St Mark Sermons

What makes or breaks a life is NOT the events that happen to us, but rather how we choose to respond to the events that happen to us! All of us are living in the same world // All of us deal with people // All of us have various tribulations // All of us have weaknesses. Yet some of us are joyful and living life to the fullest while some of us are miserable. What are the lies that we so readily believe and what is the TRUTH?

What makes someone the greatest person who ever lived? It's not miracles, accomplishments, or recognition. According to Christ himself, it was John the Baptist, a man with no recorded miracles, whose entire life did one thing: point to Jesus. As we begin a new Coptic year, this sermon asks a beautifully uncomfortable question: who is the main character of your story? This sermon explores: Why Christ called John the Baptist the greatest born among women, despite having no recorded miracles The temptation to make ourselves the center of our own story and how it echoes the fall of Satan How the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist both modeled radical self-emptying before God What it means to have "the mind of Christ" and to see others through his eyes The beautiful symbolism of Coptic iconography, where every saint's face resembles the face of Christ How spending time with Christ transforms us the way a fragrance lingers after an embrace

Have you ever considered that in the parable of the pearl of great price, the merchant might not be you, but Christ himself? The Syrian Church Fathers saw it from this stunning angle: Christ is the merchant who sold everything, who "did not cling to his glory," to purchase the Church as His special treasure. This sermon explores: The Syrian Fathers' reading of Matthew 13:45, where Christ is the merchant seeking the pearl How God called His people "a special treasure" from as early as Exodus 19:5 The connection between God's covenant calling and our response of obedience St. Paul and St. Peter reaffirming that we are God's "special" and "peculiar" people The martyrdom of St. Gordius and his words, "Let me substitute earth with heaven" How the Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) invites us to see our true value as purchased by Christ

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

A Common Theme Among The Saints - The Greatest Virtue

Fr Michael Sorial gives a powerful sermon on the meaning of the Coptic New Year and what it takes to have a spiritually successful year in our Lord Jesus Christ, by making a transformation of your old heart into the Heart of our Lord.

Join Fr Anthony in Part 3 of 'Not Even a Hint' as he explains that the battle against lust and impurity requires us to make steady progress toward Christ by identifying triggers, while also being grounded in God's grace

Fr Paul Baky teaches us that the Coptic New Year is meaningful only when it brings a new heart and genuine change through repentance.

In the first Sunday of the Coptic New Year, Fr Lazarus Yassa teaches us that God calls us to respond immediately to His warnings and blessings, leave behind sin, and begin a renewed life with Christ.

Fr Anthony Mourad teaches us to begin the Coptic New Year by renewing our faithfulness to God, following the example of the martyrs and saints who trusted His promises.

Fr Anthony Mourad teaches us to begin the Coptic New Year by renewing our faithfulness to God, following the example of the martyrs and saints who trusted His promises.

In this talk, Fr. Simon reflects on the significance of new beginnings as we enter the Coptic New Year. He shares how we can dedicate the start of our days, weeks, and seasons to God, moving beyond just going through the motions. By focusing on intentional prayer, maintaining integrity in our studies and careers, and nurturing our relationships and families with a Christ-centered approach, we can build a stronger foundation for the future and truly reap the blessings of a faithful life.

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on 2 Timothy 3:7, exploring why people are “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He examines different types of learning that fall short of true spiritual understanding, such as focusing solely on worldly wisdom, reading scripture without faith or application, and being distracted by life’s cares. Fr. Matthias discusses the consequences of pursuing worldly wisdom, including grief, despair, vanity, and ultimately destruction. Drawing from biblical books like Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, he highlights how worldly success fails to satisfy the soul or provide lasting joy. He emphasizes the need to choose between serving God or Mammon, warning that divided priorities lead away from eternal truths. Through scripture and practical reflections, Fr. Matthias encourages believers to seek heavenly wisdom, maintain spiritual focus amidst worldly distractions, and live a disciplined life centered on God’s purpose.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores St. Paul's message to Timothy about the last days, focusing on the phrase "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." He examines how increasing knowledge, especially worldly or superficial, does not necessarily lead to true understanding or closeness to God. Fr. Matthias discusses different types of learning that fail to bring one to truth, such as learning without faith, application, or experience. He highlights barriers to knowing the truth, including pride, laziness, ignorance, unrepentant sin, and being distracted by worldly cares. These obstacles prevent believers from experiencing a genuine relationship with God. Emphasizing repentance, faith, and sincere pursuit of God, Fr. Matthias encourages listeners to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly success and to seek contentment through God’s presence rather than material gain.

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the nature of knowledge and its role in coming to the truth. He begins by examining why worldly knowledge, despite its usefulness, does not lead to the ultimate truth about God or eternal life, as it is limited to the physical world. Fr. Matthias also discusses the pitfalls of studying the Bible purely as literature or history without recognizing it as the inspired Word of God meant for transformation and instruction in righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving and benefitting from the Gospel, explaining that evidence differs from absolute proof and that spiritual truths often require experiential trust. Fr. Matthias highlights the necessity of applying what we learn through faith, illustrating how knowledge without obedience does not lead to salvation or a true relationship with God. This session outlines four types of learning that fail to bring one to the knowledge of truth and sets the stage for further discussion on obstacles to spiritual understanding

Fr. Matthias explores the meaning of “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord” from Psalm 112 through the lens of early Church scholar Tertullian. He highlights key aspects of the fear of God, including devout church attendance, modesty in appearance and behavior, and the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the necessity of gathering with the Church for spiritual growth, participation in the sacraments, and mutual encouragement. He explains how modesty reflects the reverence due to God’s house and why unity among believers strengthens the Church’s mission. Using biblical references and practical examples, he challenges listeners to approach the Church with humility, seriousness, and a spirit of cooperation, recognizing it as the Ark of salvation. This teaching addresses spiritual discipline, community life, and the proper attitude toward worship, authority, and fellowship in the Orthodox Christian faith

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his series on "Blessed Is the Man Who Fears the Lord," exploring the meaning of fear of God as seriousness, diligence, and persistent spiritual effort. He discusses the importance of consistency in faith, comparing the spiritual life to a marathon requiring ongoing dedication rather than short bursts of zeal. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of safeguarding communion by defending the Orthodox faith and highlights good works as a reflection of genuine obedience to God’s commandments. He also addresses submission to authority within the Church, emphasizing obedience even when it challenges personal understanding, and shares stories from early monastic tradition to illustrate the spiritual fruit of humility and submission. The talk encourages believers to persevere in faith with intentionality, acknowledging the support of church authority as part of fearing God. This teaching offers guidance on living a disciplined, faithful Christian life grounded in reverence and obedience.

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a new series exploring the meaning of the fear of the Lord. He clarifies that fearing God is not about terror but reverence, respect, and a relationship rooted in love. Drawing on the teachings of early Church scholar Tertullian, Fr. Matthias outlines characteristics of fearing God, such as seriousness, diligence, self-examination, repentance, and carefulness in daily life. He emphasizes the importance of living intentionally in faith—through consistent Bible reading, prayer, and aligning one’s life with God’s standards. Using examples from Scripture, including King David and King Saul, Fr. Matthias illustrates how true seriousness in faith involves recognizing sin, responding with repentance, and striving for growth. This teaching highlights how fear of the Lord leads to communion with God and a purposeful spiritual life.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between joy and sorrow in the Christian life, focusing on five types of sorrow that lead to true joy. He explains how moments of labor and struggle produce lasting joy, much like childbirth and hard work. Fr. Matthias discusses godly sorrow that brings repentance, highlighting its role in spiritual growth and salvation. He also addresses the sorrow involved in sharing others’ burdens, encouraging compassionate response to those who suffer. Fr. Matthias reflects on sorrow for those not yet in Christ, emphasizing the call to evangelize with love and urgency. Lastly, he explains how chastisement, though painful, yields peace and righteousness through God’s training. By understanding these sorrows as part of God’s plan, believers are called to seek joy through prayer and faith, trusting that God transforms sorrow into hope and fruitfulness. This teaching offers guidance on facing trials with a heart oriented toward spiritual growth and redemption

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Christ’s promise of preparing mansions in heaven for believers, explaining that these heavenly dwellings were established from the foundation of the world as part of God’s plan for salvation. He highlights how Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection opened the way to the Father, emphasizing Jesus as the only path to eternal life. Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of Christ’s second coming and the reunion with God, where believers will dwell in His presence without distraction. He also addresses common questions about heaven, illustrating that each believer’s eternal “mansion” reflects their spiritual journey and relationship with God. The talk draws on Scripture and early Christian writings to show that our faithfulness and service to Christ determine our place in the Father’s house. Fr. Matthias invites viewers to seek truth and life through Christ, who is the way to the kingdom prepared for us.

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of Christ as the light shining in the darkness, drawing from John 12:46. He explains how humanity often lives in spiritual blindness, unable to recognize its own darkness until illuminated by Christ’s light. Fr. Matthias discusses the spiritual realities revealed through faith, the importance of understanding God’s commandments, and finding joy in our identity as children of God. He emphasizes the role of sacraments, Scripture, and prayer in receiving this divine light, which transforms our self-awareness and strengthens our love for others. Fr. Matthias also highlights our calling to share this light with the world by living as examples of Christ’s salvation. The message concludes with a call to choose the light over darkness, trusting God’s power to renew and guide us through life’s challenges

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the distinction between natural water and the living water offered by Christ in his sermon on the story of the Samaritan woman. He explains how natural water temporarily satisfies physical thirst, while living water satisfies spiritual thirst eternally. Drawing on Scripture from Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Gospels, Fr. Matthias highlights humanity’s often unrecognized spiritual thirst and the emptiness found in worldly pursuits like wealth and pleasure. He emphasizes that Christ alone provides this living water that transforms believers inwardly, granting lasting joy and peace beyond external circumstances. Fr. Matthias also discusses how receiving this living water enables Christians to become sources of spiritual refreshment for others, fulfilling the call to share God’s grace through evangelism. The sermon calls listeners to recognize their thirst, seek Christ as the source of true satisfaction, and embody His love for those around them

Fr. Matthias explores the nature of eternal life, beginning with the story of St. Thomas’ doubt and ultimate belief in the resurrection of Christ. He emphasizes that eternal life means knowing God intimately, not just intellectually, and experiencing His presence now and forever. Fr. Matthias discusses the eternal blessings of joy, peace, and the sharing of God's glory, highlighting the promise of resurrection and the defeat of death. He explains how eternal life includes a spiritual resurrection experienced in baptism and a future physical resurrection, transforming death into a passage toward new life with God. Fr. Matthias also addresses the abundant life believers can have on earth, rooted in faith and purpose despite suffering. Finally, he urges believers to share the message of salvation, describing evangelism as part of living eternal life by bringing others to faith and reaping the harvest prepared by God

Tune in as Evan continues the series 'Unburdened' as he delves into the many ways we can be be present for our loved ones when they are in need.

Tune in as Mina introduces the new series 'Unburdened' by shedding light on some of the burdens that we may be facing; in hope that we can acknowledge and try to navigate our way through it.

Tune in as Maggie helps us navigate the waiting period and how we can learn to be more reliant on Him during this time.

Fr Yacoub reflects on John the Baptist as a role model for the church. His willingness to point others to Christ show that true service comes from devotion to God rather than worldly position or recognition.

As the new Coptic year begins, Fr Lazarus Yassa teaches us to take repentance seriously and to see each day as an opportunity for a new beginning.

Join Fr Anthony Messeh as he unpacks Romans 5, explaining that faith brings peace with God, and contrasting how Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death while Christ’s obedience brings grace, righteousness, reconciliation, and life.

In this reflective talk, Fr. Simon guides the congregation through a spiritual examination at the end of the Coptic year. He uses the gospel accounts of the end times to encourage viewers to look inward, urging them to shift their focus away from earthly attachments and material worries. By addressing common struggles like pride, doubt, and the pressure of worldly expectations, he offers a path to prepare our hearts for a deeper, more humble relationship with Christ.

This sermon delivered by Fr. Simon that explores the essential concept of marital unity. He draws on scriptural teachings to remind couples that their homes are like small churches, where love, honor, and mutual submission are vital for a healthy foundation. He emphasizes that rather than pointing fingers at a spouse's shortcomings, individuals should focus on their own faithfulness to God. It is a thoughtful reflection on building a peaceful and godly home.

God has prepared a banquet and extends His invitation to everyone. Yet, each of us must choose whether to accept His call. Today, let us reflect on God’s gracious invitation and what it means to come to His table with faith and a willing heart. Tune in!

True repentance is more than saying, “I’m sorry.” It is a sincere turning away from sin and a turning back to God. True confession is more than admitting our mistakes, it is humbling ourselves, acknowledging our sins, and seeking God’s forgiveness. Today, let us examine what it truly means to repent, confess, and be restored by God. Tune in!

Before every major decision, we should pray and seek God’s direction. And when the road leads us through suffering, we must remember that God can use even our trials for His purpose and our blessing. The same God who guides our decisions is faithful to sustain us in our struggles. Today, let us learn to pray before we choose and trust God while we suffer.

Tune in to Fr Anthony Messeh as he unpacks Romans 4, focusing on righteousness through faith rather than works, using Abraham as an example of faith and trust in God.

Christ's Framework For The End Times & Staying Alert

Life is filled with temptation, suffering and uncertainty, but God has not left us to face these struggles alone. In this sermon, we are reminded that God is sovereign, the Holy Spirit lives within us, and prayer gives us strength when life becomes difficult. Our responsibility is not to entertain or fight with sin, but to run from it through repentance, confession and trust in God. When we remain close to Him, He guides us, strengthens us and helps us endure to the end.

St Mary is understood as the living city in whom God chose to dwell, and in the same way we must aim for Christ to live in us too. We therefore must ask ourselves: Am I becoming like St Mary - a city of God? Tune in to this beautiful talk by Fr David Hanna as he talks about 4 characteristics of a city of God we must emulate.

"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32) What does it mean to leave all? To rise up? To follow Him? We see each disciple leave their old way of life to follow the Lord Christ, but what can I leave behind? Tune in to this talk by Fr David Hanna as he guides us through a reflection of how we can transform our lives into one that follows Him with greater intention.

Where do I find the Truth? What does it mean to scrutinise my thoughts? How do I receive Truth once I find it? Tune in to this talk by Fr David Hanna as he delves into this Sunday's passage: Mark 13:5-23.

Tune in to Fr Anthony Messeh as he unpacks Romans 3, which covers St. Paul’s teaching that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and cannot rely on status or heritage for justification.

Join Fr Anthony Messeh as he unpacks Romans 2, emphasizing that God shows no partiality, He judges the heart and deeds of every person, and calls all people to repentance and faithful obedience.

Welcome to SMS at SMSK! Join us as we finish off our series: The Final Kingdom. This week, Fr. John talks about how the Kingdom grows to last forever! Join us every Sunday at 11:30 AM at St. Moses and St. Katherine Coptic Orthodox Church in downtown Toronto. Come, sit with us! www.smsk.ca

This Bible study introduces Romans 1 and explores its central message of the gospel and salvation for all people. Fr Anthony Messeh focuses on St. Paul’s calling to preach to all nations and the need for unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians through their shared faith in Jesus Christ.

The Living Word Bible Study goes through Chapter 5 of First Timothy with Andrew Gabriel, exploring St. Paul’s teaching on caring for widows, honoring and supporting church elders, and living responsibly within the life of the Church. The study emphasizes prayer, faithful service, obedience, care for family, avoiding gossip and idleness, and relying on Christ for strength in serving others.

This Sunday homily reflects on the final Sunday of the Coptic year and Christ’s warnings about the end, applying the signs of wars, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes to the spiritual life. It calls believers to become peacemakers, nourish themselves with the Word of God, guard against the spread of sin, and live in the peace of Christ so they are ready to meet Him.

This Sunday homily reflects on Christ’s warning to “take heed that no one deceives you,” especially as the Coptic year draws to a close and the Church turns attention toward the end of life and judgment. It explains how deception grows through lack of knowledge of God, forgetfulness of His presence and goodness, disordered desires, and pride, calling believers to know Christ personally, remember Him continually, love the truth, and repent honestly.

This Sunday homily explains how a Christian household can become united as the family of Christ by being built on Christ as its foundation and supported by four essential pillars: repentance, humility, love, and wisdom. It emphasizes personal change, self-emptying, unconditional love, and looking to Christ, Scripture, and the Church as the common source of truth within the home.

This Sunday homily connects the Feast of the Transfiguration with the calling of Matthew the tax collector, showing that Christ’s glory is offered even to those deeply caught in sin. Through hearing Christ’s call, leaving behind what causes sin, rising in repentance, taking up the cross, and following Him, a person can be transformed into His likeness and become a witness who draws others toward Him.

This Sunday homily reflects on the parable of the vineyard and Isaiah’s six “woes” as a call to examine how faithfully we are stewarding the life and gifts God has given us. It warns against the love of money, fleshly desires, persistent sin, redefining good and evil, self-reliance, and misusing our talents, while urging repentance, humility, and faithful service to God.