I have an Arab nose. I’ve always hated my nose and was really insecure about it. I had a habit of joking about it so it would be harder for people to either vocally or silently…
Elmahaba Center’s story is larger than what can be captured, but let me start with two moments:First is a moment of a priest named Abouna Mikhail Attiya. He’d come from Egypt—with no lick of English—to “solve…
Democracy and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions are constantly discussed. The debate centers on whether democracy is possible, or if it is doomed to authoritarian and dictatorial regimes. As we reflect on the…
What is Coptic Orthodox Christian Identity?We often hear that “we are the descendants of the pharaohs” in Coptic communities and this is often the way we begin to characterize our identities. But if one reads into…
I grew up in Savannah, Georgia. My parents were the founders of the first Coptic Orthodox church in the city, having successfully gathered the handful of local Copts in 2002– an effort to ground these immigrant…
Some of the most valued aspects of life, if devoid of freedom, become meaningless. Among these things are love. If one is forced into a marriage without the heart ever having the freedom to choose another,…
Historically, in just about every part of the world, those with lighter skin have been seen as more favorable and more attractive, as compared to those with darker skin. This has been especially prevalent in Asian,…
Disclaimer: This piece is based on opinions and perspectives. My intention is simply to share my experiences without sugarcoating anything. I hope that this piece allows readers to understand my perspectives and mobilize them towards action.…
I remember when I was about eight or nine years old, laying in my bed, wondering what I would become when I grew up. For whatever reason, that question was paramount that night, and after going…
Every season in life has a purpose. Though people like to claim a certain season as their favourite, every season has their cons. For example, fall is beautiful because it’s not too cold, orange is omnipresent,…