St Mark Sermons

This sermon, delivered on the feast day of Saint Athanasius, explores his legacy through three themes. First, Athanasius the defender of the faith: he accompanied Pope Alexander to the Council of Nicaea, where he opposed Arius's heresy that Christ was a created being rather than co-eternal with the Father, and was exiled five times for upholding this doctrine — illustrating that precision in faith...

This sermon reflects on the life of Saint Demiana, a Coptic martyr, exploring her consecration to serve God, her father's denial of the faith, and her own martyrdom. Fr Pishoy emphasizes that "martyria" means both witness and martyrdom, urging us that true Christian witness today is less about literal death and more about living out one's faith authentically and lovingly before a watching world.

Fr Lazarus Yassa explains that baptism, confession, communion, and obedience are actually expressions of love flowing from God’s forgiveness. Through the example of repentance from the sinful woman, Fr Lazarus emphasizes that we are to taking sin seriously, receiving guidance through confession, and being ready for Christ’s return.

This sermon based on the gospel of the woman who washed Christ’s feet with her tears, reminds us that while touching what is unclean once meant becoming unclean, Christ’s touch makes the unclean clean. We should never let feelings of unworthiness keep us from Him; when we return to the Lord in repentance, prayer, receiving His Holy Mysteries, serving others and striving to imitate Him, we touch Ch...

Fr Timothy Fam continues 'Sacred Spaces' by moving from guarding and cleaning the inner temple to filling it with prayer, thanksgiving, and God’s presence. It emphasizes that unceasing prayer means continually returning our hearts to God, while thanksgiving trains us to recognize His grace and allows true joy to grow.

This sermon based on the gospel of the woman who washed Christ’s feet with her tears, reminds us that while touching what is unclean once meant becoming unclean, Christ’s touch makes the unclean clean. We should never let feelings of unworthiness keep us from Him; when we return to the Lord in repentance, prayer, receiving His Holy Mysteries, serving others and striving to imitate Him, we touch Ch...

What does it really mean to receive something you know you don't deserve? This sermon unpacks the difference between mercy and grace through the story of the sinful woman and Simon the Pharisee, showing how vulnerability before God opens the door to a kind of forgiveness that transforms everything. This sermon explores: - The difference between mercy (not getting what you deserve) and grace (getti...

What are you actually willing to give God, and is it costing you anything? This sermon digs into a question most of us would rather avoid: not whether we call ourselves worshipers, but whether our lives actually reflect it. "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing." This sermon explores: - Why true worship always requires sacrifice, and how that sacrifi...

What would it look like if the gospel actually made you uncomfortable? Today's reading presents two striking characters side by side: a sinful woman who was willing to humiliate herself just to get close to Jesus, and a Pharisee who thought he was doing God a favor by having Him over for dinner. The contrast challenges us to ask honestly, "Has my love for Christ grown cold?" This sermon explores:...

In times of trial, our suffering can feel overwhelming. Fr David speaks about the comfort that God provides to us through these times of trial

In times of trial, our suffering can feel overwhelming. Fr David speaks about the comfort that God provides to us through these times of trial

A reflection on seeing beyond outward appearances and learning to look at ourselves and others through the eyes of God. This sermon reminds us that God looks at the heart and calls us to grow in humility, repentance, and spiritual discernment.

Ther 4th Sunday of Tout, the Coptic Orthodox Church reads from Luke 7:36-50. Two sinners encounter Jesus, but only one recognizes how desperately she needs His mercy. Through the contrast between Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman, we discover the danger of becoming more aware of the sins of others than our own need for forgiveness. The closer we come to Christ, the more deeply we recognize H...

Are we choosing our friends carefully enough? Tune in as Monica provides insight into what makes a friendship true, healthy and Christ-centred.

To understand God, we must learn to speak His language: love and forgiveness. Fr Isaac reflects on the Christian call to forgive, reminding us that forgiveness is not weakness, but a path to healing and a deeper relationship with Christ.

This sermon explores the sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet as a picture of true repentance, showing that Christ receives us exactly as we are but does not leave us unchanged

Fr. Matthias Shehad unfolds the message in Deuteronomy chapters 27 to 30, where Moses recounts God's laws and forewarns the Israelites of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience before entering the Promised Land. He explains the significance of setting up stones inscribed with the law, symbolizing the people’s call to remember their origin and God’s provision. Fr. Matthias details the...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of Deuteronomy chapters 23-26, exploring God's laws given to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. He explains the spiritual significance behind physical commandments, such as exclusion from God’s assembly for certain individuals and purity laws related to sin and separation from God. Fr. Matthias discusses social justice teachings, including the...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Deuteronomy chapters 19 to 22, discussing the importance of cities of refuge as places where those who commit unintentional manslaughter can seek protection. He explains how God’s law emphasizes justice based on intention, the role of witnesses in legal matters, and the principle of proportionate punishment. Fr. Matthias also covers the preparation for battle, includin...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of Deuteronomy chapters 16 to 18, focusing on the observance of key Jewish feasts and the promise of a coming prophet. He explains the significance of the Passover, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing their roles in commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel and fostering communal worship in the temple. Fr. Matthias highlights th...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Deuteronomy chapters 12 to 15, focusing on the designated place of worship, proper sacrificial offerings, and the importance of obedience to God's laws. He discusses God's instructions to completely destroy pagan worship sites, emphasizing the distinct way God desires to be worshiped, contrasting with surrounding nations' customs. Fr. Matthias explains the role of the...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Deuteronomy chapters 8 to 11, focusing on God's commandments, Israel's rebellion, and the lessons learned during their 40 years of wilderness wandering. He highlights how God used trials to humble Israel, teaching reliance on Him rather than self. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of obedience, God’s promises of the promised land, and the dangers of pride—both sel...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Deuteronomy chapters 5 to 7, focusing on the Ten Commandments and the blessings tied to obedience. He explains Moses’ role in reminding the Israelites of God’s covenant before entering the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of knowing and observing God’s laws to maintain faith amid surrounding pagan nations. Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of the Ten Com...

In this Bible study on Deuteronomy chapters 2-4, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the journey of the Israelites during their 40 years in the desert. He explains Moses' recounting of God’s guidance and protection, the allocation of lands to surrounding nations, and the battles fought before entering Canaan. Fr. Matthias highlights the significance of God's commandments, the purpose of the law as protec...

Fr. Matthias Shehad introduces the Book of Deuteronomy, explaining its background, meaning, and connection to the Pentateuch. He outlines the history of the Israelites, from their time in Egypt through the Exodus and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, highlighting key events such as the sending of the 12 spies and God's promise of the Promised Land. Fr. Matthias discusses Moses’ leadership,...