St Mark Sermons

In Luke Chapter 9 during the feeding of the five thousand, we see Jesus intentionally led His disciples to a quiet place to rest before continuing their ministry. Fr Abraham emphasises the biblical rhythm of the Sabbath, encouraging us to make weekly time for stillness and renewal, finding true rest in Christ rather than living in constant busyness.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of spiritual exile by comparing Christians’ experience on earth to the Israelites’ exile in Babylon, focusing on maintaining faith and identity in a hostile environment. Drawing on the story of Daniel, he discusses how steadfast purpose, refusal to make excuses, sincere prayer, acknowledgment of sin, and continual engagement with Scripture help believers remain connected to God despite external pressures. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of communal responsibility, humility, and hope in God’s faithfulness and redemption. He highlights the distinction between physical and spiritual exile, encouraging viewers to focus on spiritual growth and obedience to God’s law even when worldly laws challenge faith. This teaching addresses dealing with persecution, sin, and maintaining spiritual integrity in a secular world.

Fr. Matthias explores the concept of spiritual exile by drawing parallels with biblical figures like Daniel, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and St. John the Beloved, all of whom experienced physical exile yet remained faithful to God. He emphasizes how believers today live in a form of spiritual exile, surrounded by worldly values opposed to God’s laws. Fr. Matthias highlights how these faithful servants were not abandoned by God but were granted unique blessings and strength to endure their trials. He challenges listeners to consider their “native country” as heaven and reflects on the spiritual blindness caused by sin that makes earthly life seem normal, even though it is a place of exile. The talk calls Christians to evaluate their priorities, faithfulness, and desire for heaven, urging a transformation that aligns with God’s kingdom. Fr. Matthias sets the stage for further discussion on maintaining connection with God while living in exile.

In this sermon, Fr. Daniel reflects on Christ's call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, reminding us that true discipleship begins with placing our love for God above every other attachment. When Christ becomes first in our lives, every relationship and priority finds its proper place, leading us to live with greater faithfulness, purpose, and eternal hope.

In the Lord's encounter with the Rich Young Ruler, He describes the one thing lacking. Here Fr. David describes the three main steps in receiving the Kingdom, which includes the loving (but not so viral) challenge of our Lord.

Fr Lazarus Yassa reflects on the feeding of the five thousand, showing that Christ's blessings come to those who seek Him in truth and surrender everything into His hands. We are encouraged to trust God's wisdom rather than our own solutions, living lives of repentance and wholehearted faith.

In this sermon, Fr. Daniel reflects on the example of St. Mary, reminding us that true worship is revealed not only in our words but in the way we live. Through humility, compassion, and selfless service, we are called to bear Christ's joy, peace, and mercy to those around us, becoming living witnesses of God's grace in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

In this sermon, Fr. Daniel reflects on the profound mystery of the Nativity, reminding us that God desires to make the human heart His dwelling place. Just as Egypt became a place of refuge for the Holy Family, we are called to welcome Christ with the obedience of St. Joseph and allow His presence to transform our lives into a lasting home for Him.

In this sermon, Fr. Daniel reflects on Christ's call to seek the food that endures to eternal life rather than becoming consumed with the temporary things of this world. He reminds us to make God the center of our lives, investing our hearts in what nourishes the soul and leads us into everlasting communion with Him.

In Part 2 of Samson: The Man Who Could Have Been, Fr. Elijah explores the question: What rules you? Samson possessed extraordinary strength, but he lacked the self-mastery to govern his desires, appetites, anger, and impulses. As Judges 14 unfolds, we see his gradual descent into compromise: he goes down to Timnah, pursues what is pleasing in his own eyes, enters environments inconsistent with his consecration, turns aside toward the dead lion, and eventually makes light of his own sin. Through the image of the wild horse, the lion within, and Samson’s repeated pattern of “I see, I want, I take,” this talk challenges us to reconsider what true strength and freedom really mean. Freedom is not doing whatever we want. Freedom is reaching the place where what we want no longer controls us. True strength is found in surrendering ourselves to Christ and allowing Him to rule our hearts.

Before Jesus fed the five thousand, He did something unexpected. He took His disciples away to a deserted place. In this sermon, Fr. Elijah explores why solitude with Christ is not optional but essential. In a world filled with endless notifications, distractions, and noise, many of us have lost the ability to be still before God. The result is restless hearts, distracted prayer, careless words, gossip, and spiritual exhaustion. Drawing from the Gospel, the Catholic Epistle, and the Pauline Epistle, this message shows that the greatest miracles often begin in the quiet places where God finally has our attention. “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place… and rest a while.”

What does it truly mean to be blessed by God? In this powerful sermon, Fr. Paul Girguis explores the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand through a different lens, not the miracle itself, but the blessing that came before it. Throughout Scripture, God consistently blesses what is willingly surrendered into His hands. Five loaves and two fish become a feast for thousands. A widow's last handful of flour never runs dry. Abraham receives Isaac back through faith. Even life's disappointments can become hidden blessings in God's providence. This message reminds us that God's blessing is not found in what we possess, but in what we entrust to Him. Whether it is our finances, talents, relationships, or future, what is surrendered to Christ is transformed for His glory. "Blessing comes through faith. Blessing comes through surrender."

God wants our hearts. He desires us and desires to be with us. It's up to us then whether we turn to Him or not.

What does Christ mean when He tells His disciples to become like little children? Fr Sam helps enlighten us with this passage of the Gospel, teaching us the meaning of Christs timeless words.

This sermon reflects on the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish—the only miracle, apart from the Resurrection, recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its profound significance. It reminds us that Christian faith and social justice are inseparable, calling us to look beyond our own needs and care for others with love, dignity and compassion. The miracle also reveals the power of blessing: when we offer the little we have to God, He can multiply it for the good of many. As followers of Christ, we are called to be active participants in God's Kingdom by generously sharing not only our finances, but also our time, gifts and kindness, always seeking to love our neighbours as ourselves.

Reflecting on the feeding of the multitude, Fr Paul Baky highlights how God's kingdom is marked by order rather than chaos. The miracle demonstrates that God works systematically, calling us to embrace organisation and discipline in both our spiritual lives and daily responsibilities, trusting that order creates space for His blessings.

Kicking off the Wonder Women series, Fr Anthony Messeh takes us through the character of Eve as the original model of biblical womanhood, challenging common misconceptions about the Bible's view of women. Men and women were created with equal dignity and purpose as God's image-bearers, uniquely designed to complement one another and reveal God's glory together!

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of teamwork within marriage, emphasizing the biblical concept of unity where two become one flesh. He discusses the importance of cooperation not just for practical efficiency but as a shared spiritual journey aligned with God’s will. Fr. Matthias highlights key principles such as overcoming excessive individualism, sharing responsibilities with different assignments, and complementing rather than competing with one another. He stresses that Christian marriage should be rooted in shared values and mutual love inspired by Christ, who is the head of the relationship. The talk also addresses the dynamics of leadership and submission, encouraging mutual respect and sacrificial love within the marital union. Fr. Matthias clarifies the roles of husband and wife, pointing out that talents and responsibilities may differ but are equally valuable. This discussion guides couples to deepen their teamwork through love, respect, and shared commitment to God’s mission for their marriage.

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the message of humility and childlikeness in Christ’s teaching about entering the kingdom of heaven. He explains the difference between striving to be the best versus doing one’s best for God’s glory and addresses the hidden dangers of comparison and pride. Fr. Matthias highlights the qualities of children—innocence, trust, dependence, simplicity, and receptiveness to guidance—as essential traits for spiritual life. He emphasizes the call for continual conversion and transformation toward humility and self-denial. Fr. Matthias also discusses the importance of receiving and protecting children, stressing that welcoming a child is like welcoming Christ. He warns against causing children to stumble and stresses parental responsibility to shield them from harmful influences and to model repentance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for embracing humility to become great in God’s kingdom.

In Matthew 18 we see Jesus placing a child in the midst of His disciples as an example of humility and the calling to become saints. Fr Abraham highlights that Jesus places us within the life of the Church, and invites us into discipleship that help us grow in faith.

The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand emphasizes that those who faithfully follow Christ can trust Him to provide for their needs. Fr Yacoub encourages us to recognize God’s ongoing work in our own lives through His unexpected blessings.

Just days before Feast Of Nativity, Fr David Ramzy contemplates on the birth of John the Baptist and asks a simple question: who do you belong to? On the eighth day, John was dedicated to God and given his name, and Abouna David shows how the same is true for us through baptism. From there it gets practical: the pressures we face from family, friends, and work to compromise who we are, told through biblical stories and real-life ones. It all ends with a clever illustration about a bottle of water that you won't forget.

During the 2nd Sunday of Abib, the Coptic Orthodox Church reads Matthew 18. What if growing up means we need to unlearn our maturity? Click on the following to listen to Fr. Michael Sorial's message as he speaks on how we must be child-like as Christ instructed us to be.

In relationships there are many topics and discussions that come up. Sometimes these are hard and we need to know how to navigate them together as a couple

Tune in with Fr. Arsenius as he reflects on the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, reminding us that thanksgiving transforms our lives and opens our hearts to God's abundant blessings.

Tune in with Fr. Arsenius as he reflects on Christ the Bread of Life and the gift of the Holy Eucharist, calling us to receive this gift with reverence.

In this sermon, Fr. Daniel reflects on Christ's words in Matthew 6:19–33, reminding us that true fasting is not only from food but also from fear, worry, and anxiety. As we begin Great Lent, we are called to place our trust in God's loving providence, seek first His Kingdom, and find the peace that comes from relying on Him rather than the cares of this world.

In this sermon, Fr. David reflects on the Feast of the Lord's Entry into the Temple, reminding us that Christ came not only to enter the temple in Jerusalem but to make the temple of our hearts His dwelling place. As we open our lives to Him with faith and repentance, He comes to dwell within us, transforming us by His presence and grace.

In this sermon, Fr. Daniel reflects on the healing of the man born blind, reminding us that true spiritual sight comes from recognizing Christ and remaining faithful to Him. Like the man who boldly confessed Jesus despite opposition, we are called not to deny our faith in Christ, but to stand firm in the truth, trusting Him in every circumstance.

Fr. Anthony Mourad teaches that reflecting on the end times is a call to remain spiritually watchful and focused on Christ with joy rather than fear

Fr. Anthony Mourad teaches that true Christian friendship is defined by a deep commitment to bringing others into the presence of Christ to help facilitate their eternal salvation

Reflection on the calling of St. Peter from Luke 5 illustrates how God often removes our material reliances and personal successes so that we learn to depend entirely on Him and step into a greater divine purpose

Fr. Anthony Mourad explains through Biblical examples and everyday analogies that God allows short-term suffering to build our faith and lead us toward the glory of the Resurrection

Tune in to Fr Augustine as he explains how Christians must guard their spiritual lives by drawing close to God, rejecting stubbornness through repentance, and fixing their eyes on Christ. True victory is not winning a worldly trophy, but persevering in faith to receive the eternal crown of salvation!

In this final part of his Evangelism 101 series, Fr. Matthias Shehad focuses on the specific challenges and cultural differences faced by the Coptic Church in the West, particularly in American society. He discusses the importance of both active and passive evangelism, emphasizing the need for the church to be welcoming and accessible to newcomers who may have little understanding of Orthodox traditions. Fr. Matthias addresses real-life issues such as relationships, marriage, divorce, abuse, sexuality, and the struggles with faith in a highly individualistic and rationalistic culture. He highlights the significance of the church as a healing community and the need for balance between upholding biblical truth and showing compassion. Additionally, Fr. Matthias explores how Western cultural mindsets like hyperrationalism, postmodern relativism, and democratic values contrast with Orthodox Christianity’s teachings and communal nature, encouraging believers to embrace transformation through faith.

Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the parable of the prodigal son to address the challenge of letting go of past sins, mistakes, and burdens that affect our spiritual growth and daily life. He explores the difference between sin, poor choices, and misfortune, demonstrating how these experiences can weigh heavily on a person’s present and future. Fr. Matthias emphasizes repentance as an action, urging believers to confess, forgive themselves, and embrace God's mercy to heal and move forward. He highlights the importance of spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit and learning from past errors to avoid repeating them. Drawing from Scripture and examples like St. Paul and St. Augustine, Fr. Matthias encourages focusing on hope and God’s plan ahead while leaving behind the guilt of the past. This sermon is part one of a series that continues with coping with misfortunes beyond our control.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Epistle to Philemon, one of St. Paul’s prison letters, offering detailed commentary on its themes and historical context. He explains how St. Paul, writing from prison, appeals to Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a Christian and now serves alongside Paul. Fr. Matthias highlights the spiritual transformation that abolishes social distinctions, emphasizing Christian brotherhood over slavery. The talk addresses the cultural and legal realities of the time, St. Paul's pastoral wisdom in his appeal, and the significance of voluntary forgiveness. It also reflects on the use of gifts in the church community, the role of intercession, and how God can bring good even from difficult situations. This comprehensive study sheds light on forgiveness, Christian service, and the enduring impact of faith in challenging circumstances.

In this fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring Hebrews chapter 4, focusing on the theme of Christ’s superiority and the promise of entering His rest. He explains how Christ surpasses key Old Testament figures such as prophets, angels, Moses, and Joshua, and introduces the concept of the spiritual Promised Land as a symbol of heaven. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of faith and obedience in entering God's rest, contrasting it with the disobedience and unbelief of the Israelites who perished in the wilderness. He addresses the false doctrine of irresistible grace by emphasizing human responsibility in responding to God’s salvation. The talk highlights the role of Christ as the great High Priest who sympathizes with human weaknesses and opens the way to eternal rest. Practical spiritual disciplines like prayer, confession, and diligence are explained as essential efforts to maintain faith and avoid falling short. Fr. Matthias concludes by urging believers to embrace the promise God prepared from the foundation of the world and to be attentive and faithful in their spiritual journey

In this episode of Evangelism 101, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi (Matthew the Evangelist) and the essential qualities of evangelism in the Church. He highlights how Levi’s immediate response to Christ’s invitation to “follow me” and his willingness to leave behind his old life demonstrate the true spirit of an evangelist. Fr. Matthias discusses the challenges of sharing faith, including the necessity of prioritizing others' salvation over personal comfort, the importance of loving and respecting people, and the patience required in nurturing faith. Fr. Matthias also addresses the mindset differences between Pharisees and Christ’s approach to sinners, emphasizing that evangelism involves inviting others to “come and see” rather than judging them. He shares practical habits crucial for effective evangelism such as believing in Orthodoxy’s truth, understanding human nature, clear communication, humility, and joyful living. This teaching encourages believers to embody these principles as they share the message of hope and salvation.

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Christian command to love our enemies by examining the mission and challenges faced by the 70 apostles. He explains that loving enemies is not about emotions but about intentional actions such as doing good, blessing those who mistreat us, and praying for their transformation. Fr. Matthias highlights that forgiveness and refusal of retaliation require humility and trust in God's justice, not personal vengeance. He describes how prayer changes both hearts—ours and others’—and encourages viewing enemies as wounded souls in need of healing. Drawing on scripture examples like Christ’s sacrifice and the perseverance of St. Paul, he emphasizes that loving enemies is possible only through divine grace, and it opens the path for spiritual growth and bringing others to salvation.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores why Christians are called to love their enemies, a command often seen as challenging and counterintuitive. He explains that loving enemies sets Christians apart from the world, demonstrating a higher standard of love that reflects God's character. Fr. Matthias highlights that enemies can reveal hidden flaws like pride and impatience, prompting self-examination and spiritual growth. He emphasizes that loving enemies makes believers more like Christ, who forgave even in His greatest suffering. This love requires the presence of the Holy Spirit and a proactive spiritual life, not just reactionary prayer. Fr. Matthias also discusses the freedom and peace that come from forgiving and loving those who have wronged us, preserving the purity of heart necessary for true worship. This teaching encourages believers to overcome hatred with love, as a witness to the transformative power of Christianity.

Tune in to Fr Timothy as he unpacks Christ’s invitation in Matthew 11 to find true rest—not through escaping life's pressures, but through a deeper relationship with Him. Lasting peace comes by drawing near to Christ, embracing His yoke instead of the world's burdens, and discovering the interior peace given through the Holy Spirit rather than relying on temporary external solutions!

Tune in to Fr Timothy as he unpacks Christ’s invitation in Matthew 11 to find true rest—not through escaping life's pressures, but through a deeper relationship with Him. Lasting peace comes by drawing near to Christ, embracing His yoke instead of the world's burdens, and discovering the interior peace given through the Holy Spirit rather than relying on temporary external solutions!

What does it truly mean to be an Apostolic Church? On the Feast of the Holy Apostles, we reflect on the sacred mission entrusted to every Christian. Christ gave the faith, the Apostles preached it, the Fathers preserved it, and now that same treasure has been placed into our hands. Drawing from Luke 10, Numbers 11, Exodus 24, and the wisdom of the Church Fathers, this sermon explores: The mission of the Seventy Apostles Why every Christian is "sent before His face" The importance of Apostolic Tradition The Church as a life-saving station for a drowning world Our responsibility to hand the faith on to the next generation The greatest question is not simply, "What have I received from the Church?" but "Who might receive Christ because of me?" May the faith that has been faithfully handed down for two thousand years never end with us.

Samson was chosen by God, set apart from birth, and given everything he needed to fulfill a powerful calling. Yet his life became one of the Bible’s greatest examples of what could have been. In Part 1 of our new series, Samson: The Man Who Could Have Been, we look at Judges 13 and the call to consecration. Samson was not primarily called to be strong. He was called to be set apart. His strength was his gift. His consecration was his calling. And the same question comes to each of us: What could we become if we fully surrendered our lives to God? Consecration is not simply about rules or restrictions. It is about belonging. Through Baptism and Chrismation, we have been set apart for Christ. The question is no longer, “How much can I get away with?” but, “Who could I become if I gave myself completely to God?” Don’t become the person who could have been. Become the person God has already set you apart to be.

When we preach the Gospel we have to ensure that we are always putting the needs of others before ours. In doing this we will be not only fulfilled, but will have truly lived the Christian message.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Apostles. May their blessings always be with us, Amen!

Love thy enemies. This command from Christ to us seems radical, however it is only one among a plethora of other commandments our Lord gives to us to ultimately become like Him. This isn't radical Christianity, it's purely what's necessary for every single one of us to become true Christians.

Love thy enemies. This command from Christ to us seems radical, however it is only one among a plethora of other commandments our Lord gives to us to ultimately become like Him. This isn't radical Christianity, it's purely what's necessary for every single one of us to become true Christians.

When we preach the Gospel we have to ensure that we are always putting the needs of others before ours. In doing this we will be not only fulfilled, but will have truly lived the Christian message.