Blessed Holy Week and availability of the Holy Pascha book

As we draw near to the end of Great Lent, we look forward to the holiest week of the year, Holy Week. A week where one is immersed in the holy bible and follows our Lord Jesus Christ's steps to the cross and resurrection. In an effort to help you concentrate and follow Holy Week readings, we are glad to announce that we have reprinted the Holy Pascha Book. This book contains the text and rites of one of the most holiest seasons in the Coptic Orthodox Church. All Holy Week readings are in English, Coptic, and Arabic. This edition presents the text in a clear, understandable and readable manner to aid the reader in truly immersing himself in Holy Week. With the grace of God, we have reprinted this book in its second edition after the first edition ran out in a few weeks. Order yours today so you have it in time for Holy Week. For more information visit: http://www.CopticChurch.net/paschabook/ Discount available for orders of 10 or more books, contact us for more details.

Press Release regarding massacre of innocent Coptic Christians in Nag Hammadi, Egypt

Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America

The Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America condemns the massacre of eight innocent Coptic Orthodox Christians in Nag Hammadi, Egypt following Christmas Eve liturgy on January 6, 2010. Witnesses reported that three gunmen opened fire on the Christians as they were exiting the church. In addition to the eight young Coptic Orthodox Christians who were killed, several others remain in critical condition.

The joy of Christmas, celebrated on January 7 according to the Coptic Orthodox Calendar, was extinguished by the mourning which filled the streets for a heartbreaking funeral procession for the victims on Christmas day. The youngest of the victims was only seventeen years old. The following day brought more destruction. Numerous homes and businesses were set ablaze leaving many homeless or without a livelihood.

This violence which took place on Christmas day in Egypt is yet another in a long series of incidents of violence, killing, looting, destruction and arson that have occurred in Egypt against Coptic Orthodox Christians. These extreme acts of brutality, which the Church has continually suffered throughout its history, have escalated in recent years.

His Grace Bishop David and the Reverend Priests of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America condemn the attacks on innocent Christians, express great concern for those in Nag Hammadi, send their condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this horrific act, including the family of the lone security guard of the Church, who also lost his life, and call upon all people to pray for the safety of the Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt.

The Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, comprised of approximately 105 churches, has announced daily Divine Liturgies and a voluntary fast from January 13-15, 2010 (Wednesday - Friday).

Following this special fast, on Saturday, January 16, 2010, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, His Grace Bishop David and the Clergy of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America will celebrate a Divine Liturgy in memory of the Nag Hammadi martyrs at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, located at 433 Riva Ave, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

The names of the martyrs of Nag Hammadi will also be mentioned during each Divine Liturgy celebrated until the 40 Day Memorial, and the Church will continue to pray for the recovery of those who remain in critical condition.

In response to questions regarding public expression, the Church does not discourage anyone from exercising their rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. However, the Church reminds each person to conduct him or herself in a peaceful and Christian manner.

We pray for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, all the Metropolitans and Bishops of the Church; that God may strengthen them. We also pray for the peace and safety of the land of Egypt; that God may grant the leaders the wisdom to protect the rights of all Egyptian citizens.

The Blessed Coptic Month of Kiahk

"Come hearken to me, for I proclaim to you, that the true God has come, and took flesh from the Virgin. Truly she gave birth to Him, through her true virginity." Saturday Psali Watos "The successful Kiahk praise transforms the church to be part of the heaven." Fr. Bishoy Kamel Related Resources:

• Audio Hymns for:
  • Higher Institute of Coptic Studies
  • Cantor Farag Abdelmessih
  • Cantor Gad Lewis
  • Ibrahim Ayad: Vespers, Matins and Liturgy & Kiahk Midnight Praises
  • Deacons of St. Mark, Jersey City, NJ
• Hymns Lyrics for:
  • Saturdays Vespers Praise
  • Vespers & Matins
  • Liturgy
  • Midnight Psalmody - 7 & 4
• The Holy Virgin St. Mary - By H. H. Pope Shenouda III

The Commemoration of the Consecration of the Church of St. Mark the Evangelist and the Appearance of His Holy Head. (Baba 30)

"You have come and enlightened us, through your Gospel, and taught us the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." The First Doxology of St. Mark

"You are an apostle, you are a martyr, you are the second, chosen one of the evangelists." The Second Doxology of St. Mark

Related Links:

• Hymns Lyrics for the Feasts of Saint Mark
• Saint Mark - Sermon by H. H. Pope Shenouda III
• The Beholder of God Mark, the Evangelist, Saint & Martyr By H. H. Pope Shenouda III

The Holy Week and Revelation

The Holy week is a unique time of fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ in His journey of sufferings, death and resurrection. "It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified" (Galatians 3:1, ESV), "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11). The NCV puts it this way, "I want to know Christ and the power that raised him from the dead. I want to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death. Then I have hope that I myself will be raised from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11, NCV). Read the full article by Hegumen Fr. Abraam Sleman.

A Journey through Great Lent by H.G. Bishop Suriel

Jonah and the Spirit of Revelation

One of the amazing aspects of Jonah's story is his view of God, as opposed to the amazing revelation of God to Jonah of who He is. Jonah had a wonderful view of God, but not the perfect one. He was able to preach to the gentile sailor and the passengers boarding the ship, in which he said to them, "I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land." (Jonah 1:9, NKJV). Read Full Article by Fr. Abraam Sleman at revelationfellowship.net. Listen to Hymns for the Fast of Jonah