A Man of Love and Charity Traveled to Heaven
After he completed 77 years on earth, a blessed deacon, zealous servant, and great father, Dr. Tharwat Bassily, traveled this month in peace to heaven. After he fought the good fight, he has finished the race and has kept the faith. Finally, the time came for him to enter the place of rest and enjoy the crown of righteousness.
The Sinful Woman In the House of the Pharisee
It happened that a sinful woman met the Lord Jesus Christ in the house of a Pharisee (Luke 7) in an encounter filled with mystery. When we look closely at this encounter, we can note the important language used by the Lord Jesus Christ. And, all the while, the woman did not speak a word, but expressed herself through her tears, kisses, and fragrant oil.
A Great Trade
God’s word is likened to a table of appetizing food. Whoever sits at this table and partakes of this word enjoys it greatly and leaves the table gratified.
A Delicate Artist and Deep Fountain
+ I first met him in the midst of a stay in the Baramous Monastery in July of the year 1980. At that time, he was the supervisor of the retreat house in the monastery. During my stay, I was able to pray a liturgy with him alongside 5 other youth from the church of Saint George of Sporting, Alexandria. We had just completed our final high school exams and were awaiting the results.
I Felt Humbled
I am writing this article from Maseno, west of Kenya, near Lake Victoria. I have with me over forty youth, the majority from Chicago and New Jersey. Bishop Anba Boulos, the bishop of missionary work for the Coptic Church, is hosting us with his generous hospitality. He has a heart flowing with fiery love. God is using him amazingly in the mission work in this area and in many other areas in Africa for the salvation of many souls.
Deification
Deification is the ancient theological word used to describe the process by which a Christian becomes more like God. St. Peter speaks of this process when he writes, "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness . . . you may be partakers of the divine nature" (2Peter 1:3,4)
The Fast of the Apostles
We read in the Gospel of St. Mark: "The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, ‘Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days’” (Mark 2:18-20).
We Do Not Wrestle against Flesh and Blood
We, as members in the kingdom of light, are targeted by the kingdom of darkness, and this war will continue till the end of days. This fact must be clear before our eyes at all times: "The children of God and the children of the devil are manifest" (1 Jn. 3:10); and "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit" (Mt. 7:16-17).
A Quiet Discussion on Abortion (14) - Questions on Abortion
4- Is it permissible to kill the fetus if he would be a child born of fornication?
A Quiet Discussion on Abortion (13) - Questions on Abortion
3- When a pregnancy occurs as a result of a sinful relationship, which is preferable? To kill the fetus while he does not feel pain or to allow him to be born, never knowing his mother or father and therefore possibly suffering some sort of psychological disorder as a result?
A Quiet Discussion on Abortion (12) Special Human Cases
1- When a young woman has a sinful relationship with a non-Christian man, and pregnancy occurs, shouldn't abortion be the solution?
A Quiet Discussion on Abortion (11) Special Human Cases
Regarding the cases of abortion that take place when a family does not want to have a new baby, and an unwanted pregnancy occurs, H.H. the late Pope Shenouda III was questioned more than once by the congregation in Alexandria during his biweekly meeting at St. Mark Cathedral.