“A Fool for Christ” Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) What does it mean to be a fool for Christ? If Christ is the Wisdom of God, then certainly His followers should be models of wisdom after Him, shouldn’t they? Denying this wisdom…
Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate – The Church of Alexandria
St. Mary & St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church
Reaching out to Somerset and Hunterdon Counties in NJ
St. Mary & St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church
Reaching out to Somerset and Hunterdon Counties in NJ
Resources on Monasticism
A Life of Purity and Simplicity Father Falatous El-Soriany was a revered modern-day Coptic monk known for his purity, spiritual vision, miracles, and great love towards all people. He was born on April 1, 1922, in El Sharquia and was given the name Kamel Gergous. As a young man, he desired to live a life devoted to God, so he entered the…
A Witness to the Life of Prayer As we continue to reflect on monasticism, it is fitting to remember Fr Matthew the Poor (Matta El-Meskeen), one of the most influential Coptic ascetics and theologians of the twentieth century. Through his life, discipleship, and writings, Fr. Matthew inspired generations of Christians to pursue a deeper relationship with God. His works, especially his book…
Tamav (Mother) Irene: A Contemporary Model of Obedience Tamav Irene, born Fawzia in the town of Gerga, Upper Egypt, was truly set apart by God, just as the Lord said to the prophet Jeremiah, “…before you were born, I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5). From the moment of her birth, her life was marked by a divine calling. As her mother labored in…
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,…