Among the series of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center Book issues
Recently issued: “The Birth of Christ” book
By:
St. Macarius the Great
Introduced by:
His Grace Bishop Ermia
The General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
Translated by:
Remon Youssef Rizq, Researcher at the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
December 2012
Foreword
St. Macarius the Great is considered the spiritual father of the Desert of Scetis (Shihat), St. Balladius, one of the most important historians of the Coptic monasticism, tells us that due to the great wisdom and separation St. Macarius had enjoyed since his youth, the monks used to call him “the old youth”, this made him a destination for many disciples to learn from him. In his old age, he was exiled to Anas al Wogoud Island at Upper Egypt with St. Macarius of Alexandria, where they preached the heathen residents, until they became Christians, they built a church there then went back to the Scetis, where the Saint had departed peacefully.
St. Macarius left us sermons, epistles and articles which put him on the top of Christian spirituality history, this sermon “the Birth of Christ” is one among seven others published by Marriot in 1918 at Cambridge.
We introduce this sermon in which the saint speaks about the reconciliation occurred between God and mankind via the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, clarifying that mankind had been a fruitless barren, yet when it accepted the heavenly fruit, Christ, it bore the fruits of the spirit, the saint concluded the sermon, speaking about Lord Christ, who is our salvation and the life of our souls.
This sermon was translated by Mr. Remon Youssef Rizq, Researcher at the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, from the Greek text published in “The Library of Greek Fathers and Church Authors” collection. May the Lord use these words for we would bear the fruits of the Spirit, through the intercession of Saint Macarius the Great and our mother St. Virgin Mary, and through the prayers of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.
2nd of Kiahk 1729 AM
11th of December 2012
The Nativity Fasting
Bishop Ermia
The General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
