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 28, 2019

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyrs Terence and Neonilla with their Seven Children


On the 28th of this month, we commemorate the Holy Martyrs Terence and Neonilla who were yoked together, and their children Sarbelos, Nita, Hierakos, Theodoulos, Photios, Bele and Eunike.

Verses

The twofold couple with their seven children,
Were led to the honor of being decapitated by the sword.
On the twenty-eighth Terence endured beatings.

They all lived in the same household, as one family, where they secretly worshiped God. They were accused before the governor and stood before his judgement seat. Because they confessed Christ as the true God, they mocked the idols, and for this they were suspended, where they were lacerated without mercy. On their wounds they were sprinkled with the most bitter vinegar and salt, while underneath they were being burned with a fire. Having suffered these things, the Saints prayed, and with a quiet voice they urged one another on towards martyrdom. The Lord did not overlook their prayers, but invisible Angels were sent to free them from their bonds, and to heal their wounds. When the impious ones saw this, they were together astonished and afraid. The Saints were then cast into prison.


The next day they were beaten with thick rods. Then they were tied to wheels and beaten without mercy. By the grace of God they remained unharmed, and were given as food to the wild beasts. Again they were kept unharmed, so they were put into large cauldrons full of boiling pitch. The boiling pitch - O the miracle! - was immediately changed into water. When the impious saw this, how the Saints were kept unharmed during their tortures, they cut off their heads with a sword. In this way the blessed ones received crowns of martyrdom.


Apolytikion in the Third Tone
Bound together by natural bonds, and clothed with the might of faith, you walked the path of martyrdom with your seven children., O holy Martyrs Terence and Neonilla, pray that those who honor your contest may receive forgiveness of their sins.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Today the memory of the Martyrs, is bringing gladness to us all. Let us fervently ask them for healing, for they obtained this grace from the Spirit, to heal the infirmities and sickness of our souls. 



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