#Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria

[apenitentialprayer]

May 11, 2023

Earlier today, Pope Francis declared that 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians, who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya in 2015, would be added to the Roman Martyrology. Francis made the announcement during an audience with Pope Tawadros II, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. The “21 Coptic New Martyrs of Libya,” as they are called, were martyred on February 15, 2015. Less than a week later, they were declared saints in the Coptic Orthodox Church by Pope Tawadros. The Copts celebrate their feast on the anniversary of their death, February 15, and it appears that this will also be their feast day on the Roman calendar.

The world was shocked in February 2015, when a 5-minute video was uploaded to the internet by ISIS militants. The video showed the 21 kidnapped men in orange jumpsuits being beheaded on a beach near the Libyan city of Sirte. 20 of these martyrs were Egyptian Copts who had gone to Libya to do construction work. The last member of the group, Matthew Ayariga, was a fellow worker from Ghana. It is said that he told the executioners, “Their God is my God. I will go with them.” There has been some question over whether he was already Christian or whether the witness of his 20 coworkers led to his conversion, but nevertheless, his Christian witness and solidarity are inspiring. It was reported that as they died, they chanted hymns and prayed aloud.

The deaths of these men as Christian martyrs is undeniable. The extraordinary photos of Blessed Miguel Pro, a Catholic priest who was executed by the Mexican government in 1927 during the Cristero War — taken just moments before the he was shot by the firing squad — are perhaps the only other photographic images recording a Christian martyrdom as it happened. And yet the recognition of the 21 martyrs as Catholic saints is unprecedented for several reasons.

The primary reason, of course, is that the Coptic Orthodox Church is not in full communion with Rome. The Copts are Oriental Orthodox (as opposed to Eastern Orthodox), because they split from the other Christian churches in the year 451 at the Council of Chalcedon due to differences over the nature of Christ. They are also referred to as “Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches.” This means that they recognize the first three ecumenical councils, whereas the Eastern Orthodox recognize seven, and the Catholic Church recognizes 21 ecumenical councils.

After more than 15 centuries, our hope of reunion may seem remote. After all these years, the two Churches have independently developed their own traditions, theologies, forms of worship, and prayers. Yet some things have remained the same. Both Churches have maintained apostolic succession and the sacraments: Pope Francis is the successor of St. Peter and Pope Tawadros is the successor of St. Mark. In recent decades, the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church has become closer. For example, in 2017, Popes Francis and Tawadros made a joint statement indicating mutual acceptance of the validity of baptism in both Churches.

Pope Francis has praised the Martyrs of Libya many times, and today he recalled our shared baptism, as well as the blood of martyrs that enriches the Church. He said, “These martyrs were baptized not only in the water and Spirit, but also in blood, a blood that is the seed of unity for all of Christ’s followers.” In the past, the pope has discussed how we must realize that we, the baptized, have much more in common than what divides us. This shared recognition of sainthood between the two Churches is a significant step towards Christian unity.

This sets a new precedent. In 1964, when the Ugandan Martyrs were canonized by Pope Paul VI, St. Charles Lwanga and the other 21 Catholics among his companions were declared saints. The 23 Anglicans who were martyred alongside them were mentioned briefly in the pope’s homily, when he said, “And we do not wish to forget, the others who, belonging to the Anglican confession, met death for the name of Christ.”

Another reason why today’s announcement is unique was that Pope Francis did this by an official act. The Roman Martyrology is the official list of saints officially recognized by the Latin Church. Many Eastern Catholic Churches have their own processes for canonizing saints according to their traditions. Historically, when groups of Eastern Catholics have come into full communion with Rome, they will bring along their saints and prayers and traditions. Many of these saints aren’t officially canonized by Rome, and they are usually only venerated in their own tradition. By inscribing the names of these martyrs in the Roman Martyrology, Pope Francis has made it clear that these martyrs are to be venerated by Roman Catholics as saints.

Finally, in declaring them saints today, Pope Francis sidestepped the typical canonization process. They are saints, without having passed through the usual stages of Servant of God, Venerable, and Blessed. This “skipping” of steps is commonly referred to as “equipollent canonization.” Essentially, when a pope declares someone a saint by an official act, that person is recognized as a saint in the Church. This is not the first time Francis has moved a case along in this way. For example, when he canonized Popes John XXIII and John Paul II in 2014, he waived the requirement of a second miracle for John XXIII so that the two popes would be canonized on the same day. In 2013, he elevated the Jesuit Peter Faber, whose status had lingered at “Blessed” since 1872.

Perhaps the most interesting case is that of St. Gregory of Narek, an Armenian monk venerated as a saint in the Armenian Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Unexpectedly, Pope Francis named him the 36th Doctor of the Church in 2015. Living from in the mid-10th century through the early 11th, St. Gregory lived at a time when the Armenian Church was not in communion with Rome. After several failed attempts at reunion, the Armenian Catholic Church was officially recognized as an Eastern Catholic Church in 1742. Interestingly, the Armenian Catholic eparchy of Buenos Aires (established in 1989 by Pope John Paul II) is called the Eparchy of Saint Gregory of Narek. Perhaps this is how Pope Francis became familiar with the saint.

We Christians are blessed with a wide variety of saints from all sorts of backgrounds. They help make up the beautiful tapestry of the people of God — praying for us, interceding for us, and inspiring us. This is something worth celebrating.

21 Coptic New Martyrs of Libya, Pray for Us!

Mike Lewis. Bolded emphases added.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Today in Christian History

Today is Monday, January 1st, 2024. It is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; Because it is a leap year, 365 days remain until the end of the year.

404: Last known gladiator fight in Rome. Sometime earlier, Telemachus, a monk from the eastern Roman empire, had been killed by spectators in the Roman Coliseum for attempting to separate gladiatorial combatants. According to church historian Theodoret, when Emperor Honorius learned of this, he declared Telemachus a martyr and abolished the games.

1519: The Swiss Reformation begins when Huldrych Zwingli (pictured above) assumes his duties as priest of Zurich and begins preaching through the Bible.

1622: The Gregorian Calendar, so called because it was promulgated by Pope Gregory XIII, makes January 1st the first day of the year in Catholic countries. Under the Roman calendar, March 25th had been the first day of the year.

1802: In reply to the Danbury Baptist Accociation (of Connecticut), which is concerned that Baptists could be forced to belong to an established church, Thomas Jefferson declares there is “a wall of separation between Church and State,” a phrase which never appears enshrined in the US Constitution, but will later be wrested out of context to deny public expression of religious belief on governmental property.

1824: Over breakfast, David Naismith organizes The Glasgow Young Men’s Society for Religious Improvement. One object spelled out in its constitution is “to establish and promote throughout the city and suburbs associations of Young Men for Mutual Religious Improvement.”

1871: An act to disestablish the Church of Ireland goes into effect, meaning it will no longer be the government-run church of that country.

1927: Kawai Shinsui publicly announces that he is establishing the Christ Heart Church, a Japanese denomination independent of the west.

1937: Death of J. Gresham Machen, a gifted Presbyterian scholar and defender of the Christian faith in the United States. Concerned with a rising tide of liberalism among Presbyterians, he had helped found the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

1945: Death of Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah, first native-born Anglican bishop of India. He had relinquished leadership in two mission agencies to work in Dornakal, one of the poorest regions of India. Upon his arrival in Dornakal, Christians had numbered 8,000 with six Indian ministers and one hundred and seventy-two lay-workers. By his death the diocese had one hundred and fifty ministers and about three hundred thousand converts despite the opposition of Mahatma Gandhi.

1979: Beginning of the Third General Council of the Latin American Episcopate, held in Puebla, Mexico. It will emphasize popular piety and place special emphasis on the poor.

2011: Muslims in Alexandria, Egypt, bomb the crowded Two Saints Coptic Church, killing more than twenty Christian and wounding scores of others.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 6.18

Holidays

Academy Day (Scientology)

Autistic Pride Day

Clark Kent Day

Clean Your Aquarium Day

Count Your $$ Day

Drone Safety Day

Festival of Invisible Pornography

Finest Hour Speech Day

Foundation Day (Benguet, Philippines)

Go Fishing Day

Hand Cart Day (French Republic)

Horned Poppy Day

Human Rights Day (Azerbaijan)

International Day for Countering Hate Speech

International Declaration of Human Rights Day

International Panic Day

Jack Herer Day

Justice Institution Employees Day (Turkmenistan)

Mela Khir Bhawani (Kashmir, India)

National Black America’s Day of Repentance

National Internet Cat Day

National Jesse Day

National Relationship Day

National Splurge Day

National Wanna Get Away Day

National Wear Blue Day

Neurodiversity Pride Day (Netherlands)

No Headline Day

Police Inspector’s Day (Ukraine)

Queen Mother’s Day (Cambodia)

618 Day

Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Tabasco Day (Mali)

Trouser Day

Veterinary Appreciation Day (a.k.a. Veterinarian Appreciation Day)

Waterloo Day (UK)

Wild Den Dancing Day

World Day Against Incarceration

World Wide Knit in Public Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Insalata Day (Italy)

International Picnic Day

International Sushi Day

National Cheesemaker’s Day

National Cherry Tart Day

Independence & Related Days

Aldrodnia (Declared; 2018) [unrecognized]

Bacolod City Charter Day (Philippines)

Constitution Day (Seychelles)

Egypt (a.k.a. Eid el-Galaa, evacuation of foreign troops, 1954)

Flinders (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Jailavera (Declared; 2017) [unrecognized]

Leprechia (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

Naga City Charter Day (Philippines)

Onontakeka (Declared; 2018) [unrecognized]

Snagov (Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]

3rd Tuesday in June

National Accounts Payable Appreciation Day [3rd Tuesday]

National Cherry Tart Day [3rd Tuesday]

Royal Ascot begins (UK) [3rd Tuesday]

Taco Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Weekly Holidays beginning June 18 (3rd Full Week)

National Water Safety Week (Ireland) [thru 6.25]

Royal Ascot (thru 6.22)

Festivals Beginning June 18, 2024

Marysville Strawberry Festival (Marysville, Washington) [thru 6.23]

RMA Convention (Maui, Hawaii) [thru 6.21]

Taste of Little Italy (San Diego, California) [thru 6.19]

Feast Days

Amandus, Bishop of Bordeaux (Christian; Saint)

Andim Day (Pastafarian)

Bernard Mizeki (Anglican and Episcopal Church)

Chris Van Allsburg (Artology)

Elisabeth of Schönau (Christian; Saint)

Elvis Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Ephraem (Christian; Saint)

Erik Ortvad (Artology)

Festival of Anna (Ancient Rome; Everyday Wicca)

Going Forth of Neith Along the River (Ancient Egypt’ Goddess of War and Hunting)

Gregorio Barbarigo (Christian; Saint)

Gregory of Fragalata (Christian; Saint)

Into Raymi Festival begins (Inca Sun Worship Festival; until 24th)

James Montgomery Flagg (Artology)

John Bellany (Artology)

Joseph-Marie Vien (Artology)

Leontius, Hypatius and Theodulus (Christian; Saints)

Leroy (Muppetism)

Marina the Monk (Maronite Church, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria)

Mark and Marcellian (Christian; Martyrs)

Media Ver XI (Pagan)

National Splurge Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Now Panic Day (Pastafarian)

Osanna Andreasi (Christian; Saint)

Theodoric the Great (Positivist; Saint)

Three Lasting Things of Cormac Mac Art: Grass, Copper and Yew (Celtic Book of Days)

Tiger-Get-By’s Birthday (Shamanism)

Islamic Lunar Holidays

Eid al-Adha, Day 3 [Muslim Feast of Sacrifice] (a.k.a. ... 

Al Adha (Bahrain)

Corban Bairam (Sudan)

Eid al Adha (Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Yemen)

Eid e-Ghorban

Eid ul-Ad’haa (Maldives)

Feast of Sacrifice (Uzbekistan)

Gurban Bayram (Azerbaijan)

Hari Arafat (Malaysia)

Hari Raya Qurban (Malaysia)

Id el Kabir (Nigeria)

Kurban Bayram (North Cyprus)

Kurban Bayramy (Turkey)

Qurbon Hayit (Uzbekistan)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [36 of 57]

Premieres

The Adventures of Ellery Queen (Radio Series; 1939)

The Bully (Ub Iwerks Flip the Frog Cartoon; 1932)

Casey Bats Again (Disney Cartoon; 1954)

Dangerous When Wet (Film; 1953)

Dare To Be Stupid, by Weird Al Yankovic (Album; 1985)

Day & Night (Pixar Cartoon; 2010)

Der Freischütz (or The Marksman), by Carl Maria von Weber (Opera; 1821)

DodgeBall (Film: 2004)

(Everything I Do) I Do It For You, by Bryan Adams (Song; 1991)

Eyes in Outer Space (Disney Cartoon; 1959)

Goodbye Cruel World, by Elvis Costello (Album; 1984)

The House with a Clock in Its Walls, by John Bellairs (Novel; 1973)

Howard Zinn: You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train (Documentary Film; 2004)

Ice Station Zebra, by Alistair MacLean (Novel; 1963)

An Ideal Husband (Film; 1999)

Inside, Outside, by Herman Wouk (History Book; 1985)

Lady and the Lamp (Disney Cartoon; 1979)

Last Action Hero (Film; 1993)

Le Marteau sans Maître, by Pierre Boulez (Chamber Cantata; 1955)

Luca (Animated Film; 2021)

Morning, Noon and Nightclub (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1937)

My Cousin Rachel, by Daphne du Maurier (Novel; 1952)

The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman (Novel; 2013)

Odelay, by Beck (Album; 1996)

Once Upon a Forest (Hanna-Barbera Animated Film; 1993)

Origin of Symmetry, by Muse (Album; 2001)

Polar Fright (Chilly Willy Cartoon; 1966)

Popeye Meets Hercules (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1948)

The Sparks Brothers (Documentary Film; 2021)

Suppressed Duck (WB LT Cartoon; 1965)

Tarzan (Animated Disney Film; 1999)

Toy Story 3 (Animated Pixar Film; 2010)

The Underground World (Fleischer Cartoon; 1943) [#16]

The Wild Bunch (Film; 1969)

Wouldn’t It Be Nice, by The Beach Boys (Song; 1966)

Today’s Name Days

Elisabeth, Ilsa, Marina (Austria)

Asen, Chavdar (Bulgaria)

Elizabeta, Marcel, Ozana, Paul (Croatia)

Milan (Czech Republic)

Leontius (Denmark)

Auli, Aurelia, Auri, Reeli, Reelika, Reili (Estonia)

Tapio (Finland)

Léonce (France)

Elisabeth, Ilsa, Isabella, Marina (Germany)

Erasmos, Leontios (Greece)

Arnold, Levente (Hungary)

Gregorio, Marina, Marinella, Marinetta (Italy)

Alberts, Madis (Latvia)

Arnulfas, Ginbutas, Marina, Vaiva (Lithuania)

Bjarne, Bjørn (Norway)

Efrem, Elżbieta, Gerwazy, Leonia, Marek, Marina, Paula (Poland)

Ipatie, Leontie, Teodul (România)

Vratislav (Slovakia)

Marcelino, Marcos (Spain)

Bjarne, Björn (Sweden)

Leo, Leon (Ukraine)

Effie, Efrain, Eph, Ephraim, Marina, Marnie, Nevaeh (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 170 of 2024; 196 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of week 25 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Duir (Oak) [Day 10 of 28]

Chinese: Month 5 (Geng-Wu), Day 13 (Gui-Chou)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 12 Sivan 5784

Islamic: 11 Dhu al-Hijjah 1445

J Cal: 20 Blue; Sixday [20 of 30]

Julian: 5 June 2024

Moon: 88%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 1 Charlemagne (7th Month) [Theodoric the Great]

Runic Half Month: Dag (Day) [Day 10 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 92 of 92)

Week: 3rd Full Week of June)

Zodiac: Gemini (Day 29 of 31)

Calendar Changes

Charlemagne (Feudal Civilization) [Month 7 of 13; Positivist]

[divinum-pacis]

May 10, 2023: Pope Francis, right, starts his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican with the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Tawadros II. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

[eternal-echoes]

“‘If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together’ (1 Cor 12:26). This is a law of the Christian life, and in this sense we can say that there is also an ecumenism of suffering: just as the blood of the martyrs was a seed of strength and fertility for the Church, so too the sharing of daily sufferings can become an effective instrument of unity. And this also applies, in a certain sense, to the broader context of society and relations between Christians and non-Christians: from shared suffering can blossom forth forgiveness, reconciliation and peace, with God’s help.”

- Pope Francis, ADDRESS TO HIS HOLINESS POPE TAWADROS II, POPE OF ALEXANDRIA AND PATRIARCH OF THE SEE OF ST. MARK, HEAD OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF EGYPT, 10 May 20

[troybeecham]

Today the Church remembers St. Mark the Evangelist, who is the traditionally ascribed author of the Gospel of Mark.

Ora pro nobis.

Mark was born c. 5 AD in the city of Cyrene, in modern Libya. He is said to have founded the Church of Alexandria, one of the most important episcopal sees of early Christianity.

According to William Lane (1974), an "unbroken tradition" identifies Mark the Evangelist with John Mark, and John Mark as the cousin of Barnabas. However, Hippolytus of Rome in “On the Seventy Apostles” distinguishes Mark the Evangelist (2 Tim 4:11), John Mark (Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37), and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10; Phlm 1:24).

According to Hippolytus, they all belonged to the "Seventy Disciples" who were sent out by Jesus to disseminate the gospel (Luke 10:1ff.) in Judea. According to Eusebius of Caesarea (Eccl. Hist. 2.9.1–4), Herod Agrippa I, in his first year of reign over the whole of Judea (AD 41), killed James, son of Zebedee, and arrested Peter, planning to kill him after the Passover. Peter was saved miraculously by angels, and escaped out of the realm of Herod (Acts 12:1–19). Peter went to Antioch, then through Asia Minor (visiting the churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:1), and arrived in Rome in the second year of Emperor Claudius (AD 42; Eusebius, Eccl. Hist. 2.14.6). Somewhere on the way, Peter encountered Mark and took him as his travel companion and interpreter. Mark the Evangelist wrote down the sermons of Peter, thus composing the Gospel according to Mark (Eccl. Hist. 15–16), before he left for Alexandria in the third year of Claudius (43 AD). According to Acts 15:39, Mark went to Cyprus with Barnabas after the Council of Jerusalem (c. 50 AD).

According to tradition, in AD 49, about 19 years after the Ascension of Jesus, Mark travelled to Alexandria and founded the Church of Alexandria. Today, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and the Coptic Catholic Church trace their origins to this original community. Aspects of the Coptic liturgy can be traced back to Mark himself. He became the first bishop of Alexandria and he is honored as the founder of Christianity in Africa. According to Eusebius (Eccl. Hist. 2.24.1), Mark was succeeded by Annianus as the bishop of Alexandria in the eighth year of Nero (62/63 AD), probably, but not definitely, due to his coming death. Later Coptic tradition says that he was martyred on 25 April 68 AD.

Evidence for Mark the Evangelist's authorship of the Gospel that bears his name originates with Papias. Scholars are "almost certain" that Papias is referencing John Mark. Catholic scholars have argued that identifying Mark the Evangelist with John Mark and Mark the Cousin of Barnabas has led to the downgrading of the character of Barnabas from truly a "Son of Comfort" to one who favored his blood relative over principles. Identifying Mark the Evangelist with John Mark also led to identifying him as the man who carried water to the house where the Last Supper took place (Mark 14:13), or as the young man who ran away naked when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51–52).

The Coptic Church accords with identifying Mark the Evangelist with John Mark, as well as that he was one of the Seventy Disciples sent out by Christ (Luke 10:1), as Hippolytus confirmed. Coptic tradition also holds that Mark the Evangelist hosted the disciples in his house after Jesus's death, that the resurrected Jesus Christ came to Mark's house (John 20), and that the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost in the same house. Furthermore, Mark is also believed to have been among the servants at the Marriage at Cana who poured out the water that Jesus turned to wine (John 2:1–11).

According to the Coptic tradition, Mark was born in Cyrene, a city in the Pentapolis of North Africa (now Libya). This tradition adds that Mark returned to Pentapolis later in life, after being sent by Paul to Colossae (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24). Some, however, think these actually refer to Mark the cousin of Barnabas (if you differentiate the two rather than being the same man), who was serving with him in Rome (2 Tim 4:11). In any event, Mark returned from the Pentapolis and made his way to Alexandria. When Mark returned to Alexandria, the pagans of the city resented his efforts to turn the Alexandrians away from the worship of their traditional gods. On 25 April AD 68, they placed a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets until he was dead.

Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (November 26)

Local commemorations of the fourth-century martyr Saint Peter of Alexandria will take place on November 25 and 26.

Although his feast day in the Western tradition is no longer part of the Roman Catholic Church’s universal calendar, he remains especially beloved among Catholic and Orthodox Christians of the Egyptian Coptic tradition.

Tradition attests that the Egyptian bishop was the last believer to suffer death at the hands of Roman imperial authorities for his faith in Christ.

For this reason, St. Peter of Alexandria is known as the “Seal of the Martyrs.”

He is said to have undertaken severe penances for the sake of the suffering Church during his lifetime and written letters of encouragement to those in prison, before going to his death at the close of the “era of the martyrs.”

Both the date of Peter’s birth and his ordination as a priest are unknown. It is clear, however, that he was chosen to lead Egypt’s main Catholic community in the year 300 after the death of Saint Theonas of Alexandria.

He may have previously been in charge of Alexandria’s well-known catechetical school, an important center of religious instruction in the early Church.

Peter’s own theological writings were cited in a later fifth-century dispute over Christ’s divinity and humanity.

In 302, the Emperor Diocletian and his subordinate Maximian attempted to wipe out the Church in the territories of the Roman Empire.

They used their authority to destroy Church properties, imprison and torture believers, and eventually kill those who refused to take part in pagan ceremonies.

As the Bishop of Alexandria, Peter offered spiritual support to those who faced these penalties, encouraging them to hold to their faith without compromise. 

One acute problem for the Church during this period was the situation of the “lapsed.”

These were Catholics who had violated their faith by participating in pagan rites under coercion, but who later repented and sought to be reconciled to the Church.

Peter issued canonical directions for addressing their various situations, and these guidelines became an important part of the Eastern Christian tradition for centuries afterward.

Around the year 306, Peter led a council that deposed Bishop Meletius of Lycopolis, a member of the Catholic hierarchy who had allegedly offered sacrifice to a pagan idol.

Peter left his diocese for reasons of safety during some portions of the persecution, giving Meletius an opening to set himself up as his rival and lead a schismatic church in the area.

The “Meletian schism” would continue to trouble the Church for years after the death of Alexandria’s legitimate bishop.

Saint Athanasius, who led the Alexandrian Church during a later period in the fourth century, claimed that Meletius personally betrayed Peter of Alexandria to the state authorities during the Diocletian persecution.

Although Diocletian himself chose to resign his rule in in 305, persecution continued under Maximinus Daia, who assumed leadership of the Roman Empire’s eastern half in 310.

The early Church historian Eusebius attests that Maximinus, during an imperial visit to Alexandria, unexpectedly ordered its bishop to be seized and killed without imprisonment or trial in 311.

Three priests – Faustus, Dio and Ammonius – were reportedly beheaded along with him.

Saint Peter of Alexandria’s entry in the “History of the Patriarchs of the Coptic Church of Alexandria” (a volume first compiled by a Coptic Orthodox bishop in the 10th century) concludes with a description of the aftermath of his death. 

“And the city was in confusion and was greatly disturbed, when the people beheld this martyr of the Lord Christ.

Then the chief men of the city came and wrapped his body in the leathern mat on which he used to sleep; and they took him to the church …

And, when the liturgy had been performed, they buried him with the fathers. May his prayers be with us and all those that are baptized!”

[brookston]

Holidays 3.9

Holidays

American Paddlefish Day

Amerigo Vespucci Day

Armored Warships Day

Barbie Day

Baron Bliss Day (Belize)

Chess Prodigy Day

Day of Waiting (Elder Scrolls)

Day to Mourn Slavery

Doctor’s Day (Venezuela)

Eid Al Moalim (Teacher’s Day; Lebanon)

False Teeth Day

Festival of Primal Ooze

Get Over It Day

Hit the Panic Button Day

Joe Franklin Day

Made in UK Day (UK)

National CBDB Day (a.k.a. Central Bank Digital Currency)

National Dishwasher Appreciation Day

National Heroes and Benefactors Day (Belize)

National Lina Day

National Marcia Day

National Music Day (Indonesia)

National Shane Day

National Urban Educator Day

Panic Day (a.k.a. ... 

Absolute Total Nihilists Bang Clang Day (Los Angeles)

Bang-Clang Day

Wellness Permission League’s Panic Day

World DJ Day

World Trisomy 9 Awareness Day

Zangoose Day (Pokémon)

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Spanish Omelette Day

National Cookie Cutter Day

National Crabmeat Day

National Meatball Day

2nd Thursday in March

International School Meals Day [2nd Thursday]

Nametag Day [Thursday of Name Week]

Popcorn Lovers Day [2nd Thursday]

Railroad Day [2nd Thursday]

World Kidney Day [2nd Thursday]

Feast Days

Archytas (Positivist; Saint)

Catherine of Bologna (Christian; Saint)

Cyril VI of Alexandria, Pope (Coptic Orthodox Church)

Dominic Savio (Christian; Saint)

Erotic Dancing Day (Pastafarian)

Farvardigan (Zoroastrian)

Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Christian; Martyrs)

Frances of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Gregory of Nyssa (Episcopal Church (United States))

Jackie the Orangutan (Muppetism)

Meatball Day (Pastafarian)

Media Hiems III (Pagan)

Millard Fillmore Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Pacian (Christian; Saint)

Saitousai (Harvest Festival; Japan)

Socrates (Humanism; Saint)

Strinennia (Festival calling birds and spring to return; Slavic Pagan)

Takaosan Hiwatari Matsuri (Fire Walking Festival; Tokyo, Japan)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day (Philippines) [17 of 71]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Can-Can (Film; 1960)

Castle (TV Series; 2009)

East of Eden (Film; 1955)

Fort Apache (Film; 1948)

42nd Street (Film; 1933)

The Hotel New Hampshire (Film; 1984)

Joe Versus the Volcano (Film; 1990)

John Carter (Film; 2012)

The Joshua Tree, by U2 (Album; 1987)

Mike’s Murder (Film; 1984)

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Piano Concerto; 1785)

The Ref (Film; 1994)

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Film; 2012)

Sheep & Wolves (Animated Film; 2018)

Splash (Film; 1984)

State Fair (Film; 1962)

Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale (Anime Film; 2017)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (Film; 1949)

A Wrinkle in Time (Film; 2018)

Today’s Name Days

Bruno, Franziska (Austria)

Fanika, Franciska, Nedjeljko (Croatia)

Františka (Czech Republic)

Edvin, Heido, Heivo (Estonia)

Auvo, Edvin (Finland)

Françoise (France)

Barbara, Bruno, Dominik, Franziska (Germany)

Aetios, Eliana, Filoktimon, Iliana, Lysimahos, Sarantos, Sevirianos, Smaragda, Smaragdos, Vivianos, Xanthos (Greece)

Fanni, Franciska (Hungary)

Francesca (Italy)

Ausmis, Ervalds, Ēvalds (Latvia)

Dominykas, Pranciška, Visgailė, Žygimantas (Lithuania)

Sindre, Sverre (Norway)

Apollo, Dominik, Franciszka, Katarzyna, Mścisława, Prudencjusz, Taras (Poland)

Františka (Slovakia)

Catalina, Francisca, Paciano (Spain)

Torbjörn, Torleif (Sweden)

Flavia (Ukraine)

Keely, Kelda, Kelley, Kelli, Kellie, Kelly (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 68 of 2023; 297 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 10 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Nuin (Ash) [Day 19 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Yi-Mao), Day 18 (Bing-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 16 Adar 5783

Islamic: 16 Sha’ban 1444

J Cal: 7 Ver; Sevenday [7 of 30]

Julian: 24 February 2023

Moon: 95%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 12 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Archytas]

Runic Half Month: Tyr (Cosmic Pillar) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 79 of 90)

Zodiac: Pisces (Day 18 of 29)

[roningram]

Easter, which occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox Is May 5th according to 260,000,000 or so Christians in Armenia, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Egypt, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Belarus, Gaza, Egypt, Jerusalem’s Armenian quarter, Georgia, and over the world. These are the churches that predate the Roman Catholic Church.

…and it is also a big day, Cinco de Mayo for Mexican’s celebrating the Mexican victory against the favored French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Commemorates a Cinco de Mayo. Oddly these two festivals fall on the same day.

Today is referred to as Orthodox Easter because it is the day when the Orthodox Christian denominations, including but not limited to Greek, Russian, and Coptic Orthodox Churches, celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. The term "orthodox" in this context refers to the adherence to the traditional and original Christian beliefs and practices as defined by the early Christian Church, and it is not specific to any single Orthodox Church such as the Greek, Russian, or Coptic Orthodox Church. The use of the Julian calendar for determining the date of Easter is a key aspect of this adherence to tradition.

The Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, replacing the Roman calendar. It was designed with the aid of Greek mathematicians and astronomers, such as Sosigenes of Alexandria. The Julian calendar remains in use in some parts of the world today, particularly by certain Orthodox Christian churches for determining the dates of movable feasts like Easter. So, while the Julian calendar has been largely replaced by the Gregorian calendar since 1582, it does not have a specific end date as it is still in use by some communities.

Orthodox Easter and other Christian Easter traditions differ primarily in two ways: the date of the celebration and certain cultural and historical aspects.

1. **Date of Celebration**: The most noticeable difference between Orthodox Easter and other Christian Easter traditions is the date on which it is celebrated. Orthodox Easter is calculated based on the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the more commonly used Gregorian calendar. This difference in calendars often results in Orthodox Easter falling on a different date than Easter as celebrated by other Christian denominations, which follow the Gregorian calendar.

2. **Cultural and Historical Differences**: The cultural and historical aspects of Orthodox Easter are also distinct. For example, the term "Pascha," derived from the Greek word for Passover, is used by Orthodox Christians to refer to Easter. The Orthodox Church follows a 40-day period of fasting and self-examination known as Great Lent, which is more rigorous than the Lenten practices of many Western Christian denominations. The Orthodox Easter celebration is also marked by unique traditions such as the use of red eggs to symbolize the blood of Christ and the resurrection, and a special liturgy that includes a procession around the church with the Gospel book and the singing of hymns.

These differences reflect the rich diversity within Christianity, highlighting the various ways in which different traditions celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Over 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide celebrate Orthodox Easter. This includes people in countries such as the USA, Canada, Armenia, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Egypt, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Belarus, Gaza, Georgia, and over the world.

The esoteric relationship between Orthodox Easter and Cinco de Mayo lies in the unique alignment of these two distinct celebrations on the same day, which is a rare occurrence. While one is a religious celebration marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the other commemorates a significant military victory in Mexican history.

The esoteric connection here is the metaphorical representation of triumph, rebirth, and renewal, which both events embody in their own ways. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican army's unexpected victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, symbolizing the triumph of the underdog and the resilience of the Mexican spirit. Orthodox Easter, on the other hand, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the central tenet of Christianity and represents the triumph of life over death, and hope over despair.

This alignment of celebrations is not just a coincidence; it reflects the diverse cultural and historical narratives that intertwine in our global society, celebrating both the secular and the sacred, the historical and the mystical. It reminds us that, despite the differences in our traditions and beliefs, there is a shared human experience of overcoming adversity and embracing hope, renewal, and rebirth.

[etbtoursegypt]

Egypt Easter Holidays

Egypt Easter Holidays are a vibrant celebration deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious tapestry of the country. Observed primarily by the Coptic Christian community, these holidays coincide with the Coptic Orthodox Church's Easter, following the Julian calendar. The festivities typically occur in spring, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The cornerstone of Egypt Easter Holidays is the series of special church services held across the nation. These services are characterized by solemn prayers, hymns, and rituals, culminating in the Midnight Liturgy on Easter Eve, signifying the moment of Christ's resurrection. Families gather to attend these services, fostering a sense of communal devotion and spiritual unity.

Culinary traditions play a significant role during Egypt Easter Holidays. Special dishes like feseekh (salted and dried fish) and dyed red eggs symbolizing the blood of Christ are prepared and shared among loved ones. Pastries such as ka'ak and maamoul are also enjoyed during this time, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.

In addition to religious observances and feasting, Egypt Easter Holidays are marked by various cultural activities. Colorful processions fill the streets of major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. These festivities serve to unite people from diverse backgrounds in celebration and joy.

Overall, Egypt Easter Holidays serve as a time for reflection, renewal, and community bonding. They provide an opportunity for Egyptians to reaffirm their faith, strengthen familial ties, and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.

[wikiuntamed]

On this day in Wikipedia: Thursday, 19th October

Welcome, Bienvenida, Selam, Benvenuto 🤗 What does @Wikipedia say about 19th October through the years 🏛️📜🗓️?

19th October 2021 🗓️ : Death - Jack Angel Jack Angel, American voice actor (b. 1930) "Jack Angel (October 24, 1930 – October 18, 2021) was an American voice actor and radio personality. He provided voice-overs for animation and video games. Angel had voiced characters in shows by Hasbro and Hanna-Barbera such as Super Friends, The Transformers and G.I. Joe and was involved in..."

19th October 2017 🗓️ : Event - Robert Weryk Canadian astronomer Robert Weryk discovered ʻOumuamua (depicted), the first known interstellar object detected passing through the Solar System. "Robert J. Weryk (born 1981) is a Canadian physicist and astronomer. He currently works at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he discovered the first known interstellar object, ʻOumuamua. He has also published numerous articles on meteors and other astronomical topics...."

Image licensed under CC BY 4.0? by ESA/Hubble, NASA, ESO, M. Kornmesser

19th October 2013 🗓️ : Event - YouTube British YouTube collective the Sidemen were formed as a Rockstar Games Social Club group in Grand Theft Auto Online. "YouTube is an online video sharing and social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California, United States. Accessible worldwide, it was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by Google and is the second most visited website in the world,..."

19th October 1973 🗓️ : Event - Nixon White House tapes President Nixon rejects an Appeals Court decision that he turn over the Watergate tapes. "Audio recordings of conversations between U.S. President Richard Nixon and Nixon administration officials, Nixon family members, and White House staff surfaced during the Watergate scandal in 1973 and 1974, leading to Nixon's resignation.In February 1971, a sound-activated taping system was..."

19th October 1923 🗓️ : Birth - Baby Dalupan Baby Dalupan, Filipino basketball player and coach (d. 2016) "Virgilio "Baby" Adam Dalupan (October 19, 1923 – August 17, 2016) was a Filipino basketball coach and player. Dubbed "The Maestro", Dalupan was best known for his lengthy coaching tenure with the Crispa Redmanizers and garnered a career total of 52 basketball championships.During his 16-year..."

19th October 1815 🗓️ : Death - Paolo Mascagni Paolo Mascagni, Italian physician and anatomist (b. 1755) "Paolo Mascagni (25 January 1755 – 19 October 1815) was an Italian physician and anatomist. He is most well known for publishing the first complete description of the lymphatic system...."

Image by Unknown authorUnknown author

19th October 🗓️ : Holiday - Christian feast day: Aaron (Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria) "Aaron was an ancient Christian monk in Southern Egypt who lived during the fourth and early fifth centuries AD. He is venerated as a saint in the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. He has an annual feast in that church on 22 Paopi (October 19 in the Gregorian calendar). References to this alleged..."

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Today in Christian History

Today is Saturday, August 5th. It is the 217th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 148 days remain until the end of the year.

1590: Meletius Pegas becomes the Orthodox patriarch of Alexandria. He will endeavor to reunite the Greek and Coptic churches.

1604: John Eliot is baptized in England. His non-conformist views will eventually prompt him to move to America, where he will found fourteen congregations of Indian Christians, translate the Bible into Algonquin, and help prepare the Bay Psalm Book—the first book printed in America. Captured by Indians, he will learn their language while in captivity.

1720: Death in England of Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea, a notable poet and hymnwriter, loyal to King James II. Among her best-known religious poems is “The Atheist and the Acorn,” which depicts an atheist as a fool for trying to outguess God’s arrangements. She had also written a praise hymn beginning, “To the Almighty on his radiant throne / Let endless hallelujahs rise.”

1751: Rev. John Cuthbertson, America’s first Scottish Covenanter pastor, arrives in America. His name appears frequently as a genealogical authority because he will keep a log of births and marriages. In it, he records over five thousand family names as well as notes of six hundred marriages and almost two thousand baptisms he performs in the course of seventy thousand miles of ministerial travels.

1833: Allen B. Freeman, a young man recently graduated from a Baptist seminary, arrives to serve as a missionary in Northern Illinois, but will die of cold and exhaustion in December the following year after his horse collapses under him, forcing him to walk many miles back to Chicago.

1835: Death of Thomas McCrie, Scottish minister and church historian. He and three other divines had left the General Association Synod and formed the Constitutional Association Presbytery. He also wrote biographies of John Knox and Andrew Melville.

1844: The first assembly of Queen’s College, British Guiana, meets. The school has been established by Anglican bishop William Piercy Austin, a missionary to the South American colony.

1876: Scottish missionary Mary Slessor boards the SS Ethiopia to sail to Calabar (Nigeria). She shares the ship with a cargo of liquor.

1955: Death of Jesse Irvin Overholtzer, founder and first director of Child Evangelism Fellowship.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 3.9

Holidays

American Paddlefish Day

Amerigo Vespucci Day

Armored Warships Day

Barbie Day

Baron Bliss Day (Belize)

Chess Prodigy Day

Day of Waiting (Elder Scrolls)

Day to Mourn Slavery

Doctor’s Day (Venezuela)

Eid Al Moalim (Teacher’s Day; Lebanon)

False Teeth Day

Festival of Primal Ooze

Get Over It Day

Hit the Panic Button Day

Joe Franklin Day

Made in UK Day (UK)

National CBDB Day (a.k.a. Central Bank Digital Currency)

National Dishwasher Appreciation Day

National Heroes and Benefactors Day (Belize)

National Lina Day

National Marcia Day

National Music Day (Indonesia)

National Shane Day

National Urban Educator Day

Panic Day (a.k.a. ... 

Absolute Total Nihilists Bang Clang Day (Los Angeles)

Bang-Clang Day

Wellness Permission League’s Panic Day

World DJ Day

World Trisomy 9 Awareness Day

Zangoose Day (Pokémon)

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Spanish Omelette Day

National Cookie Cutter Day

National Crabmeat Day

National Meatball Day

2nd Thursday in March

International School Meals Day [2nd Thursday]

Nametag Day [Thursday of Name Week]

Popcorn Lovers Day [2nd Thursday]

Railroad Day [2nd Thursday]

World Kidney Day [2nd Thursday]

Feast Days

Archytas (Positivist; Saint)

Catherine of Bologna (Christian; Saint)

Cyril VI of Alexandria, Pope (Coptic Orthodox Church)

Dominic Savio (Christian; Saint)

Erotic Dancing Day (Pastafarian)

Farvardigan (Zoroastrian)

Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Christian; Martyrs)

Frances of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Gregory of Nyssa (Episcopal Church (United States))

Jackie the Orangutan (Muppetism)

Meatball Day (Pastafarian)

Media Hiems III (Pagan)

Millard Fillmore Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Pacian (Christian; Saint)

Saitousai (Harvest Festival; Japan)

Socrates (Humanism; Saint)

Strinennia (Festival calling birds and spring to return; Slavic Pagan)

Takaosan Hiwatari Matsuri (Fire Walking Festival; Tokyo, Japan)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day (Philippines) [17 of 71]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Can-Can (Film; 1960)

Castle (TV Series; 2009)

East of Eden (Film; 1955)

Fort Apache (Film; 1948)

42nd Street (Film; 1933)

The Hotel New Hampshire (Film; 1984)

Joe Versus the Volcano (Film; 1990)

John Carter (Film; 2012)

The Joshua Tree, by U2 (Album; 1987)

Mike’s Murder (Film; 1984)

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Piano Concerto; 1785)

The Ref (Film; 1994)

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Film; 2012)

Sheep & Wolves (Animated Film; 2018)

Splash (Film; 1984)

State Fair (Film; 1962)

Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale (Anime Film; 2017)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (Film; 1949)

A Wrinkle in Time (Film; 2018)

Today’s Name Days

Bruno, Franziska (Austria)

Fanika, Franciska, Nedjeljko (Croatia)

Františka (Czech Republic)

Edvin, Heido, Heivo (Estonia)

Auvo, Edvin (Finland)

Françoise (France)

Barbara, Bruno, Dominik, Franziska (Germany)

Aetios, Eliana, Filoktimon, Iliana, Lysimahos, Sarantos, Sevirianos, Smaragda, Smaragdos, Vivianos, Xanthos (Greece)

Fanni, Franciska (Hungary)

Francesca (Italy)

Ausmis, Ervalds, Ēvalds (Latvia)

Dominykas, Pranciška, Visgailė, Žygimantas (Lithuania)

Sindre, Sverre (Norway)

Apollo, Dominik, Franciszka, Katarzyna, Mścisława, Prudencjusz, Taras (Poland)

Františka (Slovakia)

Catalina, Francisca, Paciano (Spain)

Torbjörn, Torleif (Sweden)

Flavia (Ukraine)

Keely, Kelda, Kelley, Kelli, Kellie, Kelly (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 68 of 2023; 297 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 10 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Nuin (Ash) [Day 19 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Yi-Mao), Day 18 (Bing-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 16 Adar 5783

Islamic: 16 Sha’ban 1444

J Cal: 7 Ver; Sevenday [7 of 30]

Julian: 24 February 2023

Moon: 95%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 12 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Archytas]

Runic Half Month: Tyr (Cosmic Pillar) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 79 of 90)

Zodiac: Pisces (Day 18 of 29)

[divinum-pacis]

Coptic Orthodox Church | Documentary

Learn about the history and theology of the Coptic Orthodox Church, in this documentary.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the ancient, Apostolic Christian See founded by St. Mark the Evangelist.

In the middle of the first century, St. Mark traveled to Alexandria to preach the Gospel, as Christ commanded him, saying, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19). There, he established a church and resided over it as the first bishop.

Years after the schism at the Council of Chalcedon—which the Church of Alexandria did not accept—the dyophysites established their own church in Alexandria, which today is known as the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Today, the current residing head and successor of St. Mark is Pope Tawadros II, the immediate successor of Pope Shenouda III. He became the Pope of Alexandria on November 18, 2012.

Many of the greatest saints and theologians of the Orthodox Church were of the Church of Alexandria. Some of these include Sts. Athanasius, Anthony, Cyril, and Origen.

[deafeningdreamlandpersona]

MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH OF PERGAMON

((2)) (ROMAN CHURCHES: WESTERN CATHOLIC CHURCH: VATICAN-Rome-EASTERN KATOLIC CHURCHES: Constantinople: Armenia, Alexandria, Sudan, Greece, Moscow, Ethiopia, Syriac, India, etc., Coptic and Orthodox) is as follows: (Revelation 2:12-17) AND WRITE TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN PERGAMO (ROME-ecumenism and apostasy): "He who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: (13) 'I know where you dwell: where it is the throne of Satan (ROMAN EMPIRE [27 B.C. 313 A.D.]-KATOLIC [313 to 6-7-1809]. You faithfully keep my name and have not denied my faith, even in the days of Antipas (Jesus Christ, THE FAITHFUL WITNESS-Apoc -1:5), my FAITHFUL WITNESS, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells (ROMAN EMPIRE).(14) 'But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who maintain the doctrine of Balaam (125 ANATHEMAS IN COUNCILS, CURSES AND MORE ROMANS AGAINST THE PROTESTANTS, THE INQUISITION, LOVE OF MONEY, sale of indulgences, THE VATICAN IS A SHAREHOLDER IN MANY COMPANIES WORLDWIDE.), which taught Balac (JESUITS-hypocrites) to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat (KATOLIC CATECHISM) things sacrificed to idols (ICONS-IDOLATRY- MORE THAN 7,000 SAINTS) and to commit acts of immorality (lying, stealing, cheating, defrauding, betraying, betraying, being disloyal, etc. IN THE NAME OF THE PAPACY )…Revelation 17:2 With it (ROMAN KATOLIC CHURCH) the kings of the earth committed immoral acts (inquisition, Marxism, communism, Nazism, Zionism, transgenetic vaccines, capitalism, arms trafficking, white slavery, terrorism, subversion, revolutions , wars, crimes against humanity, genocide, fraud, drug trafficking, white slavery, cannibalism, identity and title theft, human trafficking, insurrection, treason, high treason, extortion, money laundering, murder, pedophilia, sodomy, sexual abuse of children, LGBT agenda, global terrorism, transhumanism, etc…) and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of their immorality. (15) 'So you also have some who in the same way maintain the doctrine of the Nicolaitans ((NIKÓLAOSgiego,NIKÓ-LAOS:DOMINION-OVER THE PEOPLE:PRESTY HIERARCHIES, vicarivs filii dei, pa-pa(PATER PATRÚM:father of fathers), patriarch, high priest, highest pontiff, episcopate, presbyterate, deacons, bishops, cardinals… etc. Galatians 3:28 It no longer matters whether you are Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; because united to Christ Jesus, You are all one… WE ARE ALL EQUAL, THERE IS NO PHARISEAN PRIEST SUPERIORITY, JUST AS CHRIST CAME TO SERVE: Luke 22:27 For which is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not who sits at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves,… here are all the Roman churches of the west and the east, Coptic and Orthodox, the Vatican has infiltrated with the Jesuits in the church of Ethiopia, which was the most orthodox)). (16) 'Therefore repent; If not, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (17) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give the hidden manna and I will give him a white stone, and engraved on the stone a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it.'"EYE"The Orthodox Church affirms that "the Pope (today Bergoglio) is the first patriarch" and Rome "the first see" Revelation 17:18 And the woman (CHURCH) that you clothe is the GREAT CITY (VATICAN CITY-1929), which reigns over the kings of the earth. ((OPPT)) LAW OF THE MARITIME ADMIRALTY-U.C.C.​

[troybeecham]

Today the Church remembers St. Anastasia the Patrician

Ora pro nobis.

Anastasia the Patrician was the daughter of an Egyptian nobleman and a lady-in-waiting in the court of Emperor Justinian in Constantinople. Justinian pursued her amorously, and she fled the court to take up a religious vocation in a convent in Alexandria, Egypt. When Justinian's consort, Theodora, died, Anastasia had to flee again, as he was seeking her. She went out into the Egyptian desert where she was allowed to dress as a monk and to remain in place. For twenty-eight years Anastasia remained in solitude in the desert, in constant prayer.

She arrived at a place called Pempton, near Alexandria, where she founded a monastery which would later be named after her. She lived with monastic discipline and wove cloth to support herself.

Following the death of Theodora in 548 AD, Justinian attempted to get Anastasia to return to Constantinople, to no avail. Instead, Anastasia left for Scetis, looking for help from Abba Daniel, hegumen of the monastery at that time. To safeguard Anastasia, he let her move into a laura, or monastery cell, 18 miles from Scetis in the desert, and dress as a (male) monk to hide her from the emperor and take up the life of a hermit at a time when this was only permitted of men. He visited her every week and ensured that one of his disciples supplied her with jugs of water. Anastasia dwelt in seclusion for twenty-eight years.

In 576 AD, aware of her approaching death, she wrote several words for Abba Daniel on a piece of broken pottery and placed it at the entrance to the cave. The disciple found an ostracon with the words "Bring the spades and come here." When Daniel heard this, he knew Anastasia was near death. He went to visit her with his disciple and to give her communion and hear her last words. Daniel revealed the full details of her story to his disciple after her death.

Her story survives in one recension of the Copto-Arabic Synaxarion and by a tale of Daniel of Scetis. Her feast day is 10 March in the Eastern Orthodox, Latin and Eastern Catholic Churches, and on 26 Tobi in the calendar of the Coptic Church, the date of her death given in the Ethiopic Life of Daniel of Scetis.

O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Anastasia, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.