The Holy Family might have passed through Zaytoun, a suburb of Cairo. 14:40, 1 Thess 5:14; 2 Thess 3:6), declaring that orders and rites were handed out orally (I Cor. The believer trains himself to practice kneeling for the salvation of others. In 1995, the congregation of the region signed a petition to instate Bishop Serapion, at that time a general bishop who had assisted the Pope during his visits to them, to be their diocesan bishop. b. After the Babylonian exile two feasts were added, i.e., the feast of Purim and the Feast of Dedication. The church commemorates the entrance of our Lord Jesus into our inward Jerusalem to establish His Kingdom in us and gather all in Him. It is currently headed by Metropolitan Serapion the bishop of Los Angeles, and Metropolitan of Southern California and Hawaii. He left Rome to Pentapolis, where he was born. The Holy family crossed the River Nile to Upper Egypt and headed east to Bahnassa (near Beni-Mazar), they then crossed to the eastern bank, where they stopped at Gabal-el-Tair (Mount of Birds) near Samalout. 6. In other words, believers practice the common worship as a part of their lives as a whole. At every Lent, a believer used to remember how the Church fasted on his behalf and strived to gain him as a holy vessel and as an altar to the Lord. In the writings of St. Irenaeus in the second century mention is made of believers who fasted for a day, besides others who fasted for two days before Easter, as well as others who fasted for longer periods. 2- The Fast of the Apostles: This begins on the day following Pentecost and continues until the feast of the martyrs, SS. At first, St. mark accompanied St. Peter on his missionary journeys inside Jerusalem and Judea. 9:27). 3:20), then in turn I wish to die all day for His sake (Rom. Antonious Henein until his repose in 2006. (1995present), Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California and Hawaii, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and Hawaii, "Archangels Michael and Gabriel Coptic Orthodox Church | Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles", "Diocese Parish Directory | Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles", "Clergy Directory | Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coptic_Orthodox_Diocese_of_Los_Angeles,_Southern_California,_and_Hawaii&oldid=1131371223, St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Theological School (ACTS), Saint Katherine of Alexandria and Saint Verena Convent, This page was last edited on 3 January 2023, at 21:37. 6. Youth & Kids Bible Summer Camp Coptunes+ ACTS Kids Servants Servant Certification Volunteer Program Application Coptic Sunday School App Module Resource Materials. Two services of the Divine Liturgy are celebrated on Sunday mornings: one for the Arabic-speaking congregation in the main church on the upper-level of the building; and the other for the English-speaking congregation in Saint Bishoy Church located on the lower-level.[3]. 5 8:3 -7. Afterwards, St. Paul needed St. mark with him and they both preached in Colosy (4:11), Rome (Phil. Fax: 1 (310) 276-6333 Finally he returned to Alexandria and was overjoyed to find that Christians has multiplied so much that they were able to build a considerable church in the suburban district of Baucalis. On their second trip, St. Paul refused to take him along because he left them on the previous mission, for this reason St. Barnabas was separated from St. Paul and went to Cyprus with his cousin Mark (Acts 15:36-41). The preparation for Christmas (Nativity of Christ in Keyahk 29): The church fasts for 43 days before Christmas, and presents readings which concentrate on Gods friendship with man realized by the divine incarnation. It is divided according to the Coptic months. c. Church Order is essential to communal life, as it is indicated in 2 John. In this way He declared that fasting is not deprivation, neither is it a restraint upon the body; but it is rather a sublimation with our Lord on Mount Tabor which enables us to enjoy His Glory made manifest in us. On the following morning probably during the triumphal procession of Serapis he was again dragged around the city till death. Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep! To answer to the concept of fasting privately in order to avoid boastfulness, we find the apostle revealing that he fasted. Secondly, to prepare catechumens through teaching and guidance to practice worship together with practical repentance, so that they might receive the sacrament of baptism on Easter eve. Particularly that people were more prepared, while fasting, to receive the word of God and become members in the body of our Lord Jesus. St Mary & St Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church Suddenly, the Savior himself appeared and said to him Peace be to you, mark, my disciple and evangelist! St. Mark started to shout O My Lord Jesus but the vision disappeared. Old Cairo is considered the third station for the Family. d. Palm Sunday: It is the Sunday which precedes Easter. Why are the days set for fasting specifically designated? 8:21; 2 Chorn. Mans words proclaim his inner life, characteristics, personality, abilities and his gifts. Everyday readings, according to the feasts of the saints and other circumstances. In 1981, a senior citizens complex was established. 6:3,6). At nightfall the saint was thrown into prison, where he was cheered by the vision of an angel, strengthening him saying, Now your hour has come O Mark, the good minister, to receive your recompense. God, who created all the trees in the Garden of Eden for the sake of man, His beloved; ordered him not to eat from just one specific tree. Second: The Great Lent or Tessaracoste (forty days fasting). This is set to achieve a dual purpose: first, to be prepared to experience the joyful resurrection of the crucified Lord. 3. The Coptic Church is known as being a worship-loving church. The beautiful rites and heavenly hymns encourage children in worship without feeling bored, In spite of the lengthy services. 3. Important Message 04/17/2023 - Fr. As for those who observe asceticism, they many fast all their lives and follow no restrictions. The church offers many services for its continuously growing congregation. 5:32). As we attain communion with God we must witness to Him by preaching (The Feast of the Apostles). The Nativity of Christ (Christmas) on Kayhk 29, c. January 7: It is preceded by a fast of 43 days. The feasts were a way leading to enjoy Christ, the continuous Feast and the Source of eternal joy. The Copts are proud of the apostolicity of their church, whose founder is St. Mark; one of the seventy Apostles (Mark 10:10), and one of the four Evangelists. And when he enters into his private room, closes the outer door and pours forth in front of God in a true spiritual worship he holds the whole world -in his heart; I mean the whole human race praying for them and seeking their prayers on his behalf While he is in his room he feels he is inside the church that unites a host of spiritual militants with the victorious including the heavenly hosts. Our Service. Church readings prepare the believers to sing: Yes; Come O Lord Jesus.. It is said that while the Holy Family was crossing the Nile to Gabal-el-Tair a huge rock from the Mountain was about to fall on their boat. 5. Ergia, meaning work.. His reign is considered a golden era in which the church offered true witnesses to Christ, when the souls of martyrs departed to paradise and kept shining as living stars therein. Coptic liturgies are biblical. From 1974 to 2006, the parish was served by the late Hegumen Father Antonious Henein. St. Luke addresses his Gospel to His excellency Theopilus, a Christian believer from Alexandria. In the liturgies the church participates in the hymns of the heavenly creatures, its thoughts are attracted to acknowledge the hidden mysteries of heaven. When the Word of God was incarnate and became man, He submitted to the Law and attended and celebrated the feasts. e. Easter (The Christian Pascha or Passover): It is preceded by Great Lent (55 days) and is considered by the Coptic Church as the Feast. Its delight continues for fifty days until the Pentecost. It is worthy of the believer to be openhearted. Copyright 2020 Saint Maurice Coptic Orthodox Church - All Rights Reserved. c. The Nayrouz Feast (1st of Tout, c. September 11): The word Nayrouz is Persian, meaning the beginning of the year. The Egyptian calendar goes back to 4240 B.C. Tadros Malaty to serve the congregation. 9. St. Mark is considered the founder of the Coptic Church. On the 13th of the blessed month of Pashons, Saturday May 20, 2023, His Eminence 1998-2020Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Presiding Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and Metropolitan of Southern California, and Hawaii, The Orthodox Christian and Spiritual Reading, Introduction to the Coptic Orthodox Church, Papal Messages of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Bishop Serapion Remembers Pope Shenouda III, Condolences for the Departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Important Information Concerning the Election of the New Pope, Document for the Establishment of the Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California and Hawaii, Schedule of Divine Liturgies during the Great Holy Fast 2016, Ecclesiastical Council for Family Affairs, Saint Monica Family Education Committee (FEC), St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Theological School, Festal Message for the Feast of the Nativity January 7, 2023, The 38th Anniversary of the Ordination of His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion as a General Bishop, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Received His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion. The Coptic book of Sinxarum (the day of 15 Bashance) records the preaching of Simon the Zealous in areas of south Egypt and Nubia. For on Christmas, the Word of God took what is ours (our humanity) and in the circumcision He subjected Himself to the Law as He became one of us, but in the Epiphany He offered us what is His own. At that time his spiritual standard dropped. Please read more about our church on this site, or come in for a visit. Actually, what occurred in the third century may be considered as complementary to what is mentioned by St. Irenaeus. In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the priestly rank of hegumen (Gr. It starts with the spiritual joy in the Lord together with the desire of the continual renewal, as a base for our spiritual life (Feast of El-Nayrouz till the feast of the Cross c.II September up to c. 27 September). 5. The Coptic Orthodox Church was established in Egypt by St. Mark the Apostle in the first century. 2. In other words, sharing the church liturgies with the congregation, a believer fortifies his spiritual life when he goes into his private room and shuts the doors of his senses. St. Mark was seized, dragged with a rope through the main streets of the city. If a verse is obscure, the scholar may refer to other texts to elucidate it. f. Ascension: It is celebrated on the fortieth day after Easter Is on a Thursday. A building was purchased and remodeled in that same year. St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church of Los Angeles was founded as the second Coptic parish in the United States, and was incorporated by 1970 with about 200 families at the time. The church used this term since the apostolic age, to cover all that worship which is officially organized by her, and which is offered by all her members, or on their behalf. MY knees are weak through fasting, and my flesh fails of fatness Ps. b. We strive to meet the needs of her growing . They believed in the need of the Divine Revelation to the soul through purity in Christ to understand the Bible. They built a huge cathedral in St. Marks name, believing that St. mark was their patron Saint. Cyril Gorgy Beloved Holy Resurrection Church (HRC) family, wishing you a joyous Pentecost Season. Virgin Mary Tree. The Coptic Orthodox Church is taking care of this tree which is still blossoming despite its old age. This has its origin in the Jewish Church. Now the soul is humbled when it doesnt follow wicked thoughts And as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, being the heavenly Bread, is the food of the saints so is the devil the food of the impure, and of those who do nothing which is of the light, but work the deeds of darkness For not only does such a fast obtain pardon for souls, but being holy, it prepares the saints, and raises them above the earth]. Later, when Amro-Ebn-El-Aas (leader of the Arab troops) ordered the ships to sail off Alexandria, that particular ship could not move. 10. a. StMarkLA - St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church | Los Angeles, Ca, Designed with Shopkeeper - Premium Wordpress Theme, Source: His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion; His Grace Bishop Abraham; His Grace Bishop Kyrillos; Church Clergy; Clergy who served at St. Mark; Church Events; Schedule | Annual; Ministries. Then he accompanied St. Paul and St. Barnabas on their first missionary journey to Antioch, Cyprus and Asia Minor, but for some reason or another he left them and turned home (Acts 13:13). 3. To be added on the church database (click here) TWITTER. Meina an Email Arabic, Coptic, English, and Spanish classes are offered for those who would like to learn as well as Pre-Servants class which is offered on Saturday nights after vespers to help prepare the high school and college youth on their journey to become a Sunday school servant or a servant of the church. There is no separation between common worship and actual life. 3. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. And a holy temple was established in it in His Name, where people worshipped Him, offered Him sacrifices and offerings, and celebrated many feasts as a symbol of the heavenly joy. Apparently, he was given a good education and became conversant in both Greek and Latin in addition to Hebrew. The Entrance of our Lord into the Temple (Amshir 8, c. February 15): We remember that the Word of God became man and does not want us to be careless about our lives, but to set our goals early since childhood. 21). 5. After the passing of the 1965 Immigration Act, more and more Copts were able to gain entry into the United States, in search of religious freedom, political stability, and economic opportunity. In Compline we remember the burial of the Body of our Lord watching for the end of our sojourn on earth yet in the three midnight prayers we await for the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. The same book mentions an Alexandrine Jew named Apollos who arrived at Ephesus He was described as an eloquent man with sound knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Worship in the church represents a living part of the ecclesiastical life which reacts together with the enjoyment of the Holy Bible, doctrine faith, ascetic life and her sacred outlook to man and his entity. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it, , To watch live on YouTube, please click on the image. In other words, when a believer prays in his room, he realizes that all the church is within his heart, praying in her name, calling God: Our Father and not my Father who art in heaven. At the same time, when the community prays it endows its members, present and absent with love. d. The First Miracle of our Lord Jesus at Cana (Tobah 13, c. January 12): Our Lord changed the water into wine, as His first miracle, at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, confirming His eagerness for our attaining the heavenly wedding, and granting us the wine of His exceeding love. Pope Tawadros II also called two bishops to assist Metropolitan Serapion in serving, Bishop Abraham, and Bishop Kyrillos.[4]. He says: [Let us not fulfill these days like those that mourn, but by enjoying spiritual food, let us try to silence our fleshly lusts. God is Spirit, and His heavenly Creatures are spirits without bodies. His cousin was St. Barnabas and his fathers cousin was St. Peter. During his visit he observed the need for service development throughout the Diaspora and especially in Southern California. 2. Establishing the School of Alexandria which defended Christianity against the philosophical school of Alexandria and conceived a large number of great Fathers. Here the people means all the congregation: men, women and children. However, He criticized the literality and the formality of rite. This action, simple as it is, has its own effectiveness in the life and worship of the believer. By 1970, the first Coptic Church in Los Angeles was established, being Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church. 2. 1. [3], On February 28, 2016, Pope Tawadros II elevated Bishop Serapion to the episcopal dignity of metropolitan. 4:2) to transfigurate in the midst of Moses and Elijah who also fasted for forty days (Exod. It is analogous to the rank of the virgins in the Early Church. Bubastis Hill Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats which God has created to be received with thanksgiving I Tim. Until today, Lent is considered one of the richest periods of wholehearted devotion demonstrated by practical offerings to the poor and the needy. 5. They followed a way that took them to the South up to Assyout Mountain where they took shelter for a while in a cave known now as St. Virgin Monastery at Assiout. 4:3. For example, the rite of the sacrament of holy matrimony in its prayers concentrates on the heavenly crown and the spiritual marriage between God and His saints. Their high scientific background: Modern science achieved unceasing progress, particularly in the last century. His mother, Mary, played an important part in the early days of the church in Jerusalem. There is reference to some who counted forty hours in a day. The Terce (praise of the third hour) reminds us of the coming upon the church of the Holy Spirit of God, the Giver of perpetual renewal and holiness. 15:37-41, and the 18 blessings (On Saturday there are only 7 blessings). 2. His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion received the relics of St Katherine of Alexandria from H.H. Prayers and pious life: The Alexandrine students were men of prayer and asceticism. Thus we enjoy the circumcision of spirit and that of heart (Col. 2:11), instead of the literal circumcision of the flesh. There, at that mountain it had been revealed to them by Spirit to return back to Jerusalem. During that year's Visit, Pope Shenouda III announced that the region had grown enough to warrant the establishment of a local Bishopric. Axios! It starts on the Monday preceding the one before Lent. In fact, we use the word liturgy for common worship, because the believer participates in this worship with the members of the community. Their religious background: It is well known that nature and upbringing have religiously minded ancient Egyptians since the very early times. The Coptic rite is not an aim in itself, that the Church practices it literally without understanding. 21:9), and its delightful rite. Crowds were shouting The ox must be led to Baucalis, a precipitous place full of rocks where they fed the oxen that were used in the sacrifices to idols. St. Cyril the Great interpreted this prophecy saying: The glittering cloud which carried the child Jesus to Egypt was His mother, St. Mary, who suppressed the cloud in purity. Weekly Update 05/23/2023 - Fr. In the year 68 A.D., Easter fell on the same day as the Serapis feast. Her worship is rather incessant, her liturgies are rich with theology and rites, so profound and delightful. Liaw, meaning People. Send Fr. In 1977, Pope Shenouda III, visited the region during his two months pastoral journey to the diaspora. Since our founding, we have practiced the traditional worship of our Lord Jesus Christ through liturgical services. b. Second: Church readings are considered as a part of church worship, these readings are recited with special tones (in Coptic) to declare the purpose of the choice of the church from these readings. An additional church, chapel bearing the name of St. Bishoy, was completed in January 2004 in the lower-level of the building, built specifically for serving the English-speaking congregation. The child understands it, the theologian is satisfied with it, the priest who is burdened with pastoral work finds his comfort in it, and the spiritual ascetic finds it very nourishing to his soul. The altar which was established in the midst of the land of Egypt is the Christian church which had replaced the temples of paganism as the idols collapsed and the temples were deserted in the presence of the Lord Jesus.. From the time of its establishment in 1974, St. Mary's Church was served by Hegomen (Archpriest) Fr. This is Jerusalem, the symbol of heaven, that is called Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all (Gal 4:26). The Annunciation (Baramhat 29, c. April 7): In it we recall the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, and the attainment which the men of God had longed for across the ages, namely the coming of the Word of God incarnated in the Virgins womb (Matt. In the middle of the third century, there is strong evidence that fasting extended for six days (from Holy Monday to Holy Sunday). Therefore, St. Clement of Alexandria states that the church is the icon of heaven. Diocese Parish Directory | Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles Diocese Parish Directory Because of the long distances between churches, which could be over a hundred miles between the farthest churches, regionalization of churches was implemented. To explain the correlation between the liturgical life of common worship and the daily life for Copts, we here give some examples: a. b. 1. Pope Tawadros Christ is Risen! The whole church fasts, so that God may attract new children to Him, and prepare them for the blessings of His Fatherhood Thus fasting is a sign of our faith in Gods power manifested in our ministry and preaching. He became like us, subjected Himself to the Law which He issued, that we might become like Him, children of His Holy Father! Hawthorne Church Property:We are in escrow to purchase the property in Hawthorne, Weekly Update 05/15/2023 - Fr. the beholder of the Lord, in order to prevent counterfeits of some historians. 4:1-3. Young Mark was always associated with the Lord, who chose him as one of the seventy.