#outSTANDING holy christ

[memories-of-ancients]

The York Helmet

"This 8th century York Helmet is the most outstanding example of the Anglo-Saxon period to survive in Europe. On the crest is an inscription in Latin which translates as, 'In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and God; and to all we say amen. Oshere'. Oshere was probably the name of its owner, possibly of the Northumbrian Royal Dynasty."

from The Yorkshire Museum

[ginandoldlace]

This year taking place at  Durham Cathedral The King and Queen have attended the annual Maundy Service, during which His Majesty presented Maundy recipients – 76 men and 76 women – with two purses: one red and one white, containing Maundy Money.

The Royal Maundy gifts are given in recognition of outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities.

The white purse contains a set of specially minted silver Maundy coins, while this year the Red Purse contains a £5 coin commemorating The Queen Mother, and a 50p coin which features stories of WWII.

Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

Royal Maundy can be traced back in England to the 13th century, with the first recorded Royal Distribution at Knaresborough by King John in 1210. From the 15th Century, the number of recipients has been related to the years of the Sovereign’s life.

[aurum-cat]

Since I saw a few (2, legit just 2) posts about "what if Knights Templar is still alive?" I went into a big rabbit hole and I found that it's possible that he is alive in modern times!

So, after Knights Templar were dissolved and our boy was burnt alive on a stake, Portugal crown said that "aww but we liked him" and took all the remaining Templar Knights to them and renamed and rebuilded the order to be their personal crown order.

[ID: "The Portuguese king, Denis I, refused to pursue and persecute the former knights, as had occurred in some other states under the influence of Philip & the crown. Under his protection, Templar organizations simply changed their name, from "Knights Templar" to the reconstituted Order of Christ and also a parallel Supreme Order of Christ of the Holy See; both are considered successors to the Knights Templar"]

And while reading the History of the Order of Christ, I found this interesting information:

[ID: "The order was secularized in 1789, and dissolved in 1910. It was revived in 1917 within the Portuguese Republic, headed by the President of Portugal, as a decoration in recognition of outstanding services to the state."]

So! All in all, Knights Templar should be alive! Do with this information whatever you want ;3

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (April 29)

St. Catherine of Siena was a third-order Dominican, peacemaker and counselor to the Pope.

She singlehandedly ended the Avignon exile of the successors of Peter in the 14th century.

She is the co-patron of Italy and of Europe.

Born in Siena, on the feast of the Annunciation, 25 March 1347, Catherine was the 23rd of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa’s 25 children. Her twin sister died in infancy.

She exhibited an unusually independent character as a child and an exceptionally intense prayer life.

When she was seven years old, she had the first of her mystical visions in which she saw Jesus surrounded by saints and seated in glory.

In the same year, she vowed to consecrate her virginity to Christ.

When her parents decided that she should marry at the age of 16, she cut off her hair to make herself less appealing.

Her father, realizing that he couldn’t contend with her resolve, let her have her way. 

She joined the Dominican Tertiaries and lived a deep and solitary life of prayer and meditation for the next three years.

She had constant mystical experiences, capped, by the end of the three years, with an extraordinary union with God granted to only a few mystics, known as ‘mystical marriage.’

Catherine suffered many intense periods of desolation alongside her mystical ecstasies, often feeling totally abandoned by God.

She ended her solitude at this point and began tending to the sick, poor and marginalized, especially lepers.

As her reputation for holiness and remarkable personality became known throughout Siena, she attracted a band of disciples, two of whom became her confessors and biographers.

They served Christ in the poor with even greater ardor. The Lord also called her to a more public life while she was still in her 20s.

She established correspondences with many influential figures, advising and admonishing them and exhorting them to holiness, including the Pope himself who she never hesitated to rebuke when she saw fit.

Great political acts, which are attributed to her, include achieving peace between the Holy See and Florence who were at war, to convince the Pope to return from his Avignon exile, which he did in 1376, and to heal the great schism between the followers of the legitimate Pope Urban VI and those who opposed him in 1380.

She achieved these while on her deathbed.

Her Dialogues, one of the classics of Italian literature, are the record of her mystical visions, which she dictated in a state of mystical ecstasy.

In 1375, while visiting Pisa, she received the stigmata, even though they never appeared on her body during her lifetime, owing to her request to God.

They appeared only on her incorruptible body after her death.

She died in Rome on 29 April 1380 at the age of 33.

She was beatified on 29 December 1460 and was canonized by Pope Pius II on 29 June 1461.

In 1999, Pope John Paul II proclaimed her a patron saint of Europe.

Catherine of Siena is the patron saint of nurses, the sick, Italy, Europe, and against fires, miscarriages, and people ridiculed for their piety. She was also declared a Doctor of the Church.

She is one of the outstanding figures of medieval Catholicism due to the strong influence she had in the history of the papacy and her extensive authorship.

[laura1633]

jesus christ every time i need to clean my feed in twitter, why so many people hate max? i feel so sad

and holy shit red bull need to get their shit together. my last half dead butterfly in my stomach praying for monza updates🫠

at least we got lestappen podium, max still first in wdc and charles still third!!!

I don't really go on twitter all that much anymore, I have also stopped reading social media comment sections. I also have about 200 accounts blocked on here as well as hiding certain tags. I've just realised I am very happy living in an echo chamber of Max praises.

Max is doing an outstanding job and proving how good he is and I can't be bothered wasting my time on people who just want to say negative things for the sake of it. Definitely block, block, block.

I just hope that Red Bull manage to claw back some of the advantage Mclaren has so Max can hold on to the championship this year (I do still think he will be champion and he most definitely deserves it).

I was so happy for a Lestappen podium and wow did they both drive so well! Just wish it had been 1-2. Its amazing that they are both still 1-3 though, the very definition of out performing a car.

[liminalgardens]

Art History of Bohemia

Enthroned Virgin and Child

Date: ca. 1345–1350

Culture: Bohemian

Medium: Limewood with paint and gilding

The energetic pose of Mary, peering over the shoulder of the Christ Child at an exaggerated angle, suggests that this sculpture was once part of a larger story: most likely a depiction of the Adoration of the Magi, or the Three Kings bringing gifts from afar. The delicate facial features, thickly curling hair, and frilly draperies are typical of courtly art made in fourteenth-century Bohemia, when Prague was a center of power for the Holy Roman Empire.

The oldest artworks in this exhibition date from the rule of the Přemyslid dynasty of which St Agnes of Bohemia, the founder of this convent, was a member. The best works from the collections and national cultural legacy treasures include those dating from Luxembourg rule – that of King John of Bohemia and, especially, his successor Emperor Charles IV and his sons. Outstanding painters and sculptors active in the Luxembourg era included the Master of the Madonna of Michle, the Master of Vyšší Brod, Master Theodoric, the Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece and the Master of the Krumlov Madonna.

Title: Bust of the Virgin

Date: ca. 1390–95

Geography: Made in Prague, Bohemia

Culture: Bohemian

Medium: Terracotta with paint

With regal elegance and a tender face, this image of the Virgin constituted the upper portion of a standing or enthroned figure that would have been accompanied by the child Jesus. Artists working in clay would normally divide a large sculpture horizontally with a wire before firing to ensure that it dried evenly. The sections would then be reassembled with mortar disguised under the paint. This is the only terracotta sculpture attributed to medieval Prague.

The phenomenon known as the Beautiful Style arose in the late 14th century, bringing artistic renown to the Czech Lands. The period of the rule of Vladislaus II of Hungary and Louis II of Hungary is linked with the late Gothic and early Renaissance eras. The Master of the St George Altarpiece, the Master of the Puchner Ark, the Master of the Litoměřice Altarpiece and the brilliant carvers the Master of the Lamentation of Christ from Žebrák and the Master of the Lamentation of Christ from Zvíkov were active at that time. 

[eternal-echoes]

“Our hearts embrace also those brothers and communities not yet living with us in full communion; to them we are linked nonetheless by our profession of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and by the bond of charity. We do not forget that the unity of Christians is today awaited and desired by many, too, who do not believe in Christ; for the farther it advances toward truth and love under the powerful impulse of the Holy Spirit, the more this unity will be a harbinger of unity and peace for the world at large. Therefore, by common effort and in ways which are today increasingly appropriate for seeking this splendid goal effectively, let us take pains to pattern ourselves after the Gospel more exactly every day, and thus work as brothers in rendering service to the human family. For, in Christ Jesus this family is called to the family of the sons of God.

We think cordially too of all who acknowledge God, and who preserve in their traditions precious elements of religion and humanity. We want frank conversation to compel us all to receive the impulses of the Spirit faithfully and to act on them energetically.

For our part, the desire for such dialogue, which can lead to truth through love alone, excludes no one, though an appropriate measure of prudence must undoubtedly be exercised. We include those who cultivate outstanding qualities of the human spirit, but do not yet acknowledge the Source of these qualities. We include those who oppress the Church and harass her in manifold ways. Since God the Father is the origin and purpose of all men, we are all called to be brothers. Therefore, if we have been summoned to the same destiny, human and divine, we can and we should work together without violence and deceit in order to build up the world in genuine peace.”

-Gaudium et Spes, PASTORAL CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD

[crowleysfall]

Finished Mary and George i have THOUGHTS

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR ALL EPISODES 🚨🚨

- MARY FUCKING VILLIERS 👏👏👏 Julianne absolutely killed it give her all the awards

- Early episodes George i would take a bullet for you

- The plot twist with Somerset confessing love to George came outta nowhere i did NOT see it coming 😅

- I don’t even think it was genuine tbh. The guy almost cut off George’s hands in their first meeting and then he wanna say he loved him since he first saw him?? Most likely scenario is he knew he was fucked and that was his final desperate resort to win George over, either way George fucking him as one final act of pettiness was such a boss move

- Honorary mention to Mary’s new husband

- He actually tried to be supportive and had some great one liners, hope the guy lived a good life

- John Villiers you deserve the world 😭😭

- TONY CURRAN 🙌👏👏

- James throwing a tantrum and getting caught in the curtains took me tf out lmao

- Lady Hatton reading everyone for filth at the dining table had me on the floor QUEEN SHIT

- James and George kissing in a hallway in front of a bunch of staff, Mary and Sandie being an open secret and no one batting an eye, everyone is queer and no one cares. After years of shows making such a huge deal of queer characters seeing it being portrayed so casually as it should be is refreshing as fuck

- I actually felt sorry for Charles tbh that boy needs a good influence and not George

- JUSTICE FOR SANDIE

- Later episodes George got on my nerves so much i swear to GOD the arrogance was insane, Nicholas gave such an amazing performance

- The FINAL SCENE WITH JAMES AND GEORGE HOLY SHIT

- I haven’t read the book for over a year and I remember it implying that George had something to do with James dying but lord almighty i did not think it would happen like THAT

- I felt bad for James tbh. I know he sucked as a father to Charles and was in no way a perfect guy but to be betrayed by the man he loved like that was cold as hell. The look of shock and betrayal in his eyes in that final scene is stuck in my head

- “Christ has his John and I have my George” WE WERE ROBBED OF THIS LINE

- Overall a great show and outstanding performances from all involved 💯

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&READING: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2024

september 16_september 29

St. SEBASTIANA, DISCIPLE OF St. PAUL THE APOSTLE, MARTYRED AT HERACLEA (86).

The Holy Martyr Sebastiana was a follower of the holy Apostle Paul. During a persecution against Christians under the emperor Dometian (81-96), she was on trial as a Christian before the governor named Georgios in the city of Marcianopolis in the Mizea region.

Saint Sebastiana firmly confessed her faith in Christ, and for this she was subjected to cruel tortures. At first they beat her, and then they threw her into a red-hot oven, from which she emerged unharmed. They sent the saint to the city of Heraklea, where sentence was pronounced on her a second time.

The governor, named Pompian, gave orders to tie the saint to a tree and lacerate her body with roof tiles. The martyr remained unbroken in her faith. Then the governor gave her to be eaten by wild beasts. The Lord also preserved the holy martyr, and the beasts refused to touch her. Then, by order of the governor, Saint Sebastiana was beheaded. Her body, thrown into the sea, was taken by angels to the island of Rhodes (in Thrace, in the Sea of Marmara).

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

TRANSLATION OF THE RELICS OF ST ALEXI OF MOSCOW (2001).

...not seeking mine own profit but the profit of many, that they may be saved (I Cor. 10:33)

These words were spoken at the funeral of Archpriest Alexey Mechev who, in the years proceeding his death in 1923, was popularly esteemed among Moscow' s outstanding pastors. He was a rare example of a married priest endowed with clairvoyance, a gift which enabled him to heal countless battered souls, in the tradition of the great Optina elders whose spiritual offspring he was. And like St. John of Kronstadt, another of his mentors, this skilled physician operated in the midst of a great metropolis with all the complexities that this brings to life.

Although no formal biography exists, memoirs left by his spiritual children reveal a wealth of pastoral experience and counsel that can be effectively applied even now to souls oppressed by the multiple distractions and demands of today's world.

Fr. Alexey was born in 1860, the son of a choir director in the service of the great Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow (+1867). The family lived in modest circumstances. "I never had a room of my own," Fr. Alexey recalled. "All my life I've lived with people around!" Judging from the only extant letter to his wife Anna, he was happily married; they had several children before her tragically premature death. None of the children appear to have remained close to their father with the exception of a son Sergius who succeeded Fr. Alexey as priest at St. Nicholas' church on Maroseyka street, before joining the ranks of Russia's New Martyrs in 1941.

Fr. Alexey's success did not blossom overnight. Describing the early years of his pastorate he said:

"For eight years I served the Liturgy daily in an empty church. One archpriest said to me: 'No matter when I pass by your church, the bells are always ringing. Once I went in--nobody. Nothing will come of it. You're ringing in vain." But Fr. Alexey steadfastly continued serving--and the people began to come, many people. He would tell this story when asked how to establish a parish. The answer was always the same: "Pray."

"In his domestic life," writes one of his spiritual children, "Batiushka was extremely simple and humble. In his study, in his little room, there were piles of books--some lying open, letters, lots of prosphora on the table, a folded epitrachelion lying together with a cross and Gospel, and little icons. The general chaos indicated that Batiushka was always busy, that he never had spare time, that there was always waiting for him--at home, on the street, in church--some great task calling for his love and self-sacrifice."

"Live for others, and you yourself will be saved." This was Fr. Alexey's motto. "To be with people," he would say, "to live their life, rejoice in their joys, sorrow over their misfortunes ... herein lies the meaning and way of life for a Christian, and especially for a pastor."

Fr. Alexey's own life was consumed in the service of others, The same spiritual son writes: "Outside his apartment the line of laboring and heavy-laden stood from early morning. And Batiushka managed to have a talk with each of them, to caress, to console ..." "Never, it seems," recalls another, "was he ever alone. He was always with people, and in sight of people; it was as though the walls of his room were glass -everything was visible ... He told me two or three times toward the end that he'd like to be off by himself, that people were getting the best of him. But that was just two or three times--no more. “Let' s all go to a monastery!” he'd say half in jest. 'You, me--all of us together!'"

Many people, particularly intellectuals, had difficulty understanding and accepting Fr. Alexey's approach because, quite simply, they didn't understand the essence of Christianity. This is well illustrated by the case of Vladimir S.:

Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth

"I became acquainted with Batiushka soon after the February Revolution of 1917. I remember that when I first went to the church on Maroseyka, there was a lot there that bothered me. It was, in fact, a real conflict between the mind and the heart, between adherence to the law on the one hand, and a profound love--covering and fulfilling the law--on the other hand ... I was bothered because my love for God was weak, because I saw religion simply as a path towards satisfying a thirsty and curious intellect. I liked the strict, well-ordered and harmonious system of dogmas, I delighted in the beauty and universal conformity of the ecclesiastical rites. I believed in God, I was devoted to the Church, but I had little love for the Lord. And this cold, rational attitude towards religion subsequently ruined me, and even led me to leave Batiushka ...

"When I came to Maroseyka ... I saw the following: a priest of small stature, with a lined face and tangled beard, was serving together with an old deacon. The priest wore a faded, violet kamilavka; he served somehow hurriedly and, it seemed, carelessly: he was forever coming out of the altar to give confession at the cliros; sometimes he talked or searched for someone with his eyes; he himself carried out and distributed the prosphora.

"All this--and especially the confession during Liturgy--had an irritating effect on me. And the fact that a woman read the Epistle, and that there were too many communicants, and the uncalled-for Blessing of the Water [after Liturgy] ... None of this agreed with my conviction that conformity in church rites was absolutely essential. /.../

"[But gradually] I became involuntarily attached to Maroseyka; I became accustomed to the church services, and their deviations from the Typicon no longer bothered me. On the contrary, nowhere could I pray so fervently as at Maroseyka. Here one sensed that the walls were permeated by prayer, one sensed a contagious prayerful atmosphere which one didn't find in other churches. Some people, whether by tradition or out of desire to hear a deacon and choir, go to wealthy and renowned churches; here people came for one reason alone--to pray ...

"It happened that one would come to Father Alexey with some complex dogmatic problem. He would say with a smile: 'Why are you asking me; I'm an ignoramus' ... 'You're forever wanting to live through your mind; you should try to live as I do--through the heart.' This 'life through the heart' explained many of the deviations in church service which Batiushka permitted. When reason said that it was necessary to observe the prescriptions of the Typicon--not to confess during Liturgy, not to take out prosphora after the Cherubic Hymn, not to communicate late-comers at the north door after Liturgy, etc., etc.--Batiushka's heart, burning and overflowing with love, caused him to disregard reason.

'How can I possibly refuse someone confession,' he would say. 'Perhaps this confession is the person's last hope, perhaps by turning him away I may cause the ruin of his soul. Christ didn't refuse anyone. He said to everyone: "Come unto Me ..." You say, What about the law? But where there is no love, the law does not work unto salvation; true love, however, is the fulfillment of the law (Rom. 13:8-10).'"

Vladimir's comments may leave the impression that Fr. Alexey didn't particularly care or wasn't well-versed in the Church service rules. This isn't true:

"A first-rate expert on the Typicon and the services, he noticed everything, saw everything, all the mistakes and omissions in the service, especially with those young people with whom he served in his latter years (and he loved serving with them). But he left the impression that he saw nothing, noticed nothing. After some time had passed, at a convenient and appropriate moment, he'd bring up the matter and correct it. The more glaring errors--or the ones which had some bearing on the service--he'd correct himself in a manner so discreet that it passed unnoticed by the server who had erred, much less by the congregation: he himself would start to sing in the proper manner, or would do something that someone else was supposed to have done. This is a very rare quality among the clergy."

Fr. Alexey often said that "each person has his own particular path to salvation. One mustn't set a common path for everyone; one mustn't try to workout a formula for salvation which would apply to all people. People are born with different natures, different abilities, intellects and constitutions--so, too, they each go towards Christ at their own pace, each on his own path. Because of this, Christianity considers equally soul-saving the chaste monastic life and marital life, the priesthood and laity, the rank of soldier and the rank of judge--as long as Christ dwells in the heart ... And the task of an elder or a spiritual father is to uncover a person's calling and to point out to him the path which he should take towards the Lord."

With his gift of clairvoyance, Fr. Alexey had no need to speak to his "patients" in order to diagnose their maladies. And his "treatments" showed this masterful physician to be a man "not of words, but of spirit, of power:"

"It seemed that Batiushka didn't really say much; from his face alone, his smile, his eyes, there streamed such gentleness, such understanding, that this in itself comforted and encouraged a person without any words ... He actually, as he himself put it, 'unloaded' people's sins; he transformed people from despairing, oppressed pessimists into Christians constantly rejoicing in the Lord. One had only to glance at his commemoration book, checkered with hundreds of names of both living and dead, a book he always had with him, and one understood the words which he spoke, pointing to his heart: 'I carry you all here.’”

The scope of Fr. Alexey’s pastoral influence may be judged by the tens of thousands who gathered for his funeral. The liturgy was served by Bishop Theodore Pozdeyev (later, archbishop and New Martyr), attended by 80 clergymen--hierarchs, priests and deacons. The imprisoned Patriarch Tikhon, freed for a few hours, met the cortege at the St. Lazarus cemetery, where he served a lity for the deceased. Altogether, it was a fitting tribute to this remarkable pastor who had been, for so many, a stepping-stone to God.

(Quotations translated from Otets Aleksei Mechev; YMCA Press, Paris, 1970)

Source:

Galatians 2:16-20

16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Mark 8:34-9:1

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

1 And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power."

[flatbstanley]

Justin: This is Justin Santoro with Quotidianum, your daily guide to the Holy Catholic Church. Today we’ll be discussing the role of women in the Church. To that end, I’ve invited two outstanding young women to join me: my daughter, Gianna, and Claire Newton from the podcast “Catholic Girl Things.” Claire, why don’t you start us off by telling us a little about yourself.

Claire: Sure! Thanks so much for having me! So I grew up Catholic, but in a very, like, liberal way. My parents were always telling my sister and me that we could do anything a boy could do. We were even altar servers! I got to a point where I was like, “If men and women are equal, why can’t I be a priest?”

Justin: That’s something that so many people get wrong. Women and men have separate roles to play. They are not equivalent. Women are the givers of life and the nurturers, while men are the ones that Christ chose to lead his Church.

Claire: Exactly! But it took me a really long time to get that. When I was in high school, though, I started listening to some great Catholic podcasts. Quotidianum was one of them, actually! That was when I realized it was better to embrace what God gave me rather than trying to be a man.

Gia: I'm glad you said that, because I think it’s really important. Girls my age get so offended when somebody tells them that they can’t be exactly like boys. They start shouting about women’s rights and all. But thinking about what you can't have just makes you miserable, and you can miss out on the great opportunities that God's given you. For example, if I were set on being an altar server, I never would have gotten involved with embroidering the altar cloths at our church. That's a great job for women, and I absolutely love it!

Two hours earlier...

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Useful Directions For Reading and Searching the Scriptures

by Thomas Boston

I. Embark on a consistent and deliberate course when reading these sacred texts, making it an integral facet of your personal devotion. Although it is not obligatory to adhere exclusively to a structured regimen, so as to never read by choice, but it generally proves to be the most beneficial approach. Some portions of the Bible may appear dificult, while others may seem spiritually arid to the casual reader. Nevertheless, if you regard the entirety as God's sacred word, to be approached with unwavering faith and profound reverence, undoubtedly, you shall derive spiritual enrichment.

II. Employ a distinctive marker, in a manner that suits you, to identify those passages that resonate most profoundly with your circumstances, condition, or struggles. Keep in mind that periodically revisiting these passages shall be immensely rewarding.

III. Engage in comparative study, scrutinizing the more enigmatic verses alongside those that offer greater clarity. This practice is an outstanding means to decipher the intended meaning of the Scriptures. The marginal notes found in some Bibles can also be of great service in this endeavor. Be ever mindful of Christ, for He is the focal point to which the Old Testament Scriptures allude, in its genealogies, typology, and sacrificial rites, just as the New Testament Scriptures do.

IV. Approach your reading with a sacred attentiveness, stemming from your acknowledgment of the divine majesty of God and the reverence owed to Him. This attentiveness should extend to the words themselves, the underlying meaning, and the divine authority of the Scripture, recognizing the moral imperative it imposes upon the conscience for obedience.

V. Let your primary objective in Scripture study be not just the acquisition of knowledge but the practical application of its teachings. As James 1:22 admonishes, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Read with the intent to learn and apply, without any reservations or exceptions. Strive to practice everything that God's word requires of you.

VI. Beseech God and rely on His Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit that grants true understanding of the Scriptures. As 1 Corinthians 2:11 elucidates, "For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God." Therefore, it is eminently reasonable to seek divine blessings before you engage in your reading.

VII. Guard against a worldly and carnal mindset, for earthly sins obscure the mind from perceiving divine truths, and a worldly heart remains indifferent to them. Just as the earth interposes itself between the sun and the moon during a lunar eclipse, obstructing the sun's light from the moon, so does the world, when it resides within one's heart, obstruct the divine radiance of the word.

VIII. Strive to cultivate a disposition inclined toward godliness and vigilantly assess your spiritual circumstances. A disciplined disposition greatly aids in comprehending the Scriptures. Such a devout soul shall discover reflections of their own life within the pages of the word, and, in turn, the Scriptures shall shed light upon their personal circumstances.

IX. Endeavor to put into practice the wisdom and insights you glean from the Scriptures. As the saying goes, "To him that has, shall be given." It is no surprise that those who make no effort to practice what they know often gain little understanding from the Bible. However, when the stream of knowledge flows into a holy life, the fountain of divine wisdom shall gush forth even more abundantly.

[paramedicabroad]

Historical Monuments of Mtskheta

Nestled at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, the ancient town of Mtskheta in Georgia is a living testament to the country’s rich history and spiritual heritage. As one of Georgia’s oldest cities and the former capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, Mtskheta holds a special place in the hearts of Georgians. The town's historical monuments, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a captivating glimpse into the region's early Christian architecture and cultural significance. Let's explore the magic of Mtskheta's sacred landmarks.

In 1994, the historical monuments of Mtskheta were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging their outstanding universal value. The recognition helps protect these ancient sites, ensuring they remain a part of Georgia’s cultural legacy for future generations.

Dominating the skyline of Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is an architectural marvel and one of the most venerated religious sites in Georgia. Built in the 11th century on the site of Georgia’s first Christian church, it is said to house the burial site of Christ’s robe. The cathedral’s intricate stone carvings and frescoes depict biblical scenes and Georgian history, making it a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture.

Perched atop a hill overlooking Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery offers panoramic views of the town and its surrounding landscape. This 6th-century monastery, whose name means "Monastery of the Cross," is an exquisite example of early Georgian church architecture. The simple yet elegant design of Jvari has inspired many other churches in the region.

Located near Svetitskhoveli, Samtavro Monastery is another significant religious site in Mtskheta. This complex includes a church and a nunnery, dating back to the 4th century and later expanded in the 11th century. It is known for its beautiful frescoes and the tombs of King Mirian III and Queen Nana, who were instrumental in the spread of Christianity in Georgia.

Mtskheta is not only about its standing monuments but also its rich archaeological heritage. Excavations in the area have uncovered numerous artifacts, from ancient pottery to gold jewelry, providing insights into the daily lives and customs of its early inhabitants. These findings are displayed in the Mtskheta Archaeological Museum.

The historical monuments of Mtskheta are home to several revered Christian relics, which attract pilgrims from all over the world. Among them is the life-giving pillar (Svetitskhoveli) and parts of the Holy Cross, underscoring Mtskheta’s role as a spiritual center.

Mtskheta’s monuments have played a crucial role in the cultural and religious development of Georgia. The town’s historic churches have been central to the Georgian Orthodox faith, serving as the site of many significant events in the country’s religious history.

Today, Mtskheta remains a vibrant town where history and modernity coexist. Visitors can wander through its ancient streets, attend services at its historic churches, and experience the spiritual ambiance that has defined Mtskheta for millennia.

Exploring the historical monuments of Mtskheta is like taking a step back in time. Each church, monastery, and artifact tells a story of faith, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Georgian people. This sacred town invites you to immerse yourself in its rich heritage and discover the timeless beauty of Georgia’s ancient heart.🏕️🏛️🇬🇪

[jzlily333]

🌺05/01LiveWell活出美好🌺

God wants to put a new song in your heart, and He wants to fill you with hope.​​​​

Sing a new song to the Lord! For he has done wonderful things; his right hand and holy arm work for salvation (Psalm 98:1).​

05/01 Bible verses

For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

For God has not destined us for wrath, but for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

05/01Good words of wisdom

1. Young people must dare to shoulder burdens and responsibilities beyond their expectations. After going through some training, they will find that they are better than they imagined!

2. Successful people are usually not those with outstanding appearance or talent. He is often the person who can best impress others with his kind and kind attitude.

Hymn: Come and Sing to the Lord

https://youtu.be/TvRHFJ4xEuw?si=aLgW62THB83SsrOz

🌺05/01活出美好🌺

上帝要放一��新歌在你心中，祂要以盼望充滿你。       

你們要向耶和華唱新歌！因為他行過奇妙的事；他的右手和聖臂施行救恩 (詩篇98: 1)。 

05/01圣经金句

For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5: 9)     

因為神不是預定我們受刑，乃是預定我們藉著我們主耶穌基督得救 (帖撒羅尼迦前書5: 9)

05/01金玉良言

1. 年輕人要敢於背負與承擔，超出自己預料的包袱與責任，經歷一番熬煉後，發現自己比想像的，更棒！

2. 成功的人通常不是外貌出眾，才華橫溢的人。往往是最能以親切和藹的態度，給人有好感的人。

詩歌：來向耶和華歌唱 

https://youtu.be/TvRHFJ4xEuw?si=aLgW62THB83SsrOz

[unitedbyprayer]

(via To Love As Christ Loves)

To Love As Christ Loves

https://www.unitedbyprayer.com/united-by-prayer-wall/to-love-as-christ-loves

The way that God's righteousness is revealed in the lives of those who believe in Him, is through the demonstration of a transformed life. Once we are born again, we start to grow in grace and in a knowledge of our Lord and Savior. As we increasingly consecrate our lives to Him, we start to be conformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus and are enabled to become effective in our Christian witnessing. There are certain characteristics and identifying marks of the believer who is walking in spirit and truth, and a changed life that is exercising the gifts of the Spirit and producing the fruit of holiness, is a testimony of the inner workings of the Holy Spirit of Christ which is transferred into the outward actions of the individual life. To Love As Christ Loves is not a suggestion but a command which is only possible as we abide in Him and He in us. Fulfilling the law of Christ by loving others as Christ loved us, and owing nothing to anyone except to love them, can only be in done in the power of the Holy Spirit. May we grow in grace and walk in spirit and truth so that by His grace we may owe nothing to anyone EXCEPT to love one another with Christ's own perfect, supernaturally imputed love.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Our United Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing book of Romans, the incredible truths it contains, and the important lessons it teaches. Give us teachable spirits so that by Your grace we may learn to love all people with a Christ-like love. Help us forgive those who have hurt or harmed us, and multiply Your everlasting love for others within our hearts, for Your praise and glory. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.

[andijaart]

+++ 🙏🏻God Bless🕊️ +++

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CRUCIFIXES WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT SAINTS DISPLAYED !!!

Cross with Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Holy Face

The Holy Trinity 

Ioann Zlotoust 

Vasili The Great

Back side : 

Mother of God Pokrov 

Saint Nicholas Wonderworker

Saint Sergi Radonez

Saint Ksenia of Peterburg

Saint Panteleimon the Healer


The cross - pendant is highly decorated on both sides.

LARGE CRUCIFIX. 

!!! Outstanding quality !!!

The cross is made of Sterling Silver 925 tests at the Jeweller company of Russia. 

The sizes are about : W - 1.45" , L - 2.20" . Weight is about 20.0 gr. 

56mm X 37mm ( loop included ) 

Jeweller work is carried out on Blessing of Russian Orthodox Church by ancient traditions. Can be used as bodycross. 

The cross was consecreated with Prayer in the Saint Petersburg monastery.

etsy.com/listing/1363596338

💫 International Orthodox Art Corporation Andcross

May the blessing of the Lord be upon you!

[troybeecham]

Today the Church honors St. Paphnutius, Confessor of the Faith.

Ora pro nobis.

The holy confessor Paphnutius was an Egyptian who, after having spent several years in the desert under the direction of St. Antony the Great, was made bishop in the Upper Thebaid in Egypt. He was one of those confessors who, under the persecution of Christians under Emperor Maximinus (AD 310-313), was blinded in the right eye and hamstrung in one leg, and were afterwards condemned to work in the mines. With the promulgation of the Edict of Milan by the Emperor Constantine in AD 313, Christianity became a legal religion in the Roman Empire, and all imprisoned Christians were set free. Paphnutius returned to his flock, bearing all the rest of his life the glorious marks of his sufferings for the name of his Crucified Master.

He was one of the most zealous in defending the orthodox Faith of the Church against the Arian heresy. He was also highly regarded for his holiness of life. As one who had confessed the Faith before persecutors and under torments, he was an outstanding figure of the first General Council of the Church, held at Nicaea in the year AD 325. Paphnutius, a man who had observed the strictest continence all his life, is said to have distinguished himself at the Council by his opposition to a new requirement of clerical celibacy. Paphnutius said that it was enough to conform to the ancient tradition of the Church, which restricted the clergy from marrying after their ordination, but to require married clergy to abandon their wives was unacceptable to the Gospel of Jesus. His voice won the day, and to this day it is the law of the Eastern Churches, whether Catholic or Orthodox, that married men may be ordained deacon and priest, though bishops are chosen only from celibate monastics, and continue to live freely with their wives.

St. Paphnutius is sometimes called "the Great" to distinguish him from other saints of the same name. The exact year of his death is not known, but was certainly in the early 4th c. AD.

Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your faithful servant Paphnutius, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last we may with him attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.