The story of “The Prodigal Son” is read every third Sunday of the Great Lent. It is a story that reminds us about God’s never- ending compassion, His love for us and His forgiveness. This story is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15. The story begins with a man with 2 sons. The younger son asks his father …
Jonah the Prophet
Jonah was a prophet in the old testament during the time of Elijah the prophet. It is commonly said that Jonah was “the son of a woman whom Elijah had raised from the dead ” (Synaxarium). Throughout his life, Jonah followed Elijah and was also blessed with the gift of prophesying. One day, Jonah was approached by God who told …
The Rite of the Great Lent
During the Great Lent, we enjoy many special hymns and “siamy” tunes that inspire us to meditate and bring us closer to God. As deacons, we need to know and memorize the rite of the Holy Lent which is divided into two major categories: 1- Saturdays and Sundays RiteSince we are not abstaining from food (still eating vegan), we pray …
Fasting is accompanied by Seclusion and Silence
The same statement was repeated twice in the book of the Prophet Joel:“Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly.”(Joel 1:14, 2:15).Call a solemn assembly, namely retire, so that you may find time for spiritual work. In seclusion, you keep silent, and since you have no one to talk to, you talk to God. However, do not get secluded with …
Christian Love
The month of February is considered the month of love because of Valentine’s day. However, we must not forget the true meaning of love. God is love. God in His essence is love. God shows us the highest form of love: agape. Agape love is selfless love, love that does not seek itself. It is a love of sacrifice. God …
Wedding of Cana of Galilee
Jesus performed His first miracle at Cana of Galilee during His ministry. This event is so important that it is commemorated as one of the minor feasts of our Lord Jesus Christ. This story is only mentioned in the Gospel of St. John. Jesus and St. Mary went to Cana of Galilee to attend a wedding. The wine had run …
The Purpose/Role of the Church
What is God’s will for my life? What does he want me to do to be a better person? You’ve probably asked this question many times before, or even thought it. As believers, we all want to know the answer. The role of the church in our everyday lives is to bring us closer to God and keep us away …
Serving as Good Deacons
Many of us became deacons in different ranks and didn’t really know what does it take to fulfill our service as deacons. What are my key responsibilities as a deacon? We need to remember that God will ask us one day to give account for this holy service! Every Deacon’s rank has key responsibilities that we all need to strive …
The Wedding at Cana of Galilee
My beloved brothers and sisters, On 13 Tuba from every year we celebrate the first miracle of our Lord Jesus Christ at Cana of Galilee. This miracle is one of the minor feasts of our Lord. Why does our church celebrate this miracle? THE REASONS: It is the first miracle of our Lord Jesus Christ that shows us His glory, …
Learning about Humility through Christmas
When we imagine God, we think of a very powerful and awesome God. But isn’t it very hard to imagine that same God born in a dirty manger, among smelly and noisy barn animals. He was not born in a palace with kings and queens. The King of kings came to us in a manger, which gives us this amazing …