Journey back to 3rd century Egypt with the St. Shenouda Podcast as we explore the inspiring story of Saint Demiana and her forty virgin companions. Born to a governor, Demiana, known for her beauty and good character, chose a life devoted entirely to Christ over marriage, establishing a convent with forty other virgins.

Her unyielding faith was put to the ultimate test during the Diocletian Persecution. When her father, Marcos, initially succumbed to pressure and worshipped idols, Demiana courageously confronted him, inspiring his return to Christianity and subsequent martyrdom.

Enraged, Emperor Diocletian ordered her capture and torture. Demiana and her companions faced horrific torments, yet their faith remained unshaken. Miraculously, Archangel Michael repeatedly appeared to heal her wounds, and on the final day, Christ Himself visited her, promising a heavenly crown.

Ultimately, Saint Demiana, the founder of monasticism for Coptic Orthodox nuns, along with her forty virgins and hundreds of other believers, received the crown of martyrdom. Her body, found unharmed by Empress Helena, was buried with honour in the place where her monastery stands today. Join us to hear this powerful testament to courage, faith, and the eternal reward of devotion.

Commemorated on January 21 (Tobi 13) for her martyrdom, and May 20 (Bashans 12) for the consecration of her church.

Join St Shenouda Podcast for a profound journey into the life of Saint Mary of Egypt, a revered figure known for her extraordinary transformation from sin to sainthood.

Born in Egypt, Mary fled to Alexandria at the age of twelve and lived an extremely dissolute life for seventeen years, driven by an insatiable and irrepressible passion rather than for money. Her life took a pivotal turn when she travelled to Jerusalem, seeking more opportunities for pleasure during the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, an invisible force barred her entry, despite the doors being wide open to others. This profound rebuff led to a deep shame and realization of her impurity. Overcome with remorse, she prostrated herself before an icon of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, begging for forgiveness and vowing to live in complete obedience to God, renouncing the world and its temptations. Upon this sincere repentance, she was instantly granted entry to venerate the Holy Cross.

Guided by the Theotokos, Mary then crossed the River Jordan and embarked on a solitary life of asceticism in the desert. For forty-seven years, she wrestled painfully with temptations and past desires, suffering from harsh conditions, yet sustained by divine providence and the grace of God. She received spiritual knowledge directly from the Mother of God, never having read holy texts or attended church for decades.

Her sanctity was revealed when the wise monk, Father Zosimas, seeking spiritual guidance, encountered her in the desolate Trans-Jordan desert. Astonished by her spiritual insight, Mary knew his name, his priestly rank, and even his monastery's customs, despite never having met him before. Their encounters highlight a powerful reversal: the venerable priest becoming a disciple to the penitent sinner. She famously walked on water to receive Holy Communion from him on Holy Thursday, declaring, "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace".

St. Mary of Egypt died shortly after receiving communion, her body later found by Zosimas and miraculously buried with the assistance of a lion. Her story, initially preserved through oral tradition, was later written down by Sophronius of Jerusalem and continues to be a powerful testament to the transformative power of repentance and divine grace.

The Church commemorates Saint Mary of Egypt on April 1st and the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, holding her up as an enduring example of radical change possible through God's love and forgiveness. Her life reminds us that God "receives those who repent" and offers a path to reconnection with our Creator.

Tune in to learn how her life serves as a model of deep humility, total honesty, and courageous surrender to God's will, inspiring us all to draw closer to Him, especially during the Lenten season.

Join us on the St. Shenouda Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary life of Saint Marina the Monk, a Christian saint whose story transcends time and gender. Born in present-day Lebanon in the 5th century, Marina made a radical decision to follow her devout father into monastic life, disguising herself as a man and taking on the name Marinos.

Discover how Marinos, known for his humility, dedication, and asceticism, lived for years in the Monastery of Qannoubine, expertly concealing her true identity. Her quiet life was dramatically interrupted when she was falsely accused of fathering a child with an innkeeper's daughter. Instead of defending herself, Marina humbly accepted the severe punishment of expulsion and went on to raise the child as her own, enduring years of shame and hardship outside the monastery gates.

Her unwavering faith and profound humility shine through her silent suffering. It was only after her death, when her body was being prepared for burial, that the astonished monks discovered she was, in fact, a woman. This revelation brought widespread repentance from those who had wronged her and led to her veneration across various churches, including the Eastern Orthodox and Coptic Orthodox Churches, where her un-decomposed body is believed to be kept.

Tune in to explore the powerful lessons of Saint Marina's life: her radical obedience, her acceptance of unjust suffering, and how her hidden sanctity continues to inspire believers seeking true worth in God's sight, not the world's. A true "martyr of silence", Saint Marina's story is a testament to divine justice and the profound grace found in humility and self-sacrifice. Don't miss this insightful episode!

Welcome back to St Shenouda Podcast!

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Prince Theodore El Shatebi, also known as St. Theodore of Shotep, a revered figure in Christian history. His story is a powerful testament to faith and courage during the first few centuries of Christianity, a time when martyrdom was a grim reality for those who confessed their belief in Jesus Christ. Egypt, in particular, produced more martyrs than any other country.

Born in 281 A.D. in Achaea, a port city on the Black Sea, Prince Theodore later resided in Herculea, Asia Minor. His father, John, was a Christian Egyptian from Shateb in Upper Egypt and a soldier in the Roman army. John married Oussawaia, the daughter of a pagan prince. Despite Oussawaia's attempts to draw him into idol worship and her constant belittling, John maintained his strong faith in Jesus and prayed for divine guidance. He eventually left his pagan wife and returned to Egypt after an angel appeared to him in a vision, assuring him that Theodore would become a great Christian.

Theodore grew up distressed by his father's departure due to his faith. At a young age, he boldly confronted his mother's idolatry, declaring the weakness of her idol compared to his father's God, and then broke the idol, from which a bad spirit emerged and vanished. At the age of fifteen, Prince Theodore was baptized by a priest named Oliganos, becoming filled with the Holy Spirit. His bravery and skill in battles quickly made him famous, leading Emperor Diocletian to appoint him commander over five hundred knights, bestowing upon him the title "Prince Theodore The Esphehlar" (Brave Commander).

One remarkable instance of his faith involved a fierce battle in the desert where his soldiers faced death from thirst. Theodore's earnest prayer for water resulted in a strong wind and heavy rain, leading all his soldiers to kneel before him and be baptized in Jesus' name.

Later, an angel instructed Theodore to visit his father in Egypt, leading to an emotional reunion in Shateb. Five days after their meeting, his father passed away, and Theodore buried him, expressing his own wish to be buried beside him, anticipating his future martyrdom. Upon his departure from Egypt, the Egyptians erected a pillar on the Nile's bank with his picture, symbolising their deep affection for him.

Ultimately, the emperor ordered him beheaded and his body burned. In his final prayer, Prince Theodore asked the Lord to accept his spirit and protect his body from fire, so that all might know the true God. Miraculously, the Lord Himself appeared to Theodore in a cloud, promising him the crown of martyrdom and assuring him that his body would not burn, and that miracles and wonders would be performed through his blessed body and the mentioning of his name. After his martyrdom, his mother, Oussawaia (or a Christian woman said to be his mother), carried his body to Egypt and buried it beside his father's grave in Shateb.

Today, the sources affirm that miracles continue to happen through the intercession of this great saint, underscoring his enduring legacy of faith and divine favour.

Join us next time on St Shenouda Podcast as we explore more lives of saints!

St. Epime: The Unwavering Faith of a Chief, Blessed by Christ and Vindicated by Miracles

Host: Welcome, faithful listeners, to the St. Shenouda Podcast, where we delve into the inspiring lives of the saints of our beloved Coptic Orthodox Church. Today, we invite you to journey with us into the profound and miraculous life of a great martyr, commemorated on the 8th of Abib: St. Epime, also known as Pimanon or Bima, the esteemed chief of the village of Pancoleus in the district of El-Bahnasa.

Podcast Description:

Join us for a powerful episode recounting the extraordinary life and martyrdom of St. Epime, a man renowned for his wealth, mercy to the poor, and unwavering faith. This episode will illuminate the incredible journey of a saint chosen by God Himself:

A Divine Calling: Discover how the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to St. Epime in a vision, commanding him to "Arise, go to the Governor and confess My Name, for there you have a crown prepared for you". Hear how St. Epime immediately acted on this divine instruction, distributing all his money to the poor and needy before boldly confessing Christ.

Confronting Tyranny: We explore his fearless encounters with Roman governors like Culcianus and Armenius during the severe persecution under Emperor Diocletian. St. Epime steadfastly refused to worship idols, proclaiming, "I will only worship my Lord Jesus Christ".

Miracles Amidst Torture: Prepare to be astonished by the numerous miracles God performed through St. Epime, even as he endured unimaginable tortures. From his tongue being miraculously restored after being cut out, to surviving being thrown into a blazing furnace for three days and nights unharmed, St. Epime’s body was divinely protected, confounding his tormentors and converting many onlookers.

Healer of Many: Learn about the compassion and power of St. Epime as he healed the sick and possessed, including a man tormented by an evil spirit and the sister of Julius El-Akfahsi (the esteemed writer of the saints' biographies). His healing power was so great that it even aided a woman in difficult childbirth and restored sight to the blind.

The Crown of Martyrdom: Ultimately, St. Epime was sent to Upper Egypt where he received the crown of martyrdom through beheading. Discover how, even in death, his body continued to manifest God's glory, with blood mixed with pure milk flowing from him, and his wishes for his burial carried out by Julius’s faithful servants.

A Lasting Legacy: Conclude with the beautiful promise given to St. Epime by the Lord Christ: that his name would be revered and his relics venerated worldwide, with those who visit his tomb and pray in his name receiving healing and blessings. A splendid church was built at his resting place, a testament to his enduring impact.

This episode draws extensively from detailed historical accounts, including the narrative written by St. Julius of Aqfahs himself, offering an insightful look into the courage, faith, and divine support that defined St. Epime's journey.

Don't miss this profound story of faith, resilience, and divine power that reminds us of the incredible strength found in unwavering devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. Subscribe, like, and share to help spread the stories of our blessed saints!

Today, we delve into the awe-inspiring life and profound monastic teachings of St. Pisentius, Bishop of Qift (Coptos), a celebrated Coptic bishop and spiritual writer who flourished in Egypt during the 7th century, just before the Arab invasion. Born around 568 AD in the village of Shamir, Armant, he was nurtured by pious Christian parents with a deeply evangelical mindset. He was a contemporary of Pope Damian, the 35th Patriarch, who consecrated him bishop. St. Pisentius served as bishop of this important Upper Egyptian town during a significant historical period, including the Persian invasion in 619 AD, and potentially witnessed the Great Persecution by Byzantines (630-640 AD) and the subsequent Arab invasion and brutality in 640 AD.

From his formative years, St. Pisentius committed himself to the ascetic life, becoming a monk in the Monastery of Abi FAM on Mount Shamah, where he was discipled by the venerable Anba Elijah the Great. His monastic journey, spent mostly on el-Asas mount, was characterized by rigorous spiritual struggle, including perpetual prayers, diligent memorization of the Holy Bible, and severe fasting,

A striking manifestation of his holiness was that when he prayed and lifted his hands, his ten fingers became filled with light, shining like bright lamps. His deep spiritual communion extended to physical encounters, as he conversed with Saint Elijah the Tishbite (or Carmelite), who visited him to offer divine comfort during times of weakness and isolation. God also performed numerous miracles through him during his monastic life, such as miraculously filling empty water pots for thirsty brethren on the mountain, and causing a fresh water spring to appear in the wilderness after four days of prayer. His commitment to purity was unwavering; he never looked upon the face of a woman, always keeping his head bowed to the ground. This strictness was highlighted when a woman with a severe illness, seeking healing, lay in wait for him near his cell. He ran away, but she took a handful of dust from where his foot had trodden, swallowed it in faith, and was immediately healed.

His writings and the recording of his life are a cornerstone of Coptic literature. His biography was authored in the 7th century by his own disciple, John the Elder, and exists in Coptic, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, many of which are available today in English and French translations. Furthermore, two significant letters are attributed to him: the First Letter is an exhortation for the Copts to remain steadfast in Christianity and not convert to Islam. The Second Letter, though likely written in the 13th century based on a genuine literary core, is considered an important piece of Coptic apocalyptic literature.

St. Pisentius had divine foreknowledge of his departure. He informed his disciple John of a vision where Saints Peter and Paul invited him to the heavenly Jerusalem. He gathered his congregation, offering final teachings, rebukes, and commandments, confirming them in the Right Faith. He humbly requested to be buried in his ordinary monastic attire rather than splendid garments. He peacefully departed to the Lord on the 13th of Hamle, equivalent to July 20th or 23rd in different calendars. Following his repose, God manifested many miracles through his body; a piece of the cloth he was buried in was taken by his servant and used to heal numerous sick individuals who approached it in faith. His body was notably discovered on July 8, 2018 AD.

You can read more about St. Pisentius by visiting St. Shenouda Press and reading "The Life of St. Pisentius."

The Desert Star: Unveiling the Life of St. Pishoy

Join us for an insightful journey into the extraordinary life of St. Pishoy (also known as Bishoy), the great Egyptian Desert Father, revered in the Coptic Orthodox Church as "The Star of the Desert" and "The Beloved of our Good Saviour".... Born around 320 A.D. in the village of Shansa, Egypt, St. Pishoy was the youngest of six brothers, and though physically frail, he was divinely chosen for God's service through a vision seen by his mother....

At the age of twenty, he entered the wilderness of Scetis (Wadi-El-Natroun) to become a monk under the guidance of Anba Bemwah, who also ordained St. John the Short.... St. Pishoy quickly became renowned for his profound love, meekness, simplicity, and an intensely ascetic and prayerful life1.... You'll hear how he famously tied his hair to the ceiling of his cell to prevent sleep during his nightly prayers, a testament to his unwavering devotion5.... His wisdom, strength, and generosity attracted many, making him the spiritual father to a vast community of monks....

Discover the remarkable divine encounters that shaped his legacy:

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He was blessed with visions of our Lord Jesus Christ on several occasions1....

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We'll recount the touching story of how he carried Jesus, who appeared as an old, frail man on a journey....

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Learn how he also washed the feet of the Lord, who visited him disguised as a poor stranger.... It is said that because he carried Christ, his body remains incorrupt to this day at the Coptic Orthodox Monastery bearing his name in Wadi El-Natroun....

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He even had a vision of Emperor Constantine, who expressed that the honour of monks surpassed the glory of his own kingdom6....

St. Pishoy was also a steadfast defender of Orthodox faith. Hear how he courageously confronted a heresy denying the Holy Spirit, using a simple, yet profound, three-eared basket to illustrate the Trinity, convincing many to return to the true faith....

His life concluded amidst barbarian invasions in 407/408 A.D., leading him to Mount Ansena, where he departed in 417 A.D..... You'll hear about his deep friendship with St. Paul of Tammah, a bond so strong that God promised they would never be parted.... Indeed, centuries later, their bodies were moved together, and they lie side-by-side in the main church of the Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Wadi El-Natroun, as St. Pishoy's incorrupt body continues to be preserved19....

Tune in to explore the life of "The Perfect Man," whose love for God and humanity shines as a beacon of faith and humility....

Saint Cyril of Alexandria – The Unyielding Champion of Faith

Join us as we journey back to 5th-century Alexandria, a vibrant melting pot of cultures and ideas, to explore the life of one of Christianity's most formidable figures: Saint Cyril of Alexandria. Known as "The Pillar of the Faith" and "Seal of all the Fathers," Cyril’s tenure as Patriarch from 412 to 444 was anything but calm, marked by intense theological battles and societal upheavals1....

A scholarly archbishop and prolific writer, Cyril was born around 376 in Didouseya, Egypt, and received an exceptional education under the guidance of his uncle, the previous Patriarch Theophilus1.... Upon his enthronement in 412, following a period of civil unrest, Cyril quickly exerted his authority, challenging both secular and religious powers8....

Cyril's most enduring legacy stems from his fierce defence of orthodox Christology against the teachings of Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople. Nestorius challenged the long-held title of "Theotokos" (Mother of God) for the Virgin Mary, suggesting she was only the "Mother of Christ" (Christotokos)8....

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The Council of Ephesus (431 AD): Discover how Cyril became the central figure at this pivotal Ecumenical Council, presiding over the condemnation and deposition of Nestorius. Hear about the dramatic counter-council held by Nestorius's supporters, who in turn condemned Cyril as a "monster," leading to a period of arrests and political maneuvering2....

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A Champion of "Theotokos": Understand why Cyril passionately championed the title of "Theotokos," arguing that it was crucial for upholding the singular, indivisible personhood of Christ as both truly human and truly divine37.... His profound Mariology, which described Mary as the "container of the uncontained" and "scepter of orthodoxy," laid the groundwork for future Marian theology43.... The Second Council of Constantinople later declared him the one "who announced the right faith of Christians"6.

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The Christological Conundrum: Dive into a fascinating and ongoing debate within the sources themselves. While Saint Cyril is revered as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, he "affirmed one nature after the union" and "condemns saying two Natures after the union"46. The Council of Ephesus itself "anathematized saying two Natures after the Union"46. This stands in apparent tension with the later Chalcedonian affirmation of "two natures," leading to surprising perspectives from the Assyrian Church, which argues it is more consistent in affirming two natures by rejecting the Council of Ephesus due to its "one composite nature" stance47....

From his vast commentaries on Scripture to his central role in defining foundational Christian doctrines, Saint Cyril of Alexandria's influence reverberates through Church history6.... Join us to explore the life and turbulent times of this complex and unyielding champion of the faith.

Today, we delve into the incredible story of St. Shenouda the Archimandrite, a giant of early Coptic Christianity, born around 348 AD in Shenalolet.

Discover how this shepherd boy, who showed early signs of spiritual giftedness with fingers glowing like luminous candles in prayer, rose to become the abbot of the White Monastery. Under his leadership, which began around AD 385, the monastery flourished, growing from a handful of monks to an astounding 2,200 monks and 1,800 nuns by AD 466. He instituted a unique and comprehensive monastic system, which included a covenant (diatheke) for new novices and required them to live outside the monastery for a period before consecration. St. Shenouda also utilised monks' diverse skills in varied tasks such as writing, tailoring, flax cultivation, and metal-making, making the monastery complex a self-supporting unit. He further recognised the need for literacy among his monks and nuns, encouraging them to read and write manuscripts.

But St. Shenouda was more than a monastic leader; he was a fearless national leader, emerging as a champion for the oppressed peasants of Upper Egypt. He tirelessly defended and protected them from grave injustices inflicted by pagan Greek landlords. His interventions included chastising a pagan in Akhmim, stopping landlords from forcing peasants to buy rotten wine, and securing the freedom of captives from Blemmyes warriors at Psoi. He even appealed on behalf of the peasants to those in power, including the Byzantine emperor Theodosius. His efforts solidified his legacy as a liberator of Egyptian (Coptic) thought and a true representative of Pharaonic genius.

Beyond his activism, St. Shenouda was a prolific writer and intellectual powerhouse. Fluent in both Coptic and Greek, his extensive writings, which include moral sermons and attacks against pagans and heretics, showcase his deep knowledge of Holy Scriptures, Greek thought, and various works of philosophy and theology. He played a pivotal role at the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in AD 431, accompanying St. Cyril the Great to provide moral support against the heresy of Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople.

Living an extraordinarily long and blessed life of 118 years, St. Shenouda's influence resonated far beyond his time, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual devotion, social justice, and profound literary contribution. He gave up his spirit in the presence of his beloved monks on the 7th day of the Coptic month of Abib (July 14th) in AD 466. Join us as we explore the life of this charismatic figure whose biography was recorded by his close disciple, St. Besa (Wissa)

Today we discuss the extraordinary life of St. Moses the Strong, also known as St. Moses the Black. Once a feared Ethiopian robber leader and murderer in 4th-century Egypt, Moses embarked on a radical journey of repentance and asceticism in the desert.

Discover how this physically imposing man conquered his inner demons and passions through intense prayer, fasting, and vigils, eventually gaining power over evil spirits. From his deep humility as a monk to his ordination as a priest with 75 disciples, Moses's story culminates in his martyrdom at age 75, where he chose to remain and fulfill his Lord's words. An inspiring tale of redemption, strength, and unwavering faith.