Following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples, this community seeks to nurture the spiritual and practical lives of God’s people through participation in the liturgical life of the Church, faithfulness to the Orthodox apostolic tradition, and a life of evangelistic and missionary witness
This is lived out through both external evangelism, reaching and serving those outside the Church, and internal evangelism, re-engaging and strengthening those within it, while remaining committed to the faithful care of its parishioners.
Open to all—regardless of culture, background, or past—it seeks to foster a space marked by Christ-like love, supporting each person in their spiritual journey and removing barriers that hinder access to Christ and the worshiping life of the Church.
This community is devoted to glorifying God through the liturgical worship of the Church, evangelism, and missionary service, while cultivating a deeper relationship with Him and with one another in accordance with the Holy Bible and the doctrines of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Welcoming every person with Christ-like love and warmth, honoring their dignity while journeying together toward transformation in Him.
Serving Christ in the poor, the marginalized, and those distant from the Church with compassion and responsibility.
Forming believers in the fullness of the Orthodox faith in Christ through Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the teachings of the Church Fathers.
Internal Evangelism: Nurturing the spiritual growth of the congregation through intentional teaching, guidance, and formation in Christ.
External Evangelism: Proclaiming Christ to those outside the Church through catechesis, outreach, and missionary witness.
A life centered on encountering Christ through the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church, made accessible to all regardless of language or culture.
Embodying the Word of God in daily life through faithful obedience.
Raising faithful disciples who grow in Christ and lead others into a life of holiness and commitment.
There was a man named Moses, an Ethiopian by birth, who had once been the servant of a powerful official. Because of violent crimes and repeated thefts, he was cast out by his master. It is even said that he committed murder and became the leader of a gang of seventy thieves.
One story told about him comes from the time when he still lived with thieves. He held a grudge against a certain shepherd and went to steal sheep from his flock.
The shepherd was warned, saying, “Moses has crossed the Nile with a sword in his hand.” Fearing him, the shepherd hid himself in the sand. When Moses arrived and could not find him, he seized two fine rams from the flock, slaughtered them, tied them together, and swam back across the river carrying them on his back. He later sold part of the meat for wine, ate the rest, and returned to his companions.
But one day, while still living among the thieves, Moses came to himself. His conscience awakened, and he repented of the violence and destruction of his former life. He fled to a monastery and devoted himself wholeheartedly to repentance. The passions and temptations that had ruled him from his youth continued to wage war against him, yet through struggle and prayer, he came to know Christ.
Another story is told about him. Once, thieves entered his cell without realizing who he was. Moses overpowered them, tied them together, carried them on his shoulders like a bundle of straw, and brought them before the other monks, saying, “Since I no longer wish to harm anyone, what do you command me to do with these men who came against me?”
At that time, Moses had been fasting for seven days. He then revealed to the thieves, “I am Moses, the former leader of a gang of thieves.” When they heard this, they glorified God. Seeing the sincerity of his repentance, they themselves turned away from their former deeds and sought a new life.
Though Moses dedicated himself to fasting, prayer, and silence, the memories of his former habits still tormented him. Temptations returned with great force, and he later confessed that at times he came close to despair.
So he went to the elder Isidore of Scete and spoke openly of the struggle within him. The old man answered:
“Do not lose heart. These battles come because the passions seek what they were once accustomed to receiving. But if you persevere in prayer, fasting, and watchfulness, they will eventually depart.”
From that time, Moses gave himself even more fully to spiritual discipline. He ate very little, prayed constantly, and labored tirelessly. Yet the more he disciplined his body, the more fiercely old temptations attacked him in dreams and thoughts.
Again, he sought counsel from the elders, asking, “What shall I do? The passions from my former life still rise up against me.”
The elder replied, “These thoughts persist because your heart has not yet fully turned away from them. Remain vigilant in prayer, and you will find freedom.”
Moses then committed himself to long nights of prayer and wakefulness. For years, he labored in silence and service, even carrying water at night for elderly monks who lived far from the spring.
One night, while drawing water, he was struck violently by a demonic attack and left nearly dead. The brothers found him and carried him back to the church, where he remained ill for a long time and never fully regained his former strength.
Abba Isidore said to him:
“Rest, Moses. Do not fight beyond measure. Even the ascetic life requires discernment and moderation.”
But Moses replied:
“I trust in God, and I will not cease striving until these battles leave me.”
Then Isidore answered:
“In the name of Jesus Christ, they will depart from you. Draw near to the Holy Mysteries (Eucharist), and you will be cleansed in soul and body. But never think that victory came from your own strength.”
After this, Moses returned to his cell. In time, he gained deep peace, and the temptations that had once tormented him lost their power over him. Through the grace of God, he became a source of healing and strength for many others who struggled as he once had.
Moses was eventually ordained a priest and became the spiritual father of many disciples. Once he had led seventy thieves into destruction, now he guided many souls into the fear of God and the path of life.
May his prayers be with us all. Amen.