VIDEO: Underground Christian movement building in Mideast

Proving that "the Blood of the Martyrs is the Seed of the Church."

Underground Christian movement building in Mideast

FoxNews, March 12, 2015

Tom Doyle shares details on how the faith is actually spreading in the region, not merely in spite of ISIS, but because people, including Muslims, see such a strong and peaceful Christian witness in the face of murderous persecution. They see the Gospel, and Jesus' words, made real right before their eyes, and they want to follow Him.  

We Orthodox have got to get revved up in this direction, and our Bishops have to stop apologizing for and defending Islam! Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in the Mideast, and for all our new Christian brethren.

St Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem (March 11)

"Toward the end of his life, St Sophronius and his flock lived through a two year siege of Jerusalem by the Moslems. Worn down by hunger, the Christians finally agreed to open the city gates, on the condition that the enemy spare the holy places. But this condition was not fulfilled, and St Sophronius died in grief over the desecration of the Christian holy places." (OCA.org)

Sophronius made numerous references to Islam and Muslim atrocities against Christians in his writings and sermons. You can explore these and more in my earlier post, St Sophronius, Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy during the First Islamic Jihad.  In my introductory comments, I note the following:

The importance of Sophronius' testimony cannot be overstated, as his references to Islam demonstrate the unbroken continuity between the ferocity and cruelty of Muhammad's first followers, and the bloodthirsty jihadists of today, who are striving to eradicate Christianity from the Middle East, and impose Islam upon the whole world, as commanded by their false prophet and their satanic Quran.

SAINT SOPHRONIUS, PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM Commemorated March 11 from The Prologue of Ochrid Online Sophronius was born in Damascus of distinguished parents. Having acquired worldly wisdom, he was, nevertheless, not satisfied but went to seek and acquire spiritual wisdom.  In the monastery [Lavra] of St. Theodosius, he found himself in the company of a monk, John Moschus, whom he choose for his teacher, and together with him traveled about and visited monasteries and those ascetics in Egypt who were practicing the life of asceticism. His watch word was, "Each day learn more about spiritual wisdom." All that they had learned they wrote down and later published two books under the title, "Spiritual Meadow."

Franklin Graham Says Obama's 'Sympathy to Islam' Will Lead to Christian and Jewish Persecution in America

"...Growing up [Obama's] frame of reference and his influence as a young man was Islam. It wasn't Christianity, it was Islam."

by Stoyan Zaimov, Christian Post, March 3, 2015

Rev. Franklin Graham (PHOTO: REUTERS/ALLISON SHELLEY)

The Rev. Franklin Graham has warned in an interview that President Barack Obama is "very sympathetic to Islam" and that America's foreign policy is influenced by Muslims. He added that this influence could lead to Christians and Jewish people being persecuted in the United States.

"There are Muslims that have access to him in the White House. Our foreign policy has a lot of influence now, from Muslims. We see the prime minister of Israel being snubbed by the president and by the White House and by the Democrats and it's because of the influence of Islam. They hate Israel and they hate Christians, and so the storm is coming, I believe," Graham told Gordon Robertson, host of CBN's "The 700 Club" interactive program.

Graham further pointed out that Obama had a Muslim father, and that as a child the president went to school in Indonesia, which has the largest Islamic population in the world.

Book Review: Catechetical Talks by New-Martyr Daniel Sysoev

"What is deeply impressive, and what should give us courage, is that despite his strict adherence to tradition, he yet baptized over 100 individuals per year during the course of his priestly service, a service which was ultimately crowned with martyrdom."

See also my post announcing the availability of New-Martyr Fr. Daniel Sysoev's books in English.

by Rev Dr John Palmer, Lessons from a Monastery

March 2, 2015

Admittedly, it was with great expectation that I first opened the English-language translation of Fr Daniel Sysoev’s book, Catechetical Talks. Around the time of his martyrdom in 2009, I began hearing reports from colleagues concerning Fr Daniel’s missionary work in Russia, praising it not only for its incredible results, but also for the fact that its achievements were born of a strict adherence to the Orthodox tradition. Shortly thereafter, brief excerpts of his writings began to circulate on the internet; then a podcast on his catechetical method; then a short book in Greek. All of these served to confirm the truth of the reports which had been circulating concerning Fr Daniel’s work, and further stoked my desire to read his more extended works for myself. Having now received a copy of his Catechetical Talks and having read it cover to cover, I am left to observe that the book has not only met, but greatly exceeded my every expectation. Before us stands no generic, academic, ‘Introduction to Orthodoxy’, but rather an authentic work of Patristic theology, flowing with words of eternal life.

Fr Daniel’s book is composed of a series of transcribed catechetical talks designed to set forth the most essential elements of the Orthodox Christian faith, aimed specifically at catechumens being prepared for Holy Baptism. He begins his series speaking about the divine attributes, exploring what we mean when we call God ‘good’ or ‘just’ in accordance with his revelation, as well as how these appellations are reconciled with the seeming evils which permeate the world around us, and with the belief that there will be a final judgement over which the just and good God will preside. Fittingly, he crowns this discussion with the apex of the Church’s dogmas concerning God: an exposition of the dogma of the Trinity. 

Fr Daniel dedicates his second talk to the Christian doctrine of Creation, particularly emphasizing the creation of the angels, the subsequent fall of Lucifer, and, of course, the creation of man and his fall. Naturally, this sets the table for the third talk to discuss the Incarnation of the Word of God, the key moments in Christ’s earthly ministry, the significance of his death on the Cross, his resurrection, and his ascension into the heavens to be seated at the right hand of the Father. 

The fourth talk is dedicated to a discussion of the birth of the Church at Pentecost and its mission in the world, that is, to unite men to Christ, specifically emphasizing the role of each of the sacraments in the fulfillment of this mission. The fifth and final talk offers a detailed discussion of the commandments of God which situates Christian morality within the broader context of morality in general, demonstrating that Christian morals differ from the ‘morals’ of the world both with regard to their foundation and their end.

Appended to these five talks are three helpful essays. 

Raymond Ibrahim on Islamic State’s Bloodlust for Christians (Interview)

On March 2, Raymond Ibrahim — author of Crucified Again, Exposing Islam's New War Against Christians — was interviewed on Issues, Etc., with Todd Wilken.  Topics include why the Islamic State hates Christians so, the doctrinal roots of this animus, its appeal, and more. 

Click here to listen to this wide-ranging and very informative 20-minute interview with one of the most important voices today on the issue of persecution of Christians by Muslims.

Read my review and synopsis of Raymond's important book, Crucified Again, with links to order online.

Honoring and Learning from St. Gregory Palamas

In the Orthodox Church, the veneration of the saints is always linked to our struggle to emulate them in striving towards the Kingdom of Christ. In fact, we might be so bold as to say that if we are not striving and struggling forward, applying in our own life the lessons gleaned from the lives of those who have completed the good fight and have received their crown, then we are not properly or fully venerating them.

On the Second Sunday of Great Lent, the Church hold up for our edification and instruction St. Gregory Palamas (14th c.), best known as the defender of the Hesychast tradition and the teaching that we can experientially know God through His Uncreated Energies, that we may apprehend His Grace.

• St Gregory Palamas as a Model for Christians in our new 'Age of Jihad'
• St. Gregory Palamas - Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy Against Islam

The above are links to two posts of mine which explore a lesser known aspect of St. Gregory's life and ministry, how he was abducted by the Muslim Turks in 1354 and held for a year before being ransomed by the Serbian Orthodox. During this time he strengthened the faithful who were being subjugated under the Islamic yoke, and he bravely engaged in debate with his Muslim captors, at the risk of his own life.

Let us learn from St. Gregory's words and deeds during this trial in his life, in which his character was even more powerfully revealed, and may we be strengthened through his intercessions!

'This little girl puts us to shame!' (VIDEO)

A Christian girl in Iraq, displaced from her home and village by ISIS, praises God and shares her faith, love and forgiveness in this deeply moving interview.

#PrayForMyriam

Many thanks to Fr Steven and Presvytera for sharing this uplifting video. His comments below... I would only detract with my words if I tried to add anything.

Here is another quite remarkable video forwarded by Presvytera featuring an extraordinary young girl named Miriam. Virtually impossible not to be deeply moved by this interview.  Miriam is not only articulate for her age, but she is a powerful Christian witness!  What Miriam says is not merely "cute" and her words spoken to her interviewer went well beyond any sentimental appeal.

"This little girl puts us to shame!"

There is something else at work here.  In fact, though it is not fair of me to speak for others, one of my first impressions was:  this little girl puts us to shame!  Her pure faith, her assurance of God's providential care for everyone, her openness in speaking of Christ, her maturity in articulating difficult feelings, and especially her attitude toward the ISIS forces that stripped her of her native town, might just eclipse our own Christian witness - by far!  I do not think that we need to necessarily consider her capacity to forgive as merely an indication of her young age and naïve outlook on life.  There is something experiential in her words.

Ten Beliefs About Jesus According to Traditional Islam

Bill D. has been posting some good introductory articles on Islam especially important for Christians to read and share. The Islamic teaching on Jesus (whom the Koran calls 'Isa') is completely at odds with Christian orthodoxy, and is a mix of fables and passages adapted from gnostic texts. In short, Islam presents "another Jesus" and a "different gospel," which the Apostle Paul warns against (see 2 Cor. 11:3-4). This is a topic I deal with at length in my book, Facing Islam.


Ten Beliefs About Jesus According to Traditional Islam 

The Koran states that Jesus was not
crucified, which echoes gnostic and Docetist
heresies of the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

Islam teaches that Jesus stood in a long line of prophets leading up to Muhammad. But, a number of beliefs about the life of Jesus are based on historical and theological confusion of sources. The list below is based almost entirely on the Quran, with some additions from canonical traditions (hadith). All ten beliefs are taught by Sunni Islam (Sunnis comprise 85%-90% of all Muslims).

1. Jesus was miraculously born by the Virgin Mary near the trunk of a palm tree. Mary was said to be the sister of Aaron (the brother of Moses) and the daughter of 'Imran. Apparently Muhammad and the early Muslims confused Miriam, the sister of Moses, with Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was born some 1300 yrs later.

2. The Jews charged the Virgin Mary with being unchaste; but the babe, speaking from his cradle, vindicated his mother's honor. This story is based loosely on the apocryphal book, Infancy Gospel of Thomas.

3. Jesus performed miracles, giving life to a clay figure of a bird (Infancy Gospel of Thomas), healing the blind, curing the leper, quickening the dead, and bringing down a table from heaven "as a festival and a sign."

4. Jesus was specially commissioned as the Apostle or Prophet of God to confirm the Law and to reveal the Gospel.

5. He proclaimed his mission with many manifest signs, being strengthened by the Holy Spirit. He also foretold the advent of another Prophet, whose name should be Ahmad (i.e., Muhammad).

6. The Jews intended to crucify him, but God deceived them, for they did not crucify Jesus, but only his likeness—a concept taught by some gnostic sects of the second and third centuries.

Countering Jihad, a Two-Part Discussion

Came across this recently from Faith McDonnell at Juicy Ecumenism, the Blog of The Institute on Religion and Democracy. I am only posting parts 1 and 2, as part 3 was an action list that had already expired by the time I came across it. You may wish to follow Faith's ongoing work on the topic, Genocide in Iraq.


by Faith McDonnell, Juicy Ecumenism, February 16, 2015

Part 1: Religious and Ethnic Minorities in Iraq Can’t Wait

As we know only too well, the Islamic State (IS) has spread far beyond Iraq, recruiting fighters from Europe and even America. The Islamic State’s goal is a worldwide Caliphate. Sadly, U.S. Administration policy still fails to identify accurately the threat. Instead, this week the White House is hosting a summit on “Countering Violent Extremism.” What is needed for national and global security and for the preservation of religious minorities, like those in Iraq, is to counter jihad.

From the Middle East, Sudan, and throughout Africa, and from North America, England, France, and Denmark to Australia, acts of “violent extremism” — whether by so-called lone wolves or bloodthirsty packs of wolves like Boko Haram;  whether by non-state actors, states like Sudan and Iran, or ideological states like the Islamic State — are perpetrated in aid of the end goal of a global caliphate.

But Christians and other minorities in Iraq cannot wait for the United States government to grasp adequately the ideology behind what it terms “violent extremism.” Even as the poison spreads, the Islamic State’s continued persecution and slaughter of Christians and other minority communities in Iraq is unrelenting. These beleaguered communities, and others like them, need help now.

A report by the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, a new Christian human rights organization, reveals the findings from a January 21-28, 2015 trip to northern Iraq . Led by 21 Wilberforce’s president, Randel Everett, and former U.S. Representative Frank R. Wolf, who is now a Distinguished Senior Fellow with 21 Wilberforce, the trip team investigated the situation of internally displaced Christians and Yezidis, Shabaks, Turkmen, and others.

You can download the trip report, Edge of Extinction: The Eradication of Religious and Ethnic Minorities in Iraq. The report warns, “Immediate action including fresh policy approaches and targeted humanitarian assistance is essential if these minority communities are to be protected within their historic homeland.” After relating in heartbreaking detail the experiences of Christians and other victimized communities, the report offers six recommendations to which the United States government should listen:

Assyrian Christians Cry Out 'The Whole World Is Watching History Repeat Itself' as ISIS' Relentless Horror Escalates in Syria

This is "not only a genocide against [the] Assyrian people, but also an attempt to cleanse [their] culture and history from the land."

Related:

• Learn about the full-length feature documentary, 'Mourning In The Garden of Eden'
• Sign the Petition urging the White House to "condemn this act of genocide and get involved in protecting minorities in Syria."
• See this article and video providing historical perspective on genocide committed against the Assyrian Christians in the 1930s and today.

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post

February 27, 2015

Assyrian Christians are seen in Iraq during a service, in this still image taken from “Mourning in the Garden of Eden,” a feature-length documentary film by Gwendolen Cates currently in post-production. (Photo: Gwendolyn Cates)

More than 200 Assyrian Christians have been kidnapped by the terrorist organization ISIS, and prayers have gone out around the world for their safe return. Two members of the Assyrian Church of the East spoke with The Christian Post about the situation in Syria and the loss of several religious artifacts at the hands of ISIS.

Jennifer Griesenauer and her aunt, Toni Abraham, who live in the United States, have watched in horror as members of their faith are systematically being targeted for kidnapping and execution. This week it emerged that ISIS fighters also destroyed religious artifacts, reaching new levels of destruction and animosity.

"Oh my God it's horrible," Toni told CP late Thursday. "Khabour River area is where my great grandfather held a priest school. Under his teachings, we have many well-known bishops, priests and deacons who are scholars in Aramaic, the language Christ spoke, currently the Assyrian Church of the East. It's sad to see that church destroyed and our Assyrian people still being targeted because of our Christian religion."