Saturday, December 07, 2024
Friday, December 06, 2024
Pedigree of the Patriarchs of Antioch
Antioch is where the disciples of Christ were first called Christians.
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
There is an unbroken list of the Patriarchs of the Church of Antioch down to the present day (OrthodoxWiki: List of Patriarchs of Antioch).
This is one element of Apostolic Succession. Christ left a Church and it is still here today.
His Beatitude Patriarch John X (Yazigi) of Antioch and All the East is the primate of the Church of Antioch.
Gospel Reading - 2024-12-06
LUKE 6:17-23 At that time, Jesus stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.
And he lifted up his eyes on His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven."
The Source of the Text
This text in Luke is parallel to the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Saint Matthew chapter 5 but in a different setting (Matthew is on a mountain, Luke is on a plain) The differences between Luke and Matthew are so great, though, that it would be hard to make a case that they were dependent on a common literary source or that Luke used Matthew as a source.
There is an obvious parallel in this text to Moses coming down off the mountain and delivering the Law to the Children of Israel. The Law of Moses was the great organizing plan for the people of Israel in the land they were to enter. The words of Jesus were so much bigger and grander. These words were the organizing plan for the Church. These words tell us how we should live in this world.
The Message of the Text
Some cast Christ as a revolutionary. In some sense, that was true. His words did overturn the wisdom of that time and still more, the wisdom of our time.
Poverty
Poverty, in this world, is considered a curse. Riches are seen as blessings.
When we consider the riches that Christ left when He became man and look at the poverty he lived in we can see how our temporary humility is nothing in comparison
2 Cor 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
We are to count the poverty of this world as nothing compared to gaining the richness of the Kingdom of God.
Hunger
Most of us in our comfortable parts of the world don't face hunger. That is not true for much of the world. There are people who go to sleep hungry every night. The Fasts of the Church season are intended to help us see this reality.
A much more significant hunger and thirst is our hunger and thirst for God. Our hunger and thirst is only satisfied with the life of Christ and is found in the sacrifice of the Eucharist where Christ gives His life to us.
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Weeping
In this life we cry and weep. Sometimes for our life's condition. Sometimes for those we have lost. Depression is often just a fear of death. In Christ, the hope of life after death overcomes the ultimate sorrow, that of our own death.
Persecution
If we are seeking to live righteous lives the world will not love that. As the Apostle Paul wrote:
2 Timothy 3:12 ...all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Not all persecution is because we are acting godly. Some is the sort of persecution we receive for acting badly ourselves. That is not what is being referred to here.
Gospel Reading 2024-12-05
The Lord said to his disciples, "All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
In the incarnation of Christ, the unknowable God becomes known. If we want to know what God is like we look at Christ.
2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Epistle Reading - 2023-12-07
ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE HEBREWS 13:17-21
Brethren, obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Obey your Leaders
Who are the leaders in this passage? Are they political leaders who often act ungodly? Or are they our spiritual leaders? In some way, both watch over our souls. The New Testament shows both usages of the Greek word ἡγέομαι hēgéomai. This is cognate to the English word hegemon.
Matt 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, G2233 that shall rule my people Israel.
Luke 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, G2233 as he that doth serve.
Perhaps the most parallel text is in the same book:
Hebrews 13:24 Salute all them that have the rule G2233 over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
The translators of the King James Bible seem tilted towards the implications this is referring to political leader. This verse seems more likely to be referring to the leaders in the church. This is not to imply that we should not listen to civic leaders and obey them to the extent we can.
Saints of the Day - 2014-12-06
Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra
Lived 15 March 270 – 6 December 343.
Thrown in prison, beaten and tortured for being a Christian. Set free by the Emperor Constantine when he made Christianity legal. He was at the First Great Ecumenical Council. Performed miracles.
Nicholas the New Martyr of Asia Minor 1657
Thursday, December 05, 2024
What is "the words of truth" in 2 Timothy 2:15?
The phrase "word of truth" is used in this passage. When I was a Protestant I would have said it was about the Bible. but what is Saint Paul talking about?
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
In the context of the passage, Saint Paul is giving instructions to Timothy on the right approach to apologetics (See here: Study to show yourself approved). Most of the passage in this context were about developing the virtues.
Is Paul talking here about studying the Bible or is he talking about something else? In the context of history, the New Testament didn't even exist. Timothy knew Paul personally and had heard him preach and teach. If Paul was telling Timothy to study the Bible this would make no sense.
How is the phrase used in other places in the New Testament?
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
In that passage the phrase refers to the preaching of the Apostle - see the "that you heard" part? Paul didn't read out of the New Testament when he preached the Gospel. There was no New Testament to read out of. Neither did Paul open up one of his own letters and read it to them. The word of God was in his mouth.
In this instance, it was the preaching that was received orally by the people in the first century. They are told in the 2 Timothy verse to use the message that they were given orally and handed down by word of mouth. Today we have both the words of the Scriptures and the traditions of the church which preserved the practices.
Study to show yourself approved
I've got to admit this. I misunderstood this verse.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This verse is in a section of the Scripture where the Apostle Paul is telling Timothy how to do Christian apologetics. I used to read this and think that it meant I should read my Bible and be prepared with verses and arguments for any subject that came up. This is the way Protestant apologists read this passage.
The problem is the following verses are all about developing the virtues and nothing about Bible Study. Looking deeper, the word translated "study" in the KJV is an archaic use of the word. It doesn't mean study - like open a book. Everywhere else the word is used in the New Testament it is translated as "be diligent".
σπουδάζω spoudázō, spoo-dad'-zo; from G4710; to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:—do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.
This makes the entire passage make sense. It's not about developing arguments to be used in apologetics, it's about developing the right virtues. These are listed in the following passages of the text as: Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace. gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness.
If you are filled with the Spirit you will speak from the Spirit who will give you the words you need at the moment you need them:
Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Worship v Veneration
I've often wondered what the difference between worship and veneration is. In particular, with respect to the veneration of Saints and Angels vs the worship that is only for God. Superficially it seemed like a distinction without a difference particularly where it comes to prayer...
But The Lord of Spirits podcast clarified it for me. Christian worship of God involves two things that veneration does not include. In Christian worship two things are offered to God. They are incense and the Holy Oblation (the sacrifice of the Eucharist).
This distinction not specifically called out, per se, but it is found in a number of passages. For example this can be seen in this Old Testament prophecy of the Church:
Malachi 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.
Both of these two elements are present in the Christian worship; incense and the pure offering.
The same thing is found in this passage in Revlations:
Revelation 8:3-4 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
Angels play an intermediate/intercessory role. They take the prayers of all saints and present them to God on the altar.
But why is there an altar? It is connected to the Eucharist where the life of God the Son is given to His people. The early part is the earthly altar and the heavenly part is the Heavenly altar. The two are connected together in the Liturgy.
Saints of the Day - 2024-12-05
Sabbas the Sanctified (527-565 AD)
Orthodox Christianity Then And Now Website
Holy Martyr Diogenes
Orthodox Christianity Then And Now Website
Philotheos the Righteous of Mount Athos
Orthodox Christianity Then And Now Website
Nektarios the Bulgarian
Angels and Prayer
When I was an Evangelical Protestant I missed quite a few things in the Bible. I read it often enough and could quote it back well. But there were a lot of passages which I didn't really see certain details in. One of these was the role of angels in prayer.
In Scripture, Angels play a role in prayer. This can be seen in this passage:
Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Zacharias prayed for a child and the angel came to communicate that his prayer was heard.
An even more clear passage is found in Revelation:
Revelation 8:3-4 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
Here the passage shows angels performing an intermediate role. They take the prayers of the saints and an incense censor and place them on the altar before the throne of God. Why Do Orthodox Christians Pray to the Saints?
Orthodoxy in the News
Orthodoxy tends to stay out of the news. Recent growth in converts to Orthodox have got some notice this week in the NY Post article Young men leaving traditional churches for ‘masculine’ Orthodox Christianity in droves.
In Droves?
Internet Influencers
Other Media Outreach
Is Orthodoxy Based?
Thoughts on Authorship of the Pauline Corpus
Modern scholarship sees some of the letters of Paul as being genuinely written by Paul and others as written later by others.
There is strong consensus in modern New Testament scholarship on a core group of authentic Pauline epistles whose authorship is rarely contested: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon.
Several additional letters bearing Paul's name are disputed among scholars, namely Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus. Scholarly opinion is sharply divided on whether or not Colossians and 2 Thessalonians are genuine letters of Paul.
The remaining four contested epistles – Ephesians, as well as the three known as the Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus) – have been labeled pseudepigraphical works by most critical scholars
I am skeptical about this approach. It has flaws that come with the modern historical method.
The letters in question all have Paul's name on them
Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
The assumption of the modern critical scholars is that the writers of these letters forged Paul's name on them in order to get them accepted. The burden of proof is on the critics and in my view, they have failed to meet that burden.
The Circulation of the Epistles
The Epistles themselves show that they were copied and shared with other churches but this was on an ad hoc basis (Sufficiency of Scripture?). Saint Peter knew of at least some of the Letters of Saint Paul (Saint Peter on Saint Paul - Scripture and Tradition).
The Letters were quoted by the Church Fathers
Polycarp of Smyrna (69–156 AD) not only quoted from 2 Thessalonians but also the Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke, Acts of the Apostles, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Epistle to the Hebrews, 1 Peter, 1 John, 3 John. (The Development of the Canon of the New Testament)
An absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. It seems that a better explanation of the lack of quotes from some the earliest Church Fathers that some of the letters were not in circulation as much as others.
The Letters were accepted by the Church as Canonical
All of these matters were adjudicated by the Church. They were much closer in time to the events and had a motive to ensure the corpus was authentic. The tradition of the Church knew the authentic from the inauthentic epistles.
Writings attributed to the apostles circulated among the earliest Christian communities. The Pauline epistles were circulating, perhaps in collected forms, by the end of the 1st century AD. Justin Martyr, in the mid 2nd century, mentions "memoirs of the apostles" as being read on "the day called that of the sun" (Sunday) alongside the "writings of the prophets. A defined set of four gospels (the Tetramorph) was asserted by Irenaeus, c. 180, who refers to it directly.
Motives of the Scholars
These scholars have a motive that is so ancient that it is found in the words of the Serpent in the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Epistle Reading 2024-12-05
ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS 5:22-26; 6:1-2
Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The words, "have crucified" are a single verb in the Greek ἐσταύρωσαν and are in the aorist tense. There's no simple equivalent in English to the aorist tense. It is often translated in the past tense but that does not mean the action from the event isn't continuing. For us, the act of crucifying the flesh came when we came to Christ. It continues all our lives as we walk in the Spirit.
We are called to bear one another's burden. We do this through helping others and prayer. This is the opposite of causing strife among the brethren.
Tuesday, December 03, 2024
Gospel Reading 2024-12-03
The Lord said to his disciples, "Beware of men who will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
The Paradox
This is the true paradox of the Christian life. It is the ultimate goal to protect ones on life but to do so requires losing that life. How do we resolve this apparent paradox? It is by realizing that this life is but for a moment compared to eternity.
How Then Do We Live?
We are told that the way to live this life is to keep ourselves in the love of God.
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
The word, "keep" in this verse is a verb in the aorist tense and it is active. It requires effort (the active part of the verb) without regards to time (the aorist part). The aorist tense -
Is characterized by its emphasis on punctiliar action; that is, the concept of the verb is considered without regard for past, present, or future time.
This "keeping" is not a completed act, but it is on-going throughout our entire life in Christ.
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Gospel Reading 2024-11-26
At that time, Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer'; but you have made it a den of robbers." And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people hung upon his words.
Nazarite Vows
Josephus briefly recounts an episode where, in the 12th year of the reign of Nero, during the outbreak of the First Jewish-Roman War, Bernice (the sister of King Agrippa II) had put herself under a Nazirite vow and had come to Jerusalem thirty days before she was to offer her sacrifices, Wikipedia
Did Mary take such an oath?
Saints of the Day 2024-11-26
Alypius the Stylite of Adrianopolis
Orthodox Christianity Then and Now
Nikon Metanoeite
Orthodox Christianity Then and Now
Stylianos the Monk of Paphlagonia
Orthodox Christianity Then and Now
George the New Martyr of Chios
Orthodox Christianity Then and Now
Akakios of Sinai who is mentioned in The Ladder, Innocent of Irkutsk
Orthodox Christianity Then and Now
Epistle Reading 2024-11-26
ST. PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS 1:6-10
Brethren, you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit; so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us what a welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Monday, November 25, 2024
Church Fathers 2024-11-25
Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria
Mercurius the Great Martyr of Caesarea in Cappadocia
Gospel Reading 2024-11-25
At that time, a great crowd followed Jesus and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." And immediately the hemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, "Who touched my garments?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, 'Who touched me?'" And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had been done to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."
The Fathers
Ephrem The Syrian AD 373
Glory to you, hidden Son of God, because your healing power is proclaimed through the hidden suffering of the afflicted woman. Through this woman whom they could see, the witnesses were enabled to behold the divinity that cannot be seen. Through the Son’s own healing power his divinity became known. Through the afflicted woman’s being healed her faith was made manifest. She caused him to be proclaimed, and indeed was honored with him. For truth was being proclaimed together with its heralds. If she was a witness to his divinity, he in turn was a witness to her faith…. He saw through to her hidden faith, and gave her a visible healing. Commentary on Tatian’s Diatessaron.
Peter Chrysologus AD 450
No seas were ever so troubled by the ebb and flow of the tide, as the mind of this woman, pulled to and fro by the sway of her thoughts. After all the hopeless strivings of physicians, after all her outlay on useless remedies, after all the usual but useless treatment, when skill and experience had so long failed, all her substance was gone. This was not by chance, but divinely ordered, that she might be healed solely through faith and humility, whom human knowledge had failed through so many years. At a little distance apart from him stood this woman, whom nature had filled with modesty, whom the law had declared unclean, saying of her: She shall be unclean and shall touch no holy thing. She fears to touch, lest she incur the anger of the religious leaders, or the condemnation of the law. For fear of being talked about, she dares not speak, lest she embarrass those about her, lest she offend their ears. Through many years her body has been an arena of suffering. Everyday, unceasing pain she can endure no more. The Lord is passing by so quickly. The time is short to think what she must do, aware that healing is not given to the silent, nor to the one who hides her pain. In the midst of her conflicting thoughts, she sees a way, her sole way of salvation. She would secure her healing by stealth, take in silence what she dares not ask for, guarding her respect and modesty. She who feels unworthy in body, draws near in heart to the physician. In faith she touches God. With her hand she touches his garment, knowing that both healing and forgiveness may be bestowed on this stratagem, undertaken due to the demands of modesty, and not as she otherwise would have preferred. She knew the gain she sought by stealth would cause no loss to him from whom she took it…. In an instant, faith cures where human skill had failed through twelve years
Epistle Reading 2024-11-25
ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS 3:23-29; 4:1-5
Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption.
It is by adoption that we become sons of God. This is all about theosis. This passage is very well covered in this podcast.
Church Fathers 2024-11-24
Our Holy Father Clement, Pope of Rome (AD 96)
Our father among the saints Clement of Rome (also called Clemens Romanus to distinguish him from Clement of Alexandria) was the third in succession after the Apostle Peter as bishop of Rome. Clement is known mainly for the letter he wrote to the Corinthians in about AD 96. He is counted among the apostolic fathers.
The letter sent in about the year 96 to the Church of Corinth in the name of the Church of Rome has been attributed to Clement. The letter was sent in an attempt to restore peace and unity in the Corinthian church, where apparently a few violent people had revolted against the leadership of the church community. OrthodoxWiki Page
Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria
Pope Peter I of Alexandria (Greek: Πέτρος Α΄ Αλεξανδρείας, Coptic: Ⲡⲁⲡⲁ Ⲁⲃⲃⲁ ⲡⲉⲧⲣⲟⲥ ⲁ̅, ⲡⲓⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ ⲡⲉⲧⲣⲟⲥ ⲓⲉⲣⲟⲙⲁⲣⲧⲩⲣⲟⲥ ⲡⲓⲁⲣⲭⲏⲉⲣⲉⲩⲥ[1]) was the 17th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria from 302 to 311. He is revered as a saint by the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Church. Wikipedia page
Hermogenes, the Martyr
Georgiy Yefremovich Dolganyov was a prominent Russian Orthodox religious figure, a monarchist and anti-communist, who supported the Union of the Russian People and Black Hundreds. In 1917, he was appointed as Hermogenes, Bishop of Tobolsk and Siberia. In April 1918, he was arrested by Bolsheviks and drowned in the Tura River. Wikipedia page
Philoumenos and Christopher the Martyrs
Othodox Christianity Then and Now
Apologetics - Substance and Style
There are some apologists for the faith who have great content but fail the test of a real apologist.
2 Timothy 2:25-26 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
In our enthusiasm to share the truth of Christ and His Body, the Church, may we keep Hs Spirit at the top of our mind and act as He acts. It's as important how we say something as what we say.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Gospel Reading 2024-11-24
LUKE 18:18-27 At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God.
The Fathers
Titus of Bostra (died c. 378)
For He speaks of avoiding of evil, not practicing of good. And any cessation from action is easier than any actual work. Our Lord next declares, that though a man has kept the old covenant, he is not perfect, since he lacks to follow Christ. You yet lack one thing, Sell all that you have As if He says, you ask how to possess eternal life; scatter your goods among the poor, and you shall obtain it. A little thing is that you spend, you receive great things.
Jerome AD 420
The young man speaks false, for if he had fulfilled that which was afterwards placed among the commandments, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, how was it that when he heard, Go and sell all that you have, and give to the poor, he went away sorrowful?
Epistle Reading 2024-11-24
ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS 6:11-18 Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Circumcision - Sign of the Old Covenant
Gen 17:9-14 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
The Covenant of Circumcision was Ratified by Joshua at the Conquest
Joshua 5:2-3 At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
A New Covenant was Promised in the Old Testament
Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Deuteronomy 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
The New Covenant was Inaugurated by Christ
1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
Mathew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Hebrews Lays this out in Detail
Heb 8:8-13 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
The New Covenant Sign is Baptism
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Synergism is Scriptural
2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with G4903 them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together G4903 for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth G4903 with us, and laboureth.
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought G4903 with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Epistle Reading for 2024-11-23
2 Cor 5:1-10 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
There are a great many things in this passage that are clearly revealed here more than in other places in Scripture. One of these is the state of the soul after death. We won't be some ethereal disembodied spirit, but we will receive our resurrection bodies. Our bodies will be raised from mortality to immortality.
The judgement of all men will happen. This judgment will be done based on what we did in the bodies we have now. This is a call to live in holiness and the fear of God in the here and now. The judgment will be final.
This life has pain and suffering but glimpses of the glory that is to be revealed. John adds further detail about that life to come.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
The Glory that Christ has with the Father will be ours on that day.
John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Paul referred to the same thing.
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Theosis is this - Christ in me, the hope of glory.
Colossans 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
This is not an incidental doctrine. It is the goal of our lives in Christ. It is what we push on towards.
Gospel Reading for 2024-11-23
Luke 10:19-20 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
This is set when the "70 others also" returned to Jesus. They saw that even the demons were subject to them. Jesus saw the Devil fall from power "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." The kingdom of Satan was forever changed and weakened. His power over men was being taken down. Jesus left this authority with His Church.
Tradition in Scripture
The Greek word παραδόσεις (paradosis) is translated in various ways in the KJV and NIV Bibles. This obscures the fact that it's the same word in Greek G3862 in Strong's.
In this verse, it's translated as "ordinances" and is a command to keep the traditions that Paul himself delivered to the Church.
1 Cor 11:1-2 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
There are many examples where the word is translated as "tradition(s)" and used in a negative sense to separate the traditions of man from the traditions of God. For instance:
Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
In addition to 1 Cor 11 (see above) there are at least two other passages where Paul instructs the Church to follow the traditions he delivered to the Church.
2 Thes 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions G3862 which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
2 Thes 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition G3862 which he received of us.
Assurance of Salvation
Protestant Notion of the Assurance of Salvation is Unbiblical
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
This ascetic struggle is what the Church calls its members to perform.
So how can we have an assurance of salvation?
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Saints of the Day - 2024-11-23
Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium, Gregory, Bishop of Agrigentum, Dionysios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Ischyrion, Bishop of Egypt, Afterfeast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple, Sisinios the Confessor
Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium
He lived about 340-394 AD. His biography can be found here. He is important for his presentation of Christ as having "two natures in one person". He was not an innovator in terms of substance, but used philosophical terms in a unique way that added to the ability to the Church to communicate the person of Christ.
Gregory, Bishop of Agrigentum
He died circa 590 AD. His biography can be found here. He participated in the fifth Ecumenical Council. He spoke against the Monothelite heresy. Miracles of healing are attributed to him. He was charged with being with a prostitute which was proven later to be false charge but only shown to be so after many trials including prison.
Dionysios, Patriarch of Constantinople
His biography can be found here. Dionysius I (Greek: Διονύσιος; died 1492) was Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople two times, from 1466 to 1471 and from 1488 to 1490. He was a pupil of Mark, Archbishop of Ephesus, who ordained him as priest.
Ischyrion, Bishop of Egypt
His biography can be found here.Sisinios the Confessor
His biography can be found here.Friday, November 22, 2024
The Seven Great Ecumenical Councils
It's really the beauty of the Seven Ecumenical Councils. They took the Fathers and the Scriptures and reached the conclusions we have today in the Church. The Trinity, the Deity of Christ, the selection of the canon, rejection of iconoclasts, and many others. It was all based on the pattern from the first council in Acts 15 where the church gathered and considered the matter of how Gentils should be received and how they should behave. The leaders of the church decided the matter and the laity agreed. The Church kept that pattern believing it was God's way of determining truth between varying Fathers.
Jesus promised the Spirit to guide His Church into all truth.
The Protestants pick and choose from among these councils the things they agree with and the things they disagree with.
Lists of Apostles
Similarities and Differences in the lists of the names of the Apostles
Matthew and Mark have the same names, in a different order to each other, and with some different details.
The Synoptic Gospels match for the most part, but Luke has a different name for one of the apostles compared to Matthew and Mark.
- Matthew and Mark have Thaddaeus
- Luke has Judas the brother of James
Gospel Source Materials (KJV)
Mat 10:2-3 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Mar 3:16-19 And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him...
Luk 6:14-16 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
Act 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Interesting Fifth Century Amulet
An interesting fifth century object was found in Turkey.
"The depiction of Prophet Solomon on this necklace surprised us and revealed the importance of the artifact for Anatolian archaeology," said Çelikbaş. Anatolia is a region of Turkey. 5th-century amulet depicting biblical figure King Solomon spearing the devil discovered in Turkey
I am certainly no expert on pieces like this but it seems a lot more like Saint George and the dragon than King Solomon.
Solomon is considered a Prophet-King by the Eastern Orthodox. His commemoration date is Dec 12 (Prophet Solomon).\
The Prophet-King Solomon (ca. 972 - 932 B.C.) was the son of David and Bathsheba. He succeeded his father as King and reigned for forty years. He built the palace and the Temple at Jerusalem, and was renowned for his wisdom. The Old Testament books of Proverbs, the Song of Songs, and the Wisdom of Solomon are attributed to him. He may have written parts of these books, but much of the material was probably transmitted orally before it was written down.
In the Gospels, Christ mentions Solomon by name, citing his glory and wisdom (Matthew 6:29; 12:42).
Solomon is not considered a Saint perhaps due to his lifestyle but he's still considered a Prophet because he produced the above Biblical materials.
Saints for 2024-11-22
The Saints for today:
- Archippus the Apostle, Philemon the Apostle & his wife, Apphia, Onesimos the Disciple of Paul (Today's Epistle reading)
- Holy Martyr Cecilia and those with her,
- Afterfeast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple
- Kallistos Xanthopoulos, Patriarch of Constantinople
- Anthimos, President of Crete
- Righteous Jacob of Evia
Archippus
According to the 4th century Apostolic Constitutions (7.46), Archippus was the first bishop of Laodicea in Phrygia (now part of Turkey). Another tradition states that he was one of the 72 disciples appointed by Jesus Christ in Luke 10:1. The Roman Catholic Church observes a feast day for Saint Archippus on March 20. The Eastern Orthodox Church observes a feast day on February 19 as well as November 22 along with Saints Philemon, Apphia, and Onesimus. According to tradition, he was stoned to death. (Wikipedia)
Saint Cecilia
Saint Cecilia (Latin: Sancta Caecilia), also spelled Cecelia, was a Roman Christian virgin martyr, who is venerated in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Lutheran churches, such as the Church of Sweden.[2] She became the patroness of music and musicians, it being written that, as the musicians played at her wedding, Cecilia "sang in her heart to the Lord". Musical compositions are dedicated to her, and her feast, on 22 November, is the occasion of concerts and musical festivals. She is also known as Cecilia of Rome. (Wikipedia)
Nikephoros Kallistos Xanthopoulos
Nikephoros Kallistos Xanthopoulos (Greek: Νικηφόρος Κάλλιστος Ξανθόπουλος; Latinized as Nicephorus Callistus Xanthopulus;[1] c. 1256 – 1335) was a Greek ecclesiastical historian and litterateur of the late Byzantine Empire.[2] His most popular work, the voluminous Ecclesiastica historia, constitutes a significant documentary source on primitive Christianity and its doctrinal controversies, as well as for hagiographical, liturgical, and legendary texts from Byzantine culture. (Wikipedia)
Anthimos President of Crete
He was born in Crete, at the beginning of the 14th century. For reasons which we do not know, he found himself in Athens, where he was appointed Metropolitan of the then insignificant Metropolis of Athens and Euripus (Evia), shepherding between the years 1339-1366.
In order to complete their work, the Cretan rebels asked the Ecumenical Patriarchate to send them an Orthodox Metropolitan. They even asked for their compatriot Anthimos. The Ecumenical Patriarchate responded positively to their request and in 1366, sent Anthimos to Crete, appointing him President of the Metropolis of Crete, appreciating him for his holiness, his love for the Church and his confessional attitude.
It is well worth reading the account of the tortures he received at the hands of the Latins (Orthodox Christianity Then and Now).
Righteous Jacob of Evia
The venerable Elder Iakovos Tsalikes, the admirable Abbot of the Monastery of the Venerable David in Evia, was a long-range star who shined in our days with the rays of his simplicity, his goodness, his equal-to-the-angels state and his numerous wonders.
Elder Iakavos was the personification of love, a living embodiment of "the new life in Christ", a projector of virtue and a mirror of humility and temperance. (Orthodox Christianity Then and Now).
The Elect One
There's an Old Testament prophecy in the book of Isaiah that is a prophecy of the Messiah.
Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
The Messiah is the Elect One. This theme is carried farther in Isaiah.
Isaiah 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
Those who are in Christ are in the Elect One and can be numbered in the Elect.
Gospel Reading 2024-11-22
LUKE 19:12-28 The Lord said this parable, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Trade with these till I come.' But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.' When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.' And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has made five pounds.' And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.' Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.' He said to him, 'I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I should have collected it with interest?' And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.' (And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds!') 'I tell you, that to every one who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.'" And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
God sent prophets to the Hebrews and the Hebrews killed the prophets.
Matthew 23:29-32 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
God sent His Only Son to the Hebrews. They killed Him, too. After His Ascension Christ entered Glory and Seating at the Right Hand of God where Christ received his kingdom. We are now waiting on the King to return and judge the world.
In the meanwhile, we in Christ's Church are to be faithful to the ministry Christ left us. After his ministry Christ committed the work of the ministry to His Church. They/we were responsible to faithful with what they were given.
1 Corinthians 10:6-12 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Jesus is warning His Church to not fail, as the Hebrews did.