Undoubtedly the second canonical books Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Wisdom, Jesus son of Sirach, First and second Maccabees and the Completions of the books of Esther and Daniel are important books with historical significance, spiritual teachings and beneficial proverbs.

The traditional churches, including our Coptic Orthodox Church, used it and still do that we may be filled from meditating in them and benefiting from their content.

The book of Tobit tells us about marital chastity and purity. The book of Judith tells us about sacrifice on behalf of the whole people. The books of Wisdom and Jesus son of Sirach give us important teachings, principles and proverbs. Baruch tells us about Jeremiah the prophet and his role in warning the people from sin. The books of Maccabees tells us of the purification of the Israelites from paganisms in preparation for the incarnation and birth of Christ. The completions of Esther and Daniel provide us with touching stories and important lessons such as the story of Baal and the dragon and the story of Susannah.

Thus it is wonderful that the beloved brother Ehab Raeef Wahib has introduced these books with their spiritual teachings to the Coptic youth of Australia and the Diaspora. He publishes his studies in both Arabic and English to make them accessible to everyone. He also turns them to nice competitions to encourage people to study them.

Between the beloved reader’s hands is the story of Judith who took of the clothes of her widowhood and went to the residence of the Tyrant who subdued the people of God. She subjected herself to the danger of death to save the people from him.

It is a beautiful touching story with an introduction to the book, written in a simple style to suit the regular reader to enjoy the blessing of this courageous faithful heroine.

Looking forward to more of these studies. May the Lord bless the beloved deacon Ehab and every reader of these pages, through the intercessions of our Mother Saint Mary and the prayers of our beloved Shepherd, the initiator of the contemporary revival in the church His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.His Grace Anba Moussa

May God’s grace surround us all.