Discover how the simple words “Let us give thanks…” can reshape your mind and guard your heart. In Part 2 of “Words That Hold Us,” Abouna Elijah walks us line‑by‑line through the Coptic Thanksgiving Prayer, revealing why the Church starts every liturgy, baptism, funeral, and Agpeya hour with gratitude.

Words That Hold Us - Part 2: The Thanksgiving Prayer

 An in-depth exploration of the nature, challenges, and significance of faith in the Christian life, based on the teachings from the book "Life of Faith" by His Holiness Pope III. Focused on chapter three, which addresses the degrees and kinds of faith, the dangers of deviating from faith, and the necessity of living faith as a transformative, active practice rather than mere intellectual assent.
Key biblical passages and examples underscore how faith is not only belief but a lived reality that influences behavior, decision-making, and perseverance through trials. Neglecting faith or turning back to worldly desires is portrayed as a serious spiritual failure………


"Life of Faith" by H.H. Pope Shenouda [Part 4]

          The concept of simplicity of faith, drawing from the teachings in the book " Life of Faith " by His Holiness Pope Shenouda. It emphasizes that simplicity of faith is a rare and precious gift, especially challenging for intellectuals and those deeply versed in scientific knowledge and worldly reasoning. Faith is not opposed to reason but surpasses it....
                 Inviting believers to accept divine truths with childlike trust rather than skepticism rooted in intellect alone........

"Life of Faith" by H.H. Pope Shenouda [Part 5]

           A comprehensive study of faith, focusing on the concept of “simplicity of faith” and “a life of submission” based on teachings from the book Life of Faith by Pope Shenouda III. It highlights the importance of accepting God’s truth without over-relying on human logic or worldly understanding, which often leads to skepticism. 
           This study explores how God’s operations transcend earthly laws, emphasizing that faith requires trusting in things beyond human comprehension, including miracles and divine interventions.

         Faith is both a gift and a lived experience, growing through trust in God, especially during trials and suffering, which serve as opportunities to deepen spiritual conviction.

"Life of Faith" by H.H. Pope Shenouda [Part 6]

In part 2, presents a detailed and thoughtful exploration of faith, drawing extensively from the book Life of Faith by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, along with biblical references and theological insights. It clarifying the multifaceted nature of faith—distinguishing between mere intellectual belief in God’s existence and a deeper, lived faith that manifests through sacrifice, obedience, and transformation. True faith is not simply professing belief but actively doing God’s will and living a Christlike life…..

"Life of Faith" by H.H. Pope Shenouda [Part 2]

Are you restless for more than “Sunday faith”? In Part 4 of our The Spirit Gives Life series, Fr. Paul uncovers the explosive calling hidden inside every believer: to be sent by the Holy Spirit, not just informed about Him. Walking through Acts 8–13 and Colossians 1, he shows how the early Church burned with purpose—scattering under persecution yet preaching everywhere, fasting until heaven answered, and releasing Barnabas & Saul because the Spirit said, “Separate to Me…”
Fr. Paul challenges the myths of safe, pick-fence Christianity:
Baptism isn’t a membership card—it’s a funeral for the old you.
Fasting & prayer aren’t pious extras; they keep self off the throne so the Spirit can direct the mission.
Your cubicle, campus, or coffee line is a mission field.

The Spirit Gives Life - Part 4: The Holy Spirit Sends Out

Beloved, in the story of Lazarus we see more than a miracle of a man raised from the grave—we see a picture of our own lives. Just as Jesus stood before the tomb and called, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ so He calls each of us to rise from the tomb of sin, despair, and spiritual death. The same voice that broke the chains of death then is speaking to us today—calling us to step into new life, to leave behind the grave clothes, and to walk in the light of His resurrection.

Christ, Lazarus and Us called to Rise

When Jesus called Levi, He wasn’t just pulling a sinner away from his tax booth—He was drawing a wounded man into healing. The Pharisees saw Levi’s brokenness as a reason to reject him, but Jesus saw it as the very reason to invite him. And so it is with us: the church is not a museum for the righteous but a hospital for sinners. Here we come, not because we are whole, but because we need the healing touch of the Great Physician.Tune in to hear Fr Moses!

Do you hear it? He calls to follow Him.

Join us as we begin the Fast of the Dormition of St. Mary, reflecting on her unmatched humility, obedience, and role as the Mother of God. In this sermon, we explore why the Orthodox Church honors St. Mary as the highest above all creation, how her “yes” to God’s calling opened the way for the Incarnation, and what it means for us to have Christ “formed in us” as St. Paul teaches. Discover the deep connection between humility and obedience, the power of trusting God’s character without knowing the full path ahead, and how St. Mary’s life calls each of us to a life of surrender, service, and heavenly-mindedness.

Through scripture, patristic insights, and powerful real-life stories, this message challenges us to live not for the world’s recognition but for the eyes of God alone, learning from the one who is our faithful intercessor and mother.

Behold Your Mother Part 1: The Humility and Obedience of the Theotokos

In this powerful and eye-opening sermon, Fr. Elijah continues the Behold Your Mother series with a bold proclamation: St. Mary is the Terror of Demons.

Far from the sentimental image of a quiet and docile figure, this message reveals St. Mary as a warrior mother, deeply feared by the demonic forces of darkness. Through Scripture, Church Fathers, and real-world spiritual encounters, we learn how her obedience, purity, and humility have become devastating weapons against Satan.

Behold Your Mother - Part 2: St. Mary the Terror of Demons

Upper Room Media is a ministry of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Its mission is to bring the word of God from a timeless faith into your hearts and mind anywhere at anytime.

The Orthodox Church worships God in continuity with the earliest Church, and as such is the oldest Church. It is a Church of balance: between the mystical and the tangible; between spirituality and theology; between the worship of God and service to humanity. Everything is in balance, otherwise known as right worship, which means Orthodox. It is not a denomination, but rather pre-denominational. It is not a religion but rather a life with God in Christ. 

The Orthodox Church worships God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and dynamically incarnates that truth in every age - empowering all people from all walks of life to love God, others, and themselves. 

Contact us for more information.

New tracks tagged #Spiritual Reflections