This book is a scriptural and liturgical guide based on the Coptic Orthodox Lectionary (the Katamaros). The book contains a general introduction about the Christian family, the Lectionary, and the specific divisions of the Lectionary. The book discusses the selections of the Bible read on Sundays, the weekdays and the Holy Feasts of the Church which include the Head of the Church, the weekday Lectionary, and the Body of the Church. Finally, the publication depicts the readings from the Great Lent, the Holy Week of Pascha (Passion Week) and the Holy Pentecost.

Forward

Although some books and studies have addressed the subject of enchantment of the devotional life of the Copts living in the land of immigrants, none have approached this issue by making such extensive use of the Coptic Orthodox Lectionary (Katamaros).

The importance of the spiritual growth of the family unit cannot be stressed enough.

This can be clearly illustrated in the wonderful verse from the Bible: "I and my family worship the Lord." (Josh 21:15). Without having the Lord constitute a major part of the family unit, this family unit has a serious defect. There is no better way to encourage spiritual training and growth than by reading the Bible, daily and applying its principles to use.

The Coptic Orthodox Church, is indeed, a biblical church which relies on the Holy Bible, as the first source of teaching.

The Coptic Orthodox Lectionary (Katamaros), containing readings for Sundays, the Weekdays, the Great Lent, Holy week, and the Pentecost Lectionary, is a comprehensive and through study of the various stages of our Lord's life on earth: the Annunciation, His birth, His baptism, His ministry, His suffering on the cross, His resurrection, His ascension and His Second Coming.

By reference to the Saints and their Holy lives, we ensure a continuation of the Apostolic tradition.

The objective of this book is to provide an effective and concrete guide in  the utilization of the Lectionary. It provides spiritual direction, offering a course of the daily readings for each member of the family to follow.

This book can be divided into five segments. The first segment includes the readings of the Sundays throughout the year which deal with the work of the Holy Trinity: The love of God the Father, the grace of the Son Jesus Christ, and the fellowship and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The second segment is a study of the lectionary for the remainder of the weekdays, which is based on the lives of the Saints.

In the third segment, which deals with the Lenten Season, the Lectionary sheds light on the relationship between the prophecies read in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament.

The fourth segment, an analysis of the lectionary for the "Passion Week", is a close follow-up of our Lord's suffering day by day and hour by hour.

Finally, the segment is meant to be read for the Period of Pentecost where the lectionary portrays the Lord Jesus Christ as being indeed the Conqueror whose love is everlasting. It also brings out the blessings, and the fruits,    of the Resurrection of or Lord Jesus Christ.

I sincerely hope that this book will be a source of inspiration to you and that through the use of the lectionary, your faith will be strengthened, your spiritual life increased and your ability to achieve unity of spirit and mind in your family enhanced.

May God be with you through the prayers and intercession of the Mother of God St. Mary, St. Mark the Evangelist, and His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

Glory Be to God forever. Amen.

Father Mikhail E. Mikhail, D. Min.