ACTS Press Imprints
Academics
ACTS Press Academics publishes academic works by leading historians, theologians, liturgists, linguists, hagiographers, exegetes and other academic experts primarily intended for academic audiences. These works are meticulously researched and reviewed with extensive bibliographies and citations for further study. Submissions for review are welcome. For more information, please see our submission guidelines.
Benjamin I, the 38th Patriarch of Alexandria (626-65 AD), is one of the most prominent figures in Coptic history. He lived through one of the most turbulent periods in Egypt’s history with the Persian Occupation (619-629 AD), ten years of Chalcedonian persecution (630-639 AD), and the early years of Arab rule. Despite his importance, very little is known about his life other than what comes from the History of the Patriarchs. Moreover, few of his writings are extant, with the exception of his Sixteenth Festal Letter (643-4 AD) and his sermon On the Marriage Feast at Cana of Galilee, which C.D.G. Müller called “one of the best examples of Coptic homiletics we possess.”In this volume, Maged S.A. Mikhail presents an English translation of this consummate Coptic homily based on Müller’s German edition of the Bohairic manuscript with comparisons to de Vis’s French edition, the sole surviving manuscript, a subsequently discovered Sahidic fragment, and the extant Arabic recension.
Texts in Translation
Our Texts in Translation catalog takes classic Orthodox texts from the Greek, Coptic, Arabic and other traditions, and translating them from the original sources into modern and engaging English.
Golden Channels: Blessed Writings of Pope Kyrillos VI gathers, for the first time in a single English volume, some articles of the Harbor of Salvation by Fr. Mina the Recluse and the pontifical encyclicals of Pope Kyrillos VI. These texts were written as pastoral letters, meant to be received not as abstract theology, but as living guidance shaped by prayer, struggle, and a deep confidence in God’s nearness. In bringing them into clear, readable English, the goal of this book is simple: to preserve the Pope’s own voice, his cadence, his counsel, and his spiritual realism, without turning him into a slogan, a personality, or a distant historical figure.
What emerges from these pages is a portrait of spiritual fatherhood that speaks with unusual directness. The encyclicals move between exhortation and consolation, between clarity and tenderness. They address the inner life, repentance, endurance, humility, love, and the daily work of discipleship, while keeping their horizon fixed on the Church’s worship and sacramental life. For readers in the diaspora especially, Golden Channels functions as a form of spiritual memory, a way of hearing again a voice that shaped generations, and of receiving that voice within the rhythms of contemporary life without losing its ecclesial texture. This book invites the reader to encounter Pope Kyrillos not as an icon at a distance, but as a teacher close enough to correct, encourage, and lead back toward prayer, stillness, and the hope in Christ that does not disappoint.
Benjamin I, the 38th Patriarch of Alexandria (626-65 AD), is one of the most prominent figures in Coptic history. He lived through one of the most turbulent periods in Egypt’s history with the Persian Occupation (619-629 AD), ten years of Chalcedonian persecution (630-639 AD), and the early years of Arab rule. Despite his importance, very little is known about his life other than what comes from the History of the Patriarchs. Moreover, few of his writings are extant, with the exception of his Sixteenth Festal Letter (643-4 AD) and his sermon On the Marriage Feast at Cana of Galilee, which C.D.G. Müller called “one of the best examples of Coptic homiletics we possess.”In this volume, Maged S.A. Mikhail presents an English translation of this consummate Coptic homily based on Müller’s German edition of the Bohairic manuscript with comparisons to de Vis’s French edition, the sole surviving manuscript, a subsequently discovered Sahidic fragment, and the extant Arabic recension.
Patristics
The Fathers of the Church are as relevant today as they were in the Apostolic era, with St. Athanasius proudly proclaiming “we have preserved the deposit which was entrusted to us…” Our Patristics imprint, together with our Texts in Translation imprint, presents the writings of the fathers in a bold, fresh, modern and engaging way in order to impart “the mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5) to all Christians.
In an age marked by division, exile, and heresy, St. Athanasius of Alexandria lifted his voice not merely to defend the faith, but to lead the Church into the joy of our Lord. The Festal Letters—written annually to announce the date of Pascha—are far more than calendrical notices. They are theological exhortations, ascetical reflections, and pastoral appeals to remain steadfast in worship and doctrine. In these letters, the Feast is not a date to be observed, but a mystery to be lived. Saint Athanasius invites the faithful to embrace "a blessing instead of a curse, joy instead of grief, and a feast instead of mourning" (Letter II.15), calling each soul to prayer, fasting, thanksgiving, and the imitation of Christ. This new edition presents the letters in fresh, ecclesiastically faithful English, preserving their theological clarity and pastoral warmth for a new generation of readers-clergy, scholars, monastics, and all who long to celebrate the Feast in truth and power. We are grateful to God for such nourishment of the soul (cf. Letter IV.6), such that we also may be able to celebrate the Feast in Spirit and Truth.
All That I Have Is Yours is a book of daily spiritual meditations that beautifully interweaves together 100 stories of encounters with St. Pope Kyrillos VI, along with 100 unique and penetrating meditations on the spiritual life. Each chapter begins with a verse from the Psalms following the daily order and structure of the Coptic Orthodox Book of Hours (Agpeya). Hence, the readings begin with prayer and guide the reader to a greater appreciation and use of the Psalter. The predominant theme of these stories and spiritual meditations is the love of God; the creative, redemptive, and salvific love of God which draws us into a privileged divine filiation with our Heavenly Father and Who says to us, “Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31).
Benjamin I, the 38th Patriarch of Alexandria (626-65 AD), is one of the most prominent figures in Coptic history. He lived through one of the most turbulent periods in Egypt’s history with the Persian Occupation (619-629 AD), ten years of Chalcedonian persecution (630-639 AD), and the early years of Arab rule. Despite his importance, very little is known about his life other than what comes from the History of the Patriarchs. Moreover, few of his writings are extant, with the exception of his Sixteenth Festal Letter (643-4 AD) and his sermon On the Marriage Feast at Cana of Galilee, which C.D.G. Müller called “one of the best examples of Coptic homiletics we possess.”In this volume, Maged S.A. Mikhail presents an English translation of this consummate Coptic homily based on Müller’s German edition of the Bohairic manuscript with comparisons to de Vis’s French edition, the sole surviving manuscript, a subsequently discovered Sahidic fragment, and the extant Arabic recension.
Spirituality
Focusing on the deep treasure of Orthodox Christian spirituality, our Spirituality imprint draws upon millennia of experience, expression and encounter with Christ. Authors in this series include modern and ancient patristic writers, patriarchs in the Orthodox Church and laity, all touched by the resurrected Lord whose spirits have responded to His unceasing voice. The catalog includes both practical instruction on Orthodox Christian Spirituality.
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“My friend, you are walking on the spiritual path" writes His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of blessed memory, who was the Pope and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church for over four decades. His years on the Apostolic Chair of St. Mark were truly extraordinary, as he shepherded the Church during Her unprecedented growth beyond Egypt into the lands of immigration and dealing with numerous challenges in all wisdom, discernment, and pastoral love. Yet, his concern remained unwavering for the spiritual growth of the Church's children, his own "sons and daughters" as he would say. And so, His Holiness, offers his own guidance, experience and wisdom on not only his own spiritual path, but yours as well. What is the spiritual path? Where does it lead? Are you deviating from it? What if you are lost? With an amazing weave of Scripture, patristics, Church tradition and poetry, His Holiness tackles all these questions and more in his uniquely sincere, personal and profound address to you.This book is a new, complete and original translation of His Holiness Pope Shenouda’s Arabic book maʿālim al-ṭarīq al-rūḥy, published 1989 by Anba Rewis Press in Cairo. This edition has been reviewed and edited by ACTS Press under the leadership and guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos.This book is not simply one book about the spiritual life. It contains a summary of the major essential aspects of the Orthodox Christian life with God. As such, it is essential reading for all.
Confession and Guidance is written informally, intentionally. It is not filled with extensive quotes or verses, and is written mostly in first-person voice. The reason for this is that it is meant to reflect what guidance is supposed to be: personal. Something gets lost when some things that are not meant to be academic become academic. It seems important that this book remains casual. With a topic like spiritual guidance, so much is subjective. Speaking formally may cause a wrong sense of being too prescriptive on the one hand, or too presumptuous on the other.
All That I Have Is Yours is a book of daily spiritual meditations that beautifully interweaves together 100 stories of encounters with St. Pope Kyrillos VI, along with 100 unique and penetrating meditations on the spiritual life. Each chapter begins with a verse from the Psalms following the daily order and structure of the Coptic Orthodox Book of Hours (Agpeya). Hence, the readings begin with prayer and guide the reader to a greater appreciation and use of the Psalter. The predominant theme of these stories and spiritual meditations is the love of God; the creative, redemptive, and salvific love of God which draws us into a privileged divine filiation with our Heavenly Father and Who says to us, “Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31).
With its original poetry, quotations from the church fathers, and selections from the Holy Bible, this book is for every Christian on the journey of self-examination. This book contains meditations on twenty-five virtues that will inspire, the mind heart, and soul of readers
Little Flock
Our Little Flock imprint tends to the "little children" sought by Christ (Matthew 19:14). It publishes children's illustrated story books, coloring books, workbooks and other media to engage even the littlest mind toward Christ. Age groups covered by the Little Flock include pre-kindergarten to elementary to pre-teen . This series is fits perfectly with the Orthodox liturgical calendar to engage the young Orthodox Christian throughout the year raising minds, spirits and little prayerful hands at all times before God.
Close your eyes and imagine that you won a competition and the first prize is a million dollars. What would you do? What is the first thing you would buy? Would the idea of donating all of your money to church cross your mind?
Join Theo and his friends in the second volume of The Super Secret TreeHouse Bible Club as they explore these questions with the aid of Zerubbabel, who helps them figure out what is really valuable in life.
An interactive journey through the joyful Holy Fifty Days with coloring pages and activities.
After our Lord Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River, He began His service to the people. He called many helpers who would follow Him for three years. These helpers would learn how to live a holy life, preach about the Kingdom of God, and continue the work of the Church after He ascended to Heaven. These helpers are called disciples (Mark 3:13-19) because they followed the Lord in the way He taught and lived. By God’s grace, let us learn more about each of them in exciting detail!
Learn the story of Saint Demiana and the 40 Virgins, beloved saints of the Orthodox faith, while coloring beautifully illustrated icons. Saint Demiana grew up in a family much like your own. Find out how she and her father and friends loved the Lord very much and dedicated their lives to our Lord.
The Great Fast is one of the most important times of the year. It prepares us for the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Great Fast Activity Book is your guide through this holy time when the Orthodox Church focuses on themes of fasting, prayer, confession, and repentance. The simple words allow concepts of spirituality to be easy to understand. The beautiful illustrations and activities make it exciting to dive into each Sunday. And the assortment of puzzles, stories, coloring pages, and Bible verses allows it to be a great companion both at church and at home.
Learn the story of Saint Antony the Great, the beloved monk of the Coptic Orthodox faith, while coloring beautifully illustrated icons. Saint Antony grew up in a family much like your own. Find out how he became the father of all monks and nuns and the lessons we can learn with him. “Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Matthew 19:21
The Holy Virgin Mary is the mother of every faithful Christian. How did she receive this great honor? In this book, we will take a journey through the beautiful life of Saint Mary and discover how this faithful girl loved God and gave herself to Him completely. In repose, God gave her the greatest honor any person can receive!
“How can I do everything the Bible says?” Theo wondered. Join us in this wonderful series from the author of “Philo and the SuperHolies,” as Theo and his friends embark on many adventures in their Super Secret Treehouse Bible Club. There, they will learn how to live the Bible through the teachings and stories of lesser-known saints from the Old Testament. In this first adventure, Theo and his friends meet the Prophet Micaiah, who teaches them about the importance of honesty.
Journey with our Lord Jesus Christ through the events of Holy Pasha Week and color each page!
This commemorative book, prepared by Dr. Elhamy Khalil, our Diocese historian, offers a precious record of our collective journey. It captures the key events, institutions, and individuals who have shaped our Diocese and contributed to its mission. Yet beyond the historical facts, it also reflects the living faith of a community that continues to bear witness to Christ in a diverse and dynamic society. - Metropolitan Serapion