About Me

family pic

Who am I?  I don’t know how to answer that question.  I am many things to many people.

I am a priest in the Coptic Orthodox church – one of the oldest Christian faiths in the world.  After serving at St. Mark church in Fairfax, VA for over 10 years, I am now currently serving at St. Timothy & St. Athanasius church in Arlington, VA.

I am the Headmaster of Good Shepherd Christian Academy and Little Flock Preschool – a Christian preschool and elementary school in Fairfax, VA.  The school opened in 2003 and I have been Headmaster ever since.

I am a proud father to the two best kids in the whole wide world – Michael Timothy Messeh and Elizabeth Theresa Messeh – and even more proud husband to Marianne – the best and most precious gift God ever gave me more than 12 years ago.

But most of all, I am just an ordinary guy who has been extraordinarily blessed by God.  I honestly can’t count all the good things that God has done for me and through me over the course of my life.  My goal is to passionately pursue God’s purpose for my life and help you do the same as well.

 

ABOUT MY BLOG

I created this blog because I believe God created each of us uniquely because He had a specific idea/plan/dream of how He wants our lives to look.  The purpose of this blog is to help you see where God wants you to be… how He wants you to live… what your life should look like and could look like if you allowed God to lead it for you.

My aim is to help you see that God is:

1.  REAL – He wants to be an active part of your life, not just someone we visit on Sundays.

2.  RELEVANT – He wants to make something spectacular and magnificent out of your life, something even greater than you can imagine or comprehend

3.  REWARDING – He wants you to smile and enjoy the process every day, knowing that you are in good hands and that He always has your best interests at heart

Showing that God is real, relevant and rewarding.  That’s my goal.  Welcome to my blog.

  • Narimen

    Hello Abuna,

    First of all I would love to thank you for these all hard work you putting for our guidance. Abuna I am an orthodox christian and young married women. Since I got married I been struggling in my marriage life which is almost 3years now. However, since I have started listening to your sermons I can see some changes in my marriage life. Abuna, if you allow me, I wish to talk with you in private and share all my issues in order to receive a guidance where can make my relationship with God stronger. Abuna please help me, I love God but I am a poor lady in spirit.

    kindest regard,

    Narimen

  • John Rossomando

    Abouna My boss wants to do a documentary on what life in Egypt is like today under the Brotherhood for IPT. I’d like to talk with you about it, and see if you might be able to help. It would likely get national attention.

  • http://twitter.com/adanefekadu Adane Fekadu

    Hello Father,

    May ask you a question?

    In Ethiopian Orthodox Church, we have very celebrated saint (monk, hermit), originally from Egypt. The name of this Holy Father is “Abune Gebre Menfesi Kidus” [literal English translation of his name is “Servant of Holy Spirit”] and the fifth day of every month of Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s Calendar belongs to him (and his feast-day are (a) fifth day of the 2nd month; (b) fifth day of the seventh month; (c) fifth day of the 11th month).

    Since he is originally from Egypt, I was wondering whether Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church honor him as Saint (for instance, there is “Saint Takla Haymanot Coptic Orthodox Church” in Egypt by the name of Ethiopian hermit “Saint Takla Haymanot”). When I make random search I found the Egyptian monk “Saint Macarius of Egypt” whose picture very similar to “Abune Gebre Menfesi Kidus”.

    Thus my question is: does the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church celebrate this
    Egyptian-born, Ethiopian-honored saint “Abune Gebre Menfesi Kidus”? If so, what
    do you call him?

    Many apologies for long message. I look forward to getting a
    reply from you.

    I thank you in our Savior’s name.

    Adane

    • http://franthony.com/ Fr. Anthony Messeh

      Sorry Adane. I have never heard of such a person before. Sorry.

      • http://twitter.com/adanefekadu Adane Fekadu

        Thank you for the reply.

    • Henok Haile

      Dear Adane if you contact me via henoktsehafi@gmail.com I have somthing to tell you on this issue Henok Haile

  • John Doe

    Hey abouna. I was hoping u could write a blog about simply the trap of not greeting people you know, which i know sounds really stupid. However, I really really realised it can be SO detrimental, if you see somebody you know and fail to say hi (not at the mall, just like even at church). It seems reallly small at first, but it does so much bad – it builds conflict, destroys relationships, sows enmity and resentment – its simply one of those little foxes that we do all the time (well I do), but causes such incredible damage.

  • Nada

    Hi Abouna Anthony, will you be at the Passion Retreat this year?

  • Bishoy

    Hey Abouna. Is there a way we can ask you a question or share with u an idea in a private way? Like email u for example.

  • Mirola

    Abouna, I’m trying to help my sister with subscribing for news alerts from your blog, but I can’t find the link on the newly redone site

    • http://franthony.com/ Fr. Anthony Messeh

      Yep, it seemed to have disappeared for a little bit, but it’s back now. It should be on the right hand sidebar, near the top of the page. Thanks for the heads up that it disappeared.

  • doesnt matter

    whyd you break off from st marks?

  • Ragaa Hope Ishak

    God Bless your service Father Anthony! I cherish the time when you visited us in California for Steve and Nadia’s engagement. I follow you on twitter and read your blog.

  • Nader Abadir

    Just a note of thanks for the blog, Abuna. Keep writing!

  • Emmanuel John

    Hi Abouna, I like this website its nice how do I overcome bad thoughts, please keep me in your prayers thank you God Bless

  • Robi

    Hi Abouna, i really like your vidoes.. and i would like to ask for an advice from u, from a teenager who is going throught depression and anixety. How can i overcome them? does reading slef-help books help.. or just faith in Jesus is enough? how can i just overcome them Abouna?

  • Emo

    Hi Abouna. I am one of the admins of CopticWorld.org and I love your blogs and articles. I sometimes post them on our homepage. I hope you don’t mind. I would love to invite you to join our platform. In the very least I hope you don’t mind us sharing them on our homepage. Please pray for me.

    • http://franthony.com/ Fr. Anthony Messeh

      Absolutely. Feel free to share whatever you like. Thanks for asking Emo. May God bless your service.

  • Nanc

    Hi Abouna, I would like to contact you thru email to ask about some advice, can you please post it? thank you

  • George

    Hi Fr Anthony, my name is George and I am from Sydney Australia. I love listening to your sermons and my wife and my beautiful three kids will be in the USA at leonardtown MD from 22nd Dec to 27 Dec and was wandering if this is anywhere near your church and weather you will be giving a sermon around that time so myself and my family may be blessed with your spiritual words. My email is gwahby@bigpond.com many thanks George wil also be in NY from 27th Dec to 4 Jan.

  • Agape

    Hi Father Anthony, I have been listening to you sermons for some time now and the last one’ Do I really need church’ was really what I needed to hear, I live in Bermuda and I would like to start doing missionary work here. I was encouraged by Fr. Isaac, who is the priest in charge to write to you and ask if you have a program that I could study to help me get started. I would love to come and visit you and your church someday. i look froward to hearing from you. Agape

  • Melissa

    Fr. Anthony Messeh,

    I just wanted to express my gratitude at the great work you have done with this blog and your sermons. I am a recent convert to the Coptic Orthodox faith. ( I am a newlywed to both my husband and the Church! ). I have not had an easy time adjusting, and in fact, have had some difficulties embracing the Coptic Church. However, anytime I’ve ever felt doubtful or frustrated – I have turned to your writings/teachings and I always breathe a sigh of relief. Finally! You have a beautiful gift for making things both relatable and understandable. Your writing and words give me hope that not only can I have a deeper relationship with God, but also a better, mutual relationship with the Church. Thanks!!!

    • http://franthony.com/ Fr. Anthony Messeh

      Thank you very much Melissa. I appreciate your kind words. I am just doing my job and using the gifts God has given me. But I thank you very much for your encouraging comment.

      God must have known that I needed it today!

  • monica

    Hi abouna :)

    I just emailed you but i’m not sure if I sent it to a proper email, so I thought I’d comment on your page just in case…
    My name is Monica and i’m from Australia. I LOVE listening to your sermons and i’ve always wanted to meet you in person to tell you that. If I ever go to America, God willing I will :)
    I’m just sending you this email to ask if you could write a blog on the HSC. I’m not sure what Americans call it but its the High School Certificate. It’s our final exams of school that determine which course and university we go to. The HSC starts in 2 days and i’m not prepared at all and I wanted to ask you to pray for me and also write a blog that might help me through it, but that’s only if you’ve got time though, I know you’ve got a tight schedule…Thank you!

    May God bless you and your family :)

  • disqus_JB6befJxHd

    Hi Abouna, I would really like to get your advice on something relating to your sermon ‘not even a hint’ and my job. Is there an e.mail I can e.mail you on just for a quick question.

  • WeakButBlessed

    Hi abouna,

    You are doing some good work. Keep it up, and please remember to remind the youth why they are so lucky to be ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS . It is your responsibility to do this.

    We can’t resemble other denominations who have a self-interpreted Christ, and I know you are very knowledgeable about Orthodoxy and can gladly incorporate hints of FOUNDATIONAL theology (i.e. the bare essentials like the Divinity of Christ) and sayings of the fathers (like Athanasius, Chrysostom etc) into your sermons to give a sense of discipleship to our Fathers who handed us the faith.

    Thank you, and pray for me Father. I kept my name confidential so there’s nothing personal. I love what you’re doing, you’re bringing people to IC XC , you have a gift.

    • http://franthony.com/ Fr. Anthony Messeh

      Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate it very much. I’ll pray for you and you do the same for me.

  • Anon

    Dear abouna, I just wondered is there a personal email I can ask you some questions on without it being all over your blog? I have so much to ask. I don’t know where I’d be without your sermons, they’ve helped me so much… but I still have so many doubts I was wondering if you could cover them with me (I don’t live in America) via email.

  • Lidya

    Abouna, i am so glad you made this.This is so inspiring for a young lady like me.

    • http://franthony.com/ Fr. Anthony Messeh

      “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” 1 Timothy 1:12

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  • Reham Salib

    Abouna, you are truly a blessing. You inspire me in every way! LOVE listening to your sermons, I hope they never end.. I’m blessed with a job that lets me work from home, where I can work on the computer and listen to your sermons all day! Thank you for being there. I pray that I will one day meet you :)

    Reham- from Australia

  • Neveen Aziz

    Dear Abouna,

    In your sermon Happily Ever After Part 1 you said the wife should have a character. For me character means self confidence, smart, sharp and quick. Strong personality. Not dominating over her husband, but still should have strong personality.
    So is this the type of character you mean?

    I’m not married, but it means a lot for me to know specifically what did you mean cuz I really like your opinion. I listen to only your sermons and I suggest them to my friends who are not Coptic Orthodox and they love it and we start sharing our opinion together. I added your blog to my favourites and I check it almost every day too.

    Thanks Abouna!
    Neveen Aziz

  • gbe

    Dear Fr Anthony

    I love your sermons and i listen to them always and to share it with others i have considered making an android app for them specifically i need your permission of course, it will just list sermons and people can watch/listen to them.

    Yours Sincerely
    George

  • Tim

    Fr. Anthony,

    I am in the midst of watching and listening to your lectures. I am in a pretty dark place right now, and God is giving me hope through you. Keep up the good work, and please keep up the wonderful talks that you give. I have learned so much.

    God bless you,

    Tim

  • milad hanna

    hey abouna i would like it if i can have achat concerning some thoughts i had iam from canada. so please let me know .

  • Michael

    Hello Abouna

    You truly are a blessing in my life. I stumbled on your sermons when I was going through some bad problems in my life and was starting to doubt my faith and you helped me to hold strong in my faith. When I felt hopeless you helped me find hope in God. Do not doubt yourself and know that you are doing God’s work. I will pray for you.

    Thank you so much,
    Michael

    • Fr. Anthony

      Thank you Michael. I appreciate that very much.

  • Sallie

    Abouna,

    You are always so inspiring! I would love to talk to you more as I need major prayers and need to achieve better faith at this scary crossroad in life I’m in right now? Would you mind privately emailing me at the address above? I’d love to call you and get your spiritual advice. God Bless!

  • George Hanna

    Hi father Anthony,
    I live in clearwater,fl and I watch your sermons a lot. I will be in Dc this weekend and wanted to meet you with my family. Can you tell me if I can come see you at church and when?

    Thank you for the wonderful words always
    George

  • Loula Dellaportas

    Hi Father Anthony,

    I’ve heard so many of your sermons and continously get fresh revelation from the words that you preach, you appear to be a humble and devoted man of God. You are the real thing!

    Could you please give us the mailing address of St Timothy and St Athanasius church.

  • Basma

    Abouna,
    Will we be able to still listen to your amazing sermons now that you’re in STSA??? If so, where can I access them?
    God bless your ministry

  • Miguel

    Hello Fr. Anthony,

    I’ve been wanting to send a note for the longest time… I am an Orthodox convert of 7 years and have been an active Orthodox for the past 2 and a half years. I serve with the youth ministry, have become and Ordained Deacon and attend our Diocese Seminary. I’ve spent a lifetime seeking comfort in God and can say that I’m finally at a place and time that was meant to be for me. Thank you for sharing and expanding my horizons.

    I have found so much comfort, joy and pleasure in your blog and pray that The Lord Bless You Indeed!!!

    In Christ,

    Miguel

  • Mark

    Xristos Anesti. Hi Abouna, I just had a question, I am planning on moving to Virgina for school this fall semester. I wanted to know where St. Timothy’s and St. Athanasius permanent locations will be. Thank you.

    • Fr. Anthony

      Arlington, VA is where we are located. Looking forward to meeting you soon Morgan.

  • Gabriella

    Hi abouna! I would like to thank you so much for this blog. It is truly an inspiration, i was so excited to find this blog, I listen to your sermons all the time, you give me great motivation to continue in times of doubt! Thanks so much again, and god bless. :)

    • Fr. Anthony

      Thank you for your kind words Gabriella. Please remember me in your prayers.

  • Meseret

    I am so happy I discovered your blog this morning!. I always watch your sermons on youtube and I always feel lifted afterwards. I am an Ethiopian Orthodox christian from London,UK and I hope you will come visit us here. Please think of me in your prayers. God bless you and your family.

    • Fr. Anthony

      Thank you for your comment Meseret. I appreciate it very much. No plans of coming to the UK any time soon, but only God knows where any of us will be tomorrow. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

  • Denise Michaels

    I never met you but I feel that you are a great priest. I am married to a Coptic man for 34 years.
    I would like you to put me in your prayers for our four children ,son in law and our two grandchildren.
    We live in Bellinghamm Wa one hour away from Vancouver BC where we go to the Coptic church almost every Sunda.
    I love your picture with your family and God bless you always.

    • Fr. Anthony

      Thank you Denise. I appreciate the nice words and the warm thoughts. May God bless you and your family and help you to live for the glory of His Name.

  • sam

    Iam a big fan since day first I saw you abouna on CYC ,, pray for us, and May the Lord bless your work and help you to show his people the way to his love …. I pray that we can have the to see you on day in Nashville, TN

    • Fr. Anthony

      Thanks for your prayers and for your encouraging words Sam. May God bless you.

  • Elizabeth Gayed

    We are blessed to have you in our lives, Abouna! May the grace of God be with you and your family- always. Please pray for me.

    In Christ,

    Liza

    • admin

      Thank you Liza. I appreciate it very much.

      Fr. Anthony

  • Marlene

    My God bless you and your family. Although I have only heard your sermons through the net I completely agree with you regarding your last blog about the internet. :) Please visit us in Dallas sometime. Keep me in your prayers PLEASE.

  • Faith Benjamin

    May God Continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry service! Please remember my family and me in your payers! Especially David and John, it’s been a rough year, need your prayers and spiritual support…

    BTW-love the blog!

    All the Best,
    Faith N Family :)