He Rose With Power – Arabic Song (Aam Web Kowah)

 

Christ is Risen!

Truly, He is Risen!

I wanted to share with you this nice song about the change and impact of our Lord’s Resurrection.  It is Arabic but I have translated it for all to benefit.

 

My Lord Jesus, from the darkness of His tomb,

Rose and His resurrection was powerful,

After the pain of His crucifixion and His tomb,

He brought joy to mankind through His resurrection.

 

He Rose with Power,  and with this He, (2)

Brought joy to mankind through His resurrection. (2)

 

Every sorrowful soul about His death,

after His resurrection became joyful,

Mariam and the disciples from His voice,

Heard His words and saw him with their eyes.

 

He Rose with Power,  and with this He drew, (2)

A smile on any frowning face. (2)

 

The darkness of the tomb did not hinder Him,

Or the binding of His clothes,

Or the soldiers guarding Him,

Or the door of the tomb and it’s seal.

 

He Rose with Power,  and over Him, (2)

Never did death have any power. (2)

 

Even my church after its weeping,

And the black covers it for a week.

Returns again and tells me the story,

After that Jesus rose from the tomb.

 

He Rose with Power,  and He wiped, (2)

From my check every tear. (2)

Coptic Ordinations November 30, 2010

On November 30, 2010, H.H. Pope Shenouda III, with the gathered Bishops ordained 8 new priests:

1. Father Antoine to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & St. Mark in Paris, France.
2. Father Youhanna (John) to serve the Church Virgin Mary & St. Mark in Paris, France.
3. Father Youssef (Joseph) to serve the Coptic Orthodox Church in Paris, France.
4. Father Mina Youssef to serve the Church of Daniel The Prophet & The Three Youth in Mississauga, Canada.
5. Father Kyrillos (Cyril) Attia to serve the Church of St. George & St. Abanoub in Mississauga, Canada.
6. Father Daniel Hanna, formerly known as Alfred Hanna of Chicago, Illinois to serve St. Maurice and St. Verena Mission Church in Toronto, Canada.
7. Father Peter Saad, formerly known as Peter Saad of Montreal, Canada to serve the St. Peter & St. Paul Mission Church in Montreal, Canada.
8. Father Michael Todary, formerly known as Michael Todary of Montreal, Canada to serve the Church of St. George & St. Joseph in Montreal, Canada.

May the Lord continue to bless His Church and increase her service. We congratulate His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on the ordinations of these new servants of Christ. We also congratulate the newly ordained fathers the priests, their families, and the congregations of these blessed churches.

Priest Ordinations Video

Ordination Liturgy Video – Part 1

Ordination Liturgy Video – Part 2

There Is One Who Loves You – Arabic Christian Song (Fee Wahed Bey Hebak)

This is a beautiful christian song! It has some deep lyrics and re-assures of things we too often forget.  Meditating on these words, we will remember all the times God has been there for us, all the times He patiently tries to have us get to know Him, and all the times we are comforted and restored whenever we turn and look to Him.  The translation goes something lie this:

 

Refrain:

There is One who loves you,

He is knocking on (the door of) your heart,

Let Him reign over your life,

And open to Him your heart.

Talk to him and you will find Him listening,

He can feel your weaknesses,

He is the Creator, your Lord,

He holds you in His heart.

 

He rejoices when you call Him,

If you read His bible,

With all your heart, pray to Him,

And throw your cares on Him.

If you feel alone,

And you’re in real pain,

Your Lord’s voice is calling,

Go and get to know Him.

 

(Refrain)

 

Our Lord’s promise is sure,

If you have a master,

He will give a new life,

And all sins he will remit.

Why are you lost and drowning;

Why do you flee His love;

Why do you drink of the world,

While you thirst for Him?

 

(Refrain)

 

Why are you doubting?

Try and give Him a chance,

Come closer the Savior,

Your wounds He will heal.

Explain to Him your circumstances,

Your fears and your failures,

In the darkness He will find you,

And carry you in His hands.

 

(Refrain)

Mosque at Ground Zero Controvesy

It seems this issue it very controversial and has attracted international attention. Muslims wish to build a 13 story Mosque and Cultural Center near Ground Zero in tribute to honor the fallen of 9-11.  Some people are raising concerns that this is not in tribute or to honor the fallen but as a symbol of Islamic supremacy and victory.  I wish to raise the issue that every American should be aware and decide for themselves.

Imam Feisal on the Cultural Center	Of Mosques and Men: Reflections on the Ground Zero Mosque
ACLU and NYCLU Support Religious Freedom and Park51	No mosque at Ground Zero

My personal opinion in one sentence: Of course Muslims have the right to build the Mosque & Cultural Center, but why not be sensitive to the victims of 9-11 and be satisfied with the mosque already built just 686 feet further.

Coptic Ordinations Pentecost 2010

On May 23, 2010, the Feast the Pentecost, H.H. Pope Shenouda III, with the gathered Metropolitans, and Bishops ordained 19 new priests:

1. Father John, formerly known as Maher Bishara of Jersey City, NJ to serve the Church of St. Anthony in South Jersey, New Jersey, USA
2. Father Isaac, formerly known as Isaac Soryal of Staten Island/Bayonne to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & St. George in Staten Island, New York, USA
3. Father David, formerly known as Ramez Milad to serve the Church of Virgin Mary in Maryland, USA
4. Father Mina to serve Virgin Mary & Archangel Michael Church in London
5. Father Basilious (Basil) as a General Priest to serve the Church of God.
6. Father Mina to serve the Coptic Church in Romania.
7. Father Maximos (Maximus) as a General Priest to serve the Church of God.
8. Father Armia (Jeremiah) to serve the Church of St. George in Sahel, Cairo, Egypt.
9. Father Mikhail (Michael) to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & Archangel Michael in El Abaseri, Egypt.
10. Father Gawargious (George) to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & Archangel Michael in El Abaseri, Egypt.
11. Father Lukas (Luke) to serve the Church of St. Luke in Masr El Adeema, Egypt.
12. Father Shenouda to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & St. Abanoub in Manshiet Nasr, Egypt.
13. Father Arsanios to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & St. Abanoub in Manshiet Nasr, Egypt.
14. Father Youhanna (John) to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & St. Abanoub in Manshiet Nasr, Egypt.
15. Father Bola (Paul) to serve the Church of St. Mina in El Abageya, Egypt.
16. Father Youssef (Joseph) to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & St. Athanasius in El Maadi, Egypt.
17. Father Estafanous to serve the Church of Virgin Mary in El Maadi, Egypt.
18. Father Bishoy to serve the Church of Virgin Mary & Abu Sefin in Ezbeet El Nakhl, Egypt.
19. Father Markos (Mark) to serve the Church of St. Mark in El Eboor, Egypt.

May the Lord continue to bless His Church and increase her service.  We congratulate His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on the ordinations of these new servants of Christ.  We also congratulate the newly ordained fathers the priests, their families, and the congregations of these blessed churches.

Priest Ordinations Video

Pentecost Liturgy Video

Don’t Give Up

Source: Anonymous

One day I decided to quit.

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. .. I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
“God”, I asked, “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”
His answer surprised me…

“Look around”, He said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”
“Yes”, I replied.
“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light.
I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.

“In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit.” He said.

“Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. ..But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”
He asked me. “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots”.

“I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you.”
“Don’t compare yourself to others.”
He said.
“The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful.”

“Your time will come”, God said to me.
“You will rise high”
“How high should I rise?”
I asked.
“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return.
“As high as it can?” I questioned.

“Yes.” He said, “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.
For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.

Don’t tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

My Child

Source: Excerpt from Paradise of the Fathers

Jesus Loves His Children

My Child,

With eternal love I have loved you, thus, I have protected you from many evil temptations that occupied you, and I had compassion upon you by My blessing and choice. I have granted you and given you wisdom, that guided you in intense situations, I took care of your matters, and granted you overwhelming happiness. I strengthened you when you were weak, and from many tribulations I have delivered you. I taught you, I have advised you, and still in front of Me, this is nothing. So do not thank Me for it, for My love demands that I do this for your sake.

You rejected me, swore at me, lied to me, thought evil against me, denied me in front of people, belittled Me in the eyes of My enemies. I was obedient in your sight, Yet you caused Me misery. You left My ways, you resisted Me, and made Me bare what I did not want from you. You made my sadness unutterable, and embarrassed Me in numerous situations. All this I will not count nor consider, for you did it out of ignorance and in unbelief.

I came down from My Kingdom taking the form of a servant, and became like man, and was found in Divinity. Like man, became hungry and could not find that which would fill me, when from Me came all the blessings. I was thirsty, and could not find the one to give Me drink, even though I created the seas. No place to lay My head, though I have created holes for foxes and the air for the birds.

I was saddened for you, and wept much for you, I suffered bitterly for your sake. And what did I get in the end? I was captured, and falsely accused, even though I committed no evil, and in My mouth no lie could be found.

They slapped Me, and with lashes torn at My body, and even My hair they grabbed with violence. They ripped My garment and mocked Me. They forced a crown of thorns on My head. They bowed to Me in mockery, they spit on My face and with a rod they hit Me on the head, till the thorns dug deep within my skull. AND ON THE WOOD OF SHAME THREW ME. They nailed My hands and My feet and lifted Me for all to see. And I was as a lamb who was slaughtered. Silent was I in front of all, and opened My mouth not as if I was cut out of the world and became like vapor. All My bones were separated. My heart became like a candle, melted among my emotions. They gave Me vinegar to drink, along with its bitter taste. They cursed Me, so I blessed them, and asked for their forgiveness and granted them mercy. All this I endured because I love you. Do you then question My love?

Come close and do not fear, give Me your heart and I will return it to you like new. Give Me your life, so that I may move you from darkness to the light and from death to life. I will make you a child of God and share My inheritance and My Kingdom with you. All this, so that your sadness may become joy, and give you hope, your worries into gains, and your fear into peace. I will put a new hymn in your mouth.

I will carry you, and in the days of hunger feed you. So do not worry or fear tonight, and you shall succeed in your path. You shall not be tormented in the process. And on your side thousands shall fall, and to your right dominions will tremble. FOR I AM WITH YOU. Therefore, I will deliver you, and carry you and bring you into My heart and I will put My left arm under your head, and My right arm will embrace you. I will guard you from him who hates good, and I will return his poison back to him and bring him under your feet. And thus, I shall conclude your life, with righteous days, blessed and joyful. And to My glory I will bring you. By My side you will find richness, and comfort and peace.

Do you still question My love?

Come now and do not reject my invitation this time, for I am waiting for you.

Your Love, Jesus.

The Martyrs of Nag Hammadi

On January 7, 2010, after Christmas Eve liturgy, eight Coptic Orthodox Christians were murdered as they exited the church in Nag Hammadi, Egypt.  Three gunmen opened fire on the parishioners as they were coming out of church; the youngest was only 17. In addition to the deaths of the eight, several others were injured and remain in critical condition. The following day brought more destruction. Numerous homes and businesses were set ablaze leaving many homeless or without a livelihood.

Sadly, this is ONLY the latest round of violence in Egypt against Christians including many incidents of looting, murder, and arson. As reported in the press, these acts, though continuous throughout history, have escalated in the recent years.

May God protect His church and His people.

Fr. Thomas Nashed’s Welcome Reception

St. George & St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church of Jersey City, NJ

extends an invitation to everyone to share in celebrating

The Reception of

Fr. Thomas Nashed

Friday, December 25, 2009 at 7:00pm in Bethany Building (861 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306)

H.G. Bishop David’s 10th Anniversary as a Bishop

This year marks the anniversary of H.G. Bishop David’s ordination as a bishop and 10 years of his blessed service here on the east coast.  His Grace Bishop David was honored at two functions, a banquet held in his honor at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Secaucus, NJ on Nov. 17, 2009 and an anniversary celebration held at St. Aedan’s Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City, NJ on Nov. 18, 2009.   Attending these events were some of our blessed hierarchs of our sister oriental orthodox churches,  distinguished political guests, clergy, and congregation.

Among those in attendance was H.E. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian of the Armenian Orthodox Church, H.E. Metropolitan Zacharias of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and Very Rev. Chorepiscopus John Meno, on behalf of H.E. Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syrian Orthodox Church.  Both nights were filled with speeches, video presentations (see below), choirs, etc… that were an attempt, but could not express our love and gratitude to our beloved Anba David.

May the Lord keep for us the life of our holy righteous father, our patriarch Pope Shenouda III, and his partner in the apostolic ministry, our father the Bishop Anba David for many years and peaceful times.  Amen. Amen. Amen.

Ordination of H.G. Bishop David

10 Years of Service

Recording of H.G. Bishop David’s 10th Anniversary Banquet

click to begin play

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