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Introduction to the First Council of Ephesus — AD 431
Reasons for Convening the Council The Heresy of Pelagius — Pelagianism Pelagius was a monk and priest from Britain. He taught that “Adam’s sin affected him alone, without extending to the rest of the human race,” and that “every person, from birth, is like Adam before his fall.” He further claimed that “through natural strength, a person can attain the highest degrees of holiness without waiting for the assistance of grace.” These corrupt teachings plainly undermine the glori
3 days ago5 min read
The Council of Constantinople, AD 381
After Pope Athanasius had struggled against the Arian heresy for many years, the Church enjoyed a period of relief from this grievous and extremely dangerous heresy. However, several heresies emerged toward the end of the fourth century AD. This occurred during the reign of the Orthodox Christian Emperor Theodosius the Great, who issued an imperial decree in AD 381 ordering the demolition of pagan temples and their conversion into churches. The heresies that emerged at that t
6 days ago3 min read
An Introduction to the Council of Nicaea — AD 325
The Council of Nicaea was the First Ecumenical Council. It was convened because of the heresy of Arius. Pope Alexander wrote to Emperor Constantine the Great, asking him to convene an ecumenical council to rule on this heresy. He also made the same request to Hosius, Bishop of Córdoba. Constantine agreed to convene an ecumenical council and sent a proclamation summoning all the bishops of the empire to the city of Nicaea, in the province of Bithynia. Thus, 318 bishops from th
Oct 174 min read
The Holy Council of Carthage Held under the Presidency of Saint Cyprian — AD 257
Circumstances Surrounding the Convening of the Council The early Church remained steadfast in its teachings for a long time. It spread, peace prevailed among its members, and their principles in spiritual life and doctrine grew stronger. Then the third century arrived, and problems emerged. The Church’s bonds began to unravel, its strength became divided, and its dignity was weakened. The early fathers, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood against these heresies just as their f
Oct 143 min read
NAIROUZ FROM BLOOD TO GLORY
The Coptic New Year and the Witness of the Martyrs Points Covered Introduction Historical Background of the Calendar The Great Persecution and Pope Peter I The Coptic Calendar (Anno Martyrum) Nairouz in Liturgy and Tradition Martyrs of the Diocletian Era Continuation of Martyrdom Beyond Diocletian Theological and Spiritual Significance Contemporary Relevance The 21 Martyrs of Libya (2015) Conclusion 1. Introduction Nairouz, the Coptic New Year, is more than a celebration of t
Sep 96 min read
Church Tradition
Question: What is Church Tradition? What are its sources? Is there biblical evidence for Holy Tradition? Answer Tradition is every teaching that has come down to us through apostolic and patristic transmission; that is, oral teaching that was not written in the Holy Bible. Apostolic history is therefore important. Without what the apostolic Fathers handed down to us, we would not have received the general principles governing the rites of prayer, the Divine Liturgy and commun
Aug 57 min read
Saint Mark the Apostle: Founder of the Coptic Church
To understand the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt—one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world—one must understand Saint Mark the Apostle. Historically recognized as the author of the second Gospel and ecclesiastically honored as the First Pope of Alexandria, Saint Mark serves as the historic bridge between the Apostolic age and the continent of Africa. I. Identity, Family, and the First Christian Church Saint Mark—whose Jewish name was John and whose Roman
Jul 306 min read
What Is the Orthodox Church?
Answer “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:11 This commandment resounds loudly in the ears of our Coptic Orthodox Church. We are deeply concerned for the crown prepared for each one of us in eternity. Therefore, our glorious Church preserves what she has—faith, prayer, praise, and profound spiritual struggle—so that we may receive the unconquerable crowns of grace on the Last Day. Some may ask: Does not every c
Jul 2024 min read
Who Is Christ?
Christ’s Testimony About Himself During the trial of Christ, Saint Mark the Evangelist writes: “But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphem
Jul 1016 min read
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