Fasting is an essential aspect of practicing the Orthodox life. We cannot be Orthodox, and not fast. Fasting is the first commandment known to mankind, for God commanded Adam and Eve to eat from all the trees, except from one tree not to eat from its fruits. Fasting in Our Coptic Orthodox Church is to fast from Midnight to Sunset, and excluding the consumption of any animal products. The main fasting is the Great Lent, and than the Church added: Advent fast, Apostle's fast, St. Mary's fast, three days of…

The church commemorates the assumption of St. Mary's body into heaven through St. Mary's fast, celebrated every year August 7-21. The early Church Fathers had no problem referring to St. Mary as the Mother of God. They saw it as a natural consequence of the Incarnation. 1) St Irenaeus said, "The virgin Mary, being obedient to His word, received from an angel the glad tidings that she would bear God." (Against Heresies 5:19:1 [A.D. 189]) 2) St. Peter of Alexandria said, "They came to the church of the most blessed…

A. AnnunciationThe announcement by the archangel, Gabriel to St. Mary of the conception and birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ (Lk 1:28-35) B. BishopOriginally this was a general term for a church leader (an overseer). St. Paul said to St. Tulius, "A Bishop must be a kind, honorable person." (1 Ti 3:1-7) C. ChristOur Lord Jesus Christ (anointed one) the title of promised savior. (Mk 1:14-15) D. DemonAn evil spirit or the devil, and described throughout scripture as, "unclean" they are shuddered at the name of God (Luke 9:42) E.…

In our Coptic Orthodox Church, we observe fasting periods according to the Coptic calendar. There are eight fasts in the Coptic Orthodox Church: 1. The Fast of the Advent2. The Fast of Ninevah3. The Fast of Great Lent4. The Fast of Holy Week5. The Fast of the Apostles6. The Fast of St. Mary7. Wednesday and Friday Fasts8. The Paramon Fasts Let us discuss the Fast of the Advent since that is the one we are currently fasting.The Fast of the Advent lasts 43 days, beginning November 25 and ending January…