#theodotus

[probably-unreliable]

Canon Zenith from the Exalted’s Castebook ft Theo ~

[foreverpraying]

Source of picture: https://per-oculos-testimonium.tumblr.com

Source of picture: https://quotes-thoughts-prayers-poetry.tumblr.com

"O sacred tabernacle of our hope, wherein all sanctity and magnificence dwell." St. Theodotus of Ancyra

[sforzesco]

WILL NO ONE RID ME OF THIS TROUBLESOME PRIEST ROMAN?

When Caesar arrived in pursuit on the third day, Theodotus showed him Pompey's head and ring, but Caesar was offended and wept.

-Liv. Per. 112.4

the title quotation is referring to the famous quote associated with the henry II-thomas becket conflict. the uhhhhh. the themes match, somewhat. feels the same, in some kind of way. anyway, fucking RIP to caesar and pompey. it's gotta be lonely, to start off as three, and then two, and even locked in conflict, there's a familiarity of being known that you're never going to have again. ah, what loss. what tragedy. etc etc etc.

[whatwewrotepodcast]

WIP Introduction

Okay! Probably about time to actually introduce some of our writing projects, right?

Pride and Prejudice in Space (Working title)

What?

PPiS is a just-for-fun queer enemies to lovers scifi story. This thing is massive and goes on for ages. It's got no novel structure and is basically what would happen if you turned the Bold and the Beautiful into a written text and also it was gay and in space. I will be posting chapters from PPiS on the blog, so keep your eye out for them!

PPiS follows the adventures of the crew of the space freighter Idalia, as they attempt to run a shipping business while being hunted across the galaxy by the corrupt Andromeda Alliance. It's silly, it's messy and it's super queer. Don't come to PPiS for structure and a clear narrative arc - it's more a long running monster of the week style!

Chapter 1 - Theo

Chapter 1 - Onyx

Chapter 2 - Theo

Chapter 2 - Onyx

Chapter 3 - Theo

Chapter 3 - Onyx

Chapter 4 - Theo

Chapter 4 - Onyx

Chapter 5 - Theo

Chapter 5 - Onyx

Chapter 6 - Theo

Chapter 5: Onyx

Who?

The Main Cast

Theodotus Wolfe

Theo is an ex-Alliance pilot who was quietly discharged from service for seeing something he shouldn't have. Having grown up in poverty and disadvantage on the poor, over populated planet of Therus, Theo has a keen sense of justice and a dry, understated sense of humour. He lacks charisma, but is intelligent and brave, even if he comes across as a bit overly stoic and stiff. He's tall, at 6'3, and of distant Greek descent, with olive skin and dark, curly hair. After leaving the Alliance, Theo bought the Idalia with the intention of a quiet retirement running supplies across the galaxy. It . . doesn't really turn out that way.

Onyx Calladan (Rathbone)

Onyx was born into the extreme privilege of being the daughter and heir of one of the most powerful men in the galaxy - the CEO of Calladan Industries, a technology and weapons manufacturer who sold their technology almost exclusively to the Alliance. The Calladans are richer than god, but Onyx, who identifies as non-binary and only ever wanted to be a mechanic, never fit in. They fled their wealthy home and set up a quiet starship mechanic business on a distant station, where things were going great until a certain Alliance captain ruined their entire reputation. Onyx is wickedly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and a bit of a jerk sometimes, but they are also plagued by intense anxiety and PTSD from their upbringing. They're average height, a little stocky, with tanned skin. They wear their hair short, with shaved sides, and dye it a vivid shade of indigo.

Pantheras Wolfe

Pan is Theo's little brother. Having grown up amongst the abuse and and poverty of Therus as well, Pan had a difficult childhood and a harder adolescence after Theo joined the Alliance and he was left largely to his own devices. Pan covers his uncertainty and fearfulness with bravado and charm. He's sweet, kind, generous and friendly, outgoing and charming in a way his brother can never be, but he's also fragile and easily rattled. He relies on his brother and doesn't cope well without him. Pan is tall like his brother, but with none of his musculature, giving him a stringbean appearance. He wears his hair longer, showing his natural ringlets.

Ellis Grey

Ellis is an orphan who was found in a garbage bin in the slums of Ceres. When the orphanage was closed by the Alliance, Ellis was turned out onto the street due to being deaf in one ear, making him unfit for military service. He survived through a combination of resourcefulness, savagery and sex work, and eventually turned to a life of crime, through which he learnt to be an excellent hacker and pilot. As an adult, Ellis took to piracy, conning freighters out of their cargo to sell on the black market. Ellis, belying his upbringing, is camp, exuberant, eloquent and urbane. He has dark skin, black kinky hair, and a wide, winning smile. He dresses extravagantly, and loves bold colours.

The Second Coming Trilogy (Revelation, Anarchy, and The Second Coming)

What?

The Second Coming Trilogy is a modern fantasy set in Brooklyn, New York. Loosely based on the poem of the same name by W.B Yeats, it tells the story of a human girl and her two Fallen Angel allies as they attempt to prevent the second coming - the rising of the son of the devil to take his place on earth. Originally this was a YA story, but subsequent re-writes have landed on a more adult tone. We've been working on this story for well over 10 years, with many iterations. Once it was one book! But it got way too long and had to be split into three. We're currently doing edits and re-writes on book 2, Anarchy, and are querying publishers with book 1, Revelation.

Who?

The Main Cast

Merry: Merry is a human girl who was born with the Sight. This ability allows her to see through glamours and lies, but also often gets her into trouble. She's spent most of her life trying to ignore it and the things she sees, but one night she sees something she shouldn't have, and becomes embroiled in the hidden world of angels and demons. Merry is caucasian, dark brown hair and dark eyes, and has a slight, athletic build (she was a gymnast in her younger years). She's head strong, stubborn, and doesn't take kindly to being told what to do.

Ith: Ithuriel is a recently fallen arc angel. Once the Angel of Truth, Ithuriel fell prey to the sin of wrath and was thrown down from Heaven, his wings torn from his back and his divinity stripped away. Having been on earth for a mere few months, Ithuriel is still filled with his righteous desire to root out and punish evil wherever he finds it. He has been hunting the faction of Demons that Merry falls afoul of, and takes her under his wing to protect her. Ithuriel is 6'3, with a broad, strong build. He has fair skin and wavy golden hair, his features sculpted and harsh, and he has bright golden eyes, though he routinely glamours himself to look more human and less otherworldly.

Belial: Belial is also a Fallen, but he fell during the first great battle between the followers of Lucifer and those who remained true to Heaven. As such, Belial is a Prince of Hell, though he long since abandoned the regions of Hell to live on earth, where he has been for thousands of years. Belial walks a careful line between self preservation and his fondness for humanity, but his outlook on the world is grim and pessimistic. He's got tanned skin covered in a thousand years of scars, with deep maroon hair and eyes, and sculpted features just like Ithuriel's, though he is a little broader and stronger. Belial's glamours are particularly strong and there are few on earth who knows what he really looks like.

The Antagonists

Moloch: Moloch is a Duke of Hell and a Demon. Long corrupted by the evil in his heart, his physical being has become corrupted in the same way. One of the first lieutenants of the coming apocalypse, Moloch also runs a series of clubs throughout Brooklyn that cater to hardcore human clubbers amongst the demons who patronise them. To humans, Moloch is a thin, slight, suave middle aged white man with slicked back black hair and a pinstriped suit. To those who can See, he appears as a rotting skeleton, scraps of putrid flesh clinging to pitted bones.

Astoreth: Princess of Hell, Keeper of the Gate. Astoreth is the daughter of Lucifer, a creature of pure evil. She is the Princess of Hell, come to earth to pave the way for her brother. Astoreth is petty, proud, vain and cruel. Half snake, half woman, with long dark hair and skin that has an iridescent sheen, Astoreth is hunting Merry with all of her considerable resources, aware she could be the key to her plans.

Mammon: Son of Lucifer. Spoilers ;)

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 2 November – Saint Theodotus (c260–c335) Bishop of Laodicea (in modern Turkey), Philosopher, possibly a Physician, Theologian. He initially defended the Arians but after being provisionally excommunicated, he repented his stance and became a defender of orthodoxy. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Laodicea in Syria, St Theodotus, a Bishop, powerful in words and adorned with good works and virtues.”

(via Saint of the Day – 2 November – Saint Theodotus (c260–c335) Bishop – AnaStpaul)

[andijaart]

+++🙏🏻God Bless🕊️+++

Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra, innkeeper

MEMORIAL DAY JUNE 20

Your martyr, O Lord, Theodotus, by his heroic deed, received an incorruptible crown from You, our God; for he, having Your power, overthrew the tormentors, crushed the demons of feeble insolence. Through his prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

💫International Orthodox Art Corporation Andcross May the blessing of the Lord be upon you!

[tinyshe]

More Saints of the Day November 02

St. Victorinus of Pettau

St. Acyndinus

St. Amicus

St. Carterius

Bl. John Bodey

St. Jorandus

St. Justus of Trieste

St. Marcian

St. Maura

St. Theodotus

[theuncrucified]

Exalted Character of the Week Volume 1

Behold the first collection of Exalted TTRPG character art inspired by the Forge of Wonders Exalted artists Discord community! Every couple of weeks, we gather to honor a character picked by a community member for the event chosen by a dice roll.

This was our first ever try at the event and it's been loads of fun for me to practice different styles and flavors with other people's characters.

Watch timelapses listed in my art blog here.

Featuring art of the following characters:

Leaping River Orchid for @misssunnysweden

Theodotus for @probably-unreliable

Thrice-Fallen Affections for Raefen

More to come! I'll collect these portraits every few months and share in big quarterly batches.

Feel free to join us if you love Exalted and creating art/writing/crafting/etc for the world! All fans of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Art, writing, crafting, homebrewing, etc. is acceptable for the Character of the Week event.

[attila-werther]

[112.4] When Caesar arrived in pursuit on the third day, Theodotus showed him Pompey's head and ring, but Caesar was offended and wept.

feeling so normal about this

[kwebtv]

The Cleopatras - BBC Two - January 19, 1983 - March 9, 1983

Historical Drama (8 episodes)

Running Time: 60 minutes

The Cleopatras:

Michelle Newell as Cleopatra III and Cleopatra VII

Elizabeth Shepherd as Cleopatra II

Caroline Mortimer as Cleopatra Thea

Prue Clarke as Cleopatra Selene

Sue Holderness as Cleopatra IV

Pauline Moran as Cleopatra Berenike

Amanda Boxer as Cleopatra Tryphaena, Queen of Syria

Emily Richard as Cleopatra Tryphaena, Queen of Egypt

Francesca Gonshaw as Arsinoe IV

The Ptolemies:

Richard Griffiths as Potbelly

David Horovitch as Chickpea

Daniel Beales as Ptolemy XIII

Adam Bareham as Fluter

Lauren Beales as Ptolemy XV

Gary Carp as Eupator

Graham Seed as Ptolemy

Sadik Soussi as Memphites

Ian McNeice as Alexander

David Purcell as Alexander the Younger

Shelagh McLeod as Berenike IV

Francesca Gonshaw as Princess Arsinoe

Graham Crowden as Theodotus

Romans:

Robert Hardy as Julius Caesar

Christopher Neame as Mark Antony

Geoffrey Whitehead as Scipio Africanus

Donald Pickering as Lucius Licinius Lucullus

Phillip Cade as Gnaeus Pompey

Rupert Frazer as Octavian

Manning Wilson as Cicero

Godfrey James as Cato

Matthew Long as Ahenobarbus

Graham Pountney as Archelaus

Patrick Troughton as Sextus

Karen Archer as Octavia

The Seleucids:

Stephen Greif as Demetrius

James Aubrey as Grypus

Nicholas Geake as Seleucus

Colin Higgins as Seleucus

Donald MacIver as Alexander Zebinas

Granville Saxton as Cyzicenus

[troybeecham]

The Holy Martyr Theodotus suffered with Saints Maximus and Asklepiodote, at the beginning of the fourth century under the emperor Maximian Galerius (AD 305-311). Eminent citizens of the city of Marcianopolis (in modern Bulgaria), Maximus, and Asklepiodote led a devout Christian life. By their example they brought many to faith in Christ and to holy Baptism.

During the persecution, Tiris, the governor of Thrace, went around the city subject to him and persecuted those believing in Christ. He summoned Maximus and Asklepiodote before him and demanded they abandon the Christian Faith. When the martyrs refused, he ordered that they be beaten.

Then a certain pious man named Theodotus, began to reproach the governor for his inhumanity and cruelty. They seized him also, and hanging him on a tree, they tortured him with iron hooks. After this, they threw the three martyrs into prison. Tiris traveled for two weeks more and took the holy martyrs along with him.

In the city of Adrianopolis, he put them to still greater tortures, commanding that their bodies be scorched with white-hot plates. In the midst of their suffering they heard a Voice from Heaven encouraging them to persevere. After several days of torture they threw the martyrs to be eaten by wild beasts in the circus, but instead the she-bear released upon Saints Maximus and Theodotus began to cuddle up to them.Saint Asklepiodote was tied to a bull, but she seemed to be rooted to the spot, and did not budge.

Tiris resumed the journey and stopped in the village of Saltis before reaching the city of Philippopolis. Again he urged the martyrs to renounce Christ. When they refused, he ordered them to be beheaded on this day in AD 310.

Almighty God, who gave to your servants Theodotus, Maximus, and Asklepiodote boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

[probably-unreliable]

Sha’a Oka the Black Lion, Guardian of the Caul and Lord of Shifting Morovath vs Some fruity Zenith

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Tuesday, June 27, 2023

june 27_june14

THE HOLY PROPHET ELISHA/ELISEI ( 9 th.c. BC)

The Holy Prophet Elisha lived in the ninth century before the Birth of Christ and was a native of the village of Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord, he was called to prophetic service by the Holy Prophet Elias (July 20).

When it became time for the Prophet Elias to be taken up to Heaven, he said to Elisha, “Ask what shall I do for you before I am taken from you.” Elisha boldly asked for a double portion of the grace of God: “Let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me.” The Prophet Elias said, “You have asked a hard thing; if you see me when I am taken from you, then so shall it be for you; but if you do not see me, it will not be so” (4 [2] Kings 2: 10). As they went along the way talking, there appeared a fiery chariot and horses and separated them both. Elisha cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” (4 Kings 2: 12). Picking up the mantle of his teacher, which fell from the sky, Elisha received the power and prophetic gift of Elias. He spent over 65 years in predictive service under six Israelite kings (from Ahab to Joash). While Elisha lived, he did not tremble before any prince, and no word could overcome him (Sirach 48: 13 [“Sirach” is called “Ecclesiasticus” in Catholic Bibles ]).

The holy prophet worked numerous miracles. He divided the waters of the Jordan, having struck it with the mantle of the Prophet Elias; he made the waters of a Jericho spring fit for drinking; he saved the armies of the kings of Israel and Judah that stood in an arid wilderness by bringing forth abundant water by his prayer; he delivered a poor widow from death by starvation through a miraculous increase of oil in a vessel. This Shunamite woman showing hospitality to the prophet was gladdened by the birth of a son through his prayer, and when the child died, he was raised back to life by the prophet. The Syrian military-commander Namaan was healed from leprosy, but the prophet’s servant Gehazi was afflicted since he disobeyed the prophet and took money from Namaan.

Elisha predicted to the Israelite king Joash the victory over his enemies, and by the power of his prayer, he worked many other miracles (4 Kings 3-13). The holy Prophet Elisha died in old age at Samaria. “In his life, he worked miracles, and at death his works were marvellous” (Sir. 48: 15). A year after his death, a corpse was thrown into the prophet’s grave. As soon as the dead man touched Elisha’s bones, he came to life and stood up (4 Kings 13: 20-21). The Prophet Elisha and his teacher, the Prophet Elias, left no books behind them since their prophetic preaching was oral. Jesus, son of Sirach, praised both great prophets (Sir. 48:1-15).

John of Damascus composed a canon in honor of the Prophet Elisha, and at Constantinople, a church was built in his honor.

Julian the Apostate (361-363) gave orders to burn the relics of the Prophet Elisha, Abdia (Obadiah), and John the Forerunner. Still, the holy relics were preserved by believers, and part of them was transferred to Alexandria.

In the twentieth century, the humble priest Nicholas Planas had a great veneration for the Prophet Elisha and was worthy of seeing him in visions.

SAINT METHODIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE (847)

Saint Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople, was born in Sicily into a rich family. Having a vocation to serve God, he went to a monastery on the island of Chios while still in his youth and renovated it with his means. During the reign of the iconoclast Leo the Armenian (813-820), Methodius held the high position of “apokrisiaros” (“advocate for Church matters”) under the holy Patriarch Nikēphóros (June 2). He was dispatched by the patriarch to Rome on a mission to the papacy, and he remained there. During this period, Leo the Armenian removed Nikēphóros from the patriarchal throne and put on it the iconoclast Theodotus of Melissinea, given the nickname “Kassiter” (“Tinman”) (815-822). After the death of Leo the Armenian, Saint Methodius returned, and in the dignity of a presbyter, he struggled incessantly against the Iconoclast heresy.

The emperor Michael the Stammerer (820-829) was first noted for his benevolence, and he set free many imprisoned by his predecessor for their veneration of icons, but after a while, he renewed the persecution against Orthodoxy. Saint Methodius was locked up in prison in Akrita. After the death of Michael the Stammerer, the ruler was Theophilus (829-842), also an iconoclast. More refined a man than his father, he set free Saint Methodius, who likewise was a man of learning, superbly skilled in matters not only ecclesial but also civil. Having received his freedom, Saint Methodius renewed the struggle with the heretics, and for a while, the emperor tolerated this.

But after defeat in a war with the Arabs, Theophilus vented his anger against Methodius, saying that God had punished him because he had let an “icon-worshipper” come close to him. Methodius objected, saying that the Lord was angry with him for the insults upon His holy icons. They gave the saint over to torture, and struck him much about the face, from which his jaw was broken. Ugly scars remained on his face. Methodius was sent off to the island of Antigonos and locked up with two robbers in a deep cave. In this dark prison where the light of day did not penetrate, Methodius languished for 7 years until the death of the emperor Theophilus.

During this time, the holy Confessors Theodore and Theophanes the Branded (December 27), who had also been sent to prison, sent Methodius greetings in verse, and the prisoner replied with greetings in verse.

After the death of Theophilus, his son Michael III (842-867) began to rule, but not being of mature age, the Byzantine Empire was actually ruled by his mother, Empress Theodora, a venerater of icons.

The empress tried to extirpate the Iconoclast heresy and gave orders to free the confessors imprisoned for icon veneration. The heretic Annios occupying the patriarchal throne was banished, and Saint Methodius was chosen. At Constantinople was convened a local Council with Saint Methodius presiding (842). The Council restored icon veneration and established an annual celebration of the triumph of Orthodoxy. The “Synodikon of Orthodoxy” compiled by Saint Methodius is read on the First Sunday of Great Lent.

Attempting to undermine the authority of Saint Methodius and his flock's love and esteem for him, the heretics slandered him as having transgressed chastity. The slander was exposed as such, and the saint's enemies were put to shame. The final years of the saint passed peacefully; he toiled much, wisely guided the Church and his flock, renovated temples ruined by the heretics, gathered up the relics of saints scattered about by the heretics, and transferred the relics of Patriarch Nikēphóros from the place of his imprisonment back to Constantinople. Saint Methodius died in the year 846. He was spiritually close to Ioannikos (4 November), who foretold that he would become patriarch at the time of his death. Besides the “Synodikon of Orthodoxy,” the holy hierarch also compiled a rule for those converted to the Faith, three rites of marriage, and several pastoral sermons and church hymns.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

ROMANS 10:11-11:2

11 The Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." 14 How shall they call on Him whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?" 17 So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. 18, But I say, have they yet to hear? Yes indeed:"Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world." 19 But I say, did Israel not know? First, Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation." 20 But Isaiah boldly says:"I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." 21 But to Israel, he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people."

1 I say, then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,

[hzaidan]

The Holy Great Martyr Mamas was born in Paphlagonia, Asia Minor, in the third century of pious and illustrious parents, Theodotus and Rufina. The parents of the saint were arrested by the pagans for their open confession of their faith and locked up in prison in Caesarea in Cappadocia…

Please follow link for full post

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo,Fra Filippo Lippi,Art,Paintings,RELIGIOUS ART,Religion,biography,History,Zaidan,Jean Cousin,Francesco de' Franceschi,Mythology,Martyr Mamas,footnotes,Bartolomé Murillo,

11 works, Today, July 30th, is Martyr Mamas' day, his story thru art #211

[whatwewrotepodcast]

Favourite Character Poll

Descriptions below!

Descriptions

Cpt Theo Wolfe

Theo is an ex Alliance pilot who joined the Alliance to protect his little brother, rose precipitously through the ranks and then was quietly discharged after getting a little too nosy about the deaths of some civilians on a planet the Alliance wasn't supposed to occupy. He's a tall, broad guy with olive skin and dark hair who has a military bearing left over from his army days. These days, he flies a cargo freighter called the Idalia, which rarely makes a run without something going wrong. He's got a hot temper which he sometimes struggles to control, and he's a total mother hen about anyone in his circle, fiercely protective, sometimes to a fault, and a reckless streak a mile wide.

Onyx Rathbone

Onyx was raised as the daughter of a technology baron in a life of extremely wealth, privilege and emotional abuse. Identifying as nonbinary, Onyx fled their home planet and their family's clutches after the death of their father. They're of Latinx descent, with tanned skin and black hair which they dye bright blue and have cut in a short undercut. Onyx is wickedly intelligent with a genius level intellect, which comes with a boatload of mental health problems caused by their upbringing and a natural propensity towards anxiety. Onyx is always on the verge of believing the worst of themselves and therefore expecting betrayal, but they love fiercely and unconditionally.

Pan Wolfe

Pan is Theo's little brother. Raised in a poor, abusive household, after their mother died, Pan was left to cop the worst of their father's abuse while Theo tried to find work. Rather than withdrawing into himself, Pan has dealt with his trauma by becoming extroverted, outgoing, charming and personable. He's sweet, funny, loves to dance and cook and sing, all of which covers up a deep fear of inadequacy and fear of being alone. Pan is tall, like his brother, but is younger and much skinnier and less muscular.

Ellis Grey

Ellis Grey was an orphan and prostitute who turned himself into a space pirate who makes a living stealing and reselling cargo from freighters. Ellis is camp, bold, bright, queer and kinky. He's charismatic and charming, extremely flirty, which covers the fact that he's never experienced love or kindness before. His relationship with Pan is slowly teaching him how to love. He's black, wears his hair currently in short locs, and dresses like superfly.

Tagging @unbearable-lightness-of-ink @agirlandherquill @willtheweaver @jackiezenauthor @thylocalbard @leahnardo-da-veggie @storycraftcafe

[minakiblogging]

Why born of a married virgin by Theodotus of Ancyra.

But how is it that Jesus, who had to be born of a virgin, was born, not of an unmarried virgin, but of a married virgin? We have to find out. Indeed, those who request an answer are many, desirous of grasping the reason why matters were so arranged. Why was he not born of an unmarried virgin? Why was it that her virginity, which was to serve the Lord’s birth, did not remain totally above…