Having entered the Christmas season, we ask those who find the work of the Mystagogy Resource Center beneficial to them to help us continue our work with a generous financial gift as you are able. As an incentive, we are offering the following booklet.

In 1909 the German philosopher Arthur Drews wrote a book called "The Myth of Christ", which New Testament scholar Bart D. Ehrman has called "arguably the most influential mythicist book ever produced," arguing that Jesus Christ never existed and was simply a myth influenced by more ancient myths. The reason this book was so influential was because Vladimir Lenin read it and was convinced that Jesus never existed, thus justifying his actions in promoting atheism and suppressing the Orthodox Church in the Soviet Union. Moreover, the ideologues of the Third Reich would go on to implement the views of Drews to create a new "Aryan religion," viewing Jesus as an Aryan figure fighting against Jewish materialism. 

Due to the tremendous influence of this book in his time, George Florovsky viewed the arguments presented therein as very weak and easily refutable, which led him to write a refutation of this text which was published in Russian by the YMCA Press in Paris in 1929. This apologetic brochure titled "Did Christ Live? Historical Evidence of Christ" was one of the first texts of his published to promote his Neopatristic Synthesis, bringing the patristic heritage to modern historical and cultural conditions. With the revival of these views among some in our time, this text is as relevant today as it was when it was written. 

Never before published in English, it is now available for anyone who donates at least $20 to the Mystagogy Resource Center upon request (please specify in your donation that you want the book). Thank you.



August 19, 2010

Russia's Apple Feast Day



Russia’s Traffic Police Issue Apples Instead of Fines

19 August, 2010
RT

As Orthodox Christians mark the Holy Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, also known in the country as the Apple Savior, policemen in Rostov-on-Don gave up their fining appetites and joined in the tasty celebration.

Stopped by the traffic police right in the city center, careless drivers at first thought they lost their minds when normally harsh officers smiled to them and – instead of the usual fines – issued fresh apples and codes of conduct.

The answer to the puzzle turned out to be quite simple: on August 19, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates one of its main holidays: the Holy Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, or the Apple Savior.

On this day, traditionally associated with harvest, people come to church to sanctify apples, pears, plums and other fruits. As part of the celebration, apples and honey are presented to neighbors and brought to orphanages and hospitals. The old tradition symbolizes generosity and fruitfulness, glorifying the unity of the God and mankind.

Eager to participate in the nation’s beloved holiday, the police in Rostov-on-Don, inspired by the local eparchy, have come up with the unusual flash mob.

“This is a perfect occasion to remind people how important road safety is,” the head of the local police was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency. “Besides, apples symbolize a healthy way of life.”

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