#Mountain View Egypt

[agentpurple8032]

fish scale mountain,

[fouadelsanadely]

check the view 

[nobrashfestivity]

Unknown (HKW)

Modern artists' conceptions of one Egyptian view of the universe: a) flat earth comprised of Nile Valley and surrounding land, Red Sea, Levant, Cyprus, Asia Minor and Greece, surrounded by mountain ranges with four tall peaks supporting four corners of canopy of sky, from which hang suspended stars; in foreground, golden disk of sun on two reed floats sailing along waters of Netherworld; b) slightly different view of same concept.

The ancient Egyptians held two primary views concerning the structure of the universe; two images which would seem to us mutually exclusive but which were valid as expressions of different aspects of one situation. In one case the sky was a female goddess, separated from the earth god Geb, bending over the earth, supported by the air god Shu. Each morning she gave birth to the sun and swallowed the stars, each evening she bore the stars and swallowed the sun. At other times, heaven became the Divine Cow, her belly studded with stars, the sun in its bark sailing along her body. At other times, the Egyptian view of the universe resembled that depicted here.

"The Egyptians believed that the universe was four-sided, with Egypt itself in the center. Egypt lay in the middle of a flat plain surrounded by enormously high mountains, with four higher mountain peaks at the four corners to indicate the cardinal points, and also to hold up the dome of the heavens. The sky was, to their minds, an iron ceiling over the universe, containing holes through which at night obliging gods let down the lamps of the sky - the stars - on cables, for the sole purpose of furnishing beauty and illumination for Egypt. In the morning these same gods pulled up the lamps, economically enough, and then the great God Ra, the Sun, started on his daily journey around the ramparts of the world, riding in his Nile chariot on the celestial river which flowed along the base of the mountain range and in which the Nile was believed to have its source.

."The Egyptians believed sometimes that this boat in which the Sun-god sailed was a magic bark which navigated without hands or brain to steer it. At other times it was like one of the regular Nile boats, fully manned and equipped with a pilot in the prow and one in the stern, with a quarter-master, and half a dozen sailors." In these representations, the sun journeys on two reed floats - the mode of transportation most often mentioned in the Pyramid Texts as a way for the deceased to reach heaven: "To say: The two reed-floats of heaven are placed for Re that he may ferry over therewith to the horizon. The two reed-floats of heaven are placed for Harachte that Harachte may ferry over therewith to Re. The two reedfloats of heaven are placed for N. that he may ferry over therewith to the horizon, to Re. The two reed-floats of heaven are placed for N. that he may ferry over therewith to Haracht, to Re." Mercer suggests that the number "two" may be a reference to the two separate barks of the sun - that of the day, and that of the night.

[valiantstarlights]

[Vampire!Dream Soulmate AU] Prologue

or as I call it, Lord Dimitrescu!Dream AU. 😂

Disclaimer: You don't need to know anything about Resident Evil Village prior to reading this. 😊 All you really need to know is that Dream is a vampire who is sometimes human-sized, and sometimes 9ft. tall, and sometimes a gargantuan eldritch monster.

CW: future monsterfucking, I guess? 👀

It's hard to know when exactly this story starts.

It could be argued that it begins with the inciting incident. A raffle among a prestigious university's faculty members. A 34-year-old history professor winning the grand prize: a 3 days, 2 nights trip anywhere in the world, as long as he writes about his travels upon returning.

The history professor could have gone to Egypt and visited some ancient tombs. Or he could have gone to Rome and written about the Colosseum while eating authentic Italian pizza a stone throw's away from the place.

But instead he chooses the little village of Dreaming, located somewhere in Eastern Europe, which he has only ever heard of once in his life. He reasons that he doesn't know anyone who has been there before, and wouldn't it be nice to go somewhere where no other professor has been before? (The last comment was directed towards Professor Shaxberd, who won the raffle last year, and decided to go to Bath and wrote about The Roman Baths.)

But we could also go further back, when a pair of twins cursed their older brother into a life of misery after disfiguring him so terribly, that most of his subjects either abandoned him, or turned on him and tried to kill him.

Or even further back, when the oldest of seven extraordinary children spoke a prophecy, which the third child believed with all his little heart. It is the only thing that has kept him going, century after century.

If this were purely a horror story, it would begin with the history professor boarding a tour bus to the small village hidden deep in the mountains, and seeing only wonderful things along the way. He would take pictures of stunning forest views and mountains wreathed in mist; and not notice the unnatural darkness, or the feeling that something hungry is watching the bus's progress.

But this, at its heart, is a love story. And so it begins when the human meets the monster.

[fatehbaz]

Was Turkey and its predecessor, the Ottoman Empire, always the land of [sedentary villages and commercial agriculture]? [...] What kind of historical processes generated this socioeconomic, political, and environmental transformation in the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey? [...] Gratien [...] [narrates] a hundred-year-long (1850s-1950s) clandestine history of state-led “agrarian conquest,” villagization, and commercialization of agriculture in the muddy but fertile lowland of Çukurova (historical Cilicia) and its mountainous hinterland in southern Anatolia. [...]

The frontier in Çukurova, Gratien argues, was a “frontier of the state,” “a settlement frontier,” and an “ecological frontier.” [...] [T]he Ottoman state and its varied practices of governmentality played an engineering role in remaking the rural world, while [...] forced sedentarization (iskan in Turkish) policies were imposed on the region’s pastoralists [...] whose livelihood depended on seasonal migration between the lowlands and highlands. [...] [A] mesh of old and new [...] “[...] forms of resource extraction, and environmental understandings” appeared “in tandem with the processes of state-building [...] and commercialization.” [...]

The mobility of people connected the lowland to the highland pastures, pastoralists to livestock, migrant laborers to cotton, merchants to global capitalism, Muslim refugees to trans-imperial warfare, mosquitos to dreadful malaria, the “rebels” to the mountains, and finally technocrats to the swampy Çukurova.

---

Transhumance migration, referring to seasonal migration between northern and southern pastures, is the first and perhaps one of the most common forms of mobility embedded in this region. [...] The fresh upland air, known as yayla in Turkish, was a green sanctuary for locals [...] during the hot summer months.

During the mid-nineteenth century, the dynamic of this seasonal relationship to lowland swamps shifted with the imposition of Ottoman modernist reform policies intended to turn Çukurova into a “second Egypt” through cotton production. As a result of provincial reforms and the growing centralization capacity of the empire thanks to the Tanzimat reforms (1839-76), the Ottoman state began to forcefully settle the local pastoralist communities that were seen as obstacles to state-led agricultural development projects in the region and as a potential labor reserve for the cultivation of cotton on the “fertile lands” of Cilicia.[5] Ottoman reformists viewed “settlement and cultivation” as “the only antitode of the malarial wastelands of the Ottoman countryside” (p. 58). Gratien chronicles widespread “malaria, cholera, and other diseases” as outcomes of resettlement and villagization and argues that from the 1850s onward these [...] resulted in "high mortality" [...].

---

Though the Ottomans’ forced sedentarization policy toward pastoralists and resettlement [programs] [...] were both designed to increase the commercialization of agriculture in Çukurova, they operated differently as instruments of the imperial state. Sedentarization included state-perpetrated violence in the form of massive military campaigns. Resettlement of refugees involved the strategic settlement of new loyal citizens among indigenous communities of the region whose own loyalty to the empire was seen as suspicious. [...] During the early twentieth century, [...] hundreds of thousands of Armenians were killed during the Adana massacre in 1909 and then the Armenian genocide in 1915. With the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Armenians from their historical homelands into Syrian deserts for “putative security concerns,” Çukurova’s fertile lands, villages, and towns in Adana province were instead “permanently settled” with [...] [those] who were identified as “Turks” by the nationalist government (p. 143). This was the second wave of an Ottoman demographic engineering project that started in the 1860s [...] in a region once heavily inhabited by Ottoman Armenians and Muslim pastoralists. [...]

---

Gratien carefully investigates state-led violence against pastoralists instrumentalized by the massive military campaigns of the Fırka-i Islahiye (Reform Division). [...] By consistently incorporating folk songs, laments, and oral accounts, Gratien not only eloquently displays pastoralists’ forms of resistance and resilience against the Ottoman reform movement in Çukurova but also masterfully narrates perceptions and worldviews that have been silenced in the state archive. [...]

---

Text by: Zozan Pehlivan. "Review of Gratien, Chris. The Unsettled Plain: An Environmental History of the Late Ottoman Frontier". H-Environment, H-Net Reviews. August 2023. URL: h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=58142. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[fromasgardandback]

Honeymoon // Moon Knight Men Headcanon

masterlist | oneshots

Marc

you and Marc took your love and began the honeymoon in Breckenridge, Colorado

it was a different pace for both of you. the winter months set in and it was a beautiful and charming little town in the mountains

the snow fell perfectly as you arrived in the charming town. it was a perfect setting for the two of you because traveling for the work you had together made it difficult to breathe in the humidity

the feeling of cold air hitting your face and the warm smiles of the resort employees resonated with you that this honeymoon would be perfect and memorable

the first couple of days the snow fell harder and harder, which in return Marc loved because it meant you could stay in and take up the resort's amenities

“Couples massages, then later tonight dinner with a snowy view. How does that sound?” Marc said and turned to kiss the back of your hand.

“Marc, the romantic. Never thought I’d see the day.” You teased him. “Yes, this all sounds lovely.”

the couple's massages were perfect and because Marc was extremely tensed from work and planning the wedding, he gave the masseuse a massive tip

skiing, snowboarding, food tastings, and lovemaking occupied the rest of your honeymoon

Breckenridge, Colorado will be the destination for many anniversaries

Steven

you and Steven continued your love and started the honeymoon in Cyprus

a beautiful little country off the coast of Egypt, which Steven was obsessed with, had you both in awe of where you would be living for the next week and a half

the museums with a rich history are where you started your lovely time together

Cyprus had trails and routes that explored more than just what met the eye, but secret tunnels and pathways to a secluded spot for you and your new husband

“We can’t do this here. We’re going to get caught.” Steven blushed.

“Don’t be such a prude. No one has come this way for the last half hour.” You said pulling him into another kiss.

beaches were also a must for relaxing, especially for those memories

the weather was warmer than what you were used to back home but the tan that your husband was getting did not bother you at all

not to mention the food was delectable and wonderful each time

Cyprus fundamentally became a home away from home

Jake

you and Jake resumed your love and began the honeymoon in Monterrico, Guatemala

Jake being part Guatemalan was amazing because the country is beautiful and the town of Monterrico is secluded enough for the both of you to relax and enjoy the time together

this place was the true definition of paradise

the locals were so kind and welcoming, but the best part was that tourists did not come in many droves

it was almost as if there was just you and your newlywed had the entire beach and town to yourselves

“C’mon Mi Amor, just try it. It cannot hurt you.” Jake chuckled trying to feed you.

“My love, no. I’ve never eaten shark before.” You said, but eventually gave in, then ran to the bathroom to discard the contents.

the most pleasing part about the beaches being secluded was the long loving nights with Jake, and he made sure that you were satisfied

touring around the town and country reminded you of why you love Jake. it wasn’t his job or the roughness everyone saw, but the soft side he showed you

Monterrico is the spot that you and Jake set as your home to grow old in

Tag List: @renee834729 @grumpyahjumma​

[clumsiestgiantess]

I’ve been working on some DNAliens stuff recently and realized I don’t have a height chart with all of them together, just them beside human height for reference.  So, in case anyone wants to know a bit about all the DNAlien ocs I have, as well as their heights, here’s a little guide.  (Illustrations to be added over time; I’ve posted a few on my blog already)

Now without further ado..

A quick guide to all the DNAliens that live/have lived on earth

Tselani (aka my self-insert with a separate backstory): Her three mutations are human, ancient ground bat, and kentrosaurus.  She lives in the dense cold forests between Canada and North America, and has the ability to reanimate corpses by combining what’s left of them.  After the village she cared for was destroyed in the War, she settled down in the Rocky Mountains as a suitable refuge from humankind.  She’ll occasionally reveal herself to or befriend them if they seem kind enough.

Jactol: His three mutations are gorgonopsid, anomalocaris, and DNAlien.  He lives in a deep cave system beneath South Africa, and has the ability to exhale a heavy noxious gas that will rapidly choke victims to death.  A misunderstanding between him and Tselani caused them to fall out of love.  After nearly being poached by humans, he grew a hatred and now vindictiveness for them, and will often toy with and torture any that cross his path before he inavitably kills them.

Aethra: Her three mutations are jerboa, cuttlefish, and DNAlien.  She lives in a large open cavern within the southeast section of the Himalayan Mountains, and has the ability to manipulate a creature’s desires.  She's like a cat lady but with humans, and keeps a minimum of three or four of them in her home at one time.  Unfortunately, she takes them against their will and many of them don’t want to be there.

Eracin: Her three mutations were screech owl, snow leopard, and Terrinu (a creature not native to Earth).  She roamed the Eurasian Steppe until settling down with Aethra, and had the ability to slow time with her heartbeat.  Her and Aethra kept humans safe during the War, but unfortunately they were attacked and Eracin laid down her life to give Aethra and the humans time to flee.  Unlike her lover, Eracin viewed humans as intelligent beings in their own right — on a similar level as her own kind.

Vremonl: During his brief time on Earth, he only took one mutant strand besides his own DNAlien one, a chausie cat.  He stayed around an ancient city in Egypt that sat near the Nile, and has the ability to morph additional limbs along his body.  He only stayed on Earth for several centuries to study various types of the planet's natural fauna before returning to Firsthome.

Helleia: Her three mutations are human, tussock moth, and locust.  She lives in the swampy everglades of Florida, and has the ability to infect living things with her hivemind that she can instruct with simple directions.  One of her favorite pasttimes is taking unsuspecting humans into her domain, luring them to herself with a proposed relationship.  She’ll occasionally take the time to build relationships with humans, but it's a facade; her abilities work stronger on those who have emotional ties to her.

Tserem: His three mutations are human, eastern brown snake, and arthropleura.  He is a wanderer and doesn’t have a definitive home, though he does tend to shelter in places where other DNAlien friends reside.  He has the ability to quickly expel any ailments or illnesses.  Tserem used to live in Central Europe with a beloved human, but he hasn’t stayed in a single place for very long since her passing.

Xr: Their three mutations are jaguar, toucan, and DNAlien.  They live in the craggy mountains of the South American rainforest, and have the ability to infect beings with disease by looking at them.  Xr has been living in the same place for epochs as he is older and isn’t interested in finding any other place to live.  He has a fairly large cult of natives who have been worshiping him and keeping him alive for generations.

Kraken: His three mutations are human, giant squid, and megalodon.  He lives deep in the Atlantic Ocean avoiding any human contact, and has the ability to generate and manipulate water and wind currents.  Ever since he was betrayed by the group of pirates he worked for, he’s been in hiding from humans.  However, he understands that not all humans are cruel and will act kindly towards them unless hostility is shown.

Corven: His three mutations are human, bold jumping spider, and plourdosteus fish.  He lives in an open cavern in the Mexican desert, and has the ability to bind two beings in an unbreakable oath that shuts down the oath-breaker’s internal systems for periods of time.  In his younger years, his rare ability gave him a quick rise to fame, but a quick rise to burnout as well.  He lives on Earth to hide from his fame, and later humanity as well, but will still give out binding deals to those who manage to find him.

Harneon: His three mutations are human, grizzly bear, and woolly rhinoceros.  He lives in the open grasslands of North America, and has the ability to stimulate muscle tissue to go above and beyond its limitations.  While his home is here, he often takes extended vacations to several other planets.  Rumor has it that he has several other ongoing relationships that he participates in on each planet, and Earth is his getaway from all of them.

Enercill: Her three mutations are human, jackrabbit, and killer lizard (a species not native to Earth).  She has the ability to hide her third mutation and mutate between two forms at will.  Enercill travels between largely-populated human cities, thriving off clubbing and nightlife there.  Underground, she’s made quite the name for herself, and people come from all places to.. spend time with her.

Siem: Her three mutations are human, sturgeon, and dunkleosteus.  She lives in the place humans call the Bermuda Triangle, and has the ability to magnetize her body.  Commonly she uses her ability to hunt down shining metals, and is an avid collector of anything with bright colors or shining properties.  Occasionally she’ll kidnap humans who are artisans and keep them on deserted islands like pets to make her more valuables.

Wraith: His two mutations are deinonychus and DNAlien.  He lives off-world, and has the ability to combust as well as be completely fire-resistant.  He was an avid supporter of the ‘humankind are subservient animals’ group during the War, and ruled over a large civilization before he was bested by Atnoir, who was fighting for the ‘equal rights of humans’ group during the War.

Atnoir: His three mutations are saichania, woolly mammoth, and human.  He lives near the arctic circle to steer clear of any humans, and his ability is heightened senses, which comes in handy when you’re the size of a small mountain.  Before the War, Atnoir used to live in Northern Europe where he took care of many human civilizations, and fought for them in the War.  However, he has banished himself to a human-less place after even his own humans turned on him.

Orner: Their three mutations are human, anaconda, and elasmosaurus.  They live between several uninhabited islands of Japan, and they have the ability to multiply their body like a single cell organism, and regroup.  They’re a trickster at heart who overall means no harm, but once in a while they take things a little too far.  They've befriended several humans, but usually gets them killed accidentally.

Orin: His three mutations are maned wolf, flying squirrel, and moray eel.  He lives in the mountains of Alaska, and has the ability to connect and disconnect beings’ consciousnesses.  He can cause both mass hysteria and deep emotional connections within the network of beings he connects, but has no way of controlling what actually happens.  His altruistic tendencies often backfire, and even his own kind are wary of him.

Arn: Her three mutations are human, roe deer, and stone pine.  She’s one of the few DNAliens to ever mutate with a plant; while it is possible it’s hardly ever practical.  She lives in a forest near the Mediterranean coast, and has the ability to coax plants into growing incredibly fast.  She's always been extremely docile and elusive.  Back when humans believed in benevolent mythical beings, she traded plants with people to better her large garden.  She still tends to it to this day in honor of her beloved, who courted her and helped her tend to the garden when it was still small.

If you have any questions about any of my ocs, leave me an ask!  I’m more than happy to rant about them, or draw you a sketch! Most of them have full background stories I plan to write one day, like Tserem’s and Tselani’s, but these are just quick rundowns of each

[wishesofeternity]

“The queen (Cleopatra Selene II) and Juba arrived in Mauretania at the end of 25 BC, taking up residence at a place called Iol, on the coast (modern Cherchel in Algeria). It was originally a Carthaginian outpost that had been developed as a Mauretanian royal city in the second century BC. Its location probably had much to do with the presence of an island immediately offshore (the modern Corniche des Dahra) that provided a certain amount of shelter on a coast otherwise lacking it; except for this, the site of Iol is hardly propitious, with virtually no coastal plain and mountains rising high behind the city. Iol was probably in decline when the new monarchs arrived, and they chose to live there presumably because it lay roughly midway along the lengthy Mediterranean coast of Mauretania.  In the emerging fashion of the era, Iol was renamed Kaisareia, or Caesarea, honoring Augustus; cities with such names were founded by allied monarchs during much of the last quarter of the first century BC.

“...  Decayed Iol was rebuilt lavishly, with all kinds of marble used in constructing the royal city, including Italian, Greek, and African. How much Cleopatra Selene participated in this architectural transformation is not known—the city did include a temple to Isis, her mother’s alter ego—but her efforts are most apparent in the artistic program of the kingdom. As the exiled queen of Egypt, she took care to commemorate her heritage. She would have felt devoted to her mother’s legacy: at the time that she became queen, the demonization of Cleopatra VII was being vigorously asserted in contemporary Latin literature, and Cleopatra Selene would have taken no comfort in reading that her mother was merely the cowardly Egyptian mate of Antonius or that her death caused great rejoicing. As her only living descendant, she had not only the chance but the obligation to set the record straight by commemorating her mother at her new capital, especially through portrait sculpture.

“It may seem that she took a personal risk in promoting her mother’s heritage so vigorously, given the official opinion in Rome, but this suggests that the attitude toward Cleopatra VII was far more nuanced than is generally believed today, and the official point of view—mostly vividly represented in Augustan poetry—was essentially government propaganda. Moreover, Cleopatra Selene was a daughter of Antonius, whose other living descendants were still quite active in the political life of Rome. Her status—as well as the memory of her mother—is well shown on her coinage; a series of autonomous issues (without the name of her husband) having the legend “Kleopatra basilissa” demonstrates royal privileges separate from his. Some of these coins have the Nile crocodile, a reminder not only of Egypt but also of the coins issued in the 30s BC when she was named queen of the Cyrenaica. Juba also had his autonomous coins, indicating that the two monarchs acted independently of one another in certain undefined ways. There was also joint coinage, but even here the distinction between the two is apparent, since Juba’s legend is always in Latin while Cleopatra Selene’s is in   Greek—emphasizing the bilingual nature of the court—and the two monarchs appear on opposite sides of the coins, never together. In at least one case, Cleopatra is identified merely as “Selene,” a memory of the role that she was destined to play before the collapse of the Ptolemaic dynasty. Most significantly, she also issued coins with the legend “queen Cleopatra, daughter of Cleopatra,” strong evidence of her devotion to her mother’s memory.

“Cleopatra Selene’s emphasis on her Ptolemaic heritage was also apparent in the sculptural program at Caesarea. In addition to the expected portraiture of herself and her mother, there was an elaborate display of historical Egyptian sculpture, from as far back as the time of Tuthmosis I (reigned ca. 1504-1492 bc). There was also a statue of the Egyptian god Ammon, and he and Isis appeared on the obverse and reverse of the joint coinage, suggesting divine roles for the monarchs.  

Perhaps the most interesting sculpture at Caesarea is a statue of the Egyptian priest Petubastes IV, who died (according to the inscription) 31 July 30 BC at the age of sixteen. He was perhaps a cousin of Cleopatra Selene and, as a member of the priestly aristocracy, would have been the last indigenous claimant to the Egyptian throne. There is little doubt that he and Cleopatra Selene knew each other in Alexandria, and the setting up of his statue in Caesarea is the most tangible evidence of her memory of that last summer in Egypt. As much as possible, she sought both to establish herself as the last Ptolemaic queen and to create a new Alexandria at Caesarea, bringing Egyptian material culture from more than fifteen hundred miles away.”

- Duane W. Roller, “Cleopatra’s Daughter and Other Royal Women of the Augustan Era”

[fromthedust]

Egyptian Porphyry aka Imperial Porphyry (two views) - this 3/4" (2cm) chip was found on the walk from the parking lot up to the ruins of Hadrian's Villa in 1998.

In Imperial Roman times this stone was considered as the inherent personal property of the Emperor throughout the realm.

It comes from only one source; a single mountain in Egypt that the Romans called Mons Porphyry. It is a purple, volcanic stone, very dense and fine-grained, with small white inclusions.

According to Pliny’s Natural History, Imperial Porphyry was discovered in 14 (or 18?) CE by Caius Cominius Leugas, a Roman legionary.  Seeing that this hard stone was the purple color which symbolized Imperial power, he had samples brought to the Emperor Tiberius in Rome.  When Tiberius saw that this royal-colored stone was solid enough for building and carving, he decreed that “Imperial Porphyry” would be for the use of the Imperial family only.

This use to convey royalty made Imperial Porphyry truly the stone of Empire, causing it to be more significant and powerful to the Empire than gold.

The Byzantine Emperors used Imperial Porphyry to tile the interiors of some palace rooms, including the room where pregnant empresses gave birth. Young princes were given the title porphyrygenitos to indicate they were legitimate imperial heirs, born and raised in rooms of porphyry.

Constantine XI, the last of the Byzantine emperors, was crowned not in Constantinople, but in the provincial city of Mystras, which had a single Imperial Porphyry tile set into the floor. The new Emperor was said to have stood on that tile to be sworn in in 1449, continuing and ending the tradition that had been part of the Empire for more than 1,400 years.

Centuries later, Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to be buried in an Imperial Porphyry tomb, as a symbol that he was a legitimate heir to the Roman Emperors. He had officials search for the long-lost Imperial quarry during his expedition to Egypt, but was unable to find the ancient source. He was instead buried in a sarcophagus of much more common red porphyry.

The ancient quarry on Mons Porphyry was rediscovered by Sir John Wilkinson, a former president of the Royal Geographic Society in 1823, only two years after Napoleon’s death. The site - now called Jabal Abu Dukhkhan - is a World Heritage site. It is about 30 miles inland from the city of Hurghada on the southwestern shores of the Gulf of Suez by the Red Sea.

For $19 you can purchase some porphyry chips for yourself. Or maybe something bigger:

Imperial Porphyry slab - 10½" wide x 5½" high x ½" thick - $4,500 plus shipping

www.imperialporphyry.com

[conceptproperties]

IL Monte Galala Ain ElSokhna

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Wednesday, June 19, 2024

june 6_june 19

VENERABLE DODO OF THE ST. DAVID-GAREJI MONASTERY, GEORGIA (596)

A companion of St. Davit of Gareji, St. Dodo belonged to the royal family Andronikashvili. He was tonsured a monk while still an youth, and was endowed with every virtue.       An admirer of poverty and solitude, he labored as a hermit at Ninotsminda in Kakheti.       Having heard about the miracles of Davit of Gareji, St. Dodo set off for the Gareji Wilderness to witness them himself. The venerable fathers greeted one another warmly and began laboring there together.       After some time, St. Davit became deeply impressed with Dodo’s devotion to the Faith, and he proposed that he take with him some of the other monks and begin to construct cells on the opposite mountain.

 The brothers built cells and began to labor there with great ardor. Before long the number of cells had reached two hundred. St. Dodo isolated himself in a narrow crevice, where there was barely room for one man. Day and night, winter and summer, in the heat and the cold, he prayed with penitent tears for the forgiveness of his sins, the strengthening of the souls of his brothers, and the bolstering of the true Faith throughout the country.       Once St. Davit miraculously healed the son of Prince Bubakar of Rustavi. In return, the grateful prince donated food and other necessities to the monks of Gareji Monastery. St. Davit took part of his contributions and sent what remained to St. Dodo. He advised Bubakar to have St. Dodo baptize him, and St. Dodo joyously baptized Bubakar, his sons, and all his suite.       St. Dodo labored to an advanced age in the monastery he had founded and reposed peacefully.       His spiritual sons and companions buried him in the cave where he had labored, and a church was later built over his grave.

© 2006 St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood.

SAINT BESSARION THE WONDERWORKER OF EGYPT (466)

Saint Bessarion, Wonderworker of Egypt was an Egyptian. He was baptized while still in his youth, and he led a strict life, striving to preserve the grace given him during Baptism. Seeking to become more closely acquainted with the monastic life, he journeyed to the holy places. He was in Jerusalem, he visited Saint Gerasimus (March 4) in the Jordanian wilderness, he viewed other desert monasteries, and assimilated all the rules of monastic life.

Upon his return, he received monastic tonsure and became a disciple of Saint Isidore of Pelusium (February 4). Saint Bessarion took a vow of silence, and partook of food only once a week. Sometimes he remained without food or drink for forty days. Once, the saint stood motionless for forty days and forty nights without food or sleep, immersed in prayer.

Saint Bessarion received from God the gift of wonderworking. When his disciple was very thirsty, he sweetened bitter water. By his prayer the Lord sent rain upon the earth, and he could cross a river as if on dry land. With a single word he cast out devils, but he did this privately to avoid glory.

His humility was so great that once, when a priest ordered someone from the skete to leave church for having fallen into sin, Bessarion also went with him saying, “I am a sinner, too.” Saint Bessarion slept only while standing or sitting. A large portion of his life was spent under the open sky in prayerful solitude. He peacefully departed to the Lord in his old age.

Source: Orthodox Church in America

ACTS 23:1-11

1 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?" 4 And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?" 5 Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' " 6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!" 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection-and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and protested, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God." 10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. 11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

JOHN 16:15-23

15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. 16 A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father. 17 Then some of His disciples said among themselves, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'?" 18 They said therefore, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is saying." 19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'? 20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. 23 And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.

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The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Beach Destinations in the Middle East

The Middle East offers some of the world's most luxurious beach destinations, combining stunning natural beauty with first-class service and accommodations. From the tranquil waters of the UAE's coastline to the historic shores of Jordan's Aqaba, there's no shortage of premium options. Among these, Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt stands out as a pinnacle of luxury beach holidays.

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt: A Sanctuary of Luxury

Nestled at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheikh is a destination synonymous with luxury. Known for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The area is renowned for its world-class resorts, spas, and golf courses, where service and elegance meet the serenity of the Red Sea. Those seeking a truly opulent experience can find detailed recommendations and exclusive offers at Luxury holidays Sharm el Sheikh Egypt.

Dubai, UAE: Opulence on Every Shore

Dubai is well-known for its architectural wonders and extravagant lifestyle. Its beaches, such as JBR and Kite Beach, offer luxurious beach club facilities where visitors can sunbathe, swim, and even ski on artificial waves. The city’s coastal hotels are among the most lavish in the world, providing guests with unmatched views, private beaches, and sumptuous dining options.

Aqaba, Jordan: Historical Luxury

Aqaba offers a unique blend of history and luxury. This Jordanian city not only provides access to the beautiful Red Sea but also serves as a gateway to the ancient city of Petra. Luxury resorts in Aqaba cater to those who appreciate both modern comforts and the allure of ancient civilizations, offering guided tours, diving excursions, and exclusive waterfront relaxation.

Muscat, Oman: Tranquil and Traditional

Muscat, with its dramatic mountain backdrop and clear blue waters, offers a more tranquil approach to luxury. The city's resorts emphasize traditional Omani hospitality and feature architectural elements that reflect the region’s cultural heritage. Muscat is ideal for those who want to unwind in a setting that feels secluded and steeped in tradition.

Travelers seeking luxury beach holidays in the Middle East have several enticing options, but Sharm el Sheikh remains a jewel in the region’s crown. Its blend of natural beauty, high-end accommodations, and commitment to service makes it an ideal destination for those looking to indulge in a luxury beach holiday.

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This year we had planned an extensive journey through Egypt to see the ancient sights along the Nile. When fighting broke out in Gaza, we decided to cancel the trip on the advice of friends who live in Cairo. That was 17 days ago. Since then, the situation in the area has worsened.

That gave us less than two weeks to pívot if we wanted a vacation. My first instinct was Italy, but we wanted to see a region we hadn’t experienced before. Enter Piedmonte in the North. Fall weather, food festivals, and a sleepy slow food and wine tour seemed ideal.

Well, here we are in our first stop—a luxurious mountain chalet at the foot of Monte Bianco. This was a long drive from Milan, but so worth it. Just look at the pyramids nature has created! We arrived on a picture perfect day and we’re treated to one of the best views of our lives. I kind of don’t want to leave the hotel!

We are staying at Auberge de la Maison, some 300 meters away from Skyway Monte Bianco.

Stunning!

So glad we’re here!

I’ll post more soon.

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Top Tourist Attractions in Africa That You Have to See with Your Own Eyes

Africa is a continent of unparalleled beauty and diversity, boasting some of the world's most spectacular natural and cultural wonders. Here are some must-visit destinations that offer unforgettable experiences:

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Home to the iconic Great Migration, Serengeti National Park is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, teeming with lions, elephants, and other fascinating species against the backdrop of sweeping savannahs.

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Known as the "Smoke that Thunders," Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls on the planet, offering breathtaking views and thrilling adventures for visitors.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza stand as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of ancient Egypt, captivating travelers with their grandeur and mystique.

Table Mountain, South Africa

Dominating the skyline of Cape Town, Table Mountain offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline, making it a favorite destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Sahara Desert, Multiple Countries

The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert, spanning multiple African countries and offering visitors the chance to experience its vast and mesmerizing landscapes.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is a pristine oasis in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, attracting travelers with its rich biodiversity and unparalleled opportunities for safari adventures.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, beckons adventure seekers from around the globe with its challenging but rewarding trekking routes and stunning views from the summit.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Renowned for its abundant wildlife and conservation efforts, Kruger National Park is a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot the Big Five and other iconic African species.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Home to roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers visitors the rare opportunity to encounter these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Famous for its spectacular wildlife sightings, including the annual wildebeest migration, the Masai Mara National Reserve offers visitors the chance to witness the drama of the African savannah up close.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife and offering some of the best game viewing opportunities in Africa.

Marrakech, Morocco

A vibrant city steeped in history and culture, Marrakech enchants visitors with its bustling souks, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in North Africa.

Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia

Rising from the heart of the Namib Desert, the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei are a photographer's dream, offering stunning vistas and unforgettable experiences for adventurous travelers.

Seychelles Beaches, Seychelles

With their pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, the beaches of the Seychelles are paradise on earth, perfect for relaxation, water sports, and romantic getaways.

Cape Winelands, South Africa

Renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines, the Cape Winelands region offers visitors the chance to indulge in wine tastings, gourmet cuisine, and scenic drives through rolling hills and valleys.

These are just a few of the many incredible attractions that Africa has to offer. Whether you're seeking wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or simply breathtaking scenery, Africa has something for everyone to enjoy.