Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States is composed of 32 priests serving the 26 churches and 26 Coptic communities. More

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The Season of the Church

The Nativity Fast

Nov 25, 2008 - Jan 6, 2009
Hathor 16 - Kioakh 28, 1725

Today's Readings

January 6, 2009
Koiahk 28, 1725


Christ Jesus, the Son of God, because of His surpassing love towards His creation, humbled Himself to be born of the virgin. He Himself united man to God through Himself.
Irenaeus (c 180, E/W)

readings

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.

The Blessed Virgin Mary ran away from all glory of praise choosing to live in the shadow of events. She exemplified this attitude in her visit to Elizabeth to serve her behind the scenes; and when it was Elizabeth's due time the Blessed Virgin Mary hurried quickly back to her house before people would gather in the house of Elizabeth and Zachariah and get to see her and praise her for having served the aged woman for three months.

The Blessed Virgin Mary ran away from the respect and privilege of defending herself and proving her innocence. For when St. Joseph the righteous questioned her purity, she submitted herself and her modesty to God who vindicates the wronged.
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Sacraments [Arabic]



Previous Articles

Before Birth, Dedicated to God for Life
Applying the Ten Commandments to the Election of Government Leaders

news and events

Press Release

Corrections for the Divine Liturgy Books

Southern Coptic Diocese "Youth for Christ" Award

2008 Weekly Holy Bible Study with His Grace

St. Stephen Retreat Center - Make a Difference

Divine Liturgy Books - 2nd Edition


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Diocese Programs

St. Verena Resource Ministry

(SVRM) Requesting assistance or registering to be a Volunteer Consultant Learn more

Family Ministry Program

(FMP) Summer Registration deadline: Apr 20, 2009
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Theological Seminary Program

Spring Registration deadline: May 1, 2009
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Diocese Events

Kids Camp

TX: Jan 1-4, 2009
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WWF College Convention

Jan 2-5, 2009
more info

TCL Graduate Convention

Jan 9-12, 2009
Press Release

Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

P.O. Box 1005
Colleyville, TX 76034

Tel: 817-494-6215
Fax: 817-704-2389

admin@suscopts.org

St. Stephen Retreat Center

 
Pensacola, FL

 
 

retreatcenter.suscopts.org

St. Mary Convent

646 County Rd 415
New Smyrna, FL 32168

Tel: 386-423-0332
Fax: 817-704-2389

convent@suscopts.org

St. Mary & St. Moses Abbey

101 South Vista Drive
Sandia, TX 78383

Tel: 361-547-3257
Fax: 817-231-0135

abbey.suscopts.org