English Bible Study

Michael George gives the sermon on the 3rd Sunday of the Holy 50 days concerning the bread of life in Gospel of St. John chapter 6.

Fr. Mina gives the sermon on the 3rd Sunday of the Holy 50 days concerning the bread of life in Gospel of St. John chapter 6.

This week’s proverb marks the last Bible study of the Spring 2024 which shall be resumed in September. As we were led into looking at the impact of wisdom on a wise man’s life. Proverb 10 continues on by showing how a wise son makes his parents glad. Who is the wise son but one who takes all types of lustful temptations and turns them into chances for growth in his spiritual life and fuel for prayer? Such a person, gladdens the heart of God and the hearts of his parents, as he is rescued by his righteousness from death by fleeing from any unjust way of attaining wealth or meeting his desires. Moreover, righteousness is in small things like a small meal made with love under simple ceilings. It is also in one who gathers and doesn't sleep in times of harvest, although times of harvest are difficult and require much work. Those times of harvest are the periods in one’s life when he is able to prostrate, fast, memorize scripture and raise his heart in prayer. These practices are what save and what is kept in one’s heart and mind for days of rain and old age. Fr. Mina emphasizes that a human being was not created to be idle.

Fr. Benjamin gives the sermon on the gospel of Thomas Sunday concerning the character of Thomas, his doubt, and how our Lord dealt with and healed this doubt.

Fr. Mark gives the sermon on the gospel of Thomas Sunday, concerning Thomas, his doubt, and how our Lord healed and dealt with him.

The Resurrection reenactment as prayed by Fr. Kyrillos Said, Fr. Morcos Habib, Dr. George Doss, George Tadros, Dr. Thomas Doss, and Daniel Doss.

Fr. Benjamin gives the sermon on the eve of Great Friday. He speaks about the New Covenant, what it means to us as Orthodox Christians and the love of God for humanity.

Fr. Marcos gives the sermon on the eve of Covenant Thursday.

Fr. Kyrillos gives the sermon on Wednesday Eve of Pascha, he speaks about the parable of the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins and relates it to the life of prayer. He speaks about what prayer is, its necessity in the life of repentance, and our obstacles to it.

Fr. Mina gives the sermon on the eve of Tuesday, he continues the theme of repentance and focuses on 7 main points to help us enter into the narrow gate.

Fr. Mauritius gives the sermon on the eve of Monday of the Holy Pascha. He speaks about the two main events on Monday, the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple. He also warns against hypocrisy.

Fr. Benjamin gives the sermon on Palm Sunday

Fr. Kyrillos gives the sermon on Palm Sunday.

Fr. Mauritius gives the sermon on the 6th Sunday of Lent concerning the blind man in John 9.

Fr. Mark gives the sermon on the 6th Sunday of Lent concerning the blind man in John 9.

Fr. Benjamin gives the sermon on the 5th Sunday of Lent concerning the paralyzed man.

Fr. Mina gives the sermon on the 5th Sunday of Lent concerning the paralyzed man.

The proverb starts off by stating that Wisdom has slaughtered her meat and mixed her wine. What is the meat or blood if they are not the very body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ? Who has prepared for us a meal of love, that we may enter into the eternal heavenly Kingdom with Him. Fr. Mina emphasizes that those who await their entrance into eternity in order to experience heaven, waste their effort because truly heaven is already within us. Wisdom cries out from the highest, inviting all to dine with her, while saying that the awareness of the Lord’s presence is the beginning of wisdom. Foolishness, adversely, uses the same words wisdom does to invite people over, but while mislabeling things in order to seduce its hearers. All sin can provide is a false reality that stems from lusts and desires that do not exist.

Wisdom existed before all ages. How then can we see Wisdom? God places us inside of His heart, mind, and thoughts throughout every prayer we offer, Wisdom invites us to have a very intimate relationship with the Holy Trinity and says, "Come, I will show you the economy of salvation of my love for you." The same love with which the Father loves Me and with which I love him. Jesus Christ, our Savior, is Wisdom. And how can one get hold of such fruits? It is through one's life's ongoing struggle and labor because, in asking for a virtue, one is asking for a Divine characteristic. Furthermore, when someone requests such fruit, he is taken on a journey along the path of righteousness (Proverbs 8: 20). Fr. Mina emphasizes that one is only able to ask God with boldness because Wisdom gives him the right to do so.

Fr. Benjamin gives the sermon on the feast of Annunciation.

Fr. Mark gives the sermon on the feast of Annunciation.

His Eminence Metropolitan Thomas gives the sermon on the 3rd Sunday of Lent on the gospel of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32.

Fr. Mark gives the sermon on the 3rd Sunday of Lent on the gospel of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32.

We are embarking on a journey to uncover God's Wisdom this week. King Solomon began the new proverb by saying that wisdom vies for the heart while lust vies for the external appearance. King Solomon had just concluded preaching against the practices of the immoral. As wisdom screams out from the top of the hills, inviting all of us who were found sick to come and have an encounter with her, this proverb encourages us to establish a genuine relationship with the Father. The unavoidable and recognizable voice of God is wisdom. Furthermore, it is spoken clearly to those who comprehend.

This week we are taken on a trip through the lens of Proverbs 7 which shows us the way that leads to the chambers of death. King Solomon shows us an example of a man who is lured down the path of iniquity. Not knowing that it would cost him his life. Sin here is represented by the immoral woman who seduces the simple to go with her and enjoy the luxurious, prideful, sinful life on her bed which is adorned with the finest linen on the outside, but in essence, it distorts the one word that best describes God: Love. Saying that love is the embrace of worldly longing and a vapid satisfaction.

Fr. Mina begins with Proverbs 6:20, where it is urgently urged that we retain God's commandment in our minds. According to Fr. Mina, until we temporarily live without God's commands, we are unable to fully appreciate their significance. The proverb then goes on to discuss living an immoral lifestyle outside of marriage, highlighting how many lives have been destroyed as a result of this route to sin and lifestyle. Pride and lust caused many people to lose their lives and walks with God. Fr. Mina makes a connection between the two, stating that people have made it their mission to follow their passions, which is why they are inextricably linked and frequently lead to one another. This week concludes with the opening of chapter 7, which emphasizes once more how crucial it is that we live according to God's instructions and bear His remembrance present in our lives!

This week's Bible study continues with a discussion on the value of work in one's life. According to what the Bible says, a person who does not labor should not eat. The work of God is not distinct from our occupations or our studies! God hastened us to subdue the earth during creation; every minute we spend studying or working at a job is a kind of subduing the earth. The proverb then goes on to describe the ant's labors, showing how, although producing relatively little each day, it accumulates enough food for the winter months over time, even if it does not see the results of its labors right away. Similar to how one's soul experiences winter, we must prepare ourselves by reading spiritual books that will keep our souls warm during this dark period. On the other hand, there is the slothful person who hides from God and the outside world and confides through a single habit. Fr. Mina talks about the seven things that God hates as he wraps up the proverb!

Fr. Mina continues by discussing the virtues of marriage in chapter 5 of the book of Proverbs, which states: "There is newness in marriage." Lust is there all around us and at the tips of our fingers. However, the holy mystery of marriage offers an opportunity to encounter a new kind of love—an unfathomably selfless love. This is the "running water" that King Solomon encourages us to drink from, as stated in Proverbs 5:15. The proverb concludes by emphasizing the value of privacy and stressing how much God values family life because it is the first system He established and was raised in. Fr. Mina divides the first three sorts of men in Proverbs 6 as follows: 1) The financially strapped 2) Indolent 3) A source of trouble. Fr. Mina discusses the significance of giving without expecting anything in return as he wraps up his discussion on the first category of men.

Fr. Mina continues with lectures 6 and 7 of Proverbs. King Solomon teaches us about growing in wisdom and accepting advice that the quality of our lives may improve. Fr. Mina then explains how the way of wisdom is one but there are many paths. Fr. Mina then expounds on not opening the door to sin and the harm this causes to an individual, especially in their youth, because of sin’s addictive nature. Lecture 7 then consists of King Solomon speaking about the importance of the commandments of God and the importance of the Heart.

Proverbs 4:1-9 - Reintroduction to Proverbs by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

His Grace Bishop Suriel teaches about the life of St. Habib Girgis who is an immensely important figure in the history of the church and more importantly in Christian education, this is part 2.

His Grace Bishop Suriel teaches about the life of St. Habib Girgis who is an immensely important figure in the history of the church and more importantly in Christian education, this is part 1.

Fr. Mark gives the sermon during the Sunday Liturgy on the Gospel of John 3:22-36 concerning Baptism and it's role in our lives.

H.G. Bishop Suriel gives the sermon during the Sunday Liturgy on the Gospel of John 3:22-36 concerning Baptism and Witness.

Song of Songs 7:9-8:14 - Bible Study - Fr. Mina Dimitri by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

Fr. Mina continues Song of Songs bible study with the beginning of chapter 7, where God praises all the traits he finds beautiful in his beloved. Starting from the most insignificant features to the greatest, the Lord describes what characteristics he wants to build in his beloved, and the potential that he sees in the soul that she may not see in herself.

Fr. Mina continues chapter 6 by discussing the different seasons of the spiritual life represented by the different gardens mentioned throughout the book. The four seasons he discusses are spring, a period of grace; summer, a period where the consolations from God lessen; autumn, a period of suffering and humble submission; and winter, a period of purification to the highest order.

Fr. Mina begins chapter 6 by continuing his explanation of the different stages that the soul goes through in its marriage to God, including the period wherein the soul is seeking God but cannot find him. Fr. Mina notes that despite her fall, after the soul reunites with her beloved, she is met with the same praise as before as if nothing had changed- looking at her with the eyes of eternity.

Fr. Mina continues with the rest of chapter 5 of the Song of Songs by discussing how the human soul begins to describe God at the invitation of the saints. Thus, the soul is encouraged to focus on the characteristics of God, who he is, and what he has done rather than itself, which is the remedy for her lukewarmness.

1 Samuel 19 - Bible Study - Fr. Mina Dimitri by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

Fr. Mina continues his study of the book of Song of Songs with the discussion of lukewarmness. In this state, the soul lacks commitment and love for God and prevents it from hearing the Lord’s voice. After lukewarmness when the soul ignites, the saints respond, “Tell us more about your beloved” which in turn begs the question from our Lord Jesus Christ, “Who do you say that I am?”

Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim and Fr. Anthony Mourad host a combined Q&A between the Undergraduate and Graduate youth.

The third lecture of the 2023 Graduate Youth Retreat. The theme of the retreat was "The Hidden Person of the Heart" (1 Peter 3:4), Fr. Kyrillos gave the third lecture on Receptivity and Capacity for Divine Life. He goes through the capacity we have and how one can become more receptive for Divine life.

The 2nd lecture of the 2023 Graduate Youth Retreat. The theme of the retreat was "The Hidden Person of the Heart" (1 Peter 3:4), Fr. Kyrillos gave the second lecture on Interior Silence. He goes through 12 different types of silence and expounds on how one can go about each type.

The 4th and final lecture of the 2023 Graduate Youth Retreat. The theme of the retreat was "The Hidden Person of the Heart" (1 Peter 3:4), Fr. Kyrillos gave the final lecture on Inner Poverty, Meekness, and Modesty and gave beautiful definitions and steps we can take to attain these great virtues.

The 1st lecture of the 2023 Graduate Youth Retreat. The theme of the retreat was "The Hidden Person of the Heart" (1 Peter 3:4), Fr. Kyrillos gave the first lecture on the concepts of Hiddenness, Solitude, and Newness. He gave beautiful definitions for each concept as well as how we can go about living each one.

Fr. Mina continues with chapter 4 of the Song of Songs by discussing what happens after the marriage of the soul to God and its commitment to him when the soul becomes lukewarm and leaves her husband at midnight. At the most intimate time, the soul leaves the Lord knocking at the door to remain in her comfort. Although we are in need of Him, God sees us as an enclosed garden full of beautiful fruits and desperately pursues us.

Fr Mina continues his bible study with Song of Songs chapter 4 with more of the story of the souls marriage to God. Like a true lover, God describes to us the details of what he loves about us. Fr. Mina delves into the symbolism behind all beloved’s features that capture the lover’s heart, and how the love and word of God makes the beloved even more beautiful.

In this week's bible study, Fr Mina discusses the next stage of the soul’s journey with God by describing our marriage to God and how we can enter into the eternal Trinitarian love with the thermometer of our love to God being suffering. As much as the human soul praises God in heaven, God praises the human soul in a perfect requited love.

Fr. Mina continues with our study of the most beautiful song ever written. He speaks about how the human soul begins to feel discouraged when the soul does not feel God as it used to. The soul searches for God during the period of sin and doubt and does not find Him. When we do not find God in our laziness, we must rise now into action. The soul performs true repentance by searching for the One she loves. After this period the soul enters into marriage with God.

Fr. Mina continues the second chapter of Song of Songs by discussing the journey of the soul after she finds God and experiences the absence of God in periods of spiritual dryness. He explains how as doves, we can present little acts of love that become great.

Fr Mina continues Chapter 1 by expounding more on the initial period of grace as being a constant dialogue. He discusses how the way God sees us affects our prayer, and the lifting up our minds to be with the wounds of Christ

Fr. Mina continues our study of the book Song of Songs. He begins with a quick recap of last week's bible study and reminds us that we are interpreting the book as typology. The woman is the human soul and the Beloved is God. Fr. Mina then gives a verse-by-verse breakdown of the next 7 verses. He continues to explain the period of initial grace and we begin to hear how God speaks to the human soul during this period.

Fr. Mina returns with the Inn Bible Study. He begins the book Song of Songs which was written by King Solomon.

His grace Bishop Karas gives the sermon on the last Sunday before the Coptic new year. His grace teaches us how to be prepared for the second coming.

Fr. Mark gives the sermon on the last Sunday before the Coptic New Year. Fr. Mark teaches us how to prepare for the end of times.

Fr. Jacob gives the sermon during the vespers for the feast of the revealing of the assumption of the body of St. Mary.

Fr. Augustine Daoud gives the sermon on the 12th Night of Nahda. Fr. Augustine continues with the theme of this year and instructs us on Self-Control. Fr. Augustine focuses on the importance of Asceticism when it comes to self-control.

Dr. Wahid gives the sermon on the 14th Night of Nahda. Dr. Wahid continues with the theme of the fruit of the Spirit and focuses on Joy.

HG Bishop Saraphim gives the sermon on the 13th night of Nahda, during the vespers of the Feast of Transfiguration. His Grace speaks about the transfiguration and its relation to our mother St. Mary.

Fr. Mark Hanna gives the sermon on the 11th night of Nahda. Fr. Mark continues with the theme of this Nahda and instructs us on the fruit of Joy.

HG Bishop Seraphim sings a song about St. Mary that he loved as a child in the 70's.

The Melody for the Paramoun of Nativity.

Fr. Morcos gives the sermon on the 10th night of Nahda about faith, but focuses on dogma. He also warns us about some modern-day pitfalls and obstacles to faith.

Fr. Suriel Endrawis gives the sermon on the 8th night of Nahda. Fr. Suriel continues with the theme of this year being the fruit of the Spirit and instructs us concerning Gentleness.

Fr. Abraam Sleman gives the sermon on the 9th night of Nahda. We take a break from the theme concerning the fruit of the Spirit and focus on the gospel of Vespers. Fr. Abraam instructs us on Matthew 10:16-23, the commandment that Our Lord Jesus Christ gave to His disciples.

Fr. Anthony gives the sermon on the 7th night of Nahda. We take a quick break from speaking about the fruit of the Spirit and instead focus on the words of our mother St. Mary. Fr. Antony covers the 4 instances when St. Mary speaks and the 7 virtues we can learn from it.

Fr. Gabriel gives the sermon on the 6th night of Nahda. Fr. Gabriel continues with the theme of this year, He instructs us concerning Goodness.

Fr. Abraham gives the sermon on the 5th night of Nahda. Continuing the theme of the Fruit of the Spirit, Fr. Abraham instructs us on kindness.

Fr. Yacoub Ghaly gives the sermon on the 3rd night of Nahda. He keeps with the theme of the year and speaks about the Peace of the house as the fruit of the Spirit.

Dr. Hani Ashamalla gives the sermon on the 4th night of Nahda. Dr. Hani keeps with the theme of this year and speaks about Long-Suffering as the fruit of the Spirit. He speaks about Long-Suffering in many different facets of our lives.

Fr. Moises gives the sermon during vespers on the 2nd Night of Nahda. He gives it concerning the fruit of love, focusing on 1st Corinthians 13, the chapter of Love.

Fr. Abraam begins the Nahda lectures this year, the theme being the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, by speaking about the Who the Holy Spirit is.

Fr. Mina gives the Sunday sermon about the gospel of John 11, concerning the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

خدمة بصورة ربنا - أبونا منى ديميتري by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

Being Filled With God - Fr. Mark Hanna by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

Fr. Mina gives the Sunday sermon concerning not delaying in service.

Fr. Kyrillos gives the Sunday sermon concerning service.

Fr. Kyrillos gives the Sunday sermon concerning loving your enemies and neighbors.

أحبوا أعداءكم - أبونا مينا ديميتري by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

The Essence Of Christianity - Fr. Pijimi Abba Moses by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

قوة الروح القدس على الشيطان - دياكون موسى by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

The Healing of the Paralytic Man - Dr. Ehab Ibrahim by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

The Example of Prayer - Fr. Kyrillos Said by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

The Faith of the Paralytic Man - Fr. Mark Hanna by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

A Scattered to Connected Spirit With God - Fr. Augustine Ibrahim by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

Christ Our Light - Michael Georgi by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

The Feast of Pentecost - Fr. Mark Hanna by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

The Way, The Truth, and The Life - Fr. Mark Hanna by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

زمان لمعرفة ربنا - نيافة الأنبا ثيوفيلوس by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

عيد العنصرة - نيافة الأنبا يوسف by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

His Grace Bishop Archilides gives the sermon on the feast of Thomas Sunday.

Fr. Mark gives the sermon concerning doubt on Thomas Sunday.

Fr. Mina gives the sermon during the Good Friday service concerning the broken heart.

Fr. Kyrillos gives the sermon during the Good Friday service concerning the fulfillment of salvation.

Fr. Mina gives the sermon on the eve of Great Friday concerning Our Lords prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane.

Fr. Mark gives the sermon on the eve of Tuesday concerning the fig tree.

Fr. Mauritius gives the Pascha sermon on the eve of Monday concerning the cross.

Fr. Kyrillos gives the Pascha sermon on the eve of Wednesday.