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

Inspired by Jonah’s Fast: A Patristic Meditation on Repentance and Divine Mercy In the mystery of Jonah, the Church contemplates a God who descends into the depths to save, not to destroy. This book brings together the luminous homilies of St. Jacob of Serugh, alongside the witness of the Church Fathers, to reveal Jonah not merely as a prophet who fled, but as a living sign of Christ’s descent, burial, and resurrection. The storm, the sea, the whale, and Nineveh’s repentance are unveiled as movements of divine compassion, where mercy precedes wrath, and repentance becomes a passage ...

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 ...

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 ...

In a world of rapid advances in modern technology grafted together with the continual evolution of contemporary philosophies, humanity is plagued by an increasing number of cases of depression, psychological ailments and suicides. These societal maladies affect even our youth. By contrast the Church's Early Fathers, pastors, ascetics and theologians never expressed concerns associated with such hardships. Despite the ardent believer's exposure to today's many adversities he remains unaffected mainly because of his appreciation of man's true eminence. The Church's Fathers often invite us to ...

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 ...

The Church is the new “life in Christ,” or the "communion with the Father in the Son by the Holy Spirit,” or the enjoyment joy or partaking of the grace of God. God purchased her at the cost of Christ's Blood (Acts 20:28). Understanding the Church means perceiving the relationship between God and man, manifested in the divine plan of salvation, God's Fatherhood, the kingdom of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, the means of grace, the lessons from the history of mankind, the destiny of men etc. It is through the Church that God makes known His redeeming wisdom even to the heavenly ...

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”

The Church Fathers often address the role of the Baby of the manger in the lives of the believers, which transforms us into a joyful bride that through her heavenly Bridegroom (Jesus) can resist the forces of darkness, sin, evil, and Satan himself. St. Jacob of Serugh was the one who had pictured the reaction of the kingdom of Satan to the Birth of this glorious Child. St. Jacob of Serugh recorded a memoir depicting in his deep spiritual sense, his rich imagination, and his intriguing style, a serious meeting revolving around the Baby of the manger. The attendees of this gathering are all ...

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 ...

This book presents answers to the following questions: * Why does God permit earthquakes to happen? * What is the role of the divine Providence in the midst of these destructive natural disasters? * What is the significance of earthquakes in the Bible, both the Old and the New Testaments? * What is the position of the church towards the victims?

This book is a message of comfort and consolation. The mystery of death is in the beauty of the transition to meet our Beloved Jesus; whom we see now through faith; however, through death we’ll see Him face to face. Jeremiah contemplated upon His Beloved Lord and sang: “The Lord is my portion says my soul” (Lamentation 3:24) and the psalmist also said “I am continually with you; You hold me by my right hand; You will guide me with Your Council and afterward you’ll receive me to the glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You.”...

Who can imagine that someone comes back home rejoicing, after bidding farewell to a son or a dear friend at the airport, because his son or friend has left town? But what amazes us is that the disciples and whoever with them, who went back from the Mount of Olives after the ascension of whom they got attached to, and very much loved and left everything for, they came back to Jerusalem with great joy (Lk.24:52). They have watched the most marvelous and splendid scene that humanity has ever seen since its creation. The new Adam spreads out his hands to bless them, rising in defiance to ...

These are the two wondrous parades; one visual here on earth in which we ought to share in the sorrow like the apostle who said, “weep with those who weep” (Epistle to Romans 12:15), and another which is in heaven proclaiming the joy of the salvation of every man and his peaceful passing from the world to live as a partner with the glories of Christ, the Lord. St. Anthony the Great says: [Death, for those who understand it, is immortality; but for the fools who don’t understand it, it is mere death. We shall not fear this death; rather we should fear the death of the soul, which is ...

In great sweetness and honest feelings, St. Jacob of Serugh recorded for us the moments of Jesus’ ascension as a unique event that shook Heaven and earth. On that great day, the Lord Jesus Christ met with His Church at the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12), raised His hands and blessed her (Luke 24:50) to enjoy the guarantee of the heavens. And while she was kneeling in front of Him, He raised his hands toward Heaven. This is why St. Jacob stands in amazement, trying to record for us these moments so we can share them. He sees the incarnated Son approaching, the heavenly Groom, holding the lost...

At the beginning of a new year, many believers start revisiting their spiritual lives to confess their sins which is excellent! But unfortunately, some of them forget the positive side of their relationship with Christ when it comes to their thoughts, hearts, words, actions or even their dreams. For example: Are our hearts and minds always thinking of Christ? Are we joyful amid tribulations and hardships? Are we enjoying the kingdom of God within our hearts? Do we have a relationship with the saints and angels? Do we ask God to guide us on the way of truth? What is our role with those who ...

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 ...

If the life of Jesus, our Lord, has ended with His death on the cross or His burial in the sepulcher, which is not possible, because in Him is the power of the resurrection and life and thus it is impossible for corruption to grab hold of Him. His mission would have failed and the cross would have not been able to reveal God's true and active love for mankind, able to forgive the sins and raise the dead. Hence, the life of Jesus, our Lord, on earth would have become a mere humane story recorded by history, and the cross would have been considered a disgrace, and the disciples would have ...

Dive into the depths of spiritual renewal with "The Book of Joel: A Patristic Commentary" by Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty. This transformative commentary offers a profound exploration of repentance, chastisement, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Whether you're a seeker of wisdom or a student of sacred books, this book invites you to experience a personal journey through the pages of Joel, promising continuous spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of the divine plan for humanity. Witness the transformation of the heart's wilderness into the fruitful paradise of God with every page ...