What are some topic ideas for servants during the Apostles' Fast?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The Apostles' Fast is a period specifically dedicated to the theology of mission, the authority of the Church, and the spiritual discipline required to spread the Gospel. It commemorates the fast the Apostles undertook after the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost (Acts 13:3).

Here are specific topic ideas for a servants' meeting during the Apostles' Fast:

1. The Power of "Sent-ness": The Theology of the Apostolate

Focus on the meaning of the word "Apostle", which means "one who is sent."

• Discussion: In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, a servant is not a self-appointed volunteer but is commissioned by the Church. Discuss the importance of obedience to the clergy and the Bishop as a prerequisite for successful service.
• Patristic Focus: Refer to the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch regarding the unity of the servant with the Bishop and the congregation.

2. Guarding the Apostolic Tradition

While many denominations view "tradition" as man-made, Coptic Orthodoxy views Holy Tradition as the life of the Holy Spirit within the Church.

• Topic: How do we protect our youth from Protestant influences that prioritize personal interpretation over Apostolic succession?
• Action: Review the importance of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and how the Apostles' teachings were preserved through the Ecumenical Councils.

3. The Rite of the Epistles: Serving through Writing and Speech

In the Divine Liturgy, we read from the Pauline Epistle, the Catholicon (General Epistles), and the Acts of the Apostles (Praxis).

• Topic: The "Servant as a Living Epistle." How does our conduct outside the church walls reflect the Apostolic message?
• Liturgical Note: Discuss the specific hymns of the Apostles' Fast and why we read the Acts of the Apostles during the liturgy to show that the work of the Spirit never ended.

4. Mission and Apologetics: Responding to Heresy

The Apostles' primary struggle was maintaining the truth against Judaizers and early Gnostics.

• Discussion: Standing firm in the truth without being "politically correct." How to address modern-day heresies or the claims of other denominations (like the Chalcedonian churches or Protestants) while remaining steadfast in the Miaphysite faith of St. Cyril.
• Straightforward Truth: Addressing the differences between our faith and the beliefs of the Jews, who rejected the Messiah that the Apostles preached.

5. St. Paul vs. St. Peter: Unity in Diversity

The Apostles had different temperaments and backgrounds but were unified in one Spirit.

• Workshop: Identify the different "gifts" among the servants in your meeting. How can the "thinkers" (like St. Paul) and the "men of action" (like St. Peter) work together without conflict?

6. The Martyrdom of the Apostles

The fast concludes with the Feast of the Martyrdom of St. Peter and St. Paul (Abib 5).

• Topic: The cost of service is sacrifice. Discuss the history of martyrdom in the Coptic Church, from the first century until today.
• Reflection: Are we willing to "die" to our own ego, time, and comfort for the sake of the Sunday School children we serve?

7. Liturgical Education: The Blessing of the Water (Lakkan)

The Apostles' Fast is one of the three times a year we perform the Lakkan service.

• Topic: Understanding the ritual significance of the Lakkan service.
• Education: Explain the connection between the washing of the feet (humility) and the preparation for the Apostolic mission. Note the specific hymns used for this day as recorded in the St. Didymus curricula.

These topics will help ensure that the servants are not just fasting from food but are being spiritually "re-commissioned" for their ministry.