St Mark Sermons

The teaching explores the identity and legacy of the Coptic people through stories of martyrs, saints, and ordinary believers who remained faithful to Christ despite persecution, suffering, and hardship. It reminds us that Coptic Christians are ordinary people called to do extraordinary things through faith, prayer, and perseverance, keeping Christ at the centre of their lives and holding firmly t...

Fr Anthony Messeh continues the 'Habits That B.L.E.S.S.' series, exploring how fellowship can be as simple as sharing meals with one another as a practical way to build relationships and share the love of Christ.

In this sermon, Fr Arseny reminds us that when the 29th of the Coptic month falls on a Sunday, between 7 April and 7 January, the Church commemorates the Annunciation, Nativity and Resurrection. These commemorations reflect the nine months Christ was formed in St Mary and remind us that Christ must also be formed within us through faith, repentance and obedience. Our spiritual journey begins quiet...

Fr Simon explores the spiritual significance of the annunciation, reflecting on how this bright news arrived during a particularly dark time for Israel. By looking back at historical and socio-political challenges, he connects those struggles to our modern lives, encouraging us to look past worldly distractions. The talk serves as a reminder to invite Christ as our true source of light, helping us...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines chapters 15 and 16 of 1st Kings, focusing on the complex histories of Israel’s northern and southern kingdoms. He explains the division of the kingdom after Solomon and introduces key kings such as Abijam, Asa, Jeroboam, Baasha, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab, highlighting their reigns, sins, and the consequences they faced. Fr. Matthias discusses the signi...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of 1st Kings chapters 13 and 14, focusing on the reigns of Jeroboam and Rehoboam. He examines the division of the Israelite kingdom following Solomon’s sin and death, highlighting Jeroboam’s establishment of idol worship with golden calves and unauthorized priests, which led to sin and eventual exile of the northern kingdom. Fr. Ma...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study in 1 Kings chapters 9 and 10, exploring Solomon’s interactions with Hiram, king of Tyre, and the divine appearance affirming the temple’s dedication. Fr. Matthias explains God’s covenant with Solomon regarding faithfulness and the consequences of idolatry, drawing parallels to human struggles with sin and temptation. He discusses the significance of th...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the dedication of Solomon’s Temple as described in 1 Kings 8:12-66. He recounts the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the Holy of Holies, highlighting God’s visible presence through the Shekinah cloud and the significance of the temple as a consecrated dwelling place for God among His people. Fr. Matthias reflects on Solomon’s prayer, emphasizing God’s promise t...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1st Kings 7:1-8:11, focusing on the furnishings of Solomon's temple and the significance of its construction. He discusses the timeline of building the temple and Solomon’s palace, emphasizing the prioritization of God’s house. Fr. Matthias explains the layout and purpose of Solomon’s various buildings, including the House of the Forest of Lebanon...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of 1st Kings, focusing on chapters 5 and 6, which describe King Solomon’s preparation and construction of the temple in Jerusalem. He explains the political alliance between Solomon and Hiram, king of Ty, highlighting the cooperation in acquiring cedar and cypress wood for building the temple. Fr. Matthias explores the significance of David’s inability to bu...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1st Kings chapters 3 and 4, focusing on the early reign and wisdom of King Solomon. Fr. Matthias outlines Solomon’s political alliances, including his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter, and discusses the compromises Solomon made despite his devotion to God. He explains the significance of Solomon’s request for wisdom to govern Israel justly, highlight...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1st Kings chapters 11 and 12, focusing on the death of King Solomon and the split of the kingdom of Israel. Fr. Matthias traces Solomon’s rise to power, his wisdom, and wealth, then examines his downfall through idolatry influenced by his foreign wives, which led to God’s anger and the eventual division of the kingdom. He highlights the internal da...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1st Kings chapters 1 and 2, focusing on the anointing of Solomon as king and the death of King David. He explains the political tensions during the transition of power, highlighting Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne and King Solomon’s rightful succession. Fr. Matthias elaborates on the significance of key figures such as Nathan the prophet, Bathsheba, and Joab, an...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Talents from the Gospel of Matthew, explaining its significance as a teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven. He unpacks how the master entrusts his servants with talents (money) according to their abilities and the varied responses they have—two servants invest and multiply their talents, while one hides his out of fear and laziness. Fr. Matthias discu...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1st Kings chapters 1 and 2, focusing on the anointing of Solomon as king and the death of King David. He explains the political tensions during the transition of power, highlighting Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne and King Solomon’s rightful succession. Fr. Matthias elaborates on the significance of key figures such as Nathan the prophet, Bathsheba, and Joab, an...

This sermon explores both St Mary and Father Bishoy Kamel's obedience to their unexpected calling and shows the importance of making major life decisions through prayer, and surrendering to God's will.

The Feast of the Annunciation reminds us of the humility, obedience, and faith of the Virgin Mary as she accepted God’s will with the words, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Through her faithful response, we celebrate the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation and the mystery of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What happens when God invites us into something new, but we are still attached to what is familiar? In this message, Fr. Michael Sorial reflects on the invitation from Christ to be with Him in His Father's house as His bride.

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his study on Philippians 4 by exploring St. Paul’s message about the mindset believers should have, especially during suffering. Drawing from St. Paul’s imprisonment, Fr. Matthias explains how joy stems not from worldly success but from a deep relationship with God and faith in His presence. He highlights the call to stand fast in the Lord as citizens of heaven living...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the themes of joy and perseverance in Saint Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual training through consistent practice of faith rather than seeking new teachings. Fr. Matthias explains Paul’s warning against Judaizers who insisted on physical circumcision, contrasting it with the true righteousness...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Philippians chapter 2, highlighting Saint Paul's call for unity, humility, and self-sacrifice modeled after Christ. He explains how true comfort comes from Christ alone, not from worldly circumstances or others, emphasizing the importance of relying on God amid trials. Fr. Matthias discusses the role of love, fellowship, and mutual care within the Christian community,...

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Philippians 1, highlighting the historical and spiritual context of the church in Philippi. He explains how Saint Paul’s imprisonment in Rome influenced this epistle, written to encourage joy and faith amidst suffering. Fr. Matthias traces Paul’s relationship with the Philippians, drawing from the book of Acts to show the establishment of the first...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores common questions about alleged contradictions and discrepancies in the Holy Scriptures, focusing on how to approach and understand these challenges. He discusses the importance of context, background Christian beliefs, and the variety of literary genres present in the Bible such as poetry, prophecy, and parables, which affect interpretation. Fr. Matthias addresses exam...

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores two major schools of biblical interpretation: the School of Antioch, which emphasizes a literal and historical understanding of scripture, and the School of Alexandria, to which the Coptic Church belongs, known for its allegorical and symbolic readings. He explains how biblical events, such as the brazen serpent, Jonah in the fish, the Passover unleavened bread, and fi...

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his series on the Holy Scriptures by exploring the challenges and importance of biblical interpretation. He discusses how misunderstandings arise when Scripture is read without the guidance of Holy Tradition, noting the diversity of interpretations since the Protestant Reformation. Fr. Matthias explains the Orthodox approach to reading Scripture in the context of the...