Spiritual Life

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef

364 questions in 136 topics

Topics

Spiritual Life 30Spiritual Warfare 26Demonic Possession 17Sin 15Repentance 11Pride 9Satan 9Suffering 9Lying / Lying Spirit 8Original Sin 8Soul 8Depression 7Judging 7Spiritual Abuse 6Temptation 6Fear 5Devil 4Diabolic Warfare 4Exorcism 4Forgiveness 4Purity 4Spiritual Growth 4Spirituality 4Tribulation 4Christian Life 3Donations 3Evil Eye 3Humbleness 3Speaking in Tongues 3Spiritual Books 3Tongue 3Vows 3Adam's Sin 2Anger 2Counseling 2Discipline 2Dreams 2Good Deeds 2Happiness 2Integrity 2Lie 2Lust 2Obedience 2Peace 2Punishment 2Rich / Richness 2Sin (unforgivable) 2Soul and Spirit 2Spiritual Guidance 2Spiritual Reading 2Talents 2Thoughts 2Time Management 2Trust 2Wrath 2Addiction 1Anger and Gambling 1Answering the Fool 1Anxiety 1Blasphemous Thoughts 1Blindness of Mind 1Busyness 1Christian Values 1Complacency 1Conflict 1Darkness 1Delusion 1Demeanor 1Demons 1Despair 1Disciplining the Mind 1Discouragement 1Dreamers 1Dues 1Emotional Spirituality 1Enemies 1Envy 1Evil Spirits 1Evil Thoughts 1Evil Thoughts 1Favoritism 1Feelings 1Giving 1Gossip 1Grief 1Habits 1Hardships 1Heart 1Humility 1Interdependence 1Jealousy 1Laziness 1Living in the World 1Loving and Denying Yourself 1Loving Everyone 1Lukewarmness 1Mental Health 1Mind and Soul 1Ministering to Others 1Motivation 1Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 1Offences 1Overcoming Sin 1Partiality 1Past Sins 1Perfection 1Power 1Purity of Heart 1Reward 1Self 1Self Examination 1Self Pity 1Self Righteousness 1Sensual Sins 1Service & Depression 1Silence 1Simplicity 1Sin (consequences) 1Sin (unknown) 1Sinner 1Sins of the Tongue 1Spiritual Ambition 1Spiritual Attitudes 1Spiritual Death 1Spiritual Father 1Spiritual Maturity 1Spirituality of Priests 1Stress 1Struggle 1Subjection 1Swearing 1Treasures 1Trials 1Venial Sins 1Victory over Temptation 1Visitation of Grace 1

All questions in this theme

• QAdam's SinAre we born with Adam’s sin or the fallen nature? What is the difference between the two?
• QAdam's SinThe image and likeness of Adam, which one was corrupted after the fall? Do the angels have the image and likeness of God?
• QAddictionA dear friend of mine, (twenty three years old) is having some difficulty overcoming pornography, and has almost become addicted to this rubbish portrayed and made easily…
• QAngerCould you please show me how to overcome the spirit of anger that is controlling me.
• QAngerI have been trialed severely over the past 12 months and have finally come to learn the true meaning of struggle and trials and tribulations that the Lord allows, even if…
• QAnger and GamblingMy father has a gambling problem which caused a lot of damage to my family. He deludes himself saying that it is just a hobby. I am angry at him. I don’t know what to do.…
• QAnswering the FoolTo answer, and not to answer a fool according to his folly, is what I do not understand in this seemingly contradictory verse " Don't answer a fool according to his…
• QAnxietyI am a college student. I think a lot about the nature of eternal life and get very much worried.; I live a good life and am blessed with a lot. However, in spite of…
• QBlindness of MindIn Holy Gospel of St. Mark 4:12 (also mentioned in the Holy Book of Isaiah and in the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew 13) why did our Lord Jesus Christ say, " lest they should…
• QBusynessIn our busy lives (work, family, studies) how can we realistically think about God and meditate on His word all day?
• QChristian LifeI want to live a righteous Christian life, but I don't know how. What am I to expect as I attempt to live a righteous life?
• QChristian LifeHow can you preach Christianity without turning people off religion, e.g., like not wanting to watch a movie in the cinema because you know it does not edify? You can't…
• QChristian LifeFrom what I have seen so far in your website, almost everything I enjoy is against God's will. I love to read fiction books such as Harry Potter only because it is…
• QChristian ValuesI have a friend of mine that does promotion for beer. I probably could help him do more sales. Should I refrain from doing that since it may be against Christian Values?
• QComplacencyI was talking with my friend one time because she was upset from something I had done. She mentioned that she was disappointed and surprised because it was not something…
• QConflictI serve Sunday school with someone who has been trying to alienate me from service. Unfortunately he is close to Abouna. He had annoyed me through a lot of incidents,…
• QCounselingI am having trouble making my therapist understand certain things. She thinks that I'm being too hard on myself, but she doesn't understand that I'm trying to do what's…
• QCounselingMy therapist believes in a “higher being” only. I would like to help her understand Christianity. Do you think it is worth trying?
• QDarknessSt. Gregory of Nyssa interprets darkness as part of the hidden aspects of God’s nature that are not revealed to us. " ...while Moses approached the thick darkness where…
• QDelusionWhy would God allow that which is related in 2 Thessalonians 2:11 to happen ?
• QDemeanorWhy do youth group teachers tell us to uncross our legs when reading the Bible? Why we can not cross our legs in church?
• QDemonic PossessionI am a bit worried about the issue of demon possession. How does a person become possessed? Can a good person become possessed, or is it just those who live a sinful…
• QDemonic PossessionHow can you determine whether somebody is demon possessed or mentally ill? I came across somebody at the hospital that was under a mental health assessment. As I was…
• QDemonic PossessionA friend of mine said to me that a baby born from a demon possessed parents is likely to be possessed as well. I totally disagreed with him in several points: 1. The…
• QDemonic PossessionIn what ways does being possessed harm you?
• QDemonic PossessionIf the devil must get permission from God to do evil things, why would God allow such a thing to someone?
• QDemonic PossessionHow can someone take communion if he or she is possessed? I know it happens, but how does this effect the possessed person?
• QDemonic PossessionIn what way does being possessed affect you?
• QDemonic PossessionIf your parent was possessed and it harmed you in ways, how can you move on from it mentally?
• QDemonic PossessionIf you are baptized, why does being possessed happen?
• QDemonic PossessionCan it only happen if people do black magic to harm the person or can it just happen if you live a sinful life?
• QDemonic PossessionWhen the person is getting an exorcism, what do they feel, and what do they see?
• QDemonic PossessionCan anyone remove evil spirits? Is there a certain prayer to do it?
• QDemonic PossessionCan being possessed happen to children as well? What is the age that a human can get possessed? Is there a certain age, like can a 3-year-old be possessed?
• QDemonic PossessionWould God ever allow for a possessed person to go to hell?
• QDemonic PossessionIf someone was possessed for a long time and had kids during the time of it does this effect the kids in any way?
• QDemonic PossessionHow can you discover if someone is possessed or not?
• QDemonic PossessionIf it was black magic and the person doing the exorcism asked the possessed who committed the black magic would the devil tell the truth?
• QDepressionIs depression a clinical ailment caused by chemical imbalance in the brain, or is it a justifiable end result of drifting away from God? Should a person suffering from…
• QDepressionMy parents have been divorced for twelve years now. I am worried about my mother who lives in another state and suffers from clinical depression. She has unsuccessfully…
• QDepressionIn many ways, I have suffered all my life from the consequences of the sexual abuse I experienced from a relative. My marriage is a failure. Although we never fight, and…
• QDepressionI am so depressed, frustrated, and not sure what to do next. I lost a lot of money, good times for nothing, sold my car, sold my apartment, and spent my father savings…
• QDepressionI have not been feeling happy lately. Even if I keep my spiritual cannon, I just feel empty inside. When I told my parents that I want to live on my own and they were…
• QDepressionI have been going through some depression and anxiety lately. I had quite a few things happen in the past year or so. I got into a wrong relationship with a boy and I had…
• QDepressionI am married, have one child and expecting another one soon. This last year has been very stressful for my family. My mom was diagnosed with a serious, maybe terminal…
• QDespairI cannot keep going anymore. I am over this life. I have no hope that things will get better and no hope for happier days or joyful moments. I now sit back and wait for…
• QDevilDoes the devil have power to do miracles, healings, raise people from the dead, and power over nature-such as moving mountains? Also, what differentiates the power of…
• QDevilWhen did the devil know that our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Son of God?
• QDevilI fear that the devil will come to me, especially at night to scare me. As a result I lose a lot of sleep. I also fear that God may test me by sending the devil to me.…
• QDevilI have a few questions regarding the devil: Is the only difference between the devils' faith and true Christians' faith good deeds? What is the "al-iman al-akly"? Is…
• QDiabolic WarfareHow do we hide from Satan our good plans, good deeds, and glorious moments with the Lord, so he doesn't steel them or attack us trying to take them from us?
• QDiabolic WarfareWhat happened on the cross? Did Jesus kill the devil? If so, why is the devil very active in this world, and why can he do whatever he wants to do? Why he is "the master…
• QDiabolic WarfareToday, I did a major service in my church. Immediately after that, I had a car accident. Where was God who loves me, protects me, and keeps me from every evil? Don't tell…
• QDiabolic WarfareFor the last 2 years, I have had so many problems, failures, and rejections, despite lots of prayers. I lost the feeling that I am Christ's favorite—that God loves me,…
• QDisciplineMy father and I have not been getting along lately. I admit that in the past I had angered him with my behavior; but at present, I have been behaving. However, it seems…
• QDisciplineHow do we know that in the verse, "he who spares his rod hates his son," that it is speaking symbolically about discipline and does not actually mean hitting child /…
• QDisciplining the MindWhat, in Your Grace's opinion, is “discipline of the mind”? How can one do it?
• QDiscouragementI am currently in my fourth year of Medical School and have been preparing for my residency applications. I have a strong interest in a certain specialty and struggled…
• QDonationsOur youth group wanted to start sponsoring a Coptic orphan. We wanted to know if it was ok with you to sell cookies (mainly geared at the children) to raise money for…
• QDonationsI have a strong relationship with St. Karas the Anchorite. I recently saw his movie and became more attached to him. I have tried him in some obstacles and saw that his…
• QDonationsIs XXXXX a legitimate organization to donate to? Can you further explain/educate me?
• QDreamersWhat is the meaning of " Likewise also those dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries " (Jude 8)? What is the relationship between the…
• QDreamsWhat is the Church’s perspective concerning dreams? How should one regard a dream especially dreams that feature biblical or contemporary church figures, church events,…
• QDreamsIf we have dreams, should we try to interpret them or just leave them?
• QDuesIn the Eastern Orthodox Churches, in order to be considered a "member" of the Church capable of voting on important issues in your local church, or serving on the church…
• QEmotional SpiritualityWhat is emotional spirituality? Sometimes it feels like everything we do in church is just emotional stimulation.
• QEnemies" For there is no faithfulness in their mouth, their inward part is destruction, their throat an open tomb. They flatter with their tongues. Pronounce them guilty, O God.…
• QEnvyIn his book "So Many Years With The Problems Of People" Part III Spiritual And General Problems, His Holiness Pope Shenouda writes convincingly about the "envious eye":
• QEvil EyeI would like to know the effect of the so called evil eye. Does it exist, and does it have the negative effect people think it has on each other and on things?
• QEvil EyeIs there such a thing as "the evil eye" that incurs hurt or damage upon people?
• QEvil EyeIs the "evil eye" real? Everyone I know keeps talking about the evil eye and how to not say certain things or else someone may give you the evil eye. Is this true? If so,…
• QEvil SpiritsCan a good person become possessed? I am in high school and due to my surroundings I got worried. I attend church and try my best to follow Christ and the Orthodox…
• QEvil ThoughtsHow can one get rid of evil, disturbing thoughts? Regardless of frequent repentance and prayers, disturbing thoughts keep coming back.
• QExorcismAccording to our church doctrine, is exorcism a spiritual gift or have all been granted this power?
• QExorcismHow do the Copts view exorcism performed by Non-Christians? What distinguishes true Christian exorcism from the so-called exorcism of other faith walks?
• QExorcismI have a question regarding Matthew 7:22: “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many…
• QExorcismThere is an Ethiopian orthodox father who exorcises. I am not sure whether the Ethiopian Orthodox Church acknowledges him or not. He is so popular in to Ethiopian…
• QFavoritismOur youth leader is a godly man, I look up to him and I learn a lot from him, but sometimes I feel he is biased towards some kids. Is this possible, for a godly youth…
• QFearI have a number of questions: The film about the life of the Lord Jesus Christ produced in 1965, called "The Greatest Story Ever told" depicts our Lord as backing up in…
• QFearFear is a fruit of sin, but is it considered a sin itself? I mean do I commit a sin when I fear?
• QFearWhy are we taught to fear God? Fear, in my humble opinion does not seem to be the correct term. In 1 Jn 4:18 it says " There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth…
• QFearThe Virginia Tech massacre has had its negative effect on me; robbing me of the sense of purpose in all that I am doing in the course of my life. Studying hard to get…
• QFearHow do I fear God? I mean I fear my parents' anger. I fear turning my back on their commands. I fear disappointing their love. But do I fear the nature of God? How can I…
• QFeelingsI am in high school. I talk with my teacher a lot; and we are gradually becoming friends. I don't know what happened, but it felt nice. We are still friends. We talk a…
• QForgivenessThe Holy Book of Exodus 32:7-10 depicts God as lacking forgiveness for and quick to judge the very same people that he had rescued from the hands of the Egyptians.…
• QForgivenessWhen God forgives a sin, does he forget it or still consider it, even if he doesn’t count it against you?
• QForgivenessWhy did God not forgive Adam and Eve immediately when He is so forgiving?
• QForgivenessAn unpleasant scenario took place between some friends and me causing much hurt and pain. I have apologized and asked for forgiveness. In turn, I have forgiven them.…
• QGhosts: DemonsDo we believe in ghosts? Does it say anywhere in the Bible that we believe in ghosts? If not ghosts, do we believe in demons?
• QGivingThere are a lot of homeless people in London. Should I give to every person I walk by? What if they then spend the money on alcohol or drugs etc?
• QGood DeedsIn the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 6, the Holy Bible says that when we give to the needy or do a good deed, we should not let our left hand know what the right…
• QGood DeedsThe Holy Bible tells us to do good things in secret but personally I feel encouraged and inspired to be better when I see other people do great things. I understand that…
• QGossipWhat should I do or say to people who always have something negative to say about a priest visiting our church; although I have learned a lot from his lectures?
• QGriefMy mother passed away last year leaving me with my father and brother. I feel that I have not been able to deal with my mom's passing away in the "right" or "healthy"…
• QHabitsWith more time to self-evaluate and reflect, God has brought to my attention negative habits that have significantly impacted my spiritual and worldly life. These habits…
• QHappinessHow do we know whether our happiness is born out of a strong relationship with God or out of positive circumstances? Is it reasonable to be upset with God when…
• QHappinessIs there happiness in Christianity? If yes, what does it mean? Where and how can I find happiness? How can I share my happiness with everyone, even with church and…
• QHardshipsI am an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian and I have a question on the sufferings that God puts us through. Though I am just 20 year old, and have much to go through in life…
• QHeartCould you please explain what in the Holy Book of 1 Samuel 10:9 is meant by God gave him another heart?
• QHumblenessHow can I reconcile the idea of liking myself (in order for others to like me) with the virtue of humility and the subsequent entailing necessity of despising myself and…
• QHumblenessHow do we differentiate between humbleness, taught and recommended by our church, and the natural desire to be successful and recognized, not just by God, but by others…
• QHumblenessIs it wrong to "defend" myself when I am yelled at, blamed, or punished wrongfully or unnecessarily by others including my head servants and my parents? Also, is it wrong…
• QHumilityDoes "humility" come from fear of God?
• QIntegrityHow can one practice Christianity in a job that demands going against Christian values? For example, lawyers have to deal with divorce cases, defend guilty criminals and…
• QIntegrityI work as a full-time employee in a retail store where it is usually considered to be against company policy to read. My work shift is from 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (double…
• QInterdependenceTo what extent are humans independent or interdependent?
• QJealousyIf God can be jealous, why can’t we be? Why according to the Holy Book of Galatians 5:20 is jealousy wrong, whereas in the Holy Book of Exodus 20:5, God shows Himself a…
• QJudgingWould I be judging my friends who are dating, if I stop mixing with them? I honestly do not want to harm my spiritual life. What is Your Graces’s opinion in this matter?
• QJudgingIt is hard for me to listen and obey our church youth leader, when he himself doesn’t do the things he orders us to do. I feel a lot of insincerity in him. Could you…
• QJudgingI have been struggling with a few questions in my life lately. I have always lived by an absolute moral code and I apply the lessons I've learned from Abouna directly to…
• QJudgingWhat does Matthew 7:1 " Do not judge, or you too will be judged " mean exactly? Does this verse apply to not judging a murder or a child abuser; just because he can…
• QJudgingRomans chapter 14, is about judging. If someone is not fasting during the Holy Days they cannot receive communion. Does or does not this fit in with what St. Paul is…
• QJudgingGod tells us to not judge lest we be judged. But where do we draw the line between telling the truth and judging others? If someone constantly kept making foolish…
• QJudgingI love Bible prophecy and I came across a lot of YouTube videos. I sometimes come into debates with atheists and Muslims especially about this. Is it a sin to judge…
• QLazinessI am suffering from laziness and lack of energy. Can you help me?
• QLieWhat does St Paul mean when he states; " For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner " (Romans 3:7)? What…
• QLieIs it okay to lie to save a person's life? Wouldn't it then be the lesser of two evils where if we don't lie we are technically killing the person but if we do, we save a…
• QLiving in the WorldHow do you live in a world where you know you don't belong?
• QLoving and Denying YourselfIs it true that the Bible does not say, "love yourself" but rather "deny yourself?" If yes, then how come Christ says, "love your neighbor AS YOURSELF?" Is this the same…
• QLoving EveryoneHow can I love everyone around me especially if I am trying to stop being social? I am always struggling with sin. I stop for some time and slowly go back. How can I…
• QLukewarmnessWhat is the best 'cure' for spiritual lukewarmness?
• QLustMy friend has a sexual addiction problem since he was eleven years old. He is now thirty two and has two kids. I want to help my friend. What is the true Christian…
• QLustIs it lawful for one to take Communion after falling in the sin of lust, masturbation, and pornography? If not, what steps need to be taken to allow participation in the…
• QLying / Lying SpiritJudith used lies to save her people. This makes it seem OK to lie. What is the correct reasoning/logic behind this?
• QLying / Lying SpiritIs there a "good" kind of lying (e.g. covering other people's sins)? Because there are many stories in the Paradise of the Monks speaking about covering our brother's…
• QLying / Lying SpiritIn the Holy Book of 1 Kings 22:20-23, a lying spirit is mentioned. Is this a lying spirit from God? If so how can that be?
• QLying / Lying SpiritIs telling a lie legitimate when trying to avoid hurting people's feelings? For example; if my opinion was solicited by a not-so-good-looking person, would it be sinful…
• QLying / Lying SpiritYou stated in one of your answers at http://www.suscopts.org/q&a/index.php?qid=300&catid=250 that "There is no such thing as a 'good' kind of lying". How does your Grace…
• QLying / Lying SpiritIn the Bible, we see that Joseph falsely accused his brothers of being spies even though he knew full well that they weren't spies. He did it only as an excuse for them…
• QLying / Lying SpiritWhat about in situations like a surprise party for a friend where lying sometimes is necessary to cover up the plan or if a teacher lies to her students about a test date…
• QLying / Lying SpiritI am having a problem with my friend. I found out some news recently about something important in my life. My friends knew what I aspired to attain but I did not tell…
• QMental HealthMy oldest son has lost hope, drive, and willingness to live. He prays before going to bed that God takes him in his sleep. He is well loved by his family and his friends…
• QMind and SoulAre the mind and soul one and the same, or distinct and separate from one another? Further, if they are distinct, do animals have a mind?
• QMinistering to OthersI have discovered that my mother and I are the only believers in God in my family. I do not know what to do. How should I approach people with that subject on God and…
• QMotivationHow does one stay continually motivated in service?
• QObedienceI know that obedience to our parents is very important. What if a whole family thinks in a different way than one person in this family? For example, if one person is…
• QObedienceHow come God promises to give long life to those who obey parents instead of some other promise? Would we not prefer to be with God in paradise instead of spending more…
• QOffencesI repented of and confessed a sin I had committed with someone who, I am not sure, whether they have done likewise. I have apologized to the person; but I know that it is…
• QOriginal SinIn the Holy Book of Romans 5:12 " Just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned " proves that…
• QOriginal SinWhen we refer to Adam's sin, are we referring to Adam and Eve's disobedience, or is sin primarily passed down through Adam alone? Do we also carry our father's sins and…
• QOriginal SinWhy does the whole human race, especially women, have to pay the price of Adam’s sin (eating from the apple tree) and be subjected to pain, labor and hardships?
• QOriginal Sin" Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me "(Psalm 50). Could you please explain this verse and whether because of our corrupt nature we…
• QOriginal SinEzekiel 18:19-32 talks about how we do not carry over our parent's sins. Does this conflict with the idea of inheriting original sin?
• QOriginal SinConcerning Original Sin, I have read two books from the church resources that seem contradictory. The first one is in the Soteriology course material. The church takes…
• QOriginal SinWhat is Original Sin? If you have sermon about it, please can you send?
• QOriginal SinDo Copts believes in Original Sin? I heard that the Eastern Orthodox do not believe in it and they also they reject the Immaculate Conception. How do Copts explain…
• QOvercoming SinIf the corruptible cannot inherit what is incorruptible (i.e. the kingdom of God), and no human being on earth can ever be without sin even if his life was one day on…
• QPartiality" My Brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Lord of glory, with partiality ." (James 2:1), could you please explain this verse?
• QPeaceI have been struggling at my university ever since I got here. I study as hard as I possibly can only to fail anyway. I have no friends at school. I now have no one to…
• QPeaceI am going through some difficulties in my life, how can I keep my peace?
• QPerfectionWhen we are in heaven, will we become perfect?
• QPowerI lack strength in Christ, and have no confidence in what I do. What should I do? Does your Grace know of any books on boosting confidence in God and the self?
• QPrideThe most devastating sin to the soul is PRIDE and St. Paul warns us about false humility. Is it the same thing as pride?
• QPrideHow do you know when you have crossed the line from simply having confidence in yourself and your abilities to falling into the sin of pride? I sometimes feel that if I…
• QPrideHow can I tell if what I am doing is done for self righteousness and self gratification or for the glory of God and benefits of other people? I do not want to fall in the…
• QPrideI have a pride problem. I hate this part of me and I have been praying about it for months, and I don't know if I have been getting better. Whatever I do, I don't know if…
• QPrideI do not understand the concept of pride and its boundaries. Isn’t God proud of His creation? Is it lawful to be proud of one’s success?
• QPrideI know that our Lord is humble, but does that necessarily mean that He is never proud? Also, is it wrong to attribute pride to God?
• QPrideI am a very egoistic person, and pride is my main problem. I have tried so often to humble myself, but I failed. I am afraid if I die with this proud, unwilling heart of…
• QPrideIs it wrong for me to feel a sense of pride for being successful, whether it is in school, work, church, etc.? How am I supposed to serve with humility in Sunday School?…
• QPrideDoes humility reside in refusing to do good things just to prove our unworthiness; or to avoid falling in the sin of pride? How do we reconcile this with the fact that we…
• QPunishmentThe Old Testament depicts God as unfair and quite harsh sometimes. For example, why did the Egyptian population have to suffer and lose their first-born children just…
• QPunishmentDoes God punish us? Or is there just a consequence for every action?
• QPurityI wanted to ask you for some guidance. Right now, at 22 years old, I am reflecting on so many of the mistakes I had made growing up. I had led a life of horrid sin, and…
• QPurityHow do I convince my friends that having a girl friend is not an essential, if not a wrong thing? Their excuse is that having a girl friend provides one with experience,…
• QPurityI have heard my Sunday School students, Grades 5 and 6, talk about dating exchanging notes concerning who they like describing them as being 'sexy" and other such similar…
• QPurityI am writing a paper on purity. I was wondering where I could find examples in the Holy Bible; and I would appreciate it if Your Grace can give me some ideas.
• QPurity of HeartHow do I know my heart is pure?
• QRepentanceI am a deacon and I go to church regularly. However, my personal life is far from being close to God. Sin prevails in my life: smoking, cursing welcoming lustful…
• QRepentanceI'm allowing sin to have dominion over me and I don't know how to really have a repentant heart. I also don't feel comfortable enough to regularly speak with any priests…
• QRepentanceI'm afraid of the end of the world or my life because I am afraid that God will not accept me at the end. It all depends on what I do now and now I am not doing right nor…
• QRepentanceI am 18 years old. I used to go out with someone from church and we recently broke up; because I wanted to take a break and get closer to God. He was lying to his parents…
• QRepentanceI sinned very much when I was 18 till a few months ago. When I turned twenty, I realized the consequences of my sins and have stopped. But the only reason I stopped was…
• QRepentanceCommentaries on Genesis 3:9-13 confirm that, St. John Chrysostom, St. Symeon the New Theologian and St. Dorotheus of Gaza all believe that if Adam and Eve had repented…
• QRepentanceI have been confessing to my father of confession about the same particular sin for over 3 years now. I've tried everything. I fast and pray and read the Bible. It seems…
• QRepentanceI think I am having trouble being committed to living a life of true repentance. I was previously living a lifestyle of sin that was destroying nearly every aspect of my…
• QRepentanceI experience extreme strong guilt after committing a certain type of sin. This guilt is so strong that it completely consumes my thoughts and makes me feel depressed.and…
• QRepentanceIs it still considered repentance if you are trying so hard to leave the sin, but you still fall every time you are tempted but still continue to pray and ask God for…
• QRepentanceThe parable of the prodigal son is always given to show God's acceptance of repentant sinners. Many similar stories (from the Bible or Church history) are told of people…
• QRewardFrom our Lord Jesus Christ’s parable concerning the 30-, 60-, and 100-fold fruitiness, it is obvious that God gives some people more abilities than others. Does this mean…
• QRich / RichnessWhat is the meaning of " But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation "(Luke 6:24)?
• QRich / RichnessIn the writings from the Church fathers, Hermas' Vision #3 14:6 "And I answered and said unto her, 'When then, lady, will they be useful for the building?' 'When,' she…
• QSatanWhy, according to the Holy Book of Revelation 20:3, will Satan be set free for a short time after the thousand years of being locked and sealed? Will not all the…
• QSatanWhere in the Holy Bible is there a reference to Satan actually being cast out of heaven?
• QSatanCan Satan repent?
• QSatanIs it possible for Satan to read our minds?
• QSatanIt is said that the devil rebelled against God in heaven. But since heaven is said to be perfect and without sin, then how was it possible for Lucifer to rebel?
• QSatanCan you please give me the verses where the Holy Bible talks about the devil? I am confused I can only find Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. Are there more chapters other than…
• QSatanHow can we be sure that the devil rebelled in the first place? I have come to the conclusion that Ezekiel 28 speaks about the king of Tyre and Isaiah 14 speaks about the…
• QSatanI have been asked this question many times and I always struggle to answer it: If God knew that Satan would cause so much trouble in the world, why did He create him? I…
• QSatanIf in heaven and around God everything is good, how did Satan fall? How did he even feel jealousy when no evil was present at this time in heaven? Does this mean that in…
• QSelfWhat do you think of the words: "hate myself" as an expression of self denial before God?
• QSelf ExaminationHow can one evaluate his deeds and motives spiritually in the light of what is good and what is bad?
• QSelf PityI realize that I self-pity myself. I want to get rid of this, because it is completely contrary to God and the Christian life, in which we are to carry our cross and be…
• QSelf RighteousnessWhich comes first: pride or self righteousness? Are the two related at all?
• QSensual SinsI have been watching pornography and masturbating for 5 years. To make things even worse, I am a deacon and I am a Sunday school servant. I have been confessing about…
• QService & DepressionOne of my students in Sunday School has been diagnosed with depression And is now s under the care of a psychiatrist. I can see that one of the factors contributing to…
• QSilenceHow important is silence? How can we practice the virtue of silence? What kind of exercises is helpful?
• QSimplicityIf someone is simple, how much simplicity is too much (including the way of thinking about people, situations, and everything in general)?
• QSinYour Grace’s lecture 'Original Sin & Atonement' http://www.suscopts.org/messages/lectures/soterlecture1.pdf teaches that sin, any kind of sin, is considered unlimited…
• QSinIs there any difference between the word 'sin' and 'iniquity'?
• QSinI'm a Sunday school teacher, and I have to teach a youth group about the consequences of sin. Could you please help me?
• QSinWhy did God plant natural lustful feelings and desires within every person, and then ask all of us to go against them and try to overcome them until marriage? Also, it is…
• QSinI am in great need of your spiritual advice and guidance. This is in regard to a very serious matter in my life. I have been battling and waging a spiritual war with the…
• QSin" If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is…
• QSinI am having a problem dealing with overwhelming guilt over sin. Just yesterday and today, I committed several sins that I had abstained from in almost a year. I asked for…
• QSinIt is written in the Holy Bible in 1 John 3:4-10 that whoever is in Christ does not sin, " Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him … He who sins is of the devil ……
• QSinWhat is meant by not all sin lead to death in 1 John 5:16? Do not all sins lead to death?
• QSinI am wondering, what is the proper response to falling into sin?
• QSinI suffer continuously with blasphemous thoughts and feelings that are too disrespectful and horrifying to mention by word. I was watching a video about Abba Macarius's…
• QSinI have done a lot of sins in the past because I was scared to refuse. Now, I am celibate and do not do anything sexually, and I try to follow God as much as I can. Will…
• QSinBut what if I die, as a believer to God, but still have some sins which I had no chance to confess; will God punish me for those sins or will my faith be counted as…
• QSinIs it worse to commit a sin during Lent? For example, if I commit a sin before Lent vs. if I commit that same sin during Lent, would the sin be considered worse if it is…
• QSinPreviously, I lived a life of sin away from the Orthodox Church (I have since repented). At this time I also had a lot of influence. I came to know that since I…
• QSin (consequences)Can the sins of parents lead God to punish them by allowing their children to have disabilities or to withhold healing for a child? The child's disability to which I'm…
• QSin (unforgivable)Is there any unforgivable sin such as blasphemy or adultery or does it take longer for certain things to be forgiven?
• QSin (unforgivable)I am curious about Mortal sin in the Coptic Orthodox Church. In the Roman Catholic Church, mortal sin is a sin that completely destroys the life of grace in a baptized…
• QSin (unknown)Do we get punished for unknown sin? Ex: Samson, his parents didn't know about the honey but they sinned also.
• QSin: Past SinsI am with a girl who was not very religious before I met her. We have fallen into the temptation of sex many times, but have now vowed to remain celibate until marriage…
• QSin: Venial SinsAs Orthodox Christians, do we accept venial sins (sins that are insignificant)?
• QSinnerI would like to get Your Grace's opinion on the following subject.
• QSins of the TongueI am looking forward to teaching a Sunday school lesson (for middle school to high school ages) on lying, gossiping, and judging. Where can I find information on these…
• QSoulIs the soul and spirit one or two separate entities? When we receive the Holy Spirit, does it mingle and become one with our spirit or does it remain separate and…
• QSoulIs it the soul or spirit that will be judged on judgment day?
• QSoulIn Mighty Arrows Magazine, on page 18, it says that the soul is black, but her Savior is white. I don't understand how that could be always true.
• QSoulWhen does the soul come into existence? Is it the second the sperm and the egg unite? Is it okay to use the "morning after pill"--basically a high dose estrogen pill to…
• QSoulIs the soul still conscious during the moment of death? What about afterward? If death is solely the separation of the soul from the body, what does the person feel at…
• QSoulAt the moment of death, is the soul conscious of the disembodiment from the body?
• QSoulIs it possible for one to sell his soul to the demons?
• QSoulIt seems that St. Aphrahat along with many Arabic Christians in the early Church believed in the heresy of soul sleep. Aphrahat, and it seems to some extent Ephraim the…
• QSoul and SpiritI would appreciate clear definitions of soul, body, and spirit, and the official doctrine of the Church on this matter.
• QSoul and SpiritWhat is the nature of man? Could Your Grace please shed some light on the characteristics of both "soul, spirit" and where does the mind, heart, and will of man fit into…
• QSpeaking in TonguesI would like the Orthodox perspective on the gift of tongues that the Holy Book of Acts as well as the first Holy Book to Corinthians refer to. 1) Does the church believe…
• QSpeaking in TonguesWhere does "speaking in tongues" stand with regards to personal prayer and spiritual life? Holy Book of 1 Cor 14:4 mentions " Edifies himself ", where does self…
• QSpeaking in TonguesI read 1 Corinthians 14 and it talked about speaking with a language only God can understand. If I understand correctly, this is different than what happened at Babylon…
• QSpiritual AbuseHow do you deal with spiritual abuse?
• QSpiritual AbuseWhat is the proper way to address spiritual abuse in the church?
• QSpiritual AbuseWhat is the proper way to address spiritual abuse in the church?
• QSpiritual AbuseHow do you define spiritual abuse?
• QSpiritual AbuseDo think that the cultural behavior of the Islamic people have seeped into the church, because of prolonged abuse? In other words, do those who have been abused for a…
• QSpiritual AbuseIs it a sin to refuse a language, culture, and heritage, because of its abusive history, culture, heresy, and terroristic teachings?
• QSpiritual AmbitionI am in middle school and have a great desire to be a teacher at the Coptic Orthodox school at Nashville when I get older. Later in my life I want to become a professor…
• QSpiritual AttitudesCan we say that there are 2 spiritual lifestyles (Attitudes) Focus on the love of our Lord Jesus Christ (joyful attitude Ex: St. Paul. Focus on struggling against sin (…
• QSpiritual BooksI would like to start reading Christian Orthodox books but I am very confused. Where do I start? I came across monastic books, Biblical commentaries, Church history…
• QSpiritual BooksI bought a book called “Orthodox Prayer Life”. Would you recommend this book? I started reading it a few years ago and I found it very difficult to understand but I…
• QSpiritual BooksIs it preferable for a 30 year old Christian to read only spiritual Christian books in my free time or to read a little bit of history, psychology, etc., in order to have…
• QSpiritual DeathWould you please elaborate on "spiritual death, which is separation from God"? What is meant by separation from God?
• QSpiritual FatherI came across this article and would like to ask for an opinion on it, please.…
• QSpiritual GrowthI am going through a very positive spiritual stage; and I need much guidance so that I can continue and persevere. How do I truly benefit from, strengthen my prayers, and…
• QSpiritual GrowthMy desire was always to grow spiritually. I thought what was hindering me was my confessor father (henceforth referred to by Abouna #1); so I went to Abouna #2. However,…
• QSpiritual GrowthHow can I grow spiritually? I'm trying to pray, repent, confess, take communion; but I feel like I'm not moving forward. I may read a spiritual book and then feel excited…
• QSpiritual GrowthWhat is Your Grace's advice to anyone whose spiritual life is never "getting off the ground" in terms of repentance and spiritual growth.
• QSpiritual GuidanceIf we know that the point of life on earth is to prepare for heaven. I do not find that I am giving God His time and share of my daily life; not that I do not try, but…
• QSpiritual GuidanceI read from a person on a forum that Jews think Christians mistranslated the prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament. I wanted to help this person so I asked my…
• QSpiritual LifeWhat is the meaning of verse, " For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Mark 8:36)
• QSpiritual LifeI have some spiritual concerns regarding my two children who have recently moved away from home to attend college. One is a hard worker and very responsible; and one is…
• QSpiritual LifeI am 15 years old and I need your guidance. I started smoking. I stopped praying. I curse often. I do so much stuff that I never ever thought that I would do. I wish to…
• QSpiritual LifeMy life has been entering a downward spiral for the past 2 years or so. I have drifted from God and the church. I no longer dress as a deacon or care to learn hymns, I…
• QSpiritual LifeI have mixed emotions within me. I am torn between the desire to learn more about God, His Holy word, the Orthodox church teachings, and my studies. I guess I am confused…
• QSpiritual LifeI have a problem balancing my life between school, family, and worship. While I want to grow spiritually, I discover I am sinning. I also have homework and study to worry…
• QSpiritual LifeThe Holy Bible says that the Kingdom is taken by violence. When am I going to love to go to church and to be eager to pray? I ask God to enable me to love doing these…
• QSpiritual LifeWhat causes us to stumble? What makes us yield so easily to all kinds of temptations in spite of our knowledge of what is right and wrong?
• QSpiritual LifeHow can I see more of our Lord Jesus Christ in me than me in me?
• QSpiritual LifeEvery time I return from a convention I have this passion to be close to God but at the end it always disappears in the midst of worries about college vanity and salf.…
• QSpiritual LifeI am not getting any kind of personal relationship with my father of confession because he is just not a personal person. I don't have a real dad. The only Father I have…
• QSpiritual LifeHow can I be with God and in the world? I feel it is easy for me to find God in quite time alone, but not in sitting with people and talking (unless it is spiritual talk…
• QSpiritual LifeSt. Diadochos of Photiki said, "All men are made in God's image; but to be in His likeness is granted only to those who through great love have brought their own freedom…
• QSpiritual LifeWhy do things sometimes seem clear and the faith very strong, and then the next day that clear vision of God is not there. Is it because I did something that upset the…
• QSpiritual LifeI am so far from God that I don't know if I die today where I would go. I want to be baptized, but I need to change, and I don't know, nor do I hear God's voice directing…
• QSpiritual LifeI am suffering from spiritual sluggishness. I do not feel like attending meetings nor listening to spiritual talks. I'm a servant. However, I am beginning to dislike…
• QSpiritual LifeLately I have been feeling that God is far from me. And it's a strange feeling, because I haven't felt it so strongly before. I feel He's so far. I know Him, but in the…
• QSpiritual LifeI used to love reading the Bible, and spiritual books, and listening to the Praises. But lately it hasn't been like this at all. It has become so hard to pray, I feel…
• QSpiritual LifeFor the past couple of weeks, I have become more distant from God and I have grown quite frustrated with my spiritual state. I am a servant, but lately I have been…
• QSpiritual LifeI have an inner struggle between good and evil inside myself. I want to be good, I hold myself to certain standards. However, I don't do the good that I want, but the bad…
• QSpiritual LifeI think our priest has a strange approach in his ministry. This belief sets in my heart a lack of desire to go to church. What should I do?
• QSpiritual LifeWe have a problem with our oldest kids (12 and 9). They resent being obliged to go to church every Sunday (now that we have a Coptic church closer to us than before…
• QSpiritual LifeWe often ask our children to obey us, and when they do not, we get upset and want to punish them. However, we treat God the same way. How could I be at all times…
• QSpiritual LifeJohn of Kronstadt says, "When God is present in all of man's thoughts, in all of his desires, and in all of his intentions, through his words and through his acts, the…
• QSpiritual LifeI do not feel the Holy Spirit working in my life. What type of signs should I look for to know that the Holy Spirit is alive in me; and how do I nurture this work?
• QSpiritual LifeI've started a new job which can be really time-consuming. I am doing my best to stick with my spiritual canon of bible reading, agpeya, and spiritual books. However, one…
• QSpiritual LifeHow can I come closer to God? I try to read the Holy Bible, but I just read the words and not understand what I am reading. I guess a lot is on my mind and I am not…
• QSpiritual LifeI need specific advice please. I’m afraid that for the past few months my spiritual life has been absolutely horrible, I’ve stopped praying, and all sorts of bad things…
• QSpiritual LifeFrom the time we were leaving our trip until now I've been really annoyed with my father of confession. The slightest things get to me and it's causing me to be an…
• QSpiritual LifeCould Your Grace please teach me how to have a strong relationship with our Lord?
• QSpiritual MaturityThroughout my high school years, I began to change a lot and I was at the stage of getting closer to the church and to God. At that time I was friends with four other…
• QSpiritual ReadingI am not into reading the theology books or learning about church history. I feel like I am wasting time because I would rather read a spiritual book that will help me…
• QSpiritual ReadingI am a Christian Orthodox born and raised, yet not so familiar with the texts, just certain quotes. I have experienced loss of faith in my teen years trying to return to…
• QSpiritual WarfareI am seeking the wisdom of God. How can I keep on being holy and blameless in my daily struggle?
• QSpiritual WarfareI am 21 years old. I have been struggling with a spiritual problem for the past few months. Constant bad thoughts about God keep coming into my head. Even when I am…
• QSpiritual WarfarePlease tell me how to get close to God, since I keep hearing voices telling me there is no hope for me. My life is really so miserable because I no more have Peace in my…
• QSpiritual WarfareI am in turmoil and confused about the issue of pride, self-guilt, self-condemnation and self-excuse. Of the three, which is normal and which is sinful? How can one…
• QSpiritual WarfareFew weeks ago I confessed a serious sin to my spiritual father. Although, I stopped doing those bad deeds, I'm still suffering from the core problem (thoughts of…
• QSpiritual WarfareAgain, I have fallen. I have fallen to the same lustful sin. I feel empty. I feel lost. I am so weak and worthless. I have been praying in the Agpeya, fasting, reading…
• QSpiritual WarfareWhat will happen if we depart from this life not having obtained full victory over a certain sin that we have been fighting against for a period in our lives? Will we be…
• QSpiritual WarfareI'm finding it very hard to get closer to God. I am beginning to understand why I am unable to get closer to God and why He won't reveal Himself to me; it is because of…
• QSpiritual WarfareWhy did God create us in the first place? Why did he create us with a weak body that would be made to suffer? Why does Christianity have to be so difficult? I don't like…
• QSpiritual WarfareI am a 20 year old university student. I attend church regularly, a youth servant, and minister of outreach in the church. I try my best to obey my father of confession,…
• QSpiritual WarfareWhat is the proof that there is a God; for many are living their lives, much, much better than many Christians? Why do Christians think themselves better than the rest of…
• QSpiritual WarfareI have a big problem with lust. I have been fighting my evil desires for years now, but I continue to stumble and sin. I don't want to commit this sin anymore, but when I…
• QSpiritual WarfareI talked to my spiritual father of confession about my inability to come into communion with God, and he gave me some good advice. However, I still feel very lost and…
• QSpiritual WarfareI have a problem controlling my temper. Although I always feel God's miraculous hands supporting me and alerting me to danger lying ahead of me, yet I can easily get…
• QSpiritual WarfareI am having trouble getting closer to God. During the Holy Great Fast I used to read the Holy Bible; but now even if I read; I get mentally distracted; and I lose…
• QSpiritual WarfareIn my life of sin and spiritual struggle, A number of queries crop up in my mind: If this life is temporary and will end soon, and all those who are unprepared or fall…
• QSpiritual WarfareTo liken my spiritual warfare to that of a soldier's; I feel I am like a soldier who is well equipped, armored and well trained; but when it comes to the actual battle;…
• QSpiritual WarfareI have been going through unexplainable spiritual afflictions, as if the devil himself has been tormenting me, for about two years now. A few days ago I have experienced…
• QSpiritual WarfareI try to rise and be a better person and change but nothing happens. Every sermon I heard, I imagine that its words are easy to follow and I expect myself to become a…
• QSpiritual WarfareI am a servant and deacon in the Church and also in graduate school. I was tempted and instead of resisting, I quenched the work of the Holy Spirit in me many times until…
• QSpiritual WarfareBut I sat with myself to revise everything and I noticed that the wars are the worst when I am studying for long periods of time. In the summer I do whatever it takes to…
• QSpiritual WarfareMy situation with a young lady did not transpire very well and the negativity of her family has had detrimental effects on me personally which in turn, of course, has…
• QSpiritual WarfareI am suffering emotional and spiritual distress. I feel spiritually lower instead of growing, and I constantly keep thinking back a few years ago when I was spiritually…
• QSpiritual WarfareI have been struggling with a very difficult and major spiritual warfare that has plagued me for years, everyday and almost every single minute whether I pray or do other…
• QSpiritual WarfareI am from the Eritrean Orthodox Church and have been suffering from tormenting spiritual problem/illness for a long time. I have constant blasphemous thoughts against the…
• QSpiritual WarfareI am a bad child. I defy my parents and often do not obey. I find that the cause is our house and how we live. I do not know how to stop. Usually, on a normal day, I use…
• QSpiritualitySometimes I feel that our church has put so much emphasis on knowledge and forgotten spirituality.
• QSpiritualityMy life has been like a roller coaster for the past year or two. At times I feel like I really know God, but there are also times when I feel so lost and far from Him. I…
• QSpiritualityHow are the soul and human personality related to each other? Also, when I am praying the Jesus Prayer, after awhile, I begin to see spiritual images, am I to totally…
• QSpiritualityFor so long, the way I dealt with things was to over analyze everything until it drove me crazy and I had to escape from myself. I've done this so successfully that I've…
• QSpirituality of PriestsI have to do a report on the spiritual life of a priest for the seminary. Does Your Grace have any suggestions as to some reading I could do to help me?
• QStressAfter a long and stressful day at work, I like to come home and watch comedic TV shows since laughter seems to relief the stress. Often times, these shows contain…
• QStruggleI am shocked, anxious, and disappointed in myself because I did not do well enough on my final exam in one class by just point and the teacher refused to round up. This…
• QSubjectionIf our Lord has conquered death and ascended to His Glory in heaven, and is one with the Father why does He become subjected again? I do not seem to understand verse 28…
• QSufferingWhat does St. Peter mean when he says, " Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, are yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the…
• QSufferingWhat is the relationship between the pain that the saints went through and were grateful for and happy about, and that of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross?
• QSufferingMy friend, who is skeptical about Christianity, often wonders why God allows that healthy parents give birth to unhealthy children. He comments that Jesus' miracles do…
• QSufferingIs it God who inflicts on us pain such as cancer or accidents, or is it Satan who carries out these hardships on man? For example, Satan, with God's permission, inflicted…
• QSufferingCredit is usually given to the devil for all the bad things that happen in the world by justifying that 'God allows it, but Satan causes it.' I know that God controls and…
• QSufferingWhy do we all have to suffer because of Adam's sin?
• QSufferingI read, "On Wealth and Poverty," per your advice and it addressed my original question very well. It sounds like St. John Chrysostom is saying that suffering on earth…
• QSufferingIf God exist, why do pain and suffering exist? If we must suffer because of Adam and Eve’s sin, was that not forgiven when Jesus was crucified? Why does earth have to be…
• QSufferingIs it true that suffering on earth (even if against our will) will increase our glory in heaven, or alleviate suffering in hell?
• QSwearingI have a question regarding the swearing of oaths as mentioned by our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount (5:33) and in the epistle of St. James chapter 5. Why are they…
• QTalentsHow and why do people differ in their levels of spirituality? What is the determining factor that makes a martyr ready to offer his life for Christ and another person who…
• QTalentsMatthew 13:22 (NKJV): "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and…
• QTemptationI keep having these very disturbing blasphemous thoughts concerning Jesus Christ and Him sinning. These thoughts bombard me out of nowhere. It is like war going on in my…
• QTemptationI just wanted to know how to keep my mind away from lustful thoughts and desires. Whenever I go to confess I almost always confess about the same sin. Even after having…
• QTemptationI've been a Christian for a long time. I feel that God has changed a lot of the negative attitudes and emotions in me since I've started serving Him. However, there are…
• QTemptationI have been battling severely against adultery. There are days when I fight extreme forms of temptation (the type that prevents me from eating, sleeping, and…
• QTemptationGiven that we live in a world where evil is everywhere, wouldn't it be beneficial to our spiritual lives if we all lived in the desert or somewhere where the worldly…
• QTemptationWhen a person is tempted of his virginity/chastity, St. Paul tells us it is better to marry than to burn with passions (i.e., better to marry than to be exposed to…
• QThoughtsWhat is the best way for a person to control their thoughts? What can you do when a very bothering thought comes in your mind?
• QThoughtsI always get negative/tormenting thoughts in my mind. How do I block them out? It is so hard!
• QThoughts: Blasphemous ThoughtsI suffer from constant blasphemous thoughts and feelings where the enemy finishes my sentences in my mind with blasphemy and makes me think I have blasphemed when I have…
• QThoughts: Evil ThoughtsHow do you deal with evil thoughts? Are bad thoughts a sin? If bad thoughts are a sin, is it forgivable?
• QThoughts: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)I am a Coptic Orthodox Christian from the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Bad and awful thoughts are crossing my mind each time I want to worship God deeper and this gives me a…
• QTime ManagementI hope you can advise me while I am in school. As of now, I have transferred into a pharmacy school and it is very rigorous. I need to have a GPA of 3.0 for the current…
• QTime ManagementI read the article “When the Well is Dry” and really liked it. How can I learn to balance college (medical school) and my spiritual life? What needs to change to bring…
• QTongueHow can one put to practice St. James’s advice “to be slow to speak”. Can you help with some ideas on how to reflect first before talking?
• QTongueIn the Holy Book of James chapter 3, it is written: " the tongue cannot be tamed ". Why do we then try to control it if the tongue cannot be tamed?
• QTongueWhat is the Orthodox position on the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit", "speaking in tongues", "praying in the Spirit"? What is "praying in the Spirit"?
• QTreasuresWhat is exactly meant by putting all our treasures in heaven where moth does not corrupt?
• QTrialsIs sickness a test from God or warfare from the devil in order to hinder our journey towards spiritual perfection?
• QTribulationIs there any correlation between the Holy Gospel of St. Mark 13:17 and the Holy Book of James 1:15?
• QTribulationCould you please provide me with some information on the 7 years of tribulation?
• QTribulationI am having a very hard time trying to understand why my life is so upside down. I feel that I have been abandoned by God, or that he does not exist. For eight years I…
• QTribulationI have experienced great sorrow and pain lately having lost my father to cancer after months of extreme suffering and agony. My mother was also diagnosed with cancer and…
• QTrustI am so angry with my father because he is very sneaky and nosy. I found out that he went into my computer and went into my email account behind my back when I wasn't…
• QTrustI am having trouble with faith in God and total reliance on Him. I cannot discern if all things whether good or bad really come from God or does Satan have a hand in…
• QVictory over TemptationLately, I have felt depressed, ashamed, and guilty before God; because of my sins, particularly contemplating adultery in my thoughts. I am a Coptic Orthodox, fairly…
• QVisitation of GraceWhen a person is visited by God's Grace in what the church calls "The Visitations of Grace," how do they know that they are going through this, or that it is happening to…
• QVowsAre vows biblical?
• QVowsWhat should I do if I vowed to be a monk when I was sixteen years old because that thought at that time never left me? But now I am 21 years old and between 16 to 21 I…
• QVowsA question arose while in discussion with my friends and they made a valid point to which I do not know how to answer. Why do people make a promise/vow to God? Would not…
• QWrathThere must be a deeper meaning to the Lord's flipping over of the tables driving the people out of His house and beating them with whips. Otherwise " the wrath of man…
• QWrathWhen it says "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath" does it mean wrath is acceptable? Please explain.

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.