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

Jesus Ben Sirach did not only speak to his disciples, but he also prayed for them while in their presence. He also recorded prayers about them. Together with the prayers of the saintly people of God - men and women of earlier times - these are all considered contemporary prayers for new generations. His prayers constitute a dialogue shared between him and God. They offer honor to God in anticipation of His divine care to all human beings, and they also convey the love of humankind. The desire and spirit of prayer are a gift from God. A person who desires to pray stands in the presence of ...

When St. Augustine turned 30 years old, he threw a very peculiar party to celebrate his birthday. He had invited his friends for the three days of continuous celebration. His mother was also in attendance, and at that time, he hadn’t yet repented from his previous life and returned to the Church. What had preoccupied him during this party was not the fact that he had reached the age of complete manhood; rather, he was concerned with the meaning of happiness. He proposed a question for discussion: “What is a happy life?” St. Augustine argued that deep inside every person there is a ...

The grandchildren gathered around Grandma Monica on the first day of the family’s summer vacation. Young Mina said: “Grandma, we are so happy that you have decided to spend this vacation with us. We want to hear a bedtime story each evening throughout this week of your vacation!” Grandma Monica answered: “I would be glad to get together with you each evening and tell you the story of the most splendid journey in ancient history; it happened more than forty centuries ago. Can you guess which story I am talking about?” John said: “Oh! Oh! I know, you are probably referring to the ...

THE CHURCH AS AN ICON OF HEAVEN The epistle of St. Paul the apostle to the Ephesians is similar to an invitation given to each believer to be taken up to the third heaven, so we can elevate our hearts and say with St. Paul: "I know a man in Christ… whether in the body, I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven… He was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Corinth 12:2-4). What did he see but the Church, the pledge of the Heavenly Jerusalem, people's ...

Delve into the depths of early Christian leadership and spirituality with "A Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus". This epistle, penned by the apostle Paul, is not just a theological discourse but a vibrant call to live in Christ, applicable to all believers in their daily walk. Saint Paul brings to the forefront the essential aspects of Christian shepherding, highlighting the ordination of church leaders and their role in the community. He presents a simplified yet comprehensive portrait of pastoral care that is as relevant today as it was in the nascent days of the ...

Step into the spiritual wisdom of the beloved Apostle, St. John. John. This New Testament Patristic Commentary Series volume delves into the timeless truths of love, truth, and vigilance against deceit, offering a pathway to deepen their relationship with Christ and His Church. In this commentary, the gentle yet powerful voice of St. John the Beloved resonates, calling us to abide in love that springs from the truth—Christ Himself. This epistle, uniquely addressed to a “chosen lady and her children,” reminds us of the unity and equality we share in Christ, who unites us beyond ...

Christ’s resurrection is not a day that we celebrate, then ends. But it is a life with Christ, who is the resurrection. We live it all the days of our pilgrimage in the midst of our suffering, until we are released to and through Him, to dwell with Him in the Heavenly Jerusalem to enjoy the fellowship of His Glory.

Within this illustrated book are thirteen letters written from a child to the crucified Jesus Christ during the Holy Week of Pascha: 1. The Last Friday of the Great Lent: I look forward to accompanying You Jesus. 2. Lazarus Saturday: Why Haven’t You Recovered Dear Lazarus? 3. In the House of Lazarus: The Beautiful Aroma of the Anointed! 4. Palm Sunday: Take Me with You wherever You go! 5. Inside the Temple: My heart records a message for You from inside the Holy Church. 6. The Departure from Bethany: Are You hungry, You who feed all creations?! 7. Holy Tuesday: The Wedding. 8. Holy ...

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 ...

The Ancestors of Israel Glorify God A Poem Dedicated to the Heroes of the Faith glorifying God across history The roots of wisdom are found in the people of God and are mentioned in the Old Testament. Wisdom spread to all nations through the Incarnate Word of God, who offers wisdom and salvation to all humankind. It is only through union with the Lord Jesus Christ that we receive true wisdom, for He is the Incarnated Wisdom of God. He protects His believers from sin and grants them eternal life. Ben Sirach does not mention all the famous ancestors. Instead, he wishes to assert that every ...

THE WISDOM BOOKS + Job: The believer triumphs in the Lord amid tribulations. + Psalms: Our life in the Lord is a sweet song. + Proverbs: The educated, as well as the illiterate, both need the Proverbs. + Ecclesiastes: The reality of our current world is that it is the “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity”. + Song of Solomon: The soul enjoys its eternal wedding ceremony without growing old! In the Poetic Books of Wisdom, the believer recognizes the spiritual concept of worship. It is a mutual relationship of love in which every emotion and talent is sanctified so that the believer would ...

Every child of God experiences the virginity of the soul, heart, and thought. He /she could be married, or be consecrated to minister and serve, or devoted to research and study, or committed to the priesthood and shepherding. In essence, virginity is the fellowship, union, and adherence to the heavenly Groom, the Lord of Glory Jesus Christ who is the object of God’s pleasure. Moreover, virginity denotes the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of every sincere and earnest believer who enjoys the work of the Holy Trinity in his/her life. The writings of St. Jacob of Serugh, and his ...

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...

Young children as well as grown ups can gain much happiness from listening to the beautiful stories which are told in the book of Exodus, despite the fact that these stories took place more than thirty centuries ago. Now I want you to close your eyes and imagine Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron and Moses, imagine that you are sitting by her side along with the other children gathered around. Miriam loved to tell stories, and the children loved to hear them. She would tell them about things she herself had seen and had heard. Miriam kept many of these stories in her heart and mind,...

To our Beloved sons and daughters: What do you know about the Book of Second Samuel? The book of Second Samuel recorded the history of the kingdom of King David since he was enthroned and for the period of 40 years. This book concentrated on “The presence before the Lord”, so David does not move unless he asks the Lord (2:1 & 5:19, 23 & 21: 1) He became ruler over Israel “before the Lord” (5:3) He danced “before the Lord” with all his might. (6:14) When Michal rebuked him, he did not retreat but ascertained to her that he is so small in his eyes “before the Lord” who ...

This is book 3 of the series "BROTHERLY LOVE". It discusses the following topics: 1. FAMILY BOND: Caring for every member of the family - Family stability - Love is the pillar of the family structure. 2. PARENTHOOD IN CHRISTIANITY: The concept of parenthood. 3. RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD: The importance of raising children - you are responsible! - you are responsible even for the salvation of the illegitimate son. 4. PARENTHOOD BETWEEN LOVE AND AUTHORITY: Childhood world - 1. Parental authority is for the children! - 2. Your job is to pave the way not to own them - 3. Mutual benefits - 4. ...

If you happen to be agonizing under a sexual or emotional yoke, which is impeding your attempts to fast, pray, or serve, then your first priority is to know our Lord Jesus. Are you thirsting for a particular sin which you fancy - which could be sexual indulgence or a desire to accumulate wealth? Remember: our Lord Jesus alone is the Paradise of your soul - He is your soul's Bread and Water (John 6:35), your soul's Shepherd and Life (John 10:11), and your soul's Friend and Groom (John 11:25). Our Lord Jesus is beautiful and sweet. You cannot know Him unless you experience Him. If you do not ...

Every wise father and mother desires that their child become a successful leader, capable of leading a life in all the physical, intellectual and spiritual aspects found in the society he or she lives in. Such a desire is in harmony with God’s will, for He created a sound humanity, in possession of authority, so that not one from amongst them may become enslaved. This pamphlet examines a terrific biblical example; one that offers practical means in the sound guidance of raising our children, so that they may develop leadership skills at a young age, while possessing a spirit of humility, ...

This illustrated book is dialogue between a child and his Lord the heavenly Father about the Book of Genesis: 1. A WONDERFUL WORLD - Genesis 1 2. A KING AND QUEEN IN THE ROYAL PALACE - Genesis 1-2 3. YOUR PROMISES ARE SWEET - Genesis 3 4. LOVE ALL AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF - Genesis 4 5. WHO BUILT THE ARK? - Genesis 6-9 6. MY SON ABRAHAM - Genesis 12-25 7. WHY DID ISAAC ACCEPT TO BE SACRIFICED? - Genesis 22 8. SUPPORT ME AS YOU SUPPORTED JACOB - Genesis 28 9. I WANT TO MEET JOSEPH - Genesis 37-50 Song for Genesis - “Indescribable”