The grace of the Christian life is translated to us through the sacraments, the holy mysteries, especially the Eucharist. Orthodoxy directs the whole life of man towards the Eucharist, while man is vivified in as much as his life proceeds from the Eucharist—the Grace of all grace. Every sacrament, and even the whole life of the Church, revolves around the Eucharist. While participation in the sacramental life extends beyond the physical borders of the church walls and into our entire life, it is in the Church that salvation and the sacramental life begins. 

Fr. Joseph Abraham - 2019
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

What is the ultimate authority in the life of a Christian? Of course “God” goes without saying, but Orthodoxy teaches us that faithfulness to the authority of God is only authentic in as much as it occurs through the authority of the Church. “No one can have God as his father who does not have the church as his mother” (St. Cyprian). It is through the authority of the Church that God gave us His own words—the Bible. His words are more than a manual for our life; His words are life! But just how credible these ancient documents are, which Christians claim to be the word of God, is a question of historical authenticity and reliability. 

Fr. Joseph Abraham - 2019
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

From the fifth century until today, many heresies like Islam have antagonized the faith. Events like the crusades were tragically divisive. Christianity suffered from several schisms. From the division between the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Church, to the schism of the Catholic Church, and the last major schism of the Protestant Reformation, there is much to be learned. Despite our common unity, there are some real differences. With over 30,000 different denominations of Christianity out there, the Orthodox Church’s claim to be the true Church is validated by the Church’s unwavering adherence to the authentic Apostolic faith that was received from Christ.

Fr. Joseph Abraham - 2019
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

The early Church faced countless heresies, from Paganism to Gnosticism, and the Holy Fathers fought ardently to preserve the authentic faith which the disciples understood from Christ and the Apostles practiced. The Orthodox faith is handed down to us from the Apostolic tradition. It was confirmed throughout the first four centuries, especially during the three Ecumenical Councils. The Church grew stronger throughout these theological battles, but just how so is a question that can only be answered if we understand the nature of these turbulent times.

Fr. Joseph Abraham - 2019
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

We know that man is created in the image and likeness of God, but what does that really mean? Our understanding of man’s composition and purpose, Anthropology, is essential for any solid theological foundation. Following our creation, we fell; and repentance was not an option. Humanity needed a savior. But how exactly were we saved? It is essentially through His life-giving death and resurrection. This ineffable work of God to save humanity, Soteriology, reveals the core of His love for us.

Fr. Joseph Abraham - 2019
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Fr. Joseph discusses the willingness of our spirit to accept the will of the Lord without any conditions. But, how do we prepare? Tune in to find the simple, yet challenging task at hand.

Fr. Joseph Abraham - January 18, 2020
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

This week, Father Joseph talks about how important it is to run from sin and temptation from the start, so that you are not tested and deceived. 

Fr. Joseph Abraham - January 11, 2020
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Through the incarnation humanity received the greatest confidant. Christ has assumed the fullness of our humanity and can identify with all our struggles. We ought to run to Him for comfort before anything else. Because He has taken on all of our pains and can always relate to us, He has the best shoulder for us to lean on.

Fr. Joseph Abraham - January 6, 2020
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Have you ever wondered why God allows certain things in your life and how He directs your path? Father Joseph talks about how God always wants our salvation, regardless of our titles, or where we came from. He discusses the importance of making the best out of what we’re given, and having faith in God’s plan despite how difficult our circumstances might be.

Fr. Joseph Abraham - January 4, 2020
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Fr. Joseph explains that our ultimate goal is to be joyful in our path with God, so that there is no room for grief. The joy we feel will then reflect in the way we praise God during prayers and in our everyday moments. The joy we receive as a result of our relationship with the Lord will radiate through us, and will be visible for others to witness.

Fr. Joseph Abraham - December 14, 2019
Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org

Christ the Savior American Coptic Orthodox Church
Diocese of Los Angeles
www.thegoodsavior.org