tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205231092011-12-28T15:06:26.759-05:00Ramblings of a Byzantine Catholic Priest.The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.comBlogger7781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-75223532166907569782011-12-25T07:03:00.004-05:002011-12-25T07:12:09.359-05:00

To those following the New Calendar, we wish a joyous Feast of the Nativity!

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-2234375131371202332011-12-24T10:53:00.004-05:002011-12-24T14:23:27.676-05:00

As a Christian, I hold to ethical principles that strongly influence my political views. As a priest, and bound by civic legal rules that stifle my First Amendment rights to free speech, I do not represent my political views as in any way reflecting the teachings, opinions, or holding the authority of my Church. Thus, in this my first - and likely only - posting of a distinctly political nature,

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-74501433392289971272011-12-23T11:25:00.004-05:002011-12-23T11:33:34.374-05:00

Today, the Chicago Sun-times reports a rarely stated fact for Christians in the Middle East: Persecution at the hands of Moslem neighbors.From the report, note the following:Only in Israel, where religious freedom is honored, have Christians increased, soaring from 34,000 in 1948 to 140,000 today.Advocates for Islam talk about its history of tolerance, but political, revolutionary Islamism is the

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-4981853087881783962011-12-21T09:58:00.008-05:002011-12-21T10:06:30.905-05:00

Professor Charles L Glenn of Boston University has contributed a thought-provoking piece over at First Things concerning Secular Education in the United States. It is well worth reading and pondering. Below are a few excerpts.Most Americans are products of the public school’s 140-year near-monopoly on education, and have an understandable residual loyalty to our current educational settlement;

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-15402749712311434852011-11-27T15:26:00.000-05:002011-11-27T15:26:00.183-05:00

I've mentioned this old commercial to people for years, and just when I had despaired finally found it. It still strikes me as one of the most original and humorous ads I've ever seen.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-27394180616346695042011-11-24T15:40:00.002-05:002011-11-24T15:51:09.344-05:00

Well, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. This is pure cinema and natural humor. It's worth a few minutes for the timely chuckle.Trotting With Turkeys:Says the webiste: One of our CBS13 photojournalists tracks down some wild turkeys on Thanksgiving and gives chase. Nov. 24, 2011For those in the States, those from the States, and US citizens everywhere: Happy Thanksgiving!

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-72446647881677821772011-11-22T04:36:00.002-05:002011-11-22T04:36:00.275-05:00

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-54121043934011710532011-11-09T09:26:00.011-05:002011-11-09T11:09:25.874-05:00

When Brian DeFrees decided to make a trip around the US, he also decided to document his travels with time-lapse photographs. The results are interesting, inspiring, and 'moving'.Enjoy.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-7422061116143459382011-09-11T08:51:00.004-04:002011-09-11T09:10:08.433-04:00

Réquiem ætérnam dona eis Dómine.Eternal rest grant them, Lord.et lux perpétua lúceat eis.Let light perpetual shine upon them.Requiéscant in pace. Amen.May they rest in peace. Amen.Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμηВечная память

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-53084334999239262982011-08-05T06:08:00.001-04:002011-08-05T11:21:07.370-04:00

First, my apologies for the lateness in ending the 'quest'. Time has a way of getting away as they say.Now, on to the answer to the Quest of the World's Greatest Flint:At the end of Return of the King, Aragorn, Gandalf and company proceed on horseback to the Moranon - the Black Gate - in a feint to draw out Sauron's forces in the hope of making it easier for Frodo and Samwise to make it to Mount

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-77288736142918408662011-07-26T07:27:00.003-04:002011-07-26T07:34:59.357-04:00

Rod Dreher speaks to the issue of the Norway terrorist bomber and the media's somewhat biased coverage. It is worth your time to read it. Find it here. Below are a couple of snippets....In the rambling document, Breivik calls for a new "crusade" against Islam,and quotes from the work of journalists and commentators (including, briefly,me) who have spoken out against Islamic extremism and the

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-5489532219046899882011-07-20T14:56:00.015-04:002011-07-21T07:36:30.810-04:00

Recently I had the pleasure of spending a few quiet evenings watching Lord of the Rings Extended Edition again. Now this is a movie I've seen several times - a favorite - and I was shocked when it suddenly struck me that it features the greatest flint of all time.The flint in question is at once visual and a basic continuity error in the telling of the story. It is not minor and is not one of

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-77074854245497930532011-06-29T06:56:00.000-04:002011-06-29T10:09:24.128-04:00

Sandro Magister recently began a series of contributions by several Italian (and/or Roman) theologians discussing the Second Vatican Council. Last week saw a very interesting addition to the discussion by University of Bologna Professor Enrico Morini. Professor Morini outlines a thesis that the Council did indeed elicit a rupture, but one that sought to re-establish continuity with the Tradition

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-674541098927770212011-06-23T10:30:00.004-04:002011-06-23T10:52:46.327-04:00

I can't say that I frequent the CBN website or TV network, however their video on the fall of Constantinople is accurate in its historic detail. While some terms are changed out for Protestants (Christian "service" for "Divine Liturgy", etc.) it is worthy of your time and attention. Several of the page's links are also worth checking.It's nice to see Protestantism look into some of that Old Time

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-54488746609110710312011-06-08T11:56:00.003-04:002011-06-08T12:26:15.662-04:00

MercatorNet recently had a very interesting piece on the new Hungarian Constitution. It's worth a read.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-6412707893827893062011-05-26T06:57:00.001-04:002011-05-26T08:06:42.676-04:00

The Middle East Forum offers a startling (because factual and accurate) report on the psychology of Egypt's majority regarding its tiny Coptic Christian minority. The analysis is applicable for much of the Middle East.Here is an except:Al-Awwa further charged that Egypt's security forces cannot enter the monasteries to investigate for weapons—an amazing assertion, considering that Coptic

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-64539611175822690702011-05-19T07:26:00.000-04:002011-05-19T09:34:21.321-04:00

Terry Mattingly always provides thoughtful and insightful comments, and this week's submission,"Define fundamentalist, please", is no exception. Below is one excerpt to tease you along to read the full text.The problem is that religious authorities — the voices journalists quote — keep pinning this label on others. Thus, one expert’s “evangelical” is another’s “fundamentalist.” For “progressive”

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-87915049570878101522011-05-13T12:58:00.004-04:002011-05-13T13:11:27.329-04:00

Salvo Magazine has a very interesting and thought provoking discussion entitled, Gandalf on Mars: What Bleeping Codes Say About Intelligent Design by Richard W. Steven. It is rational, entertaining, and persuasive. Give it a go! (Its even got Turing machines!)

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-53002564661097186882011-05-12T12:28:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:56:49.357-04:00

Ok...Consider the following thought experiment:A trolley (a tram or a streetcar) is running out of control down a track. In its path are five people who have been tied to the track by a mad philosopher. Fortunately, you could flip a switch, which will lead the trolley down a different track to safety. Unfortunately, there is a single person tied to that track. Should you flip the switch or do

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-66208950604718968532011-04-24T04:01:00.002-04:002011-04-24T09:12:11.166-04:00

Καλή Ανάσταση!جيد القيامةالمسيح قامХристос воскресChrist is risen!

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-9520642494029682312011-04-08T16:07:00.003-04:002011-04-08T16:16:57.892-04:00

A beautiful story as told by Leonard Fein at the Jewish Daily Forward. Here is a story of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism, a story my mother, herself an eighth-generation descendant of the Besht, told me: It happened that a disciple of the Besht came one day to the master and said: “I don’t understand. Every year, we have a wonderful Seder, we do everything we have been instructed to

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-40919745655705763322011-04-01T18:00:00.001-04:002011-04-01T18:00:01.205-04:00

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-74964717719726769582011-04-01T12:30:00.000-04:002011-04-01T12:30:00.274-04:00

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-2093912196264646102011-04-01T05:25:00.003-04:002011-04-01T05:25:00.451-04:00

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-61194622986575616632011-03-31T05:21:00.000-04:002011-03-31T08:24:46.695-04:00

Risque? O yes! To the point? You bet! Orthodox message? I believe so, actually....

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-45687873215171255322011-03-24T15:05:00.004-04:002011-03-24T15:15:36.714-04:00

Axios! and many years to Bishop Svyatoslav (Shevchuk), reportedly elected Supreme Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church cf. Джерело публікації: risu.org.ua.The Kyiv Post reports the following:New head of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church electedToday at 17:00 Interfax-Ukraine The new head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) was elected on Thursday by the Synod of Bishops, but

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-75186085285396094712011-03-14T00:19:00.003-04:002011-03-14T00:25:21.058-04:00

have mercy on the people of Japan, all the suffering people in the Middle East, and all your sinful servants throughout this corrupt world.Through the prayers of the Theotokos and the Martyrs Evdokia, Antonia, the Martyrs Nestor, Tribimos, and the Holy Agapios of Batopedeia, Martyrii of Zelenetski, and Domnina the female Monastic. Amen, kai Amen.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-65664236039898388332011-03-09T06:02:00.002-05:002011-03-09T14:17:06.134-05:00

On this third day of the Great Fast (or "Ash Wednesday" for all our Roman readers), a few interesting finds across the Internet presented in no particular order.Unborn babies played music in the womb 'remember the melodies when they are born'A New Tool for Creative Thinking: Mind-Body Dissonance'Six shot dead' in Egyptian religious clashes'In God We Trust' suit rejected by Supreme CourtMarriage

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-87593744811439370612011-03-07T05:36:00.000-05:002011-03-07T07:43:04.419-05:00

Check out the offering by David Warren over at Real Clear Religion. It's entitled, We Have an Upside-Down Religion. I won't even quote it; I'll just say, Read it.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-70324566749631670822011-03-05T05:08:00.003-05:002011-04-01T10:57:52.975-04:00

Where is the outrage? Where is the shame at the continued slaughter? Can we really pretend to be righteous when innocents die, murdered by those who claim authority and blasphemous right? What has happened to our consciences that we bray at the suffering of animals, yet turn a blind eye to a massacretaking place here in our sight? How can we lay ourselves downto hypocritical sleepwhile blood

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-63416318744317140902011-03-04T04:42:00.002-05:002011-03-04T14:52:37.864-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Hipster Kitty lolz!Especially apropos during tax season. Which reminds me, if it's tax season why can't we shoot them?

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-38126302098089940172011-02-28T13:29:00.004-05:002011-02-28T13:43:29.417-05:00

The Assyrian International News Agency posts this story:Egyptian Armed Forces Fire At Christian Monasteries, 19 Injured(AINA) -- For the second time in as many days, Egyptian armed force stormed the 5th century old St. Bishoy monastery in Wadi el-Natroun, 110 kilometers from Cairo. Live ammunition was fired, wounding two monks and six Coptic monastery workers. Several sources confirmed the army's

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-85608663872855336082011-02-04T04:39:00.001-05:002011-02-04T09:13:01.342-05:00

Over the last couple of weeks we've been following the growing turmoil in Egypt. There are many questions: What is happening? Where is it all going? What does it all mean?There is also a question about what led to its eruption.For live coverage, Al Jazeera has an English language web cast available here.Israel's Haaritz News service has produced a thought provoking deliberation about the place of

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-52384463532195463722011-01-27T09:32:00.002-05:002011-01-27T09:41:52.708-05:00

Over at Reason.com, David Harsanyi has contributed a piece encouraging a re-examination of the question of abortion. It is entitled Abortion, Religion, and Science. His basic thesis is that one should honestly look at the science as well as the religious issues involved. I have often made the pro-life argument solely on the basis of biology, genetics, and logic. The debate Mr Harsanyi proposes

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-30027897653484989812011-01-14T07:33:00.001-05:002011-01-14T07:47:55.018-05:00

(Having myself come from the land far far away, I just had to show support for a fellow Tarheal. Remember Pete the Pistol-packing Possum from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?)

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-59852390841999631642011-01-07T05:38:00.002-05:002011-01-27T09:45:47.856-05:00

Patheos presents the first of a promised four article series by James Hannam examining secularist arguments that Jesus Christ never existed. The series is entitled Is Jesus Christ a Myth? Regarding his purpose, Professor Hannahm saysIn this four-part series, it is not my intention to study the minutiae of the various arguments. Instead, I will focus on three central contentions often advanced in

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-87744106097056287082010-12-17T10:06:00.006-05:002010-12-22T10:11:35.221-05:00

Terry Mattingly often has interesting reports and reflections. This week he posted one on a subject that has been a theme for Orthodox and Greek Catholic clergy for years: The Christmas season begins on 25 December.It is wearying for an Eastern priest the number of sincere requests by parishioners for dispensations to attend a "Christmas party at the office" or some other such secular celebration

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-65740102928345228202010-12-16T04:06:00.001-05:002010-12-16T04:06:00.046-05:00

You either get it or you don't.Simon's Cat, also seen on I Can Has CheezburgerIncidentally, this posting is in honor of my dearly departed wife, whose birthday would have been today. My Lady is missed more than words can tell.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-80385362048471485772010-12-16T02:57:00.007-05:002010-12-22T10:13:02.458-05:00

The Truth Will Out. (Shakespeare 1596)The truth of the Lord abideth for ever. (Psalm 116)Eίναι τὸ Α καὶ τὸ Ω.Kυρία μου, θα σ 'αγαπώ για πάντα

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-52687709114420366112010-12-15T10:56:00.003-05:002010-12-15T11:06:34.726-05:00

Joe Carter at First Things' On the Square has contributed an article literally filled with disgust. It is a thought-provoking essay on the role of disgust in human life and society.Below a few excerpts...Because we lack an innate sense of what to avoid, the full range of disgust triggers must be taught. Disgust, as an emotion, must be learned. And as with any knowledge that is not inherently in

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-58718679301263615712010-11-11T05:19:00.001-05:002010-12-22T10:14:00.123-05:00

Frankly, I'm surprised and delighted that no one called the cops!

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-37668796245523705242010-10-29T05:30:00.001-04:002010-10-29T05:30:00.267-04:00

Amendment XXVIINo law varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives shall take effect until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-91104346865475887312010-10-28T05:31:00.000-04:002010-10-28T05:31:00.423-04:00

Amendment XXVI1: The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age.2: The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-68500385796034707532010-10-27T05:32:00.000-04:002010-10-27T05:32:00.091-04:00

Amendment XXV1: In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.2: Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.3: Whenever the President transmits to the President pro

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Amendment XXIV1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this

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Amendment XXIII1: The District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct: A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a state, but in no event more than the least populous state; they shall be in

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Amendment XXII1: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when

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Article XXI1: The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.2: The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.3: This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-68525331574749770962010-10-22T05:37:00.000-04:002010-10-22T05:37:00.420-04:00

Article XX1: The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.2: The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-67532557816150886422010-10-21T05:37:00.001-04:002010-10-21T05:37:00.641-04:00

Article XIXThe right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

The Byzantine Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04945910148988040295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20523109.post-29472665472019180462010-10-20T05:38:00.000-04:002010-10-20T05:38:00.419-04:00

Article XVIII1: After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.2: The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce

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Ages ago, I had the pleasure of taking an ethics course under Professor Stanley Hauerwas at the Divinity School. I also had the opportunity to chat with him a few times during my soujourn at Duke during that long lost forgotten time. The current issue of First Things (November 2010) includes an inciteful essay from Professor Hauerwas entited: Go With God: An open letter to young Christians on

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Article XVII1: The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.2: When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the

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Article XVIThe Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

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Article XVThe right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

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Article XIV1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law

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Article XIIINeither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

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Article XIIThe Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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From Zenit.org's coverage of The Second General Congregation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops.ARCHBISHOP ELIAS CHACOUR OF AKKA OF THE GREEK-MELKITES, ISRAEL. "During the past twenty centuries our Christians from the Holy Land were alike condemned and privileged to share oppression, persecution and suffering with Christ. ... Being the archbishop of the largest

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Article XIThe Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.

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Congress OF THE United Statesbegun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as

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Letter of TransmittalIn Convention. Monday September 17th 1787.Present: The States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mr. Hamilton from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.Resolved, That the preceeding Constitution be laid before the United States in Congress assembled, and that it is the Opinion of this

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Article VIIThe Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the

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The current issue of First Things includes a powerful article by Lila Rose on the lies perpetrated by Planned Parent. Below is but a short snippet. I encourage everyone to read the article and, if there is any doubt, check the facts - it's so accurate it's frightening.When I was thirteen I wrote in my journal, “God, it’s time I actually do something about abortion.” I began to research online and

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Article VI1: All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.2: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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Article VThe Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three

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The online journal Taki's Magazine this week includes a refreshing essay entitled Viva Christianity! by James Jackson. It's worth your time reading; below are snippets.Albert Einstein’s damning-if-quirky verdict on Marie Curie’s character was that she “has the soul of a herring.” I am reminded of his words every time I hear yet another bloodless and desiccated scientist pronounce that God is

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Article IVSection 1Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.Section 21: The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the

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Article IIISection 1The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during

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Article IISection 11: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows2: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and

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Article ISection 1All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.Section 21: The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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Over at Get Religion, Terry Mattingly reports on, and includes a video link of, Ross Douthat speaking to a gathering at the Annenberg School for Communciation & Journalism. As always, it's well worth reading.Here's a snippet for peak your interest:The message for that day can be summed up with that famous quotation from the movie "Cool Hand Luke." In other words, "What we’ve got here is a failure

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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September First marks the beginning of the Church Year.Start out the New Year well by bookmarking the Dynamic Horologion and refer to it daily. The Hours are presented simply utilizing the excellent Holy Transfiguration Monastery Psalter and Troparia. There is an option that allows you to follow the Typikon with either the Gregorian or Julian calendars.May the Most Holy Trinity bless us all with

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A friend sent me the following information. As it presents historical facts, I thought it would be prudent to share it.Let me note three things: First, the incidents cited are facts, not conjectures or interpretations. Second, the friend who sent me this is a man intimately acquainted with Islam having lived many years in a Moslem controlled country. Too often we accept the romanticized opinions

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Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer

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As most readers know, your rambling host prefers Biblical translations that follow (in the Old Testament) the Septuagint (New English Translation of the Septuagint, Brenton, Orthodox Study Bible - and the long awaited translation that will come from Holy Transfiguration Monastery). That said, I have a fondness for the Revised Standard Version, the very good English Standard Version and the

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First Thing's On the Square yet again brings its typically incisive analysis to one of the best essays on the controversy surrounding the plans to build an Islamic cultural center in the neighborhood of the 9-11 attack site in New York City.Two quotes for your consideration:But America is being told—by the very people who have spent decades promoting the primacy of “feelings,” over thought, and

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Troparion of the Dormition in Tone OneIn giving birth, you have preserved your virginity; and in falling asleep, you did not forsake the world, O Mother of God. You have passed to life, being the Mother of Life. Through your intercessions, save our souls from death.Kontakion of the Dormition in Tone TwoNeither death nor the tomb could hold the Mother of God, our watchful protectress and our

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Troparion of the Transfiguration in Tone SevenYou were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, showing Your Disciples as much of Your Glory as they could hold. Let Your eternal Light shine also upon us sinners, through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Giver of Light, glory to You!Kontakion of the Transfiguration in Tone SevenOn the mountain You were transfigured, O Christ our God, and Your

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c. The consequences of sin (Part Three)The cosmic effects of mans disobedience and breaking the intimate communion with God which he had enjoyed and for which he was created is here revealed. Man, created in the image and likeness of God, possesses a soul unlike any other in creation. While sharing features similar to many of the “higher” animal, it was man alone that God “formed … of dust from

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c. The consequences of sin (Continued)Unfortunately, the break in communion with God, the loss of that recognition of God’s infinite Love and compassion, has reduced Adam’s humanity to one of servile fear. He no longer perceives God as He is and instead considers admission of his transgression in terms of guilt. In this deluded state, the man fears punishment. If he confesses his sin, he will be

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c. The consequences of sin“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons.” (Gen 3.7)Before sinning, Adam and Eve had dwelt in the garden in a state of intimate communion with God and with each other. This state of communion manifested an openness that left no room for shame. “And the man and his wife were both

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Your suffering, My Love, is now over,and deep in slumber you rest in the shade;while left behind and wounded I linger,my injuries never to be allayed.Dearest One, in this life how I loved you,though sincerely I doubt you ever knewthe truth of how deeply I would miss you,wandering a darkness I'd ever rue.Here without you I remain left alone.Day but dawns on another vale of tears,and midst the

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So all those disappointed folks in the US and England can smile.

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b. Anatomy of the First TemptationThe serpent (Satan) speaks to Eve. This should not surprise us. Adam and Eve exist in a state of communion with God and His creation. Adam has given names to all creatures (cf Gen 2.19-20). In Scripture, names indicate the spiritual reality of the creature. Consequently, a name also indicates a spiritual relationship between the one who names and the one who is

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Today is the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Forerunner (for those following the New Calendar). It also marks the anniversary of the birth of my father (a coincidence that ensured his was always the family birthday I never forgot).In a way, this particular anniversary begins a series of commemorations that undoubtedly will prove difficult for my family and me. As some of you know, my father

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Congratulations to the USA, for making it into the knockout round of the World Cup Football Tournament.And congratulations also to our mates across the pond, the United Kingdom.Feel free to blow your vuvuzelas...just not near me, eh?

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TEMPTATION, SIN AND THE FALL OF MANWith what we have considered thus far, we may proceed to examine in detail the events recounted in chapter three of Genesis – the first sin and fall from paradise.At the end of the second account of creation, Adam and Eve are placed in the garden. God has revealed “it is not good that the man should be alone” and created animals and ultimately the female, Eve. (

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Ok. This is a good one!The Crescat...: Friday Funny...Hat tip to Josephus.

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Offered for your consideration: two links to provoke reflection on the state of Western society.Both deal with children and 'progressive' dystopic interference with their childhood development. We all know that physical, psychological and sexual abuse of children is immoral (or do we? See the second link). However, we should also be on guard against the societal abuse of children.The first is

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c. Free Will and GoodnessWe have touched upon the concept of goodness and value as inherent in the very creation of the universe, and particularly in man who is created according to the image and likeness of God. Man has a dignity unlike other creatures and the elements of creation. Note in particular God’s charge to man:And God blessed them, and God said to them, "Increase and multiply, and fill

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