The Word at Christ the Savior

The event of feeding the multitude with the five loaves and the two fish prefigures the act of Christ feeding humanity with Himself. We are likewise called to participate in this Eucharistic offering, to give ourselves to others in the very same manner that Christ gave Himself to the world. Just as Christ first blessed and broke the bread to be distributed, we must also be blessed and broken. Fr....

In this sermon, Fr. Joseph elaborates on what it means to have the faith of a child. To be like children means to grow in trust and simplicity. These attributes serve as the remedy for our stress and anxiety. Living a stress-free life doesn’t come from turning a blind eye to the troubles around us or pretending like they don’t exist. We often say, “Ignorance is bliss.” But a stress-free life doesn...

Christ sent His apostles to minister to the people “as lambs among wolves.” This daunting imagery tells us that ministry is a journey of complete dependence on God since we are to go out as helpless lambs. Fr. Joseph explains that this is the nature of our ministry. To go out as lambs among wolves means to reflect Christ crucified. It means to assume the position of a slaughtered lamb, to sacrific...

Fr. Anthony explains that we should be merciful toward others. We do this by: Not judging others Not condemning others Forgiving others as God forgives us Giving to those who ask while lifting them up and providing comfort Tune in to hear more.   Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Los Angeles www.thegoodsavior.org

The first line of the Didache tells us, “Two Ways there are, one of Life and one of Death, and there is a great difference between the Two Ways.” This principle echoes exactly what Christ teaches us, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” (Matt 12:30) As difficult as it is to commit to the right side, God has set before us "life and death, blessi...

Fr. Joseph explains that having the sense of urgency and fervency derives from experiencing God’s love. Urgency takes away spiritual procrastination and instead helps us actively walk in our spiritual purpose. Tune in to hear more.  Fr. Joseph Abraham – June 19, 2022 Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Los Angeles www.thegoodsavior.org Christ the Savior American Coptic Ort...

Fr. Joseph explains that life without community is basically life without love. Through the true fellowship of prayers and sacrifice for one another, we can experience the spirit of love for the world. Tune in to hear more. Fr. Joseph Abraham – June 12, 2022 Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Los Angeles www.thegoodsavior.org Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Chu...

We are commanded to be of good cheer while struggling in our tribulations. But how is it possible to do that and rejoice despite our pain and suffering? Fr. Joseph explains that the most certain path to find joy is the path of humility. When we forget about ourselves, we are then able to open our heart to god and make room to notice others who have blessings in their lives and rejoice with them. ...

In our society, truth has become relative. On the surface, it seems to be all about tolerance but that’s far from the real case. Fr. Joseph exposes the hypocrisy in our intolerant society and reminds us that we’re still obligated to fight for the truth, whether by words or silence. We must judge between what’s right or wrong without condemning anyone, and walk through life abiding by what we belie...

Following the presentation on identity, gender, and sexuality, many thoughts and questions about pastoral care for same sex attraction (SSA) increasingly reached Fr. Joseph. In these reflections, he expresses his gratitude for all the feedback and focuses on clarifying some misconceptions about SSA, especially our understanding of success in this area. He explains the ultimate goal in this specifi...

Issues of identity, gender, and sexuality are challenging us today more than ever before. The confusion from dealing with these issues is a painful weight the entire church has felt. But fortunately, these issues present us with an opportunity to articulate the theology of the orthodox faith in relation to our sexuality in this present society instead of just offering a simplistic cliché response....

Issues of identity, gender, and sexuality are challenging us today more than ever before. The confusion from dealing with these issues is a painful weight the entire church has felt. But fortunately, these issues present us with an opportunity to articulate the theology of the orthodox faith in relation to our sexuality in this present society instead of just offering a simplistic cliché response....

Issues of identity, gender, and sexuality are challenging us today more than ever before. The confusion from dealing with these issues is a painful weight the entire church has felt. But fortunately, these issues present us with an opportunity to articulate the theology of the orthodox faith in relation to our sexuality in this present society instead of just offering a simplistic cliché response....

Fr. Joseph explains that the church is the true mother of the living. And as Christ is considered the second Adam, the Church is the second Eve. The Church is so essential and yet most of us don’t appreciate how important it is for our life. The church connects us to Christ in the ultimate way through our partaking in the Bread of Life (the Eucharist). Tune in to hear how we can take the right act...

Fr. Joseph explains that many of us don’t struggle with God‘s existence, but we struggle in knowing He does exist and despite that, we continue to suffer. We start to doubt His goodness and love for us. But we must remember that God is working in our life, even when we don’t see it, and we must accept what God wills for our life and trust that He always provides good things, even in the midst of o...

On the feast of Resurrection, we have to ask ourselves what it really means to be resurrected with Christ. During the Holy 50 Days we typically relax and regress but if we understand that the resurrection is always tied to the crucifixion, then we affirm with St. Paul, “I die daily,” not just during Lent or Holy Week. Fr. Joseph explains what that really means and how we can actually experience th...

On one of the most beautiful days of the year, Good Friday, we find countless mystical paradoxes and the ultimate expression of God’s divine love in His life-giving death. Jack Ghali highlights the beauty in the sacrifice of the cross as the binding force that unites us to Him. It is His divine love that captivates us and compels us to reciprocate that love to Him as well, as St. Theophan says, “L...

Throughout Holy Week, we encounter several different themes. As the Fathers explain, “He took what is ours and gave us what is His.” This exchange is the purpose of all His work and ultimately what Christ intended to do throughout His passion as He approached the cross. Dr. John reflects on how Christ transforms our life through this mystical exchange. Tune in to hear more.  Dr. John Danial – Apri...

At the night of the last supper, Christ established the mystery of the Eucharist. This Sacrament is mystically connected to the sacrament of washing the disciples’ feet, which ultimately reflects mystery of His divine love in the cross. When we take Holy Communion we receive the mystery of that divine love. It is a grace above all grace. But for that grace to work within us, Dr. Ihab explains the...

We all know that Christ accepted and embraced everyone, especially the lost and the sinful; and we all agree that we should do the same. But do we really empower others to come to Christ just as they are? Do we embody the same love of Christ in the Church? Are our arms really open to everyone around us? Do we have reservations in accepting different people? Do we extend Christ’s loving embrace to...

Raed Zaitoon invites us to approach Holy Week through the eyes of Christ. For the sake of His love for us, Christ laid down His life on the cross; and for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the suffering. Jesus compels us to embrace the cross out of love and joy. Raed Zaitoon – April 18, 2022 Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Los Angeles www.thegoodsavior.org Ch...

Archdeacon Mark reflects on the relationship between the cross and the will of God in our daily life. The cross divides the light from the darkness, and separates truth from falsehood. We may not always understand God’s will but despite our lack of understanding, we should trust His goodness and accept every cross as a gift from His loving hands. The path of the cross is nothing more than our asse...

Fr. Joseph explains that the colt was made free when it was loosened from the ties that held it down. It willingly consented to be led by Christ. The colt resembles our will. “The Lord has need of it,” means the Lord needs the consent of our will to save us. Although God actually needs nothing, St. Augustine says, “He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.” It is the...

Metropolitan Serapion explains that Christ heals people to satisfy their needs and to prove His divinity. As in the case of the man born blind, Christ reveals Himself as the Creator. He enlightened him by giving him eyes to see and directing him to wash in the pool of Siloam, which points to the path of our enlightenment—baptism. The obedience of this man to go and wash his eyes teaches us that he...

Fr. Joseph illustrates how God helps us in many ways we don’t expect. When we face a problem in our life, we get stuck focusing on what we think the ideal solution will be. But, we need to trust and submit to God’s will for us in our struggles and ultimately in our life. Tune in to hear more. Fr. Joseph Abraham – March 3, 2022 Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church Diocese of Los Angele...