass through this time successfully and learn a lot from it through our...

Encounters of Our Savior Jesus Christ with Families: A Journey from Resurrection to Ascension Inspired by the Holy Fifty Days This booklet explores the timeless wisdom and divine encounters of Our Savior Jesus Christ with families, as inspired by the Holy Pentecost Season. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church, it brings to life Christ's practical and relevant teachings. Join us as we explore the sacred moments when Jesus engaged with families, revealing His divine plan and love for all. From the joyous greeting of St. Mary to Elizabeth to the powerful lessons imparted...

Repentance is an opening up of the heart so it can accept the joyful Kingdom of God; it is the exercise of a son or a daughter who longs to enter inside the new depths of his/her heavenly Father’s bosom; it is a renewal of the inner man as he/she longs to reach the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Epistle to Ephesians 4:13). Indeed, repentance is a renouncing of sins that prevail in the darkness, and the bonding to the divine Light, the Grantor of victory. As for confession, it cannot be separated from true inner repentance. They both work together to fulfill the ...

From the inspiration of St. Basil the great on the Feast of the Holy Epiphany: - Baptisms of Moses, of John the Baptist and of the Lord Jesus - My Holy Spirit will guide you to the new birth - I received you that I may cover you and become your Goodness, your holiness and your salvation - The Father loves you!

Saint John Chrysostom says: [Prayer is a mighty weapon, an unfailing treasure, a wealth which is never expended, a harbor that is always calm, a foundation for tranquility. Prayer is the root and source and mother of ten thousand blessings. It is more powerful than the empire itself.] This book presents 10 prayers from the prayers of the saints: St. Ephraim the Syrian, Spiritual Elder (St. John Saba), St. Isaac the Syrian, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.