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.



October 5, 2011

50 Portions of Food A Day Distributed by St. Photini Church in Ilissos


George Ferdis
October 4, 2011
Romfea.gr

During these difficult times that Greece is going through at the moment, there are a lot of people who have turned anxiously to the Church seeking help.

The Church, as the mother of all believers who always helped in difficult moments continues the practice, and helps even during a crisis.

Today the work of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens is remarkable.

When unfortunately everyday people, even Greek citizens, take refuge by the multitude at soup kitchens, the Church is there to support them.

The clergy in the parishes, faithful soldiers in the service of man, help in any way to alleviate the suffering of believers by doing important philanthropic work.

They come many times to these to contribute, and even some believers from those who can and want to assist in such an important operation.

One example is the parish of Saint Photini in Ilissos and the head priest Archimandrite Maximos Kappas, who in an effort to provide social work began a loving plan in cooperation with the owner of the Hotel ROYAL OLYMPIC, Mr. I. Papadimitriou, in downtown Athens.

The result is that from July 21, 2011 they have distributed to families in the parish of St. Photini 50 daily servings of food prepared by the kitchen of a luxury hotel.

The distribution is done by the parish council every day to those families in need.

We hope there will be other such offerings, which will enable the contribution of the Church and strengthen the work of its parishes.


Translated by John Sanidopoulos

BECOME A PATREON OR PAYPAL SUBSCRIBER