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.



November 9, 2022

The Legacy of Saint Nektarios of Aegina (St. Justin Popovich)


By St. Justin Popovich
 
Indeed, it is a great miracle that in our century of unbelief and lack of faith, this Metropolitan Nektarios, despised by many and humiliated to the point of death, becomes the cause of so many spiritual events and movements.

No matter where the faithful call upon him and invoke him in prayers with faith, he arrived and always arrives. He heals the demon possessed, strengthens the weak spiritually and physically, straightens and heals the lame, and saves those at sea in a storm.

In a very short time, his holy name became known everywhere: on the land, on the sea, and on the islands; in Europe and America and Africa; wherever there are Orthodox souls, his gracious presence is felt.

Around his Monastery of the Holy Trinity and its holy relics, many people constantly gather, not only from Greece, but, especially recently, from all Orthodox countries.

Many temples dedicated to him have sprung up everywhere: on the mainland and islands, in Africa and America. The temple dedicated to Saint Nektarios on the island of Crete in a place called Chania, where a part of his holy relics is also located, is famous for its many miracles.  

In addition to the Services written in his honor, many books were written about Saint Nektarios, which describe his life and numerous miracles and healings done by the power of his gracious intercession before God. Many books have been written and are constantly being written both on the hearts of the faithful and on paper.

Many testify to his gracious appearance in the most remote corners of the world. Many terminally ill people, in moments of utter hopelessness, saw and continue to see an old monk with a gentle smile and a monk's cap, who comforts them and restores hope in God's salvation. To the question: "Who is he?" - he answers: "Nektarios of Aegina".

From The Lives of the Saints of November. Translation by John Sanidopoulos.
 
 

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