Hello everyone,

In recent years there has been a pull from two sides to denote the significance of Christmas. On the side of the atheistic or agnostic or those wanting to celebrate Christmas with out acknowledging the birth of Christ there has been a movement involving the media, political groups and universities to point out the so-called “falsehoods” or “contradictions” of the Christmas celebration. Everything belonging to European or Celtic customs that has been used in conjunction with the celebration of the birth of Christ is either called pagan or secular.  While some customs date back before the time of Christ, to say that they remained totally separate from a Christ’s Christmas or to ignore how, like all things under Christ, these traditions took on new significance to the glory of God, is willful and wicked ignorance.  The miracle of Christ is not limited to what was written in the Bible.  It continues in the lives of every believer and as the message of Christianity spreads through out the world you will notice that the worldly religions of old wither away and die, just as the power of sin died before Christ.

The reason for holly at Christmas time is because the red symbolizes the “blood of Christ, and it prickly leaves and branches represents the “crown of thorns” that was placed on Christ’s head at the time of his crucifixion.  As well it is believe that the tree Moses spoke to in the old testament was a holly tree.

Another misguided notion is that the Christmas trees are pagan.  In fact Christmas trees have their roots belonging to medieval German mysteries.  The most popular was the “Paradise Play” which was based on Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Paradise.  It generally ended with the promise of the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  The “Paradise Play” was often performed in or around the churches of Germany and the tree represented both the “tree of life” and the “tree of knowledge” from the Garden of Eden.

Candy Canes were not just a secular snack that mystical elves, created by Macys or Walt Disney, passed out to good little boys and girls.  They were invented by a choirmaster in Cologne Germany around the 17th century.  Originally, they were  sugar sticks bent into the shape of a shepherd staff to hand out to children in church during the Christmas pageant.

Even Santa Claus, in all his various manifestations, has his roots in Christianity.  He is after all St. Nicholas who was a very real and generous Bishop of the early Christian church.  Nicholas gave away his inheritance, filling the empty shoes of his neighbor’s daughters with gold so that they would have money for their dowery to be married.  The very real act of generosity is why we hang our stockings out every Christmas Eve.  The most fantastical and mythical elements of Santa also were created not by pagans or secularist but once again by a clergyman; a professor of biblical studies.  Clement Clark Moore’s purpose in writing “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was to merely create a bed time story for children and was surprised at how the story caught the imagination of America.  Commercial industries then further morphed and blend St. Nicholas with the Dutch legends and English protestant stories of Father Christmas and create the Santa Claus’ that is popular in movies and in shopping malls.  All versions however grew out of Christian’s celebrations of Christmas.  Though with secularists in the media now lending to the Santa Claus mythos and perhaps corrupting it for their own selfish reasons parents need to be at guard on what and who is portraying Santa and what is Santa’s message.  Is he a Merry Christmas ambassador who worships Christ and gives in the same spirit of the wise-men and St. Nicholas, or is he something else…something false to what Christmas is about?

The second group who is also trying to pull apart the significance of Christmas are Christians who find the “holiday” false because its not historically accurate.  They claim to have proof Christ was not born on December 25, and that it was not on a cold winters night, and that he was not born in a wooden barn-sytle manger but a cave.  Some will even argue that Christ is not Christ until he puts Himself on the cross and therefor the only day worth remembering is Easter.  Many of these legalistic Christian arguments have their roots in puritanical and cultish churches who banned the Christmas celebrations in their villages during the 17th and 18th centuries.  Yet many of those Puritans had their own end of year celebrations where they thanked God (Father, SON, and Holy Ghost) for the harvest.  Such celebrations were the roots  of our modern “Thanksgiving.”

As to the puritanical argument the response should be a shrug of the shoulders as if saying “so what’s your point?”  True it was once argued, in the early years of the church, that birthday’s themselves were pagan celebrations but this debate in relationship to Christmas is false because we are not honoring man but God.  In one form or another Christians have always celebrated Christ in wintertime.  Before Christmas it was the Epiphany, on January 6, when Christians celebrate the visit of the wise-men, as well celebrate when Christ revealed the Holy Spirit to the gentiles.  Even if the more cynical reasoning for the date turns out to be correct and the church decided to used the day of December 25 to further intwine Christ into pagan lands, then what of it? When Christmas became officially observed by the Church, Europe, as well as Asia Minor was in the midst of a religious revolution.  God, who had only made himself known to the Jews, had now made a covenant with the rest of the world and the old ways and the old religions had become relics of the past.  The religion of Christ competed against those of the world and the truth of God revealed the deceit and the darkness of the practices and beliefs of the worldly.  (It is perhaps worth mentioning that  it has been argued that in 274 AD the Roman Emperor Aurelian instituted the December pagan feast of the sun to counteract the spread of Christianity.) It is by no coincidence or fickle fate that the western world emerged from the dark ages and became Christendom.  Therefore, because of the total victory of Christ over converted souls, replacing old, meaningless celebrations with ones that glorifies God and celebrates His Gift of Salvation, is a small matter to argue at best. Maybe Germans songwriters imagined Christ being born on a cold winters night because it simply made sense to them given they celebrated Christmas during winter.  It is not the time of year we celebrate or whether it was a cave or the wooden manger portrayed in nativities that is of significance but the matter of Christ’s Holy birth and his divinity that are stated in each Christmas hymn.

You can call Christmas a birthday celebration or you can call it a holiday.  I tend to think of Christmas as neither.  Because, in this generation we simplify Christmas or bring it down to a level that is on par with Halloween or Valentines Day much of the significance of this day of remembrance and celebration has been lost.  Its is not just about bringing families together, nor the wonderment of childhood (although certainly Christmas encourages such sentiments).  Nor does Jesus really need a birthday party, though He may appreciate one. What Christmas really is about is fulfillment, victory, and the Glory of God.  As it was at Christ’s resurrection so it was at His birth; for Christ is God and no ounce of impurity, no temptation, no suffering or woe, could ever stop God’s plan.  God is perfect, after all.  He is Holy.  When believers stop to realize that they follow a God who is the King of Kings, who is the real Champion of all, and who is most merciful and loves His creation so much that He humbled himself in the flesh and sacrificed that flesh to save us from our sins then of course there should be an immeasurable joy for Christmas.  We should be filled with so much gratitude that we should want to share with others.  We should want to celebrate with our friends and transform the ordinary into the jubilant, with festive decorations, gift giving, testimonies and stories of lost souls saved and by cherishing the families God has blessed us with.  Just as Easter should be celebrated with reverence, for God is glorified through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, so to shall we celebrate Christmas jubilantly, for God is glorified through putting Himself in flesh through his Son, Jesus Christ, and through all the wonders of His arrival including the virgin birth, the chorus of angels, and the Christmas star.

Christmas, for me, is so much more than just a “holiday” and its significance and meaning can only be found in truth of the “Word.”  I invite you all to read or re-read the Christmas story this year.  It is my hope and prayer that you will find comfort and joy when you read.  Gospel of Luke Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.

A more in depth and factually based argument in defense of Christmas can be found by clicking here.

Merry Christmas and God Bless,

Matt Thompson

I poem from my younger years. Personally im not chrisitan but this poem was devoted to those I knew who where and their devotion to their faith. I hope you enjoy it.

Eve

and as I sit and peer at this scene, silver stars from the heavens stream
and the landscape so peacfully serine becomes the master smith of a dream
and so the thought dose come to mind, of all the selves Ive left behind
and through all the corpses you will never find, thus lies the fate of all mankind
and so these black streets I explore, paths so utterly beautiful before
and yet thanks to the corperate lore, the essance of truth is never more
and within this conundrum I do believe, the essance with which they deceive
and so the seed to conseive, I pray for on this christmas eve
and the seed of the grace of the child, lay there so utterly mild
and gave forth the eyes of the wild, and the mouth that always smiled
and so like old he comes again, the son of god, the father of men
and like him now is like him then, for he is everlasting, neverchanging…Amen. 

Eve

and as I sit and peer at this scene, silver stars from the heavens stream
and the landscape so peacfully serine becomes the master smith of a dream
and so the thought dose come to mind, of all the selves Ive left behind
and through all the corpses you will never find, thus lies the fate of all mankind
and so these black streets I explore, paths so utterly beautiful before
and yet thanks to the corperate lore, the essance of truth is never more
and within this conundrum I do believe, the essance with which they deceive
and so the seed to conseive, I pray for on this christmas eve
and the seed of the grace of the child, lay there so utterly mild
and gave forth the eyes of the wild, and the mouth that always smiled
and so like old he comes again, the son of god, the father of men
and like him now is like him then, for he is everlasting, neverchanging…Amen.

Took my mother to her cousin Ramona’s funeral today. I was judgemental: “Why don’t people tell little stories about the deceased when the officiating guy asks?” (It was like pulling teeth from these people! I wanted to say something and I barely remember Ramona! I remember her big dark swoop of 1940’s hair and her big eyes and red painted lips. I’m putting that in my will — at my grave side service people had best say something about me or I’m going to f-ing kill them!) I also thought ”Why are people so disrespectful and wearing cut-off old black jean shorts and worn hoodies?”

I loved seeing Ramona’s daughters. I could see the resemblance to their mother. They remembered me when I was small. Ramona’s youngest, Kristen, was Ramona’s care giver for the past 4 years — she and I are kindred souls this way.

My heart and intellect totally opened to the slick pastor guy who had his compassionate-authoritative thing down! I admired his whole schtick that simply worked. He is a master of what he does; like the piano player Harold Belson who used to accompany singers at Sorry Charlies back in the day who made all of us sound good because he was such an excellent player. This guy was excellent at both going with the flow while following a program.

Being as I am from a non-religious lineage I am not jaded by bible stuff and so while I listened to the Pastor talk about John’s description of heaven I could really see everything around me – the casket with the molded metal corners, the cemetary worker lady in her Polyester black suit and long black hair that should have been cut after jr. high and her practical high heels and too-dark tan stepping confidently as a mountain goat on the sloped lawn around the Astroturf ground cover. My soul  absorbed the refrigerator roses in their otherworldly lavendar colors that we were later asked to place on top of the off white casket if we wished (of course nobody started so Idid!), the smattering of old friends and family (some wonderful older women who were so amazing, solid, beautiful…), the out of shape guys asking one another when they’re going to go fishin’ again. I blanched at the bratty kids crying and ruining the adult time (drowning out my pastor MAN!), the fountain in the distance with little brown leaves floating atop its pond of green-blue. I saw life and death like a big picture and the Pastor talking about reunion and how when we get to heaven whatever it looks like there will be NO GAP BETWEEN HERE AND THERE. Can you imagine? That disconnect will be gone — he promised!

I AM going to change the world! Somehow! We are all born for this, this is our purpose! Thank God, only few realise it, because we are not all made for it. But I feel I am. I have been preparing all my life for this. And each journey begins with one step. Small, medium, or Double-King-Size. I have already decided what my first step is going to be.

I

will change

ME

My mind is making considerable progress in cracking and breaking outside the box it is programmed to work in. One day, I will be completely free. And that will be the day the world will feel my true power. For one is not always meant to be a simple person. NO! That would be cruel. We are not locked in ourselves. We are free to evolve. All we have to do is be aware of all  those other states of existence hidden, but open to us. So, humans, ACKNOWLEDGE your true power and use it. Stop lingering! Stop accepting your mediocrity! Be self-aware! Shatter your so called “limits” for they are an illusion.

…only after disaster can we be resurected…

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Not so Insane

Jesus said, “I am the Resurection and the Life”. John 11:25

We must fully understand this statement!! It encapsulates the purpose, the power, and the point of who Jesus is and everything that Jesus accomplished. It is not just about living in heaven, but ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven NOW!

It is not worth us extending compassion until we understand this radical truth to the very core of our being. We need to know that wherever there is pain, there is hope! Wherever there is death, there can be resurrection!

This single verse contains the glorious gospel that we must fully give ourselves to. It is what it means to follow Christ. In the beginning, God said that what he had created was good. It was Eden. Humanity, through Adam, fell, and sin entered …and we kept falling, and falling, and falling. We are all born on a fast track to death… until Jesus came. And he came and said “I am the Resurrection and the Life”. I have come to halt the decay, I have come to offer hope to that which appeared hopeless.

Jesus is in the “bringing back to life” business. It’s his thing.

In the Greek scriptures there is a prefix that is often used, ‘ana’. Translated into English, this prefix is the same as the ‘re’ prefix that we put before certain words. Whenever you see the letters ‘re’ prefixed before a word in scripture it means to return to an original condition that was ruined or lost. For example…

· Reconciliation means the restoration of reestablishment of a prior friendship of unity.
· Renewal – means to make new again, restoring to an original state.

Resurrection means becoming alive again.

What does this mean? It means a whole lot more than offering people heaven (although it is vital that we do and vital that we pine for that great and glorious day). It means also that we are to go and speak words of resurrection to areas of humanity that are dying.

- It means we can go to the person whose spouse is leaving, that there is hope of resurrection coming to that which is dying in the marriage.
- It means we can go to our friend who has been defeated by the loss his job and who only see’s closed doors, that there is resurrection hope that doors will open again.
- It means that the one, who has been choked by the pursuits of vanity, can be revived with real life and real substance.
- It means that the hungry can be fed, it means, it means the one who is naked with vulnerability can have their dignity restored again.

Jesus statement about being the Resurrection and the Life is not just about Heaven…. it is about now! The Kingdom is coming, but it has also come.

It means that whenever there are areas of death in our lives, then power of the living Christ can bring a resurrection and life.

I am not saying it’s easy, but I am saying that there is hope. And as people who need to wear the hat of compassion we need to dispense the hope that exists because Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life!!

Live the Ressurection!

That the resurrection of Christ from the dead is at the heart of the christian faith is incontrovertible.  We believe that “Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried, that he was raised again from the dead on the third day according to the scriptures” (v3). We believe that Christ REIGNS eternally and reigns in each and every believer  not only for now but for  all eternity!  Because of the resurrection of Christ:

1. We know that we too would rise some day (v23) that the limit of  life span is not 70 years or more but that it spans eternity as our Lord’s. That at the end of our earthly sojourn, we will only change residence, we will go from life to life and we will go through the gates of heaven into eternity!
2. We have a new motivation for living (v29-32).  The challenges of daily living focused on pleasing God and lived in the light of eternity derives its strength from the facts of the resurrection -  that someday, we will rise because Christ rose and reigns and we will reign with Him.
3. The fact of the resurrection has brought within  reach the whole resources of God required for daily living (v10).  Paul said “by the Grace of God I am what I am” (v10).  Think of the change in value systems?  Think of what others regard as special characteristics we possess. Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col.1v27).  His grace motivates us to desire to live daily for Him and in expectation of His second coming!.
4. There is an anchor for our hope (v19). If Christ had not resurrected there would not have been a second coming which provides an anchor for our hope (v19).  Indeed we are most to be pitied if there is no hope of resurrection, if it will all end here. But thank God for the resurrection – there is hope, hope for today and hope for eternity!

Jesus I worship you for you are alive and you reign.  Reign in me today and always.  AMEN.

Apostolul Pavel avea toate motivele să fie ruşinat de Evanghelia pe care o predica pentru că ea contrazicea absolut orice era susţinut ca a fi adevărat şi sacru printre contemporanii săi.

Dar mai este un motiv pentru care să fi fost firesc ruşinat: Evanghelia este o imposibilitate absolută, un mesaj necredibil. Un cuvânt absurd pentru înţelepţii lumii.

Ca şi creştini, noi falimentăm total uneori în a realiza cât de uluitor este când cineva crede cu adevărat mesajul. Într-un sens, Evanghelia este aşa exagerată încât răspândirea în Imperiul Roman este un examen ori este natura ei supranaturală.

Ce putea aduce vreodată un păgân, complet necunoscător al Scripturilor Vechiului Testament şi bine înrădăcinat în orice filozofie greacă sau superstiţii păgâne, ca să creadă un aşa mesaj despre un om numit Isus?

El a fost născut în circumstanţe discutabile într-o familie săracă într-una dintre cele mai dispreţuite regiuni ale Imperiului Roman; şi totuşi, Evanghelia că Acesta a fost Eternul Fiu al lui Dumnezeu care a fost conceput de Duhul Sfânt în pântecele unei evreice virgine.

A fost dulgher de profesie şi un învăţător religios itinerant cu nici o instruire oficială; şi totuşi Evanghelia declară că depăşeşte învăţătura oricărei filozofii greceşti combinată cu orice deştept Roman al antichităţii.

El a fost sărac şi nu a avut un loc unde să-şi plece capul; şi totuşi Evanghelia declară că pentru trei ani a alimentat sute printr-un cuvânt, a vindecat orice boală printre oameni, şi chiar a înviat din morţi.

El a fost crucificat afară din Ierusalim ca un blasfemiator şi un inamic al statului; şi totuşi Evanghelia declară că moartea Sa a fost evenimentul central din toată istoria umană şi singurul mijloc de salvare şi reconciliere cu Dumnezeu.

A fost pus într-o groapă împrumutată; şi totuşi Evanghelia declară că în a treia zi a înviat din morţi şi s-a arătat multora dintre cei ce-L urmau. Patruzeci de zile mai târziu, s-a ridicat la cer şi stă la mâna dreaptă a lui Dumnezeu.

Astfel, Evanghelia declară că acest dulgher sărac evreu, care a fost respins ca un lunatic şi blasfemiator de propriul popor şi cruficiat de stat, este acum Salvatorul lumii, Domnul domnilor şi Împăratul împăraţilor. În Numele Lui orice genunchi, inclusiv al lui Cezar, se va pleca

Réincarnation

Pour nous libérer de l’océan de souffrance, nous devrions commencer à étudier et pratiquer le sentier de la libération. Nous pouvons espérer obtenir un résultat après quelques années mais, à vrai dire, nous devrions plutôt envisager de continuer notre entrainement pendant de nombreuses vies. Dans chacune de ces vies, nous allons avoir besoin d’un support adéquat pour notre pratique, à savoir un corps humain, sans lequel il sera impossible de faire le moindre progrès. La première étape sur cette trajectoire, par conséquent, est d’assurer une bonne renaissance humaine.

Maison du Pharillon

Retour à la vie pour de jeunes toxicomanes

Premières impressions sur la Maison du Pharillon       Dossier Toxicomanie

Lundi 27 avril 2009. J’arrive à la Maison du Pharillon pour observer l’atelier spécial que les intervenants font vivre ce soir-là aux jeunes en thérapie. Dès mon arrivée, on me propose d’essayer l’atelier moi-même avant d’en observer d’autres le vivre, ce que j’accepte avec joie. Ce soir-là, on me dit que je suis morte, que j’ai été happée par une voiture en chemin. Puis, je reviens à la vie, en femme nouvelle… Pour moi, l’atelier est improvisé, mais pour les jeunes hommes de la Maison du Pharillon, il est préparé, personnalisé et rempli d’intensité.

L’histoire d’un jeune qui s’en sort

Ancien toxicomane, Yannick a fait sa thérapie à la Maison du Pharillon il y a quelques mois. Cet atelier bien particulier de mort et de résurrection, il a été parmi les premiers à le vivre. On lui a dit, à lui aussi, qu’il était mort, puis on a décrit sa vie et son histoire comme si elles étaient bien terminées. Il a vécu l’expérience intensément, d’autant plus que la mort lui a déjà semblé la meilleure solution. Mais à ce moment-là, en thérapie, il voulait revivre. Alors, on lui a dit qu’il renaissait en homme nouveau, on lui a dit que son avenir serait plein de ses rêves…

C’était un atelier bien spécial intégré dans une thérapie à l’approche tant sociale que spirituelle. Aujourd’hui, Yannick a complété ses 14 semaines de thérapie et même ses 12 semaines de réinsertion. Bientôt, il suivra une formation professionnelle et cherchera un emploi. Mais pour lui, le combat contre ses démons intérieurs, comme celui de la dépendance, n’est pas terminé. Au contraire, il commence: «Quand on est dans la Maison avec les gars, c’est plus facile, dit-il. Mais quand on se retrouve tout seul dans un appartement, c’est autre chose.» Rien n’est gagné, mais il sait qu’il est sur la bonne voie.

Une aide, un avenir

Ce lundi soir-là, Yannick est présent en tant qu’ancien pour aider à l’atelier. Il fait partie de la mise en scène et aide aux effets spéciaux. Il peut ainsi voir de l’extérieur ce qu’il a lui-même vécu quelques temps auparavant. Il peut également écouter la description que font les intervenants de la vie des participants, tous des jeunes au dur passé dans la toxicomanie et à l’avenir prometteur avec leurs ambitions.

Valérie

VOS COMMENTAIRES SUR LA MAISON DU PHARILLON CENTRE DE THÉRAPIE.

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?  The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over The face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.  Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the Tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus Loved. She said, ‘They have taken the Lord’s body out of the Tomb, and I don’t know where they have put him!’

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in nd saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in.  Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely!   Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to Understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.  The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. 

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.  The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.  The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m done.”

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant…

“I’m coming back!”

www.bibledonate.org

Check this sick shit out.  To me, Cryogenics is the new form of Mummification. The details is slightly different, but just as gruesome.

The Ideas (Energy) never dies, only changes. Immortality now, Afterlife then. What is it that THEY know now, that WE forgot? Is there more to the Mysticsm? Why this never-ending love affair of Europe with Egypt?

As we approach the Erez crossing on the Israeli side of the border with the Palestinian territory of Gaza, it suddenly occurs to me that I have already grown familiar with the routine. The 1.5 hour drive from IOCC’s offices in East Jerusalem no longer requires a road map and even the gas stations or coffee shops along the route have grown familiar.

The entry process through the modern, high-tech Erez crossing terminal and security also seems routine, and I need to pause and remind myself of the daily reality for the 1.5 million Palestinians on the other side of this crossing – that they are effectively prisoners in a small strip of land some 5 miles wide and 25 miles in length along the scenic Mediterranean coast. Today, they remain isolated, subjected to trauma and deprived of much of what we take for granted in our own daily lives – the cumulative result of over 60 years of continuing political, economic, social, religious and military conflict and turmoil on both sides of this border. A lasting peace continues to elude this complex and Holy land where the world’s great monotheistic religions – all “People of the Book” converge.

But today, as always, there are small differences. As I enter the terminal and hand my passport and ID to the border control police, I am asked the customary questions regarding the purpose of my entry to Gaza. As always, I respond that I work with IOCC and that I will be meeting with and working with the Orthodox Christian Church in Gaza, as well as His Eminence Archbishop Alexios of Tiberius (who is based in Gaza) in our efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable families. The border agent listens to my response and questions: “A Christian Church in Gaza?” I politely respond, “Yes, there is a historic Orthodox Christian Church in Gaza, although it now numbers only 3,000 persons.” The border agent follow up with: “How long has the Church been in Gaza?” My response, “Approximately 2,000 years.” The border agent gives me a look of some surprise, but then stamps my passport and we proceed through the remaining doors and security, finally exiting into the sunshine for the 1/4 mile walk down the road to where our Gazan friends are waiting. But it seems that, at least for the near-term, no amount of response and explanation to questions from these same border police will ensure their freedom to leave this small strip of land.

Waiting for us as usual is George, a member of the Orthodox faithful in Gaza. George studied and lived in northern Greece for some years before returning home to Gaza. He now owns a small business and volunteers to assist His Eminence and the ministry of the Church with driving and other tasks. Father Amfilochios, the young Orthodox priest who serves in Gaza together with His Eminence Archbishop Alexios, is also there to greet us. Even though we have become close friends over the past months, I am always humbled by the lives of dedicated Christian service that these men of God exemplify.

Friday passes by quickly as I meet with the IOCC field officers in Gaza – Khalil and Mousa – and we discuss the business and tasks related to IOCC’s ongoing efforts to assist the most vulnerable and needy Gaza families. A distribution of food and non-food items – made from the courtyard of the Church and monastery is being finalized today – and many of the beneficiaries are expressing their gratitude to His Eminence and the IOCC field officers. The Church is located in the oldest section of Gaza City called “Az Zaitoun” which is also now one of the poorest areas. More than 500 needy families have received assistance today through the partnership of IOCC and the Orthodox Church in Gaza.

March 28, 2009

Saturday brings more meetings and a visit to nearby “Beit Hanoun” where another distribution of food and hygiene materials for poor Gaza families is accomplished by IOCC staff and our partners.

This is followed by a visit to the Orthodox School and a discussion with the dedicated directors, teachers and students of the school.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate School of Gaza serves more than 500 Christian and Muslim students from grades K-9. Built in 2000, the school is regarded as one of the best in Gaza, and is also one of the very few schools that integrates male and female students. As I have never developed my own ability at languages, I am humbled by the fact that Arabic, French and English are part of the curriculum for students starting at the Kindergarten level.

The school hopes to raise the necessary funds to construct a third floor, which will allow them to accept more students and also provide quality education for the higher grades of 10-12. As we depart, we pass through a modern science laboratory which is completely prepared for students, but cannot be utilized until science teaching equipment and materials are allowed to enter Gaza.

Saturday evening brings the start of the most significant and meaningful part of my time in Gaza during this visit, as we join His Eminence, Father Amfilochios and the faithful for worship – first with Vespers, and soon to be followed by Sunday morning Liturgy. All of this is taking place in the Church of Saint Porphyrios, who brought Christianity to this then pagan city during his ministry as Bishop of Gaza from 395-420 AD. Entering the ancient church, which was originally constructed in 406 AD and is currently 6-10 feet below street level, we venerate the relics of the Saint, which are placed beneath his icon. A Palestinian friend name Gabriel who is based in Jerusalem “wrote” the icon of the Saint. It is a beautiful example of his work which often combines Byzantine and Russian styles.

For Dirk‘s complete Gaza diary go to ioccingaza.blogspot.com.

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Help IOCC speed relief to families who have been caught in this conflict. Visit www.iocc.org , call IOCC toll free at 1-877-803-4622, or mail a check or money order payable to “IOCC” and write “Middle East Relief” in the memo line to: IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225.

IOCC, founded in 1992 as the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented over $300 million in relief and development programs in more than 33 countries around the world.

Media: Contact Amal Morcos at 410-243-9820 or (cell) 443-823-3489.

( http://directionstoorthodoxy.org/n/field_diary_gazas_orthodox_community.html )

CEREMONIES PROGRAM DURING THE HOLY WEEK AT THE HOLY CHURCH OF THE RESURECTION

Time: Summer time:

Saturday of Lazarus: The Vesper 2p.m 3p.m

Palm Sunday: The Holy Liturgy 7a.m 8a.m

Palm Sunday: Service of the Bridegroom 5.15p.m 6.15p.m

Holy Monday: Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified 8a.m 9a.m

Gifts at the Holy Calvary

Holy Monday: Service of the Bridegroom 5.15p.m 6.15p.m

Holy Tuesday: Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified 8a.m 9a.m

Gifts at the Holy Calvary

Holy Tuesday: Service of the Bridegroom 5.15p.m 6.15p.m

Holy Wednesday: Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified 8a.m 9a.m

Gifts at the Holy Calvary

Holy Thursday: Holy Liturgy of St.Vasilios 5.30a.m 6.30a.m

at the Cathedral of St.James

Holy Thursday: The washing of the feet 8p.m 9p.m

Ceremony

Holy Thursday: Service of the Passions 5.15p.m 6.15p.m

Holy Friday: Great Hours 9a.m 10a.m

at the Holy Calvary

Holy Friday: The Vesper 2p.m 3p.m

Holy Friday: Service of the Burial 8p.m 9p.m

Holy Saturday: Ceremony of the Holy Fire 12midday 1p.m

Holy Saturday: Resurrection Ceremony 11p.m 12midnight

Easter Sunday: Second Resurrection 12midday 1p.m

ΤΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΤΩΝ ΤΕΛΕΤΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΗΣ ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΟΣ ΕΝ ΤΩ ΝΑΩ ΤΗΣ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΕΩΣ

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΪΩΝ 2009 ΣΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΕΙΟ ΙΕΡΟΣΟΛΥΜΩΝ

]]> http://inspiretomorrow.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/all-sin-is-gone/ Sun, 12 Apr 2009 05:04:12 +0000 Joe Lawrence http://inspiretomorrow.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/all-sin-is-gone/

Being in the military often brings attention to myself.  I can recall going for lunch one day and a gentlemen behind me insisted on paying for my lunch.  It was his way of showing support and love for us service members.  I felt honored and humbled.  He paid a debt of mine and in turn provided food for my body.

If this happened to any one of you, it would be something to be thankful for.  You may even tell your spouse or friends about this man.  This small gesture would not soon be forgotten.  If you think something like this has never occurred in your life, think again.  In fact, think back two thousand years.

Jesus Christ was sentenced to death by crucifixion.  He was first to be whipped with 39 lashes from a weapon with 9 straps entangled with shards of bone, pottery and stone.  This punishment was reserved for the most hardened of all criminals.  Jesus never committed a single crime.

Jesus lived a sinless life and died a terrible death.  Why?  By doing so a new covenant was formed where man no longer was required to sacrifice livestock for forgiveness.  No longer were actions needed to get into Heaven.  He was the lamb of God.  He was sacrificed for all of our sins.

Each crack of the whip symbolizes my sin.  Each moment on that cross was His way of paying for my debts.  All He asks is for me to follow Him.

Just as I had accepted the free meal, I have accepted this payment for my sin.  I do not deserve it and could never live a life worthy of His sacrifice but He loves me regardless.  Will you accept His payment?

History tells us that when Jesus was buried in the tomb had been hiding a rabbit that looked like people were crying at the sight of our Lord died and the rabbit was sad for his mert.

It took a long time watching, wondering who this man seeria by all those who cried and suddenly saw Jesus rose and bent savannas that had wrapped.
An angel removed the stone that sealed the sepulcroy Jesus left alive.

The rabbit understood that all those who cried was the son of God, Jesus and realized that I had to warn everyone that Jesus had risen.

But as wise not to speak, decided to paint an egg for all to understand, understand the message of rebirth, resurrection, the message of joy of life.

Since then every Easter Sunday, the rabbit comes out carrying eggs painted in colors, for every house to remind the world that Jesus Christ was resurrected, is alive and that we must live this day with joy, with faith and hope

LEYENDA DEL CONEJO DE PASCUAS

Cuenta la historia que cuando a Jesucristo lo enterraron en el sepulcro habia quedado un conejo escondido que veia como las personas lloraban al ver a nuestro señor muerto y estaba el conejo triste por su merte.

Paso mucho rato mirandolo, preguntandose, quien seeria ese señor por quienes todos lloraban y de pronto vio como Jesus se levantaba y doblaba las sabanas que lo habian envuelto.
Un angel quito la piedra que sellaba el sepulcro y Jesus salio vivo.

El conejo comprendio que ese por quienes todos lloraban era el hijo de Dios, Jesus y se dio cuenta que tenia que avisarles a todos que Jesus habia resucitado.

Pero como no sabia hablar, decidio llevar un huevo pintado para que todos pudieran entenderlo, entenderian el mensaje de renacimiento, de resurrecion, el mensaje de vida de alegria.

Desde entonces cada Domingo de Pascua, el conejo sale llevando huevos pintados, de colores, para todas las casas para recordarle al mundo, que Jesucristo resucito, que esta vivo y que hay que vivir este dia con alegria, con fe y esperanza

Why is this Good Friday? For the full answer to that I bow to authorities far better qualified than I to answer. This is not the God Blog. It was not designed to be nor will it likely be. It is however the product of one who holds beliefs that cannot and should not be seperated from daily life.

From that it is the firm hope of von Rum that any and all who observe this day that they truly remember why they do so. For two thousand years Easter has been commemorated by those who believe. It is not just another day, and not just another day off. It is far far more.

Easter is often remembered as a day to lay flowers on the graves of those who have departed. It is a day of feasting on ham and eggs. It is a day of reunions and early morning services. It is also a day often tossed aside in popularity by the far more commercialized Christmas. In some ways this may be good.

Easter is the preeminent Christian festival, not Christmas. This is often overlooked. In the solemn ceremonies commemorating the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is the true heart of the faith. All other decorations are of no real importance without these things.

For those who normally log on to TheDailyRum for political or social commentary this is different. It is also most important. It is the central fact of the life and experience of von Rum. He is not by any means the best messenger though he knows the message.

For those who believe in Christ what I have said is obvious. For those who don’t or are curious then many roads are open to you. We live in a world of economic and political uncertainty. Our children and grandchildren’s futures are not what we thought they would be. We face job choices and choices in daily life that we thought we would not have to make. Through it all though there are options open to us. There is a faith and a belief that sustains through all. It is not one which simply delivers us from pain but one instead which strengthens us to endure pain and loss. It is an eternal strength.

This Easter Weekend let all who will let themselves open their hearts and minds to the greater things that are there for the offering as opposed to the smallness and fear of our uncertainty.

Go with God.

von Rum

Jesus came… was crucified… rose from the dead with all authority and promised to be with us to the end of the age  to create a people whose sins are forgiven, and whose hearts are full of the love of God, and who are so emboldened by the triumphant Christ, that they spend their lives with risk and sacrifice and love to help others know and enjoy the greatness of Christ forever and ever.”

-John Piper

La Semana Santa conmemora la pasión, muerte y resureccion de Cristo, es una celebración muy importante para los Católicos,  etc.. (que creen en Jesús) Antes de semana santa es la Vigilia, que es hacer ciertos sacrificios durante 40 dias, ya que jesus paso un tiempo similar en el desierto, meditando, antes de la pasion.
Semana santa es seguida por semana des pascua, que celebra que Jesús resucitó, y generalmente se dan estas dos semanas de vacaciones.
Se supone que Semana santa es una semana de guardar, es decir, muy calmado, de ir a la iglesia al menos durante jueves, viernes y sabado santos y domingo de gloria.

 Mucha gente se vá de vacasiones, otros se quedan en sus casas, otros se van de misiones.
Personalmente siendo Católica pienso que la semana santa deberia de verdad ser tomada de guardar, aunque yo se que yo misma no la he tomado así pero bueno, para quienes son católicos, hagas lo que hagas, yo creo que mínimo hay que tener en mente a Jesús esos días.
Saludos
(me salió mi lado “Moto” ajaja)