“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)
Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate – The Church of Alexandria

St. Mary & St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church
Reaching out to Somerset and Hunterdon Counties in NJ

Resources on Advent Fast

Thursday Theotokia

During this Nativity Fast, we have been delving into the different Theotokias, which are resounding praises that give us theological insights into the nature of God and the characteristics of St. Mary. Today, we will discuss the refrain in Thursday’s Theotokia, which reads, “He did not cease to be divine, He came and became the…

Wednesday Theotokia

For this contemplation, we will be focusing on the refrain of the Wednesday Theotokia: “The Father looked from heaven, and found no one like you, He sent His only begotten, who came and took flesh from you.” In this poetic refrain, we acknowledge that God found no one comparable to St. Mary. This prompts a…

Tuesday Theotokia

During this Nativity Fast, we have been delving into the different Theotokias, which are deep praises that give us theological insights into the nature of God and the characteristics of St. Mary. Previously, we looked at the refrain said during the Monday Theotokia. Today, we will discuss the refrain in Tuesday’s Theotokia, which reads “For…

Monday Theotokia

During the time of Kiahk and the Nativity Fast, the Church focuses on the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ—the promised Messiah. During Tasbeha, praises called “Theotokia” are chanted, in which we praise St. Mary and her role in the incarnation. For this contemplation, we will be focusing on the refrain of the Monday Theotokia:…

Introduction to the Nativity Fast & the Daily Theotokias

Blessed Nativity Fast! As we begin this sacred period of fasting, we would like to take a historical look at the Nativity Fast’s origin, its uniqueness, and what it represents. The Nativity Fast that we currently practice is a 43-day fast, comprised of 6 weeks beginning from the 16th of Hathor (26th November) and concluding…