St Mary and St John Coptic Orthodox Church & Centre

26/08/2026

Holiness is not reserved for monks, clergy, or the saints we commemorate.

Every baptised believer is called to become holy.

Each day Christ invites us to grow in love, humility, purity, forgiveness, and obedience through His grace.

Holiness is not achieved by our own strength but by cooperating with God's grace through prayer, repentance, the Holy Mysteries, and faithful Christian living.

May we continually strive to become more like Christ.
"Be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16)

24/08/2026

The greatest gift Christ left His Church is Himself.
In the Holy Eucharist, we do not receive a symbol or remembrance alone; we receive the true Body and true Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, given for the remission of sins and eternal life.

Every Communion is an invitation to abide in Christ and for Christ to abide in us.

For this reason, the Church prepares us through fasting, repentance, confession, reconciliation, and prayer before approaching the Holy Mysteries.

May we always hunger for Christ more than anything else.
"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him." (John 6:56)

22/08/2026

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Body of Saint Mary.

This feast reminds us of the honour bestowed upon the Mother of God and the hope of eternal life promised to all who remain faithful to Christ.

Saint Mary continues to be a source of comfort, encouragement, and intercession for believers throughout the world.

"All generations will call me blessed." (Luke 1:48)

May her prayers accompany us and lead us ever closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

21/08/2026

Today we conclude the blessed Fast of St Mary with thanksgiving to God.

Over these holy days, we have reflected upon the life and virtues of the Mother of God, whose faith, humility, purity, and obedience continue to inspire Christians throughout the world.

As this fast comes to an end, let us carry forward the lessons we have learned and continue to seek Christ with the same devotion demonstrated by Saint Mary.

Through her prayers and intercessions, may the Lord grant peace to His Church and salvation to His people.

19/08/2026

Today we celebrate the glorious Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Mount Tabor, Christ revealed His divine glory before His disciples, strengthening their faith before His Passion.

This feast reminds us that our Christian journey is one of transformation. Through prayer, repentance, and communion with God, we are called to be transformed into His likeness.

"His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." (Matthew 17:2)

May the light of Christ shine within our hearts and guide us toward His heavenly Kingdom.

17/08/2026

16/08/2026

🙏 عشية وتمجيد ومدائح السيدة مريم العذراء | Vespers, Hymns & Glorification of St Mary 🙏

As we approach the blessed Feast of the Assumption of the Body of St Mary, we warmly invite you to join us for three special evenings of Vespers, hymns, praises and glorification of our beloved Mother, St Mary.

☦️ Vespers, Hymns & Glorification
Wednesday 19th August | 7:00–9:00 PM
Thursday 20th August | 7:00–9:00 PM
Friday 21st August | 7:00–9:00 PM

☦️ Feast of the Assumption of the Body of St Mary
Saturday 22nd August | 9:00–11:30 AM

Come and join us as we honour the Mother of God and seek her prayers and intercessions.

"All generations will call me blessed." — Luke 1:48

عشية وتماجيد ومدايح للسيدة مريم العذراء 🙏

بمناسبة اقتراب عيد إصعاد جسد السيدة مريم العذراء، ندعوكم بكل محبة للمشاركة معنا في العشية والتماجيد والمدايح لأمنا العذراء مريم.

☦️ عشية وتماجيد ومدايح
الأربعاء ١٩/٨ | من ٧ إلى ٩ مساءً
الخميس ٢٠/٨ | من ٧ إلى ٩ مساءً
الجمعة ٢١/٨ | من ٧ إلى ٩ مساءً

☦️ قداس عيد إصعاد جسد السيدة مريم العذراء
السبت ٢٢/٨ | من ٩ إلى ١١:٣٠ صباحاً

"فهوذا منذ الآن جميع الأجيال تطوبني." — لوقا ١:٤٨

بركة وشفاعة العذراء مريم فلتكن معنا جميعاً. آمين 🙏☦️

15/08/2026

From our latest fishing trips in July and early August 2026

14/08/2026

The Church honours Saint Mary because God honoured her first.

She was chosen to become the Mother of our Lord according to the flesh, and through her obedience the Word became incarnate for our salvation.

When we honour Saint Mary, we glorify God's work in her life and ask for her prayers, just as the Church has done since the Apostolic age.

She continually points us to her Son.

"Whatever He says to you, do it." (John 2:5)
Through her prayers, may the Lord grant us humility, purity, and faithful obedience.

13/08/2026

🎢 Youth Trip to Thorpe Park! 🎉

After all the hard work, studying and exams — and, God willing, the wonderful GCSE and A Level results — it’s time to celebrate together! 🙏❤️

We’re planning a special youth trip to Thorpe Park on Saturday, 22nd August! 🎢

A day to enjoy the rides, have fun, spend time together and make some great memories as one church family.

🙌 All Youth Are Welcome!

📅 Saturday, 22nd August
📍 Thorpe Park

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all! ❤️☦️