St. Mark & St. Bishoy Coptic Orthodox Church

01/23/2026

What if the Bible isn’t mainly a rulebook… but a rescue story?

In our Bible Study, we’re walking through Genesis, reading verse-by-verse, and learning what the words would have meant in the ancient world—so we can understand what Scripture is actually saying.

Come learn how to read the Bible as God’s love pursuing humanity.

📖 Saturday, 5:00–6:00 PM | 90 Sanford St, Bangor, ME 04401
Genesis Bible Study (questions welcome anytime)
🙏 6:00 PM prayer service afterward—everyone is welcome.

01/10/2026

Please complete this short anonymous survey so we can better understand our goals for this new year!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

12/30/2025

Ever Wonder What It's All About?

Life is better together. For millennia, people have looked to the Scriptures to find their place in the story of the world. We're a small group of friends who gather every Saturday to explore that story—not as a lecture, but as a conversation. We study the ancient text to understand our modern lives and share that journey with one another. No perfect people allowed.

In a world of anxiety and noise, this is a place of quiet strength. We come honestly, seeking God's peace together through prayer, shared learning, and genuine fellowship. Come and find rest for your soul.

We're saving a seat for you. Join the conversation every Saturday at 5 PM. Just show up, or click "Interested" for updates. All who are weary are welcome.

**Saturdays at 5 PM | 90 Sanford St, Bangor, ME 04401

10/13/2025

Tired of feeling like life’s just work–sleep–repeat?

You’re not alone. Many of us are searching for something real—a place to breathe, belong, and believe again. We’re building a small, welcoming community that still believes faith should be lived, not performed.

No pressure. Just prayer, peace, and people who care.

Come join us this Saturday at 09:00!

https://buff.ly/hJdf4mV

10/10/2025

“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. … But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.” (Ps 72:23,24,28). Even when the world wavers, God’s hand never lets go—He leads us safely, faithfully, and gloriously home.

In John 10:1–16, Christ reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name. He leads them out, gives them abundant life, and lays down His life for them. The psalmist clings to God’s guiding hand, and the Gospel shows that hand revealed in the Shepherd’s love. To follow Christ is to walk in His voice, guarded by His care and destined for His glory.

Read: Psalm 72:23,24,28; John 10:1–16
Live: Draw near to God today—listen for the Shepherd’s voice in Scripture, prayer, and quiet trust. Let Him guide you through every path, for His hand holds you, His voice leads you, and His love will bring you home.

10/09/2025

“You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to those all around us.” (Ps 44:13). The psalmist cries out from the pain of humiliation, yet even in shame and weakness, God’s plan is unfolding beyond human sight.

Message
In Luke 1:26–38, the Archangel Gabriel brings the most wondrous message of all: the virgin will conceive and bear the Son of God. To the world, Mary was lowly and unnoticed; yet to God, she was “highly favored.” What seemed humble or reproached became the vessel of salvation. The psalm’s lament is turned to glory in the obedience of the Theotokos—her “Let it be to me according to your word” silences the world’s scorn with heaven’s joy.

Read: Psalm 44:13; Luke 1:26–38
Live: When you face rejection or are misunderstood, remember Mary’s humility. Say with her, “Let it be according to Your word.” God lifts the lowly, and through obedience and faith, He brings forth His light into the world.

10/08/2025

“They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing.” (Ps 65:12-14). Creation itself sings for joy at the Lord’s abundant mercy—He provides, sustains, and fills the earth with gladness.

In Luke 21:12-19, Christ prepares His disciples for trials, saying that they will be persecuted for His name’s sake. Yet He promises, “Not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.” The psalm praises God for His overflowing blessings, and the Gospel reveals that His care extends even into our suffering. The same God who feeds the hills with rain guards the souls of His faithful ones with love.

Read: Psalm 65:12-14; Luke 21:12-19
Live: When life feels dry or hard, trust the God who waters the wilderness. Be patient in trials, knowing that His care never fails. Let your soul rejoice in Him, even amid struggle—He will bring fruit and blessing in due time.

10/07/2025

“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed.” (Ps 112:1-2). The true blessing comes from reverence for God and joyful obedience to His will—such a life leaves a legacy of faith and light for generations.

In Mark 8:34–9:1, Christ calls all who would follow Him to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. He asks, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” The psalm speaks of the blessed man who fears the Lord; the Gospel shows what that looks like—a heart willing to lose everything for Christ’s sake. The path of the cross is the path of blessing, for it leads to glory.

Read: Psalm 112:1-2; Mark 8:34–9:1
Live: Take up your cross with courage and joy today. Seek to please God, not the world. In self-denial and love, you will find true life and pass on the blessing of faith to those who follow after you.

10/06/2025

“You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come. … The Lord shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer.” (Ps 101:13,16,17). God is faithful to His promises—He restores, rebuilds, and hears even the lowly who cry to Him.

In Luke 1:1-25, the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah with the message that his barren wife Elizabeth will bear a son—John, who will prepare the way for the Lord. Though Zechariah doubted, God’s promise was still fulfilled. The psalm declares that the Lord will have mercy and appear in glory; in this Gospel, that mercy begins to unfold in the dawn of salvation.

Read: Psalm 101:13,16,17; Luke 1:1-25
Live: Trust in God’s timing, even when His promises seem delayed. Pray faithfully, knowing He never despises the cry of the humble. When you see His hand at work, give thanks and proclaim His mercy, for the time of His favor is always near to those who wait in faith.

10/05/2025

“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’ Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.” (Ps 27:8-9). The psalmist longs for the Lord’s presence above all things, trusting in Him as salvation and help.

In Luke 7:36-50, a sinful woman seeks the Lord’s face with tears and repentance, washing His feet and anointing them with oil. While others judged her, Christ received her offering and forgave her sins, saying, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” The psalm’s cry to see God’s face is answered in the Gospel—those who seek Him with humility and love will never be turned away.

Read: Psalm 27:8-9; Luke 7:36-50
Live: Seek the Lord daily in prayer, repentance, and love. Do not fear rejection—Christ never turns away the heart that longs for Him. Like the repentant woman, come to His feet with honesty and devotion, and you will find forgiveness and peace.

10/04/2025

“May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice. … We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.” (Ps 20:3,5). God is the One who accepts our prayers, our offerings, and gives us victory in His name.

In Luke 10:1-20, Christ sends out the seventy disciples with power and authority, and they return rejoicing that even demons were subject to them. Yet the Lord reminds them not to rejoice in power, but that their names are written in heaven. The psalm prays for God to remember and answer, and the Gospel shows how He indeed equips His servants—but the true joy is not in the work itself, but in belonging to Him.

Read: Psalm 20:3,5; Luke 10:1-20
Live: Offer your prayers and service to God with humility. Rejoice, not in earthly success or even spiritual victories, but in the eternal truth that your name is written in heaven.