The Ancient of days/ Whom the angels praise/ today has come into Egypt/ to save us His people.

— From the doxology for the Holy Family's Flight into Egypt

Quote of the Week

"God has created all people spiritually equal."

— St. John Chrysostom

Apostles' Fast

Today we begin the Apostles' Fast, which will end on the feast of the Apostles Paul & Peter on 12 July. 

We fast for many reasons, not least of which is so that we can learn to discipline our bodies and to cultivate control over our bodily desires and passions.

The basic diet that we observe during the fast is a vegan one (no animal products), however, during this fast the Church permits seafood, except on Wednesdays on Fridays when fasting is more strict. 

It is important, however, to not only adhere to a specific diet, but to actually fast by abstaining from food or drink for a certain period of the day. It is highly recommended that each member of the Church consult with a spiritual father as to how they will observe the fast.

May God grant us a fast that will fruitfully produce saints!

For Your Edification

Human Relationships in the Light of Christ

A wonderful talk given by Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou of St. John the Baptist Monastery in Essex, UK.

Focus

This Wednesday, 3 June, is the Orthodox Young Adults day for serving meals to the homeless at God's Extended Hand. Click here for more information. All young adults are encouraged to participate.

Collection for God's Extended Hand

We are currently collecting funds for God's Extended Hand in Sunday School for badly needed repairs. This is the organization that we work with to serve meals to the homeless in downtown San Diego.

St. Athanasius & St. Cyril School of Theology Courses

Our diocese's St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Coptic Orthodox Theological School has announced it's summer session schedule for 2015.  The session will be held from 14 June to 24 July and will include both online and live instruction. The online application is here. For a list of summer courses click here.