#cure miracle icons

[wazzuppy]

M I R A C L E M A G I C A L

[markiafc]

not sure how to put this into words. but buddhism (literature, figures, history, etc.) is queer and has been queered over the years. and when a chinese story embarks on a daoism-buddhism-confucianism study, there are echoes of similar themes, devices, techniques, allusions. by nature of being a chinese story, the frequent heart of it is a daoism & buddhism vs. confucianism ideological battle where the latter is rules and conventions and social expectations. and the former is liberation, a queered deviancy because it advocates for plurality and fluidity.

the lotus sutra has a prominent gender-change motif so as to present freedom... the buddhist ideal to emancipate oneself from mainstream society is often realized as a release from the gender hegemony. non-duality teachings in buddhism encompasses all of this.

in the lotus sutra, the dragon girl turns into a male and then proceeds to attain enlightenment - in direct response to the men telling her she cannot do so, that women are spiritually disadvantaged. transitioning is a queer act but also a buddhist achievement: an entity letting go of their body and subsequently their confucian identity of "father", "son", "wife", "mother", "daughter", etc. through this they learn non-duality & non-self & abandoning illusions, the primary concepts to buddhism.

in the lotus sutra, bodhisattva guanyin also notably underwent a male to female transformation. back in the day, guanyin's male form was at first more popular and their masculine image dominated. today it's an androgynous woman in white robes that's become iconic. this gender fluid nature again stands for liberation; guanyin is a beloved figure for women because they depict a breakaway from male-oriented society and the patriarchy. from the sanskrit name "avalokitesvara" (lord who looks down) to the chinese "guanyin" (one who observes the sounds). the chinese symbol of mercy is necessarily linked to a male to female trajectory, described to have a total of 33 male and female forms. for artistic depictions, guanyin has a feminine face but a masculine body (typically an exposed flat chest) too.

even when imagined as a girl without a history of gender swaps, they were still an antithesis to the male-dominated confucian scene. 妙善 miao shan is guanyin's other popular myth: the princess at odds with her royal father. she refuses his demands to marry until he ultimately executes her. it is a narrative negating the confucian relationships, (a) father/son or child, (b) ruler/subject, and (c) husband/wife. this is the constant of guanyin. a direct challenge to chinese patriarchal ideals.

as an aside, post-execution miao shan becomes a bodhisattva in the mountains through one spiritual miracle or another. in the mean time her father grows ill and the only cure is the eyes and arms of a person without anger. they seek out miao shan, not knowing who she is, and she gives up both arms and eyes for her father. after his recovery, the true identity of the bodhisattva is revealed and the father changes his ways. and miao shan ascends to become guanyin. related because an elusive figure amongst nature, blind and physically impaired, is also.... a prevalent trope for enlightened peoples.

overlapping the feminine and the masculine, a presence that has one foot in both categories, is the buddhist language for enlightenment + a manifestation of core buddhist teachings. when you are outside the gender regime and when you are outside human society, when you're beyond a cogent and organized identity, you are free. you are happy. which also means you are queer!

[baileypie-writes]

~Ranking All Purple Cures in Pretty Cure~

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Disclaimer: These are all my opinions! If you don’t agree with them, that’s fine! Just don’t attack me or anything.

‼️Warning: Spoilers for Hugtto Precure, Star Twinkle Precure and Soaring Sky Precure‼️

~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~

~🔮12 - Cure Fortune🔮~

(Happiness Charge Precure)

Why are all Happiness Charge characters so boring? Besides her whole backstory with her sister, there’s nothing there.

Also, her design is boring, and her transformation item is dumb.

~💨11 - Cure Earth💨~

(Healin’ Good Precure)

Again, super boring. Also, her design and theme makes no sense. Her name is Cure Earth, yet she’s purple and has wind powers?

She also has no personality besides being Latte’s protector.

~🌕10-Cure Moonlight🌕~

(Heartcatch Precure)

I expected more from her to be honest. Also, she’s too mean for me. I don’t like her design either. Her whole outfit is blue, despite being a purple cure.

~👑9 - Cure Majesty👑~

(Soaring Sky Precure)

I just never like the baby characters. Elle was fine, but just wasn’t my cup of tea. I personally don’t like when young characters turn older when they transform. And Elle is a literal toddler, so I don’t like how she has to fight.

She also ruined the theme. Everyone is related to the sky somehow, but she’s not.

~♠️8 - Cure Sword♠️~

(Doki Doki Precure)

Again, too mean. But at least she’s cooler than Moonlight. I mean, she’s an idol.

Her design is really cool too. I like her hair. Just wish she was nicer.

~🌙7 - Cure Selene🌙~

(Star Twinkle Precure)

She’s cool, just a bit boring. I did like how her dad is plotting against them without knowing she’s a Pretty Cure.

I’m not the biggest fan of her design, but it’s alright.

~🔧6 - Cure Amour🔧~

(Hugtto Precure)

She’s cool. I love how she’s an android, it’s so new and unique for Pretty Cure. Her whole story and character arc was so interesting to watch.

I like her design, it’s cute. I even own a little toy of her!

~💜5 - Cure Macaron💜~

(KiraKira Precure A La Mode)

Cure Macaron serves. However, I find she can be a bit rude sometimes. It can be kind of annoying.

Other than that though, she’s really cool! She’s sassy and confident. Her story of her struggling with being good at everything is really unique and interesting.

I also love her design! Her dress is so pretty!

~🪄4 - Cure Magical🪄~

(Maho Girls Precure)

No idea how she got so high on the list.

But anyway, she’s cool! She gives me Kuromi vibes, which goes perfectly with the My Melody-like Cure Miracle!

I find it funny how she always acts like her mistakes are intentional. Same girl, same.

~🌹3 - Milky Rose🌹~

(Yes! Precure 5 GoGo)

Overhated.

Sure she’s overly sassy, and can be rude, but she’s iconic(unlike others… *cough* Cure Ace)!

Her design is so unique, and I love it! She really adds a lot to the team!

~🐾2 - Cure Friendy🐾~

(Wonderful Precure)

What can I say, she’s great! Her relationship with Komugi is so cute! I wish me and my dog were like that!

Her design is also really cute! It’s pretty different for a purple cure!

~🪸1 - Cure Coral🪸~

(Tropical Rouge Precure)

She’s so cute! Her design, her personality, everything!

I want to be friends with her, so we can give each other manicures!

Her personality is also pretty unique for a purple cure. Usually, they’re so serious, or even mean. Not Cure Coral! She’s just a total sweetheart!

That’s all! Let me know what you think of my ranking, and how you would rank them yourself!

~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~

~~baileypie-writes

[religious-extremist]

The Miraculous Icon of the Theotokos the Inexhaustible Cup.

This icon is the helper for those struggling with addiction and alcoholism for it is truly only Christ who gives satiety to the soul.

The "Inexhaustible Cup" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos was revealed in Russia in 1878. A retired soldier from Tula had spent his pension on alcohol, ruining his health. Though he was no longer able to walk, he continued to drink.

One night a holy Elder appeared to him in a dream and told him to go to the Serpukhov monastery of the Mother of God. "Have a Molieben served before her Icon ‘The Inexhaustible Chalice.’" Since he had no money and could not walk, the man paid no attention to the dream. Then the Elder appeared a second and third time, speaking to him with increasing severity.

Crawling on all fours, the man reached the next village and stayed in the home of an old woman. She rubbed his legs, and he began to feel better. The next day, he resumed his journey with two canes, then with one, until he arrived at the monastery.

He described his dreams to the monks, but none of them had ever heard of "The Inexhaustible Cup" Icon. Finally, one of them remembered an icon on which a chalice was depicted. On the back of the icon was an inscription, "The Inexhaustible Chaice." After the Molieben, the peasant returned home restored to health, and cured of his alcoholism.

News of the miracle spread, and many alcoholics and their families came to pray before the Icon. Many of them came back to thank the Mother of God for answering their prayers. Every Sunday in the Serpukhov-Vyotsk monastery a Molieben with an Akathist is served before the Icon for those who are addicted to alcohol.

[u2fangirlie-blog]

Good Omens Crowley's Sad Bastard Breakup Playlist

After the breakup, every time Crowley goes to drink at the Dirty Donkey pub, across the way from A.Z. Fell's bookshop, the jukebox mysteriously starts playing bitter breakup and sad bastard songs. Songs that aren't on the jukebox play when other songs are selected. It's like some demonic miracle. This also happens on the radio in Crowley's Bentley.

See note after list on song the selection process.

Songs include:

"Pale Blue Eyes" - The Velvet Underground

"I'd Rather Go Blind" - Etta James

"Cry Me a River" - Ella Fitzgerald

"Till the Heart Caves In" - Roy Orbison, K.D. Lang version

"Wicked Game" - Chris Isaak

"Crying in the Rain" - Everly Brothers, a-ha version

"Ain't No Sunshine" - Bill Withers

"It's Too Late" - Carole King

"Nothing Compares 2 U" - Prince, Sinead O'Connor or Chris Cornell versions

"Running Up That Hill" - Kate Bush

"One" - U2

"Crucify" - Tori Amos

"Hallelujah" - Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley version

"Lovesong" - The Cure

"I Don't Believe in the Sun" - The Magnetic Fields

"Love Will Tear Us Apart" - Joy Division

"Blue Monday" - New Order, Orkestra Obsolete version

"Never Let Me Down Again" - Depeche Mode

"Tainted Love" - Soft Cell

"Careless Whisper" - Wham!

"I Thought You Were My Boyfriend" - The Magnetic Fields

"Somebody to Love" - Queen

"Love Hurts" - Nazareth

"Love Stinks" - The J. Geils Band

"One More Minute" - Weird Al Yankovic

Despite himself, Crowley is compelled to visit Maggie's record shop to purchase copies of these songs.

Crowley has been sleazing around the backroom of the bookshop, crying and drinking, under the guise of helping Muriel run the place, but actually he's selling Aziraphale's books out of revenge.

P.S.: “Pale Blue Eyes” reminds Crowley of Aziraphale’s eyes. Every time he plays The Velvet Underground in his car, he remembers the time Aziraphale made a stinky poopoo face and called their music bebop.

P.P.S.: “Till the Heart Caves In.” Aziraphale stole Crowley’s dreams and sold them for dust. He always knew that angel was a bit of a bastard. Crowley remembers meeting young Roy Orbison and suggesting he wear sunglasses. A rock icon was born.

P.P.P.S.: “Wicked Game” reminds Crowley of the time when the bookstore burned down, Crowley rushed in to rescue his best friend Aziraphale but was too late. Later the same day, the M25 motorway was on fire. Then his beloved Bentley was destroyed by fire. To this day, Crowley can’t tell what hurt him more, losing Aziraphale or losing his Bentley, until they were both returned to him by Adam Young. He’s a good lad.

P.P.P.P.S.: “Crying in the Rain.” No one should see a demon cry. Crowley does his crying the shower. Earth rain showers, even thunderstorms, are also cathartic for crying in, unlike the swampy, wet bits of the fifth circle of Hell.

P.P.P.P.P.S.: “Nothing Compares 2 U” reminds Crowley of the times he and Aziraphale dined at the Ritz. Well, now he can eat at any fancy restaurant he wants without Aziraphale. Only now the food tastes bland and the drinks taste flat.

P.P.P.P.P.P.S.: “One.” This achingly beautiful song about relationships feels like a knife in the heart and punch in the gut. “We get to carry each other.” It’s too true. It hurts. F*** that angel for leaving him. The song reminds Crowley of his time hanging out with Brian Eno in Berlin in the early 1990s. He had fun running around with the band from Ireland. Crowley and Bono discussed corrupt religious leaders and the writings of C.S. Lewis. He suggested sunglasses to Bono. Then Bono took it further. The Fly, the Mirrorball Man, and MacPhisto were born. The rest is rock ‘n roll history. Crowley is especially pleased with himself for influencing Bono.

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S.: “Hallelujah.” Crowley remembers helping manifest nebulae and stars with Aziraphale. Crowley was the one who gave the secret chord to David, yet David got the credit for pleasing the Lord. In a rare occurrence for deceased rock stars, Heaven got Jeff Buckley.

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S.: “Never Let Me Down Again.” Crowley thinks of all the times he and Aziraphale went for a drive in the Bentley. Aziraphale let him down. Curse the wretched, brightly shining stars. Nothing is alright.

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S.: “One More Minute.” This Weird Al song suggested something, an act of revenge to get closure. Crowley thought about the malt shop Aziraphale liked to go, but then reconsidered arson because innocent people might get hurt.

Note on song selection:

I selected songs that thematically fit with the relationship between Crowley and Aziraphale. This is what I call sad bastard music. What songs would match Crowley’s angry, bitter brooding? What songs would make him laugh? What songs would break him and make him cry? These are all songs that I like. You may not like my choices, so your mileage may vary. You can make your own playlist.

NOTE: Revised 3 April 2024 to include P.S. notes about the songs and the obligatory U2 reference. (I'm not sorry.)

NOTE: Revised 9 April 2024 to include songs by The Magnetic Fields, one of Neil Gaiman’s favorite bands. I must make this playlist pleasing to the co-creator of Good Omens.

You can listen to it on YouTube.

[bunnymajo]

Top 5 fictional character hairstyles?

ChibiChibi

The stronghold her hair had on my art as a 10 year old. Like Heart buns? Cutest ever.

2. Cure Mermaid

What is it doing? Who cares, it's iconic.

3. Lady Lovely Locks (all characters)

Animals lived in it and it was still the most coveted hair in the land, like dang no wonder everyone wanted to steal it.

4. Creamy Mami

Big poofy fantasy hair hello!

5. Juri Arisugawa

A miracle did happen to Juri and it's called her hair!

[the--grin--reaper]

Ziel appreciation post.

In Ghostwater he deadass helped this random kid who kept bothering him like 75 times, even helping him make a whole new technique for his Path. He then gave the kid all of the magic well water he was supposed to give his patron (proceeding to lie to his patrons face later about what happened to the water), and helped fight off evil fish so the kid could have an easier time escaping. Only to then roll up and save the asses of Yerin and Mercy before dipping again.

When he shows up again, it's in the Uncrowned Tournament despite him being a spiritual cripple. He's still so good that he's viable for the Tournament despite having a horrifying spiritual injury and severe trauma. He basically cruises through the thing, apart from when he sees a Stormcaller, where he goes apeshit, before reverting back to his passive suicidalness.

In Wintersteel he curbstomps another Stormcaller. The second the guy saw that he was going up against Ziel he knew he was out and his mate already started cheering him up as if he'd already lost despite not having fought yet. Then he went apeshit again but it wasn't a Stormcaller this time and he succumbed to spiritual injury, so he lost. Only to take Eithan up on his miracle cure for said injury, and join the crew. He then proceeds to not react at Lindon and Yerin's PDA.

In Bloodline, he sticks with the gang since he owes Eithan a year of service. He's just tired the whole time man. He doesn't hesitate before entering the suppression field, he casually ignores enemy attacks and pushes over a tree, and really goes "I literally don't know anything about any of these people. Just tell me where to go" akajaka. He then let's a kid climb on his hair and sticks with the Kazan to protect them although he doesn't have to. Only to get roped into a Dreadgod battle.

He is not having a good time in Reaper. Someone names him the Master of the Training Hall and the whole sect basically treats him like he's their father or something "Master Ziel he stole my sandwich, master Ziel tell him it's my top bunk-". Lindon then comes to him saying they're going into the labyrinth and the tries to nope out but Lindon tells him he's a part of the team so he feels guilty. He later joins the exploration. He just kinda goes: "We're doing this?" and when the others go "Yeah, kinda" he goes, "and I still have time left in my contract. Welp!" and just kinda doesn't raise any more of a fuss. Also he roasts Lindon. And when the world nearly ended he said: "We have stared into the abyss and lived to tell the tale. I'm going to sleep." Iconic.

In Dreadgod Lindon sends him to this fuckoff castle. Ziel doesn't owe Lindon anything, and now Eithan is gone. He still stays. Lindon says he wants to kill the Dreadgods? Ziel goes, well, you crazy but alr. Tell me what to do. He goes to get the stuff Lindon sent him to get. Nearly dies. Finds the Herald remnant he was looking for. He doesn't release the Herald from where it is sealed because he doesn't want it to kill him, but when he senses a huge scary presence above he goes: Yo Orthos just release the guy, if he wants to see what's happening he can. We dead anyway. Only to then witness Lindon lift a whole ass castle and suppress the Herald remnant all at once. Then, when Dross shows his new halo, Ziel summons his Uncrowned crown.

In Waybound he kills the Weeping Dragon. How iconic. And he lasts second longest in willpower training. He manifests an Icon despite being a spiritual cripple not so long ago and absolutely decimates Calling Storms, although he doesn't stay dead. He's forced to write a tax code (giggle) for a planet and just waves his hand and says "hey" when Lindon finally ascends. He also acknowledges that Lindon is able to act his advancement level, just doesn't.

[orthodoxadventure]

Bright Friday: The Life Giving Fountain of the Mother of God

Commemorated on May 10

O most favored by God, you confer on me the healing of your grace from your inexhaustible Fountain. Therefore, since you gave birth incomprehensibly to the Word, I implore you to refresh me with the dew of your grace that I might cry to you: Hail, O Water of salvation.

Today we commemorate the Life-Giving Fountain of the Most Holy Theotokos.

There once was a beautiful church in Constantinople dedicated to the Mother of God, which had been built in the fifth century by the holy Emperor Leo the Great (January 20) in the Seven Towers district.

Before becoming emperor, Leo was walking in a wooded area where he met a blind man who was thirsty and asked Leo to help him find water. Though he agreed to search for water, he was unable to find any. Suddenly, he heard a voice telling him that there was water nearby. He looked again, but still could not find the water. Then he heard the voice saying “Emperor Leo, go into the deepest part of the woods, and you will find water there. Take some of the cloudy water in your hands and give it to the blind man to drink.Then take the clay and put it on his eyes. Then you shall know who I am.” Leo obeyed these instructions, and the blind man regained his sight. Later, Saint Leo became emperor, just as the Theotokos had prophesied.

Leo built a church over the site at his own expense, and the water continued to work miraculous cures. Therefore, it was called “The Life-Giving Fountain.”

After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, the church was torn down by the Moslems, and the stones were used to build a mosque. Only a small chapel remained at the site of the church. Twenty-five steps led down into the chapel, which had a window in the roof to let the light in. The holy Fountain was still there, surrounded by a railing.

After the Greek Revolution in 1821, even this little chapel was destroyed and the Fountain was buried under the rubble. Christians later obtained permission to rebuild the chapel, and work began in July of 1833. While workmen were clearing the ground, they uncovered the foundations of the earlier church. The Sultan allowed them to build not just a chapel, but a new and beautiful church on the foundations of the old one.

Construction began on September 14, 1833, and was completed on December 30, 1834. Patriarch Constantine II consecrated the church on February 2, 1835, dedicating it to the Most Holy Theotokos.

The Turks desecrated and destroyed the church again on September 6, 1955. A smaller church now stands on the site, and the waters of the Life-Giving Fountain continue to work miracles.

There is also a Life-Giving Fountain Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos which is commemorated on April 4.

[Text from OCA]

[videostarblogs]

2. 80s new wave

new Ave fashion emerged in the late 1970s and peaked in the 1980s, characterized by its avant-grande, futuristic, and often eccentric aesthetic, here is a break down of the 80s new wave style.

origins and development

new wave fashion evolved alongside the new wave music movement, which emerged as a response to punk rock in the late 1970s. bands like blondie, devo, and talking heads were at the forefront of this musical and fashion evolution. the fashion of the new wave scene was heavily influenced by the punk diy ethos but took it in a more polished and stylized directions. it embraced experimentation with materials, silhouetted, colors, reflecting a sense of rebllion against the mainstream.

key motifs/features

futuristic elements: new wave fashion after featured futuristic and avant=grande elements, such as metallic fabrics, neon colors, and geometric shapes. This reflected the optimism and technological advancements of the era

bold makeup and hair: dramatic makeup and hair styles were integral to the new wave look. think vibrant eye shadows, bold eyeliner, and asymmetrical haircuts, often dyed in unconventional colors like neon pink or electric blue

androgynous silhouettes: new wave fashions blurred the lines between masculine and feminine styles, with many outfits featuring androgynous silhouettes and gender neutral clothing.

statement accessories: accessories play a crucial role in new wave fashion, with oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, and quirky hats adding an extra dose of eccentricity to the outfits

mixing patterns and textures: new wave fashion embrace mixing patterns, textures, and prints in unexpected ways. it wasn't uncommon to see outfits combining stripes with polka bots or leather with lace

music

new wave fashion and music were closely intertwined, with many iconic new wave musicians influencing the fashion of the era. bands like Duran Duran, the cure, and Madonna not only defined the sound of the 80s but also set trends with their distinctive style.

Duran Duran

The Human League

Devo

New Order

Soft Cell

Tears for Fears

The B-52's

The Police

Pet Shop Boys

Oingo Boingo

movies

films like blade runner and tron epitomize the futuristic aesthetic that was prevalent in the 80s new wave fashion. these movies showcased sleek, otherworldly costumes and set designers that captivated audiences and inspired fashion trends

Videodrome (1983)

Liquid Sky (1982)

Re-Animator (1985)

The Hunger (1983)

Brazil (1985)

Repo Man (1984)

Miracle Mile (1988)

Heathers (1988)

Night of the Comet (1984)

Blue Velvet (1986)

other media

fashion magazines like vouge and Harper bazaar played a significant role in disseminating new wave fashion trends to a wider audience. editorial spreads featuring the avant-grande designs and bold colors influenced how people dressed in the 80s. music videos also played a crucial role in popularixing the new wave fashion with artists using their visuals to showcase cutting-edge style and aesthetics.

moodboards

outfits

overall

80s new wave fashion was a bold and innovative movement that embraced experimentation and individuality. its influence can still be seen in contemporary fashion with designers an stylists continuing to draw inspiration from its aesthetic.

please leave a like, reblog and follow for more fashion breakdowns, playlists, movie lists, and moodboards like these and leave a suggestion on what to be next!!!!!!!!

videostar signing off...

[kyliafanfiction]

I just saw a fic on Spacebattles 'Worm 1621' which puts the Wormverse in the year 1621/The Early Modern Period. Very interesting concept, haven't read it yet, but at the front, the author put a section of where all the various characters in Worm are. Vicky is the Queen Consort of Poland, of all things, and Marquis is the King of France.

Panacea is the princess of france, and the notation specifically says "worshipped as a holy figure."

Which makes sense, her power in that era absolutely would have her be seen as some sort of living saint type person for a lot of people, even if the Catholic Church as an institution may not be onboard (though perhaps in-universe the Church has officially ruled heroic parahumans to be touched by god or w/e, again, haven't started the fic yet, it's up on the list)

But I read that and I'm like... way to torment our girl Amy right? Because I'm pretty sure, especially given @mechakingghidorah100-blog's really good points about what an Amelia raised by Marquis might be like on this post (which I mostly agree with), Amy would still be fairly introverted and socially awkward, even if probably better at faking it for public functions.

So she would absolutely hate being an icon of religious worship. And while I doubt, going from the summary of the work (and the fact that it's been dead since 2016) Amelia/Panacea shows up much or at all, it's a hilarious idea.

And like, when you think about it, the fact that there don't seem to be any people worshipping Panacea, even a tiny number, in canon, is weird (though really, the lack of parahuman cults outside of the Fallen in general is a bit off. Wildbow really doesn't do a lot with religion in Worm. Function of who he is, when he wrote it and intended audience probably)

If there's one way to make any version of Amy suffer, but especially the canon Amy Dallon 'i'm evil and a freak because of my villain dad and my crush on my sister and the fact that I hate healing' a cult worshipping her as Panacea, the miracle cure all living saint would definitely be a great (and fun) way to do it.

Granted, I am going to subject Amy to something like that whenever I write my Dragon Age: Inquisition/Worm crossover starring Amy (that my little Panacea-Quistion oneshot was a notional epilogue to), but still.

More fics where Amy gets tormented by people trying to worship her please! :P

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Sunday, August 4, 2024

july 22_august 4

THE HOLY MYRH-BEARER EQUAL-UNTO-THE-APOSTLES MARY MAGDALENE. (1st c.)

Icon from Uncut Mountain Supply

Little is known of the early life of St. Mary. She was called "Magdalene" because she lived in the town of Magdala on the shore of the sea of Galilee, In the Bible we read that she was afflicted with an incurable disease: she was possessed by seven devils (Lk. 8:2). This was allowed by God's Providence, so that in curing her the Lord Jesus Christ could show forth the power and glory of God.

Helpless in her sufferings and hearing about the miracle-working power of Christ, Mary hastened to Him and asked to be delivered from her infirmity. Through her faith in His almighty power, Christ cast the seven devils out from her. Her heart became filled with thanksgiving and pure love for her Divine Healer. From that time forth, She dedicated her whole life to her Saviour Jesus Christ and became one of his most devoted disciples. She took every opportunity to listen to His teachings and to serve Him. Her example encouraged other women to do likewise.

Particularly remarkable was the determination and unusual courage which Mary Magdalene showed toward her Saviour. At the time of His greatest suffering, while He hung on the Cross and when even His apostles had abandoned Him, Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the Cross together with the Mother of God and the Lord's beloved disciple, John. They mourned and wept, but even in their weeping they comforted the Saviour with their undying love and the knowledge that He had not been utterly forsaken. That night, Mary Magdalene came with Joseph of Arimathea and Nikodemos when they took the Body of her beloved Lord down from the Cross and laid It in a tomb. Together with the other women disciples, she returned to prepare myrrh and other ointments with which to anoint the precious Body of Christ, according to the Jewish custom. Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, While it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the sepulchre (tomb) carrying the ointments. (For this reason the Church calls her a "Myrrh-bearer".) Coming close she saw that the large stone that had been placed at the entrance of the tomb had been rolled away. She thought that perhaps someone had already come and taken the Body to another place. Hurrying back to Jerusalem she told the apostles Peter and John: "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, 'and we know not where they have laid Him." Together with them she went again to the tomb and stood there weeping. When they had left she stooped down and looked into the sepulchre. There she saw two angels who asked why she was crying. She told them and then, turning around, she saw Jesus, but in her grief she did not recognize Him, and thinking He was the gardener, told Him also the reason for her weeping. It was only when He said her name: "Mary!" that she recognized Him as her beloved Lord. Not believing her own ears, she cried out with joy, "Master ! Then quickly following his His instructions, she ran quickly to announce the good news to the disciples: “Christ is risen!” Because she was the first, sent by the Lord Himself, to proclaim the Resurrection, the Church also calls her "Equal-to-the-Apostles".

Even after Christ’s Ascension into heaven, Mary Magdalen continued to preach the good news of Christ's glorious Resurrection, not only in Jerusalem, but also in other countries. She spent her last years in Ephesus helping St. John the Evangelist in missionary labors. There she died peacefully.

In the ninth century her incorrupt relics were taken to Constantinople and placed in the church of St. Lazarus' Monastery.

St. Mary Magdalen zealously fulfilled the first and greatest commandment: Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind and with all thy strength. Her life is an example for us to love and serve God above all, not fearing what others may say or do to us. Let us, too, be apostles of the faith and tell everyone the good news which St. Mary Magdalene was first to proclaim: "Christ is Risen! In Truth He is Risen!"

Source: Orthodox America

VENERABLE CORNELIUS, MONK OF PEREYASLAVL , AND CONFESSOR OF ALEXANDROV CONVENT (1693)

Saint Cornelius of Pereyaslavl, in the world Konon, was the son of a Ryazan merchant. In his youth he left his parental home and lived for five years as a novice of the Elder Paul in the Lukianov wilderness near Pereyaslavl. Afterwards the young ascetic transferred to the Pereyaslavl monastery of Saints Boris and Gleb on the Sands [Peskakh]. Konon eagerly went to church and unquestioningly did everything that they commanded him.

The holy novice did not sit down to eat in the trapeza with the brethren, but contented himself with whatever remained, accepting food only three times a week. After five years, he received monastic tonsure with the name Cornelius. From that time no one saw the monk sleeping on a bed. Several of the brethren scoffed at Saint Cornelius as foolish, but he quietly endured the insults and intensified his efforts. Having asked permission of the igumen to live as a hermit, he secluded himself into his own separately constructed cell and constantly practiced asceticism in fasting and prayer.

Once the brethren found him barely alive, and the cell was locked from within. Three months Saint Cornelius lay ill, and he could take only water and juice. The monk, having recovered and being persuaded by the igumen, stayed to live with the brethren. Saint Cornelius was the sacristan in church, he served in the trapeza, and also toiled in the garden. As if to bless the saint’s labors, excellent apples grew in the monastery garden, which he lovingly distributed to visitors.

The body of Saint Cornelius was withered up from strict fasting, but he did not cease to toil. With his own hands he built a well for the brethren. For thirty years Saint Cornelius lived in complete silence, being considered by the brethren as deaf and dumb. Before his death on July 22, 1693, Saint Cornelius made his confession to the monastery priest Father Barlaam, received the Holy Mysteries and took the schema.

He was buried in the chapel. Nine years later, during the construction of a new church, his relics were found incorrupt. In the year 1705, Saint Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov (October 28), saw the relics of Saint Cornelius, and they were in the new church in a secluded place. The holy bishop composed a Troparion and Kontakion to the saint.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:2-12

2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? 8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.

LUKE 8:1-3

1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities-Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

[wazzuppy]

mirai / cure miracle icons

like / reblog if you save

[precureappeng]

Voting should close a few minutes before noon on July 3rd, 2024 in EST.

[bylagunabay]

Power of Sacramentals

CURED FROM CANCER THROUGH OUR LADY’S ICON

- Francis Slinsky

1 Testimony of George

A friend of mine who lives in Florida called me one day and I was talking to her, and she asked me to pray for her granddaughter who had cancer.   And I lit a candle, and I placed a picture of her at the feet of Our Mother, Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces. I told her I’d storm heaven for her. So, I went to Our Blessed Mother, and I asked Our Mother to intercede for her.

Two days ago, I called her. Our Blessed Mother inspired me to call her. So, I called her. So, I said, “Sandy, how’s everything?” She said, “Oh, George, I was about to call you.” And I said, “Oh?” And she said, “Yeap!” I say, “How’s your granddaughter?” She says, “George, her cancer is in remission.” After all this time I have been praying for her. Every day! Every day! It’s in remission. She said, “George, I want to thank you.” I said, “You thank Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother.   You give them thanks and praise. Not me! I’m only her humble servant.

People come to me for prayers and this is what happens! I really don’t know the randdaughter’s name. What I am going to do is call her tomorrow and ask her what her granddaughter’s name is.” When we got through talking, I thanked Our Mother. They live in Fruit Park, Florida.

Her name is Sandy H and her husband’s name is Donald. I don’t know what type of cancer or where the cancer was. She didn’t tell me.

2 Interview by Francis

Francis: Did the doctors mention it was in remission or how did they find it was in remission?

George: The doctor! She went through tests. Her cancer is in remission! They didn’t think she was going to make it, but she did …

F: The granddaughter went through treatments. So she was that serious, that bad?

G: Her levels were all “screwed up” but it’s all in remission now.

F: What a powerful miracle! Like you said, they didn’t think she was going to make it. They were effectively saying, she’s dying … and there was very little hope for her … and all of the sudden she was miraculously cured from cancer.

G: And because Sandy sent me the picture of her granddaughter.

F: Find out from Sandy if we can use that on the internet. We’d like to put that miracle up to show how Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces miraculously cured your granddaughter. That would be powerful.

F: How long have you been praying for her granddaughter?

G: A year. I prayed the prayer card and lit candles in my home before the Icon. What I’ll do for you is get all the information. I’ll call her tomorrow and tell her to write everything down and I’ll tell her that your organization would like to have it …

G: But you know something, Francis, I often wonder, how come when anyone comes to me and I go to Our Mother and intercede on their behalf and all of the sudden the prayers are always answered.

©Copyright 2011-2012 With All World Rights Reserved by Francis Slinsky

[mightyflamethrower]

LOS ANGELES, CA — Researchers have made a groundbreaking medical discovery this week, discovering a miracle cure for gender dysphoria called "Deleting TikTok".

"The results are truly stunning," Dr. Erik Mendez told reporters. "By simply deleting this one app, patients are being cured of their symptoms in a matter of days. After billions of dollars spent and countless lives destroyed, the simplicity of the cure is simply astounding."

By cutting off access to videos of pink-haired men yelling online about being born in the wrong body, the study led by Dr. Mendez found a one-hundred percent drop in cases of teens who visited his office identifying as trans.

Despite the overwhelming success, the results have led to pushback in the trans community. "Curing a mental condition with a fifty percent suicide rate is extremely transphobic," said Cynthia Rounds, head of the non-profit organization Trans The Kids. "Instead of cutting an app off kids' phones, we need to be cutting genitals off of kids' bodies. That is how we truly show kids that we care. We strongly condemn Dr. Mendez and his entire team."

In spite of the pushback, Dr. Mendez says he's hopeful his research can help hundreds of thousands of teens who identify as trans. "I do see parents confused how letting their children watch popular trans icons get epic amounts of attention for being a misunderstood victim would in any way make teens want to do the same thing," said Dr. Mendez. "But I'm working on creating a detox program to introduce the parents to normal people in their area who don't advocate forcing children to take cross-sex hormones to gain followers online. Revolutionary!"

[darklordazalin]

Ravenloft Lore Tuesdays

Domain Focus for May: Barovia – The First Domain of not quite the First Vampire Domain Formation: 351 BC

Lore: Folktale - The Icon of Ravenloft

There are many folktales throughout the Demiplanes of Dread and though many of the ones told in Barovia are related to vampires and blood drinkers, this particular tale is in regard to a rather powerful holy object that is considered the ‘sister’ to the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.

When the von Zarovich family first arrived in Barovia, a dying raven fell at the feet of Mihaela von Zarovich. Although, perhaps, a more than proper response when encountering certain members of this bloodline, Mihaela was said to take pity upon the bird and cradled it in her arms. She prayed to St. Andral to bless the corvid and a moment later, the raven flew from her hands and off into the distant mountains.

The priests of St. Andral declared this event a miracle, though more likely the bird was fatigue and the warmth of a human body was all it needed to regain its strength. Regardless, the priests created the Icon of Ravenloft in honor of this event.

The icon is a silver statuette of a raven with tiny diamonds for its eyes. A powerful object, when in the hands of a cleric or paladin, it can be used to turn away the strongest of undead creatures as well as cure the injured. Of course, those with ill intent are more often than not harmed by merely touching the icon.

The Icon of Ravenloft in Games:

The simplest way to use the Icon in a game is to include it as one of the items the characters need to find before encountering Strahd. It would be very helpful in an encounter with him and you could always give it additional bonuses when combined with the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. This can be done in any version of the Strahd adventure as they all include the card reading at the beginning.

The Icon itself, if using 5e stats would like translate to either giving disadvantage to Undead saving vs being turned or add a +1 bonus to the Save DC of the Cleric/Paladin wielding it. Also, would be able to cast Cure Wound probably 3 times a day.

If your characters are questing throughout the Demiplanes there are a couple other options – You can run an adventure similar to From the Shadows (2e) in which Azalin sends characters back in time to steal the Icon for him before it is lost. You can use this story to have Strahd hire adventurers to steal it back from Azalin’s Castle or the Black Vault of Il Aluk (or Necropolis depending on what timeline you’re going with). Another potential NPC that would be interesting in owning the Icon are any of the wereravens from the Keepers of the Feather, Van Ritchen, Lyssa von Zarovich, and honestly any individual that worships St. Andral or the Morning Lord. Seeing as the Icon could be anywhere, its an easy item to add as a ‘fetch’ quest in practically any Domain.