Coptic Orthodox Spiritual Library

The coptichymns.net Spiritual Library features hundreds of articles on Coptic Orthodoxy, spirituality, Coptic hymns, stories of the saints and desert fathers, and more.

 
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Practical and Mystical: Patriarch Kyrillos VI (1959-1971)

by Nelly van Doorn-Harder
When fifty years from now the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church is revisited, the figure of Patriarch Kyrillos VI, who reigned as Patriarch of the Coptic Church from 1959 to 1971, will stand out as one of its most influential reformers. He seldom...
 

A Brief Introduction to the History of Coptic Monasticism

by Paul Samaan
Monasticism flourished in the deserts of Egypt in the fourth century, and from this birthplace, spread throughout the remainder of the known world. Men and women from all backgrounds embraced lives of asceticism and prayer. In so doing, they...
 

The Feasts of the Cross

by H.H. Pope Shenouda III
The Church celebrates the feast of the Cross on the 17th of Tout, (27th or ‎‎28th of September), the day of the apparition of the Cross to the Emperor ‎Constantine, and on the 10th of Baramhat (19th of March), the day when the...
 

Did Judas Partake of Holy Communion?

by H.E. Metropolitan Pishoy
Concerning this important topic, we shall examine the events that occured in the holy gospels to demonstrate that Christ the Lord did not permit Judas, the disloyal disciple, to partake of His sacred body and blood. The Lord did not permit Judas, since...
 

A Homily on the Cross

by Bishop Augoustinos N. Kantiotes
In ancient times, before Christ came to the world, there was the cross which was used as a horrible instrument of execution.  Anyone who committed an awful crime was condemned to be crucified.  The authorities would go into the woods and cut...
 

God's Children Are Strong

by H.H. Pope Shenouda III
God's children should be strong because they were created in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26); and God is powerful. We say about Him "Holy is the Lord God Almighty"; therefore, they should be strong like Him.
 

On Lazarus and the Spikenard (John 11:1-45; 11:55-12:11)

by Father Samuel Samaan
Today, we celebrate a great event in Christianity. It is also a wonderful and glorious event in the life of every one of us. We celebrate the good deed, the magnificent and splendid action that was accomplished by the woman who poured the fragrant oil...
 

Jonah Cried out of the Depths

by Father Tadros Y. Malaty
A closer look at Jonah 2:1: "Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.”