PRESS RELEASE
Headline
Esmat M. Gabriel’s newly released “The History of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States” delves into the rise of the Coptic congregations throughout the years.
Summary of the release
“The History of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States: From the Land of the Pharaohs to the United States of America” from Christian Faith Publishing author E. M. Gabriel is an illuminating exposition that brings into view how the churches of the Coptic Orthodox came to be and the challenges that rose.
Full release text
“The History of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States: From the Land of the Pharaohs to the United States of America”: a well-written historical account of the foundation, origin, and rise of the Coptic churches in the USA and the traditions they hold and carry into the current times. “The History of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States: From the Land of the Pharaohs to the United States of America” is the creation of published author E. M. Gabriel, an expert in the behavior health-care industry and a clinical researcher.
Gabriel shares, “Through the efforts of all these servants, St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Philadelphia was established as one of the first Coptic churches in the United
States, along with others in New York, New Jersey, and beyond. The History of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States recounts the celebrations, struggles, and growth of these congregations as they maintain the traditions and spirit of the Coptic Orthodox Church into the twenty-first century.”
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, E. M. Gabriel’s new book provides a brilliant rehashing of events that transpired before and after the first Coptic Church was founded.
This account will illuminate readers of how these happenings have shaped the church to what it is today.
View a synopsis of “The History of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States:
From the Land of the Pharaohs to the United States of America” on YouTube.
Consumers can purchase “The History of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United
States: From the Land of the Pharaohs to the United States of America” at traditional
brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or inquiries about “The History of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States: From the Land of the Pharaohs to the United States of America,”
contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919
(View a synopsis of the book on You Tube)
https://youtu.be/QtO5UEwHoKM
THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
A GLOBAL WAKE-UP CALL TO CHANGE AND REDEEM LIVES
In this collection of nonfiction pieces, a psychologist and acclaimed Coptic scholar evaluates the Covid-19 pandemic through a spiritual lens.
The recipient of the Recognition Award bestowed by the Coptic Orthodox Church’s Pope Tawadros II in 2018, Gabriel has written multiple books on the history and theology of Coptic Christianity, served as a contributor to Logos TV’s Coptic Civilization program, and traveled the world as a foremost English-speaking expert on the Coptic Orthodox Church. But his speaking tours came to an abrupt halt during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a trained behaviorist and former faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University, he does not downplay the severity of the pandemic—or follow the scientific denialism of some American Christians—as he mourns the death toll and acknowledges “there appears to be no end in sight to this global disaster.” As a Christian, he also believes in the power of “divine intervention to bolster humanity against fear” and that the pandemic represents a “global wake-up call to change and redeem lives.” Christians are urged to remember their “mandate to love our brothers and sisters as ourselves.” Divided into three “books,” this volume comprises more than 60 essays, devotionals, and historical vignettes. Many chapters deal with pandemic-related issues surrounding grief, anxiety, and self-sacrifice, while others center on broader topics, such as Coptic history, the veneration of saints, and basic Orthodox theology where the author “decided it was time to put in writing what I had said at the microphone for years.” The first book centers on “Meaningful Lives and Spiritual Joys,” providing readers with stories of hope and resilience from Christian history. The second and third books (“Great Character Transformation” and “The Effects of Family Values on Enjoyable Family Life”) draw on biblical stories and Coptic history in their examples of how to find meaning and purpose in difficult times.
The volume’s chapters are typically only two to three pages. They are not designed to be read in a single sitting but rather perused individually to be meditated and dwelled on. Even the historical examples about biblical figures and Orthodox monks encourage readers to reflect on their applicability to contemporary life. Despite Gabriel’s pride in his Coptic heritage and firm command of Orthodox dogma and history as reflected in the work’s scholarly endnotes, the author emphasizes an ecumenical message that welcomes Protestant voices like C.S. Lewis and Roman Catholic perspectives, including excerpts from Pope Francis’ 2020 Easter reflections. An appendix of Orthodox saints and patriarchs is also offered for readers unaccustomed to the faith. Bringing in the best practices of his medical profession, the author presents readers with gentle reminders about the value of physicians and mental health experts without minimizing the spirituality that is equally central to his belief system. Non-Christians may not agree with Gabriel’s theology, but it will be difficult for even skeptics to deny that this is an accessible yet learned work, born out of spiritual wisdom, precision, and a career dedicated to “improving the life of man—mind, soul, and spirit.”
A nuanced and erudite Coptic perspective on science, religion, and life during a pandemic.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: 9781639615315
Page Count: 237
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing
Review Posted Online: Dec. 3, 2022