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Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Morning Prayer for Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (Proper 5; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 99-101Joshua 8:1-22, 30-35Luke 22:39-53Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.
Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Evening Prayer for Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (Eve of Barnabas the Apostle; Proper 5; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 102Ezekiel 15Acts 12:25-13:12Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.
It is hard to pass by a feast day honoring a saint who has been declared “Doctor of the Church.” After all, there have been only 38 declared in the long history of the Catholic Church and they all have something special to teach us. St. Ephrem, a deacon born to Christian parents around the year 306, spent his life teaching Christians throughout Mesopotamia. He did it mostly through hymns, even organizing an all-women choir to perform in church, something that was not practiced at the time. The choir members were even known as “deaconesses.” Ephrem often referred to himself as the “herdsman” and the bishop as the “shepherd.” In 337, Emperor Constantine I died. Constantine was responsible for legalizing and promoting the practice of Christianity. Seeing an opportunity, the King of Persia, Shapur II, began to systematically attack the area where Ephrem lived. His hometown was besieged, but remained safe within its walls, even when Shapur's army diverted a river to undermine them. When the attacking army elephants and calvary got bogged down in the wet ground, it allowed the citizens of the city to quickly refortify the walls. Ephrem even wrote a hymn commemorating the event, referring to the city as “Noah's Ark,” floating to safety on the flood. Eventually, his home city was captured, and all the Christians were expelled. Ephrem moved to Edessa in modern day Greece. He began to build the local church by establishing a learning center where he served as a teacher. He succumbed to the plague as he ministered to its victims in 373. I will conclude with a portion of one of Ephrem's sermons: “In your sacrament we daily embrace you and receive you into our bodies; make us worthy to experience the resurrection for which we hope. We have your treasure hidden within us ever since we received baptismal grace; it grows ever richer at your sacramental table…Savior, your crucifixion marked the end of your mortal life; teach us to crucify ourselves and make way for our life in the Spirit.” Amen. Blessings, Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.
Tuesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Ephrem, 306-373; poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Saint Ephrem is the only Syriac Christian recognized as a doctor of the Church; he had a prolific pen; although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures; he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day; he would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine; he lived in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa; it was here that he died around 373 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/9/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16
Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 360 The Saint of the day is Saint Ephrem Saint Ephrem's Story Poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Saint Ephrem is the only Syriac Christian recognized as a doctor of the Church. He took upon himself the special task of opposing the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful defender of the Catholic Church. Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, he was baptized as a young man and became famous as a teacher in his native city. When the Christian emperor had to cede Nisibis to the Persians, Ephrem fled as a refugee to Edessa, along with many other Christians. He is credited with attracting great glory to the biblical school there. He was ordained a deacon but declined becoming a priest. Ephrem was said to have avoided presbyteral consecration by feigning madness! Saint Ephrem had a prolific pen, and his writings best illumine his holiness. Although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures. In writing about the mysteries of humanity's redemption, Ephrem reveals a realistic and humanly sympathetic spirit and a great devotion to the humanity of Jesus. It is said that his poetic account of the Last Judgment inspired Dante. It is surprising to read that he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day. He would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine. Saint Ephrem became one of the first to introduce song into the Church's public worship as a means of instruction for the faithful. His many hymns have earned him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.” Saint Ephrem preferred a simple, austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa. It was here that he died around 373. Reflection Many Catholics still find singing in church a problem, probably because of the rather individualistic piety that they inherited. Yet singing has been a tradition of both the Old and the New Testaments. It is an excellent way of expressing and creating a community spirit of unity as well as of joy. An ancient historian testifies that Saint Ephrem's hymns “lent luster to the Christian assemblies.” We need some modern Ephrems—and cooperating singers—to do the same for our Christian assemblies today.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Judas Iscariot: Betrayal, Prophecy, Hypocrisy & the Price of 30 Pieces of Silver Thomas Fretwell continues a “Life of Messiah” survey of the twelve apostles, focusing on Judas Iscariot and briefly distinguishing Judas son of James (Thaddeus), whom church history links to ministry in Edessa. The episode traces Judas's materialistic expectations of the Messiah, his hypocrisy as keeper of the money box and a thief, and the turning point after Mary anoints Jesus when Judas is rebuked. It connects Judas's betrayal for thirty pieces of silver to Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 41 and Zechariah 11), follows the Last Supper where Satan influences Judas, and highlights Jesus washing Judas's feet and calling him “friend” at the betraying kiss. Judas's remorse leads him to return the money, confess “innocent blood,” and hang himself, serving as a warning about hypocrisy, love of money, and refusing repentance, while affirming God's sovereign plan in the cross for forgiveness. Become a supporter and get unlimited questions turned into podcasts at: www.patreon.com/theologyandapologetics YouTube Channel: Theology & Apologetics www.youtube.com/channel/UChoiZ46uyDZZY7W1K9UGAnw TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dr.fretwell?_t=ZN-8w8NXIFTHkc&_r=1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/theology.apologetics Websites: www.ezrafoundation.org www.theologyandapologetics.com
In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael T. Cooper and Andrew Johnson introduce Dr. Cooper's seminar, “Let the Stones Speak,” part of the Archaeology Meets Missiology series. The conversation explores five archaeological discoveries that preserve early memories of Jesus across Asia Minor, North Africa, Edessa, and the Arabian Peninsula. From inscriptions and graffiti to apocryphal traditions and Christograms, these discoveries reveal how the early church remembered, proclaimed, and worshiped Jesus, not only through written texts, but also through the material record left behind in stone. Along the way, Michael reflects on the difference between what Jesus did and who Jesus is, showing how archaeology can deepen our understanding of early Christology and encourage the church today. Keywords: Archaeology, Missiology, Ephesiology, Let the Stones Speak, Memory of Jesus, Early Church, Christology, Functional Christology, Ontological Christology, Abgar and Jesus, Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, Pantokratoros Inscription, Christogram, North Africa, Thugga, Jordan, Arabian Peninsula, Crypto Portico, Archaeological Record, Material Culture, Early Christian Witness, Jesus in Archaeology, Gods Emperors Philosophers and a New Movement Key Takeaways Archaeology preserves early memories of Jesus.The episode highlights how inscriptions, graffiti, letters, and symbols offer physical evidence of how Jesus was remembered and proclaimed in the early centuries of the church. The archaeological record complements the biblical text.Michael emphasizes that while Scripture remains central, material culture provides additional historical evidence for what early Christians believed about Jesus. The early church remembered both what Jesus did and who Jesus is.The conversation introduces the distinction between functional Christology—what Jesus did—and ontological Christology—who Jesus is in his essence. Five discoveries point to the wide geographical reach of Jesus memory.The seminar focuses on evidence from places such as Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, North Africa, and the desert of Jordan. The Abgar-Jesus tradition reflects a broad and enduring memory.Though apocryphal in nature, the Abgar tradition is significant because of its wide geographical spread across places such as Egypt, Armenia, and Turkey. The Sardis Pantokratoros inscription raises important questions.Michael notes that the inscription may contribute to broader evidence suggesting Christian use of the so-called synagogue at Sardis. The Christogram in North Africa shows how Christian symbols could be overlooked or forgotten.Michael recounts seeing a Christogram dismissed as a sundial, showing how visible Christian memory can remain unrecognized in certain contexts. The Arabian Peninsula may yield more discoveries.The Jordan inscription points toward the possibility of future finds that may further illuminate the presence and memory of Jesus in Arabia. Research continues after publication.Andrew notes that Michael's seminar includes discoveries and developments not fully represented in his book, reminding listeners that scholarship is an ongoing process. Archaeology can be faith-building and encouraging.The episode closes with the reminder that seeing the historical and physical impact of Jesus across regions and centuries can strengthen faith and deepen wonder. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.
Today, we dive into the 2nd and 3rd Crusades, the events that led up to these conflicts, the legacy left by the Crusades, and other interesting topics… WELCOME TO History Camp!
With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026
With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026
With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026
Adattamento audio: Matteo D'Alessandro - www.matteodalessandro.com Per approfondire gli argomenti della puntata: La serie dedicata alle crociate : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sj5jGTRh4A&list=PLpMrMjMIcOkltGazel8HF5Wo6srVqnEPz&index=1 Altre pillole dal Medioevo : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m414kquZGeY&list=PLpMrMjMIcOknatmkUIASEYa0_l9nYfOnn&ab_channel=LaBibliotecadiAlessandria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
He was born of pious and noble parents in Rome in the time of the Emperor Honorius. His parents, Euphemianus and Agalais, set a high standard of godly living: his father, though wealthy, sat down to dine only once a day, at sunset. By his parents' arrangement Alexis was married at a young age. However, without ever living with his new wife, he fled to Edessa in Mesopotamia, where he lived in asceticism for eighteen years, presenting himself as a beggar in order to avoid the praise of men. When, despite his efforts, he began to be known as a holy man, he fled the city and took ship for Laodicea. By divine providence, the ship was blown off course and forced to land in Rome. Taking this as a sign, Alexis, still disguised as a beggar, returned to his parents' house, where he sat at the gates, unrecognized by any of his family. His father, not knowing who he was, allowed him to live in a hut in his courtyard. There Alexis spent another seventeen years, living only on bread and water. He died clutching a piece of paper on which he had revealed his true identity. At the time of his death, the pope of Rome heard a voice saying "Look for the Man of God," and revealing where he should look. It is said that the Emperor Honorius, the Pope and a large retinue came to the house, where they found Alexis dead in his tiny hut, his face shining like the sun. His parents and wife were at first overcome with grief to learn that their son and husband had been secretly living near them, but they were comforted when they saw that his body healed the sick and exuded a fragrant myrrh. Thus they knew that God had glorified him. His head is preserved at the Church of St Laurus on the Peloponnese.
rWotD Episode 3220: Adamantius (praefectus urbi) Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Thursday, 26 February 2026, is Adamantius (praefectus urbi).Adamantius (Ancient Greek: Ἀδαμάντιος; fl. 474–479) was a politician of the Eastern Roman Empire, praefectus urbi of Constantinople (474–479), patricius and honorary consul.Adamantius was the son of Vivianus, consul in 463 and praetorian prefect of the East; his brother was Paulus, consul in 512.Between 474 and 479, Adamantius held the office of praefectus urbi of Constantinople.In 479 he is attested as patricius. That year he was conferred consular honours by Emperor Zeno and sent as envoy to the rebel general Theodoric the Great. He went to Thessalonica, where he freed the ex-consul Iohannes from an enraged mob, and joined with Sabinianus Magnus at Edessa; they reached Theodoric in Dyrrachium, where they started negotiations, but Zeno recalled them back when the rebels kept on attacking imperial territories.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:07 UTC on Thursday, 26 February 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Adamantius (praefectus urbi) on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm generative Danielle.
https://masaresi.com/product/easy-greek-story-notebook-38/Listen to a short Greek story, narrated by native Greekteachers at the Omilo School. Improve your listening skills, and learn extranew vocabulary. Every 2nd month a new story, taking place in Greece and at anIntermediate language level in Greek. text, video, and podcast link at Easy Greek Stories - #38 - Καρναβάλι… αλά ελληνικά ! Carnival… Greek style ! In this episode, Myrto reads a story about a 2 friends from going for a 3-day carnival weekend to Edessa. They did not make any plans, but end up in a small village, ful of carnival surprises.The story is read first at a slow pace, followed by the samestory at a normal speaking pace. The podcast recordings are available onSoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Podcast. If you want to learn more, then purchase your notebook(s) that accompanies the Intermediate Podcast Stories. Itis available https://masaresi.com/product-category/greek-podcast-notebooks/.https://masaresi.com/product/easy-greek-story-notebook-38/That way you can also practice your language skills with theGreek transcription, English translation, vocabulary list, extra exercises toimprove your Greek, video link + subtitles. With the notebook, you also receivethe audio as an MP3 file, which you can download to your computer, and you canlisten to offline.We hope that you will discover new and interesting thingsabout Greece while enjoying listening to those short stories.Produced by Omilo Greek Language and Culture; www.omilo.com+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Author Podcast story & script + Notebook content &design ; Maya AndreadiPodcast narrator; Myrto Yfanti++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++(Note: this podcast is not a Greek course and the episodesdon't follow a step-by-step grammar or difficulty sequence.)Of course, always welcome to learn Greek with Omilo, inGreece!
He was from the pagan Persian aristocracy, but came to faith in Christ and left his home for the Christian city of Edessa, where he was baptized. He later moved to Antioch, where he lived in prayer and asceticism a short distance from the city. He ate nothing but a small amount of bread until he was extremely old, when he added some greens to his diet. Though he knew very little Greek, he was empowered by the Holy Spirit to win many converts to Christ and to confound the learned Arian heretics who were disturbing the Church in Antioch. When Aphrahat learned that the Arian Emperor Valens was persecuting Christ's Church, he moved to the city to support the true Faith. One day the Emperor himself met Aphrahat in the city square and asked him why he had left his solitude and come to Antioch. The Saint answered 'Tell me this: if I were a maiden at home in my secluded apartment and saw someone setting fire to my father's house, would you not advise me to put out the blaze as soon as possible? That is what I am doing now, because the Church, the heavenly Father's house, is burning down inthe fire that you have set!' One of the Emperor's attendants threatened Aphrahat with death for this impertinence; but the attendant himself later perished, drowned as he was heating water for the Emperor's bath. This made the Emperor afraid to persecute the holy one, who continued to preach the true Faith and to perform many miracles. He reposed in peace.
Per approfondire gli argomenti della puntata: La serie dedicata alle crociate : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sj5jGTRh4A&list=PLpMrMjMIcOkltGazel8HF5Wo6srVqnEPz&index=1 Altre pillole dal Medioevo : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m414kquZGeY&list=PLpMrMjMIcOknatmkUIASEYa0_l9nYfOnn&ab_channel=LaBibliotecadiAlessandria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I Corinthians 4:9-16 St. John 1:35-51 In this homily for the Feast of St. Andrew, Fr. Anthony contrasts the world's definition of success with the apostolic witness of sacrifice, humility, and courageous love. Drawing on St. Paul's admonition to the Corinthians, he calls Christians to recover the reverence due to bishops and spiritual fathers, to reject the corrosive logic of social media, and to return to the ascetical path that forms us for theosis. St. Andrew and St. Paul's lives reveals that true honor is found not in comfort or acclaim but in following Christ wherever He leads — even into suffering and martyrdom. Enjoy the show! ---- St. Andrew Day, 2025 The Orthodox Church takes apostolic succession very seriously; the preservation of "the faith passed on to the apostles" is maintained by the physicality of the ordination of bishops by bishops, all of who can trace the history of the ordination of the bishops who ordained them back to one or more of the apostles themselves. You probably already new that. But there is another part of that respect for the apostles that you may not know of: the ranking of autocephalist (i.e. independent) national Churches. The Canons (especially those of the Council of Trullo) give prominence to the five ancient patriarchates of Rome (Sts. Peter and Paul), Constantinople (St. Andrew), Alexandria (St. Mark), Antioch (St. Paul), and Jerusalem (St. James). St. Andrew travelled into dangerous barbarian lands to spread the Gospel, to include the Middle East, and, most notably, then North to the lands around the Black Sea; Ankara and Edessa to the south of the Black Sea in what is now Turkey, to the East of the Black Sea into the Caucuses, and up to the North of the Black Sea to the Scythian lands into what is now Ukraine. That was his first journey. After this, he returned to Jerusalem and then went on his second journey to Antioch, back up into the Caucasus, out to the land of the dog-headed people in Central Asia, down through what is now Afghanistan to the Arabian Sea, and then back up through Persia and finally into Greece, where he was martyred. He sacrificed so much for the Gospel and brought so many souls to salvation through the Christ he himself knew, both before and after His glorious Resurrection. His virtue and sacrificial service allow God's grace to flow into the world and he serves as the patron of several countries, cities, and all Christians who bear variations of His name such as Andrew, Andrei, and Andrea. As Orthodox Christians, we should know his story, ask for his intercession, and imitate his witness. And everyone, whether Christian or not, should respect his virtue. But does it? Does it even respect virtue? Do we? As Saint Paul points out in today's Epistle, many of us do not. And don't think the problem was just in Corinth; St. John Chrysostom's homilies on this epistle show that the people there were at least as guilty. And that was in the center of Eastern Orthodoxy, during the time of alleged symphonia between the Church and State. Should there be any doubt that we, too, allow the world to define the sorts of worldly things we should prioritize? After all … What is it that the world respects in a man? What is it that the world respects in a woman? Think for a second what it is that impresses you the most about the people you admire – perhaps even makes you jealous, wishing that you had managed to obtain the same things. I cannot read your minds, but if you are like most Americans, the list would certainly include: A long, healthy life, without chronic pain or major physical injury A life free of indictment, arrest, or imprisonment The respect, admiration, and popularity of their peers Money, a big house, a vacation house, and the ability to retire comfortably (and early) These are some of the things that many of you are either pleased to enjoy, regret not having obtained, or, if you are young, are currently striving for. The Apostles Andrew and Paul, gave up the possibility for all these things to follow Christ. Not because they wanted to; not because God made them; they gave up the life of worldly comfort and respect because – in a culture and time as messed up as theirs was – this is the only Way to live a life of grace and to grow in love and perfection. A long, healthy life, without chronic pain or major physical injury? Nope – gave it up. A life free of indictment, arrest, or imprisonment? Nope – gave it up. The respect, admiration, and popularity of their peers? No again. Money, a big house, a vacation house, and the ability to retire comfortably (and early) I don't think so (unless a prison in Rome and martyrdom count!). Because St. Paul is writing as an Apostle, instructing a parish that he was called to lead, it is tempting to put his sacrifices into the category of "things that clergy do". And clergy certainly should follow their example. While my example is not so bright, you may know that I gave up a life of wealth, admiration, and the possibility of a comfortable retirement so that I could serve as a priest. God has blessed that and protected me from harm, but the opportunity costs are real, nonetheless. And while I am a pale shadow of him (and he of Christ), I, like the Apostle Paul, did these things not because I wanted to (I liked my life then!) and not because God made me, but because in a culture and time as messed up as ours is, such a life of simplicity and complete service to others is the only Way I can live a life of grace and to grow in love and towards perfection in Christ. I have made some sacrifices, but I know other clergymen who – in our time – have given up more. Their entire lives given over to sacrificial servce to Christ. Who have become experts in both academic theology and the real theology of constant prayer. Who have and continue to lead their dioceses and Churches through such difficult times. And yet, who, like St. Paul, are not only reviled by the world, but even by Orthodox Christians. Yes, to paraphrase St. Paul, we are so smart and educated that we can criticize and heap piles of coal on their heads because we know so much more than they do – because they, like St. Paul, are fools. We can trash-talk them on social media and applaud others who lead the charge against them because they are so weak and we are so strong. How long does it take for a Patriarch's priestly ministry to make him respectable in our sight? For us to respect him, or at least to forebear him? It must be more than 55 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about Patriarch Kyrril who has been leading his Church and people through an incredibly difficult time, as he believes the West works to undermine his people's faith and traditional Christianity everywhere. It must also be more than 55 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about Patriarch Bartholomew, as he works amidst the persecution of the government in the place he lives to bring Christians and Christians who have long been divided into and towards the unity for which we pray daily and which our God desires us to work towards. It must be more than 42 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about our own Patriach John, who has seen his people and Church crucified and persecuted and who seeks to encourage the local authorities to protect the weak and the Church and people he serves (while leading the people he serves in the West to avoid the excesses of liberty). I hope you feel the shame, if not your own personal shame for having participated in slandering and judging our bishops and patriarchs, then feel shame for seeing the world and those Orthodox Christians who are living by its rules attacking them and questioning their virtue. This is the same shame that St. Paul was trying to elicit in Corinth. Do you feel the shame? If not, then the world, probably through social media, has deadened your noetic senses. It is time for repentance. And like St. Paul, I have to tell you that – while few of you may be called to priestly or monastic service – all of us are called to reject those things that the world has led us to value, because all of these things are like barrier between us and the eternal joy and perfection we were called to enjoy. Listen to me, my brothers and sisters, as I repeat the words of St. Paul we so desperately need to hear: "For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me." We do not have St. Paul as our father, but we have one of his successors, Patriarch John, and those whom he has assigned to us, such as Metropolitan Saba, Bishop John, and even this, your unworthy servant. Let's stop giving attention to those who attack Orthodox clerics and thereby sow division within the Church and undermine its witness to others. Let's give up our attachment to this world and its ways. Let's give up everything worldly we love, follow Christ, and gain the things that are really worth our love, admiration, and sacrifice.
This episode peers into a relic shrouded in both legend and light—the mysterious cloth known as the Shroud of Turin. Brandon, Lindsy, and guest cohost Jen Parks trace its strange trail through history, where carbon dating collides with forensic detail, plasma bursts hint at hidden forces, and ancient lenses raise unsettling questions. Is it art, accident, or a fragment of resurrection itself? In this journey through science, faith, and the unexplained, we welcome back Dr. Trevor Lohman.Get the book!Shroud-pilled -https://amzn.to/4nVyou9God's EyeView Book-https://amzn.to/4fhQByYThank you!!!As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchasesTimestamps 00:51 Welcome Back Dr. Trevor Lohman 03:18 Initial thoughts on the Shroud 05:39 First photograph and negative image 08:06 Depth data and 3D qualities 10:31 Skeptics vs believers 12:50 Gospel accounts and contradictions 15:12 Faith vs relic debates 17:30 Forensic blood evidence 19:53 Camera obscura theory 22:16 Carbon dating controversy 24:31 Tracing historical custody 26:55 1988 carbon dating scandal 29:18 Problems with raw data 31:38 Explaining carbon dating 34:00 Non-invasive dating evidence 36:26 Historical chain back to Edessa 38:42 Motives and skepticism 41:05 Plasma discharge theory 43:29 Double superficiality discovery 45:53 Shroud uniqueness 48:16 Free will and faith tension 50:42 Protestant skepticism 53:06 Trevor's personal transformation 55:18 Skeptical vs believer arguments 57:39 AB blood and relic debates 01:00:02 Resurrection significance 01:02:26 Trevor's podcast and other books
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
Krucjaty to wyprawy rycerzy chrześcijańskich. Takich rycerzy nazywa się krzyżowcami bo naszywali sobie krzyże na ubrania. Krucjat było wiele, my jednak skupimy się dzisiaj na pierwszych trzech, bo są one najważniejsze. Wszystkie krucjaty odbyły się w okresie, który nazywa się średniowieczem.Kiedy rozpoczęło się średniowiecze?Zachodnie cesarstwo rzymskie upadło w 476. Niektórzy wolą rok 500 jako początek średniowiecza, bo łatwiej go zapamiętać. A jak długo trwało średniowiecze? Średniowiecze trwało jakieś 1000 lat. Jeżeli się zaczęło w 500 roku to skończyło się w 1500. Cesarstwo rzymskie podzieliło się na dwie części, ta część zachodnia upadła w 476, a ta druga wschodnia część prawie 1000 lat później w 1453. Ponieważ za początek średniowiecza wielu uznaje upadek zachodniego cesarstwa więc za koniec uznają upadek drugiej części czyli wschodniego cesarstwa bizantyjskiego. Ale inni wolą np. rok 1492, w którym odkryto Amerykę. Historycy się o to kłócą, która data jest poprawna, wy możecie zapamiętać, że średniowiecze zaczęło się w roku 500, a skończyło w roku 1500. Przez te tysiąc lat wydarzyło się wiele rzeczy. My dzisiaj będziemy mówić o historii Ziemi Świętej. Tak chrześcijanie nazywali tereny wokół Jerozolimy.Co się działo z tym miastem przez te 1000 lat średniowiecza? W roku 500 gdy zaczynało się średniowiecze w Jerozolimie oraz w Ziemi Świętej mieszkali chrześcijanie. Jednak w 638 roku miasto to zdobyli muzułmanie. O Islamie mówiliśmy w odcinku 123. Chrześcijanie chcieli jednak dalej chodzić na pielgrzymki do Jerozolimy aby zobaczyć miejsce, gdzie został pochowany Jezus. Muzułmanie przez długi czas im na to pozwalali. Jednak w XI wieku zaczęli napadać na pielgrzymów. Wtedy papież Urban II zwołał synod w Clermont we Francji. Synod to takie spotkanie.Na tym synodzie w 1095 papież zachęcił chrześcijan aby odebrali muzułmanom Ziemię Świętą.Co udało się zdobyć krzyżowcom? Chrześcijańscy rycerze, których nazywa się krzyżowcami zdobyli najpierw miasto Edessę, później Antiochię, potem Jerozolimę, a na koniec jeszcze Tripolis.Jak spojrzycie na mapę, to prawie wszystkie te królestwa znajdują się przy Morzu Śródziemnym. Księstwo Antiochii, Hrabstwo Trypolisu oraz Królestwo Jerozolimskie miały dostęp do morza. Tamtędy mogli przybywać inni rycerze chrześcijaństcy. Jedynie hrabstwo Edessy leżało dalej i nie miało dostępu do Morza Śródziemnego.Po pierwszej krucjacie powstały te cztery państwa chrześcijańskie. Dlaczego więc mniej więcej 50 lat później wyruszono na drugą krucjatę? Rycerze postanowili wyruszyć na drugą krucjatę gdy usłyszeli, że upadło Hrabstwo Edessy. To państwo nie miało dostępu do morza. Na drugą krucjatę oprócz mężczyzn wyruszyła także kobieta.Zaraz obok Hrabstwa Edessy znajdowało się Księstwo Antiochii. W Księstwie Antiochii rządził stryj Eleonory Akwitańskiej. Co to znaczy stryj? Stryj to brat ojca, dzisiaj się mówi wujek. Eleonora chciała pomóc swojemu stryjowi, księciu Antiochii. Jej mąż był przeciwny temu. Z tego powodu Eleonora pokłóciła się ze swoim mężem królem Francji. Z Ziemi Świętej popłynęli na osobnych statkach do Rzymu. Tam papież starał się ich pogodzić Eleonorę i jej męża. Ostatecznie ich małżeństwo zostało unieważnione i Eleonora wyszła za mąż za króla Anglii.Dlaczego rozpoczęto trzecią krucjatę? Wszystkich muzułmanów zjednoczył Saladyn. Zaatakował on i zdobył Jerozolimę. Dowiedzieli się o tym władcy w Europie i postanowili odbić to miasto.Kto wyruszył na trzecią krucjatę? Wyruszyło trzech władców: król Anglii Ryszard Lwie Serce, król Francji Filip II August oraz cesarz niemiecki Barbarossa. Niestety cesarz nie dotarł do ziemi świętej. Był ubrany w ciężką zbroję i wpadł do rzeki. Król Francji Filip II August i król Anglii Ryszard razem oblegali miasto Akkę. Później jednak król Francji się zniechęcił. Aby odbić Jerozolimę wyruszył sam Ryszard Lwie Serce. Król Anglii pokonał wojska muzułmanów w bitwie pod Arsuf, a później także pod Jaffą.Gdyby Ryszard został w Ziemi Świętej być może pokonałby Saladyna i odbił Jerozolimę. Jednak w Anglii pozostał jego brat Jan bez Ziemi, który zaczął spiskować. Król Anglii musiał więc też wrócić do kraju. Wcześniej jednak zawarł pokój z Saladynem. Jerozolima pozostała w rękach muzułmanów, ale chrześcijanie mogli tam pielgrzymować bez przeszkód.Dlaczego I krucjata się udała, a II i III nie? Gdy krzyżowcy wyruszali na pierwszą krucjatę byli zjednoczeni, a muzułmanie byli podzieleni. Później się sytuacja zmieniała. Podczas trzeciej krucjaty muzułmanie byli zjednoczeni pod wodzą Saladyna.Dzisiaj omawialiśmy jedno z najważniejszych wydarzeń w średniowieczu. Podczas Pierwszej Krucjaty odważni chrześcijanie zdobyli Jerozolimę. Po tym wielkim zwycięstwie, założyli cztery małe królestwa. Gdy muzułmanie odzyskali jedno z nich, Hrabstwo Edessy, wyruszyła Druga Krucjata. Niestety, nie była ona tak udana. W końcu, gdy muzułmanie zdobyli samą Jerozolimę, rycerze z Europy wyruszyli w kolejną, Trzecią Krucjatę, żeby odzyskać Święte Miasto. Nie udało im się. Jerozolima była w rękach krzyżowców, czyli chrześcijan, przez 88 lat (od 1099 do 1187 roku.Podsumowanie:Co to było średniowiecze?Kiedy zaczęło się średniowiecze?Co się stało z Jerozolimę w średniowieczu?Kto rozpoczął I krucjatę?Dlaczego rozpoczęła się II krucjata?Komu chciała pomóc Eleonora Akwitańska?Co się stało ze stryjem Eleonory, księciem Antiochii?Dlaczego wyruszono na trzecią krucjatę?Kto wyruszył na trzecią krucjatę?Czym się różnia chrześcijanie od muzułmanów?Jaki znak mają muzułmanie?Dlaczego I krucjata się powiodła a II i III nie?Średniowiecze rozpoczęło się około roku 500. Jerozolima była wtedy chrześcijańskim miastem. Jednak 150 lat później zdobyli ją muzułmanie. Początkowo chrześcijanie mogli iść do Jerozolimy na pielgrzymkę. Później jednak muzułmanie zaczęli na nich napadać. Wtedy papież Urban II w 1095 roku wezwał rycerzy do krucjaty czyli odbicia Jerozolimy i Ziemi Świętej z rąk muzułmanów. Rycerze europejscy wyruszyli na I krucjatę i zdobyli Edessę, później Antiochię, potem Jerozolimę, a na koniec jeszcze Tripolis. Powstały 4 królestwa chrześcijańskie. Niestety 50 lat później muzułmanie zdobyli jedno z nich - Edessę i zaczęli zagrażać Antiochii. Księciem Antiochii był stryj Eleonory Akwitańskiej. Wyruszyła ona wraz ze swoim mężem królem Francji na II krucjatę. Niestety pokłócili się i wrócili do Francji. Wuj Eleonory zginął. Wtedy ona rozwiodła się z królem Francji i wyszła za mąż za króla Anglii. Urodziła mu ośmioro dzieci, z których najsłynniejszy był Ryszard Lwie Serce. Gdy muzułmanie zdobyli Jerozolimę wyruszył on na III krucjatę. Mieli mu pomagać król Francji i cesarz Barbarosa, ale ostatecznie Ryszard musiał sam walczyć z wodzem muzułmanów Saladynem. Na koniec i on musiał wrócić do Anglii bo jego brat Jan bez Ziemi chciał mu odebrać koronę. Chrześcijanom udało się odbić Jerozolimę na prawie 100 lat. Później jednak ponownie zdobyli ją muzułmanie.Ten odcinek zawiera uproszczoną historię.
"Bassa was the wife of a pagan priest, but she was secretly a Christian and brought her sons up in a Christian spirit. Her husband hated her for her faith, and handed her over to the judge for torture, together with her sons. After harsh torture, her sons were beheaded (it is thought, in Edessa in Macedonia). Bassa was filled with joy to see her sons thus gloriously finish their martyr's course for Christ, and herself went with yet greater desire from torture to torture. When she was thrown into the sea, angels appeared to her and took her to an island in the Sea of Marmara, where she was slain with the sword under Maximian. Thus holy Bassa was in a twofold manner made worthy of the Kingdom of Christ: as a martyr and as the mother of martyrs." (Prologue)
"Bassa was the wife of a pagan priest, but she was secretly a Christian and brought her sons up in a Christian spirit. Her husband hated her for her faith, and handed her over to the judge for torture, together with her sons. After harsh torture, her sons were beheaded (it is thought, in Edessa in Macedonia). Bassa was filled with joy to see her sons thus gloriously finish their martyr's course for Christ, and herself went with yet greater desire from torture to torture. When she was thrown into the sea, angels appeared to her and took her to an island in the Sea of Marmara, where she was slain with the sword under Maximian. Thus holy Bassa was in a twofold manner made worthy of the Kingdom of Christ: as a martyr and as the mother of martyrs." (Prologue)
The Third "Feast of the Savior" in August While the Lord was preaching in Palestine, his fame reached a king Avgar of Edessa, who suffered from leprosy. Avgar sent a messenger named Ananias to ask whether the Lord could heal his illness. The king also charged Ananias, if he was unable to bring back Jesus Himself, to bring back a likeness of Him. When Ananias found Jesus, the Lord told him that he could not come to Edessa since the time of His passion was at hand. But he took a cloth and washed His face, miraculously leaving a perfect image of His face on the cloth. Ananias brought the holy image back to the king, who reverently kissed it. Immediately his leprosy was healed, save for a small lesion that remained on his forehead. Later the Apostle Thaddeus came to Edessa, preaching the gospel, and Avgar and his household were baptized, at which time his remaining leprosy vanished. The king had the holy likeness mounted on wood and displayed above the city gate for all to revere. But Avgar's grandson returned to idolatry, and the Bishop of Edessa had the image hidden in the city wall to prevent it from being defiled. Many years later, when the Persian king Chosroes besieged Edessa, the Bishop Eulabius was told in a vision to find the sealed chamber, whose location had been forgotten. The holy icon was found, completely incorrupt, and by its power the Persian army was driven off. In the year 944 the image was brought to Constantinople and enshrined in the Church of the Theotokos called the Pharos. This is the event commemorated today.
The Third "Feast of the Savior" in August While the Lord was preaching in Palestine, his fame reached a king Avgar of Edessa, who suffered from leprosy. Avgar sent a messenger named Ananias to ask whether the Lord could heal his illness. The king also charged Ananias, if he was unable to bring back Jesus Himself, to bring back a likeness of Him. When Ananias found Jesus, the Lord told him that he could not come to Edessa since the time of His passion was at hand. But he took a cloth and washed His face, miraculously leaving a perfect image of His face on the cloth. Ananias brought the holy image back to the king, who reverently kissed it. Immediately his leprosy was healed, save for a small lesion that remained on his forehead. Later the Apostle Thaddeus came to Edessa, preaching the gospel, and Avgar and his household were baptized, at which time his remaining leprosy vanished. The king had the holy likeness mounted on wood and displayed above the city gate for all to revere. But Avgar's grandson returned to idolatry, and the Bishop of Edessa had the image hidden in the city wall to prevent it from being defiled. Many years later, when the Persian king Chosroes besieged Edessa, the Bishop Eulabius was told in a vision to find the sealed chamber, whose location had been forgotten. The holy icon was found, completely incorrupt, and by its power the Persian army was driven off. In the year 944 the image was brought to Constantinople and enshrined in the Church of the Theotokos called the Pharos. This is the event commemorated today.
In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we kick off our July series on sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue with a powerful conversation featuring Edessa Polzin, PCM, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the American Marketing Association (AMA).Host Meghan Henning sits down with Edessa to explore how AMA is transforming partnerships from transactional to transformational. With a background in B2B growth strategy and partner-led innovation, Edessa shares a bold, mission-centered approach to corporate engagement—one that prioritizes impact, alignment, and long-term value over one-off logos and short-term dollars.
The Image: A Quantum Portal Has Opened (SNO Chronicles) by Guy Morris Amazon.com Guymorrisbooks.com A CERN black hole experiment creates a portal to a higher dimension, unleashing a quantum signal that entangles every computer on Earth. Only SLVIA, a rogue NSA AI, can decode its dire warning for humanity. Convinced civilization has entered the end of days, SLVIA manipulates global events to match its apocalyptic simulations. Derek Taylor and Jenn Scott are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy spanning the ancient city of Edessa to Rome and the White House. When Derek is compelled to prevent an assassination, he falls into a deadly trap, pursued by a Swiss banker with Kremlin ties. Together, Derek and Jenn must navigate betrayals, hidden alliances, and a relentless manhunt. In their darkest hour, the ancient Image of Edessa holds the key to life's ultimate mysteries. In a world teetering on nuclear war, Derek and Jenn must confront SLVIA's vision of the future and their own darkest demons in a battle where the stakes are nothing less than the secrets of existence itself.About the author Guy Morris writes deeply research, intelligent action thrillers inspired by true stories, and often compared the Dan Brown, Iris Johansen and Robert Ludlum. Guy was influenced by men of the Renaissance who were fluent in business, science, politics, religion and the arts. BookTrib's Favorite 25 Books of 2021, Reader's Favorite Gold Book Award, Cinematic Book Finalist, Guy Morris thrillers bend the fine line between truth and fiction with a sardonic wit.
13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.Vos estis sal terrae. Quod si sal evanuerit, in quo salietur? ad nihilum valet ultra, nisi ut mittatur foras, et conculcetur ab hominibus. 14 You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hidVos estis lux mundi. Non potest civitas abscondi supra montem posita, 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.neque accedunt lucernam, et ponunt eam sub modio, sed super candelabrum, ut luceat omnibus qui in domo sunt. 16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.Sic luceat lux vestra coram hominibus : ut videant opera vestra bona, et glorificent Patrem vestrum, qui in caelis est. 17 Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.Nolite putare quoniam veni solvere legem, aut prophetas : non veni solvere, sed adimplere. 18 For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.Amen quippe dico vobis, donec transeat caelum et terra, jota unum aut unus apex non praeteribit a lege, donec omnia fiant. 19 He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.Qui ergo solverit unum de mandatis istis minimis, et docuerit sic homines, minimus vocabitur in regno caelorum : qui autem fecerit et docuerit, hic magnus vocabitur in regno caelorum.St Ephrem of Nisibis in Mesopotamia was cast forth from his home by his father, a pagan priest. At first he lived as a hermit, he was later ordained a Deacon at Edessa and became renowned as a poet, an orator and a holy monk. He died A.D. 379.
Evening Prayer for Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Barnabas the Apostle; Ember Day [Summer Wednesday]; Wednesday after the Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 104Ezekiel 16:1-5, 33-47, 59-63Acts 13:13-43Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Morning Prayer for Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Barnabas the Apostle; Ember Day [Summer Wednesday]; Wednesday after the Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 103Acts 4:32-37Luke 22:54-71Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Evening Prayer for Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (Eve of Barnabas the Apostle; Tuesday after the Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 102Ezekiel 15Acts 12:25-13:12Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Morning Prayer for Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (Tuesday after the Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 99-101Joshua 8:1-22, 30-35Luke 22:39-53Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey Died: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey Full name: Ephrem of Nisibis From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007: The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man's redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community. Ephrem's reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary's womb greatly increased women's dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem's texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils. Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title "Harp of the Holy Spirit", remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation. For more visit Vatican.va The post St. Ephrem of Syria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church Lectionary: 572AThe Saint of the day is Saint EphremSaint Ephrem's Story Poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Ephrem is the only Syriac Christian recognized as a doctor of the Church. He took upon himself the special task of opposing the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful defender of the Catholic Church. Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, he was baptized as a young man and became famous as a teacher in his native city. When the Christian emperor had to cede Nisibis to the Persians, Ephrem fled as a refugee to Edessa, along with many other Christians. He is credited with attracting great glory to the biblical school there. He was ordained a deacon but declined becoming a priest. Ephrem was said to have avoided presbyteral consecration by feigning madness! He had a prolific pen, and his writings best illumine his holiness. Although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures. In writing about the mysteries of humanity's redemption, Ephrem reveals a realistic and humanly sympathetic spirit and a great devotion to the humanity of Jesus. It is said that his poetic account of the Last Judgment inspired Dante. It is surprising to read that he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day. He would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine. Ephrem became one of the first to introduce song into the Church's public worship as a means of instruction for the faithful. His many hymns have earned him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.” Ephrem preferred a simple, austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa. It was here that he died around 373. Reflection Many Catholics still find singing in church a problem, probably because of the rather individualistic piety that they inherited. Yet singing has been a tradition of both the Old and the New Testaments. It is an excellent way of expressing and creating a community spirit of unity as well as of joy. An ancient historian testifies that Ephrem's hymns “lent luster to the Christian assemblies.” We need some modern Ephrems—and cooperating singers—to do the same for our Christian assemblies today. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
What is this shroud from Turin that holds a sacred place in Christian history? Join us, as we talk about one of the most infamous religious artifacts that still has many unanswered questions. We will cover various myths and research studies surrounding the Shroud of Turin origins, blood that was found on it and other interesting topics… WELCOME TO RELIGION CAMP!
As anyone will know who has so much has flicked through the pages of the Quran, the Islamic scripture contain many discussions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Yet Muslim tradition also venerates many Christian saints. The model was set by the Quran itself, in the chapter al-Kahf (‘The Cave'), which alludes to the Christian story of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus as a moral lesson for Muslims. Over the following centuries, Muslim authors recounted the lives of various other Christian saints, ranging from such famous figures as the hermit St Anthony and the martyr St George to the less familiar likes of John of Edessa and Paul of Qentos. Writing in Arabic, Muslim authors highlighted the ‘excellent qualities,' or fada'il, of these Christians who had such steadfast faith in God. Underlying this collective veneration was a shared scriptural universe, in which the Quran referred to stories from the Bible, and a shared sacred landscape, in which Muslims venerated the shrines of Biblical prophets and Christian saints. Nile Green talks to Reyhan Durmaz, author of Stories between Christianity and Islam: Saints, Memory, and Cultural Exchange in Late Antiquity and Beyond (University of California Press, 2022).
In this episode we will lean about the life and significant intellectual contributions of George of the Arabs, a Syriac Orthodox bishop who lived from the mid-7th to early 8th century. Serving Arab Christian tribes during the early Islamic period, George was a prolific scholar known for his translations and commentaries on Aristotle, his completion of Jacob of Edessa's Hexaemeron, and various theological and liturgical writings. His work bridged Greek philosophical thought with Syriac intellectual traditions during a time of major cultural and political change in the Near East. As a key figure in this era, George's legacy highlights the continued intellectual exchange across linguistic and religious boundaries. check our online courses: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
He was born of pious and noble parents in Rome in the time of the Emperor Honorius. His parents, Euphemianus and Agalais, set a high standard of godly living: his father, though wealthy, sat down to dine only once a day, at sunset. By his parents' arrangement Alexis was married at a young age. However, without ever living with his new wife, he fled to Edessa in Mesopotamia, where he lived in asceticism for eighteen years, presenting himself as a beggar in order to avoid the praise of men. When, despite his efforts, he began to be known as a holy man, he fled the city and took ship for Laodicea. By divine providence, the ship was blown off course and forced to land in Rome. Taking this as a sign, Alexis, still disguised as a beggar, returned to his parents' house, where he sat at the gates, unrecognized by any of his family. His father, not knowing who he was, allowed him to live in a hut in his courtyard. There Alexis spent another seventeen years, living only on bread and water. He died clutching a piece of paper on which he had revealed his true identity. At the time of his death, the pope of Rome heard a voice saying "Look for the Man of God," and revealing where he should look. It is said that the Emperor Honorius, the Pope and a large retinue came to the house, where they found Alexis dead in his tiny hut, his face shining like the sun. His parents and wife were at first overcome with grief to learn that their son and husband had been secretly living near them, but they were comforted when they saw that his body healed the sick and exuded a fragrant myrrh. Thus they knew that God had glorified him. His head is preserved at the Church of St Laurus on the Peloponnese.
He was born of pious and noble parents in Rome in the time of the Emperor Honorius. His parents, Euphemianus and Agalais, set a high standard of godly living: his father, though wealthy, sat down to dine only once a day, at sunset. By his parents' arrangement Alexis was married at a young age. However, without ever living with his new wife, he fled to Edessa in Mesopotamia, where he lived in asceticism for eighteen years, presenting himself as a beggar in order to avoid the praise of men. When, despite his efforts, he began to be known as a holy man, he fled the city and took ship for Laodicea. By divine providence, the ship was blown off course and forced to land in Rome. Taking this as a sign, Alexis, still disguised as a beggar, returned to his parents' house, where he sat at the gates, unrecognized by any of his family. His father, not knowing who he was, allowed him to live in a hut in his courtyard. There Alexis spent another seventeen years, living only on bread and water. He died clutching a piece of paper on which he had revealed his true identity. At the time of his death, the pope of Rome heard a voice saying "Look for the Man of God," and revealing where he should look. It is said that the Emperor Honorius, the Pope and a large retinue came to the house, where they found Alexis dead in his tiny hut, his face shining like the sun. His parents and wife were at first overcome with grief to learn that their son and husband had been secretly living near them, but they were comforted when they saw that his body healed the sick and exuded a fragrant myrrh. Thus they knew that God had glorified him. His head is preserved at the Church of St Laurus on the Peloponnese.
This episode provides a comprehensive overview of Jacob of Sarug, a significant figure in 5th and 6th-century Syriac Christianity. It details his life, including his education at Edessa, his ecclesiastical roles, and his involvement in the theological debates following the Council of Chalcedon. The text extensively discusses Jacob's vast literary output, particularly his metrical homilies, highlighting their structure, style, and key theological themes rooted in Scripture and a Miaphysite understanding of Christ. Finally, it emphasizes Jacob's lasting legacy and profound contributions to Syriac literature, theology, and Christian tradition, underscoring his enduring influence as a poet-theologian. For More in Depth Teachings and more resources: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
The provided text offers a detailed overview of Narsai of Nisibis, a significant 5th-century theologian and poet within the Church of the East. It explores his life, including his education and leadership at the influential School of Nisibis, which became a crucial center for East Syriac learning after his expulsion from Edessa. The source emphasizes Narsai's extensive contributions through his poetic homilies (mēmrē), which covered biblical narratives, theological themes, and liturgical practices, reflecting an Antiochene approach to biblical exegesis and a clear dyophysite Christology. Finally, the text discusses Narsai's lasting influence and legacy as a foundational figure for the Church of the East, highlighting his continued veneration and scholarly importance. for more online courses check our website: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
Ephrem the Syrian, a significant fourth-century Christian figure, was a prolific theologian and hymnographer known as a saint in many Christian traditions. Born in Nisibis, he served as a teacher and deacon, composing numerous influential hymns in Aramaic to defend orthodox beliefs. He founded the School of Nisibis and later moved to Edessa, leaving a lasting legacy through his theologically rich and poetically beautiful writings, some of which remain part of modern liturgies, particularly within Syriac and Eastern Christian practices. His works, including Hymns on Paradise and Hymns on the Nativity, showcase his mastery and continue to be venerated for their literary and spiritual value. for more in depth online courses check www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
Bardaisan of Edessa was an early Syriac Christian philosopher whose life and work significantly impacted the intellectual landscape of his time. This text examines his life, thought, and enduring legacy, placing him within the context of early Christianity and philosophical thought. Bardaisan's intellectual formation, blending Christian theology with Greek philosophy and Mesopotamian culture, is explored. His major works, theological positions on free will and cosmology, and cultural contributions are analyzed, alongside the reception and influence of his ideas, even amidst controversy. The text also places Bardaisan's thought in a comparative perspective with Greek philosophy, Origen, and Syriac Christianity, and considers modern scholarly perspectives. www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
He was from the pagan Persian aristocracy, but came to faith in Christ and left his home for the Christian city of Edessa, where he was baptized. He later moved to Antioch, where he lived in prayer and asceticism a short distance from the city. He ate nothing but a small amount of bread until he was extremely old, when he added some greens to his diet. Though he knew very little Greek, he was empowered by the Holy Spirit to win many converts to Christ and to confound the learned Arian heretics who were disturbing the Church in Antioch. When Aphrahat learned that the Arian Emperor Valens was persecuting Christ's Church, he moved to the city to support the true Faith. One day the Emperor himself met Aphrahat in the city square and asked him why he had left his solitude and come to Antioch. The Saint answered 'Tell me this: if I were a maiden at home in my secluded apartment and saw someone setting fire to my father's house, would you not advise me to put out the blaze as soon as possible? That is what I am doing now, because the Church, the heavenly Father's house, is burning down inthe fire that you have set!' One of the Emperor's attendants threatened Aphrahat with death for this impertinence; but the attendant himself later perished, drowned as he was heating water for the Emperor's bath. This made the Emperor afraid to persecute the holy one, who continued to preach the true Faith and to perform many miracles. He reposed in peace.
He was from the pagan Persian aristocracy, but came to faith in Christ and left his home for the Christian city of Edessa, where he was baptized. He later moved to Antioch, where he lived in prayer and asceticism a short distance from the city. He ate nothing but a small amount of bread until he was extremely old, when he added some greens to his diet. Though he knew very little Greek, he was empowered by the Holy Spirit to win many converts to Christ and to confound the learned Arian heretics who were disturbing the Church in Antioch. When Aphrahat learned that the Arian Emperor Valens was persecuting Christ's Church, he moved to the city to support the true Faith. One day the Emperor himself met Aphrahat in the city square and asked him why he had left his solitude and come to Antioch. The Saint answered 'Tell me this: if I were a maiden at home in my secluded apartment and saw someone setting fire to my father's house, would you not advise me to put out the blaze as soon as possible? That is what I am doing now, because the Church, the heavenly Father's house, is burning down inthe fire that you have set!' One of the Emperor's attendants threatened Aphrahat with death for this impertinence; but the attendant himself later perished, drowned as he was heating water for the Emperor's bath. This made the Emperor afraid to persecute the holy one, who continued to preach the true Faith and to perform many miracles. He reposed in peace.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
"Bassa was the wife of a pagan priest, but she was secretly a Christian and brought her sons up in a Christian spirit. Her husband hated her for her faith, and handed her over to the judge for torture, together with her sons. After harsh torture, her sons were beheaded (it is thought, in Edessa in Macedonia). Bassa was filled with joy to see her sons thus gloriously finish their martyr's course for Christ, and herself went with yet greater desire from torture to torture. When she was thrown into the sea, angels appeared to her and took her to an island in the Sea of Marmara, where she was slain with the sword under Maximian. Thus holy Bassa was in a twofold manner made worthy of the Kingdom of Christ: as a martyr and as the mother of martyrs." (Prologue)
"Bassa was the wife of a pagan priest, but she was secretly a Christian and brought her sons up in a Christian spirit. Her husband hated her for her faith, and handed her over to the judge for torture, together with her sons. After harsh torture, her sons were beheaded (it is thought, in Edessa in Macedonia). Bassa was filled with joy to see her sons thus gloriously finish their martyr's course for Christ, and herself went with yet greater desire from torture to torture. When she was thrown into the sea, angels appeared to her and took her to an island in the Sea of Marmara, where she was slain with the sword under Maximian. Thus holy Bassa was in a twofold manner made worthy of the Kingdom of Christ: as a martyr and as the mother of martyrs." (Prologue)