“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV) The Lord works in mysterious ways. Things that, to our knowledge and perception, appear to be heading in one direction, could, through God’s Providence, conclude with an entirely unexpected result. The story of St. Longinus, the…

A Life of Simplicity and Poverty Fr Yostos El Antony was born as Naguib in 1910 in in the village of Zarabee, near Assiut, just miles away from the Al Moharraq monastery. When he was young, he learned both Coptic and Arabic and was a reader in the church. In 1939, Naguib went to the…

St. Mary of Egypt was born in the city of Alexandria to God fearing parents. When she reached the age of 12, the Devil led her astray to a life of sin, who used her to catch the souls of many others in a life of harlotry. She continued in her sinful ways for 17…

The Shepherd of the Desert On the 4th day of the Coptic month of Nasie, the Church commemorates Abba Poemen—a towering figure of desert monasticism. His name, which means “the shepherd” in Greek, is fitting. Also spelled Pimen, Poimen, or Baymoun, he truly lived as a spiritual shepherd, guiding countless souls with wisdom, humility, and compassion. A Legacy of Wisdom and Healing…

This week we remember the holy and ascetic life of St. Pambo of Nitria, whose feast is celebrated on the 11th of Epep. He was one of the most beloved Desert Fathers of Egypt and a powerful example of humility, silence, and deep spiritual discipline. St. Pambo lived in the Nitrian desert and followed the…

St Pachomius was born to pagan parents in Upper Egypt. His first contact with Christianity occurred in 312 when he was a conscript in the Roman army. As a soldier, he experienced great acts of charity from a local community of Christians whose members brought him relief while he was taken prisoner during that time.…

St. Theodora was born to wealthy Christian parents in Alexandria. When she was a child, her parents wanted to give her up for marriage, so they bought many costly apparels and jewelry. However, St. Theodora desired to worship God. As a result, she sold these gifts, and used the money to help the poor, needy,…

St. Anastasia, also known as Anastasia of Sirmium, is a highly revered Christian mother who exemplifies the monastic vows of chastity and poverty. Born in the late 3rd century in Rome, she came from a noble and wealthy family. Her father was a prominent pagan who held a high position in the Roman Empire while…

This week will be learning about St. Ammonius The Hermit, whose feast is on the 20th of Bashons. St. Ammonius was born in a village near Mariot in 294 A.D. to a righteous and rich Christian family. At a young age, St. Ammonius lost his parents and was taken in by his uncle. He longed…

This week we will be learning about the life of St Shenouda, whose feast is on the 7th of Abib. From his early days as a young shepherd, St. Shenouda’s love for a deep and intimate life with God radiated brightly (literally). In one instance, as he was lifting his heart in prayer, a fellow…