St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church Podcast - Sermon

The Good Friend: Carrying Each Other's Burdens Oct 11, 2026 0:10:57 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Paopi. True friendship means carrying each other's burdens and leading one another to Christ, just as the paralytic's friends did — with persistence, humility, and reliance on God and community.Click the icon below to listen.  Related StoriesThe Attraction of ChristThe Feast of the CrossThe Royal Law of Love

The Attraction of Christ Oct 4, 2026 0:33:28 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Thout. A reflection on the story of Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman, exploring how both were drawn to Christ in different ways, and how God attracts all people toward His mercy and forgiveness. The sermon concludes with the powerful story of the miracle of Port Said.Click the icon below to listen.  Related StoriesThe Good Friend: Car

The Feast of the Cross Sep 27, 2026 0:13:55 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Thout. The Cross is our weapon against death and a symbol of life, reminding us that Christ's sacrifice calls us to embrace our own crosses, do good works, and find hope and contentment in his gift of salvation.Click the icon below to listen.  Related StoriesThe Good Friend: Carrying Each Other's BurdensThe Attraction of ChristThe Royal Law o

The Royal Law of Love Sep 20, 2026 0:14:50 Mena Ghebranious - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Thout. True Christian love means emptying yourself of worldly concerns and coming to God humbly, so you can be filled with Christ and return to the world transformed—loving God fully and your neighbor as yourself.Click the icon below to listen.  Related StoriesThe Good Friend: Carrying Each Other's BurdensThe Attraction of ChristThe Feast of the

Christ as the Way: Stages of the Spiritual Life Sep 13, 2026 0:09:53 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Thout. Christ is the way, and our spiritual lives progress through three stages: ignorance, good conscience, and wisdom — each calling us to recognize God's authority, act on our faith, and respond to others with compassion rather than judgment.Click the icon below to listen.  Related StoriesThe Good Friend: Carrying Each Other's BurdensThe A

Sitting in the Tension that Leads to Virtue and Holiness Sep 6, 2026 0:24:34 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the Sunday of Nasie. On the Sunday of Nasie, the church reflects on the end of the world, encouraging Christians to embrace life's tensions, which aim to produce virtue and holiness. The tensions, paradoxes, and restlessness within us are meant to lead us to greater faith, hope, and love. We are supported by the saints who come and aid us along the way.Click the i

Responding to Surprises in Our Spiritual Life Aug 30, 2026 0:09:07 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Mesori. Jesus warns us to expect hardships like war, persecution, and family conflict, so we aren't caught off guard spiritually. By following St. Paul's guidance—praying, helping others, and avoiding evil—we stay prepared and focused on the reality of Christ's return.Click the icon below to listen.  Related StoriesThe Good Friend: Carrying E

Make That Which is Involuntary Voluntary Aug 23, 2026 0:32:31 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Mesori. A reflection on the reading from 1 Pet. 2:18-21 regarding the call to voluntary submission, enduring grief, and suffering wrongfully for the sake of Christ. Through stories of the intercession of the Mother of God, St. Mary, we discover the support of the "cloud of witnesses" in our struggles.Click the icon below to listen.  Related

Finding Satisfaction in Christ Aug 16, 2026 0:08:31 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Mesori. True satisfaction comes only from Christ, not worldly pursuits. Like St. Matthew, who left everything behind, we are called to recognize our restlessness and find lasting fulfillment in God alone.Click the icon below to listen.  Related StoriesThe Good Friend: Carrying Each Other's BurdensThe Attraction of ChristThe Feast of the Cross

The Parable of the Vineyard and the Human Heart Aug 9, 2026 0:25:05 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Mesori. God has entrusted our hearts like a vineyard, giving us every grace to bear fruit. We must remain faithful stewards—respecting Christ in the sacraments and persevering until our final breath.Click the icon below to listen.  Related StoriesThe Good Friend: Carrying Each Other's BurdensThe Attraction of ChristThe Feast of the Cross

Resurrecting the Good: Reflections on the Raising of Lazarus Aug 2, 2026 0:09:42 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Epip. Just as Jesus raised Lazarus, we can resurrect the good virtues and faith we've lost over time—because Christ's victory over death frees us from the curse and calls us to reclaim who we truly are. Click the icon below to listen.

Lay Hold of Eternal Life Jul 26, 2026 0:23:24 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Epip. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:11-12, this sermon calls Christians to flee evil, pursue righteousness, and lay hold of eternal life through daily prayer, the sacraments, obedience, and selfless love for one another. Click the icon below to listen.

Humility and Becoming Like Little Children Jul 19, 2026 0:09:46 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Epip. True humility, modeled after the simplicity of children, is essential for salvation—letting go of anger, speaking honestly, avoiding excess, forgiving injuries, and trusting God. Click the icon below to listen.

Feast of the Apostles and the Establishment of the Church Jul 11, 2026 0:14:38 HG Bishop Kyrillos - A relic of St. Mark the Evangelist was officially placed in St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church in Irvine, California, during a celebration of the Feast of the Apostles and the establishment of the church. Click the icon below to listen.

The Grace to Love Enemies and Endure Injustice Jul 5, 2026 0:22:13 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Paoni. God commands us to love our enemies, endure injustice, and do good to all. Such supernatural grace is possible only by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to reflect God's own nature. Click the icon below to listen.

No Space in this Precious Time for Negligence Jun 28, 2026 0:28:23 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Paoni. The greatest spiritual danger isn't demonic possession, but the gradual resistance of the Holy Spirit through sin, negligence, and lukewarmness — a slow decline we must guard against through faithfulness to our spiritual duties and the rekindling of the fire of Divine Love. Click the icon below to listen.

The Invisible Reality and the Healing of the Paralytic Jun 21, 2026 0:07:44 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Paoni. Through the healing of the paralytic, we learn that God's most important work is invisible — and like wearing special glasses, keeping our faith active through prayer, humility, and repentance allows us to perceive the deeper spiritual reality God invites us into. Click the icon below to listen.

Always Ask for the Holy Spirit Jun 14, 2026 0:24:49 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Paoni. The Lord gives a parable of a friend's persistence at midnight to obtain bread from his friend for a visitor in order to instruct us to persist in asking, seeking and knocking in prayer for spiritual gifts, especially the Holy Spirit. Click the icon below to listen.

Spiritual Newness in the Feeding of the Multitude Jun 7, 2026 0:12:17 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 5th Sunday of Pashons. In the feeding of the multitude, Jesus the new Moses reveals the path to spiritual newness: caring generously for others, creating order that makes space for God, eating well of the Eucharist and all that is good, and sharing the visible fragments of renewal with others. Click the icon below to listen.

The Feast of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit May 31, 2026 0:10:54 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the Feast of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by reproducing Christ in the soul of the believer. A reflection on the verse "He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” (Jn. 16:15) Click the icon below to listen.

Sunday of Ascension: Christ's Promise to Remain With Us May 24, 2026 0:13:31 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 6th Sunday of Pentecost. Though Christ ascended to heaven, He promised to remain with us—and true joy comes not from perfect circumstances, but from trusting God through tribulation while continuing to do good. Click the icon below to listen.

Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life May 17, 2026 0:10:51 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 5th Sunday of Pentecost. Jesus is the only way to the Father, and following Him means living a life of love—serving others without grumbling, using our gifts without boasting, honoring others in word and deed, and loving beyond human limits. Click the icon below to listen.

Christ the Light of the World May 10, 2026 0:20:12 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Pentecost. Christ is the light of the world who frees us from spiritual darkness and self-centeredness. God's greatest joy is the repentance of even the worst sinner, whose single tear of remorse is more precious to Him than any act of virtue. Click the icon below to listen.

The Samaritan Woman and the Divine Marriage May 3, 2026 0:11:09 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Pentecost. Through the story of the Samaritan woman, this sermon explores how Jesus calls all people into a divine relationship with God, offering a transformative sense of purpose that can spread to others. Click the icon below to listen.

I Am the Bread of Life Apr 26, 2026 0:09:11 Fr. Timothy Paul - Jesus as the Bread of Life applies not only to the Eucharist but also to Scripture, which nourishes the soul, drives away evil, and sanctifies those who read it faithfully. Click the icon below to listen.

Thomas Sunday: Doubt and Faith Apr 19, 2026 0:18:18 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - On Thomas Sunday, doubt is reframed not as shameful weakness but as an honest quest for deeper faith, and Thomas's cry 'My Lord and my God' reminds us that faith is a gift we can seek through sincere prayer and openness to God's touch. Click the icon below to listen.

Great Friday Sermon Apr 10, 2026 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for Great Friday. Click the icon below to listen.

Pascha Eve of Friday Sermon Apr 9, 2026 Tony Soliman - A reflection for the Eve of Thursday of Holy Pascha. Click the icon below to listen.

Pascha Eve of Thursday Sermon Apr 8, 2026 Randy Fanous - A reflection for the Eve of Thursday of Holy Pascha. Click the icon below to listen.

Pascha Eve of Wednesday Sermon Apr 7, 2026 Ashraf Ibrahim - A reflection for the Eve of Wednesday of Holy Pascha. Click the icon below to listen.

Pascha Eve of Tuesday Sermon Apr 6, 2026 AD Mark Soliman - A reflection for the Eve of Tuesday of Holy Pascha. Click the icon below to listen.

Pascha Eve of Monday Sermon Apr 5, 2026 Mena Ghebranious - A reflection for the Eve of Monday of Holy Pascha. Click the icon below to listen.

Offerings on Palm Sunday Apr 5, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 7th Sunday of Lent. A reflection on the three icon offerings on Palm Sunday. Click the icon below to listen.

Paradise of the Spirit Mar 29, 2026 AD Mark Soliman - A discussion on the Paradise of the Spirit a book by Bishop Youanis. Click the icon below to listen.

From Hearing God to Seeing God Mar 29, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - A Homily for the 6th Sunday of Lent. A reflection on going from hearing God to seeing Him. Click the icon below to listen.

How to Desire God Mar 22, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent. A reflection on how to desire God instead of our passions. Click the icon below to listen.

The Gentleness of Christ Mar 15, 2026 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Great Lent. Christ's encounter with the Samaritan Woman was shrouded in gentleness. The gentleness of Christ was a great source of attraction to the sinners and marginalized. A reflection on the relationship between meekness and gentleness and how we can practice this virtue. Click the icon below to listen.

The Spirituality of Time Mar 8, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent. A reflection on the spirituality of time, and how we deal with time in Lent. Click the icon below to listen.

The Fallen Instinct of Self-Sufficiency Mar 1, 2026 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent. At the heart of all temptations is the act of pushing God aside because we perceive him as secondary or in the way of our instinct towards self-sufficiency. The devil wants man to forget his true origin and destination, creating a form of spiritual amnesia where man forgets he is a creature dependent on a Creator. Click the icon below to li

Treasure Sunday Feb 22, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for Treasure Sunday. A reflection on setting our treasures on the heavenly things. Click the icon below to listen.

My Presentation Before the Lord Feb 15, 2026 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the Feast of the Lord's Presentation. The Feast of the Lord's Presentation to the Temple weaves together themes of the Cross and the Eucharist. We also learn how we can present ourselves before the Lord. Click the icon below to listen.

The Concealed Life Feb 8, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Meshir. A reflection on how Christ labors for his creation and yet presents Himself concealed and how to labor for eternal life. Click the icon below to listen.

How God Sees Us Feb 1, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Tobe. A reflection on how God sees us, how God deals with us, and how that helps us in our relationship with God. Click the icon below to listen.

Making Room for the Divine Guest Jan 25, 2026 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Tobi. The words of St. John the Baptist, "He must increase, and I must decrease," act as a foundational program for the whole Christian life. Some practical teachings on how we can accomplish this and a small reflection on the life and humility of a contemporary saint, the late Bishop Makarios of Qena. Click the icon below to listen.

He Carried the Burden Jan 18, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Tobi. A reflection on the baptism of Christ, the one without sin. Click the icon below to listen.

Flight to Egypt: Fragility and Resilience Jan 11, 2026 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Tobi. The first Sunday after Nativity relates the Holy Family's flight to Egypt and the slaughter of the innocents. We find both the hope and light of the Incarnation, but also its opposition. This reveals both the fragility of the human condition and its resilience by the grace and power of God in our lives. Click the icon below to listen.

St. John the Baptist Jan 4, 2026 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Kiahk. A reflection on the significance of St. John the Baptist. Click the icon below to listen.

The Fear of the Lord Dec 28, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Kiahk. In the Magnifcat of St. Mary, she proclaims that God's mercy is "on those who fear Him from generation to generation” (Lk. 1:50). A reflection on the virtue of the Fear of the Lord - its meaning, its relationship to humility, trust and love, and how we can acquire it. Click the icon below to listen.

The Annunciation Dec 21, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Khiakh. A reflection on the Annunciation, and having joy in the midst of uncertainty. Click the icon below to listen.

Abyss Cries to Abyss Dec 14, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Kiahk. A reflection on the Mystery of the Incarnation as the meeting between the cry of God for His creation's redemption and salvation and the cry of humanity which is born from its bondage to sin and death. As God hears our cry, He also teaches us to hear the cry of our fellow human. Click the icon below to listen.

Repentance with Suffering Dec 7, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Hathor. A reflection on the parable of the rich, young man who asked Jesus how to enter Heaven. Click the icon below to listen.

Deformed Discipleship Nov 30, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Hathor. In Luke 14, the Lord calls us to count the cost of true discipleship: taking up our Cross and forsaking all. A reflection on the spiritual deformities that prevent us from true discipleship including being duplicitous, half-hearted, presumptuous, and lacking unity of life. Click the icon below to listen.

Parable of the Sower Nov 23, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Hathor. A reflection on the Parable of the Sower and how to be good soil. Click the icon below to listen.

Mysteries of the Kingdom - The Life and Virtues of Anba Mina of Girga Nov 16, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Hatour. In the reading for the Parable of the Sower, our Lord rejoices in revealing to His disciples the "mysteries of the Kingdom." The saints are the best witnesses to the reality and proximity of the Kingdom. We reflect on the life of a great contemporary saint, Anba Mina of Girga, commemorated this month. Click the icon below to listen.

Challenges Nov 9, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - 5th Sunday of Babah. A reflection on the tests that God gave the disciples during the feeding of the multitudes, how the gospel teaches us to deal with challenges, and the spiritual and physical practices that the Bible teaches us for dealing with them. Click the icon below to listen.

The Two Ways of Life Nov 2, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Babah. The Lord Jesus commands the Widow of Nain not to weep, for He is the hope of those without hope. Using Jeremiah 17:5-10, a reflection on the two ways of life: those who trust in human means and those who trust in the Lord. God will eventually orchestrate events in our lives to expose our illusory reliance on earthly resources. Click the ic

Unity with God Oct 26, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Paopi. A reflection on how the architecture of the church represents our unity with God. Click the icon below to listen.

A Dreadful Encounter Oct 19, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Paopi. The miracle of the great catch of fish becomes a turning point in the life of St. Peter the Apostle. We also learn from it that God desires to progressively enter deeper into our lives, calling us to a greater obedience and abandonment, while we also confront our sinfulness in His presence. Click the icon below to listen.

Faith and Doubt Oct 12, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Paopi. A reflection on the miracle of the healing of the paralytic. Click the icon below to listen.

The Two Debtors and Forgiveness Oct 5, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Thout. A reflection on the parable of the unforgiving servant. Click the icon below to listen.

The Cross as the Pattern of Life Sep 28, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the Feast of the Cross. A contemporary saint described the two arms of the Cross as representing the interplay between human intentions and divine intervention. A look at five virtues needed in order to endure the Cross: Detachment, Surrender, Gratitude, Humility, and Fortitude. Click the icon below to listen.

The Joy of Christ Sep 21, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Thout. A contemplation on the Good Samaritan. Click the icon below to listen.

Grace and Being an Unprofitable Servant Sep 14, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Thout. The ecclesiastical new year readings focus on the transition from the old (mosaic law) to the new (life of grace). Understanding the way grace works in our lives begins with accepting to be an unprofitable servant. God's grace strengthens and transforms all our human works, raising them to a supernatural level. Click the icon below to list

Preparedness Sep 7, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Nesi. A reflection on the end of times and preparedness. Click the icon below to listen.

2025_08_31_TheBigBangoftheHeart Aug 31, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Mesori. At the end of the ecclesiastical year, St. Paul reminds us of the need to expand our heart's capacity in loving God and one another in order to present ourselves blameless and holy at the coming of the Lord. Reminding ourselves of essential themes in salvation history we reflect on how to enlarge our hearts. Click the icon below to listen

The Demon Possessed Man Aug 24, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Mesori. A reflection on the healing of the demon-possessed man. Click the icon below to listen.

The Conversion of St. Matthew Aug 17, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Mesori. A reflection on the conversion of St. Matthew the gospel writer. Click the icon below to listen.

Divesting of Spiritual Fat Aug 10, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Mesori. St. Paul describes the Christian ascetic struggle using the analogy of an athlete and the need for life of discipline and the life of detachment. Click the icon below to listen.

Raising of Lazarus Aug 3, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Epip. A reflection on the raising of Lazarus. Click the icon below to listen.

When God Disappears Jul 27, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Epip. The miracle of the Feeding of the Multitude begins with the Lord and His disciples withdrawing from the people. This cycle of engaging and withdrawing has important implications in our spiritual life from both the human and the divine perspectives. Click the icon below to listen.

The Call to Discipleship Jul 13, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Epip. The sending out of the seventy-two (Luke 10) provides a framework for understanding the characteristics of Christian discipleship. Among them - compassion, sacrifice, contentment, and obedience. Click the icon below to listen.

The Apostles Jul 12, 2025 HG Bishop Kyrillos - Homily for the Fast of the Apostles. A reflection on the great works of the apostles . Click the icon below to listen.

Spiritual Readiness Jul 6, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 5th Sunday of Paoni. Virgin Mary and Archangel Gabriel as examples of spiritual readiness, always ready to serve God. Click the icon below to listen.

The Virtue of Self-Condemnation Jun 29, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 4th Sunday of Paoni. Humility is the virtue that makes room for others in our lives. Perfect humility requires self-condemnation. Not all judgement is sinful. Click the icon below to listen.

Casting Out Evil Jun 22, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Paoni. A reflection on casting out demons and evil from our lives. Click the icon below to listen.

He Has Given to Us All Things Jun 15, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Paoni. A reflection on 1 Peter 1:3-9 as it relates to the Holy Spirit and the life of holiness and becoming partakers of the divine nature. Click the icon below to listen.

Pentecost Jun 8, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for Pentecost. A reflection on the meaning and importance of the Feast of Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit unites us. Click the icon below to listen.

An Altar in the Midst of Egypt Jun 1, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the Feast of the Lord's Entry into Egypt. The Feast of the Lord's Entry into Egypt presents several imitable virtues of the Holy Family, along with a unique blessing for Egypt and the Coptic Church. A look at the Monastery of El-Muharraq and the contemporary saint, Fr. Theophilus El-Muharraqi. Click the icon below to listen.

Unity with God May 25, 2025 Fr. Andrew Iskander - Homily for the 5th Sunday of Pentecost. A reflection on the Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Light. Click the icon below to listen.

Walk While You Have the Light May 18, 2025 Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim - Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Pentecost. The Lord's encounter with the Samaritan Woman manifests the way in which Divine Grace penetrates the human heart, bringing about a resurrection from sin, unhappiness, and shame to a transformed life of purpose, joy and holiness. Click the icon below to listen.

St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church Podcast - Sermon

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