Showing results by author "Bishoy Boshra Behnam" in All Categories

Embark on a journey through the spiritual depths of St. John's Third Epistle in this compelling volume of the New Testament Patristic Commentary Series. Rich with wisdom and practical insights, this commentary reveals timeless lessons on truth, love, humility, and faithfulness in the service of the Lord. Written to Gaius, a beloved disciple, the epistle offers a tapestry of Christian virtues exemplified by faithful hospitality, spiritual discernment, and the unwavering commitment to truth. Enhanced by the reflections of the early Church Fathers, this commentary offers a window into the ...

This third volume in the Patristic Commentary on the Book of Isaiah examines a pivotal moment in the prophetic narrative, where historical drama, spiritual warfare, and divine intervention intersect. Covering chapters 36–39, this section presents the reign of King Hezekiah during the Assyrian siege—an era marked by both miraculous deliverance and tragic human weakness. Through the eyes of the early Church Fathers and the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we encounter God not only as the Righteous Judge but as the Holy Grantor of Victory, who saves His people when they turn to Him in prayer and...

Volume 1 - Book 1 Introduction to the Coptic Catechism That is the first book of the Coptic Catechism series; the series consists of seven books: Egypt that is Within Us and the Open Heavens (a) Catechism (b) The Coptic Catechism Through the Ages The Basic Principles of Catechism Faith That Works Through Love The Holy Bible Holy Tradition

For a long time, some western writers looked to “tradition” as blind obedience to the past, a means of mechanically conveying inert thoughts and ideas. Their point of view holds tradition as a precise catalog of ancient doctrines, canons and rites, or else a museum for antiquity. Therefore, they consider the traditional church obsolete, an obscurant to modern mores, and attached to what is old simply for its antiquity. In this simple work, I would like to explain our concept to “tradition” through the Holy Bible, patristic thought and our practical church life. Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty

This final volume in the Patristic Commentary on the Book of Isaiah brings the prophetic masterpiece to its majestic conclusion. Covering chapters 40–66, this section of Isaiah shifts from chastisement and judgment to comfort, renewal, and the vision of ultimate salvation. Through the voice of the prophet and the lens of the early Church Fathers, Isaiah now proclaims God as the Holy Comforter—the One who lifts, restores, and redeems His people. Drawing from the Coptic Orthodox tradition and the writings of saints and patristic scholars, this commentary invites readers into a profound ...

This second volume in the Patristic Commentary on the Book of Isaiah continues the journey begun in Volume 1, delving deeply into the prophet’s earliest messages—warnings of judgment, calls to repentance, and glimpses of redemption. Drawing from the wisdom of the early Church Fathers and the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this work reveals the richness of Isaiah's voice as both fierce reformer and tender intercessor. Covering chapters 1–35, this volume illuminates: God’s righteous judgment against hypocrisy, injustice, and idolatry The spiritual decay of Judah and the prophetic call to ...

BLESSED IS EGYPT MY PEOPLE Isa. 19:25 God's promise to His people is always fulfilled; He foretold that He would ride on a light and upon a swift cloud and come to Egypt (Isaiah 19:1), and in that day there will be an altar for the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border (Isaiah 19:19). This promise was fulfilled by the flight of the Holy Family from the tyrant Herod to find refuge among the Gentiles. Thus, Jesus Christ came to Egypt during His childhood to lay the foundation stone of His Church in Egypt which has be­come one of the four primary "Sees...

Inspired from Sirach- Chapter 23: HAVE MERCY O, MY FATHER, FROM MY WISDOM! - To You, I complain of myself, O Lord, the Father of my life, and my Master. May Your will be fulfilled in my life, and may my careless judgments be crucified. Who else can correct my careless thoughts and scourge them with a whip? I trust no one other than You to correct me. For You are my heavenly and merciful Father, You are Almighty, and You know all my depths! Your firm yet loving lashes demolish the pride of my haughty eyes, To You alone belongs the power to root out my evil lusts and greed, as well as all ...

Volume 1 - Book 2 of the Catechism of the Coptic Orthodox Church Christian Dogma The book addresses questions about the following topics: (a) The Creed of Faith and the Origin of the Canons of the Church (b) Regarding the Coptic Orthodox Creed (c) Exposition of the Creed Faith in God and Our Knowledge of Him The Holy Trinity The Wondrous Creator, the Guardian of the World The Exalted Nature of the Human Creation Divine Providence Divine Grace The Fall of Humanity Our Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the World Titles and Names of the Savior that Witness to the Works of His Love The Holy Spirit ...

The Book of Ben Sirach clarifies that the first step towards enjoying wisdom is to attain the fear of the Lord. Then the believer is prepared to receive wisdom as a gift from God. The fear of the Lord is not unjust, but a means to honor; it is a crown of glory, loftiness, and constant gladness and rejoicing until the moment of death. Ben Sirach differentiates between fear leading to grief and shame, and fear which grants honor and glory (4:20-21) and lasting gladness. The first kind of fear occurs as a psychological disease leading to a condition of depression. In contrast, holy fear, which...

To our Beloved sons and daughters What do you know about the book of First Samuel? The subject: Appointing a king over Israel. In the beginning, God was the king. God sent them judges when they went astray, but the people asked for a king like the other nations. The topic of this book: Samuel was the fruit of his mother’s prayers, and Saul was the fruit of the persistence of the people, not the fruit of prayer. King David was the fruit of the prayers of Samuel the prophet. + This is considered a topic about the fruit of prayers. + The beginning of choosing a king, that is why we find for ...

The Lord Jesus granted His disciples His name, not merely to perform miracles, heal the sick, take out demons. Still, also He has emphasized to them the power of His name while saying: "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you." (John 16:23), meaning through Him, we can reach the Father and enjoy eternal glory. The seventy apostles realized the power the name of Jesus as they said: "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." (Luke 10:17). Isaiah the prophet described in his song of thanksgiving...

Whoever reads the Book of Revelation discovers what Christian worship actually is. It is not just duties to be carried out, rituals to be performed, or orders to be observed, but one sees through all that the invisible divine hands hurrying towards him to receive him, embrace him and raise him to heavens where he lives as a partner in the eternal glory. Whoever tastes the Book of Revelation, no matter how much his fasts are, how long his prayers are, his kneelings, asceticism, suffering and his everyday crucifixion, they all turn to unspeakable joy and happiness. Through this Book, one is ...

The Family and Friends The Book of Ben Sirach may be considered a book of wisdom based on God's precepts and intended for practicing a life that is pleasing to Him. The book carefully examines the relationships between men and women, especially those between the couple, the family members, and connections between friends. Amazingly, it deals with some issues that date back to about 2200 years, yet these writings continue to be helpful and applicable up to the present day. Marriage or family life is the basis upon which society is founded. If it is dissolved, the corporation is dissolved ...

Dogmas are the interpretation of our experience of God, in the Crucified and Risen Jesus Christ. This experience through the ages does not alter, for Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). The disciples and apostles (and bishops afterwards) did not sit around a table and agree to teach new dogmas, but rather they preached their Christian experience. As St. John says, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you" (1 John 1:3). Thus, all Christian dogmas produced are the church's experience of the Crucified and Risen Christ. "Truth" and "Love" at the...

The first six centuries of Christianity were colorful ones indeed. The early Church, as an extension of the Apostolic age, represents the living Bible which is practiced daily; it reveals biblical and heavenly thought. She also manifests her dogma, order, economy, and behavior as the bride of Christ and His ambassador in the world. The Church lived bearing the features of her crucified Christ, gladly and joyfully accepting persecution. These first six centuries were also characterized by councils, controversy, and heresy in the sincere quest for an understanding of the true faith. The ...

Volume 1 - Book 3 of the Catechism of the Coptic Orthodox Church The Church: The Kingdom of God The book addresses questions about the following topics: 1. The Church: The Kingdom of God 2. The Heavenly High Priest and the Church 3. The Church as a Heavenly Wedding Feast 4. The Unique Work of the Church 5. The Church: House of Salvation 6. The Eminence of the Church 7. The Church and Daily Renewal 8. The Church and Society 9. The Role of Women in Society and Church 10. The Person of the Church 11. The Mystery of the House of God 12. The Iconostasis 13. Coptic Art and Symbolism 14. The Holy ...

The Bible in both its Testaments tells the story of practical divine love. It may be said that humanity occupies the center of God’s heart and mind. Man is His beloved creature and His icon, and he should have followed His example, being His divine ambassador and celestial agent on earth. Whenever I try to express my feelings about the Bible in writing, I am overwhelmed with shame. Human language fails to express our gratitude towards God’s transcendent love of humanity and every individual. I now beseech the Holy Spirit to guide us on the journey of divine love. I urge Him to ...

Rediscover Divine Love and Holiness with Malachi "The Book of Malachi" stands as a divine beacon, concluding the Old Testament of the Holy Bible with a powerful declaration of God's unconditional love for all of humanity. This work is a call to authentic worship, a stirring invitation to return to God through sincere repentance, opening the way for anyone to join in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. That volume explores the historical and societal contexts that shaped Malachi's words, revealing the challenges a community grappling with disillusionment and spiritual neglect faces. He ...

That first volume in the Patristic Commentary on the Book of Isaiah opens the door to one of the rich and prophetically profound texts of the Old Testament. This Introduction is rooted in the Coptic Orthodox tradition and draws from the early Church Fathers, offering a panoramic view of Isaiah's life, message, and enduring legacy. Far more than a historical overview, this volume presents Isaiah as both seer and evangelist—the prophet whose writing is called "The Fifth Evangelist" and whose words the early Church saw fulfilled in Christ's incarnation, passion, and resurrection. Inside, you...