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 26, 2017

Holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaos, Hermippos and Hermokrates of Nicomedia

Sts. Hermolaos, Hermippos and Hermokrates (Feast Day - July 26)

Verses

Hermippos, Hermolaos and Hermokrates,
You boldly shamed those who revered Hermes.
On the twenty-sixth Hermolaos was beheaded.

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The beginning of the names of these Martyrs,
Indicates their common end by the sword.
On the twenty-sixth Hermolaos was cut at the neck by a sword.

The Holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaos, Hermippos and Hermokrates of Nicomedia, were priests who were among the small number of those remaining alive after 20,000 Christians were burned alive in a church at Nicomedia in the year 305 (Dec. 28), on the orders of the emperor Maximian (284-305). They went into hiding in a certain house and did not cease to preach Christianity to the pagans.


The young pagan named Pantoleon often passed by the house in which Hermolaos had concealed himself. Once Hermolaos chanced to meet the youth and asked him to stop by his house. In their conversation Hermolaos began to explain to his guest the falseness, impiety and vanity of worshiping the pagan gods. From that day on, Pantoleon began to visit Hermolaos daily and eventually received Holy Baptism from him. Upon being baptized Pantoleon was renamed Panteleimon (July 27).


When the trial of the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon was being held, he was asked from whom he had learned the Christian faith. Panteleimon responded that it was through the priest Hermolaos. Maximian therefore had Hermolaos arrested. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Hermolaos one evening and revealed to him that on the following day he would suffer for Him and receive a martyr’s crown.


Hermippos and Hermokrates were arrested and brought to trial after Hermolaos. All three clerics were given the chance to deny Christ and offer sacrifice to the idols. But they resolutely refused, confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and were prepared gladly to die for Him.


The pagans began to threaten them with torture and death. Suddenly, a strong earthquake occurred, and the idols and pagan temple collapsed and shattered. This was reported to the emperor. The enraged Maximian gave the Holy Hieromartyrs over to torture and pronounced upon them a sentence of death. Bravely enduring all the torments, the Holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaos, Hermippos and Hermokrates were beheaded in about the year 305, and victoriously entered the Kingdom of Heaven.


Apolytikion in the Third Tone
You faithfully served the Lord as true priests, O Saints, and joyfully followed the path of martyrdom. O Hermolaos, Hermippos and Hermokrates, three-pillared foundation of the Church, pray unceasingly that we may be preserved from harm.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
As a godly priest thou didst receive the crown of martyrdom: for as a good shepherd of Christ's flock thou didst prevent the sacrifice of idols. Thou wast a wise teacher of Panteleimon, and we praise and venerate thee, crying: Deliver us from harm by thy prayers, O Father Hermolaos.

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