The Life of Repentance and Purity provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the practice of repentance and purity, essential aspects of Christian life. Pope Shenouda III draws on Scripture, the Church Fathers, his own experience of desert monasticism, and his experience as a shepherd to millions of Christians to provide a practical understanding of how to live a life of continually turning to God. “My advice to you, instead of saying, ‘I promise you that I will repent, O Lord,’ say to the Lord: ‘Restore me, and I will return’ (Jeremiah 31:18). Ask for repentance as a good gift from him, for he himself promised this, saying: ‘I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you’ (Ezekiel 36.26).” His Holiness Pope Shenouda III was the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark. He shepherded the Coptic Orthodox Church for over 40 years before he departed this life in 2012. A charismatic preacher and prolific writer, The Life of Repentance and Purity is one of the earlier books he published in Arabic during his papacy. The Coptic Studies Series at St Vladimir’s Seminary Press was conceived with a two-fold purpose: to increase the accessibility of the many treasures of Coptic Orthodox Christianity to a wider English-speaking audience; and to cross-pollinate the spiritual minds of Coptic Orthodox Christians and their Eastern Orthodox brethren with the knowledge of a common faith in the incarnate Word of God—who is the true source of all wisdom and knowledge. Number of Pages 322