St Mark Sermons

Welcome to SMS at SMSK! Join us as we start a new series: The Final Kingdom. This week we understand together who Jesus is and what Him being the Christ means to us! Join us every Sunday at 11:30AM at St. Moses and St. Katherine Coptic Orthodox Church in downtown Toronto!

The church celebrates the feast of the presentation of the Lord into the temple. It is a rare and joyful occasion because the feast falls on a Sunday this year, which changes the usual pre Lent church traditions. Father Simon explains the deeper meaning of this day, reflecting on how Christ came as a light for all people. It is a heartfelt reminder of how God reveals himself, our own flaws, and th...

In this insightful talk, Fr. Simon explores the profound concept of Christ as our deliverer, focusing on three specific areas of our lives that need His intervention. He explains how Christ frees us from the power of the evil one, helps us overcome the distraction of worthless worldly pursuits, and guides us through our own human weaknesses. Through scripture and stories of faith, he encourages us...

In this heartfelt sermon, Fr. Simon reflects on the true meaning of the Nativity, reminding us that Jesus is the reason for the season, our joy, and our entire lives. He encourages us to look beyond secular traditions and focus on the spiritual significance of the incarnation. By emphasizing repentance, communion, and dedicated service, he invites us to use our God-given talents to live with purpo...

Fr Simon during the fourth Sunday of Lent. He reflects on the story of the Samaritan woman and the encounter at the well, using it to teach about how God interacts with us. He emphasizes that God asks for things not because He needs anything, but for our own spiritual benefit and growth. The message encourages us to offer our hearts and lives to God, explaining that when we respond to His invitati...

Father Simon, reflecting on the importance of spiritual diligence during the second Sunday of Lent. He explains that we must stay alert and focused in our struggle against temptation, just as Christ did. By staying committed to prayer, scripture, and virtuous living, we can protect our souls and find true strength. It is a heartfelt reminder to keep pushing forward in our faith journey and to trea...

In this insightful talk, Fr Simon explores the deeper spiritual meaning behind the story of the prodigal son. He explains how living a life of waste and selfishness can leave us feeling empty and disconnected from our faith. Instead of focusing on material things, he encourages us to recognize the love of our heavenly father and return to his house with a humble heart. It is a heartfelt reminder o...

Fr Simon shares a thoughtful reflection on the story of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda. He explains that while the man faced thirty eight years of struggle, Christ offered him healing through three specific, powerful statements. Fr Simon encourages us to stop making excuses, take responsibility for our spiritual lives, and embrace the grace God offers. It is a heartfelt reminder that we...

This sermon features a spiritual talk by Fr. Simon during the Sunday of the Man Born Blind. He encourages us to ask the Lord to open our eyes so we can truly see and understand the weight of our sins. By exploring biblical stories like those of Adam, Eve, David, and Saul, he explains how our actions impact ourselves, those around us, and our relationship with God. The main takeaway is the need for...

In this reflection for Thomas Sunday, Fr. Simon shares a meaningful message about how we can strengthen our personal relationship with Christ. He explores this through the themes of our previous experiences with God, the importance of drawing near to Him through prayer and the sacraments, and our role in participating in His ministry by sharing the faith with others. It is a gentle reminder of how...

In this insightful presentation, Fr. Simon explores the meaningful relationship dynamics between husbands and wives by drawing lessons from the encounter between Christ and the Samaritan woman. He explains how couples often fall into negative cycles when they fail to meet each other's core needs for love and respect. By following the example of Christ, who consistently offered love regardless of t...

Fr Simon shares a meaningful message about how the resurrection changes our relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of deep knowledge and eucharistic fellowship. He uses the story of Eutychus to illustrate how the church transcends physical death and unites us with the saints. It is a thoughtful reflection on faith, spiritual life, and our eternal connection to Christ.

In this insightful homily for the fourth Sunday of Easter tide, Fr Simon explores the various ways we can see and experience God in our daily lives. He breaks this down into three main themes: the undeniable work of God through the church and sacraments, the complexity of the natural order that points to a creator, and the power of sacrificial brotherly love. It is a thoughtful reflection on how w...

Fr Arseny Aziz reflects on Christ’s warning in Mark 13 to remain watchful and not be deceived, especially as we consider the end of our earthly lives. It explores how lack of knowledge, forgetfulness, sinful desires, and pride can lead us away from the truth, calling us to remember God’s presence, love the truth, and repent with humility.

Join Fr Lazarus Yassa as he reflects on Christ’s warnings about persecution, deception, and the Second Coming, emphasizing that following Christ requires daily faithfulness, endurance, and resistance against sin.

This sermon reflects on the Creed’s declaration, “We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the coming age,” emphasizing that Christian hope is an active and vigilant expectation centered on Christ. Keeping our eyes fixed on heaven shapes how we live, leading to a clear conscience, holy diligence, faithful labor, and a life free from distractions.

Join Fr. Anthony in Part 1 of his series 'Not Even A Hint' as he explores God’s call to pursue purity without compromise, reminding us that even the smallest sins can slowly erode our spiritual lives, and that saying no to lust is ultimately saying yes to the freedom and abundant life God desires for us.

During the 4th Sunday of Misre, the Coptic Orthodox Church reads Mark 13. When everything around you looks like a defeat, how will you respond? Click on the following to listen to Fr. Michael Sorial's message on Praising God within the Darkness.

Fr Simon leads a thoughtful discussion about offering acceptable sacrifices to God. He explains that our spiritual actions, from fasting to prayer, should not be done begrudgingly or just out of routine. Instead, he highlights how true sacrifice requires a heart filled with love, sincerity, and joy. It is all about living in a way that creates a beautiful, harmonious life that praises God, turning...

In this insightful session, Fr. Simon continues the series on acceptable sacrifices by focusing on the core intentions behind our offerings to God. He explains that true sacrifice must be rooted in sincere obedience, voluntary surrender, thanksgiving, and a deep desire for redemption. By looking at biblical examples and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, he encourages us to move beyond simple outwa...

This sermon is the second part of a series about what makes a sacrifice acceptable to God. Fr Simon explores the spiritual qualities needed in the person making the sacrifice, rather than just the act itself. He talks about the importance of living a life of sincere repentance, showing mercy to others, and constantly striving to grow in goodness and faith. It is a thoughtful reflection on how our...

In this insightful talk, Fr. Simon explores the profound spiritual meaning behind an acceptable sacrifice. He explains that true sacrifice is not just about rituals, but a sincere reflection of a repentant heart and our deep appreciation for what Christ did for us. He reminds us that our offerings should be pure, intentional, and given from our best efforts, ultimately encouraging us to live in a...

Guard against the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit by not resisting the Holy Spirit, but listening to Him, not insisting on my own, but submitting and trusting in God’s will, and by persisting to do everything God wills me to do and see it as the better choice.

Tune in to Fr Augustinos as he reflects on Christ's call to "watch". We learn that spiritual sleep happens gradually when we postpone repentance, prayer, forgiveness, and surrender to God. As a new Coptic year begins, we are called to wake up today and be ready for Christ's coming rather than waiting for tomorrow

HH Pope Shenouda III’s teaching, presented by Fr. Matthias Shehad, explores the role and significance of the Holy Virgin St. Mary in the church. This first part focuses on her unique place as the bearer of God (Theotokos), the difference between veneration and worship, and how God honors her for her role in salvation history. Fr. Matthias discusses important theological distinctions, including the...