The Church
Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef
222 questions in 81 topics
Topics
Service 31Women/Women in the Church 17Evangelism 16Monasticism/Monastic Life 12Coptic Church 11Tradition 10Feminism 7Church 6Bishop 4Orthodox Church 4Pope 4Tithes 4Apologetics 3Church Perspectives 3Early Church Fathers 3Ecumenical Councils 3Ethiopian Church 3Monastic Call 3Orthodox Unity 3Relationship Btwn. EO and OO Churches 3Church Leader 2Church Unity 2Coptic Orthodoxy 2Council of Chalcedon 2Heresies 2Malankara Indian Church 2Monastic Orders 2Mysteries of the Church 2Orthodox Differences 2Theological Dialogues 2Theological Seminary 2African Church 1Al Habila 1Anathema 1Antiochian Orthodox Church 1Apostolic Leadership 1Apostolic Succession 1Attending Different Churches 1Becoming Orthodox 1Bishops 1Book Review 1Celtic Church 1Challenges the Church has Faced and Still Faces 1Charismatic Movements 1Church Authority 1Church Beliefs 1Church Canons 1Church Division 1Church Fathers 1Church Issues 1Clergy 1Coptic and Ethiopian Churches 1Coptic Match 1Council of Jerusalem 1Council of Nicea 1Crusades 1Ecumenism 1Election Process 1First Church Built 1Heterodox 1History 1Infallibility 1Monastic Tradition 1Monophysitism 1Motivational Speaker 1Names 1Names 1Orders of the Church 1Oriental Orthodox Churches 1Orthodox Disagreement 1Papacy 1Reformers 1Relationship with Church Priest 1Resource / Information Dissimilation 1See of Constantinople 1Servant Leader 1Sister Churches 1Submission 1Teaching 1Titles 1World Council of Churches 1
All questions in this theme
- African ChurchBefore the European had colonized Africa, what did the African Jews, my ancestors, originally know and were taught about Jesus? Research tells me that the Coptic Church…
- Al HabilaWho is St. "Al-Habila" that Pope Shenouda has mentioned in his book "Calmness"? When is her feast? Where can I read about her bibliography?
- AnathemaHas the Oriental Orthodox Church ever done an anathema?
- Antiochian Orthodox ChurchI was wondering if the Coptic Orthodox Church is in full Communion with the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Are Coptic Christians allowed to commune at Antiochian churches…
- ApologeticsWhy does the Old Testament seem to be filled with violence and atrocities? The death of the first born: Does God condone the killing of children? The annihilation of…
- ApologeticsI have a Egyptian friend who believes that God did not create the earth and believes In the Big Bang theory. How can I prove that the theory in wrong?
- ApologeticsDoes that Orthodox Church have a position on Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias? I have listened to many of his talks and have benefitted greatly from them.
- Apostles: NamesWhat are the names of the 72/70 apostles. What are the names of the few we do know?
- Apostolic LeadershipI am Eastern Orthodox. I know the Orthodox world is aware of the possible schism in the Eastern Church. To say I am struggling with this is probably an understatement.…
- Apostolic SuccessionWhat is "Apostolic Succession"?
- Becoming OrthodoxI am a Christian from evangelical background. For the last 3 years, I have been learning about Orthodox Christianity; and I have also attended catechumen class in an…
- BishopIs priesthood a desire fulfilled; or an order from above carried out? How do we match what is in the Holy Book of 1 Timothy 3:1 with the church’s practices nowadays?
- BishopHow is it to be a Bishop? Do you travel all over the world or do you just live in a monastery?
- BishopAs a bishop, what is your role in the Coptic Orthodox community?
- BishopMy question is about the rank of Khoury-Episkopos. Is this considered a Priest’s rank or a Bishops Rank? I am under the impression that the Khoury-Episkofos is a priest…
- Book ReviewI am from Norway and want to buy the book The Life of Repentance and Purity by Pope Shenouda. How can I find the book itself?
- Celibacy/Single Life: BishopsWhen did the Church decide that bishops shall only be celibate?
- Celtic ChurchWhile studying the Celtic Church, I have recently found claims of a Coptic connection to St. Patrick of Ireland. If correct, would this not show up in the Apostolic…
- Challenges the Church has Faced and Still FacesI am an Orthodox Christian and have recently been greatly blessed through reading Fr. Matthew the Poor's book on Orthodox Prayer and Fr. Mark Gruber's (OSB) book of…
- Charismatic MovementsMy friend invited me to a Catholic group of prayer that is called a charismatic group. They do a lot of praise and sing and often speak with a loud voice. This…
- ChurchWho or what is the "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church?" Is this only the Coptic Orthodox Church? Is the Syrian Orthodox Church also considered part of this group?…
- ChurchIs it a sin to be confessed, having attended Divine Liturgy in a Catholic church?
- ChurchDoes going to other churches mean sharing in their beliefs?
- ChurchHow would you convince someone not to go to other churches?
- ChurchWhat do parts of the church symbolize (example: the paintings in church, the window pictures, etc.)?
- ChurchHow do we reply to those who say church is not important, and that everyone can pray at home? It is not a need to go to church. How do we reply to those remarks?
- Church AuthorityWhat is your justification for stepping out on your own authority and not following the Pope of Rome? I am looking at the original argument about the nature of our Lord…
- Church BeliefsI have read through your site. What are your beliefs?
- Church CanonsI have some questions about the Church’s canon law and unclean animals. What is the canon law of the Coptic Orthodox Church regarding this matter? What is the relation…
- Church DivisionWhat brought about divisions in the early Christian Church in 451?
- Church FathersI would like to read about Ignatius of Antioch (he defends God’s deity); can you recommend a good read for me regarding him? I need to learn as much as I can for the…
- Church IssuesWe have a problem in our church that needs to be addressed. Any time the church is open for activities, many kids who live right in front of the church come by and play…
- Church LeaderHow does a person become a leader of the church?
- Church LeaderWhat is the best way of being the leader of a church?
- Church PerspectivesWhat is Your Grace’s opinion on: IVF treatment, Surrogacy, Contraception, Embryo Research and Homosexuality!
- Church PerspectivesRecently, I have been seeing a lot about manifestation and speaking things into reality and how people think that it is real, but I was wondering what is the Church's…
- Church PerspectivesI know this does not directly concern the Coptic Orthodox Church but do you have an opinion on the Ukrainian ordeal with the rift between the Greek and Russian Churches?…
- Church UnityIs there any chance that you (monophysite Orthodox Coptic Church) will become united (unified) with other Orthodox Churches worldwide?
- Church UnityDisunity within Christianity is a disturbing issue. I know that God, for sure, does not like this disunity among the Oriental Orthodox, the Eastern Orthodox, and the…
- Church: First Church BuiltWhen was the first church built in Christianity?
- Church: Sister ChurchesDoes the British Orthodox Church use any Coptic? How are they different and similar as far as sight and sound go? They are theologically in full communion with the Coptic…
- ClergyCan a deacon or archdeacon, priest, or even bishop be demoted?
- Coptic and Ethiopian ChurchesWould you be able to explain how the Coptic Church views the additional books that are in the canon of our sister church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church? I am particularly…
- Coptic ChurchWhat proof is there that the Coptic Orthodox Church has existed since the first years of Christianity?
- Coptic ChurchWhich church came first? The Orthodox or the Catholic Church?
- Coptic ChurchI am a Christian who is interested in knowing about other groups of Christians. What is a good book to read about the Coptic Church?
- Coptic ChurchWhat is the difference between our Coptic Church and the Greek Orthodox churches?
- Coptic ChurchI have an earnest desire to learn more of the Coptic Orthodox Church. I was taught by my Elders that the Coptic Church of Egypt/Ethiopia is the oldest. I have so many…
- Coptic ChurchI have been searching for the true church of God for over 2 years now with no avail. I have visited Protestant, Catholic Eastern Orthodox, and Jewish churches. I am…
- Coptic ChurchWhat do you think is the most unique aspect of the Coptic Orthodox Church in America today compared to American Denominations?
- Coptic ChurchI'm interested in learning about the Coptic Orthodox Church. How may I begin to do this? Are there any good books on the Church you could recommend? Any help at all would…
- Coptic ChurchWe are currently studying the Wisdom of Sirach Last week, we ran into verse 16 of Chapter 44 http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/text/sirach.html] which reads " Enoch…
- Coptic ChurchWhy don’t the Orthodox Churches believe in“the rosary”, in which the Catholic Church believes? I personally do not see anything wrong with saying these small prayers to…
- Coptic ChurchHow was the Church founded (original roots)?
- Coptic MatchDoes the church know about www.copticmatch.com? Is it approved by Your Grace?
- Coptic OrthodoxyJust what do the Copts believe? How does this orthodoxy compare to the Anglican beliefs? Is there a WEB site that would outline the orthodoxy and give the history of the…
- Coptic OrthodoxyWhat makes the Coptic Orthodox religion unique compared to other Christian religions?
- Council of ChalcedonI read on http://www.pravmir.com/article_1076.html#_ftnref7, on pages 221 and 222 of The Acts of the Council of Chalcedon, Vol. 1 Liverpool University press vol.1, it is…
- Council of ChalcedonI need to know about the Chalcedon Ecumenical Council.
- Council of JerusalemMy question is about the decree of the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15. Why were these four prohibitions specifically required to be fulfilled by the Gentiles:abstaining…
- Council of NiceaI read that with regards to the Council of Nicea 325 AD "All the bishops save five declared themselves ready to subscribe to this formula, convinced that it contained the…
- CrusadesWhat is your opinion on the Crusade military campaigns? Would you agree that God condoned this war against the Muslims? I know the Coptic Orthodox Church was not a part…
- Early Church FathersHow does the Coptic Orthodox Church utilize the writings of the Early Church Fathers?
- Early Church FathersDo we accept all the teachings of the early church Fathers?
- Early Church FathersI am starting to take interest in the early Church Fathers’ books like John Climacus and the Ladder to Paradise, but I wanted to know which books does the Coptic Church…
- Ecumenical CouncilsCould you please tell me how your Coptic Church justifies being part of the WCC and of the ecumenical movement? Why should one accept the seven ecumenical councils as…
- Ecumenical CouncilsIs it true that all the Bishops (including H.H Pope Shenouda III) of the Coptic Orthodox Church meet annually is for a council? If so, what is discussed in these annual…
- Ecumenical CouncilsIf the doctrinal decisions of Ecumenical Councils are infallible, and since the Council of Chalcedon was an Ecumenical Council, how could the doctrinal decisions of the…
- EcumenismSome Eastern Orthodox material online accuses their fellow Orthodox churches, both Chalcedonian and non-Chalcedonian, of an "ecclesiological heresy" called "ecumenism"…
- Ethiopian ChurchWhat is the status of the Ethiopian Orthodox church? Is it part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church?
- Ethiopian ChurchWhy does the Coptic Church interfere in the internal affairs of the Ethiopian Church? Would it be possible for the Oriental Orthodox to hold an ecumenical synod to…
- Ethiopian ChurchIs it true that the Ethiopian church endorses more books in their Old and New Testament than the Coptic Church? If so, how can we be in communion with a church that uses…
- EvangelismI'm trying to introduce the Coptic Orthodox Christianity to my manager. He’s questioning the existence of God; because he cannot subject it to scientific reasoning. Is…
- EvangelismSince it is essential to win souls to the kingdom of God; apart from setting a good example, how can one help someone get to know God first, and then grow in the…
- EvangelismWhat are some effective ways to lead people into a closer relationship with the Lord? How were the disciples successful in their evangelism?
- EvangelismI have been blessed with opportunities to "preach the gospel" and to "reap the harvest." Right now I have been trying to persuade a former protestant, now Buddist, friend…
- EvangelismPeople who have been blessed with smooth, easy lives here on earth have a hard time desiring Heaven. They become so very much attached to this world and all that is in…
- EvangelismI am seeking your advice concerning the sensitive topic of introducing a friend to our church and its services.
- EvangelismI am in search of a church locally that is based on the teachings of the Holy Bible, as opposed to two millennia of man's subjective interpretation. I believe " All…
- EvangelismIs there some way to overcome Protestant's rejections to the sacraments of the early Church so that they can be brought into fellowship with Orthodoxy? Is there some way…
- EvangelismToday, at school, my friend asked me if I was saved. She further explained that if I weren’t, then she would be the one responsible, before God, to save me. What is she…
- EvangelismI have a friend that isn't sure about religion at all. She says that she was baptized as a catholic; however her family doesn't practice any religion at all right now.…
- EvangelismDo you think it is important to speak to our protestant friends about orthodoxy and the Sacraments or should we just concentrate on the non-believers?
- EvangelismOn talking to my non-Christian friend about religion, his argument was how can he accept a religion that does not accept him. Of course, he knows that he cannot marry a…
- EvangelismMy philosophy teacher doesn't believe in God at all. He is still young and therefore has the chance to go back and repent. Is it my duty to talk to him and try to…
- EvangelismI have a non Christian friend with whom I discuss religion. This has widened my knowledge about my faith a lot; because I had to ask and study in order to answer his…
- EvangelismThere is a woman psychiatrist at our clinic who is a non-practicing Muslim, but labels herself as Muslim. She is very nice and always comes to me and tells me how good my…
- EvangelismI've recently been reading spiritual books, besides the Holy Bible of course. The ones that have really spiked my interest and zeal for God are the books on evangelism.…
- FeminismHow does Christianity view a woman?
- FeminismHow is the Coptic Orthodox understanding of marriage similar to or different from any other religion?
- FeminismWhat is the role of women in church? Is it only to raise good children as it says in lecture 3 of the Water, Wind and Faith convention in 2001: Feminism and Christianity…
- FeminismWhy are there no female writers on feminism in the Coptic Orthodox Church?
- FeminismIs there a place for feminism in the Coptic Orthodox Church?
- FeminismIs our church a man-made construction and is it possible that it may have traditions that are socially constructed instead of divinely prescribed?
- FeminismDid God intend for women to be subordinate to men? Lecture 3 in the 2001 WWF convention implies that God is just and that man and woman are equal in the eyes of God as…
- HeresiesI recently read about some of the other "gospels" that are excluded from the New Testament. I read that the four gospels were chosen by a Catholic priest named Irenaeus…
- HeresiesWhat is heresy in a post-Ecumenical Council world? When and how do novel teachings (e.g., the Rapture, Dispensationalism, Prosperity Theology, Born-againism, Dominionism,…
- HeterodoxHere are some famous quotes from the Reformer Martin Luther: "If I had to baptize a Jew, I would take him to the bridge of the Elbe, hang a stone around his neck and push…
- HistoryCould Your Grace help me find some sources about the overall history of the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testament.
- InfallibilityHow can you ever know for certain the truth from the false if you accept no infallible authority?
- Malankara Indian ChurchCould Your Grace please inform me about the Indian Orthodox Church?
- Malankara Indian ChurchSo is the Mar Thoma Church and the Malankara Church the same?
- Monastic CallHow would a person know that he has been called to monastic life? Is it a feeling they have; or is it a direct calling from a member of the church clergy?
- Monastic CallHow do I choose, and where do I start the right path for my life? I am wavering between monasticism, marriage or celibacy?
- Monastic CallI am doing an automotive program starting the fall. Thank God my parents are at peace with it now and I can move on without any regrets or guilt. My monastic desires are…
- Monastic OrdersIf our mission here is to evangelize and spread the good news of the Gospel to the people, do monastic orders then seem futile? Most of the monks and nuns would make…
- Monastic OrdersI know that monasteries and convents now require that anyone who is seeking monasticism has to have completed a university degree. I am wondering if there is a maximum…
- Monastic TraditionIn the monastic tradition of the Egyptian Church, are young, recently tonsured monks called "father" or only priests, or old experienced monks? I am a Byzantine Catholic…
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeI am seventeen years old, I sometimes feel as if I am called to become a nun, because I believe monastic life might be an answer to living a life fully dedicated to God.…
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeI have been contemplating monastic life. My mother is totally against it arguing that I could serve God more and better in the world bringing the lost sheep back to our…
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeWhat is monastic life like? Who qualifies for it? What does it take to make a good monk? At the moment I am divided between marriage life and monastic life. Could you…
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeI am considering monasticism. I have noticed that when I stay in a monastery or during a retreat I am able to subdue my passions through prayer and fasting. When I am…
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeWhy does a monk seclude his life from the world when he can use the love and passion he has for God to preach to others?
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeI am 19 years old and I have a desire for monasticism. It is to the point that I bought a kolonsowa [cowl] and galabia [monastic black robe] from Egypt and I wear them in…
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeI have been thinking about monasticism for a while. I am 30 years old and currently working on completing my bachelor degree. I am also thinking to continue for a…
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeWhen I was a young man I was in a relationship and fell to the lusts of the flesh. This relationship ended and I turned back to the Lord Christ. I have repented and…
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeCan a non-Coptic Orthodox enter a Coptic monastery? For example, can an Ethiopian Orthodox or Eritrean Orthodox Christian enter a Coptic monastery?
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeTo be a nun or a monk, must you have never had intercourse or any of that stuff right? Can a person still become a nun if they had gotten raped?
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeI was wondering if a person could become a monk if he follows the guidelines and completes the vows in a good manner?
- Monasticism/Monastic LifeIs having a steady prayer life a requirement to be considered for ordination as a monk? I am totally fine with following up with my prayer life and canons with my Father…
- MonophysitismI heard a Greek orthodox priest saying that the Coptic Church is monophysite and heretic. What does Your Grace think about this?
- Motivational SpeakerRecently I have heard a lot of Eckhart Tolle and his writing about "practicing the power of now;" I would like to know Your Grace's opinion about Eckhart Tolle and his…
- Mysteries of the ChurchAre all the seven sacraments equal or not? Is the marriage sacrament equal to The Communion sacrament?
- Mysteries of the ChurchCan a Protestant who has converted to Greek Orthodox through the Sacrament of Chrismation (without being re-baptized); participate in the Sacraments of the Coptic…
- NamesWhat is the meaning of the word "Mina"?
- Orders of the ChurchDoes Oriental Orthodoxy agree with Byzantine Orthodoxy that only Orders (Priesthood, Deaconate etc.) administered by Bishops are true Orders?
- Oriental Orthodox ChurchesCould you please give me a brief account on the Oriental Orthodox Churches?
- Oriental Orthodox Churches: Relationship Btwn. EO and OO ChurchesMy question is what exactly the status of the relationship between the Oriental and the Eastern Orthodox Churches is. Are we close to full communion or is it a while off?
- Oriental Orthodox Churches: Relationship Btwn. EO and OO ChurchesI know that we are not in communion, but what is the view of the Coptic Church to the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Oriental Orthodox Churches: Relationship Btwn. EO and OO ChurchesAre the Coptic Orthodox in communion with the Eastern Orthodox? If not, what are the reasons?
- Orthodox ChurchWhat are the differences between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church? I know there isn't much of a difference, but what was the political aspect…
- Orthodox ChurchWhat are the primary theological differences between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Churches under the Ecumenical Patriarch? Are these two groups currently…
- Orthodox ChurchThere are two Indian Orthodox parties. One that is loyal to the Syrian Patriarch whom we commemorate in Liturgy and the other to a Catholics. Both sides claim legitimacy;…
- Orthodox ChurchRegarding our Sister Churches: Indian: ' What is the name of their Pope? Armenian: ' What is the name of their Pope?
- Orthodox Church: Attending Different ChurchesI am a Coptic convert in a Protestant household. My family is considering moving to another state where there is only one Coptic Orthodox Church. If we end up moving and…
- Orthodox DifferencesIs the Coptic Orthodox Church in communion with the Greek and Russian Orthodox Church? If not, what are their differences?
- Orthodox DifferencesIf someone from the Greek Orthodox Church is in a critical health condition and needs holy Communion but cannot be reached by a Greek Orthodox priest, will he be able to…
- Orthodox DisagreementWhen two groups of Orthodox disagree, who can settle their dispute?
- Orthodox UnityWhat are the reasons that the oriental Orthodox Churches are not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox Churches?
- Orthodox UnityI have recently been researching the differences between the Greek and Coptic Orthodox Churches. I was on the suscopts Q&A page under Monophysitism and I was reading the…
- Orthodox UnityBoth the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches have essentially established that there is no theological separation (secondary to Chalcedon) of the churches in our…
- PopeWhen was Pope Kyrillos VI recognized as a saint?
- PopeWhat is the difference between Pope and Patriarch? Why does our Church have a pope and other churches (especially Orthodox Churches) only have Patriarchs?
- PopeWhy does the Coptic Church need a Pope? The Scripture does not say that there needs to be an establishment for a pope, bishops, or even priests.
- PopeCan you elaborate on some of the elements prior to and during the enthronement of a pope including (but not limited to) singing "O Monogenis" and locking the church doors…
- Pope: Election ProcessWhat is the main significance in the process of the election of the Pope of Alexandria?
- Pope: PapacyHow do you view Papacy and Catholics?
- ReformersDo you think the protestant reformers could have fit into the old wine skins of the Orthodox Church when they were new wine? Orthodoxy would burst.
- Relationship with Church PriestMy church purchased a new center to have Sunday Liturgies attended by a small number of people. Some of the deacons of this church decided to get together after the mass…
- Resource / Information DissimilationWhy is there no Coptic Orthodox Church website to organize what seems to be unorganized? Why is there no one source for all Coptic Christians to come to for information?…
- See of ConstantinopleWhat exactly is a "See" and why was there only four primary "Sees"? When did the "See" of Constantinople join the four primary "Sees"?
- Servant LeaderI have a problem with the leader of a specific service in the churches in a particular state and so do a lot of us; Every time we are engaged in the service, she does…
- ServiceHow do we commit ourselves to serving the Lord?
- ServiceOften times we commit to serving at church but lose motivation very soon in spite of our love for God and His house. What is the solution?
- ServiceMy friend and I have been successfully serving together in church for the last three years. Unfortunately, my friend is moving to another city to work there. Why did God…
- ServiceI work and study and also serve at Sunday school. I feel it is too much for me. Should I withdraw from church service until I finish my school?
- ServiceHow can the current Servants encourage the younger generation to serve and be more active doing so?
- ServiceI would like to know new ways to reach out the children who do not come regularly to Sunday School.
- ServiceI have a girl in my Sunday School class who suffers from her father’s overprotection and strictness. Also she is kind of lonely since not many girls talk to her, what…
- ServiceOne of my Sunday School students is showing behavioral problems manifested in lack of interest in, and concentration on the lesson as well as in distracting the others in…
- ServiceI have heard some unpleasant talk about the behavior of a person I know and care for. How do you manage to hear people's problems without letting them affect your…
- ServiceI am having a very difficult time in serving at church. I'm involved in too many things and I'm feeling swamped. There are only a few things that I'm genuinely committed…
- ServiceHow do I inspire my fellow servants and children? We lack unity what can I do?
- ServiceHow do we get realistic in our church serving? I do not feel we are in touch with our students’ inner psychological world of worries about school, studying, and so on.…
- ServiceWith a Sunday School class of twenty ninth grade students and four teachers, do you think is it better to split that class into half with two teachers in each class, or…
- ServiceI have been a Sunday School teacher for eight years, and my students although good and attentive, yet do not smile nor express happy emotions. Is this just a personality…
- ServiceMany of the servants who serve with me at church and who are good friends of mine go to parties, drink, and may have girl friends. I am deeply concerned about them. How…
- ServiceI teach 6th and 7th Grade Sunday School boys. Whenever I tell them to read the Holy Bible, they complain that it is boring, they do not understand it nor do they have…
- ServiceWhat does your grace think of yelling as a means of capturing attention and obtaining quietude within my Sunday School class of 6th and 7th graders? I do that out of love…
- ServiceIf, as a Sunday School servant, I am not being a good role model for the kids, and if in my private life I am also not being too careful about my spiritual life, will I…
- ServiceOur young active priest has been moved to another church for more than eight months. As a result, division among the youth took place and they lost interest in attending…
- ServiceHow does one deal with distracting children during the Sunday School Classes? Can the servants use the time-out? Is it accepted to dismiss the child at least once? What…
- ServiceWhat are the guidelines for new young servants to follow in preparing Sunday School lessons? Should all the servants serving the same class prepare the lesson regardless…
- ServiceI have been moved in the Sunday School service from the 2nd grade class to the middle school girls class; and I need advice on some issues in this service. Do I have to…
- ServiceI wonder what to refer to God with: "God", "Jesus", or the "Holy Spirit"? Also, I expect my Sunday school students (pre k-k) to use the name "Jesus" in their answers.…
- ServiceWhat does (el Eftekad – Spiritual Visitation) mean in Arabic & English, because I do not think it is just visiting?
- Service911 EMERGENCY CALL: Our youth need immediate help. Not all priests are blessed with the gift of communication with youth, and consequently, the youth seek entertainment…
- ServiceIs it bad for a servant to take a break from his service and everyone around him to calm his stress down?
- ServiceI am a servant at our church. I love it so much and serving there is a blessing for me. Lately, some fellow servants have been acting very rude with me and have been…
- ServiceHow does one win others to Christ? I have many kids in my High School Sunday School class who I worry about. I try to bring them closer to God but I feel many times like…
- ServiceThe high school group at my church is not very interested in hymns and deaconship. I've tried to encourage them to attend hymns classes, Tasbeha, or even just to come…
- ServiceThis year our church ordained our Service Coordinator as a priest and made me the coordinator. Now I serve Saturday and Sunday of every week and I have so much more…
- ServiceWhy do I sometimes feel I can be more effective spending time with people who are troubled and lonely and confused instead of trying to make money? I mean people who…
- SubmissionOur church female saints all have a common denominator of virtues. Meekness, humility, silence and submission are glamorized. A prime example is our Holy Virgin Mother,…
- TeachingIs it alright if I read books by non-orthodox authors? I think there are many TV evangelists today that the Coptic Orthodox Church needs to be aware of in order to warn…
- Theological DialoguesWhat is the whole point of all the different denominations of Christianity? Also why can't we all just partake of the Holy Eucharist at the Eastern Orthodox Churches?
- Theological DialoguesThe Greek Orthodox accuses us of not believing that the Lord Jesus Christ is Human and Divine at the same time. They think we follow Arius and are therefore considered…
- Theological SeminaryI'm a high school student, and ever since the announcement of the seminary in Texas was released, it is all I think about. I know that one must have a bachelor's degree…
- Theological SeminaryI have spent time at St. Mary and St. Moses Abbey in Texas. I think I would like to pursue some sort of degree or career in Theology and study at a Seminary. I know that…
- TithesCan I help one of my relatives within the tithes?
- TithesMy husband is currently between jobs. The church is asking every member to increase their monthly donations to help with upcoming church expansion. When my husband…
- TithesI recently heard a priest mention that tithe (10% as a minimum, of course) given from my salary is supposed to be from the gross salary (before tax) not from my net…
- TithesWhat does the Orthodox Church teach about tithing?
- TitlesI have always wondered why we call our Bishops and the Pope "Sayedna." which means "Master." The Holy Bible teaches that we are to have only one Lord and Master; that is…
- TraditionHow do you convince a non-denominational person of the importance of tradition along with the Holy Bible? The Holy Book of Romans 10:9 is the verse used against the…
- TraditionWhy do people kiss the priest's hand?
- Tradition" Beware lest any one cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according…
- TraditionMust all the teachings and writings of the early Church Fathers and of all the Saints be indiscriminately believed in and accepted as Holy Tradition? Do all saints…
- TraditionWhat is the relationship between bells and the church? When and where did the tradition begin? Should bells ring in every church?
- TraditionI have been asking this question for a while and I have gotten mixed answers. My question is: Why are beards not allowed to the orders of laity and only allowed to…
- TraditionAlmost all Coptic Orthodox Church religions take their shoes off when they enter the church. Why is that?
- TraditionWhat are the traditions in making wine for church, or is there no traditional way?
- TraditionWhy does the priest splash water on the people at the end of the service? Where is that from?
- TraditionFather, I have asked questions in the past and you have always replied with answers that have been helpful and I appreciate it so much. I am hoping you can shed some…
- Women/Women in the ChurchWhy are women not permitted to recite any of the Readings in the church?
- Women/Women in the ChurchAre there any reasons given in the Holy Bible (or anywhere else) as to why we do not mention women names in biblical genealogy?
- Women/Women in the Church"What reasons did St. Paul give in justifying why women should not teach or to have authority over a man?" In answering this question, I have a problem applying St.…
- Women/Women in the ChurchCould you please explain St. Paul’s verse, " Let a woman learn in silence " (1 Tim 2:11-15). Secondly, what happens to women who can't bear children, are virgins, or…
- Women/Women in the ChurchI want to know what makes a woman in God's eyes. "charm is deceitful and beauty passing, but the woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" is my favorite verse,…
- Women/Women in the ChurchI would like to hear your views related to the issue "letting women to share in the readings during Apocalypse night (Revelation)." I have been in different States in US…
- Women/Women in the ChurchWhy do we not allow women priests in our church?
- Women/Women in the ChurchWhy are women portrayed as inferior in both the Bible and the church?
- Women/Women in the ChurchWhat is the meaning of the verse " Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive as the law also says "…
- Women/Women in the ChurchSt. Paul did not permit for women to teach in the church. What does this mean? Not to teach in the Liturgy only or in the church at all? Teach only in Sunday School? Do…
- Women/Women in the ChurchA Protestant guy told me that the Holy Bible said that women should not speak in church. I told him that it was written at a time when that was fitting. Is that right?
- Women/Women in the ChurchWhy are women's roles in the church limited (can't be a deacon, priest, read the Gospel during the Divine Liturgy, etc.)?
- Women/Women in the ChurchWhat are your thoughts concerning these quotes, because this is pretty shocking to me? Woman is a temple built over a sewer. – Tertullian, “the father of Latin…
- Women/Women in the ChurchI am a Coptic woman. I feel very strong about women's rights. I think women are able to do as much as men. I understand that God created men and women with different…
- Women/Women in the ChurchI'm an American Protestant. While having a discussion with some Muslims from Saudi Arabia, the topic of women covering their hair was brought up. I was unsure whether on…
- Women/Women in the ChurchWhy do we practice the churching of women? Why do we still practice this? Has not our Lord cleansed us from all defilement? Why must we wait a certain amount of time so…
- Women/Women in the ChurchWhy was Christ incarnated as a man and not a woman? What makes it significant is that Christ was a man and not a woman? Some say that God is biased against women in this…
- World Council of ChurchesSome Orthodox websites claim that the core of the problem lies with the WCC constitution that contradicts the Ecclesiology of the Church. Is it true that once you become…
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.