The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States is composed of 43 priests serving the 36 churches and 26 Coptic communities. More
The Season of the Church
The Nativity Fast
Nov 25, 2012 - Jan 6, 2013
Hathor 16 - Koiahk 28, 1729
He came to earth to raise you to heaven. There was no place for Him except in the cow’s manger, to prepare for you a mansion in heaven.
St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan
God's Continuing Love Enfleshed
The Old Testament records that mankind had fallen, and been driven out of paradise; but God in His continuing love, desired to restore man to his original state. Ezekiel the prophet and priest prophesied this great, everlasting, restorative love of God for his people in spite of their rebellion for which they had deserved to be exiled, and their temple to be destroyed. Jerusalem, at the time, "her nativity was from the land of Canaan and her father was an Amorite and her mother a Hittite" (Ezekiel 16:3) had been entirely unfaithful to God. That was the status of Gods relationship with Jerusalem and, symbolically, all of Israel.
"When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, says the Lord God" (Ezekiel 16:8).
With these prophetic words, God reinstates His inexhaustible love despite Israels immoral and idolatrous life; and in so doing, He describes an Old Covenant relationship to the one Jerusalem He was to be forever faithful unto.
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The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Love of Honor
Whenever one tries to approach the Blessed Virgin Mary to understand the secrets behind her life, one's mind gets boggled and baffled by them. For, while a lot of women and leaders of women's movements fight to obtain rights and honor, this simple poor girl appeared on the scene of events to become not only higher than those on earth but also those in heaven. As St. Isaac the Syrian said, "whoever runs after honor, it runs away from him and whoever runs away from honor willfully honor chases him and lead people to him." That is why God had honored this girl and chosen her to become His Mother.
The Blessed Virgin Mary ran away from all fame and honor. Although she had lots of stories, news and words she had known about and of her dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ that any human being yearns to listen to, yet she chose to keep all these things to herself pondering them in her heart. Had she uttered a word, all humanity would have surrounded her to record those things she knew about the Master Jesus Christ. However, she escaped all this glory and chose the life of silence and quietude.
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The Need for the Incarnation
The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ has become a turning point in the history of mankind; making it feasible to classify incidents into pre and post Nativity. It has also marked the birth of humanity; for in the Nativity was the Incarnation, and in the Incarnation was Salvation and through Salvation we received adoption becoming heirs to the Kingdom.
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Nathanael: Under the Fig Tree
The Lord's first disciples were St. John the Baptist's previous followers. These were St. Andrew, St. Peter, St. Phillip, and St. Nathanael who was also known as Bartholomew.
First it should be noted that Phillip brought Nathanael to the Lord Jesus Christ. In seeking Nathanael, Phillip asserted to him who the Lord was by saying, "We have found Him..." Here we see a friend bringing his friend to the Lord.
Nathanael's attitude and personality are starkly unveiled in the Holy Gospel of St. John. Nathanael was later to become one of the Lord's disciples. However, prior to that, Nathaneal was known for his hesitations and doubts.
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Ancestral and Apostolic Seeds
Preparation for the Feast of the Pentecost
Press Release
Kiahk: Hymns & Praises of the Advent Fast
The Sunday Readings During Koiahk
Mighty Arrows Magazine - Fall 2012 Edition
Word of Wisdom: Subscribe to the Abbey's New Mailing Program
St. Moses Bookstore
Diocese Programs
Family Ministry Program
(FMP) Spring Registration deadline: Dec 10, 2012
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LEAD Program
A program for learning Christian leadership principles.
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Theological Seminary Program
Program Registration deadline: March 15, 2013
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Archangel Raphael Ministry (A.R.M.)
A program designed specifically for individuals with special needs.
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H.O.P.E. Social Services
A social services program designed to help those in need.
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St. Mark Festival Program
This is a spiritual competition among the Coptic Churches doing the same activity world wide.
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St. Verena Resource Ministry
(SVRM) Professionals networking together to make a difference and provide resources to our Coptic community. To make a request or to volunteer as a consultant.
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TIPS: Search for Job & Education Opportunities
Diocese Events
Pre-marital Retreat
TN: Dec 21-23, 2012
FL: Jan 11-13, 2013
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WTL High School Conventions
Boys: Dec 23-26, 2012
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Girls: Dec 26-29, 2012
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TX Kids Camp
Dec 26-29, 2012
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FL Kids Camp
Dec 29-31, 2012
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THY College Convention
Jan 2-5, 2013
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Crossroads Graduate Convention
Feb 21-24, 2013
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