Podcasts about coptic orthodox

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6). As Pastor Michael mentioned in yesterday's reflection, it was common for letters written in the ancient world to begin with a formulaic greeting, including an expression of gratitude. Paul's thanksgiving sections, often longer than other ancient letters, contain an encouragement for the believers which is also exhortative in nature, calling them to continue to live according to the pattern for which he is expressing thankfulness.  In the thanksgiving section of this letter to the church in Philippi, Paul–who is writing from prison–pens a letter that New Testament scholar NT Wright describes as “overflowing with effervescent joy” and “sparkling with the delight of family affection.” Part of the occasion for this letter and its joyful tone is Paul's gratitude for the Philippian church's financial aid of his ministry, what he describes in today's verses as their “partnership in the gospel.” However, this is not the whole story. Although Paul expresses joy on behalf of the Philippian church, it was not without its difficulties. It was a relatively small church, started in a Roman colony without a sizable Jewish population like some of the other churches Paul founded, and it experienced significant persecution, some of which is detailed in Luke's account of Paul's own experience there in Acts 16. And yet, Paul expresses his confidence in spite of his personal circumstances and those of the community to which he writes that God's work, begun among them through his ministry, would continue. His gratitude is both an encouragement and an exhortation to the church that they continue in this pattern, holding fast to their hope. What Paul models for the church in Philippi falls strangely on our ears. Perhaps you have heard stories of the persecuted church in other parts of the world. Or maybe you have seen the headlines in the news, but couldn't even bring yourself to contemplate the details. Maybe, although we here in the west do not face persecution like Paul and the Philippian church or like our siblings in Christ around the world today, perhaps you feel some anxiety about the place of the church in your context, wondering how to navigate your conviction that Christ is King when many around you aren't convinced. Certainly, in my time in Egypt, in close proximity to the Coptic Orthodox church which proudly declares itself the “Church of the Martyrs,” and where close friends of mine faced the threat of authorities, I struggled to read Paul's words in today's verses. Joy, gratitude, and confidence are not a natural response to the suffering of Christ's church. It's not a natural response to our own suffering, and indeed, it would be inappropriate if our only response to suffering was joy. We must wrestle with and deeply honour the reality of pain which is not God's intention for his people. And yet, it is critical that we note that Paul's words are addressed to a community of believers, bound together in their suffering for Christ. It is this too, then, and not only their financial contribution to Paul's ministry, which causes Paul to give thanks for their “partnership in the gospel.” Their suffering, the suffering of the church today, because of Christ's own suffering, becomes a mechanism by which we find identity in Christ and are transformed into a community of those worthy of partnership in witness to the truth of the gospel. It is this reality which allows Paul to pray with joy for the Philippian church, and which in turn allows us to pray in kind for ourselves as God's people and for those suffering for Christ with whom we are united around the world.  So go forth as people of joy and confidence, people of steadfast prayer for the suffering, in the hope of our Saviour, for “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   

Patrick has a heartfelt chat on how to lovingly support LGBTQ family members while staying true to your beliefs—it's all about that balance of love and truth. He also clears up some myths around the Latin Mass and give some tips for preparing kids for their First Holy Communion. It's a jam-packed episode with loads of insights and encouragement for living your faith every day. Marka (email) - How can we know if the small voice we hear is coming from God, our guardian angel, our own conscience, or some other source? (00:42) Linda – Is there a book or resource that I can share with OCIA candidates? (06:57) Yolie – My friend's wife is cremated, and he has her ashes in an urn on his dresser. Is that appropriate? (13:37) Larry (email) - Just listened to your response about an LGBTQ friend and possibly moving on. It’s amazing to think that if I followed this advice I would be leaving a relationship with not only my own precious 31-year-old daughter (just recently found out about her) but other family members and friends. (17:11) Maureen - How can I help my friend understand that the normal Mass is just as valid as Latin Mass? (27:12) Tito - Why aren’t the Coptic Orthodox and Catholic Church united? We seem to have a lot in common (36:06) Paul – I’m preparing middle schoolers and high schoolers for Receiving Communion. How do I present this to a group in a Parish where it’s normal to receive 'in the hand'? (43:23)

Coptic Orthodox Christmas. There is a lot of orthodox Christians who celebrate it on the 7th January.   Christmas is a. Reminder where Jesus took flesh and came down. There is a lot of reminders in this important event every year. Gospel Reflection (Matthew 1:1-12).

In this episode Trent sits down with Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Anthony of Coptic Orthodox Answers to address the errors of sola scriptura and transgenderism.

Welcome back to another episode of the Voices of Syriac Faith! This week, we are excited to welcome our guest Lilyan Andrews, a Coptic Orthodox priest's wife and certified life coach specializing in Christian dating. Lilyan shares valuable insights on pursuing Godly relationships based on biblical principles. Together, we explore the teachings from the book of Ephesians, discussing the roles of wives submitting to their husbands and husbands leading their families. Purchase Lilyan's book: https://www.lilyanandrews.com/book New episodes are posted every other Wednesday on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

Fr. Benjamin gives the Sunday sermon and gives an in-depth explanation of the place of St. Mary in the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Phoebe Farag Mikhail is a Coptic Orthodox Christian and the author of Putting Joy into Practice: Seven Ways to Lift Your Spirit from the Early Church (Paraclete Press). She holds an M.A. in International Education and is a lifelong learner of theology, currently taking courses at Pope Shenouda III Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminary in New Jersey. Her writing has appeared in Sojourners, Plough, Christianity Today, and other publications. Visit Sacred Writes: https://www.sacred-writes.org/luce-cohort-summer-2023 Visit Phoebe Farag MIkhail: https://beingincommunity.com/

We respond to  @CopticOrthodoxAnswers  as they defend the Coptic Orthodox Christian doctrine of worshipping images (as they helpfully translate from the often-used word "icons"). Original video: https://youtu.be/PwzR0NopFnE?si=1YJgYnWeT3Emwql5   Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foundcausepodcast Podbean (download episodes): http://foundcause.podbean.com/ @ Us On Twitter: @found_cause

                                Join us on a journey of strength, survival, and the simplicity of being a good human with Barnaby Howarth on 10 Lessons Learned. His life, threaded with triumph and tragedy, teaches us the profound impact of resilience and kindness. Listen to the full conversation here About Barnaby Howarth Former AFL footballer, diabetic, host of interview show “Everyday Greatness”, stroke survivor, autocue operator for ABC News Australia, widower and Deacon in the Coptic Orthodox church, Barnaby Howarth has been a resilience speaker for over a decade, telling audiences to try their hardest and be proud of themselves. Barnaby is a real human being living the messages he promotes to audiences – His message that just being a good, solid human being is enough to live a life you are proud of is a real point of difference in today's ever competitive world Barnaby has spoken all around the world to all sorts of groups and organisations.   Episode notes Lesson 1: Rain falls on the just. As in the I'm just like, but there comes a time when you just have to get over it and go and play in the puddles. 04:42 Lesson 2: Focus on the game plan, and the result will take care of itself. 07:56 Lesson 3: He who has a why to live can bear almost any how. 10:35 Lesson 4: Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  15:49 Lesson 5: Work hard, be good to people. 18:48 Lesson 6: If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well. 21:37 Lesson 7: You are better off, knowing a little bit about a lot of things than a lot about a small number of things. 24:55 Lesson 8: Sometimes shit just works out for you. 27:39 Lesson 9: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. 30:10 Lesson 10: Don't be a dickhead. 31:23 

Today, our guest is my friend Kevin (Adam). We talk about his journey to the Coptic Orthodox faith, hence, his conversion, as well as humility, God's love for humanity, movies, music, saints, and much more! All opinions and views expressed on the show represent the sole opinions and views of the participants involved and do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the #AboutUsPodcast. Any tampering of this audio's content is prohibited.

Michael Lofton engages Coptic Orthodox Archdeacon Mark Soliman on the differences between Coptic Orthodoxy and Catholicism on LGBTQ issues delivered at St. Mary and St. Philopater Coptic Orthodox Church – Troy, MI.

Join Fr. Anthony Messeh as he discusses The Conscience Question. https://www.youtube.com/stsachurchhttps://www.stsa.church/the-well

Sabine Ford-Arthur is a student at St. Cyrils Coptic Orthodox Theological College.

TRADCAST 036 (28 JUL 2023) Contents Segment 1 -- Ecclesiastical déjà vu: the eerie similarities between the 1960s and today; critique of a recent Remnantarticle by Robert Morrison; ecumenical requiem for a glacier; some comments on the Victor Manuel Fernandez appointment; how Vatican City defends its own borders; Vatican condemns desecration of religious symbols as offense against human dignity; president of 'Pontifical International Marian Academy' says Marian apparitions that warn of divine punishment are false. Segment 2 -- Francis' message to World Youth Day pilgrims; Francis to travel to Mongolia; comments on the upcoming Synod on Synodality; response to Remnant editor Michael Matt and his 'Bellarmine Moment'; critique of Peter Kwasniewski's attempt to bring a Coptic Orthodox man back to the Vatican II Church. Total run time: 1 hr 21 min Links to Items mentioned in the Show & Related Information Article: Robert Morrison, "Pius XII's Humani Generis, and the Holy Ghost's Protection of What John XXIII Rejected", The Remnant (July 18, 2023). Church Document: Pope Pius XII, Encyclical Humani Generis (Aug. 12, 1950) YouTube Video: "CHURCH in FLAMES: Traditional Catholics, Predator Priests & the Latin Mass", The Remnant (June 25, 2023) Resource: "Bishop Athanasius Schneider, O.R.C." (b. 1961) at Catholic Hierarchy. Blog Post: "Ecumenical Requiem for Glacier", Catholic Conclave (July 20, 2023) Novus Ordo Watch, "Francis appoints ‘Abp.' Victor Manuel Fernandez to head Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith" (July 1, 2023) Novus Ordo Watch, "Fernandez says his Book ‘Heal Me with Your Mouth' was meant as a Catechesis for Teenagers" (July 4, 2023) Article: Thom Nickels, "Gutting the Catholic Church with Deep Tongue Kisses", Front Page Magazine (July 18, 2023) Article: Loup Besmond de Senneville, "The Vatican's new 'guardian of dogma' under attack", La Croix International (July 10, 2023) Article: Almudena Calatrava, "New Vatican doctrinal chief Cardinal Fernández defends book he wrote about kissing", National Catholic Reporter (July 17, 2023) Article: "Man arrested after forcing entry into Vatican City", Vatican News (May 19, 2023) Article: Lisa Zengarini, "Holy See firmly condemns desecration of religious symbols", Vatican News (July 14, 2023) Novus Ordo Watch, "Francis denounces Burning of the Muslim Koran in Sweden" (July 10, 2023) Book: Pope St. Pius V, Catechism of the Council of Trent [Roman Catechism], McHugh/Callan translation Novus Ordo Document: Second Vatican Council, Decree Unitatis Redintegratio on Ecumenism (Nov. 21, 1964) Novus Ordo Watch, "The Interreligious Dialogue of St. Boniface Winfrid" (June 5, 2019) Article: Michael Haynes, "Vatican Mariologist suggests apparitions about God's punishment are ‘false' despite past approval", Life Site (May 19, 2023) Church Document: Pope Benedict XV, Encyclical Ad Beatissimi (Nov. 1, 1914) Article: Devin Watkins, "Pope to WYD pilgrims: ‘Walk joyfully together with others'", Vatican News (July 23, 2023) Web Site: Catholic Church in Mongolia Wikipedia Entry: "Catholic Church in Mongolia" Resource: Consistory of Sep. 30, 2023 at Catholic Hierarchy. Novus Ordo Watch, "Francis' Final Speech at Synod criticizes Traditionalists, Progressives" (Oct. 18, 2014) Novus Ordo Watch, "The Synod's Grand Finale: All Doors Open, Everyone Claims Victory" (Oct. 24, 2015) YouTube Video: "INSIDE the VATICAN: Pope Francis, Bill Clinton & Alex Soros", The Remnant (July 9, 2023) Church Document: First Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution Pastor Aeternus, Chapter 4 (July 18, 1870) Article: Rev. Anthony Cekada, "The Bellarmine 'Resistance' Quote: Another Traditionalist Myth" (2004) Novus Ordo Watch, "St. Robert Bellarmine's Teaching on Resisting a Pope" (Apr. 11, 2018) Book: St. Robert Bellarmine, On the Roman Pontiff (Ryan Grant translation). Full disclosure: Novus Ordo Watch makes a small commission from purchases made through this link. Catholic Resource: Pope Pius XII, Allocution Si Diligis on the Canonization of St. Pius X (May 31, 1954) Article: Peter Kwasniewski, "A Wanderer Asks Questions about Church Membership", One Peter Five (June 21, 2023) Novus Ordo Watch, "Why still be a Catholic? A Critique of Dr. Kwasniewski's Answer to a despondent Novus Ordo Seminarian" (June 20, 2021) Podcast: TRADCAST EXPRESS 133 (June 16, 2021) Catholic Resource: Pope Pius X, Allocution Con Vera Soddisfazione (May 10, 1909) Catholic Resource: Henry Denzinger, The Sources of Catholic Dogma (1954 edition) Catholic Resource: The Catholic Magisterial Teaching on the Papacy The Holy Bible: Douay-Rheims translation The Holy Bible: Msgr. Ronald Knox translation Support TRADCAST/NovusOrdoWatch by making a tax-deductible donation HERE Novus Ordo Watch, “Now What?” — Being a Real Catholic Today TRADCAST: Complete Episode List TRADCAST EXPRESS: Complete Episode List Follow Novus Ordo Watch on Twitter Follow TRADCAST on Twitter More Information at TRADCAST.org

The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.28.2 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Kara Griffin, Helen Greene and Teo el AteoPope Francis asks Church to identify 21st-century martyrs slain ‘only because they are Christians', AP News, By Frances D'emilio, July 5, 2023 https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-martyrs-saints-fe125ca264867e14770cd407f5c4be18?utm_source=RecoReel&utm_medium=articlePage&utm_id=Taboola Pope Francis has set up a special commission tasked with identifying those he calls the new Martyrs of the 21st century. Christians who have been slain in some cases simply for attending to mass or for helping the poor. It's sad that people died for such reasons but making their death a thing to celebrate is sick.At the pope's direction, the commission's members will research cases of non-Catholic Christian martyrs, too. Why stop at capitalizing on your own martyrs when you can monetize someone else's dead too?In what is a rather cynical effort, he made an announcement during an audience with the Coptic Orthodox pope, where the Vatican formally recognized 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by militants in Libya as martyrs with their own feast day. A gesture aimed at forging unity between them and Orthodox churches.The church celebrates Jubilee year in 2025 too so this is a whole big celebration of people dying and being viewed as heroes for something that you cannot prove even exists is really disturbing, but very profitable. They are expecting over 35 million pilgrims to arrive to Rome in order to celebrate and spend their money.There seems to be a consistent interest in celebrating the Macabre coming out of the Vatican. This concept of martyrdom is especially pernicious in that it seems to be preying on the devotion and the fears of an afterlife for their the most faithful believers.It's making people believe that their current life is worthless in comparison to some eternal reward that you'll get if you become a martyr. We have already seen what happens with that mentality. If you're able to convince people that whatever happens to them in this life is nothing compared to an eternal reward you can convince people to do just about anything even if it's against their own interests or their own survival.This is the height of manipulation and disrespect for people's basic humanity, that's something that the church is doing to its own followers.It also promotes the idea that Christians are being persecuted. This gives them an end-time complex. Christians are very good at feeling persecuted, where in many cases they are just being told to stop being evil.The Catholic Church is known for their own terrible acts, their newest fixation of death and blood sacrifice is not helping. Calling for believers to see the reasons of life and of good by drawing inspiration of martyrs can only end poorly. How do you choose life when your example is death?

Episode 374 debuts on May 17, at 8:00 PM Eastern. Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). The topic is Coptic 'Martyrs' and a Coptic 'Pope'? The Twenty-One Slain Copts: Martyrs? — by Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M., at catholicism.org Pope Francis adds Coptic Orthodox martyrs to liturgical book of saints — by Hannah Brockhaus, at catholicnewsagency.com Pope includes Coptic Orthodox martyrs in Catholic compendium of saints — by Elise Ann Allen, at cruxnow.com The Pope — by George Joyce, at newadvent.org (scroll down to the section with the subhead, "Titles" then "Pope") Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church — at wikipedia.org  Coptic Catholic Church — at wikipedia.org Saint Frumentius (380) — by the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at catholicism.org Icon depicting the 2015 Coptic Christians who were killed by ISIL “Reconquest” is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. Each weekly, one-hour episode of Reconquest will debut RIGHT HERE on Wednesday night at 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 PM Central). It will then be rebroadcast according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time).

Michael Lofton explains how Pope Francis could accept 21 Coptic Orthodox martyrs as Catholic saints in light of the Council of Florence. He covers a letter from the Holy Office in 1949, as well as Lumen Gentium 15 to offer the proper context. He lastly, calls on everyone to assent to the Catholic Magisterium instead […]

This week on A Podcast About Catholic Things, Eric (The Ambassador of Common Sense) and Dan (The Ambassador Of Nonsense) discuss the banking and money lending institutions--is usury as big a problem as the Church has described? Why does the principal of usury not extend to property rental? In current events, many people killing many people. Ancient DNA from elk tooth. Proud Boys convicted. WHO says Covid not emergency. Fire in gold mine. Hot in Vietnam. MiG-21 kills 3 women. Trump found guilty of rape. Kamala Harris announce AI Czar. Josh Alexander fighting for parents. Oklahoma says no to BlackRock. Manhattan church pro-gay art. Tucker Carlson to tweet. Pope Francis hosts Coptic Mass. Complains about TLM. Planned Parenthood now in the gender reassignment business. Pope Francis claims secret mission. Biden tells sanctuary to blow out candle. Texas Capitol occupied by gays. RFK Jr. says he'll cut big parma spending. In the land of Nonsense, space rock invades house. Vampire fish. Star Wars weddings. Trivia question: What 2 things does Jesus compare us to? Show Notes: Dan's Notes: Holy space rocks, Batman!https://apnews.com/article/meteorite-hits-home-hopewell-new-jersey-fd8391f8c5daea1e596ed85ed3ae5a68Another fish story (and this time it's not a repeat)https://apnews.com/article/washed-up-weird-fish-fangs-oregon-beach-2f68e2ab46caa9a645d137e7f22735b7A match made in .... space?https://apnews.com/article/star-wars-weddings-may-fourth-ohio-dd6ad971a7af909cc7b48f99c2a6a439 Eric's Notes: Josh Alexander says his parents have been suspended from their Ontario school board jobs https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/josh-alexander-says-his-parents-have-been-suspended-from-their-ontario-school-board-jobs/ San Antonio voters overwhelmingly reject radical pro-abortion, pro-marijuana referendum https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/san-antonio-voters-overwhelmingly-reject-radical-pro-abortion-pro-marijuana-referendum/ SAN ANTONIO, Texas (LifeSiteNews) — The second-largest city in Texas rejected a pro-abortion, leftist referendum during Saturday's local elections. Oklahoma bans state business with BlackRock, other financial companies over woke ESG policies https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/oklahoma-blacklists-blackrock-other-financial-companies-from-state-business-over-woke-esg-policies/ New York Catholics outraged by blasphemous transgender art exhibit at Manhattan church https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/new-york-catholic-outraged-by-blasphemous-transgender-art-exhibit-at-manhattan-church/ The paintings displayed at the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle in Manhattan, run by the now notoriously liberal Paulist Fathers, espouse the idolatrous and heretical ideas that we can make a “god” according to our own liking and that “there is no devil.” Tucker Carlson to relaunch his show, post it directly to Twitter after being ousted by Fox https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/tucker-carlson-to-relaunch-his-show-post-it-directly-to-twitter-after-being-ousted-by-fox/ ‘Starting soon, we'll be bringing a new version of the show we've been doing for the last six and a half years to Twitter,' the immensely popular conservative commentator said, also promising to bring ‘some other things too which we'll tell you about.' Pope Francis hosts Coptic Patriarch at Vatican, approves schismatic liturgy in papal basilica https://www.lifesitenews.com/analysis/pope-francis-hosts-coptic-patriarch-at-vatican-approves-schismatic-liturgy-in-papal-basilica/ The Coptic Patriarch's visit to Rome chiefly marks the 50th anniversary of the historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Coptic Patriarch Pope Shenouda III in 1973. During that meeting, Paul VI and Shenouda III signed the “Joint Christological Declaration,” heralded as a breakthrough in relations between the two churches after years of “estrangement,” and which reads in part: The 1973 statement also condemned any attempts at “proselytism” from either the Catholics or from the Coptics: “In the name of this charity, we reject all forms of proselytism, in the sense of acts by which persons seek to disturb each other's communities by recruiting new members from each other through methods, or because of attitudes of mind, which are opposed to the exigencies of Christian love or to what should characterize the relationships between Churches.” despite the fact that the Coptic Orthodox liturgies are valid but schismatic, Pope Francis has given permission for Tawadros to offer a liturgy in St. John Lateran's Basilica this Sunday, for the Coptic faithful in Italy. The Patriarch will be given a “specially constructed altar” for the ceremony, said Father Martin Browne, an official at the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. Planned Parenthood is now giving transgender drugs to tens of thousands of people https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/planned-parenthood-is-now-giving-transgender-drugs-to-tens-of-thousands-of-people/ Planned Parenthood offers transgender hormone drugs in at least 31 states as of 2020 and supplied the dangerous drugs to more than 35,000 people in 2021. Trudeau Liberals approve proposal to censor news using anonymous sources https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/trudeau-liberals-approve-proposal-to-censor-news-using-anonymous-sources/ The first reads, “BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada: Request the Government explore options to hold on-line information services accountable for the veracity of material published on their platforms and to limit publication only to material whose sources can be traced.” The second resolution reads that the government “provide additional public funds to support advertisement-free news and information reporting by Canadian media through an arm's-length non-partisan mechanism.” Pope Francis belittles devotion to the Latin Mass as a ‘nostalgic disease' during Jesuit meeting https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pope-francis-belittles-devotion-to-the-latin-mass-as-a-nostalgic-disease-during-jesuit-meeting/ Pope Francis has once more issued strong criticisms of Catholics devoted to the traditional liturgy and practice of the Church, stating that the “incredible support for restorationism” is a “nostalgic disease.” Pope claims a secret peace mission for Russia and Ukraine is underway. Is this true? https://www.lifesitenews.com/analysis/pope-claims-a-secret-peace-mission-for-russia-and-ukraine-is-underway-is-this-true/ Biden admin orders Catholic hospital to snuff out sanctuary candle or lose all federal funding https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/biden-admin-orders-catholic-hospital-to-extinguish-small-candle-or-lose-all-federal-funds/ Biden admin backs down on trying to force Catholic hospital to extinguish sanctuary candle https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/biden-admin-backs-down-on-trying-to-force-catholic-hospital-to-extinguish-sanctuary-candle/ ‘The government has seen the light and has abandoned its attempt to force an Oklahoma hospital to blow out a small candle or stop serving elderly, disabled, and low-income patients.' LGBT activists occupy Texas Capitol, disrupt vote on bill banning trans mutilation of children https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/lgbt-activists-occupy-texas-capitol-disrupt-vote-on-bill-banning-trans-mutilation-of-children/ RFK Jr says he will cut gov't funding of Big Pharma, restore America's middle class if elected president https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/rfk-jr-says-he-will-cut-govt-funding-of-big-pharma-restore-americas-middle-class-if-elected-president/ The anti-establishment Democratic presidential candidate's polling success is varying widely, raising questions as to his real level of popularity among Democrat voters. VIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS VIEW ON GOOGLE PODCASTS VIEW ON AMAZON VIEW ON AUDIBLE VIEW ON CASTBOX VIEW ON PODCASTADDICT VIEW ON STITCHER VIEW ON BITCHUTE VIEW ON RUMBLE VIEW ON TUNE-IN VISIT US ON FACEBOOK

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 12 at 6:48 a.m. CT: Pandemic-related asylum restrictions that expelled migrants millions of times have ended in a shift that threatens to put a historic strain on the nation's beleaguered immigration system. The change came early Friday after migrants raced to enter the United States before the new restrictions set in.  A man who kept a chokehold around the neck of an agitated fellow passenger on a New York City subway, leading to the other rider's death, is expected to turn himself in to authorities on a manslaughter charge. The Eurovision Song Contest has barred President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from addressing the final of the pan-continental music competition as it would breach “the nonpolitical nature of the event.” China is sending a special envoy to Ukraine and Russia starting next week in what it calls an effort to help reach a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. Researchers are studying how flavor molecules give champagne a distinct taste. In sports, the Nuggets advanced in the NBA playoffs while the Celtics rallied late to force a seventh game in their series against the 76ers. The Hurricanes eliminated the Devils in the NHL playoffs and the Stars picked up a big win on home ice. The Rays continued to win and the 2023 NFL schedule was released. On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 11 at 4 p.m. CT: Migrants are rushing across the Mexico border in hopes of entering the U.S. in the final hours before pandemic-related asylum restrictions are lifted. House Republicans are aiming to pass a sweeping bill to build more U.S.-Mexico border wall and impose new restrictions on asylum seekers. Protecting a narrow, four-vote majority, Republican leaders in the House are making clear the legal process will need to play out with New York Rep. George Santos before they take steps to force his resignation or expel him. Peloton is recalling more than 2 million of its exercise bikes in the U.S. because the bike's seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace says the U.K. is sending Ukraine long-range cruise missiles to help push back Russian forces. The Vatican is formally recognizing 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya as martyrs. The number of Americans filing for jobless claims last week rose to its highest level in a year-and-a-half, though the labor market remains healthy by historical standards. Wholesale prices in the United States rose modestly last month, the latest sign that inflationary pressures may be easing more than a year after the Federal Reserve unleashed an aggressive campaign of steadily higher interest rates. On Wednesday, the NFL announced that Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars will become the first NFL team to play two international games in the same season when they spend back-to-back weeks in London. Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is coming out of retirement and heading to the NBA. That is, as an adviser — not as a coach. —The Associated PressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight we made the transition from St. John's Step on Gluttony and its offspring to our discussion of Purity and Chastity in Step number 15. Again, as we read slowly through the text and begin to unpack it, we begin to see the larger picture; the image of humanity redeemed. We see what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God, and the experience of embracing our full dignity and identity.  What is held out to us is an incorruptible freedom and joy as our love becomes ordered toward God. We begin to see the true beauty of the things of the world, of others, and of God himself. As I've often mentioned, the desert fathers were the first depth psychologists; they present to us the path that brings healing of soul. They see the human person in his fullness and we see in their writings such our true dignity and destiny.  Our struggle often is found in the fact that we've never come to taste that freedom, the joy, the capacity to love unimpeded by our sin. The ascetic life is not about endurance, or personal health or the ordering of our life so much as it is about the desire for God, his love, and to share in the life that he makes possible for us. It has been said that “Beauty will save the world”. In the writings of the fathers, we are called to see this beauty first in the person of Christ; and in and through him the beauty of the life that is held out to us. May we desire it with all of our hearts. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:12:16 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: Who? Author?   00:12:44 Anthony: Pope Shenouda   00:13:09 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: THanks   00:13:35 FrDavid Abernethy: page 138   00:13:38 FrDavid Abernethy: no 32   00:14:03 Anthony: If y'all have Coptic Orthodox parishes nearby with food festivals .... GO!   00:23:15 Cindy Moran: This reminds me of: the kingdom suffers violence and the violent seize it by force--Mt 11:12   00:25:17 Debra: What Step and paragraph   00:26:44 Lori Hatala: step 14 para 36   00:26:55 Debra: Replying to "step 14 para 36"   Thank you!   00:32:35 Anthony: I get it, but cooking is an art.  Food is beautiful.  Nothing God made - matter or form - is evil.  What we consider to be food needs reform.  Our habits need reform to appreciate the art.  But I'm a bit concerned that some of these fathers are a presenting the stick too much and the carrot to little.   00:39:23 Ambrose Little, OP: Replying to "I get it, but cookin..."   The carrot is food, which is bad. ;)   00:39:39 angelo: Reacted to "The carrot is food, ..." with

What I like to do is to take Scripture and show how applicable it is to our current setting. And people suddenly think, well, actually, we've never read that before because basically what people do is they read Scripture in a box...and it's over there...and it's the Bible that I take off the shelf and read, and then I go and live life, that don't realize that Scripture actually plays into life. And if we look at just the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, His example, the way He lived, and what He challenges us to, and we see, for almost every situation in our lives, there is some sort of parallel that we can draw inspiration and strength from to be able to live properly and do what is right.---Listen to Archbishop Anba Angaelos OBE, the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London being interviewed by the British and Foreign Bible Society's Rev. Dr. Andrew Ollerton. Please enjoy this episode as we dive into the Archbishop's remarkable journey of faith, and share this episode with a friend!

In this episode we'll be featuring Archbishop Anba Angaelos OBE, the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London being interviewed by the British and Foreign Bible Society's Rev. Dr. Andrew Ollerton. Please enjoy this episode as we dive into the Archbishop's remarkable journey of faith, and share this episode with a friend or on social media!Archbishop Angaelos was born in Egypt and emigrated to Australia in his early childhood with his family. After obtaining his degree in Political Science, Philosophy and Sociology, he continued on to postgraduate studies in law while working in the same field. In 1990 he returned to Egypt to the Monastery of St Bishoy in Wadi-El-Natroun where he was consecrated a monk by the late Pope Shenouda III and served as his private secretary until 1995 when he was delegated to serve in the United Kingdom. He was proclaimed the first Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London on November 11, 2017 in Egypt, and enthroned over the new Diocese on November 18, 2017 at the Cathedral of Saint George in England.---Learn more about the Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.caConnect with us on Instagram: @canadianbiblesocietyWhether you're well-versed in Scripture or just starting out on your journey, The Bible Course offers a superb overview of the world's best-selling book. This eight-session course will help you grow in your understanding of the Bible. Watch the first session of The Bible Course and learn more at biblecourse.ca. Give to the Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.ca/donate---Learn more about Archbishop Angaelos: bishopangaelos.org

Obedience!  The root of the word is to hear or to listen. What emerges in reading the fathers is that our capacity to hear the word of God is rooted in our willingness to set aside our own willfulness, ego, and our private judgment. We often become obstinate and entrenched in our own view of things in such a way that we are no longer able to hear the advice or counsel of others. We are shown in this evening's text that sometimes we must be left to our own devices to experience the poverty of our choices that are contrary to the will of God and His love.  What also emerges is that obedience is not rooted in law but love. Obedience is the fruit of a deep relationship with God, and with one's spiritual elder. An elder must love his disciple, and recognize that he bears responsibility for his salvation and so must give him constant care. The disciple must reciprocate this love and respect. In doing so, he enables the elder to be a true shepherd and not a mere hireling. This mutual obedience elevates the entire church and allows it to make present the humble love of Christ crucified to the world. --- Text of chat during the group:  00:49:18 Anthony Rago: I may have heard that sentiment too   00:49:29 Ambrose Little, OP: It's probably saying that he's true enough to Scripture and expansive in his guidance to cover such a loss. But it's just a hypothetical.   00:50:35 Ambrose Little, OP: Hyperbole, like when Jesus says to cut off the hand that causes us to sin. Exaggeration to make a point about the quality of his teaching.   00:52:01 Anthony Rago: How may we properly revere persons not exactly in communion with Catholics?  I LOVE the works of St. Gregory of Narek - but if Pope Francis had not made him a Doctor of the Church, I would have forced myself to be cautious.  I'd love to go wholehearted into Coptic Orthodox spirituality / theology, but how cautious should we be?   01:00:58 Ambrose Little, OP: Echoes what St. Ignatius of Antioch (disciple of St. John the Apostle) says of the faithful's relationship with their bishop.   01:12:12 Ambrose Little, OP: There is an amazing genius in the story-based instruction of the Evergetinos. It really makes ideas stick in a memorable way.   01:14:17 Anthony Rago: I'm open to it   01:14:19 David Fraley: I'd be interested.   01:14:21 carol nypaver: Sure!   01:14:29 Paul Fifer: Me too.   01:14:54 John & Heather: Would be interested.  

Coptic Christians - are they saved? What is the difference between them and Protestants? Are they different than Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholics? Let's see what THEY have to say. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilvB0OyQK-s

Christian Mental Health-Online Lecture ~ Diocese of Minya for Coptic Orthodox under the auspices of HG Bishop Macarius ~ December 23, 2022

This week Mother Natalia and Father Michael are joined by two special guests, Mother Gabriella from Christ the Bridegroom Monastery and Natalie Bishay, a Coptic Orthodox since birth. Natalie shares some of the beauties of Coptic Orthodoxy, including their mentality of being servants and their process of electing men for the priesthood.Live Episode:We're excited to announce a live episode today, Wednesday, August 24th.Proto-Cathedral of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church5329 Sepulveda Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411Divine Liturgy will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by dinner and a live recording. A main course will be provided but please bring a side to share. Come for all or part of the event! We hope to see you there!Bridegroom's Banquet - the monastery's annual fundraiser is Saturday, September 10th. All details can be found here, including a link to register to attend in-person, and a link for donations if you can't attend in-person. Thank you for your generosity!Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSupport the show

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - At least 40 people — most of them children — died in a fire in a Coptic Orthodox church in Giza Governorate, Egypt, on Sunday, according to government and church officials. The cause of the blaze has so far not been established. Reuters reported that an electrical fire broke out at the church where people gathered during the Divine Liturgy celebration. The blaze reportedly blocked the exit from the church and caused a stampede. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252035/reports-of-at-least-40-people-most-of-them-children-killed-in-church-fire-in-egypt Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he spoke with Pope Francis over the phone on Friday and thanked the pope for his prayers and humanitarian support. In a tweet posted on August 12, Zelenskyy wrote that he had briefed the pope on Russia's “horrible crimes” and aggression against Ukraine. “Our people need support of world spiritual leaders who should convey to the world the truth about acts of horror committed by the aggressor,” the Ukrainian president said. Pope Francis has repeatedly expressed his interest in a potential visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Pope Francis is scheduled to participate in September in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan, where he could potentially meet with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, who is expected to participate in the congress. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252031/in-phone-call-president-zelenskyy-thanks-pope-francis-for-praying-for-ukraine At least seven people have been arrested in connection with a devastating June massacre at a Catholic Church in Nigeria, the governor of Ondo State in the West African country has confirmed. Four of the arrests were made on August 1, according to General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Nigeria's Defense Staff. One of the arrested suspects is a high-ranking member of ISWAP — the so-called Islamic State in West Africa Province and a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, a group that at least one government official had blamed following the attack. Two other suspects were arrested Aug. 9, and Ondo State's governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu, reported that another person who housed the suspects before the attack was also arrested, Vatican News reported. It has not yet been announced if the suspects have been formally charged, and their names have not been released. On June 5, several gunmen attacked Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Nigeria, killing at least 40 people and injuring scores more with bullets and explosives. The victims spanned in age from a 2- and a 3-year-old all the way to 85. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252029/arrests-made-in-nigeria-pentecost-massacre Today, the Church celebrates the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This significant feast day recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the mother of Jesus Christ from the earth, when both her soul and her body were taken into the presence of God. Although the bodily assumption of Mary is not explicitly recorded in Scripture, Catholic tradition identifies her with the “woman clothed with the sun” who is described in the 12th chapter of the Book of Revelation. Venerable Pope Pius XII confirmed this belief about the Virgin Mary as the perennial teaching of the Church when he defined it formally as a dogma of Catholic faith in 1950, invoking papal infallibility to proclaim, “that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/the-assumption-561

Featured on famous platforms like Comedy Central Arabia, comedian Fady Rizk incorporates his Coptic Orthodox identity into a medium that otherwise lacks it: stand-up comedy. Nermien and Fady discuss relatability, Fady's new music, Coptic evangelism, and the importance of hitting milestones when the time is right. This episode also includes a segment of his new song, “Bas Kefaya Bas.”

The beheading of 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya by Islamic State in 2015 brought worldwide attention to a Church that has endured persecution throughout its 2,000- year history. The first Coptic (the word means ‘Egyptian') Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, said he forgave the killers, and in the same year was awarded an OBE for his work as an advocate for religious freedom. Today, he continues that work, as well as overseeing the 35 Coptic Orthodox parishes in the UK. Abi Thomas met Archbishop Angaelos at the Cathedral of St George, part of the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Hertfordshire. The building, which was completed in 2006, contrasts many modern elements (including the large sports hall under the same roof) with an abundance of traditional Coptic icons dedicated to past saints. The pair spoke about a range of issues including Thy Kingdom Come, a prayer initiative begun by the Church of England but now supported by a range of denominations, including the Orthodox Church.  The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Today's HeadlinesMilitary burns down over 100 villages in MyanmarEgyptian priest dies after stabbingFalse teachers vex African communities

Last night I attended a prayer service in the street in front of the Coptic Orthodox Church that was burned down early Monday morning. Although some evidence points toward arson, arson has not been proven and no motive has yet been identified. However, there has been a recent spike in violence against churches (vandalism, arson and threats), some sources report over 200 significant incidents in Canada since June. Many of us may be wondering what we should do. Well, I think we should do what our Coptic Orthodox brothers and sisters are doing. We should pray and love.

Last night I attended a prayer service in the street in front of the Coptic Orthodox Church that was burned down early Monday morning. Although some evidence points toward arson, arson has not been proven and no motive has yet been identified. However, there has been a recent spike in violence against churches (vandalism, arson and threats), some sources report over 200 significant incidents in Canada since June. Many of us may be wondering what we should do. Well, I think we should do what our Coptic Orthodox brothers and sisters are doing. We should pray and love.

AL Horreya - TV Interview ~ Tennessee Coptic Orthodox Center-TNCOC ~ April 10, 2021

AL Horreya - TV Interview ~ Tennessee Coptic Orthodox Center-TNCOC ~ April 10, 2021

TNCOC - Tennessee Coptic Orthodox Center Announcement @April 4, 2021

TNCOC - Tennessee Coptic Orthodox Center Announcement @April 4, 2021

For all content and notes, visit https://truthandfreedom.co

For all time we’ve honoured the dead. And in the course of Christian history, the veneration of saints is a big deal: Their feasts are still widely observed, like St Valentine’s Day. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel take a look at sainthood — from Catholic and Coptic traditions to secular saints. 

For all time we’ve honoured the dead. And in the course of Christian history, the veneration of saints is a big deal: Their feasts are still widely observed, like St Valentine’s Day. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel take a look at sainthood — from Catholic and Coptic traditions to secular saints. 

In my last episode, Katrina Nilsson-Gorman shared her experience in southern India, and this week’s story from Annette Stixrud is partly based in Tamil Nadu as well. Annette spent much of her life working overseas as an educator and public health nurse. I call her Saint Annette.Annette's father was a Lutheran pastor who earned a meager salary and had six children. She went to Pacific Lutheran University, where she met her husband Neal. After they got married, she began her career as a teacher in Bellevue, WA. “They gave me children with health risks, and I decided I needed to learn more because I was scared to death the whole time something would happen to them.”After teaching children with medical needs, Annette began nursing school. Their first daughter, Lindsey, was born 44 hours after Annette graduated. “We call that planned parenthood,” Annette jokes.Annette comes from a family of missionaries, which inspired both her and her brother to pursue public health and work in developing countries. Annette and Neal became missionaries. They were sent to Tanzania to teach. I asked Annette about working outside the home for most of her life. She worked a lot as a volunteer in the mission school, but she was able to spend a lot of time with her children. After they came back to the states, they moved to Eugene, OR. For the next few years she worked with young mothers, helping them be mothers to their babies. I asked Annette if she got push-back from others, going back to work when her children were young. When they were first married, she told Neal she wanted eight children ad he responded, “Really? You’re not going to work?” His mother had been a working mom, so he has always supported Annette’s life of work and service.Then the mission board called and asked if they would go to Kodaikanal, India, where they taught at Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu. They formed strong bonds at the school and had many wonderful adventures there. Now their son Corleigh, who met his wife Nandita there, is principal, and their grandson Tarun is a student.Their last mission experience was in Egypt, where Annette worked with the Coptic Orthodox church, finding programs for women. Annette has a different outlook on what it means to be a missionary. The people in the villages taught her a lot about listening. Annette shared stories about working with the Tamil repatriates in Tamil Nadu. About 30,000 Tamils were living in the hills in horrific conditions behind where they lived. Annette was appalled and could not believe how they were living. She recruited 10 girls and 10 boys to go to school. When people told her she should be educating all boys, she shut them up: “If you say one more word to me that I should have all boys, I will find all girls.”Annette has always been brave in speaking truth to power and speaking out if she sees injustice. She was one of the first people who shared the plight of the Palestinians, which is similar to the way the Tamils have been treated. “It makes me ache that people have to be subjugated to such horrible living conditions and hunger and watch their children grow up like that. It’s such a huge problem when the Israelis cannot see the harm they are doing to another group of people.”We also spoke of the parallels with Black Lives Matter. At the time the interview was conducted, federal troops had been sent into Portland to quell the demonstrations here and they were brutally oppressing the peaceful protests. I admire her huge heart, and I believe if anyone deserves canonization, it’s this Lutheran pastor’s kid who thinks nothing of standing up to the powers that be to help someone who does not have a voice.

This episode rotates around the topic of Coptic immigration to North America. Copts began immigrating to the US as early as the late 1940’s. After 1952, the rate of Coptic immigration from Egypt to Canada and the United States increased. Immigration to Canada outpaced the US until the inauguration of more lenient procedures in 1965. In general, Coptic immigration rose steadily throughout North America, Europe, and Australia in the coming decades. We see a further influx of Copts to the US and Canada after the 2011 revolution in Egypt, fleeing instability and violence there. With hundreds of Coptic Orthodox churches in the United States alone (along with over 90 congregations in Canada), it is estimated that there are over one million Coptic Orthodox Christians in North America. Coptic immigration has so many facets to it and we obviously cannot cover everything in one episode, but we will discuss some important aspects in this episode.Resources: Dr Candace Lukasik: https://thecchp.com/2017/06/25/land-migration-and-memory/ https://publicorthodoxy.org/2018/08/27/modernity-murder-and-coptic-identity/ https://publicorthodoxy.org/2020/02/20/copts-debating-christmas/https://salamamoussa.com/2018/03/17/immigration-and-the-reinvention-of-identity-part-i/ https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/03/coptic-church/555515/Dr Michael Akladios Peer-Reviewed“Heteroglossia, Interpretation and the Experiences of Coptic Immigrants from Egypt in North America, 1955-1975,” Histoire Sociale / Social History 53.109 (Fall 2020): [pre-print online].“Navigating Sacred Spaces: Coptic Immigrants in 1960s Toronto,” Left History 21.1 (Fall/Winter 2018): 109-122. Editorials Co-authored with Candace Lukasik,“Debating Christmas Day: Copts, Calendars and the Immigrants’ Church,” Public Orthodoxy, February 20, 2020.“Interview with Michael Akladios: Mundane Transnationalism,” CCHP, November 24, 2019.“Stop Victim-Blaming Egypt’s Copts,” Mada Masr English, November 5, 2018 / “توقفوا عن لوم الضحايا من أقباط مصر,” Mada Masr, November 13, 2018.“Celebrating ‘Ordinary’: The CCHP and the Coptic Immigrant Experience,” Coptic Voice US, October 23, 2018.“Conversations with Egyptian Uber Drivers: Why Emigrate? Why Canada?” Active History, October 2, 2017.“Arab-Canadian Foodscapes and Authenticity,” Active History, May 12, 2016.LinksThe CCHP has facilitated the collection and preservation of letters, photographs, books, magazines, and academic journals documenting the Coptic experience in Canada. The records are available for consultation at the Clara Thomas Archives, York University. https://thecchp.com/archives/The CCHP welcomes submissions of scholarly articles and immigrants’ stories for publication. Please follow the link to find the guidelines and information on how to submit. https://thecchp.com/about/digital-cafe-2/To learn about the transition to Egypt Migrations, visit: https://thecchp.com/2020/09/06/from-cchp-to-egypt-migrations/

We're talking about a 'global' Christian youth Channel that eminates from the nation of Egypt. Help Vision to keep 'Connecting Faith to Life': https://vision.org.au/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The finale to our 5-part series on Identity. We are joined by Dr. Donna Rizk Asdourian to further discuss the role that women play in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Where do women fit in in the liturgy? How do we contribute to the Body of Christ? Do we offer something different?

Fr. Antony Paul

Global Coptic Day, 1st June: "My Coptic Hero” English & Arabic Announcement ~ May 25, 2020

Global Coptic Day, 1st June: "My Coptic Hero” English & Arabic Announcement ~ May 25, 2020

St Abba Shenouda the Archimandrite On the 7th day of the Coptic month of Abib we celebrate the life of St Pope Shenouda the Archimandrite.Abba Shenouda was the Abbot of the White Monastery of Atribe in the desert of Thebes for over 65 years. He was responsible for over 2,200 monks and 1,800 nuns. Abba Shenouda is called Archimandrite because he practiced the hermetic (isolated) life from time to time, and he also used to encourage some of his monks to withdraw to the desert after a few years of cenobitic life (living together in a monastic community). Notably, in the year 431 A.D., he accompanied St. Cyril to the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus.Abba Shenouda was responsible for creating Egyptian nationalism or Coptism, eliminating Hellenistic culture from the Coptic literature, and did not permit any foreigner to be admitted to his monasteries. Besides his deep spirituality, he was a political and a social reformer.Shenouda was born of good Christian parents in a village near in Upper Egypt. His father owned a cattle farm. Like David, his father used to send him to tend the sheep while he was a little boy. When Shenouda reached ten years old, he was put under the guidance of Abba Pijol, his maternal uncle and Abbot of the Red Monastery.As a youth, Shenouda showed an exceptional inclination to be spiritually minded, and strove continuously after spiritual excellence. He enjoyed studying and teaching both monks and laymen. When Abba Pijol departed to heaven, Shenouda was elected to replace him as abbot. Under Abba Shenouda’s leadership, the number of monks reached 4,000; 1800 of them in the Red Monastery and the rest in the White Monastery, while a few of them preferred a solitary life.Shenouda was greatly concerned about organization within the monastic life. He devised a system that was, in fact, a combination of St. Antony's hermetic life, and St. Pachom's cenobitic monasticism. He used to retreat to a remote cell and spend some time in seclusion, then return to the monastery and participate in the monastic community.Shenouda built a house outside the walls of the monastery for those who were waiting to be ordained monks. He appointed a chief to the monasteries called the Archimandrite. He assigned specific periods for individual and group prayers. The doors of his monastery were opened to the villagers every Saturday evening. Thousands would participate in the Vespers prayers, spend the night in the monastery, and participate in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy the next morning. After the Liturgy, they were invited to share a meal the monks prepared and served. Shenouda took advantage of the presence of those people in the monastery to teach them the true faith inherited from the saintly fathers.The Archimandrite lived in an age full of emotions and upheavals. It was an age in which the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus was convened, followed by the council of Chalcedon which started the rift between the churches. This same age witnessed the passing away of paganism from Egypt, after the desperate effort of Julian the Apostate to revive it. Finally, it was an age in which Egyptian nationalism reassured itself against all imperial forces. In the midst of this uprising, Shenouda towered like a beacon of light. He loved solitude, yet he shared the life of the world to the full, and was one of the unparalleled defiants against all Hellenistic tendencies. He used his talents of speaking and writing to inflame the crowds, using the pure Sahidic dialect of Upper Egypt. Shenouda made such a powerful impact to all who heard him or read his writings.Shenouda also focused on charitable work. He went about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and provided shelter to the homeless. The schools attached to his monasteries did not serve the saints alone, but they also served those living in the vicinity as well. The monks that were physicians also provided medical aid in the community. One instance of his outpouring love was evident when the Bhagat Tribe attacked the region of Akhmim, capturing families and killing villagers. Hearing of this catastrophe, Shenouda crossed the Nile and went to the chief of the Bhagats, saying, "take the riches and give me the people." The chief readily accepted, and handed over to him hundreds of captives. Shenouda sheltered them in his monasteries for three months; he put the sick under the care of the doctors; the children were cared for by the educators, while the social workers looked after the aged and the infirm. All these specialists were from among his monks. During these three months, 94 of the refugees died and 52 babies were born. This instance indicates the well- organized system of the monks under the vigilant eyes of the Archimandrite.Shenouda was not only a guide to monks, but was also in charge of 1800 nuns. To those he wrote several letters teaching, and guiding them in the right path. Fortunately, many of his writings still exist; they portray for us his clear thinking and deep spiritual insight.Shenouda was blessed with an unusual long life. He lived to be 118 years old. His fatherhood over monasteries and convents lasted 66 years. During his long life, Shenouda watched his people closely. His sympathy for them was boundless. Consequently, he became their spokesman and their defendant; and because he identified himself with them, he represented their national aspirations and led them to the realization of their higher selves. For those reasons, he is considered the liberator of Egyptian thought from the shackles of Byzantium, and the truest representative of the Pharaonic genius.The White Monastery with which Shenouda is identified is unique among the Christian structures; it is more like a Pharaonic temple than a Christian sanctuary. It stands on the edge of the desert, west of Sohag, near the ancient town of Atribe. Historians think that it was built in the lifetime of Shenouda. The only remaining part of it is the church joined by the house of the priest.As for the Red Monastery, which gets its name from the red bricks of which it is built, nothing remains of it, except the church also. This monastery is called by the name of Abba Pishoi, a saintly monk of that era.Shenouda became sick in his last years. His disciples took him to a hermit called Abba Thomas. At the end of their meeting, Thomas said, "I would like to inform you, Father, that I will depart to heaven shortly. You will know that this happened when you see the big stone in front of your cell split in two. I beg you to come and pray on my body before you bury it."After St. Thomas passed away, Abba Shenouda became very sick, and he called his disciples to his cell. After he blessed them, he commended his soul in the hands of his Saviour dn the 12th of July, 451 A.D. (the 5th of Abib). He left a great wealth of literature; some of which are preserved in the museums of Naples and London. His biography was written by his faithful disciple Wisa. May the prayers and supplications of the great Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite be with us all. Amen. Lessons from this storySt. Abba Shenouda teaches us that one individual could have a major impact when doing things for our Lord Jesus Christ. Under his leadership, he revolutionized monastic life as we know it. His leadership as an Archimandrite, and his ability to emphasize Coptism, truly has had an impact on countless Coptic Orthodox monks and nuns that came after him. He embarrassed Nestorious, and confessed the good confession. “One in essence is the Trinity. Coessential and Life-giving, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Are you a leader? Are you one that uses your talents to change things for the better, and to lead others to our Lord? Your passion and dedication for Good can, and does, make a difference. It truly has an impact on those around you. But also remember the importance of solitude to avoid the vanity that sometimes comes from being in charge. St Abba Shenouda found this quietness alone-time with Christ extremely valuable. May we be inspired by St. Abba Shenouda’s life story, and implement his lessons in our own. PrayerLord, may we have the slightest ability to have an impact on others. May our actions be a true witness to your Holy Name, and bring those around us to Your Holy Name. Pray to the Lord on our behalf, O my master the ascetic father, Abba Shenouda the Archimandrite, that He may forgive us our sins. Amen.

Verena Rizg is a woman of many talents: nurse practitioner, artist, and poet, with strong ties to her faith, family and community. Growing up in the Coptic Orthodox church has shaped the woman she is today. We talk to Verena about how she brings her faith into her everyday life, the power of conversation, and how we each communicate, heal and love in unique ways. She shares with us the inspiration behind her poetry and tells the story of her poem: Intentional. Follow @verenarizg Resources: AwokenWord Podcast: #007 Jeff Perera The Gottman Institute: Marriage Minute

Verena Rizg is a woman of many talents: nurse practitioner, artist, and poet, with strong ties to her faith, family and community. Growing up in the Coptic Orthodox church has shaped the woman she is today. We talk to Verena about how she brings her faith into her everyday life, the power of conversation, and how we each communicate, heal and love in unique ways. She shares with us the inspiration behind her poetry and tells the story of her poem: Intentional. Follow @verenarizg Resources: AwokenWord Podcast: #007 Jeff Perera The Gottman Institute: Marriage Minute

What is the plight of our Coptic Orthodox brothers and sisters in Egypt and beyond? Fr. Tom Soroka talks with Sara Salama - attorney, co-founder, and President of Coptic Voice US.

What is the plight of our Coptic Orthodox brothers and sisters in Egypt and beyond? Fr. Tom Soroka talks with Sara Salama - attorney, co-founder, and President of Coptic Voice US.

What is the plight of our Coptic Orthodox brothers and sisters in Egypt and beyond? Fr. Tom Soroka talks with Sara Salama - attorney, co-founder, and President of Coptic Voice US.

Youth Meeting - QA Session @ St Verena Coptic Orthodox Church, New Port Richey FL ~ December 7, 2019

A papal message written by St. Pope Kyrillos VI to Coptic Orthodox faithful who emigrated out of Egypt shortly before his blessed departure.

Support the show: Patreon l Glow l Episode Transcript It's time for churches, all of them, to make it absolutely clear what their beliefs are...Ambiguity is harmful. You can connect with Church Clarity right here: https://www.churchclarity.org/about Guest Bio: George Mekhail has been in the church his whole life. From growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, to serving in Pastor roles within Evangelical and Mainline Churches. Follow him on twitter @gmekhail Sarah Ngu is a freelance writer based in New York. A leader at Forefront Brooklyn Church, Sarah is also a podcast host. Twitter @sarahngu Guest Music by David Dunn Tracks Include: Grace Will Lead Me Home, Vacation You can also find all the musical selections from all our episodes on our Spotify Playlist.  Check out all the things over at the store...it's a great way to support the show www.canisaythisatchurch.com/store What are you waiting for; consider becoming a Patreon supporter of the show. You'll have access to many perks as well as guaranteeing the future of these conversations; even $1/Month goes so far as this show is 100% listener supported.  Follow the show: https://www.facebook.com/CanISayThisAtChurch/ https://twitter.com/cistacpodcast https://www.canisaythisatchurch.com/  

In which Demarian Williams recounts his journey from a nominally Christian upbringing to the (Pentecostal) Assemblies of God, and from there to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Along the way, we talk about learning new languages, sola scriptura, being a black American in 2016, the papacy, "monophysitism" vs. "miaphysitism," and the Agpeya. Follow Demarian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/joonam1996 Our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/convertigo Our Twitter! https://twitter.com/convertigopod

In this first episode of the relaunch of Midrash NYC, George Mekhail and Jonathan Williams discuss their respective paths to arriving at the divisive decision to make their churches open and affirming of LGBTQIA members and about the consequences of a church's ambiguity around the topic of affirmation. Interviewer: Jim Rohner ABOUT GEORGE MEKHAIL George Mekhail has been involved in church his entire life, from growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition to serving in pastor roles within Evangelical and Mainline churches. He is currently the Executive Director of Church Clarity (https://www.churchclarity.org), a crowdsourced organization that seeks to verify if a church's stated policy is open and clear on a number of issues from affirmation of LGBTQIA members to women in leadership positions.

In this first episode of the relaunch of Midrash NYC, George Mekhail and Jonathan Williams discuss their respective paths to arriving at the divisive decision to make their churches open and affirming of LGBTQIA members and about the consequences of a church's ambiguity around the topic of affirmation. Interviewer: Jim Rohner ABOUT GEORGE MEKHAIL George Mekhail has been involved in church his entire life, from growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition to serving in pastor roles within Evangelical and Mainline churches. He is currently the Executive Director of Church Clarity (https://www.churchclarity.org), a crowdsourced organization that seeks to verify if a church's stated policy is open and clear on a number of issues from affirmation of LGBTQIA members to women in leadership positions.

In this first episode of the relaunch of Midrash NYC, George Mekhail and Jonathan Williams discuss their respective paths to arriving at the divisive decision to make their churches open and affirming of LGBTQIA members and about the consequences of a church's ambiguity around the topic of affirmation. Interviewer: Jim Rohner ABOUT GEORGE MEKHAIL George Mekhail has been involved in church his entire life, from growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition to serving in pastor roles within Evangelical and Mainline churches. He is currently the Executive Director of Church Clarity (https://www.churchclarity.org), a crowdsourced organization that seeks to verify if a church's stated policy is open and clear on a number of issues from affirmation of LGBTQIA members to women in leadership positions.

EPISODE OVERVIEW In this first episode of the relaunch of Midrash NYC, George Mekhail and Jonathan Williams discuss their respective paths to arriving at the divisive decision to make their churches open and affirming of LGBTQIA members and about the consequences of a church's ambiguity around the topic of affirmation. Interview: Jim Rohner ABOUT GEORGE George Mekhail has been involved in church his entire life, from growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition to serving in pastor roles within Evangelical and Mainline churches. He is currently the Executive Director of Church Clarity, a crowdsourced organization that seeks to verify if a church's stated policy is open and clear on a number of issues from affirmation of LGBTQIA members to women in leadership positions. 

Did Egyptian art inspire Christian art and even modern photography? This podcast is meant to explore the mother and child iconography type throughout different cultures, religions, and times. The discussion starts by describing the statue of Isis and Horus and then moves onto multiforms of it, including Coptic Orthodox depictions of Mary and Jesus, Renaissance … Continue reading "Episode 5: Like a Virgin: Madonna and Child"

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (the “Inquiry”) has announced a hearing into child protection in religious organisations and settings. So, what does this mean?  The Inquiry has to date examined large religious institutions in the UK such as the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church, along with other religious instructions and state based organisations. However, this has left quite a significant gap in the field as many religious denominations and other institutional religions have escaped scrutiny. This is a welcome announcement given the figures released by the Truth Project indicate more than one in ten survivors who shared their account were abused in a religious institution, which equates to 11% overall, and of that group, almost a quarter, being 24%, were abused in institutions to be examined in the new hearing. The first relevant question which arises is which religious institutions are subject to this hearing? The Inquiry considers a religious setting or organisation to include: Places where people gather to engage in collective rituals designed to bear witness or share collectively in  their religious faith (e.g. mosques, temples, festivals); Places of tuition regarding one’s faith tradition or cultural matters related to religious observance or faith, such as preparation for rites of passage (e.g. Jewish yeshivas and chedarim, Muslim madrassahs, Christian Sunday schools); and Places where children and young people gather in connection with their religious beliefs (e.g. youth groups, camps) The Inquiry will focus upon those religious organisations with a significant presence within England and Wales, including but not limited to: “Non-conformist” Christian denominations; Eastern and Coptic Orthodox communities; Pentecostal churches and independent charismatic and house churches; The Church of Latter Day Saints; The Jehovah’s witnesses; Islam; Judaism; Hinduism; Jainism; Sikhism; Buddhism Given the scope of such a hearing, it is difficult to see how exactly the Inquiry will deal with such a prevalent issue across such a broad range of religions. However, the way in which it will be dealt with can be gleaned from the scope, which is effectively the four corners of the hearing.   The scope indicates that the Inquiry will examine these institutions on a “thematic” basis focussing on management of child protection within religious organisations and settings including the training and understanding of child sexual abuse, policies and procedures, vetting and barring, responses to allegations of child sexual abuse and internal processes for auditing, inspection and oversight of child protection practices and procedures. What this means is the Inquiry, unlike in previous hearings, might not have any specific case studies in respect of abuse in the past and the religious institution's response.  Whilst this is understandable given how unwieldy and time consuming it would be if each institution were to be examined both specifically by reference to case studies and broadly in respect of their practices and procedures, it must not be lost sight of, however, how important those case studies are. The reality is that many of these religious institutions will publicly abhor child abuse and denounce it as a sin.  It would be outrageous not to. We do not suggest for one minute that individuals, leaders or even the institution is not genuine when publishing such material. The problem is in the implementation. What we do know is that no matter how loud the protest against child abuse by religious institutions, the reality of dealing with sex offenders, allegations of child abuse and internal practices are often not reflective of those public positions. This reflects a wider problem in these institutions, which is a reluctance and often a hatred of being governed by secular laws and society.  So the Inquiry has a real chance here to dig deep into these institutions and establish which ones have outdated practices which must change, whether by external legislation or from within, and which ones do not have proper safeguarding practices. We believe the answer will be fairly predictable - mandatory reporting is required.   This will avoid ridiculous internal policies which exist to avoid reporting child sexual abuse to secular authorities and focus on dealing with it internally. Whether the Inquiry should go further and adopt positions such as in Victoria, Australia and recommend failure to protect laws should also be considered by the Inquiry. In Victoria, a criminal offence was introduced in 2015 which applies where there is a substantial risk that a child under the age of 16 under the care, supervision or authority of a relevant organisation will become a victim of a sexual offence committed by an adult associated with that organisation. A person in a position of authority in the organisation will commit the offence if they know of the risk of abuse and have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, but negligently fail to do so.  This offence encourages organisations to actively manage the risks of sexual offences being committed against children in their care to protect them from harm. It is our view, that given the magnitude of the problem, this is a necessary step.  There is one sure-fire guard against child sexual abuse and that is to place in a person who is in a position of authority within a relevant institution criminal responsibility for negligently failing to take steps to protect a child from a known risk of abuse.

George has been in the church his whole life. From growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, to serving in Pastor roles within Evangelical and Mainline Churches. We get the chance to talk about George and his work with Church Clarity. As George puts it, “We shouldn’t know more about our Uber drivers than we do about our pastors.”

On today's show: The Brexit saga continuesAn Egyptian nun speaks on her life of serviceStudent activists prepare for US Youth Climate... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, discusses the Coptic Orthodox Dogma , in this multi part series. Live-streamed on 14/09/18   Please note this talk is in English                                                                                                                                       Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CopticOrthodoxDioceseOfSydney

H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, discusses the Coptic Orthodox Dogma , in this multi part series. Live-streamed on 21/09/18   Please note this talk is in English                                                                                                                                       Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CopticOrthodoxDioceseOfSydney

H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, discusses the Coptic Orthodox Dogma , in this multi part series. Live-streamed on 17/08/18   Please note this talk is in Arabic                                                                                                                                           Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CopticOrthodoxDioceseOfSydney

H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, discusses the Coptic Orthodox Dogma , in this multi part series. Live-streamed on 07/09/18   Please note this talk is in English                                                                                                                                         Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CopticOrthodoxDioceseOfSydney

H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, discusses the Coptic Orthodox Dogma , in this multi part series. Live-streamed on 31/08/18   Please note this talk is in Arabic                                                                                                                                           Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CopticOrthodoxDioceseOfSydney

H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, discusses the Coptic Orthodox Dogma , in this multi part series. Live-streamed on 10/08/18   Please note this talk is in Arabic                                                                                                                                             Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CopticOrthodoxDioceseOfSydney

H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, discusses the Coptic Orthodox Dogma , in this multi part series. Live-streamed on 03/08/18    Please note this talk is in Arabic                                                                                                                                               Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CopticOrthodoxDioceseOfSydney

H.G. Bishop Daniel of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, discusses the Coptic Orthodox Dogma , in this multi part series. Live-streamed on 27/07/18    Please note this talk is in Arabic                                                                                                                                                Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CopticOrthodoxDioceseOfSydney

In this installment, the cold war actions on the world stage were captured in Time Magazine’s famous 1966 proclamation that “God is Dead.” In the USA in particular it became an often-debated question for humanity during those times of tremendous social upheaval as the 1960’s are well remembered for. Chapter 25 is entitled An Apparition for All. The Madonna appears over a Coptic Orthodox church in of all places Cairo, Egypt. Christians, Muslims, members of the Jewish community and even the government, witnessed this apparition of the Virgin Mary.   The Constant Procession is a book, a personal memoir about the history of the Virgin Mary or the Madonna since she passed on. There will be approximately forty contiguous installments that run around 7 minutes in length each. They will be published every Tuesday morning beginning in August 2016 and read by me, Nikos Steves. To listen from the beginning I value feedback through the comments section or Better - via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com  

Our fourth episode brings you a dialogue between Dr. Thomas Hentrich, a researcher & theologian specializing in disability issues and ecumenism, and Fr. Pishoy Wasfy, a Coptic Orthodox priest, psychotherapist, and faculty member of the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College.  Dr. Hentrich and Fr. Pishoy discuss what denominations are doing to serve people with disabilities in their churches, the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network, and what sorts of things should and are happening in congregations. Afterwards, CFW's Dr. Mary Marrocco interviews the Rev. Dr. Scott Sharman, campus chaplain at the University of Alberta and Professor of Foundational Theology at Newman Theological College, about his life in ecumenism

Weand're talking about about a global Christian youth online television channel thatand's backed by the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt. This Channel has studios in Sydney and Melbourne. Help Vision to keep 'Connecting Faith to Life': https://vision.org.au/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam meets with Fr Barsoum, a Coptic Orthodox priest from Egypt, during his first visit to America. Fr Barsoum came for the Antiochian House of Studies and stayed to explore America for several days. During their conversation Fr Barsoum shares what evangelism is like in Egypt, a miracle which occurred in his life, and what it means to taste the spiritual life.

Adam meets with Fr Barsoum, a Coptic Orthodox priest from Egypt, during his first visit to America. Fr Barsoum came for the Antiochian House of Studies and stayed to explore America for several days. During their conversation Fr Barsoum shares what evangelism is like in Egypt, a miracle which occurred in his life, and what it means to taste the spiritual life.

Travel round the world to meet members of the CMS family: people whose lives have been changed beyond recognition as they have responded to the one whose birth we will soon be celebrating – Jesus Christ. Featuring: mission partner Ruth Hulser, the health coordinator for the Diocese of Tabora and runs the diocesan St Philip’s Health Centre in Tanzania. Plus: mission partners Angela and Chris have spent 10 years in Egypt working with Coptic Orthodox and Anglican churches. And we meet a whole family in mission in India.

Weand'll meet Abouna Johanna from Cairo in Egypt. He is the Secretary to the Coptic Pope for the diaspora of Egyptian Christians around the world. Help Vision to keep 'Connecting Faith to Life': https://vision.org.au/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's get ready to rumble!Well--It's not exactly a rumble we're in for in this episode, so much as a tumble into the rabbit hole of theological wrangling that took place after the Council of Chalcedon that led to the 2nd & 3rd Councils at Constantinople in 553 & 680.And it all comes back to the debate fired up between Cyril & Nestorius over how to understand the natures and person of Christ.“Wait!” you say. “Didn't the last Council at Chalcedon clear all that up?”We thought so. But large groups weren't happy with the conclusions of Chalcedon. They said the wording of the Creed was too Nestorian. They claimed Cyril's formulations that had been accepted at the Council of Ephesus didn't figure strongly enough in the work done at Chalcedon and wanted the orthodox statement on the nature of Jesus amended along more Cyrillian lines.It must also be said that by the beginning of the 6th C, the Nestorian Church of the East & centered in Persia, had by this time gone well beyond the actual position of Nestorius into the idea that Jesus was indeed, not just of two natures, but He was two persons; one divine, the other human. We'll not broach the intricacies of that theology since it takes us on a tangent, and with my ineptitude, would only confuse us all anyway. The upshot is, the Orthodox Churches of East & West had already drawn a line over which they'd set the Nestorian Church of the East as heretics. It's no wonder then that the Nestorians rejected both the Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon.But it wasn't just the Nestorians who rejected Chalcedon. A growing number of groups along the Mediterranean coast in Syria, Egypt, Palestine, then inland in Armenia also rejected Chalcedon. These groups were uniformly Monophysites, that is, they believed Jesus possessed single nature, as opposed to the dual-nature proscribed at Chalcedon. But there were different groups of monophysites. That is, they arrived at their monophysitism via different routes.Those following Cyril said that Jesus did indeed have two natures as God & Man, but that His deity utterly overwhelmed His humanity. Another group followed the ideas of the now officially declared heretic Eutyches and said Jesus did indeed TECHNICALLY have two natures, but that they'd fused together into a new, third nature that was a perfect union of human and divine. They preferred to refer to this not as mono-physitism, but as mia-physitism.So, the Church was thus split in 3 segments; the Nestorians in the East, outside the Empire,   and the Chalcedonians & Non-Chalcedonian Monophysite sharing the Empire. The Second Council at Constantinople was an attempt to reconcile the Chalcedonians and the Monophysites by once more condemning Nestorius and putting the language of Chalcedon in more palatable terms for the Monophysites.Before we get to the Council, we need to talk a bit about some writings that had been making the rounds called the Three Chapters. In 551, 2 years before he called the Second Council of Constantinople, the Emperor Justinian issued an edict condemning a collection of writings from 3 sources which collectively supported what Nestorius had really taught about the nature of Christ, rather than the misrepresentation of his critics, as well as a thorough examination of Cyril's Christology, revealing its tendency toward monophysitism. The Three Chapters was keeping the whole Christological controversy alive and calling into question the validity of both the Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon, so Justinian decided to shut it down by passing an edict condemning the Three Chapters.But you know what happens when the man at the tope tells people not to read or heed something, right? Yep – it only makes more people curious. And the more that read The Three Chapters, the more were worried the Councils may have erred.So Justinian called a new ecumenical council for May of 553, hoping to reconcile the recalcitrant Monophysites with the Chalcedonians by making clear his dismissal of Nestorianism.The Council was presided over by the Patriarch of Constantinople, one Eutychius. Pope Vigilius was invited and as circumstance would have it, he was in the City at the time, due to having fled there for refuge from the rampage Ostrogoths in his native Italy. But Vigilius declined and issued a statement forbidding the Council proceeding without his authorization. The other bishops ignored him and went ahead. They condemned the Three Chapters, and in the 7th session, had Pope Vigilius' name stricken from the diptych, that is, the official list of names with whom the bishops recognized as in fellowship with them. BY this action, they excommunicated the Pope for his refusal to appear at the Council. Vigilius was then imprisoned in the Capital by Justinian, his advisors exiled. 6 Months later, Vigilius agreed to condemn the Three Chapters, claiming he'd been misled by those now exiled advisors. He then approved the Council's work.The Council had hammered out a compromise they thought would uphold Chalcedon while ameliorating Monophysite concerns Cyril's theology had been discarded. The Council showed great deference to Cyril's ideas and cited his arguments as definitive in their Christological concerns. In several places they deliberately mention Christ as a single person, condemning those who want to cast Christ's two natures in two persons, an obvious jab at the Nestorian Church.The Council's stated regard for Cyril's theology moves some historians to believe this Council was really a counter by Monophysites meaning to undo Chalcedon. That's probably not warranted since the creed this Council produced reinforced Chalcedon's ideas. None of its adopted Cyrillianisms interfere with the language of Chalcedon.And if this Council was an attempt at reconciliation, it failed. Monophysites rejected BOTH Chalcedon and this Second Counsel of Constantinople. To this day, the Syriac, Armenian, and Coptic Orthodox churches continue that tradition. The theological rift morphed into a political breach when these regions refused to honor the rule from the Eastern Capital. They were then subsumed under the Islamic Caliphate a century later.When news of the Council's treatment of the Pope, and its refined Creed reached the Western Churches, many dioceses rejected it and only came to a begrudged acceptance after a century or two.All that brings us to the 6th Ecumenical Council, which was also held in Constantinople a hundred and thirty yrs later.Because the Chalcedonians—Monophysites rift wasn't sealed, a new idea about the nature of Christ was proposed. This time it dealt with Jesus' will, or wills. The questions asked was, “If Jesus is One Person with two separate & distinct natures, as Chalcedon said and the last Council affirmed, then how many wills does He have; one or two?” One group came out with a resounding insistence Jesus had a single will. This was called Monothelitism.Monothelitism came from the Monophysite camp, saying it was only Christ's divine will that was active in the Incarnation. He still had a human will, but it was dormant, inactive; in a kind of spiritual hibernation. Adherents to this doctrine hoped it would prove an end to the long running controversy over the natures of Jesus. Christ retained two natures and two wills, but the human was subordinated to His divine. For Monotheliticists, there was no question about how Christ experienced his life in the Incarnation as a person. This doctrine was promoted by Sergius and a group of dedicated theologians. It had the enthusiastic backing of Emperor Heraclius, who hoped it was a way to mend the breach between Chalcedonians and Monophysites.This issue of how many wills Jesus had may be one of the most obscure debates in Church history. As we've seen in previous episodes, early church fathers were concerned that if Christ was not completely human, humanity couldn't be completely redeemed. Monothelitists said Christ was completely human, but that his divine will had taken over such human tasks as eating, drinking, and other activities that engaged the physical realm.Set over against the Monothelitists were the, ready for another tongue-twister? The Dyothelites, who said Jesus had two co-equal wills, one human the other divine. They aregued that it's pointless to say Jesus was fully human, but then to gut Him of one of the priome characteristics that makes a human, human, and not a mere animal – the will, the power to make real moral choices. The dyothelites were led by a theologian named Maximus. He said the divine and human wills of Jesus worked in concert; the human submitted to the divine, but not at all subsumed in some kind of dormant state. It was every bit as active as the divine will, but was in total submission to it, as the faithful & obedient believer ought to submit to the will of God.Maximus was concerned to address an issue the Monothelites had raised; that two wills would mean an internal conflict in Jesus that would be difficult to resolve. Maximus said there was no reason to assume Jesus' human will would be at odds with the divine, since He was without sin. Indeed, the Gospels repeatedly convey the idea of the human will of Jesus submitting to the divine. All this means that Jesus embraced the fullness of our humanity. He held nothing at bay in His experience of being human and taking our place. So when He died, it accomplished our complete salvation.20 years after Maximus was martyred by a pro-monothelite Emperor, the 3rd Council of Constantinople adopted his position and the cooperation of the Jesus' dual wills like this. The Creed says, “His human will was lifted up by the omnipotency of his divinity, and his divine will was revealed to men through his humanity.”One writer describes the important difference between the one and two will positions like this . . .Pyrrhus was a monothelite. Maximus, as we've seen was the leading dyothelite.Regarding Christ's suffering in Gethsemane, Pyrrhus said Jesus' asking the Father to take the cup from Him was really just giving expression that what a human nature that loves life and does not want to die would say. But Christ wasn't really asking the Father to spare him the cross, since that would mean He was willing something the Father didn't. Instead, he simply empathized with how one of us would feel in that situation.Maximus argued Christ genuinely wrestled with the question of dying, but redeemed our disobedience in Eden by making his human will obedient to the point of death.Pyrrhus's position may appear to resolve some difficulties with reconciling Christ's divinity & humanity, but only by making, the Incarnation a kind of sham, where The Eternal Son takes on an only pseudo-human experience, like He's acting out a part, rather than becoming it.We have one Council left to cover. The Seventh and final Ecumenical Council takes us back to where it started, Nicaea, but 450 years after the first.