#rod abbot

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&READING: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

august 24_september 6

HIEROMARTYR EUTYCHIUS (1st.c.) DISCIPLE OF ST JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN.

The Hieromartyr Eutyches, a disciple of the holy Apostles John the Theologian and Paul, lived from the first century into the beginning of the second century, and was from the Palestinian city of Sebastea.

Although Saint Eutyches is not one of the 70 Apostles, he is called an Apostle because of his labors with the older Apostles, by whom he was made bishop. After hearing about Christ the Savior, Saint Eutyches first became a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian. Later he met the Apostle Paul, and preached together with him on the early journeys.

Saint Eutyches underwent many sufferings: they starved him with hunger, beat him with iron rods, they threw him into the fire, and then to be devoured by wild beasts. Once, a lion was let loose upon the saint, which astonished everyone because it praised the Creator with a human voice. The hieromartyr Eutyches completed his labors in his native city, where he was beheaded with a sword at the beginning of the second century.

THE APPEARANCE OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY , THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER-VIRGIN MARY, TO VENERABLE SERGIU , ABBOT OF RADONEZH (1315)

The Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Saint Sergius of Radonezh: Once, late at night, Saint Sergius (1314-1392) was reading an Akathist to the Mother of God. Having finished his habitual rule, he sat down to rest a bit, but suddenly he said to his disciple, Saint Micah (May 6): “Be alert, my child, for we shall have a wondrous visitation.” Scarcely had he uttered these words than a voice was heard: “The All-Pure One approaches!”

Saint Sergius rushed from the cell to the entrance, and suddenly it was illumined by a bright light, brighter than the sun. He beheld nearby in imperishable glory the Mother of God, accompanied by the Apostles Peter and John. Unable to bear such a vision, Saint Sergius reverently prostrated himself before the Mother of God. She said to him, “Fear not, My chosen one! I have come to visit you. Your prayer for your disciples and your monastery has been heard. Do not be troubled, for your habitation shall prosper, not only in your lifetime, but also after your departure to God. I will be with your monastery, supplying its needs abundantly, and protecting it.” Having said this, the Mother of God became invisible.

For a long time Saint Sergius was in an inexpressible rapture, and having come to himself, he raised up Saint Micah. “Tell me, Father,” he asked, “what is the meaning of this miraculous vision? My soul nearly left my body from terror!” But Saint Sergius was silent, and only his luminous face spoke of the spiritual joy which he had experienced. “Wait a bit,” he said finally to his disciple, “my soul also trembles because of this wondrous vision.”

After a while Saint Sergius summoned two of his disciples, Saints Isaac and Simon, and shared with them the vision and the promise of the Theotokos. They all sang a Molieben to the Mother of God. Saint Sergius spent the remaining part of the night without sleep, calling to mind the divine vision.

The appearance of the Mother of God at the cell of Saint Sergius, at the present place of the Serapionov chamber, was on one of the Fridays of the Nativity Fast in the year 1385. The commemoration of the visit of the Mother of God to the Trinity monastery and of Her promise was reverently kept by the disciples of Saint Sergius.

On July 5, 1422 the holy relics of Saint Sergius were uncovered, and soon after an icon of the Appearance of the Mother of God was placed on the grave of Saint Sergius. The icon was honored with great reverence.

In the year 1446 Great Prince Basil (1425-1462) was besieged at the Trinity monastery by the armies of Princes Demetrius Shemyaka and John of Mozhaisk. He barricaded himself into the Trinity cathedral, and when he heard that he was being sought, he took the icon of the Appearance of the Mother of God and with it met Prince John at the southern church doors, saying: “Brother, we kissed the Life-Creating Cross and this icon in this church of the Life-Creating Trinity at this grave of the Wonderworker Sergius, that we would neither intend nor wish any evil to any of our brethren among ourselves. Now I do not know what will happen to me here.”

The Trinity monk Ambrose reproduced the icon of the Appearance of the Mother of God to Saint Sergius, carved in wood (mid-fourteenth century).

Tsar Ivan the Terrible took the icon of the Appearance of the Mother of God on his Kazan campaign (1552). The most famous icon, painted in the year 1588, was by the steward of the Trinity-Sergiev Lavra, Eustathius Golovkin on a board from the wooden reliquary of Saint Sergius, which was taken apart in the year 1585 when the relics of Saint Sergius were placed in a silver reliquary (August 14).

Through this icon, the Mother of God repeatedly protected the Russian army. Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich (1645-1676) took it on the Polish campaign in 1657. In the year 1703, the icon took part in all the military campaigns against the Swedish king Charles XII, and in 1812 Metropolitan Platon sent it to the Moscow military levy. The icon was carried in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, and during World War I it was at the quarters of the supreme commander-in-chief in 1914.

A church was built over the grave of Saint Micah and at its consecration on December 10, 1734 was named in honor of the Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos and the holy Apostles to Saint Sergius of Radonezh.

On September 27, 1841 the church was restored and consecrated by Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, who said: “By the grace of the All-Holy and All-Sacred Spirit the restoration of this temple is now accomplished, fashioned before us in honor and memory of the Appearance of our Lady the Most Holy Theotokos to our holy God-bearing Father Sergius, to which Saint Micah was also an eyewitness.”

The commemoration of this grace-bearing event is rightly marked by the consecration of a church, however, this whole monastery is a memorial of that miraculous visit. Therefore, its purpose in the continuing centuries was the fulfillment of the promise of the heavenly Visitor: “This place shall endure.”

In memory of the visit of the Mother of God at the Trinity-Sergiev monastery, an Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos is sung on Fridays. A special service in honor of the appearance of the Mother of God is celebrated at the monastery on August 24, on the second day of the leave-taking of the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Source: All texts. Orthodox Church in America_OCA

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 16 Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Matthew 24:27-33, 42-51

27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near-at the doors!

42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

[hadeschan]

item # K21D56

RARE Pra Rod Lavo, Luang Phor Derm, Wat Nong Pho, Nua Pong Bailan. A Buddha amulet copied the ancient Buddha amulet of the Kingdom of Northern Dvaravati, Thailand. Made from mainly ashes after burning used palm leaf Buddhist Scriptures. Made by Wat Kamphaeng, Lopburi Province in BE 2482 (CE 1939), blessed / consecrated by the Holy Luang Phor Derm of Wat Nong Pho, Nakhon Sawan Province.

……………………………………………….

BEST FOR: Pra Rod helps you to survive from all difficulties in life and in career. Pra Rod keeps you safe, and secure from harm, injury, danger, and financial damage. Pra Rod prevents and protects you from all danger encounters, no matter the environment or situation. Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), Kongkraphan (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), Maha-ut (it stops gun from shooting at you), Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), Maha Larp (it brings Lucky Wealth / wealth fetching), and Kaa Kaai Dee (it helps tempt your customers to buy whatever you are selling, and it helps attract new customers and then keep them coming back.  And Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam Sa-niat jan-rai Sat Meepit (helping ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse, accursedness, black magic, misfortune, doom, and poisonous animals). And it helps protect you from manipulators, backstabbers, and toxic people.

……………………………………………….

Pra Rod

Pra Rod refers to a type of ancient baked clay Buddha amulet discovered at the ruin of a Wat Mahawan, Lumphun Province  (the Kingdom of Northern Dvaravati). Pra Rod, “Rod” in Thai means to survive from all difficulties in life; to escape from death; to be saved from danger.

……………………………………………….

Nua Pong Bailan

Nua Pong Bailan is the Buddha amulet that contains mainly ashes after burning Buddhist Palm Leaf Holy Scriptures. Those scriptures were used by monks for studying and praying for sometimes. The process of making holy powder out of them is to set up a bonfire at the special area with auspicious astronomical time. Then monks would sit around the bonfire and pray holy mantras until those scriptures burn into ashes. An amulet made from Pong Bailan is believed to have high power of Metta Maha Niyom (helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you).

……………………………………………….

The Holy Luang Phor Derm of Wat Nong Pho

The Holy Luang Phor Derm, the Abbot of Wat Nong Pho, the God of Nakhon Sawan Province, and the Thailand’s BEST maker of Meedmor (the Exorcist Magic Knife), living between BE 2403 (CE 1860) to BE 2494 (CE 1951).

Luang Phor Derm was born in BE 2403, and became ordained as Buddhist monk in BE 2423 at Wat Khao Kaew, Nakhon Sawan Province, and later moved to Wat Nong Pho til the end of his life in BE 2494. Luang Phor Derm was a Guru Monk, and an abbot of Wat Nong Pho. Luang Phor Derm had high knowledge of Traditional Thai Medicine, and had his Traditional Thai Medicine practice at Wat Nong Pho. Luang Phor Derm treated his patients with his knowledge, kindness, and mercy without any charges. Many patients recovered from their incurable diseases, and later became the followers of Luang Phor Derm. Luang Phor Derm was an elephant tamer, elephants are not domesticated creatures, but it was believed that Luang Phor Derm could read their minds and communicated with them. There were many elephants lived at Wat Nong Pho under care of Luang Phor Derm, and they never did anything harm to people there. Luang Phor Derm was a teacher of many Guru Monks in later period, esp his famous Meedmoor, the Thailand’s BEST Exorcist Magic Knife, and Traditional Thai Medicine.

……………………………………………….

*with Certificate of Authenticity issued by DD-PRA

……………………………………………….

DIMENSION: 1.90 cm high / 1.20 cm wide / 0.70 cm thick

……………………………………………….

item # K21D56

Price: price upon request, pls PM and/or email us hadesamulet@outlook.com

100% GENUINE WITH 365 DAYS AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE.

Item location: Hong Kong, SAR

Ships to: Worldwide

Delivery: Estimated 7 days handling time after receipt of cleared payment. Please allow additional time if international delivery is subject to customs processing.

Shipping: FREE Thailandpost International registered mail. International items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

Payments: PayPal / Western Union / MoneyGram /maybank2u.com / DBS iBanking / Wechat Pay / Alipay / INSTAREM / PromptPay International / Remitly / PAYPAL

********************************************

[noeticprayer]

October 1, 2021

Apostle of the 70: Ananias (1st); Venerable Romanos the Melodist, “Sweet Singer” (5th); Venerable Sabbas, abbot of Vishersk (1461); Venerable Martyr Michael and 36 Venerable Martyrs with him in Armenia; Venerable Domninos of Thessaloniki; Venerable John Kukuzelis the Singer of Mt Athos; St Bavo of Haarlem; Venerable Gregory the Singer of Mt Athos (4th); Mirian and Nana of Mtskheta

Friday of the 15th week after Pentecost; Protection (Pokrov) of the Most-Holy Theotokos

Gal 4.8-21 (Epistle)

Brethren, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?

Heb 9.1-7 (Epistle—Protection)

Brethren, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance.

Luke 6.17-23 (Gospel)

At that time, Jesus stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven.

Luke 10.38-42, 11.27-28 (Gospel—Protection)

At that time, Jesus entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. . . . And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

[derouler32]

(en la Marina) ; Le "'VERGĀ'" [español]

Travesaño que sujeta la vela.

Yard, pointer, dagger, Wand, the ROD....?

"'La verga sujeta 'el grátil de la vela. The yard holds The edge of the sail in place.'"

P.S. an Extra-Ordinary

REJ, II

[anneboleynqueen]

In the gifset of Claire Foy where she’s being laid on the ground, what is going on?

It was part of the coronation ceremony.

From The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn by Eric Ives:

Anne was supported, again as tradition dictated, by the bishops of London and Winchester; the dowager duchess of Norfolk carried the train - a very long one - and she was followed by a host of ladies and gentlewomen dressed in scarlet, with appropriate distinctions of rank. Special stands had been erected in the abbey, and in particular one from which the king could watch proceedings incognito from behind a latticework screen. In the choir stood St Edward’s Chair, draped in cloth of gold, on a tapestry-covered dais two steps high, which was itself set on a raised platform carpeted in red. Here Anne rested for a moment before resuming her endurance test. As tradition dictated, the coronation was set in the context of a solemn high mass, sung, apparently, by the abbot of Westminster. It was, however, Cranmer who prayed over Anne as she prostrated herself before the altar. Then he anointed her, before she returned to St Edward’s Chair, where he crowned her and delivered the sceptre and the rod of ivory.

[gingerchangeling]

Quenched In Blood Ch. 1

Prologue on On Ao3 and FF and Tumblr

Ch 1 On Ao3 and FF and Tumblr

Based on the very real history of the infamous Ulfbehrt blades- a set of viking swords found across the vast expanse of northern Europe, each with a metallurgical makeup that should have been impossible to achieve with the skill and resources for another thousand years in the west.

How were these blades crafted?

Where did they come from?

Why were they made?

Perhaps it was with desperate hands that had everything to loose? Hand that had everything on the line- family, home, safety, freedom?

Love?

~~~~~~~

     Emma felt each blow to the glowing metal vibrate up her arm, each collision of hammer to molten steel reverberating into her soul. She could feel every stretch in her muscles, every blow shifting the steel under her hammer. 

    With the heat of the forge at her back and the weight of the hammer in her hand, she was in heaven. Here she was the master. The elements obeyed her commands, and that which did not exist before was created under the strength of her arm and the vision in her mind.

    “Emma, why are you here?”

    Her swing halted at the soft voice of the abbot sounding from the door to the forge. She lowered her hammer, letting out a sigh that was lost amongst the whispers of the forge’s flames.

    “I’m not finished yet,” she muttered moodily, turning her head towards him. All she could make out was a black silhouette, her eyes still adjusted to the bright flames of the forge, making it nearly impossible to take in anything from the darkness outside. “Whatever you need to say, say it quickly, because the blade is cooling and I don’t want to have to heat it again.”

    She heard him chuckle, but then a sigh followed. “Emma, it’s almost time for vespers.”

    She turned back, raising the hammer to strike a blow to the orange metal, “Then why are you here?” Bitterness crept, unbidden, into her tone, “Shouldn’t you be putting on your crown or polishing your scepter or something?” She brought the hammer down, the beat echoing around forge, shattering the silence then reforging it just as quickly. 

    A beat of silence. A beat of creation.

    Again. Again. Again.

    “Emma,” this time his voice came from just behind her, a hand resting gently on her shoulder, stopping her swing. If anyone else had tried that, she’d have used the hammer in her hand. But Abbot Merlin….. 

She sighed again but lowered the hammer. She was going to have to reheat the metal.

    “What happened?”

    Emma scoffed, shaking her head, pulling away from his hand and dropping the hammer onto the anvil to bring the blade back to the fire. “I’m not going to tell you, Merlin. You know I won’t.”

     She had noticed that the water stores in the small hovel that she and Henry had called home for the past ten years were running low, and since she and Henry still needed to bathe, she’d opted to gather some water before the suppertime bell rang. It was as she was coming back from the well, two heavy buckets of water dangling from the rod across her shoulders, that one of the newer monks, Walsh, had approached her.

    “So I guess that the vows we take don’t matter here do they?” he inquired, as he came up to block her path. Emma hadn’t been paying attention, and didn’t fully register his words and so let out an inarticulate grunt.

“Wha-?”

The young monk scoffed, a sneer working across his face, “Don’t act like you don’t know. I’ve heard the stories.”

The way he said it, it was as if he was expecting a horrified reaction. But Emma had no idea what he was talking about, though she was able to pick up clearly enough on what he was implying. 

But she didn’t seem to be reacting with enough fear or horror for the monk before her. The sneer slid into a scowl as he closed the distance between them, crowding her back a few steps as he looked down his nose at her. 

“You are nothing but Babylon's whore, residing in the midst of holy men to corrupt us and lure us from the path of righteousness. The fact that you dare sully this sacred ground, where the men of God, blessed by His Holy Hand, carry out their sacred tasks, fulfilling His mission to bring salvation to the Chosen few, is testament to your blaspheming, irredeemable soul.”

Emma watched him through the midst of his tirade, feeling her irritation growing with every word that fell from the man’s mouth. It was not the first time she had had such words thrown at her and she was certain it would not be the last time. But it always made her bristle, the accusations that were thrown at her from men who had known nothing but the safely sheltered life behind the walls of their cloister.

 It was so easy for men who knew no better to condemn the choices she’d made for Henry’s sake. They knew nothing of the demon that had driven her to the monastery doors that stormy night so many years before. 

So she bit her tongue, despite her ever growing desire to lash out, knowing that anything she said would only reinforce the image men like the one before had created in their minds. She had made a promise to herself a long time ago that if it was a battle between her pride and Henry’s continued safety, she would take whatever blows were necessary to keep Henry within the walls of the monastery.

The man before her, however, seemed determined to test the limits of her restraint. 

He raised a hand, hitting her sharply across the face, throwing her off balance. Her sudden move caused the water to move within the buckets, shifting the balance of the weight on her shoulders. 

She may have been able to recover her footing, but the man stepped up and gave her a shove. Her ankle rolled, and she had no choice but to let her weight fall backwards if she didn’t want her ankle to collapse under the weight of both her body and the buckets of water. 

She landed hard on her hip as the buckets landed on dirt with a crash, the water spilling out onto her and the ground around her. 

“That is where you belong, whore,” the monk spat out, looking down at her with cruelty glittering in his eyes. “Men like me will be veritable kings in the Kingdom to come, and will be able to freely met out judgement upon the souls of sinners who rightly deserve it. The Holy Father will ask us to set aside our crowns and scepters to take up the lash and club to help him reign down his holy judgement upon the wicked.”

Emma kept quiet, but she could not prevent the glare that settled over her face as she wiped the droplets of water from her skin. The monk’s eyes narrowed, clearly noticing that his preaching didn’t seem to be instilling the fear of God within her. 

But then a cruel smile slid across his lips, “I just pity your son. The unbaptized, illegitimate son of a barbarian whore. Condemned to agony for eternity because his mother was too selfish to repent and seek forgiveness and salvation.” 

Emma froze, a fury so intense welling up in her that she couldn’t move, couldn’t think. 

“The Church teaches that the souls of children, lost because of their parents, are damned to wander the circles of Hell forever, fruitlessly searching for the parent that abandoned them, cursing their names even as they burn.”

     The memory kindled up the dark anger all over again and she shrugged off the Abbot’s placating hand, feeling the irritation of having to reheat the blade swirl with the bitterness that was still simmering in her chest. Stepping away from the anvil, she refocused her attention on sliding the blade into the coals, making sure that the blade was evenly covered. Letting it sit, she yanked the glove off her other hand, tossing it onto the workbench. Then she went over to the bellows, relishing the strain of forcing the air into the forge, watching the air around the opening shimmer in the heat as the coals threw off sparks into the darkened air. 

    “Emma,” the Abbot’s tone was bordering on irritated. “You need to tell me so whomever it is can be punished. Keeping it to yourself doesn’t help anyone.”

    She ignored him, pumping the bellows, breathing life into the fire. And through it, the metal. The forge was the only place that she could find peace, letting her beat every ounce of anger and resentment into the metal she was working, forcing her own unyielding and unbreaking strength into the steel. And if she imagined running through some of the monks with the still glowing steel, well, that was her affair.

    Abbot Merlin was silent for a while, seeming to take her silence as her position on the conversation, before asking lightly, “Where’s Henry?”

    That was enough to get Emma to look at him, his body now illuminated in the pulsing glow of the forge. She studied him for a moment before answering, the man who had saved not only her life, but more importantly, her son’s.

He looked tired, the shadows cast by the flames deepening the lines of age and responsibility in his face. He was starting to look old. The light of hope and inspiration that had so brightly lit his eyes all those years ago had been tempered in the intervening years. But Emma knew better than to think that meant his spirit had died. No. For it was only in the constant, steady low blaze that a piece of iron could be worked into a creation that would last. 

    A more steady flame simmered in his eyes now, the better to create a legacy that would last. It suited him, even if she mourned the age that had caused the flames to dull.

    She nodded towards the other side of the workbench with a small smile, “He was using the firelight to read. He fell asleep a while ago and sort of just ended up behind the workbench.”

    Merlin raised an eyebrow as his lips ticked up before he took the few steps to the work bench to peer over it. He gave a quiet laugh as he took in the form of her sleeping son. She had no idea what he looked like now, but he was probably in some ridiculously spread position. Half the time, the poor kid ended up spending the night on the floor beside his cot because he would wiggle his way off the edge and sleep through the drop to the floor.

    Merlin turned back to her, “How goes your blade?” 

    Emma scoffed at his change in subject, rolling her eyes but answering him with a slight smile nonetheless. “Very well. I think I’ve perfected my new technique. The steel is practically perfect. Barely throws off a spark. I’m still trying to work out the weight to length ratio, but I wanted to try something with this one.”

    “Oh?” he came closer, grabbing a thick leather glove from the table, offering it to her.

    She gave the bellows one more solid pump, ensuring that the forge was up to temperature, then accepted the glove from him, pulling it to cover her hand.  She pulled the blade out from the coals, the metal now glowing white hot. 

    She held it level, every tiny flaw on the flat of the blade was clear, showing themselves in a glowing light, a tiny ember of imperfection amongst the conflagration. She looked it over before she spoke, “See here,” she ran a finger above a rounded groove extending down the blade, starting a hand-span above the tang, still bare of the hilt she had yet to fashion, and ending two thirds of the way up the blade, feeling the simmering heat the metal was throwing start to burn her finger, as if in admonishment of her delay. 

Merlin leaned in, studying the blade as well, “Why would you add that? Won’t it compromise the integrity of the blade?”

Of everything that Emma tried to find tolerable within the confines of the monastery, Emma loved speaking with Merlin about smithing the most because he always addressed her as an equal, and even now, in the questioning of her choice, it was asked in a tone of curiosity and not of condescension. He assumed she had a reasonable answer and wanted to know it. 

Emma couldn’t help the touch of pride that entered her voice as she brought it back to the anvil, laying the blade down on the metal, as if on an altar. Her worship raised above her head, her devotion ringing out with every note of the singing steel. 

Between swings of the hammer, she offered her explanation.

“It first occurred to me-... when Henry was studying those-... books on Roman temples-... you gave him.-... The weight bearing design-... of the arches int-... intrigued me… I thought if-... if curves could hold-... as much weight as…- as straight lines could-... if not more, wouldn’t-... the same hold true-... at a smaller level?-... And arches and domes-... according to what Henry-... Henry said, use less-... material than if-... than if a straight line-... line had been used… So I figured that-... if the principle works-... in stone then it should-... it should work in steel too.” Emma gave one last bow to the metal, the imperfections that had stood out against the white hot metal now thoroughly beaten from the steel. “Perfect.”

She dropped the hammer into the dirt to brace her wrist with her free hand as she made to shift the blade back into the coal bed.

“Emma, what have I told you about leaving the tools in the dirt?”

“To make sure I wipe them off after I pick them back up?” she gave him a cheeky smile. He gave an exasperated groan that had her chuckling. Emma returned her focus to the blade, the tang gripped tightly in her glove, the other hand bracing her wrist, lifting the blade away the anvil to bring it to the fire. Sliding it back in, she released the tang to return to the bellows when Merlin spoke up.

“If you would allow me?”

“Thank you Merlin, that would be great,” Emma breathed in relief. For even though she’d been doing it for many years, making a sword by herself was a strain on her. Her arms were protesting the constant use of both the hammer and the bellows. But it wasn’t her exhaustion that convinced her to allow his assistance. It was, as always, his sincere respect of both her talent and her wishes. If she had said no, he would not have second guessed her, nor did he ever simply assume that she wanted his help.

Emma had always had problems with that, the assumptions and beliefs of the monastery that had become her sanctuary over the last ten years. The rigid system that the brothers adhered to was in direct contrast to the freedom and liberty that she had been raised with. The men of the order looked down on her, not only because of her gender but also because of Henry. 

In the years after she came to the abbey, she’d had to have words with several of the brothers and novices in private in regards to their behavior towards Henry. The bastard child of a wildling woman did not entitle him to the same status of humanity as normal children, and she’d seen bruises on his tiny body that the normal clumsiness of a toddler could not account for. And while she was more than certain that Merlin knew of both their behavior and her corresponding …. preventative measures, he’d never said a word, at least in her hearing. 

But over the years, her measures had bought some modicum of peace, at least for Henry. While Abbott Merlin had always insisted he was able to receive the same lessons and learning as the other young boys who ended up at the abbey, his ability to enjoy those activities had certainly improved over the years. He learned to read and write, was taught numbers and music, studied languages and architecture. But most importantly, he was privileged to learn the monastery’s most sacred devotion. He learned how to work metal. 

The legacy of the monastery was one of metal and fire. For years, the tribes from the north, nomads of the east, clans of the west, and the soldiers of the south all came to the monastery doors for weapons. Chieftains, warlords, generals. All coveted the craft that provided the monastery it’s main source of sustenance. The theories and techniques that the monks had passed down from brother to brother had created a lineage of weapons that was unmatched in their area of the world. 

Abbott Merlin had explained it to Henry a long time ago, when he’d asked how the monks had figured out that working the metal over and over again was the best way to purify metal. 

 “Well, my boy, have you ever watched when a pot of broth cooks over the fire?”

Henry had nodded earnestly, his little bangs flopping across his forehead and into his eyes. 

Merlin had smiled, shifting Henry’s slight form in his arms as they stood at the entrance to the forge, watching as several of the brothers worked over the latest blade that had been commissioned, to brush the hair back from his face, “Well, do you ever notice that if your mother doesn’t stir it, the fat and juices sort of clump together on the surface? But as soon as she stirs it, the broth evens out into one delicious color?”

Henry giggled as he nodded.

Merlin smiled, “Well it’s kind of the same idea. The brothers figured that if mixing the broth enough would make it even throughout, then perhaps mixing metal over and over again would make it even too!”

Henry pondered the answer for a moment, before posing the most important of questions. “But it still wouldn’t taste as good as Mama’s stew thought would it?”

Abbott Merlin laughed uproariously as he shook his head. 

 Once Henry was old enough, Merlin had decided that Henry needed to know how to work metal. There had been a strong amount of opposition from members of the monastery at the thought that an outsider would be taught their sacred ways, would wield their sacred tools, but Merlin had disregarded their protests. So Emma had sat back and watched as Henry learned the art of metalwork. 

Henry had tried to insist that she also earn the craft alongside him but even their Abbot’s urging was not enough to convince most of the brothers that a woman should be allowed into forge. She’d tried to let it go but every strike of metal had echoed in the beating of her heart, her very center telling her that she should be in that forge too.

She’d respected Merlin’s position, knowing his hands were essentially tied and she and Henry were already give a large amount of leeway, despite how bitter it had left her. But as he had since she’d first, Merlin found a way to help her. 

 Emma had been standing at the entrance to the forge, as women were not permitted within, watching as Brother Leroy begrudgingly showed Henry the correct way to stretch out the base of the blade into the tang, explaining that it was the part of the blade that became the core of the hilt, while Abbot Merlin stood close by, watching his student. 

She’d been so focused, she hadn’t noticed Brother Graham come up to stand behind her.

    “He has the soul of a smith in him,” Graham said quietly, startling her. She jumped, but turned to face him, a small smile on her face.

 Brother Graham had always been kind to her and Henry. He was a truly good man, but she knew that a large part of his initial kindness was his infatuation with her. In the beginning, she had simply acted as if she didn’t notice, hoping that it would fade away, but as Henry grew and his adoration for her persisted, she had carefully distanced herself from him, in order to ease both her mind and his conflict.

    She knew how seriously he took his vows, having fled to the sanctuary of the monastery to escape something from his past. He never told anyone but Merlin exactly why he had come seeking shelter. But she remembered the night that she began to truly grasp the depth of his struggle.

    Emma savored the absolute silence, walking the grounds during a sleepless night, infant Henry finally resting but the exhaustion that had been plaguing her somehow fading away into wakefulness. She wandered through the monastery grounds towards the very edge of the walls, instinctively seeking out the Holy Mother’s Grotto, a small alcove sheltered by overgrown bushes and trees with a small spring that bubbled up into a narrow stream that spilled across the rocks and flowed under the monastery walls.

 She’d always liked the area both because of the solitude it granted, and because of the stone image that was ensconced within it. She had seen other images of the brothers’ favored holy woman in other parts of the monastery, but she had never seen a statue quite like the one hidden away in the Grotto. 

It was small by the standards of the devotional statues she had seen, each figure reaching only to mid thigh. But what it lacked in substance, it made up for in the images it captured. Engraved upon the base, in Latin letters it had taken her years to comprehend, was the simple phrase, “The Trinity of Agony.”

 The first statue was of a young, child Virgin in repose, back arching in agony as she screamed, mid-labor, her left hand braced against the earth beneath her and her right reaching up to the skies, beseeching her God to grant her grace, while her face was contorted in the struggle of bringing a life into the world, sweat and exhaustion plain upon her visage. 

The second statue, carved into the same base, was of a slightly older woman, face prematurely lined with sorrow and worry, her shoulders slumping with the weight of the world she carried. She was reaching out, again with her right hand, trying desperately to keep her son from leaving, her other hand clutching at her heart. Fear, longing, resignation were all clearly etched into the lines around her eyes and into the roughened hand she reached with. 

The final statue was of the Virgin once again on the ground. It was clear that her knees had just given out, as she was listing sideways, bracing herself upon the ground, her right hand wrapped about her belly, as if she could not bear to touch what lay before her. In the statue, her eyes are closed as she screams uncontrollably, a face and form far too young to be subjected to such suffering, tears running freely down her sick and sallow face. It’s clear that her body is dying even as she lives, her heart and soul shattering into a thousand pieces, taking in the sight of her child laying dead before her.

It was the only religious image Emma had ever been able to understand, the only one that truly connected to her. Because the pain it captured, the agony of motherhood, was one she was all too familiar with. It was an image that spoke of someone who could understand. Where other images all had the same calm expression of being touched with some divine grace, these images captured what it felt like to live, to hurt, to grieve, to hate, to love, and in the end, to suffer. How could you look to someone for answers in despair if they had never truly known what it was?

The statue in the grotto addressed that. It portrayed a woman who knew all there was to know about the agonies in life, what motherhood truly was. A person you could go to to seek guidance because they had looked into the abyss themselves. Someone to draw you away from the edge and comfort you because they had needed that very same comfort themselves.  

    It was clear that she was not the only person who seemed to feel as such. The quiet whispers had almost been lost to the babbling of the brook and the swaying of the trees, but then Emma had heard a choked off sob, drawing her to the edge of the Grotto, silently peering around the braken to take in the scene that was revealed. 

    There was a figure hunched over in front of the statues of the Virgin, their back unclothed, revealing scars that crisscrossed the sweat-covered skin. The figure was shivering in the cool night air, but as Emma listened, she realized it may not have been because of the cold.

    “Please Blessed Mother, send me your guidance. I…. I can’t…. The dreams…” As he spoke Emma was able to identify Graham, the fear and strain in his voice palpable. “I keep seeing their faces. So many faces, so many lives, so much blood, God so much blo----” he broke off into another set of sobs. “Please forgive me. Please forgive me. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me….” his voice petered off again, the desperation making her want to go to him to try and comfort him. But she knew that it would not be welcome, not now.

She had to do something for him though. And perhaps if she had thought it through more deeply, she may have not, but the lateness of the hour, coupled with her exhaustion and her clenching heart, had her stepping back away from the edge of the Grotto.

With quick and light steps, she made her way to a low part of the monastery walls and jumped the stones that lined the grounds. There was a patch of wild forest roses that she knew grew close by, and she headed there with determined steps. Under the light of the waning moon, Emma picked three half open buds, cradling them carefully in her hand as she returned to the monastery. 

She made her way back to the Grotto, stepping lightly, ears alert for any sound or indication of Graham’s intentions. When she heard his voice still emanating from within the Grotto, she crept closer. 

“Blessed mother,” she heard him whisper, still deep in prayer. “I have done so much evil, taken so much, caused so much suffering. Please, how can I overcome this… clawing darkness within me? Resist this never ending desire to take? Is it even worth it? Can a heart as black as mine ever find salvation?” She heard him take a shaky breath. “Is it even worth it to try? How could anyone forgive a monster like me?”

Emma’s heart ached, but all she could do was hope that her gesture provided him with a sign he needed. She knew he was a good man. So she silently crept up behind him, until she was only a few feet away, and, making sure that they fell into one of the few beams of moonlight that was able to worm through the bracken, she laid the roses on the ground for him to find.

She didn’t believe in miracles, but even she knew that everyone sometimes needed a sign. 

 Emma looked at her friend now, several years after that night in the Grotto, the calm peace a welcome addition to his eyes. She had not spoken to him in a while, in an effort to make his already difficult life a little easier, but she was pleasantly surprised by the radiant calm that seemed to emanate from his being. 

She turned back to continue to watch Henry, “Yes, he surely does. The earth runs thickly in his veins. Although,” she paused, considering, “I do sometimes envy him.”

“Oh, why so?” Graham asked quietly.

She scoffed at herself, trying to make light of her wish, “Oh it’s nothing. I just ...wish that I was able to learn it too.” She nodded towards where Henry and Merlin stood. Henry had asked once, a long time ago, if both of them could receive lessons. But too many monks had viciously refuted the idea. Metallurgy was a sacred art, the likes of which a woman could not to be privy. She would not be able to comprehend the complexities of it nor handle the rigorous work that would be required, or so the protesting brothers had claimed. So with regret,Merlin had had to refuse Henry’s wish, saying that only he would be allowed to learn smithing. 

Graham was silent for a moment as he processed her revelation, undoubtedly reading what she had left unsaid. Emma felt a blush working its way up her cheeks as the silence continued. She was just about to make an excuse to leave when he spoke.

“What if I were to teach you?”

She went stiff as her mind slowly processed his words, turning to face him fully. There was a light blush across his cheeks, but his eyes were sure. 

“You would teach me how to work metal?” she whispered incredulously. “Why?”

Graham gave her a soft smile, looking away as a far away look overtook his eyes, “I owe you a debt I am not sure I can ever repay, but I think that teaching you would be a good place to start.” 

Emma looked at him confused.

He looked at her out of the corner of his eye before he gave a small, self-deprecating laugh, shaking his head lightly before he rubbed a hand down his face. “It took me years to figure it out. I probably wouldn’t have if Brother Leroy had not gotten sick.”

Emma was still completely lost as to his meaning, “I don’t follow, Graham.”

His smile softened as he turned to face her again, “You said you had a treatment that would bring down his fever.” 

Emma tried to think back. She’d asked Graham to go fetch her several herbs that grew just outside the walls of the monastery. She had wanted to fix Henry’s gruff but affectionate mentor a tonic she’d learned to craft long before Henry had ever been conceived. It took several ingredients that only grew wild. Rose hips, lavender, pine, sage, and several other ingredients. But Abbott Merlin had not wanted her to leave the grounds and so she'd asked Graham to fetch the ingredients for her, describing as precisely as possible where exactly to find each. 

It took her a long moment to figure out what he was referring to about the incident. But then in a sudden instant, she understood. 

She’d asked him to get wild rose hips. 

He read the realization on her face and gave a quiet chuckle. “Imagine my surprise when I went to fetch the wild roses and discovered roses that matched blossoms I had found left for me on one of the coldest nights of my life, laying in the moonlight. At first, I resented it. Knowing that you’d heard at least part of my prayers that night without my knowledge. That you tried to trick me into thinking that I’d experienced a miracle.”

She looked down in shame, but his fingers reached out to brush her outside of her wrist and her surprise at the contact had her meeting his gaze again. He gave her an easy smile, that steady peace she’d noticed still present, “But then, when I returned to the Grotto to pray for guidance, I got it.” Emma blinked in surprise as he continued. “As I knelt there, laying out my resentment, something within me told me to take a step back. It took time, but with that guidance, I began to see your act for what it was. In its own way, though it wasn’t the miracle that I had hoped, it was a miracle nonetheless. How else could one describe it? You were there to hear me when I needed it the most. And something moved your heart enough to offer me a sign to give me strength. I know that you do not put much stock in the beliefs of the monastery, but for me, The Virgin used you to perform a miracle for me that night. She answered my prayers through you.”

Emma was shocked by his soft confession, stepping back from the gratitude he was laying at her feet. She didn’t want to be on that kind of pedestal. 

“Graham, I don’t think-”

“It's alright Emma,” he said gently. “I’m not expecting anything from you or of you. I just wanted you to know how grateful I am for what you did for me that night. I was considering….” the courage and certainty in his voice wavered for a moment. “It was becoming too much for me, the guilt, the weight of it. But you saved me from myself that night. So thank you. And if teaching you smithing will in some way repay that debt, even if you don’t feel there is one, I’ll gladly show you how..”

Her brows furrowed, “But what about the other monks, won’t they-”

He shook his head, “They don’t need to know. We can work at night, after the brothers have gone to bed. Then we will have the solitude we need to work in peace.”

Emma bit her lip, considering. She really did want to learn metalworking, but she didn’t want to risk Henry’s education or safety for a selfish whim. Going behind Merlin’s back might just be enough to overcome the man's infinite patience. And then there was the issue with Graham’s feelings for her. She had a feeling that they had been rekindled anew with his discovery of her involvement with the roses. She didn’t want to put either of them in a position that they would regret, particularly on his side. She didn’t want to be a point of temptation for him. 

As if he could hear her doubts as they crossed her mind, he gave another soft laugh, “If it eases your mind at all, I’ve already spoken to the Abbot about it. About...” he cleared his throat, the palest of blushes crawling up his cheeks, “about all of it. And he thinks that it’s a good idea.”

Emma’s eyebrows shot up, looking from Graham over to the Abbot, who, Emma noticed for the first time, was looking at the pair of them. When Emma met his eye, he dipped his head ever so slightly, but it was enough for Emma. He knew and he approved. Henry was still safe, and Graham would have the support he needed to keep his feelings in check. 

    “Well, then, I guess I’ll see you tonight,” she said with a smile. He smiled back. 

 A blast of heat from the fire brought her back to the present. As she watched the abbott work the heavy bellows for a second, the sleeves of his smock rolled up to his elbows, the collar-hood pulling the collar up to his throat, lending him a strange air of strain and strength with every powerful compression of the bellows.She could see a strain in the corners of his eyes beyond his responsibilities as one of the most affluent monasteries in the region. 

She turned her eyes back to the blade, feeling the heat dry out the moisture and set her lids itching in a familiar discomfort as she considered the meaning of his presence for a moment.

“So whatever news that rider brought to you today is clearly still on your mind,” she stated quietly enough that he could choose to not have heard her if he wished. 

He was silent for a long moment, his rhythm never faltering as he continued to force air into the depths of the fire. Emma had just decided that he wasn’t going to answer when she heard him sigh.

“Yes, it is.” He paused again, and Emma’s eyes flicked over to take in his furrowed brows before returning to the blade. “I am… unsure what to make of it, if I am being perfectly honest. Are you aware of the current state of the Holy Father?”

Emma raised a brow, “Ah yes, I am well aware of all the happenings, what with all the messages I receive on the regular.”

Merlin gave a huff of laughter before continuing, still keeping his steady pace on the bellows, “I suppose that was a foolish question. Well, to simplify, our Holy Father was accused of several heinous crimes and a faction attempted to have him killed.”

Emma gave a small exclamation of surprise, “They can…do that?”

Merlin gave her a bitter smile, “Ah you see, the most holy of offices has long been fraught with political turmoil and human corruption. He is not the first Holy Father to have been attacked and, God prove me wrong, he will not be the last. And Father forgive me, in times past, and I’m sure in the future, such retribution may not have been unwarranted.”

That drew an incredulous smile from Emma, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Was this attack warranted then?”

The rhythm of the bellows faltered for a moment, before the fire’s breath resumed its steady pace.

His response was soft, but there was a heaviness in his response, “It is not for me to say, Emma. I cannot judge my fellow man.” He was quiet again and Emma noticed that the sword was almost up to the correct temperature, reaching out to shift it slightly and sending a cascade of sparks into the chilled night air with an evil hiss. 

“Regardless of the state of the sanctity of the office, King Charles offered his support, in the fulfilment of the oaths of his fathers, and marched on Rome.”

Emm again shifted the blade slightly.

The bellows heaved their breath into the flames.

“In so doing, the King preserved the position of the Holy Father, and in apparent gratitude and guided by the hand of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Father has….named the king ‘Emperor’.”

Emma looked sharply over at the abbot, but the shadows that danced across his face his any notion of his thoughts on the matter. She stared at him for a long moment before she shifted the blade again, another cracking pop and hiss seeming to express the forge’s opinion on the news the abbot had just delivered. 

“And I cannot anticipate how this is going us here. There will undoubtedly be a grand ceremony, and many of the lords in the region will want fine gifts to present to him upon their pledge of fealty.”

Emma shifted the blade one last time.

“But that is not what has you so concerned.”

“No. I am concerned that those who do not believe that His Eminence has authority in this region will take this as an opportunity to take up the blade against one they may claim has abandoned the sacred traditions of his forefathers.”

“You think this will mean war.”

The bellows fell silent. 

“May God prove me wrong in this as well.”

The blade looked perfect, an even white-orange glow that made the air around the blade shimmer as the last pieces of coal burned as brightly as stars upon its surface. 

Emma braced her wrist once more then, without haste, pulled the blade completely from the fire. It was as if she held a sun beam in her hand as it glowed in the darkness of night. With even pacing, hands steady, each breath measured and controlled, she made her way over to the large barrel that sat full of water, ready and waiting for her. She carefully lifted the blade above the water, sucking in a slow, deep breath. 

And as she let it out, she slid the blade into the water with a hissing splash. 

She waited with bated breath, carefully circling the tip in the depths of the barrel to ensure the steam did not settle into bubbles across the surface of the blade before she stilled, the whole of existence quieting for a moment as she listened. 

Silence. 

She smiled and let out her breath, pulling the still steaming blade out of the water, the gentle dripping of water announcing it to the quiet roar of the forge and the living silence of the night beyond. 

A perfect quench.

[church-history]

The O Antiphons

The O Antiphons refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23, with Dec. 24 being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil.

The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known. Boethius (c. 480-524) made a slight reference to them, thereby suggesting their presence at that time. At the Benedictine abbey of Fleury (now Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire), these antiphons were recited by the abbot and other abbey leaders in descending rank, and then a gift was given to each member of the community. By the eighth century, they are in use in the liturgical celebrations in Rome. The usage of the O Antiphons was so prevalent in monasteries that the phrases, Keep your O and The Great O Antiphons were common parlance. One may thereby conclude that in some fashion the O Antiphons have been part of our liturgical tradition since the very early Church.

The importance of O Antiphons is twofold: Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. Lets now look at each antiphon with just a sample of Isaiahs related prophecies :

O Adonai: O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free. Isaiah had prophesied, But He shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the lands afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. (Isaiah 11:4-5); and Indeed the Lord will be there with us, majestic; yes the Lord our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our king, he it is who will save us. (Isaiah 33:22).

O Radix Jesse: O Flower of Jesse's stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid. Isaiah had prophesied, But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. (Isaiah 11:1), and A On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10). Remember also that Jesse was the father of King David, and Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of David and be born in Davids city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:1).

O Clavis David: O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom. Isaiah had prophesied, AI will place the Key of the House of David on His shoulder; when he opens, no one will shut, when he shuts, no one will open. (Isaiah 22:22), and His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from Davids throne, and over His kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. (Isaiah 9:6).

O Oriens: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Isaiah had prophesied, The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown. (Isaiah 9:1).

O Rex Gentium: O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust. Isaiah had prophesied, For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:5), and He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. (Isaiah 2:4) .

O Emmanuel: O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God. Isaiah had prophesied, The Lord himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

(Isaiah 7:14). Remember Emmanuel means God is with us.

According to Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Benedictine monks arranged these antiphons with a definite purpose. If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one - Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia - the Latin words ero cras are formed, meaning, Tomorrow, I will come. Therefore, the Lord Jesus, whose coming we have prepared for in Advent and whom we have addressed in these seven Messianic titles, now speaks to us, Tomorrow, I will come. So the O Antiphons not only bring intensity to our Advent preparation, but bring it to a joyful conclusion.

[nanshe-of-nina]

Favorite Historical Fiction || Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick ★★★☆☆

At the far end of the hall, two ornate thrones stood upon a dais. Her father sat upon the larger one, holding a jewelled rod in his right hand. His Queen, Adeliza, sat upon the other, robed in a gown of shimmering silver silk that glittered with pearls and amethysts. Matilda processed to the foot of the dais and knelt, bowing her head. Robert knelt too, but a step behind her.

She heard the swish of her father’s robe as he rose, and then his soft footfall descending the steps. “My dearest daughter.” He bent, took her hands, and, having kissed her on either cheek, raised her to her feet. “Welcome home.”

Matilda looked into his face. Six years had increased and deepened the lines on his face. His hair was greyer and more sparse and the pouches beneath his eyes were more prominent, but the eyes themselves were the same hard, shrewd grey. For the moment they held warmth, and his smile was genuine.

“Sire,” she said, before turning to curtsey to and be embraced by her stepmother, Adeliza, a year younger than herself, delicate and slender as a young doe.

“I am so pleased that you are here, daughter,” Adeliza said.

“My lady mother.” The words were incongruous and sat uncomfortably on Matilda’s tongue.

Adeliza’s eyes sparkled with amusement and it was plain she was thinking the same thing. “I hope I can be like a mother to you,” she said, “but more than that, I hope we shall become friends and companions.”

Matilda’s father processed her around the gathering on his arm, and she was introduced to the great men attending the court. Not all were present; some had duties elsewhere, or had remained in England, but enough were there to make a substantial gathering. Bigod, Albini, Aumale, Tosney, Martel, the archbishop of Rouen, the abbot of Bec, her cousins of Blois, Theobald and Stephen, the latter now Count of Boulogne through his young bride, the Countess Maheut.

“I am sorry for your loss, cousin,” Stephen said. “I offer my sincere condolences.” He spoke with grave and apparent honesty, although Matilda was wary because things were not always what they seemed. Stephen’s remark was a meaningless courtesy.

“I remember you as a little girl with long braids,” he added with a smile.  

A vague memory surfaced. “You used to pull them,” she accused.

He looked wounded. “Only in play—I never hurt you. Your brother William used to pull them too.” There was a momentary silence at Stephen’s mention of Matilda’s brother—almost as if his words had conjured up the young man’s sea-ravaged corpse from the waters of Barfleur harbour. “God rest his soul,” Stephen added swiftly. “I am glad for the memory of our play and I think of him often.”

Matilda suspected that Stephen would tug her braid now if the chance arose, and he would still call it play.

[jonnyparable]

Cottage Hills : The Golden Flower Part V

A Bridge in the Clouds

Rod wonders where the strange bridge goes, as he's never seen it before, it's always been shrouded in clouds. He heads back to the Monastery to ask the Abbot about it.

Abbott:

"So the mountain has chosen you to see the Bridge of Namdol. I see you have earned the mountain's trust! Praise be to the mountain. I had full confidence in you Tiger Spirit.

But you had first to free your spirit and mend your body, for the journey ahead requires strength of both. Tell me, what is it you feel now? "

Rod:

"I feel..... I feel... Light. Like a weight has been lifted from me. I feel gratitude for being here. I feel proud to be here, and I feel at peace with my path that has led me here..."

Abbott:

"Yes, the mountain has a way of clearing away the stones we place on our souls that weigh us down....The flower that you seek lies in a cave across the rift. But beware, brother. For the Yarra still stalks those mountains and he jealously guards the flower, never stay out in the open, where he will see you.

Rod:

"What is the Yarra, and why does he guard the flower?"

Abbott:

"No one is certain, but legends say the Yarra was once a man. He desired the flower, and nothing else, and when he finally found it, he hid it in a cave, and would stop anyone from finding it. His greed corrupted the flower's magic it seems, and he transformed into the Yarra, cursed to live a half life, tied to the flowers for all eternity.

A difficult path lies before you. Be well rested, and have all you need in order before you go.

And always remember, Tiger Spirit, that the mountain chose you, and only you, do not tell others of the bridge, nor bring anyone with you! "

Following the Abbott's stirring words, and with a clear mind, Rod gets ready to make his way down to the bridge he saw. He stops by in town to pick up some supplies, when he is approached by two strange adventurers.

Woman :

" So are you the one they call Tiger Spirit? I hear you're going across the rift to get the Golden Flower... My name is Eva and this is my partner, Oak. Let me be quite plain. You're in way over your head here, and you're going to need all the help you can get. Luckily for you, so do we. In return, we get to keep some of the Golden Flower when we find it... For research purposes, of course. What do you say, Tiger Spirit?"

Remembering what the Abbott said, Rod quietly refuses their offer, finishes his drink and walks off. His every step being closely watched by Eva and Oak.....

Into the Yarra's Den

Across the bridge, Rod comes face to face with a deep and dark ravine of rock and ice. The entrance is marked with two columns, bearing the inscription of "Beware the Yarra." Just what does the Yarra look like anyway? Rod hopes that he never finds out.

Rod walks through the cave, surrounded by high walls on either side. There is no escape from here, only forward or back from whence he came. As it gets dark, Rod stops to rest, and builds a small fire.

As the night gets colder, Rod decides he has to go out to get more firewood. As he treks out into the night, he feels like something is watching him. He tries to move as swiftly and silently as he can.

As he quietly bends down to pick up some branches... A shadow looms over him, and he hears the crunching of the snow behind him a little too late....

[hieromonkcharbel]

VENERABLE ATHANASIUS OF MOUNT ATHOS

Athanasius was born in Trebizond of God-fearing parents. He became orphaned at an early age but, by the Providence of God, a commander took him under his care and brought him to Constantinople to be educated. Because of his meekness and humbleness, he was the favorite of his peers. During the children's games, the children chose one to be an emperor, one a commander and Athanasius as abbot as though it was some kind of foretelling! Having completed his education, Athanasius (who before tonsuring was called Abraham) withdrew into the desert of Maleinos near Athos, the Holy Mountain, where he lived the life of an ascetic as a disciple of the then renowned Michael Maleinos. Desiring a more difficult life of mortification, Athanasius settled on Holy Mt. Athos to live in silence (the life of a silentary). But many who were desirous of a life of asceticism began to gather around him and, therefore, he was compelled to build his famous Lavra [monastery]. In that, he was assisted by the Byzantine emperors: at first, Nicephorus Phocas, who himself thought to withdraw and to become a monk and, after him, John Tzimiskes.

Countless temptations befell Athanasius both from demons and from men but he, as a brave soldier of Christ, resisted and conquered all by his immeasurable meekness and continual prayer to the Living God. Filled with the Grace of God, Athanasius was made worthy to see the All-holy Birth-giver of God who miraculously brought forth water from a rock and promised that she would also be the abbess [Ikonomisa, the one in charge of the provisions of the monastery].

[By striking the rod, how did Moses bring forth water from the rock? How did God send down manna from heaven and feed the people of Israel in the wilderness? Thus, ask all those who have a very weak conception of the might of the Omnipotent God. And still they are perplexed why such miracles do not take place again in order that all peoples may believe in God. But the Israelites, with their own eyes, witnessed countless miracles of God and still they did not believe. Meanwhile, God repeats the old great miracles wherever and whenever it is needed. One time, when a famine ensued in the Lavra of Athanasius, all of the brethren dispersed whereever. Dejected, Athanasius began to move about and to seek out another place. A lady on the road asked him: "Where are you going?" "Who are you?" Athanasius asked bewildered because he sees a woman on the Holy Mountain, where access to women is not permitted. "I am she to whom you have dedicated your community. I am the Mother of your Lord." Athanasius said: "I am afraid to trust you, for even demons can manifest themselves into angels of light. With what shall you prove to me the truthfulness of your words?" Then the Holy Birth-giver of God said to him: "Strike your rod upon this rock and you will know who I am that speaks to you. Know that I am always remaining the Abbess - Ikonomisa of your Lavra." Athanasius then struck the rock with his rod. At that moment the rock shook and cracked as thunder and water gushed forth from the shattered rock. Frightened, Athanasius turned so as to prostrate before the Holy All-pure One but She had already vanished. He returned to his Lavra and even to his greater amazement, found all the barns (storehouses) overflowing with wheat. Here, then, is a repetition of the great miracles by which the miracles of old are confirmed and by which the faithful are strengthened in the Faith.]

In work and in prayer, Athanasius surpassed his brethren and loved all with the love a spiritual father and shepherd. Death came to Athanasius unexpectedly. At one time, he with six other monks, climbed upon a newly built vestibule of the church to inspect the wall which was being constructed and the wall caved in on them and buried them. Thus, this great beacon of monasticism died in the year 980 A.D. Many times following his death Athanasius appeared to his brethren either to comfort them or to reprimand them."

(above texts taken and rearranged from the Prologue of Ochrid by St. Nikolai, from July 5.

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day - 20 June - Saint John of Matera (c 1070-1139)

Saint of the Day – 20 June – Saint John of Matera (c 1070-1139)

Saint of the Day – 20 June – Saint John of Matera (c 1070-1139) Monk, Abbot, Mystic, renowned Preacher, miracle-worker, gifted with bilocation – born in c 1070 at Matera, Basilicata region, Italy and died in 1139 at Pulsano, Italy of natural causes.   Also known as John of Pulsano, Giovanni di Matera, Giovanni Scalcione.   St John is often portrayed as an abbot driving the devil away with a rod.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Friday, November 10, 2013

october 28_ november 10

VENERABLEJOB, HEGUMEN OF POCHAEV AND WONDERWORKER (1651)

Saint Job, Abbot and Wonderworker of Pochaev (in the world named Ivan Zhelezo), was born around 1551 in Pokutia in Galicia. At age ten he came to the Transfiguration Ugornits monastery, and at age twelve he received monastic tonsure with the name Job. The venerable Job from his youth was known for his great piety and strict ascetic life, and he was accounted worthy of the priestly office.

Around the year 1580, at the request of the renowned champion of Orthodoxy Prince Constantine Ostrozhsky, Saint Job was appointed the head of the Exaltation of the Cross monastery near the city of Dubno, and for more than twenty years he governed the monastery amidst the growing persecution of Orthodoxy on the part of the Catholics and Uniates.

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, Saint Job withdrew to Pochaev hill and settled in a cave not far from the ancient Dormition monastery, famed for its wonderworking Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God (July 23). The holy hermit, beloved by the brethren of the monastery, was chosen as their Igumen. Saint Job zealously fulfilled his duty as head of the monastery, kind and gentle with the brethren, he did much of the work himself, planting trees in the garden, and strengthening the waterworks at the monastery.

Saint Job was an ardent defender of the Orthodox Faith against the persecution of the Catholics. Following the Union of Brest (1596), many Orthodox living in Poland were deprived of their rights, and attempts were made to force them to convert to Catholicism. Many Orthodox hierarchs became apostates to Uniatism, but Saint Job and others defended Orthodoxy by copying and disseminating Orthodox books. Prince Ostrozhsky was also responsible for the first printed edition of the Orthodox Bible (1581).

In taking an active part in the defense of Orthodoxy and the Russian people, Saint Job was present at the 1628 Kiev Council, convened against the Unia. After 1642, he accepted the great schema with the name John.

Sometimes he completely secluded himself within the cave for three days or even a whole week. The Jesus Prayer was an unceasing prayer in his heart. According to the testimony of his disciple Dositheus, and author of the Life of Saint Job, once while praying in his cave, the saint was illumined by a heavenly light. Saint Job reposed in the year 1651. He was more than 100 years old, and had directed the Pochaev monastery for more than fifty years.

The uncovering of Saint Job’s relics took place on August 28, 1659. There was a second uncovering of the relics on August 27-28, 1833.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

THE HOLY MARTYR PARASKEVI NAMED ALSO PIATNITSA (3rd c.)

The Great Martyr Paraskevi (Paraskevḗ) of Iconium, lived during the third century in a rich and pious family. The parents of the saint especially reverenced Friday, the day of the Passion of the Lord, and therefore they called their daughter Paraskevi. This name, Paraskevi, also means Friday.

Young Paraskevi with all her heart loved purity and the loftiness of the virginal life, and she took a vow of celibacy. She wanted to devote all her life to God and to enlighten pagans with the light of Christ.

Because of her confession of the Orthodox Faith, the pagans in a frenzy seized her and brought her to the city prefect. They demanded that she offer unholy sacrifice to the pagan idols. With a steady heart, and trusting on God, the saint refused this demand. For this she underwent great torments: after stripping her, they tied her to a tree and beat her with rods. Then the torturers raked her pure body with iron claws. Finally, they threw her into prison, exhausted by the torture and lacerated to the bone. But God did not forsake the holy sufferer, and miraculously healed her wounds. Not heeding this divine miracle, the executioners continued with their torture of Saint Paraskevi, and finally, they cut off her head.

Saint Paraskevi has always enjoyed a special love and veneration among the Orthodox people. Many pious customs and observances are associated with her. In the ancient Russian accounts of the Saints’ Lives, the name of the Great Martyr is inscribed as: “Saint Paraskevi, also called Piatnitsa (in Russian: Friday).” Churches dedicated to Saint Paraskevi in antiquity were given the name Piatnitsa. Small wayside chapels in Rus received the name Piatnitsa. The simple Russian people called the Martyr Paraskevi variously Piatnitsa, Piatina, Petka.

Icons of Saint Paraskevi were especially venerated and embellished by the faithful. Russian iconographers usually depicted the martyr as an austere ascetic, tall of stature, with a radiant crown upon her head. Icons of the saint guard pious and happy households. By Church belief, Saint Paraskevi is protectress of fields and cattle. Therefore, on her Feastday it was the custom to bring fruit to church to be blessed. These blessed objects were kept until the following year. Moreover, Saint Paraskevi is invoked for protection of cattle from disease. She is also a healer of people from grievous illness of both body and soul.

1 THESSALONIANS 2:14-19

14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. 17

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you-even I, Paul, time and again-but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

LUKE 11:23-26

23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. 24 When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 catena bible

Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

[hadeschan]

item # N15A01

Pra Chut Benjapakee Por Bpor Ror, Chalerm Pra Kiat Song Krong Siri Ratcha Sombat Krop Hoksip Bpee. A set of important 5 amulets, made to commemorate 60th Anniversary of Coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King RAMA IX) of Thailand in BE 2549 (CE 2006), and a fundraiser Batch for the construction of Raja Mangala University of Technology Rattanakosin Wang Klaikangwon Campus, Phetchaburi Province. This set of 5 important amulets is with 1)Pra Somdej Wat Rakang, Pim Yai 2)Pra Phong Suphan, Pim Na Gae, 3)Pra Rod, Pim Yai, 4)Pra Kampang Soom Gor, Pim Yai, and 5)Pra Nang Phraya Pim Kao Kohng, made from many types of holy powder including holy powder of Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh of Wat Rakang, and powder crushed from each Benjapakee ancient amulets. Made by Raja Mangala University of Technology Rattanakosin Wang Klaikangwon Campus under the royal patronage of King Bhumibol Adulyadej with consecration / Blessing Ceremony at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Royal Palace, Bangkok. The King Bhumibol Adulyadej was a Master of the ceremony (Buddhist duties), and The 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand or Somdet Phra Sangharaja (Charoen Khachawat) was Master of the ceremony (Buddhist monk duties).

……………………………………………………..

The making of Pra Chut Benjapakee Por Bpor Ror, Chalerm Pra Kiat Song Krong Siri Ratcha Sombat Krop Hoksip Bpee, BE 2549

This set of 5 amulets were made from holy powder containing;

1)Pong Itthijay and Pong Pattamang Holy Power given by Pra Thep Visutthimaythee (Chao Khun Tieng), the abbot of Wat Rakang, Bangkok.

2)Powder crushed from ancient baked clay Pra Nang Phraya amulets given by Prakru Sujit Dharmavimon, the abbot of Wat Nang Phraya, Phitsanulok Province.

3)Powder crushed from ancient baked clay Pra Rod amulets given by Prakru Pisan Dharmanitek, the abbot of Wat Mahawa, Lamphun Province.

4)Powder crushed from ancient baked clay Pra Kampang Soom Gor amulets given by Pra Archan Boonpisit Suthiyano, the abbot of Wat Phikul, Kamphaeng Phet Province.

5)Powder crushed from ancient Pra Pong Suphan amulets given by Pra Maha Vichian Ganlayano, the abbot of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Suphanburi, Suphan Buri Province.

The Pim (styles/molds) were copied from the authentic Pra Benjapakee from the private collection of Kamnan (headman of a sub-district) Chuchart Maksamphan, the owner of Chu Chat Museum, the private museum in Thawi Watthana, Bangkok which demonstrates more than 200 Buddhas from many period, 3,000 amulets.

There are laser engraving number in the back of Pra Chut Benjapakee Por Bpor Ror, and imprints of Royal Cypher of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and there is a holy powder crushed from broken Pra Somdej Wat Rakang made by Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh stuffed in the back of Pra Somdej Wat Rakang of this set.

The consecration / Blessing Ceremony at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Royal Palace, Bangkok. The King Bhumibol Adulyadej was a Master of the ceremony (Buddhist duties), and The 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand or Somdet Phra Sangharaja (Charoen Khachawat) was Master of the ceremony (Buddhist monk duties), and also attended by guru monks namely;

1.Somdej Pra Buddhachan Gieow, Wat Saket.

2.Somdej Pra Maha Theerachan (Luang Phor Niyom), Wat Chanasongkhram.

3.Somdej Pra Yanna Varodom (Luang Phor Prayoon), Wat Thepsirin.

4.Somdej Pra Maha Veerawong (Luang Phor Manit),Wat Samphanthawong.

5.Somdej Maha Ratchamatkalachan (Luang Phor Chuang), Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.

6.Luang Phu Tim, Wat Phra Khao.

7.Luang Phur Ruay, Wat Tako.

8.Luang Phor Perm, Wat Pomkaew.

9.Luang Phor Poon, Wat Ban Phaen.

10.Luang Phu Jeua, Wat Klang Bang Kaeo.

11.Luang Phor Uun, Wat Tankong.

12.Luang Phu Yam, Wat Takhian.

13.Luang Phor Poonsub, Wat Ang Sila.

14.Luang Phor Sawat, Wat Sala Pun.

15.Luang Phor Iad, Wat Phai Lom.

16.Luang Phor Thong, Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong.

17.Luang Phor Neuang, Wat Rakhang Kositaram.

18.Luang Phor Thong-seup, Wat Intharawihan.

19.Luang Phu Waen, Wat Mahathat กทม.

20.Luang Phor Thongchai, Wat Traimit.

21.Luang Phor Prasit, Wat Sai Noi.

22.Luang Phor Gae, Wat Paknam.

23.Luang Phor Thongbai, Wat Sai Mai.

24.Luang Phor Thong-gleung, Wat Chedi Hoi.

25.Luang Phor Vichien, Wat Moon Jindaram.

26.Luang Phor Thonglor, Wat Khan Lat.

27.Luang Phor Som-poht, Wat Khae.

28.Luang Phor Charan, Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai.

29.Luang Phor Chaleam, Wat Phraya Tikaram.

30.Luang Phor Man, Wat Na Tang Nok.

31.Luang Phor Sa-nguan, Wat Sao Thong Thong.

32.Luang Phor Somporn, Wat Pa Tham Sophon.

33.Luang Phor Puan, Wat Banhan Chaemsai.

34.Luang Phor Sa-ing, Wat Pa Lelai.

35.Luang Phor Soontorn, Wat Ban Laem (Wat Phet Samut).

36.Luang Phor It, Wat Chulamanee.

37.Luang Phor Daeng, Wat Intharam.

38.Luang Phor Malai, Wat Bang Ya Praek.

39.Luang Phor Kaao, Wat Sao Changok.

40.Luang Phor Somsak, Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan.

41.Luang Phor Somchai, Wat Phrong Akat.

42.Phor Than Chinn, Wat Mueang Yala.

43.Luang Phor Klang, Wat Khao Aor.

44.Luang Phor Phrom, Wat Ban Suan.

45.Luang Phor Jaang, Wat Nam Rop.

46.Luang Phor Boonsri, Wat Nakaram.

47.Luang Phor Sa-ner, Wat Tapotharam.

48.Luang Phor Huang, Wat Khuan Kalong.

49.Luang Phor Nuan, Wat Pra Dit Than Ram.

50.Luang Phor Phaan, Wat Sai Khao.

51.Luang Phor Ut-thee, Wat Weluwan.

52.Luang Phor Tieng, Wat Phra Phutthabat Khao Kradong.

53.Luang Phor Thongchan, Wat Kham Khaen.

54.Luang Phor Somkiat, Wat Maha Wanaram.

55.Luang Phor Pailin, Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Phitsanulok.

56.Luang Phor Kaak, Wat Aranyik.

57.Luang Phor Thongchai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

58.Luang Phor Sompong, Wat Mai Pin Kaew.

59.Luang Phor Sri, Wat Na Phralan.

60.Luang Phor Boontham, Wat Takhian.

61.Luang Phor Tot, Wat Nong Sum.

62.Luang Phor Pra-teuang, Wat Bang Krabao.

63.Luang Phu Yam, Wat Sam Ngam.

64.Luang Phor Gaan, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.

65.Luang Phor Ket, Wat Udom Thani.

66.Prakru Anukoon Pisankij, Wat Bang Phra.

67.Prakru Cha-lieow, Wat Mahathat.

68.Prakru Pradit Nawakij, Wat Tha Takhro.

69.Prakru Pawana Worakit, Wat Santikiree Si Borommathat.

……………………………………………………..

BEST FOR:

Pra Somdej Wat Rakang Pim Yai, a large-size rectangular Buddha amulet is the Emperor of all Buddha amulets of Thailand which performs countless miracles to the owners. Pra Somdej Wat Rakang is best for Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), and Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you).

Pra Nang Phraya Pim Kao Kohng, the triangular Buddha amulet with figure of Buddha in Victory over Devils Gesture, and Buddha’s knees are in cursive line. Pra Nang Phraya is best for Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), and Maha Sanay (it helps turn you to prince charming in the eyes of others).

Pra Pong Suphan, Pim Na Gae, a Buddha amulet copied an ancient Uthong Style which is best for Chok-laap (it brings wealth and prosperity), Kongkraphan Chatrie (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), and safe & sound journey.

Pra Rod, Pim Yai. This Buddha amulet copied the style of ancient Buddha amulet discovered at Wat Mahawan, Lumphun Province. Pra Rod, “Rod” in Thai means : to survive from all difficulties in life; to escape from death ; to be saved from danger.

Pra Kampang Soom Gor, Pim Yai. A large-size Buddha amulet copied ancient Buddha amulet found at Kamphaeng Phet Province, it has power of bringing endless wealth and Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you).

And Má-laeng wan mai dai gin lêuuat in Thai means flies never land on your blood which refers to one who wears amulet made by Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh his/her drops of blood will never be falling to the ground.“You will NEVER die screaming” Thai people believe that “One will never die screaming and one will die without any suffering at end of life if one is wearing an amulet made by Somdej Pra Buddhachan Toh.” This amulet brings endless food with wealth & prosperity. Anything you wish for, and it could change your life for the better, Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), Kongkraphan (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), Maha-ut (it stops gun from shooting at you), Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), Maha Larp (it brings Lucky Wealth / wealth fetching), and Kaa Kaai Dee (it helps tempt your customers to buy whatever you are selling, and it helps attract new customers and then keep them coming back. Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam Sa-niat jan-rai Sat Meepit (it helps ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse, accursedness, black magic, misfortune, doom, and poisonous animals). And this amulet helps protect you from manipulators, backstabbers, and toxic people.

……………………………………………………..

item # N15A01

Price: price upon request, pls PM and/or email us hadesamulet@protonmail.me

100% GENUINE WITH 365 DAYS AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE.

Item location: Hong Kong, SAR

Ships to: Worldwide

Delivery: Estimated 7 days handling time after receipt of cleared payment. Please allow additional time if international delivery is subject to customs processing.

Shipping: FREE Thailandpost International registered mail. International items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

Payments: PayPal / Western Union / MoneyGram /maybank2u.com / DBS iBanking / Wechat Pay / Alipay / INSTAREM / PromptPay International / Remitly

******************************************************

[noeticprayer]

October 1, 2019

Apostle of the 70: Ananias (1st); Venerable Romanos the Melodist, “Sweet Singer” (5th); Venerable Sabbas, abbot of Vishersk (1461); Venerable Martyr Michael and 36 Venerable Martyrs with him in Armenia; Venerable Domninos of Thessaloniki; Venerable John Kukuzelis the Singer of Mt Athos; St Bavo of Haarlem; Venerable Gregory the Singer of Mt Athos (4th); Mirian and Nana of Mtskheta

Tuesday of the 16th week after Pentecost; Protection (Pokrov) of the Most-Holy Theotokos

Gal 5.11-21 (Epistle)

Brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off! For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Heb 9.1-7 (Epistle—Protection)

Brethren, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance.

Luke 6.37-45 (Gospel)

The Lord said: Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Luke 10.38-42, 11.27-28 (Gospel—Protection)

At that time, Jesus entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. . . . And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

[hunters-and-huntresses-school]

Team Sacrifice - SAFE

Susan Bones - The leader of her team, chosen for her protectiveness and selflessness. Semblance is Geo-Control, the ability to control the ground around her. Weapon is called Boulder, a flail used for short-range combat capable of firing shotgun blasts from the hilt.

Hannah Abbot - Loyal to a fault even if she doubts herself. Her semblance is Water, able to manipulate water, even water from the air. Her weapon is Sea-Holder, a simple flask that is kept full of water.

Ernie Macmillan - Ernie is honest and reliable, wearing his emotions and opinions on his sleeve. His semblance is Emotional Shift, able to alter the emotions of others around him to match his own emotions. His weapon is Distance, a long staff used to keep foes away from him that transforms into a sniper rifle.

Justin Finch-Fletchley - Outgoing and friendly but fearful and anxious. His semblance is Shock, able to absorb, hold, and redistribute electricity. His weapon is the Lightning Rod, a metal pole that he uses to strike foes with electric charges.

[scotianostra]

24th June 1488 saw the coronation at the age of 15 of James IV.

I’ve covered James IV quite a lot lately, he came to the throne after his father died at or after The Battle of Sauchieburn, he was fighting against an army with his son as the figurehead. The son is said to have wore a heavy chain around his waist in penance for the rest of his life.

From the less than ideal start to his reign,  James IV became one of the best loved of Scotland's Monarchs, he was an endearing but idealistic character, who inspired great loyalty from his subjects.  His coronation took place at the traditional setting of Scone. 

Rather than go through his life once more, I thought I would focus on some other aspects during his reign and some, maybe unknown facts about our Renaissance Monarch.

Two of the regalia of The Honours of Scotland, our crown jewels are from the time of James IV and were both papal gifts. In 1494 as a mark of papal support for Scotland as a 'special daughter' of the Holy See, James received the silver-gilt sceptre.  The head of the Sceptre is formed from a large globe of polished rock crystal supported by stylised dolphins and three figures depicting the Virgin Mary, St James and St Andrew; this is surmounted by a gold orb with a single large pearl. The silver gilt hexagonal rod has three divisions and is decorated with engraved motifs, including thistles and fleur de lys; it was remodelled and lengthened in 1536 by Adam Leys, an Edinburgh goldsmith.

The Sword of State was another generous papal gift, presented to James IV in 1507, from Julius II (who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel).   Da Sutra took the Arms of Pope Julius as the theme for the decoration of the Sword handle. The base of the blade is etched on both faces with depictions of St Peter and St Paul and inscribed with inlaid gold lettering 'JULIUS II PONT MAX' (Julius II supreme Pontiff). 

Both, as part of the Honours of Scotland have been present at many of the major Royal ceremonial events over the past five centuries.

James was a wee bit of a man of science, he was also a bit of an amatuer dentist, it’s said he used to pay people with toothache for allowing him to pull their teeth out! 

His love of science also led him to experiment with alchemy, at Stirling Castle, he established an workshop and enlisted the Italian John Damian de Falcuis to turn base metals into gold. Records still exist of the money The King spent on deFalcuis,  under the watchful eye of James, he was spending copiously in his desire to find the "quinta essencia" or quintessence – in other words, the Elixir of Life.

As well as dabbling in Alchemy, the Italian subject of King James’s court also believed he could fly!  True to the spirit of a quester of the time, he concluded that the only way to test out the theory was by experimentation. So, on 27th September 1507, the alchemist prepared to fly. Damian based his design around bird flight and fashioned a pair of wings. Then, taking a great leap of faith, he threw himself from the top of Stirling Castle. Bishop Leslie, writing of the experiment in a contemporary manuscript, began his account by criticising the money spent by the king in encouraging his alchemist before noting that:"This Abbot tuik in hand to flie with wingis…and to that effect he causet mak ane pair of wingis of fedderis (feathers)." Leslie describes the flight, relishing in his description of how Damian jumped, but quickly fell breaking his thigh bone.

Legend has it that before the fateful Battle of Flodden, King James was visited my a mysterious figure, some say it was St James, warning him not to go to war with England, of course he ignored it and fell, with”The Flower of Scotland" at Branxton Moor  on 9th September 1513.

Finally another “ghostly” figure is said to have appeared at Edinburgh’s Mercat Cross announcing the forthcoming slaughter of the Scottish army, reciting the names of all the nobles who lost their lives along with the King that day.