#c. eleazar

[janevolturi]

eleazar is the freelance social media manager of the volturi honestly

[panlight]

These are the top 2-3 of each group of previous rounds of voting. Pick you favorite NAME, not favorite character.

Also looking at this list it reminds me of how many C and E names there are in this series.

[wastheheart-arc]

Various Sentence Starters

@eleayzar asked: ❝ would you come with me please? i adore your company. ❞ (hello & thank you!)

The request receives a moment of silence in return, a blink accompanying it. As friendly as her own coven were with the Denalis, Eleazer always seemed a little more distant than his mate and Tanya and her sisters.

Still, a smile naturally unfolds despite her surprise and she nods in confirmation. "Of course!" Esme is always happy for company, especially with friends. "Where are you going? Do I need my purse?" she continues, more so to herself than Eleazar, hands patting pockets before fishing her phone from her jeans back pocket.

"I mean if your intention is hunting then I guess I won't take my purse or my phone. Blood is a pain to get out the charging port; I learned that the hard way."

[dearestdarkling]

One hundred and thirty five days.

Maybe it was no use keeping track anymore. Some days it helped to manage the anxiety, as if by packing the chaos of her new existence into a neat little number could make it feel more surmountable. Numbers she was good at, numbers she could manipulate. But other days it felt laden with dread, like a pronouncement of death. I've been gone for one hundred and thirty five days. No one is coming. This is life now.

Eleanor leaned back into her armchair, fingers clutched around a glass of absinthe, and smiled wryly at Nisha's question. She'd never told her all the sordid details of her involvement with Clan Reardon. Outing herself as a hostage would do her no good. She'd only recently been given leeway to roam outside of No Man's Land and Nisha was the first person she'd struck up an acquaintance with. Jeopardizing that for what -- pity? -- served no purpose. She'd seen what Reardon was capable of; she had no intentions of dragging Nisha down with her.

Besides, if she squinted, this could almost pass for normal. They could be on her porch in Bumfuck Texas right now, tucked into matching patio seats; two friends enjoying a drowsy summer night, gossiping over glasses of merlot, the smell of Luke's cooking drifting in through a crack in the front door.

"... I have shitty coworkers," she answered with a shrug. "It's nothing. You're smart to stay out of clan politics, it's not worth the hassle. And you don't strike me as the type of gal who likes being told what to do." She liked it, that fierce streak of independence. It was heartening to meet a vampire whose life didn't revolve around whatever Sopranos reboot Clan Reardon was workshopping. "What about you? How's everything been?"

closed starter for @dearestdarkling

Nisha didn't consider herself to be a friendly person. However, she was much more inclined to be somewhat pleasant around those that she found interesting. Narcisse, for example. And now Eleanor. Nisha wasn't quite sure what it was about the girl that piqued her interest. Maybe she reminded her of her daughter. Although, it wasn't something Nisha thought about all that often. That she even had a daughter. Thinking of her brought up memories of her sire, which she avoided on a daily basis.

"You appear as if something is troubling you." Nisha said as she stared at the young vampire. "Is work not entertaining enough?"

[hogwartslegacyreactions2]

HEYY!!

Just found your account and spent maybe a little too much time scrolling through the content here (i dont have a problem what are you talking about)

I was wondering if you could do the students (and possibly teachers) reaction to MC accidentally calling Fig dad?

c:

A/N: awwww yes! Father Figure Fig is best Fig!

HLC REACT TO MC CALLING PROFESSOR FIG "DAD"

MC was having lunch with their friends in the Great Hall. Professor Fig stopped by to give them a library book they needed for study. He had checked it out before them and promised to give it to them at the earliest convenience.

He sets it down next to MC and gives them, and their friends, a polite wave before walking away. He did not want to interrupt their conversation. As he steps away, he hears MC say "Thanks, Dad." behind him.

MC: They had a mouthful of food when they noticed the book and Fig. They wanted to thank him and hurriedly swallow their food to say so before he was too far away. They don't know where the dad part came from. They don't call anyone dad. It was entirely accidental. Their cheeks flush red with embarrassment and they wanted to disappear.

SEBASTIAN SALLOW: He raises an eyebrow. "Didn't know you two were related. Isn't he a bit old to be your dad?" He laughs at MC's fluster.

OMINIS GAUNT: "Shut up, Sebastian. It was clearly an accident. They've never mentioned parents before." He goes back to eating.

ANNE SALLOW: She kicks Sebastian under the table. "Fig can be their dad if MC wants him to be. He's one of the nicest professors at Hogwarts."

IMELDA REYES: She snorts at MC's freudian slip, and joins Sebastian in the taunting. "Bet that's not the first time they've done that."

NATSAI ONAI: She doesn't get what's so funny. If MC sees Fig as a father figure, they should be free to express it.

GARRETH WEASLEY: "Ha! You called Fig, dad. That's funny. Are you going to tell your real dad about it? ... Do you have a real dad?" He realized he never asked if MC had parents. The subject just never came up.

LEANDER PREWETT: He actually did a spit take from how unexpected MC's response was. Don't get him wrong, Fig is a good professor, but dad? Seems a bit much.

AMIT THAKKAR: "Out of all the professors here, Fig does make the most sense as a father figure. At least to you specifically, MC. He was your introduction to Hogwarts, was he not?"

EVERETT CLOPTON: He takes off his glasses and wipes off the pumpkin juice from Leander's spit take. He completely missed what MC said, so he's just annoyed that Leander sprayed him.

POPPY SWEETING: She laughs at Leander and Everett more than MC and the Slytherins. The whole situation didn't really phase her, she was just enjoying the vibes of the friend group.

ELEAZAR FIG: His heart. Oh, sweet Merlin, his heart. He didn't want to make a scene in the Great Hall so he kept walking like he hadn't heard them. When he thinks he's out of line of sight, he clutches his chest and nearly cries. Even if it was just an accident, he was overcome with emotion.

MATILDA WEASLEY: She and Mirabel were in the Great Hall's antichamber when Fig came out and clutched his chest. She thought he was having a heart attack. When he explains, she sighs with relief and shakes her head with a smile. MC and fig were practically inseparable, so this didn't surprise her too much.

MIRABEL GARLICK: She was ready to run to the hospital wing with Fig when he explained his situation. She's so happy for him. It makes her happy when a fellow professor does such a wonderful job with the students that they truly see the professors as parental figures more than just teachers.

[therealvinelle]

I’ve been going down a little rabbit hole of Twilight today, found your blog and have been thoroughly enjoying your meta on Bella and Renesmee’s powers. Do you have any thoughts on what their powers could truly be classified as? Like, Bella makes sense as some sort of self-preservation thing, but Renesmee’s honestly sounds more like mind control.

Thank you!

I don't really love the classification system that's used in Twilight, as it reminds the nerd in me of how unsupervised k-means AI classification will work: it looks at the data points and says "Okay, these are different enough from the rest and similar enough to each other that they're probably related. Alright alright, this cluster must be blue."

You also, when doing this type of classification, want to tell the computer how many categories it's looking for, which depends on the size of the data set, and the type.

It's not a perfect analogy to what Eleazar is doing, but he reminds me more of a k-means cluster than he does Charles von Linné, who was a brilliant biologist who invented the modern system of naming and categorizing organisms that we use today.

He looks at the gifted vampire he is presented, compares it to other gifts he has known, and assigns a similar category if he finds one that's similar. This, famously, leads to such differences as psychic and physical gifts (which to me is such a "Are you a computer trying your best with unlabelled classification? Are you having a hard time?" thing to which the computer would sadly admit "yes :(") where what's assigned a physical gift and what's assigned a psychic gift seems so incredibly arbitrary and contradictory that I can only assume somebody got ahead of themselves with "A and B are similar. B and C are similar. A, B, and C must be the same category!" and now they have a problem.

As an example: Aro and Edward are similar. They both read your mind. They have clear differences, however, as Aro requires physical touch to do so and Edward requires doesn't, while Aro is able to read all the thoughts you've ever had while Edward can read every mind within the area. You can classify them as mind readers, sure. Now you have a category describing "vampire who can read minds".

Demetri, according to Edward himself, is also similar to Edward. They both sense a person's mind, without need of touch. However, Demetri senses location, Edward doesn't, and Edward senses thoughts, Demetri doesn't. Edward is limited by geographical distance, Demetri is limited by one degree of Kevin Bacon. But if we want to classify them, then mind sensing might be the best way to do so. Both can stand in a room and, without moving a muscle, have a sense of every mind around them and they will gain information others can't.

Aro and Demetri, however, have very little in common. Their common denominator is that it "has to do with the mind".

Now for added difficulty: how do we classify Renesmee? She can by touching people convey her thoughts. This seems to be something she needs to block rather than choose to show, as people can touch her to see her thoughts when she's unconscious.

Is she then in the same category as Aro and Edward, or we create a parent category for "something to do with mind reading" and Aro and Edward are a shared subcategory for reading the minds of others well Renesmee is in sharing her mind, or is Edward off on his own with non-tactile mind-reading while Aro and Renesmee get a shared subcategory for tactile mind-reading-related? Does Demetri belong higher up in the tree, at the "mind sensing" junction before the others split off into the "something to do with mind reading" subtree?

The reason why I ask these questions, is to illustrate how meaningless it all is. There are so few gifted vampires in Twilight that we don't have enough data points to start looking for meaningful classification or similarities. Aro, Demetri, Edward, and Renesmee are all unique, with gifts unique to them. God knows that if my theory that Renesmee's real gift is to make people not want to hurt her, then she's suddenly in the same camp as Renata, who makes people forget what they were doing when they try.

Except Renata's gift is to disorient people when they get physically close, Renesmee's is to make them not want to hurt her in the first place. If we classify them together, then I don't think Renata can be classified as a shield anymore. The impenetrable space around her would only be a materialization of her gift, which is to dissuade attackers from entering that space.

Which brings me to the next point: the so-called psychic vs. physical gift division.

It depends entirely on how you classify these gifts. What makes Jasper and Alice's gifts physical? Jasper can manipulate and sense emotions, how is that different from Alec, Jane, Kate, and Zafrina manipulating your sense reseptors? Alice can see things which may happen, how is that physical if Edward seeing thoughts and Zafrina creating elaborate illusions isn't?

Benjamin, surely, must be physical. Except his gift is the only one of its kind in canon, no similarities to anyone else, which means he proves that vampire gifts can truly be anything and there's no point in trying to classify them in relation to one another when the population is so small and the unknown potential for gifts so vast.

I think I have argued here in favor of tags, or attributes: you identify something a gift can do, and you don't try to draw similarities, for yonder lies nothing but subjective opinion.

Renesmee can be similar to Aro for "shares thoughts by touch", to Jane by "imparts illusions on one individual at a time", potentially to Renata for "dissuades attackers", and is canonically compared to her father's gift. It depends entirely on how you interpret and want to classify their gifts. And sure, you can do that, no one is stopping you from classifying in any way you want, but the trouble is that you now have a system that's extremely vulnerable to expansion and changes to entries.

There's also the matter of usefulness - the tracker category, which encompasses all vampires who are good at finding others, is a useful one. Some vampires will be able to use their gift, whatever it is, to find you, others won't. I respect that category. I also respect calling Aro and Edward mind readers, it's what they are.

What I don't respect is wanting to categorize every gifted vampire, nor attempting larger classification and to cluster them. The similarities are just that, similarities.

Eleazar is overzealous.

[thegamingcatmom]

What is going on in this GIF?

A) I have no idea and neither do I care.

B) Wonder Woman yelling "A baby!" as she presumely claps eyes on a little earthling for the very first time while her companion is utterly done with shit.

C) Carmen and Eleazar Denali clapping eyes on MC aka "A baby!" for the very first time. Carmen being utterly excited while Eleazar is just...existing. As per usual.

D) When´s the next chapter coming out?

.

.

.

In case any of you feels inclined to choose the final option:

[twibound]

❝ you know what to say to make a man melt. ❞ one thing that he had come to learn throughout their time together was that chuck was extremely adorable. eleazar always liked flirting with him because of the reaction that he was able to bring out, even if it wasn't a blush. the fae moved his hand to the back of the plant-maker's lower back and pressed it flatly there. ❝ i don't mind carrying you anywhere, my dear. you deserve to be pampered as much as possible. ❞ then ele leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to their lips, making sure that it was soft and tender at first. he really was enjoying his time with them and couldn't think about anything he'd rather be doing. ❝ so tell me, mi amor, should i carry you now or should we lay out here for a while to look up at the beautiful scenery? ❞ the same way he was a big fan of books, he knew that chuck enjoyed nature due to their connection to the flora around them.

𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝: ❛ you must be tired, because you've been running through my mind all day. ❜ [ from eleazar to chuck ]

flirty prompts : accepting !

━━☆⌒*.      ❝ w-well shucks ... be still my beating heart. ❞ while they may not be able to physically blush as hard anymore, the southern boy would be as rosy as a summer bush of pink roses at the fair at first morning's light. even in their time together, chuck is unable to stop smiling widely for feeling all giddy and gigglish whenever eleazer flirts with them, which was probably the scholarly fae's intentions. maybe it was also the fact that any time eleazer flirted with them, their heart may have skipped a beat or six. any time the denali native complimented them on their looks and them in general, the plant-maker feels like they've won the lottery. not to mention how smoothly they could manage to do it. always made them feel like they were being courted.  ❝ you keep sweet-talking me like this and you're gonna have to carry me 'cross the threshold, handsome ~ ❞ chuck manages to give a wink back in the midst of their cheesing.

@twibound

[sloanesallow]

The Call of the Void | Chapter 1

Shy girl meets distracted boy. Chaos ensues. This is my "canon" retelling of Siobhan Sloane and Sebastian Sallow's story. (full synopsis here. Chapter Summary: Siobhan Sloane makes her way to Hogwarts with Professor Fig, but all she wants is to go home. Chapter warnings: None [Ao3] | [Wattpad] | [NEXT]

I: (U n) l u c k y

Darkness.

Nothing but black, eternal darkness.

It is all Siobhan sees—not that she can see anything. What’s the last thing she remembers? Nothing comes to mind. For a moment she thinks she must be dead, and that the afterlife promised to her by a childhood pastor and God is a lie when she opens her eyes.

Darkness, still, but the glow of the full moon and stars make her current surroundings more bearable. Where exactly is she? She continues to stare up at the night sky, the gargantuan trees that surround her swaying in the late-summer breeze. For a long time the rustling of leaves and wind is all she can hear, until the sound of boots padding through soil echoes through her ears.

“Are you alright, Miss Sloane?”

Suddenly, she remembers everything.

Four months ago she is just a simple girl, living in Nottinghamshire with her father on their family homestead. She awakes every morning with the sun to complete her chores around the farm and spend her afternoons in the garden, or perched on the tree-swing up the hill with an old book. Her life is quaint and uncomplicated, until her sixteenth birthday when with a swish of her fork, she sends the celebration cake flying into the hearth.

A representative from the Ministry of Magic comes to the cottage shortly thereafter, effectively turning her life upside-down. Magic? She can wield magic? All she can think of are the Brothers Grimm fairytales that line her bookshelf, wondering if she’ll end up as folklore—the strange girl from Nottingham who is secretly a witch.

An anomaly—that is what they call her, with only a handful of other cases on record of a person’s magic manifesting so late in life. Not that Siobhan is old, but by wizarding standards, she is a very late-bloomer. She remains in denial until another visitor arrives, this time a teacher sent from a magical school from which she has been offered admittance.

“Hogwash?” Mr. Sloane, her father, asks.

Professor Eleazar Fig shakes his head, a humored smile curling his lips. “Hogwarts,” he clarifies. “More specifically, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”

The Professor is a man who resembles her maternal grandfather, grey hair and all. He is a patient and kind person, sitting for hours in the family kitchen answering every question that comes to her father’s mind. It is Professor Fig who will be her tutor that summer, should Siobhan and Mr. Sloane accept, preparing her with as much baseline knowledge as he can before the start of the next term.

It seems like a lifetime ago, now.

Then came an airborne ambush, followed by a disorientating apparition to the chilly Scottish coast, shadowy labyrinths filled with vengeful statues, and the power-hungry leader of a goblin rebellion. Not to mention the discovery of ancient magic. It is the same magic Siobhan uses to escape Gringotts with the Professor, frantically activating a magical portal that deposits them in the middle of an overgrown forest.

“Miss Sloane?”

Siobhan snaps out of her daze, grasping Professor Fig’s outstretched hand so he can help her stand. As she dusts the dirt from her hands along the front of her already soiled coat, the older man inspects the dilapidated brick from which they just traveled through. Three times now she has performed the feat, and she suspects it has everything to do with the ancient magic burning in her veins.

With her limited knowledge of the wizarding world, she cannot begin to speculate on her newfound power, seemingly dormant until she touched the container Mr. Osric received from Miriam Fig. Unfounded as it is, she can’t help but feel strangely guilty for their deaths. She reaches up out of habit to fiddle with her braid, realizing with shock that the ends are burnt and frayed, likely from the dragon’s fire she and Professor Fig barely evaded. There is little time to mourn the loss of hair, however, not when she isn’t sure the danger has passed.

“Remarkable,” Fig sighs, interrupting her frazzled thoughts. He looks to where she is standing, staring at her upturned hands. “Are you alight?” he asks again.

Siobhan shakily nods, though she can tell the professor does not believe her. Thankfully he does not press the issue, offering a sympathetic smile while he waits for her to settle. She wonders if it’s not too late to return to Nottingham and pretend this was all a strange dream. But she does not want to fall victim to cowardice, or disappoint her father, who despite his resignation and confusion, allowed his only daughter to leave home.

If only her father knew how close to death she’d been, he would lock her up in the cellar for the rest of her life, just to keep her safe.

“Where are we?” she finally asks in a quiet voice. She can almost make out a path beyond the tree-line, illuminated by a lone lantern. In the distance, a train horn bellows.

Professor Fig joins in on surveying the area, his eyebrows twitching up in surprise. “It can’t be…” he says with a slight shake of his head. “It seems those who set up the Pensive, the locket—and the path to both—wanted someone with your ability to end up here…”

His words taper off and for a moment, the professor appears deep in thought, as if contemplating his own role in today’s events, and what the future holds for them both. The introspection doesn’t last, and a moment later Fig is regarding her with an amused grin.

“I do believe we aren’t very far from the castle grounds,” he announces. “Rather convenient, wouldn’t you say?”

Siobhan wryly smiles. “Very.”

“Come along,” he gestures for her to follow.

Not a few steps down the hill, her curiosity gets the better of her. “What will happen now?” she asks, clarifying when the professor glances her way. “To the locket, I mean, to…” she trails, hesitant to broach the subject. His wife’s research on ancient magic will need to continue…right?

“I will study the locket as soon as I can, but first I must contact the Ministry,” he explains “They need to know what happened to George…and be warned of Ranrock.”

“For the moment, I ask that you keep all that’s happened this evening between you and me,” he continues before Siobhan can reply.

“O—of course, sir,” she answers, unsure whom she would even tell, or if they’d believe her. 

The remaining trek to Hogwarts Castle is spent in relative silence, allowing Siobhan more time to comprehend all that has transpired. Not that she believes it possible to fully understand, not for a naive girl like her. Instead, dread coats her stomach, twisting round and round until she feels like she might be sick.

There isn’t enough time for Siobhan to admire the architecture, though the high ceilings and imposing towers do little to quell her anxieties. She hurries after Professor Fig as he leads her towards the Great Hall, where beyond the shut doors are the murmurs of celebration.

“With any luck, we haven’t missed the sorting ceremony,” he says. Siobhan refrains from making a quip about how terrible their luck has been so far, but she wouldn’t have been able to say anything anyways, not when a booming voice calls out to them.

“Fig!”

A tall and imposing man has slipped through the large doors without their notice, though Siobhan is sure by the sneer on the man’s face he isn’t there to greet them—at least not in the way she expects. His suit is impeccably tailored and his facial hair is well groomed, not a wrinkle or stray whisker in sight. Whomever he is, he must be important—or at least think he’s important.

Professor Fig grumbles and lets slip a curse before forcing a grin.

“Ah, Phineas!” he replies in a strained but jovial manner. Siobhan straightens her posture, recalling the name from the list of Hogwarts staff Fig provided her. Phineas Nigellus Black—the Headmaster.

“How nice of you to join us,” he says, face scrunched up as if he’s smelled something foul. His dark eyes flick across Siobhan’s appearance and she freezes, holding in her breath until her lungs burn. She wishes there had been time to fix her likely abyssal appearance and avoid making such a horrible first impression. Then again, it’s likely she could be dressed in the fanciest gown from Worth and still receive the same reaction.

Headmaster Black sighs. “But I’m afraid you are too late.” 

Professor Fig protests, shaking his head and hands in disagreement. “There were…complications—”

“Complications?” Black scoffs. Before Fig can begin to offer an explanation, the Headmaster continues. “You already know of my displeasure about this…” he motions lazily at Siobhan. “Situation. A new fifth-year? It is simply unheard of, especially one of her pedigree.”

Professor Fig scowls, shaking his head at Siobhan’s questioning glance. He will explain later, but the malice in Black’s tone doesn’t bode well. She feels the last shred of her already weakened confidence fade away and gulps down the bitter sting of emotions.

“Alas, the Ministry insisted upon her acceptance,” Headmaster Black grumbles.

“Even you could not sway their decision on the matter, it seems,” Professor Fig retorts, and if it weren’t for Siobhan’s presence, the two might have exchanged blows—magical or otherwise. “Siobhan Sloane is a capable witch, I assure you.”

“Humph,” Black scrutinizes her with disdain. “That remains to be seen.”

Siobhan wants nothing more in that moment than to be somewhere else. Home, she thinks. I want to go home.

Professor Fig’s expression darkens. “Phineas—”

“No matter,” the Headmaster waves his hand, silencing the older man. “Miss Sloane may join the rest of the students in the Great Hall. Consider yourself lucky—”

There’s that word again.

Siobhan never wants to hear it again.

“—we might still be able to get you sorted this evening.”

Headmaster Black spares once last glance at her before sharply turning on his heel to renter the Great Hall, not bothering to wait for them to follow. Siobhan deflates, exhaling as tears immediately flood her vision. Professor Fig quickly steps to her side, offering a handkerchief from his coat pocket.

“Allow me to apologize for the Headmaster’s abhorrent behavior,” he murmurs, eyebrows creased in a mix of concern and frustration. “Godric knows he never will. How he is permitted to keep his position whilst disrespecting the students and staff is beyond me.”

Siobhan says nothing, too preoccupied with sniffling and drying her tears. She feels like a inconsolable toddler, annoyed with herself for being so damn sensitive. Her father claims it as his favorite trait, but she feels cursed, embarrassed by the flush on her cheeks. Knowing she cannot stay there in the hall forever, she attempts to regain at least some of her composure.

Professor Fig—bless his patience—doesn’t speak until she lifts her chin, just enough to see the same sympathetic expression from earlier. She wipes at her face one last time, clutching the handkerchief tightly in one hand.

“Here, allow me,” he says, taking a step back as he brandishes his wand. With a flick of his wrist, he transforms her tattered coat into a dark, clean robe. She stares down at the Hogwarts insignia and the heavy reality of the situation comes crashing down.

“Are you ready?” Fig asks, affectionately patting her shoulder to offer some small encouragement for what she is about to face. No, she wants to scream to the professor and anyone else who will listen. She wants to run away while still can, but her feet shuffle forward, closer to the Great Hall doors.

Something tells her there is no turning back now.

Siobhan feigns bravery with a shaky smile. “Y—yes.”

It is a lie.

[orthodoxydaily]

ICON, SAINTS&READING: TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025

march 12_march 25

ICON: "Lydda" OF THE MPTHER OF GOD NOT -MADE-BY-HANDSI (1st c.).

The wonderworking Lydda Icon is mentioned in the service for the Kazan Icon (July 8 & October 22) in the third Ode of the Canon.

According to Tradition, the Apostles Peter and John were preaching in Lydda (later called Diospolis) near Jerusalem. There they built a church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, then went to Jerusalem and asked her to come and sanctify the church by her presence. She sent them back to Lydda and said, “Go in peace, and I shall be there with you.”

Arriving at Lydda, they found an icon of the Virgin imprinted in color on the wall of the church (some sources say the image was on a pillar). Then the Mother of God appeared and rejoiced at the number of people who had gathered there. She blessed the icon and gave it the power to work miracles. This icon was not made by the hand of man, but by a divine power.

Julian the Apostate (reigned 361-363) heard about the icon and tried to eradicate it. Masons with sharp tools chipped away at the image, but the paint and lines just seemed to penetrate deeper into the stone. Those whom the emperor had sent were unable to destroy the icon. As word of this miracle spread, millions of people came to venerate the icon.

In the eighth century, Saint Germanus, the future Patriarch of Constantinople (May 12) passed through Lydda. He had a copy of the icon made, and sent it to Rome during the iconoclastic controversy. It was placed in the church of Saint Peter, and was the source of many healings. In 842, the reproduction was returned to Constantinople and was known as the Roman Icon (June 26).

The oldest sources of information for the Lydda Icon are a document attributed to Saint Andrew of Crete in 726, a letter written by three eastern Patriarchs to the iconoclast emperor Theophilus in 839, and a work of George the Monk in 886.

The icon still existed as late as the ninth century.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

RIGHTHEOUS PHINEASM, GRANDSON OF AARON (1500 B.C.)

source: uncut Mountain supply

The Righteous Phineas, grandson of the High Priest Aaron (also commemorated today) and son of the High Priest Eleazar, was also a priest and zealous in his service.

When the Israelites, after the holy Prophet Moses (September 4) led them out of Egypt, were already near the Promised Land, their neighbors the Moabites and Midianites were overcome by fear and envy. Not trusting in their own strength, they summoned the magician Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites. The Lord revealed His will to Balaam, and Balaam refused to curse the People of God, seeing that God was pleased to bless them (Num. 24:1).

Then the Moabites drew the Israelites into the worship of Baal-Peor. God punished the Jews for their apostasy, and they died by the thousands from a plague. Many, beholding the wrath of God, came to their senses and repented.

At this time a certain man named Zimri, of the tribe of the Simeon, “brought to his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, and they wept at the door of the tabernacle of witness” (Num. 25:6). Phineas, filled with wrath, went into Zimri’s tent and killed both him and the Midianite woman with a spear.

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Phineas... has caused My wrath against the children of Israel to cease, when I was exceedingly jealous among them.... Behold, I give him a covenant of peace, and he and his descendants shall have a perpetual covenant of priesthood, because he was zealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel’” (Num. 25:10-13).

After this, at the command of God, Phineas went at the head of the Israelite army against the Moabites and brought chastisement upon them for their impiety and treachery. After the death of the High Priest Eleazar, Saint Phineas was unanimously chosen as High Priest. The high priesthood, in accord with God’s promise, continued also with his posterity. Saint Phineas died at an advanced age around 1500 B.C.

Isaiah 25:1-9

1 O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. 2 For You have made a city a ruin, A fortified city a ruin, A palace of foreigners to be a city no more; It will never be rebuilt. 3 Therefore the strong people will glorify You; The city of the terrible nations will fear You. 4 For You have been a strength to the poor, A strength to the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, A shade from the heat; For the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. 5 You will reduce the noise of aliens, As heat in a dry place; As heat in the shadow of a cloud, The song of the terrible ones will be diminished. 6 And in this mountain The Lord of hosts will make for all people A feast of choice pieces, A feast of wines on the lees, Of fat things full of marrow, Of well-refined wines on the lees. 7 And He will destroy on this mountain The surface of the covering cast over all people, And the veil that is spread over all nations.8 He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the Lord has spoken. 9 And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

Proverbs 12:8-22

8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. 9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread. 10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. 12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble. 14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. 16 A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. 17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. 18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. 19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. 21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

[plumblossomcafe]

Ch.76: The Gaze From a Certain God

At the entrance to Gandharva Ville

Tashfin: Hold it right there. A blond-haired traveler and a floating fairy... We've got you, alright. Take a look around — you've fallen right into our trap.

Paimon: Ah! Are you mercenaries from the Corps of Thirty? Did you come here to arrest us?

Tashfin: Corps of Thirty? We're nothing like those government lapdogs who don't even get scraps for their work. We are an elite brigade that commands the highest commission rate in all of Sumeru. We're here on the orders of a client known only as "The Outcast."

Paimon: "The Outcast"... An outcast from the Akademiya?

Aether: Sounds like The Doctor.

Paimon: But why wouldn't The Doctor just send the Fatui after us?

Aether: Maybe he's taking advantage of the Akademiya's resources.

Tashfin: Hmph, still wasting time on idle chit-chat? We'll shut you up soon enough. Get them!

Paimon: You're up, Aether!

After defeating all of the Eremites

Paimon: That was pretty rough... Is that what elite mercenaries are like?

Aether: It probably won't be long before we see more of them.

Paimon: Yeah, looks like we'll have to keep our guards up. But this Doctor guy seems like a pretty tough opponent... He knew exactly where to set up an ambush. Did he predict that we would try to find Tighnari? Ugh, going up against smart people is tough... Anyway, let's keep going.

Once they reached Gandharva Ville, they approached Collei

Collei: Oh, it's Aether and Paimon! What are you two doing back here? *noticed how Y/n is not with them* Where's Y/n?

Paimon: Collei, it's nice to see you again! Uh, Y/n is outside. She just wanted to take in the scenery! Anyways, are you doing alright?

Collei: I... To be honest, I'm not doing too well. My Eleazar has been progressing at a faster rate lately. I'm finding it harder to complete more intricate tasks. As a result, Master Tighnari has taken me off the patrol schedule. He will only allow me to stay here and coordinate other people's tasks.

Paimon: Oh, Collei...

Aether: It seems that curing Irminsul is our only chance...

Paimon: Speaking of Tighnari, did he go off on patrol? We're here to talk to him!

Collei: Oh, Master Tighnari? He just left the Avidya Forest a little while ago. He was headed to Pardis Dhyai.

Paimon: Huh, he left? But... isn't Tighnari always saying that he never wants to leave the Avidya Forest? He even turned down the sages' invitation.

Collei: I thought it was weird, too... Master Tighnari always prioritizes his work as a Forest Watcher above everything. He almost never leaves his post. He left in a hurry this time, though...

Paimon: He didn't give a reason?

Collei: No, I only found out that he left through a message he left behind. He also made sure to delegate all his tasks using a schedule. To leave in such a hurry... I'd guess he had something urgent to take care of.

Paimon: You mentioned that he was going to Pardis Dhyai... What kind of place is that

Collei: Hm... Master Tighnari originally studied in the Amurta Darshan of the Akademiya, and Pardis Dhyai is something like the Amurta's research base. Many rare shrubs and grasses have been planted there for research. I know that before he became a Forest Watcher, Master Tighnari once spent a long time conducting research at Pardis Dhyai.

Paimon: A research base, huh... Gotta wonder what kind of research Tighnari just decided to work on all of a sudden... Aether, we don't have a lot of time, so let's go look for him at Pardis Dhyai.

At Pardis Dhyai

Paimon: Wait, look who it is...!

Aether: Nahida!

Paimon: Thank goodness, you're okay! We were so worried about you...

Aether: You ARE Nahida, right? You haven't been reprogrammed by The Doctor, have you?

Paimon: Hey, Aether! This was supposed to be a touching reunion, but you're ruining the moment!

Nahida: Actually, it's very smart of the Traveler to be wary of me right now. After all, The Doctor has shown that his technology can apparently even control human minds... Plus, it's not like you could've known what happened after we split up, and I was facing The Doctor with Y/n. Even a pool of stagnant water after a torrential storm can occasionally pass as a patch of sky.

Paimon: Hmm... Paimon feels like only the real Nahida could come up with such an obscure analogy.

Aether: I believe you.

Nahida: Huh? But I wasn't trying to win your trust or anything. All I wanted was to clarify my point...

Paimon: Well, we understand that point now! Please, Nahida, tell us more about what happened. Are those poor people alright?

Nahida: When you left, Me and Y/n were still in the middle of restoring everyone's minds. Thankfully, when The Doctor mentioned "depositing information into the subconscious," he didn't mean engraving information into their minds......Instead, he did something closer to creating hallucinations. That was still within my power to fix, but...

Paimon: Whew, what a relief... The Doctor sure pulled out some hidden cards, but it's a good thing we had Nahida with us... Wait, speaking of Y/n

Aether: What happened to Y/n? Did she...

Nahida: Before The Doctor can capture me, she trapped me into a bubble that floated me away which, in turn, caused her to be captured by The Doctor, I also gave away my true identity when we restored everyone's minds, which means we've lost another one of our trump cards. Also... The Doctor is already an expert at modifying Akasha Terminals. Maybe it's only a matter of time until he captures my consciousness inside the Akasha.

Paimon: Oh no, Y/n... But, then would that mean you'd no longer be able to jump between minds? Then, how do we stop him... He's still at the Akademiya, so it's possible he's already started messing with the Akasha...

Aether: We need to hurry. Our position will only get worse with time. We especially have to save Y/n

Paimon: Argh, it feels like he's toying with us! What a nasty piece of work! Plus, The Doctor's combat ability alone is apparently enough to make him worthy of being number two of the Fatui...

Nahida: We shouldn't give up hope just yet. Let's try to find another way to attack this problem.

Paimon: Actually, Nahida, how did you know we were trying to get to Pardis Dhyai? Have you been waiting for us?

Nahida: Yes, I have. I can see Aether's Elemental Energy, so I deduced your destination by looking at the direction you were moving in. You didn't come here for sightseeing, right? Did you find any leads?

Paimon: We're looking for a scholar we know! His name is Tighnari, and the sages once tried to reach out to him. Why don't you come inside with us and see what we can find?

Nahida: Okay. Let's just hope we won't get him into trouble...

(Y/n will be ignored/forgotten by Haypasia during this part)

Haypasia: Aether? It is you!

Paimon: Ah! It's Haypasia!

Aether: Long time no see! Didn't expect to run into you here.

Haypasia: Ahh, what a pleasant surprise! It's so nice to see the two of you again.

Nahida: Who's this...?

Paimon: She's a scholar we met in the Avidya Forest! When we last saw each other, she was still training in the uh, what's it called... "Satyavada Life"?

Nahida: Oh... I see.

Haypasia: That's right, we're old friends! You've come at just the right time. Ever since I've come here, hardly anyone has even talked to me.

Paimon: Haypasia, you're way too excited about this! Actually, for you to leave the Avidya Forest means... you're not in training anymore? Wait, no... Did you already finish your training and reach Paripurna Life?

Haypasia: Hehehe... What do you think? My consciousness... has already managed to make contact with the divine.

Nahida: ...Hmm?

Paimon: You did it!? Congratulations!

Aether: I'm really happy for you.

Haypasia: Haha, it's so exhilarating to share this sublime joy with others at long last! When my consciousness made contact with the gods... What a supreme and unparalleled experience that was...

Paimon: That sounds incredible...

Aether: Actually, we're in a hurry, so let's chat about this next time.

Haypasia: Oh, alright... Actually, please wait — I haven't forgotten my promise to you. Remember? I promised to help you understand what you saw from Irminsul once I gained deeper insights. My current self has not only gained true insight, but I can even help you establish a direct connection to the consciousness of the divine!

Paimon: Y—You can do that?

Aether: Do you believe her, Nahida?

Nahida: I've never heard of anything like that, but... if you want to give it a try, I'll do my best to protect your consciousness during the process.

Haypasia: Hold on, I've brought some Spirit Borneol with me. This is still a crucial part of the ceremony.

Paimon: Uh, we're using that incense again?

Haypasia: Alright, now... hold my hand. I'll help you establish a pathway to connect your consciousness.

Nahida: Okay.

Haypasia: Ready?

The story was told by a familiar voice

It took three betrayals for me to finally understand: The world is just an elaborate tapestry of lies. My fury will never be quelled

The Electro Archon, Ei, could be seen controlling a familiar boy dressed in white with strings as the narrator continued to tell his story

The first to betray me was a god. My creator... my mother. Valuing strength above all, she saw no worth in me, and I was discarded

Soon, the strings were detached as the boy fell onto the ground in the forest. The scene changed as the innocent familiar boy was helping a man forge a blade

The second was a human. My family... my friend. Consumed by fear, he saw me as an abomination

A white light glew from the boy's chest and was soon "ripped" out from his chest

The third was one exactly like me. A hope for the future... a fledgling barely out of the nest

The boy could be seen stretching his hand out to a younger boy. The two were happy, but the scene changed as the boy dressed in white smiled as he entered the home carrying lavender melons, but it was soon discarded as he witnessed the scene in front of him

Powerless before his mortality, he broke his promise to me.

The house the two boys once shared was seen burned behind him as the boy put on a straw hat as we walked away from the scene

Humans... they can't be trusted. And the gods fill me with pure loathing. So I said good riddance! I denounce the world and laugh in its face. My chest will never again be defiled by worldly filth. I will scrub away every last trace of human emotion. Then it will be empty, a blank slate. And ready to receive a supreme Gnosis, brimming with pure divinity. Hehehe... Ahahahaha!

The scene changed once more as the boy now known as the Balladeer is seen attached to a lot of cords, but he didn't seem to be bothered at all. In fact, he seemed satisfied with the outcome

There is no need to fear. The pain will be brief... Your era... is coming to an end

Paimon: Wh—What was that!

Aether: This is neither the Greater Lord's consciousness... Nor King Deshret's consciousness...

Paimon: Did we actually just see the Balladeer's memories!? Everything matches what we know about him! But how is he connected to the divine consciousness that Haypasia was talking about!?

Haypasia: You saw it, right? You felt it, right!? Such a majestic god, such a noble will, such sublime emotion! Alas, a shame... If only... If only that which beats within my chest wasn't a filthy, mortal heart... O, great and merciful god, please grant me forgiveness and salvation...

Nahida: Do you understand now? I'm afraid this is no Paripurna Life, but rather...

Aether: Wake up, Haypasia!

Haypasia: Ah...! You... Why are you so mean to me? Why is everyone hiding from me? I found divine wisdom! Shouldn't I receive praise and honor? Haven't I uncovered that light in the darkness?

Paimon: Haypasia...

Haypasia: That's how I always thought everything should be......Wait... Have I... already lost my mind?

Aether: ...

Nahida: Wait, something isn't right!

A group of people dressed in Corps of Thirty uniforms storm the Pardis Dhyai and start to attack as Aether starts to fight them off

Paimon: Nahida!

Aether sees Nahida, as Katheryne, fleeing from three assailants and runs towards her and reaches out, but "Katheryne" is impaled in the back with a halberd. As Aether and Nahida reach out to each other and their fingers touch, there is a flash of green, and the screen fades to black. Aether opens his eyes to find himself in the body of Nahida, confined in the center of a large chamber with an unconscious bandaged Y/n was beside him. Scaramouche's eyes fill his vision for a brief moment

I see you

His vision quickly pans through a few rooms until it reaches a large machine connected to Scaramouche, who is in the center and smirking. Eventually this vision ended as Aether, Tighnari, and Paimon ran along a path

Paimon: ...Okay, we've finally lost them.

Aether: !!! *gasp*

Paimon: Are you okay, Nahida? ...Wait, no! Something feels different... Aether, you're back!?

Tighnari: Oh? Aether's back?

Aether: What just happened?

Paimon: Nahida was controlling your body for a while. It seems like she jumped over to you as an emergency measure right before the Katheryne puppet was destroyed. After that... Tighnari heard the commotion and came over. He helped us defeat the mercenaries, and then he ran with us all the way here.

Aether: This time, she didn't just transfer her mind into my body... Our minds swapped places.

Paimon: What? You swapped places? You mean, your consciousness also went into Nahida's body? Wait, then where is Nahida's consciousness? Where is she now? Were you also able to connect with Y/n's...?

Tighnari: I never imagined that an individual's consciousness could be transferred around like this... Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would have never believed it. I don't think this can be achieved with current human technology... Also, Aether, while we were running, the consciousness in your body told me to pass on two messages. They said: "The Doctor has found a way to trap both mine and Y/n's consciousness, so neither of us can't journey with you anymore. But even in a moonless night, a shower of starlight can still drown out illusions and lies." While the other message said "Once the illusion is revealed will you discover the truth with the oblivious in the unknown"

Paimon: Aaagh, oh no... Nahida's trapped in the Sanctuary of Surasthana for good this time! Was that message all she left for us? It's pretty vague...

Aether: It's in a code that only we know, thanks to Y/n. We are capable of understanding it. We can't let The Doctor figure out what we're up to.

Paimon: Oh, that makes sense! Since The Doctor captured them, they won't be able to say anything without him knowing. They're being extra careful... "Even in a moonless night, a shower of starlight can still drown out illusions and lies..." Paimon knows that the Moon, illusions, and lies are from that alchemical divination at the Sabzeruz Festival... Didn't Nahida use a "starlight" analogy before? It had something to do with Setaria...

Aether: "The Moon" refers to Nahida herself. "Starlight" refers to the people of the desert. "Illusions and lies" refer to the Akademiya's plans.

Paimon: Ohhh! That makes a lot of sense. Do you think Nahida was telling us to go find help in the desert? But neither her or Y/n aren't with us anymore... Think we'll be okay? And what does the other message mean? Could that one have been from Y/n? If it was then, what does it mean?

Aether: I'm not sure, but I have a feeling we'll discover it along the way

Tighnari: Paimon... you said Sanctuary of Surasthana, correct? Does this mean that this "Nahida" you're talking about, the consciousness who was occupying Aether's body... is... the Dendro Archon?

Paimon: Uh... Your guess is correct, but the situation's a bit complicated, so it's really hard for us to explain right now...

Tighnari: That's alright. A scholar's curiosity doesn't need to be appeased right away. As for the complicated nature of the situation... Safe to say, I have witnessed that for myself. I've spent some time with you, and it looks like the Dendro Archon's also on your side, so... I trust you.

Paimon: Thank you, Tighnari! Oh, actually, we came here to ask you a question. What do you know about the project that the sages have been working on?

Tighnari: Ah, that... While I was indeed invited to join that project, the sages were always secretive about its scope and goals, so I eventually declined. All I know is that that project has something to do with the restoration of Irminsul.

Aether: I think I know what the project is about. I just received some new intel.

Paimon: Eh? Did you see something when you were in Nahida's body?

Aether: The Akademiya is... turning The Balladeer into a god while using Y/n's blood.

Paimon: What!?

Tighnari: ...Do you have any evidence?

Aether: I saw a "nascent god" under construction. Haypasia also showed us a so-called divine consciousness...

Tighnari: ...

Aether described what he saw when he exchanged consciousnesses with Nahida along with the state of Y/n...

Tighnari: Hm, so that's what happened... That explains why Haypasia's symptoms were different from those of the other scholars who went mad. It's because she made contact with the consciousness of a new god who is still in the process of being born...

Paimon: Tighnari, did you leave the Avidya Forest because of Haypasia?

Tighnari: I did. I noticed Haypasia's mental anomalies, but since her symptoms were rather atypical, I secretly took her to Pardis Dhyai, and began searching for a way to return her to her normal self. If I didn't take action, Haypasia would have already been taken by the matra to the desert, doomed to a life of exile at Aaru Village. Now that you mention it, I knew the Akademiya has never thought particularly highly of Lesser Lord Kusanali, but......But I still didn't expect them to do something as arrogant as creating a new god while using an innocent person. Looks like I made the right decision by not accepting their invitation.

Aether: The Fatui is also behind some of this they may have fanned the flames.

Tighnari: The Doctor and The Balladeer... We have two Fatui Harbingers in Sumeru... Sounds like we're in for a bad time. From your description, I don't think they've completed their project. There may still be room for us to intervene. But then, what is the connection between creating a new god and restoring Irminsul...?

Paimon: Yeah, it feels like we're still nowhere close to figuring out the sages' goals...

Aether: Let's head to the desert for now. We must stop them no matter what.

Paimon: Right. We've pretty much gone over everything we need to know, so we should head out... How about you, Tighnari? What are you going to do?

Tighnari: I'll stay here for now. I still want to try a few more things to help Haypasia. If you're planning to go into the desert, start by heading for Caravan Ribat. That'll be your fastest route. Come find me here if there's anything else I can do to help. May the spirit of wisdom go with you.

Paimon: Thanks, Tighnari! Hopefully, Haypasia will feel better soon! We're off, then.

Tighnari: Also, you dropped this while we were running away *handed him a hairpin* From the looks of it, it belonged to Y/n and the Dendro Archon was planning to give this to you, but given what just happened that wasn't possible, I'm guessing when the Dendro Archon took control of you she placed it in your pocket and you know the rest

Aether: "Y/n... I promise, I'll bring you back, safe and sound" *gripped the hairpin tightly*

(This was the only picture that I could find. Please bear with it)

A little spoiler skit for how Y/n got the hairpin(takes place after the 3.4 Latern Rite, I'll write the past events once I catch this story up with everything, including Story Quests):

Y/n and Zhongli could be seen overlooking Liyue while many Xiao Laterns were floating in the sky

Y/n: What was it that you wanted to give me?

Zhongli: This *puts a hairpin in her hair*

Y/n: *touches it* A hairpin? *happy upon feeling it's familiar shape* It's a Glaze Lily hairpin! My favorite flower!

Zhongli: *smiles while patting her head*

A memory of Guizhong flows through him as the reaction that Y/n had was the same reaction his late lover had when she once owned this hairpin

Zhongli: I...

Y/n: ?

Zhongli: I want to apologize for how I treated you. Iwas selfish... I let my emotions and grief get the best of me.

Y/n: ...It's alright, I forgave you long ago, I'm also sorry, I failed to notice your grief and pain, if I knew I would've helped you... *crying* I-I'm sorry, Papa

Zhongli: *hugs her* It's me that should apologize the most because of my mistakes I let your mother down and ruined our relationship *crying*

Almost as if it was intentional, the lullaby that Guizhong sang rang through their minds as her words ran alongside the lullaby. The words "As for that stone dumbell.. forget about it, would you? Instead, please give our daughter all the love you gave me to her in my place, I love you, Morax..." And "No matter what happens, I'll always be with you, my little plum blossom, even if I'm not with you in person". Y/n who reached her breaking point, cried out the words she longed to say to her father

Y/n: Papa!!! *crying*

Zhongli: It's alright, I'm right here... my daughter *kissed the top of her head* I'm sorry, I'm sorry... *hugged her tighter while stroking her head* I love you with all my heart...

As the two finally reconciled, a lone figure of a woman can be seen watching from afar with loving eyes.

Guizhong: Thank you, Morax, I love you and Y/n

[protagonists-catastrophe]

Eleazar, how did you and Warren meet?

cw: religious trauma, implied grooming. - please proceed with caution for the cut below.

> "How we met...?"

He doesn't want to remember. But at the same time, he thinks about it all day, everyday. Since he was ten years old, he was forced into a place where God was supposed to be his savior. People who indoctrinated to this cult had cursed the lord's true teachings.

A community where everyone was always out to get one another. If someone were to retaliate against the "Father's" teachings, they were to be dealt with swiftly and easily. On that cold rainy night, it as going to be a regularly scheduled ritual sermon.

But he was supposed to be the sacrificial lamb that night. And Eleazar couldn't bare his life for someone who isn't there, unlike his predecessors.

He didn't want to die. It was selfish, but he just couldn't.

> "Hhhh... W-We... w-w-we met... met at night... c-c-cold night, r-rain-- hhhhHHh..."

His breathing quickens, his chest feels tight, he's having another one of those episodes. Hands patted the walls of the elevator, leaning against them as he slumped down to a sitting position. Sick... He feels so sick and disturbed.

> "R-Ran away... r-r-ran from th-th-them... mmmhhhh... c-couln't...i-i couldn't.... Warren... Warren..!! S-S-Saved me... hhhhHHhhh...!!"

He feels those phantom hands pulling at his hair, caressing his face, gripping his shoulders. Demons, all of them, every single one of them were wretched demons who wanted him for something so surreal. Even his own parents were upset for his cowardice.

His rosary quickly slips into his hand, squeezing it tightly as the tears continue. His faith is so helpless, but he still lingers for a sign, something to show that what Eleazar did was right. He seeks God's forgiveness for betraying him. Still, one thing only lingers on his mind.

> "W-Warren... come home. Please come home. Please come home. Please come home. Warren please come home. Please Warren, come home. Come home Warren. Please I-I'm scared, I need you here--"

[oreichalkos]

*  CHARACTER  STATISTICS!

* NAME : dardanos of atlantis / dardanos eleazar / mother goddess* * AGE :   32 (+10,000) * HEIGHT :   6′4   * SPECIES :   deity * GENDER :   cis male (the mother goddess uses she/her pronouns but dardanos himself identifies as a cisgender male)   * NATIONALITY :  atlantean  * BIRTHDAY :   c. 8000 BCE  * RESIDENCE :   atlantis (formerly). greece     * MARITAL STATUS :   widowed   * SEXUALITY :   demisexual * BODY TYPE :   athletic * EYE COLOR :   gold (naturally). green (mother goddess) * HAIR COLOR :  teal - blue. dark brown (pre apotheosis) 

[enchantedsword]

for that tsubasa/genshin au i came up with i have two options im not sure which one i want to go with either way alternate versions of themselves are taking places of the archons/citizens of teyvat, also including the clones as having alternate versions in this. the basic plot though is the group end up traveling to teyvat and meeting not only alternates of people they know but also themselves and finding out that the clones themselves had/have alternate versions if only in this world. also in this one and maybe other trc aus i do, princess tsubasa and li tsubasa are not going to be romantic but they are still soulmates they're just platonic instead(both thought long and hard about it and realized with the clones relationship to tsubasa that they arent comfortable being romantic with each other but obviously they still love each other). ill also be using tsubasa mostly for r!syaoran and sakura for r!sakura just to not complicate and confuse.

adding a read more because this got away from me so badly, it was only supposed to be 3 paragraphs and it is definitely not that oops

now for roles that they would have before i get into my options on trc ending up there. like i said theyre all either gods/adepti/other immortal or just citizens of nations. the nations and archons roles are the same as canon though the plot and events are also largely the same as canon. archon names and titles also stay the same ie. kusanali, barbatos, moras/rex lapis. the civilian names they use however are going to be the trc names. fai and kuroganes roles might change ive already switched them around what feels like a 100 times. the only ones i know for sure arent changing are the clones, tsubasa and sakura.

sakura: is the sumeru archon of wisdom and dendro, she largely has the same as nahida's being held captive for 500 years and being more of a child of about 10 years old in appearance, her signature colors are white and pink. the previous dendro archon was nadeshiko, who sacrificed herself during the cataclysm to heal the irminsul and eventually is erased from history/memory in order to completely heal it and rid sumeru of eleazar. being that she is the one in charge of the irminsul she is to an extant a dreamseer/walker and can communicate with trc sakura and watanuki is needed, and be informed that the trc gang may appear.

fai: has a cryo vision, hes half snezhnayan and was born in sumeru, his twin died when they were children from eleazar. he works in the akademiya, helped the traveler in rescuing sakura. however im unsure if i want him to also be a part of the fatui or formally part of before leaving and going back to sumeru, maybe he joined in order to research elaezar but didnt like how they went about doing so.

kurogane: has a pyro vision is full inazuman who leaves inzuma after the shogun is defeated and the vision decree is rescinded. was part of the resistance against the shogun. he travels around a bit looking for strong opponents to fight(never killing them because most the people he fights he wants to gonup against later) mostly sticks to the port towns. im not sure weather i want him to eventually end up in sumeru and meeting fai and sakura and stay there with them or end up in mondstadt city were he meets tsubasa and decides this kid needs a guardian and stays there

c!sakura: she is istaroth goddess/shade of time and creator of the 1000 winds. she knows of the trc group and what they seek and knows that while she and another are versions of their other selves that the answers they seen in bringing them back are not on tevyet at least not at this time. honestly unsure if i want tevyet to be the answer theyre looking for in finding a way to bring the clones back(since we do have characters like albedo, wanderer and shogun who are all puppets/chimera bodies). she and c!syaoran also never got to meet

c!syaoran: he is in the place of the namless bard and yes he is still a bard who befriends a wind wisp, though i am unsure of if i want to keep decarabian the same or change it to ashura

tsubasa: theirs is going to be a little longer because theyre my favorite and the one i thought the most of. and while i know most people would make him have something to do with pyro or electro because all canon syaorans magic is mostly those two elements. i think youve probably guessed by now that ive decided to go with what i think would suit them personality wise(based on his trc situation) and that is being the mondstadt archon of anemo and freedom. because honestly canon tsubasa is trapped and asleep for 7 years and even then he doesnt have a lot of freedom that he would like afterwards. they are still part of the 1000 winds and took the form of their first friend. they have the look of a 14 year old, their personality is still largely the same as any other syaoran, they do have a bit more of a mischievous side and the maturity that comes with being over 2,000 years old(they embrace their more sakura side i guess you could say in a way that trc tsubasa is still learning how to do again) so they are not as reserved as trc syaoran. i also think its just be really funny if this 14 year old looking kid called the trc gang children when they all look older(i see as this conversation taking place when trc!tsubasa is about 16/17). im not getting into the full archon look because i dont really have an idea for it other then it would be different from ventis in how much skin it covers but still showing the tattoos and space for wings that tsubasa would still have. due to tsubasa connection with time and the dreams(the many years of sleeping) they are also a dreamseer/walker

au idea 1: is the post canon trc gang end up in tevyet around the time of traveler just finishing sumeru. im going t o pretend that if they land in a world where the have the potential of meeting alternates of themselves or people who would know their alternates theyre appearances change just enough that they can recognize eachother but other people wouldnt kinda like a glamour. they land in mondstadt and meet everyone theyre including that tsubasa who they assume is a normal person at least as normal as someone with a vision can be. the bard profession did catch them off guard a bit but they rolled with it. when asking around for certain information(like the group tends to do) they are pointed to the akademiya and the dendro archon. they dont really notice the resemblance of the statues of the bard they meet as theyre sent off to sumeru fairly quickly and dont have time to really stop and look(trc tsubasa is to ecstatic to get to the akademiya after what hes heard about to really notice). there they meet archon sakura and try to research ways to bring back the clones, and they end up kinda meeting most archons at somepoint and realizing who the bard tsubasa is.

au idea 2: feather journey trc gang end up in rebellion era old mondstadt were they meet the namless bard and his friends. trc c!syaoran being the only one to end up with a glamour at this point. c!sakuras feather is hidden away in decabarians castle, the trc gang do join up with the rebellion in order to get to the feather but promise to stay out of the main fight and only go for the feather, as this is a fight for their own freedom and they dont want to rely on outsiders to do it for them. they think nothing of the little wind spirit following around this worlds syaoran. and once they have the feather theyre immediately transported to the new world, the battle still running strong as theyre taken away, never knowing that the bard!syaoran is killed and that little wind spirit becomes a reluctant god.

post canon trc group ends up back in tevyet, they end up near windrise this time and and notice they tsubasa is still the only one with a glamour, they make thier way to the closest settlement which happens to be mondstadt city. they do find bard!tsubasa which got a bit confusing at first as they assumed it was bard!syaoran and were informed that the famous bard that helped lead the rebellion died over 2,100 years ago, safe to say they are all shocked that such a long time had passed since they were last here. they do travel around tevyet a bit before they have to leave, bard!tsubasa is a bit of the usual "knows things about the world and what their looking for" that they probably shouldnt be, again none of them figure out theyre an archon they just assume it was a reincarnation thing.

they end up in tevyet a third time, however they get pulled into istaroth!sakuras domain who informs them that while shes aloud them to enter twice before informs them of that she and the bard!syaoran are verisons of the ones they wish to bring back however what the seek isnt on tevyet at least not accessible to them yet and that even she doesnt understand how they two of them came to exist away from them while not being the true sakura and syaoran but also being completely separate from the lives of the clones. and also warns them to not get involved in the conflicts that are to come to tevyet as this is something the must handle on their own and they can not stay for long lest the celestia catch on and she may be punished for letting them in and another for knowing they she did so. they end up in sumeru this time, meeting archon sakura which confuses them as nadeshiko is the dendro archon they met last time but even sakura seems to not know of her. they learn that again 500 years have passed since their last visit and a lot has changed again and this time all of them have glamours on(they think nothing of tsubasa having one still though they really should). this visit they spend the majority of the time in sumeru. eventually they do meet bard!tsubasa again but this time they meet him as barbatos and tevyet is going to shit and they have to leave. they end up there a fourth time but im undecided on how long after tevyet gains its freedom from the celestia and if the archons/shades survive it

i do have ideas on where to put other characters but a lot of its not solid and most are still up in the air on where i want them and details here and there might change and this has already gotten to long

[thefernmanner]

"The Dirty Hole." From the Book of Sirach, "The Manner of the Fern" 45: 23-26.

Next within the Family Album is a little known character in the Torah known as Pinchas, or Phinehas. The term, which means "The Oracle" is found in Parsha 41 of 54 that comprise the Torah.

Sirach offers us a short summary of the purposes of the Parsha below:

Phinehas

23 Only Moses and Aaron were more famous for their intense devotion to the Lord than Phinehas son of Eleazar. He brought about forgiveness for Israel's sin by standing firm in brave determination when everyone else was in rebellion. 

24 And so the Lord made a covenant with him, valid for all time to come, that he should be in charge of the sanctuary and of his people, that he and his descendants should hold the office of High Priest forever. 

25 Unlike the covenant made with David son of Jesse, from the tribe of Judah, where the kingship passed only from father to son, the priesthood was to pass from Aaron to all his descendants.

26 Now praise the Lord, who is good, who has crowned you with glory![c] May he give you wisdom to judge his people fairly, so that their success and your authority[d] may continue for all time to come.

Sirach says Phinehas was given the power to forgive "Israel's sin" which was not something minor like looking back at Sodom and Gomorrah or Egypt. Someone in Israel, you see, stuck his cock into the Baal Peor, which means "the dirty, dirty hole" and tainted all Israel:

After the prophet Balaam fails to curse Israel (Numbers 22–24), he advises the Moabites and Midianites to seduce the Israelites into sin. As a result:

“The people began to commit harlotry with the daughters of Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.” — Numbers 25:1–3

This was a double sin:

Sexual immorality (with Moabite and Midianite women), and Idolatry (worship of Baal Peor).

What Pinchas Did: Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron, sees an Israelite man (Zimri) bringing a Midianite woman (Cozbi) into his tent in defiance of God's command, while a plague is consuming the people. He kills them both with a spear:

“When Pinchas… saw it, he rose from among the congregation and took a javelin in his hand… and thrust both of them through… So the plague was stopped among the children of Israel.” — Numbers 25:7–8

God praises Pinchas and says:

“Pinchas… has turned My wrath away from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal… therefore I give him My covenant of peace.” — Numbers 25:11–12

Summary: Israel's sin: Sexual immorality and idolatry (Baal Peor)

Pinchas's act: Zealous violence to stop public defiance of God’s command

Forgiveness: The plague stops, symbolizing divine appeasement

Divine reward: A “covenant of peace” and everlasting priesthood for Pinchas

Sexual immorality is of keen importance to the study of the Torah, it is the very first thing God tells Adam and Evil to avoid. The topic comes and goes with the Torah along with the other ways the Beersheba and Decrees help secure health, happiness, and stability of mankind, but if one can avoid cocking a dirty hole, one is already a cut above the rest.

A Baal Peor is 219, ריט‎ ‎, rit, "agreements between man and God, man and humanity." So there is a positive Mitzvah hidden in the term which is otherwise not that good.

B'rit (בְּרִית) is a Hebrew word that signifies:

Covenant or alliance: This is a crucial concept in the Hebrew Scriptures, appearing frequently and signifying a binding agreement or relationship, often established through rituals like animal sacrifice.

Circumcision (b'rit milah): The ritual of circumcision is seen as a physical manifestation of this covenant, establishing a permanent relationship between a Jewish male and God and the Jewish people.

The New Covenant (B'rit Chadashah): In the New Testament, "B'rit Chadashah" is used to refer to the New Covenant.

So even as early as the concocting of the Book of Sirach, there were hints man cannot just pray to God all day long, there were other ways to complete one's knowledge of existence.

This has always been known by the Jewish people, Sirach follows Aaron with his grandsom Phinehas, for a reason. A grandson is 312, שיב‎, shiv, "the tribute."

"Shiv" likely refers to the Hebrew word "shuv" (שׁוּב), which means "to return or turn back". It can also imply turning back from a negative action or returning to a previous state. The term "shiva" (שִׁבְעָה), meaning "seven," is also relevant, particularly in the context of the Jewish mourning period of "shiva," which lasts for seven days. 

Until the past is buried and life is moving steadily forward absent worship of a dirty hole, a term which can apply to any of the organs of perception, one cannot attain to Shabbat and know peace. So a man who thinks of his life as Seven Days of Mourning is the wisest among us. Once one has conquered all desire and one's merits are sufficient to satisfy life, one has achieved Shabbat not before. This is the only way to attract the right partner(s) in life and not incur sin. In contrast, if one incurs sin in a dirty hole, society will revile you and you may not get a chance to start again.

Recall forward momentum away from Baal Peor is the entire point of the Book of Sirach.

The Values in Gematria are:

Phinehas=221, רך‎א, rakha, "a perfumer." In Hebrew, the word "rakha" (רָקַח) from generally means "to mix" or "to compound". It can also refer to the act of creating a mixture, like in the context of making perfume or anointing oil.

The proper definition of the Mitzvah called the Baal Peor is as the gematria states, to perfume the beloved with a loving stare. Adoration cleans the hole.

v. 23: Only Moses and Aaron were more famous. The Number is 11995, יאץץ‎ה‎, yatzha, "won."

The Torah is like a faucet that drips. It takes years for it to fill a lake or the ocean. As one studies one will encounter statements that make one think one has achieved the ultimate state of illumination only to learn it was just one more drop of water. Phinehas is the same. It is true one "wins" if one perfumes oneself with the proper essence of one's longings, but that is not the end of the road:

"The noun צאצא (se'esa), derived from this verb, means "offspring" or "produce". Another related noun, מוצא (mosa') refers to a place or act of going out, such as a departure point or source."

We portray Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Jesus as great prophets and teachers but the greatest was Saint John, who wrote the Revelation. His work in the Gospel of John and the former are just outstanding in their Jewish scholarship, without which we could not understand this text. So we have to run the drippy faucet all the way out in order to fill the pond in the mind or we do not win a thing from our religion. Adultery, corruption, cruelty, impropriety, these put blood, shit, piss, and cum in our drinking water and these set us back.

This is what we need to learn from this frame, which faucet to which we want to turn:

v. 24: And so the Lord made a covenant. The Number is 7869, עחסט‎, ‎aachast‎, "An August Stare."

"What you look at, you sieze."

The etymology states what you look at you must be legally entitled to.

"Aachast" might be a variation, form, or transliteration of a Hebrew word related to אחז (ahaz) or another Hebrew word described in Abarim Publications' dictionary. For example, the Hebrew word for "possession," Achuzah {אחוזת}, which is used in the context of legal ownership, is related to the root meaning of "to hold". This connection supports the idea that "aachast" could be related to the concept of holding or possessing."

If you go to the bathhouse, you can legally do what you want provided your presence is not required elsewhere. If one is not allowed to go to the bathhouse, or go online or have the app on one's phone, or to watch porn, etc. then the mind must not behold these things.

v. 25: Unlike the Covenant made with David...the Number is 11250, יא‎רן, yaren, "a yarn". The name Yaren (ירן) in Hebrew is interpreted as "he will sing" or "he will shout for joy". It is derived from the Hebrew root "RAN" (רן), which signifies singing, rejoicing, or shouting. The name is associated with a joyful and celebratory nature. 

The Davidic Covenant establishes a royal dynasty, which is nothing but a series of short term engagements between members of a royal family the persons who inhabit their property. Israel is the most sacred of all properties so God made a special promise to the people of Israel He would work within the space to ensure someone would always be there to protect it. This has not come to pass, but still the prophets talk about it.

The covenant made with Phinehas refers to the ability to know that which is permanent on a temporary basis. One must be the king of one's own garden and snake for this to happen. Without these, man has no reason to be happy so the Covenant of Peace, the covenant with Phinehas is more important than the one God made with David as without it, even the Kings of Israel will not suffice.

v. 26: Now praise the Lord, who crowned you. The Number is 15919, י״הץ‎יט‎, yet thatz‎yet‎, "ease up and you will be resurrected."

This refers to the very bizarre idea of practicing away the sin by doing nothing at all, for a very long period of time. One must get up in the morning, eat, read or write for a few minutes, work, come home, exercise and go to bed and do very little else if one wants to receive one's sample of eternal life. There is no other way.

If the one you choose is fast and furious like you, then you can do that, but otherwise, life must be lived in complete solitude inside and out.

The final Gemara is ריט‎שיברך‎א יאץץ‎העחסטיא‎רןי״הץ‎יט, rit‎shiverech‎a yeaztz‎ha'achasti‎raniyethatz‎yet, "May the Lord bless you, O Israel!"

This is not something one hears every day, but it is nice to hear it from the one that really counts.

[antiochianorthodoxcumberlandmd]

Daily Scripture Readings and Lives of the Saints for Saturday, April 12, 2025

Fast Day (Wine and Oil Allowed)

Feasts and Saints celebrated today:

Lazarus Saturday

Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Parium

Sergius II, Patriarch of Constantinople

Anthousa the Righteous of Constantinople

Akakios of Kavsokalyvia

Readings for today:

St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 12:28-29; 13:1-8

John 11:1-45

Lazarus Saturday

Reading from the Synaxarion:

Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, the friends of the Lord Jesus, had given Him hospitality and served Him many times (Luke 10:38-4z; John 12:2-3). They were from Bethany, a village of Judea. This village is situated in the eastern parts by the foothills of the Mount of Olives, about two Roman miles from Jerusalem. When Lazarus - whose name is a Hellenized form of "Eleazar," which means "God has helped," became ill some days before the saving Passion, his sisters had this report taken to our Saviour, Who was then in Galilee. Nonetheless, He tarried yet two more days until Lazarus died; then He said to His disciples, "Let us go into Judea that I might awake My friend who sleepeth." By this, of course, He meant the deep sleep of death. On arriving at Bethany, He consoled the sisters of Lazarus, who was already four days dead. Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled at the death of His beloved friend. He asked, "Where have ye laid his body?" and He wept over him. When He drew nigh to the tomb, He commanded that they remove the stone, and He lifted up His eyes, and giving thanks to God the Father, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." And he that had been dead four days came forth immediately, bound hand and foot with the grave clothes, and Jesus said to those standing there, "Loose him, and let him go." This is the supernatural wonder wrought by the Saviour that we celebrate on this day.

According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him; then he lived another thirty years on Cyprus and there reposed in the Lord. It is furthermore related that after he was raised from the dead, he never laughed till the end of his life, but that once only, when he saw someone stealing a clay vessel, he smiled and said, "Clay stealing clay." His grave is situated in the city of Kition, having the inscription: "Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ." In 890 his sacred relics were transf erred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo the Wise, at which time undoubtedly the Emperor composed his stichera for Vespers, "Wishing to behold the tomb of Lazarus . . ."

Apolytikion of Lazarus Saturday in the First Tone

O Christ our God, before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all. Therefore, we carry the symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the victor over death, "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. "

Kontakion of Lazarus Saturday in the Second Tone

Christ, everyone's joy, the truth, the light, life, the resurrection of the world, has by His goodness appeared to those on earth. He is the archetype of the resurrection, granting divine forgiveness to all.

The content on this page is under copyright and is used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

Reading (c) Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA

Apolytikion of Lazarus Saturday (c) Narthex Press

Kontakion of Lazarus Saturday (c) Narthex Press

Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Parium

Reading from the Synaxarion:

This Saint lived during the time of the Iconoclasts, and because of his exceptional and virtuous life became Bishop of Parium. He suffered many hardships, afflictions, and persecutions from the heretics his whole life long, and finally reposed in peace.

Apolytikion of Basil the Confessor in the Fourth Tone

A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life has shown you forth to your sheep-fold to be a master of temperance. You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches through poverty. Basil, our father and priest of priests, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.

The content on this page is under copyright and is used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

Reading (c) Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA

Apolytikion of Basil the Confessor (c) Narthex Press

Prayer Before Reading Scripture

Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that having conquered all sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 12:28-29; 13:1-8

BRETHREN, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never fail you nor forsake you." Hence we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.

Gospel Reading

The Reading is from the Gospel According to John 11:1-45

At that time, a certain man was ill, Lazaros of Bethany, from the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazaros was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it."

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazaros. So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go into Judea again." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, "Our friend Lazaros has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep." The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazaros is dead; and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." Thomas, called th e Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazaros had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world."

When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying quietly, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw him, fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled; and he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you have heard me always, but I have said this on account of the people standing by, that they may believe that you did send me." When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazaros, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.