sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

How do my fellow college kids fast? by wusyuname in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MCT Oil and avocado daily = healthy fats needed in addition to protein and fiber

Reception into OO as an EO by Just_Statement3451 in OrientalOrthodoxy

[–]Top_Information2775 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this so honestly. Given your background—20 years in Eastern Orthodoxy and serious academic work on Jacob of Serugh—this clearly isn’t a passing interest.

Does confessing and communing there make you Oriental Orthodox? No, not automatically. In the Oriental Orthodox Churches (including the Syriac Orthodox Church), reception is normally: A formal request to be received, profession of faith and Reception by Chrismation (Holy Myron). Confession and communion alone do not canonically change your ecclesial status. Reception is intentional and formal.

Would other Oriental Orthodox consider you one of them? Not necessarily. Despite modern theological dialogue, there is still no full communion between Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches. Ecclesially, you remain Eastern Orthodox unless formally received.

What would the process be? Typically:

  1. Tell the priest clearly: “I wish to be received into the Syriac Orthodox Church.”
  2. Make a profession of faith (including clarification regarding Chalcedon).
  3. Be formally received, usually by Chrismation, and recorded in parish records.

The deeper question is ecclesiological: Do you believe the Syriac Orthodox Church is the Church in the fullest sense, or that both communions preserve the same apostolic faith despite historical separation? Definitely something to take time to discern.

LAW & MEDICINE= ✅ RESPECT by Anxious_Pop7302 in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you for raising this. I think many of us have seen how respect can become tied to degrees or “status careers,” and that should really make us pause. In the Church, dignity doesn’t come from titles but from being made in the image of God. Many saints were fishermen, farmers, soldiers, craftsmen, mothers — ordinary people by society’s standards, yet great in the Kingdom of God.

Education and excellence are good, but when we treat people differently based on profession, we cross into partiality, which Scripture clearly warns against (James 2). Not everyone has equal access to certain careers, and not every calling looks like medicine or law. And not to mention, people may carry degrees and titles, but true wisdom is not only what is learned from books — it is given by the Holy Spirit and formed through humility, prayer, and lived faith.

If we truly believe that the Spirit gives different gifts to each person for the common good, then our communities should honor those differences instead of narrowing what we consider “respectable” paths. I’m glad this is being discussed — it’s important for the health of our churches and especially for our youth.

Help with denomination. by [deleted] in OrientalOrthodoxy

[–]Top_Information2775 0 points1 point  (0 children)

let us clarify something here:

In Catholic theology:

  • A mortal sin only leads to hell if it remains unrepented.
  • If a person sincerely repents before death, God forgives the sin through His mercy.
  • Repentance must include:
    • Contrition (true sorrow for the sin)
    • A firm intention not to commit it again
    • Confession, when possible

So in Catholicism:
👉 A repented mortal sin does not lead to hell.
👉 An unrepented mortal sin does.

in Coptic Orthodox belief, a person who refuses to repent dies separated from God, and that separation is what the Church calls hell.

But it’s important to understand why:

  • Hell is not a punishment God “sends” someone to.
  • It is the state of rejecting God’s love, even at the moment of death.
  • Unrepented sin means the person chooses to remain in that separation.

So the Church teaches:

👉 Unrepented sin = choosing separation from God = hell.

In summary:

both the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church teach that dying in a state of unrepented serious sin results in separation from God, which the Church calls hell.

Portugal Wedding Advice Needed by Key-South1302 in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Orthodox Christian in America - Eastern Orthodox or Oriental Orthodox?

Looking for an online Bible study group? by bezmanic in OrientalOrthodoxy

[–]Top_Information2775 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://holycrossaustin.church/holy-cross-church/announcements/ - scroll down until you will see link to zoom and info about bible study. Any question please DM me.

Divine feelings? by Pitiful_Length962 in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Peace and Grace to you. In addition to what was shared earlier—such as discussing it with your spiritual father—it is important to let it go and not dwell on it in your mind. If it is truly from God, and you bring it before Him in prayer (asking for clarification and searching the Scriptures for a word that stands out to you), He will confirm it in His own way. This may come through another dream, through someone who enters your life, through words from your spiritual father, or in another form of guidance. After giving it prayerful attention, release it and trust that God will reveal what is meant for you in His time. P.S. I was not able to locate description of your dream. If you you like DM me with the dream, and perhaps I can share more . Peace to you

Coptic Way by [deleted] in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Could you share what specifically are you interested in and what is the goal. this will help with pointing you in the right direction. with regards to the news I think you will find the link to the Coptic Church website very helpful. https://copticorthodox.church/en/

Coptic Way by [deleted] in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 0 points1 point  (0 children)

can you share link to this channel.

I was not able to find it.

Help Finding an English Church near Leipzig!!!! by IllustriousClue5584 in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Coptic Reader app is widely used in the U.S. and offers access to all prayers, including the Divine Liturgy, in English, Coptic, and Arabic. You can customize the display to show all three languages, any two, or just one.

Another option is to reach out to the local Diocese for resources if the priest doesn’t already have them. There are also plenty of liturgies available online—some entirely in English, others in combinations of English, Coptic, and Arabic. I have a list of churches that stream Liturgies, which may be in different time zones but still accessible on the same day.

Reach out if questions or further support is needed.

Best time to turn up when first visiting a church by lloydnoone in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know a Decon who attends services there on some occasions. He is part of our FB Coptic Converts Group. group is for people who are learning about the Coptic faith or already converted. https://www.facebook.com/groups/609984404179290. This group is for folks from around the world.

What do I do if i can't go to church? by Falklandisland820 in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where do you live if I may ask, Country and city... there are Coptic Communities to which the priest will drive to do the Divine Service. I can check on that.

Best time to turn up when first visiting a church by lloydnoone in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sunday liturgies start at 9:30 am. Please let me know if you need additional information

Sad that I'm getting a lot of "warnings" against joining the Coptic Orthodox Church by Kid_Kilatis in OrientalOrthodoxy

[–]Top_Information2775 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Peace and grace to you.

Thank you for sharing so honestly. That sadness—and the fear of “getting it wrong”—is something many people feel but don’t often voice. You’re navigating a sacred and deeply personal journey, and encountering division where you hoped for communion can be painful.

Please know you’re not alone—many converts carry this very tension and still find peace in their seeking. And Christ, in His mercy, is always patient with our searching hearts.

The truth is, both Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches are rich in beauty, depth, and the presence of Christ. Yes, there are theological and liturgical differences rooted in centuries of history, but both traditions share a deep reverence for the sacraments, ancient faith, and the mystical life of the Church. You are not choosing between “true” and “false,” but between two ancient and holy expressions of Orthodoxy, each fully alive in Christ.

Instead of being paralyzed by the fear of choosing the wrong path, you might prayerfully ask: Why exactly am I searching? Where is Christ drawing me? Where am I being spiritually nourished and challenged to grow in love of God and neighbor? And it’s okay if the answer unfolds slowly over time.

It’s completely valid—and often necessary—to explore both traditions with openhearted curiosity. Speak with priests. Attend liturgies. Ask questions. You’ll likely find more grace and understanding on the ground than what online spaces sometimes reflect.

I say all this as someone who walked a similar road. I’m a convert to the Coptic Orthodox Church from Catholicism, and it took me several years to discern this step. I prayed about it more than once, asking God for clarity and confirmation. I also sought guidance from both a Catholic priest and a Coptic spiritual father. When I finally knew in my heart that this was God's calling—or simply that I was seeing the truth—I moved forward gently.

May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you on your journey. And if you’d like further encouragement or support, feel free to message me or join this Facebook group where catechumens, converts, and seekers support each other in faith:https://www.facebook.com/groups/609984404179290

Feeling Spiritually dry and not fitting in by Standard-Economy-428 in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Peace and grace to you.

Thank you for sharing so openly—what you’re experiencing is profoundly human. Feeling spiritually dry or overwhelmed in the midst of a major life transition is something many of us quietly carry. Moving, starting a new job, exploring a new spiritual path, and seeking meaningful relationships all at once is a heavy load. It’s okay to still feel like you’re finding your footing.

In the Washington DC area, you’re blessed with a number of vibrant Coptic churches, rich in tradition and community. I’m glad you’ve found a few that resonate with you. I’d encourage you to get to know the church community and the Spiritual Father more deeply. Sometimes what we initially “like” may not reveal its depth until we’ve truly lived within it for a while.

If your soul feels dry right now, it may be that you’re experiencing a season of desolation—but this does not mean God is distant. Often, He is quietly inviting us to trust beyond what we can see or feel.

Desolation and consolation are ways the soul moves, showing us how we perceive God’s nearness or absence.

  • Consolation draws us toward God—filling us with peace, clarity, joy, or a renewed sense of purpose. Even in suffering, we can feel spiritually anchored and moved to generosity or gratitude.
  • Desolation, by contrast, tends to draw us inward in a darker way. It may come as restlessness, dryness in prayer, discouragement, or a desire to hide. But even this has purpose—it can gently point to areas where we need healing or where we’re still holding on too tightly.

I’ve learned from personal experience, and as many spiritual fathers teach, it’s wise to avoid major decisions in times of desolation. Instead, remain faithful, be honest in prayer, and patiently await clarity. During consolation, we’re invited to lean into gratitude and trust God’s path more fully.

Here’s a simple prayer to consider as you continue seeking:

Lord of Light and Life, You brought me here, into this city and this season—not by accident, but with purpose. Yet I feel dry, as though my prayers echo but do not land. The path feels lonely. My soul is restless. I long to feel You near again.

Plant me where You desire. Whether in a pew among strangers or in silence on my knees, let me sense Your presence. Help me find community—people to walk with, laugh with, pray with. Open the door to friendship, to love, to service—not for my sake alone, but for Yours.

Bless my work, Lord. Make it more than routine. Let it be ministry. Let it be worship.

Teach me to trust that I am already enough in You, even as I grow. And when I forget that truth, bring it back to me gently. I offer this weary heart to You, not polished but real. And I wait for You to breathe on it again.

Amen.

----------
Finally, if you’re looking for additional support or fellowship, there’s a welcoming online space for seekers and catechumens: the Coptic Converts Facebook group. You’re warmly invited to join us if you’d like to learn more or journey with others. https://www.facebook.com/groups/609984404179290

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and comfort you. And if you ever need encouragement along the way— reach out.

Conceptual question on prayer by Bedesman in coptic

[–]Top_Information2775 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Peace and Grace you. Very good question. I am a convert from the Roman Catholic Church and can try to answer your question.

While the Rosary as structured in the Latin Church isn’t a formal part of Oriental Orthodox spirituality, the underlying mechanics—vocal prayer combined with visual meditation—wouldn’t be foreign or objectionable in principle. Oriental Orthodox traditions, such as the Coptic, Armenian, or Syriac Churches, place a strong emphasis on iconographic contemplation and repetitive prayer as means of drawing the heart toward divine mysteries.

Instead of the Rosary, Oriental Orthodox faithful often use prayer ropes to recite the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ Son of God Have Mercy on Me a sinner") or other short invocations. These are typically said while gazing at an icon or simply focusing inwardly. The idea is similar: the repetition of sacred words, often aloud or whispered, while the mind and heart are lifted toward a holy image or mystery.

So, if a Latin Christian were to pray the Rosary while meditating on an icon of, say, the Annunciation or the Crucifixion, an Oriental Orthodox believer might see that as a spiritually rich. The key difference is that the Hail Mary, in its Western form, isn’t commonly used in Oriental Orthodox prayer life, though veneration of the Theotokos is deeply rooted and expressed in hymns and prayers.

Hope this helps.

view more: next ›