Miracle beyond the Senses Manifests the Power of God

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
John 2: 11

On the wedding day in Galilee, Water was made wine. Do we have appropriate words or senses to ascertain what methods produced the change by which the tastelessness of water disappeared and was replaced by the full naval' of wine? It was not a mixing; it was a creation, and a creation that was not a beginning but a transformation. A weaker liquid was not obtained by admixture of a stronger element; an existing entity perished, and a new entity came into being. The bridegroom was anxious, the household in confusion, the harmony of the marriage feast imperiled. Jesus is asked for help. He does not get up or busy himself. He does the work without any effort. Water is poured into the vessels, wine drawn out in the cups. The evidence of the senses of the pourer contradicts that of the one who draws it out. Those who poured expected water to be drawn; those who draw out think that wine must have been poured in. The intervening time cannot account for any gain or loss of character in the liquid. The mode of action baffles sight and sense, but the power of God is manifest in the result achieved.

St. Hilary of Poitiers 

Carry Sins Of Others

The one who is without sin, carried sin for our sake. He did not feel ashamed to walk forward with the sinners and ask His servant, John, to baptize Him. When the great prophet became shy of the situation, He gently said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Matthew 3:15

By doing this He gave us a practical lesson. He gave us a lesson to carry the sins of others, to happily pay the price on their behalf.

H.H. Pope Shenouda III

Ethiopian Patriarch Visits Egypt

 

This is not just a visit to our Church, but rather to our hearts

HH Pope Tawadros II 

H. H. Pope Tawadros on the visit of the Patriarch of Ethiopia: It is not just a visit to our Church but rather to our hearts.

In his meeting with His Holiness Abune Matthias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria, in his speech expressed his happiness and the Holy Synod by this visit, referring to the historical relationship between the two Churches: I want to express my happiness at receiving Abune Matthias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia on behalf of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the first visit of an Ethiopian Patriarch was in the 1982.

The Bible spoke of Egypt in the Old Testament in the book of Isaiah, about the coming of Jesus Christ into the land of Egypt, where He blessed many places. There is a strong historical ties between our two Churches began since Pope Athanasius of Alexandria from 328 to 373 B.C., when he enthroned Bishop Salama (Saint Frumentius - ፍሬምናጦስ) the first Bishop of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Church has many Ancient Churches, Monasteries and many Saints, including St. Takla Haimanot which our Church in Alexandria is built in his name.

The relationship between our two Churches is geographically linked by the Nile River. We also have strong ties in recent years.  Bishop Bemen, from The Coptic Holy Synod,  is the coordinator of relations between the two Churches. This is not just a visit to our Church, but rather to our hearts. 
We welcome His Holiness once again to Egypt.

The Holy Nativity

This Nativity night 

bestowed peace on the whole world;


So let no one threaten;
This is the night of the Most Gentle One – Let no one be cruel;
This is the night of the Humble One – Let no one be proud.
Now is the day of joy – Let us not revenge;
Now is the day of Good Will – Let us not be mean.
In this Day of Peace – Let us not be conquered by anger.
Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
 

So, rich one, invite the poor to your table.
Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask;
 

So let us give alms to those who implore and beg us.
This present Day cast open the heavenly doors to our prayers;
 

Let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.
Today the DIVINE BEING took upon Himself the seal of our humanity,
 

In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of DIVINITY.

 St. Isaac The Syrian

Nativity Sermon