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 17, 2017

Holy Martyrs and Unmercenaries Kosmas and Damian of Arabia, and their Brothers Leontios, Anthimos and Euprepios

Sts. Kosmas, Damian, Leontios, Anthimos and Euprepios (Feast Day - October 17)

Verses

To Kosmas and Damian.
From the race of Arabians by the sword,
I saw the Unmercenaries as divinely excelling in valor.

To Leontios.
Leontios by his beheading destroyed error,
Like an Ant-lion, as the Book of Job says.

To Anthimos and Euprepios.
Beheaded Anthimos and Euprepios,
Blossomed forth brightly and still most-beautifully.

There are three pairs of Holy Unmercenaries named Kosmas and Damian, and all three alike occupied themselves with the art of medicine. The first pair known as Kosmas and Damian are commemorated on November 1, who were the sons of the pious Christian woman Theodote, and after reposing in peace were buried in Phereman of Syria. The second pair known as Kosmas and Damian are commemorated on July 1, who were from Rome and stoned to death out of envy by their master. The third pair known as Kosmas and Damian, who we commemorate today, were from Arabia. As physicians they traveled through various cities and lands, and brought healing to many at no charge. This gave them the opportunity to preach Christ to unbelievers and convert them to the true faith.


During the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, in the year 292, the Saints went to a city of Cilicia in Asia Minor known as Aigai, together with their three brothers Leontios, Anthimos and Euprepios. And standing before the Governor of Lycia, they confessed Christ, and for this they were flogged without mercy, then cast into the depths of the sea. Because they did not drown, but by divine grace were found without harm on the shore, they were taken by the unbelievers and cast into a lit furnace. Having been kept unharmed from the flames of the furnace, they were suspended on a cross. After this all five blessed brothers were beheaded, and received the crowns of martyrdom. Many miracles were manifested from their holy relics, even as miracles abounded from them during their life.


Apolytikion in Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers, Kosmas and Damian, visit our infirmities. Freely you have received; freely give to us.

Kontakion in the Second Tone
Having received the grace of healing, you grant healing to those in need. Glorious wonderworkers and physicians, Kosmas and Damian, visit us and put down the insolence of our enemies, and bring healing to the world through your miracles.


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