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.



July 27, 2013

Photo of Elder Justin Parvu Gushes Myrrh 40 Days After His Repose


Yesterday evening [July 25], at around 11:00 PM, which was the hour upon which the fortieth day since the repose of Elder Justin was beginning, he consoled his spiritual children with a miracle inside the Cell in which he spent the last three years of his life and where he reposed.

The Cell of the Elder was open for visitors from July 25th. On the armchair of the Elder, from which he would hear confessions and bless and anoint the faithful, there is now a large photograph of him.

So yesterday evening when some monastics and laypeople were praying in the Cell of the Elder, the photograph began running with myrrh exactly at the point where his hand is giving a blessing.


This was also repeated the next morning when some pilgrims were praying in his Cell, kneeling in front of the armchair in which the Elder would listen to the troubles and sorrows of the people.

This wonderful sign of faith and comfort took place to show that the Elder is still listening and helping us.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos

Read also:

BECOME A PATREON OR PAYPAL SUBSCRIBER