A childless Muslim woman came to Issam’s mother for help – local Muslims often ask their Coptic neighbors to pray for them: “Your God listens to prayers and works wonders.” She gave the woman one of Issam’s shirts. Maybe the woman wore it when she lay with her husband – who knows? In any case, after fifteen infertile years, she became pregnant twice while in possession of the shirt.
Our fervent and heartfelt prayers, and deep love for each other, attracts the angels to us
In 1995, I was in Jerusalem during the holy fifty days* that follow Lent. I saw your convent, the convent of the Martyr Abi Seifein, in a vision. I saw the Martyr standing by the entrance and next to him was Pope Kyrillos VI. I also found children and many saints, thousands and thousands of them entering the convent while dressed in white. Their faces were white and in light, and they looked like foreign children.
A list of amazing Orthodox articles I’ve read (and re-read) over the years
Will add more to this list. Some of these articles, at the time of my reading of them, provided me extraordinary spiritual nourishment. Of course, I believe there is always more joy and fulfillment in growing spiritually with others, hence we can try to share the knowledge we learnt with a friend afterwards, or reading it together at the same time and discussing, or whatever, or sending one of these links to a friend whom you think might need it.
When we have something important to do, we pray the liturgy first
Hegumen Father Tadros Gorgi relates: After my ordination as a priest, according to the will of the Lord of Glory Jesus Christ, who is the Supreme High Priest, and with the hands of His beloved Pope Kyrillos VI, I used to learn from His Holiness and tried to tread the same spiritual path, as he had become my supreme mentor. As a priest I used to pray a holy liturgy on a daily basis, following in the same footsteps as my teacher.
A detailed account of the martyrdom of the child martyr – St Abanoub
On this day, Apip 24th (July 31st), we celebrate the martyrdom of Saint Abanoub, the child martyr. Saint Abanoub was only twelve years old when he was martyred by the Roman ruler. On July 31 our Church celebrates his death, as the day of his birth into eternal life.
No one could oppose him!
“None of those who opposed him had any success,” once commented the late Pope Shenouda III. The consequences for those who dared conspire against Kyrillos were often severe; as a “holy man,” it was as though, many claimed, God himself were protecting him. Their unfortunate accounts are littered throughout the sources.
An Englishman’s account of when he met St. Abraam of Fayoum
There is a man in Egypt whose name is unknown to the ruling class, and who is yet the most talked of and the most deeply venerated man in all the valley of the Nile. Although he is a Christian bishop he is just as much a saint of heaven to the Moslem as to the Christian; and the Christians who join in the daily crowd that seek his spiritual help and blessing number Copts and Greeks and Romans— the latter being by no means confined even to natives of Egypt.
St Didymus the blind: author, ascetic, theologian, dean & polymath
On this day also of the year 398 A.D (13th June, 6th Paone), the Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates the departure of St Didymus the Blind - a wonderful model of holy perseverance and discipline. He was the dean of the Theological School of Alexandria. He was born in the city of Alexandria in the year… Continue reading St Didymus the blind: author, ascetic, theologian, dean & polymath
A 15 year headache cured!
Mrs. L.W.A., from Cairo relates: Over 25 years ago, I suffered from a chronic and severe migraine. I had seen many doctors of different specializations, including internal medicine, ophthalmologists, ENT’s, and others. I was sent for several diagnostic tests and X-rays. I was prescribed numerous medications, whether therapeutic or pain killers, and reached a point… Continue reading A 15 year headache cured!
When Pope Kyrillos laughed in the altar
St Menas, both personally and through his monastery, was a source of power and comfort for Kyrillos. At the monastery he received insight and inspiration for his method of reform, and, invariably, it was there that he would “solve” the problems of the Church—often in the most remarkable ways. One of Kyrillos’ closest deacons, a friend from his days at Old Cairo by the name of Professor Hanna Youssef Hanna, recollects attending Vespers at St Menas’ Monastery. During the doxologies, Kyrillos stood silently in the sanctuary. Suddenly he smiled widely and laughed.
The Art of Orthodoxy 