#like Allah blessed him like he blessed prophet Youssef

[kavehater]

Just saw the most majestic kaveh cosplay and I looked into the comments and saw the foulest comment I’ve ever seen and it barely made sense cause of typos I click the ops profile AND OP IS SIXTEEN 😧

[starlightervarda]

Some Religious Facts and Terminology

1) To start—Allah is the same entity as God. It’s just the Arabic word for God. Literally, to break it down its the words al-ilah—The God. The term predates Islam.

Christians in the Middle East (and Mizrahi Jews) also say Allah. The terms God the Father/God the Son translate to Allah al-Ab/Allah al-Ibn. Both religions also use the shared term Rabina—‘Our God’. If your characters are speaking the same language just use ‘God’.

A Muslim wouldn’t say the phrase ‘Your God’ to a Christian unless they’re mocking them for worshiping Jesus as God himself, or believing in the concept of the Trinity. This is asshole behavior. It would not be used in conversation between friends.

Shared phrases include:

God Be With You (Rabina ma’ak) / God Be With Us (Rabina ma’ana), O God (Ya Rab!) and God Willing (Inshallah) denote hope or assurance. Sometimes can be said in mild sarcasm or disbelief like “Sure it will,” or “We’ll see,”.

If someone sneezes you say May God Protect You (Yarhamukallah) i.e. Bless You. May God Save/Preserve You (Rabina Yekhaleik/Yehfezak) is a step above ‘Thank you’ or ‘Be Safe’.

On God’s Life (Wehyat Rabina) and I swear to God (Wallahi) are when you yourself swear or you ask someone to swear on / ensure something. They’re sometimes said with a heavy dose of sarcasm, like if someone tells you the Earth is flat and you’re like ‘Swear to God?’

Praise God (Alhamdulillah/Ahmedak Ya Rab) are expressions of relief, like ‘Thank God!’. God Wills It (Mashallah) is also used for relief, and in response to both good and baffling news (with sarcasm), and to ward off the Evil Eye/envy/jinn from ruining said-good news.

Ask God’s Forgiveness (Estaghfarallah) is an expression of exasperation/disbelief (like if someone keeps arguing the Earth is flat), tends to be accompanied by an eye-roll. It’s like ‘For the Love of God!’

Saying ‘Allah!’ as a positive interjection, like when something good happens or when you see something wondrous or beautiful, is also common. It’s where the Spanish word Olé! comes from.

Something specifically Muslim would be like using Weh Nabi (For the Prophet’s sake) when asking for something, which is impolite to say to a Christian since it holds no significance for them.

2) People seem to be under the impression that the faiths are inherently segregated or disconnected. All three People of the Book (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) share a lot more than you’d think, namely most stories and figures from the Torah/Old Testament. One of the biggest Islamic holidays, the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) - also known as the Big Feast (Eid al-Kabir) is based on the story of the Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice is his son, then being told by God that he can now substitute a sheep for him. Sheep-meat dishes galore.

Other figures like Adam, Abraham (Ibrahim), Solomon (Suleiman), Joseph (Youssef), Noah (Nūh) and David (Dawoud) are important to all three, some more than others and other figures take a higher priority, like Ismael over Isaac. They factor into things like Muslims naming their daughters Sarah and Hagar, but not Rachel and Rebecca.

Look, it’s the same difference as Jews and Christians having the same god with the central difference being Jews not viewing Jesus as the Messiah. Muslims agree Jesus is the Messiah born of a virgin, just not the Son of God/God, or that he died on a cross. They even agree he’ll be back on Judgment Day to fight the Antichrist. 

3) While we’re at it, Muslims revere Jesus and Mary, they literally refer to them as Our Master Jesus (Sayedna Issa) / the Messiah and The Lady Mary (A-Sayeda Mariam) -- in the Quran, Mary has her own chapter and Jesus’ name shows up a lot. They revere them, and to a lesser extent, John the Baptist, and even John’s father Zachariah, as prophets of God. They name their children Issa, Mariam, Yahya and Zakaria for them.

4) In more secular countries with a Christian population, like in Egypt and the Levant, there are Muslims who join in celebrations of Christmas and Easter. They don’t do it in the religious sense as you would in a church, and it’s not a priority of theirs, but it’s in a general cultural ‘woo-hoo holiday!’ way. Plenty do, in fact, get trees, hang wreaths, lights, and images of Santa Claus/Papa Noël, in December.

In April, people will buy brioches and dye eggs for Easter, not because they believe Jesus died and was resurrected, but because it’s fun. They’ll even send their kids to schools run by nuns called Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart) and Mére de Dieu (Mother of God)! My great-grandma was in a nursing home run by nuns.

On the other side, nothing stops Christians from joining in the spirit for celebrations either of the Feasts, and them not fasting during Ramadan does not stop them from coming over to break fast with Muslim friends. They will wish each other Merry Christmas (Eid Milad Saïd) and Happy Feast (Eid Saïd), they'll even get each other gifts.

Not practicing doesn’t stop you from partaking, just like how many irreligious people celebrate the secular Santa-based Christmas. There is a lot of general overlap. I literally went to a concert in my country last winter where many in an interfaith crowd came to watch a choir sing Christmas songs. Hell, my grandma read an Arabic translation of The Divine Comedy when she was in university.

Stuff like this is not uncommon unless you’re in a country with almost no minority faiths, or are under strict religious laws. 

If anything, there have been pushes to join in interfaith celebrations and depicting characters on TV doing so to show unity and fight the rise in religious fanaticism and evangelical Islam that’s been happening the past couple of decades, which has raised the discrimination against and persecution of Christians and minority sects.

5) People who are against stuff like this, or get real defensive or offensive when offered or invited, who call for segregation of faiths, or who avoid interacting with Christians or anything they do, are fundamentalists/evangelicals/extremists. Just like you would with your own fundies, do not validate their behavior by displaying it on sympathetic characters, these are people who even other (moderate) Muslims would avoid. Fundie views are lethal, it encourages people to shoot up and bomb churches.

Religion is never an excuse to be an asshole. There’s a big difference between not wanting to eat a pork-based dish to keep halal, and refusing to shake hands with a woman/a Christian.

So, in any depiction of Joe, practicing, agnostic, somewhere-in-the-middle, just cultural rather than religious, etc. I beg of you don’t have him making fundie dick-moves like saying ‘Your God’ or rude things about Jesus, or refusing to help decorate a Christmas tree or wear a Santa hat. Canon!Joe was a Fatimid, they were known for being accepting/tolerant of minorities under their reign, he would not behave this way.

[evolutiontopeacefulmystic]

HANNUKAH (Chanukah) MIRACLE!   2 Maccabees 10:5-9 It happened that on the same day on which the sanctuary had been profaned by the foreigners, the purification of the sanctuary took place, that is, on the twenty-fifth day of the same month, which was Chislev. And they celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the feast of booths, remembering how not long before, during the feast of booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals. Therefore bearing ivy-wreathed wands and beautiful branches and also fronds of palm, they offered hymns of thanksgiving to him who had given success to the purifying of his own holy place. They decreed by public ordinance and vote that the whole nation of the Jews should observe these days every year. Such then was the end of Anti′ochus, who was called Epiph′anes. +LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF GOD,  through the prayers of the Holy Maccabee Martyrs Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus, Marcellus, Solomonia, and Eleazar, have mercy on us sinners! Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Judas Maccabeus, have mercy on us sinners! LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF ALLAH (GOD), THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF SAINT JUDE (THADDEUS) THE APOSTLE, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Kontakion to Holy Martyr Menas of Egypt: Today the church honors those who fought the good fight and died for their faith: / The victorious Menas, the noble Victor and the ascetic Vincent. / The church glorifies their divine struggle and cries out with love: / Glory to You, O Christ, the lover of mankind. +LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, through the most powerful prayers of Saints Menas the Martyr of Egypt, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Moses the Ethiopian, Chiune Sugihara of Lithuania, Alexander Schmorell of Munich, Walatta Petros, Grigol Peradze, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Gabriel Urgebadze, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Mary of Egypt, Symeon the New Theologian, Paisius Velichkovsky, Barsanuphius Plikhankov of Optina and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

ORTHODOX PRAYER AGAINST RACISM: Oh Lord, as You did cast down Pharoah and Antiochus, cast down the racists from their power. Help the people of color and the least of these and grant them Your joy and peace. Exalt the horn of Your elective poor and heal our nation from division.

Holy Virgin Protection Hymns: O Mother of God, sheltered by thy coming/ We faithful people today keep feast in joy./ And beholding thy most pure image/ moved to the depths of our heart we say/ Protect us with thy precious veil/ and deliver us from every ill/ by entreating Christ thy son and our God to save our souls. Today the Virgin stands forth in the church/ and invisibly with the choir of the saints prays to God for us./ The hierarchs bow down with the angels,/ the apostles and the prophets rejoice/ for the Mother of God prays to the eternal God for us. We magnify thee/ O most holy Virgin/ and we honor thy precious veil/ for Saint Andrew beheld thee/ in the air praying to God for us. Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God (Allah/ Elohim), through the prayers of thy most Holy Mother the Theotokos, have mercy on us sinners! 

Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Maxim Sandovich of Gorlice, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Milad Makeen Zaky, Abanub Ayad Atiya, Maged Soliman Shehata, Youssef Shukry Younan, Kirollos Boshra Fawzy, Bishoy Astafanous Kamel, Samuel Astafanous Kamel, Malak Ibrahim Sinyout, Tawadros Youssef Tawadros, Gerges Milad Sinyout, Mina Fayez Aziz, Hany Abdel Mesih Salib, Samuel Alham Wilson, Ezzat Boshra Naseef, Luka Nagaty Anis, Gaber Mounir Adly, Essam Baddar Samir, Malak Farag Abrahim, Sameh Salah Farouk, Gerges Samir Megally, Mathew Ayairga, Magdy Sobhy Tawfeek, Sahar Talaat Rezk, Katherine Magdy Sobhy, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Father Samaan Shehata, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Queddus, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus of Lisieux, Claudia Procula, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse, Dymphna, Khalid Jabara the Antiochian Orthodox Martyr of Oklahoma, and Michael the Archangel pray for us always!

Gospel of John 20:11-16        But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus [Yeshua] had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus [Yeshua] standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus [Yeshua]. Jesus [Yeshua] said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus [Yeshua] said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).

Protection Prayer: Today the faithful celebrate the feast with joy / illumined by your coming, O Mother of God. / Beholding your pure image we fervently cry to you: / “Encompass us beneath the precious veil of your protection; / deliver us from every form of evil by entreating Christ, / your Son and our God that He may save our souls.” Saints Mary Magdalene the Apostle, Andrew the Fool-for-Christ of Constantinople, Epiphanius, Romanos the Melodist, Metropolitan Peter Polyansky of Krutitsy, Thomas the Apostle, Sebastian Dabovich of Jackson and San Francisco, Olga Michael of Alaska, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, Thekla the Protomartyr, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, Apostle Paul, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Josephine Bakhita, André Bessette of Montreal, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze,Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Peter the Apostle, Paul the Apostle, Pope Pius I, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Takla Haymanot, Yared of Ethiopia, Hilda of Whitby,Florence Li Tim-Oi, Apostle Prochorus, Michael (Mikhail I) of Kiev, Olympia the Deaconess, Phoebe the Deaconess, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus of Lisieux,Herman of Alaska, Peter the Aleut (Cungagnaq), Hildegard von Bingen,Innocent Popov-Veniaminov of Alaska, Kateri Tekakwitha, and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov pray for us always!!

Prayer to Saint Joseph the Betrothed:  O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intersession and obtain for me from thy Divine Son all the spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that having engaged here below thy Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee with Jesus asleep in thy arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name, and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen. Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, помилуй нас грешники! 

Prayer to Saint Panteleimon: You emulated the Merciful One, and received from Him the grace of healing, Passion-bearer and healer Panteleimon; by your prayers, heal our spiritual diseases and continually drive away the temptations of the enemy from those who cry out in faith “Save us, O Lord.” Doamne Iisuse Hristoase, Fiul lui Dumnezeu, Miluieşte-ne pe noi pacatosii!

Troparion to Saint Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris:

You became a bride of Christ, O venerable Mother, And offered your body and soul to Him as a living sacrifice. You exposed the evil side of humanity’s ways, By allowing the light of the Resurrection to shine forth from you. We celebrate your memory in love, O Martyr and Confessor Maria. Pray to Christ our God that He may save our souls. +++ Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God, through the powerful prayers of your Most Holy Virgin Mother Mariam (Mary) the Theotokos and your Saints Mary Magdalene, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Moses the Ethiopian (Moses the Black), Walatta Petros, Mary of Egypt, John Climacus, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Alexander Hotovitzky, Kassiani the Hymnographer, Innocent Popov-Veniaminov of Alaska, Athanasius of Alexandria, Herman of Alaska, Peter Cungagnaq the Aleut, Olga Michael of Alaska, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Silouan Antonov the Athonite, Sophrony Sakharov, Alexander Schmemann, Anthony Bloom of Sourozh, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina & Pentapolis, Mitrophan Yang of China, and Joseph Kottis the Hesychast, have mercy on us sinners and have mercy on the whole universe.+++

FAVORITE QUOTE FROM SAINT MARIA SKOBTSOVA OF PARIS: “However hard I try, I find it impossible to construct anything greater than these three words, ‘Love one another’ —only to the end, and without exceptions: then all is justified and life is illumined, whereas otherwise it is an abomination and a burden.” LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF THE LIVING GOD, THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS & SAINTS MOTHER MARIA SKOBTSOVA THE NEW MARTYR OF PARIS, FATHER MOSES THE ETHIOPIAN (MOSES THE BLACK), MOTHER WALATTA PETROS, DOROTHY DAY, OSCAR ROMERO, SERAPHIM MOSHNIN OF SAROV, GREGORY PALAMAS, ARCHANGEL MICHAEL, HOLY RIGHTEOUS JOSHUA SON OF NAVI (NUN), ELIAS THE PROPHET, MOSES THE PROPHET, ARCHANGEL URIEL, AND GRAND DUCHESS ELIZABETH FYODOROVNA THE NEW MARTYR OF RUSSIA, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Ethiopian Orthodox Akathist to Saint Mother Walatta Petros:

Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a garden! Wrapped in heavenly scent, you are shade for the doves, from the heat of misery that fills our world. Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a mirror! You reveal the Trinity in its holiness to everyone, high and low: now the faithful sit safe on dry ground. Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a light! Your preaching split the darkness and the foolish friends of this world ran eagerly toward repentance. Peace upon you! What no eye has seen nor ear ever heard, that mystery you chose as your wedding finery, refusing a life of luxury.  Hail to you, Walatta Petros, our mother! Strength of will carried you through the narrow gate —like thousands of martyrs before and the righteous monks of Waseef. Peace upon you and your forebear Shenoute, arrayed in the armor of chastity! Come, comfort our distress and woe; guard us while the whirlwind rages. Hail to you Walatta Petros, who brings harmony! May the power of your help outweigh the schemes of Satan and of men; may it veil us like a cloud. Peace upon you! We make a walled fortress from your aid; we fear not the assault of godless enemies when they rise against us. Peace upon you! For your children, the brothers and all the sisters— plead without ceasing in the presence of the Lord, that they may avoid temptation. Peace upon you! You escaped the snares of beastly inquity by carrying the guarantee of victory—the cross— as did the disciples of Saint Macarius. Hail to you, Walatta Petros! From the Four Creatures of Heaven to where the Holy Trinity is worshipped, raise the incense of our song— with a censer wrought of light! LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS! MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS and Saints Mary Magdalene, Mother Walatta Petros, Mother Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Father Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Job Zhelezo of Pochaev, Gabriel Urgebadze, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, George Karslidis the Righteous of Drama, John Jacob the Chozebite Romanian (Ioan Iacob Hozevitul), Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Isidore of Seville, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Archbishop Iakovos Koukouzis of America, and Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia pray for us always!

Prayer to Archangel Michael: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. +LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, PRE-ETERNAL BISHOP, PRE-ETERNAL PATRIARCH & SON OF GOD, through the prayers of Saints Mary Magdalene, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Gabriel Urgebadze, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, Moses the Ethiopian, Archangel Michael, Archangel Raphael, Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Uriel / Archangel Ariel, Archangel Selaphiel, Archangel, Jehudiel, Archangel Barachiel, Archangel Raguel, Archangel Jeremiel, Archangel Anael, Archangel Jophiel, Archangel Zadkiel, and Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Dormition Prayer: Neither the tomb, nor death, could hold the Theotokos, who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions. For being the Mother of Life, she was translated to life, by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb. Most Holy Theotokos save us! LORD YESHUA THE MESSIAH, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS! Saints Mardarije Uskoković of Libertyville, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr,Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco,Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze, and Holy Righteous Abraham pray for us always!

The Transfiguration Troparion / Kontakion:

Saints Mark Ji Tianxiang, Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Alexander Hotovitzky, Spyridon of Trimythous, Sebastian Dabovich of Jackson and San Francisco, Olga Michael of Alaska, Florence Li Tim-Oi, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Maxim Sandovich, Ahmed the Calligrapher, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Porphyrios Bairaktaris the Kapsokalyvite, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Holy Prophet and God-Seer Moses, Prophet Elijah/Elias, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, and Leonty Turkevich of New York pray for us! You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, / revealing Your glory to Your disciples as far as they could bear it. / Let Your everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners, / through the prayers of the Theotokos. / O Giver of Light, glory to You! On the Mountain You were Transfigured, O Christ God, / And Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could see it; / So that when they would behold You crucified, / They would understand that Your suffering was voluntary, / And would proclaim to the world, / That You are truly the Radiance of the Father!

Apostle Peter On Yeshua’s Transfiguration in 2 Peter 1:16–18

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

Matthew 17.1-9 (Yeshua’s Transfiguration)

And after six days Jesus Yeshua took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus Yeshua, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus Yeshua came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus Yeshua only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus Yeshua commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead.”

Mark 9:2-8 (Yeshua’s Transfiguration)

Now after six days Jesus Yeshua took Peter, James and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus Yeshua. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus Yeshua, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one Elijah” because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. And a cloud came and overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, HEAR HIM!” Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus Yeshua with themselves.

Luke 9:28-36 (Yeshua’s Transfiguration)

At that time, Jesus Yeshua took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus Yeshua, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah” - not knowing what he said. As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus Yeshua was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

John 1:1-17 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’”) And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Song of Songs/ Song of Solomon 5:10-16

 My beloved is a shining and fiery light, Chosen from countless thousands. His head is like refined gold; His locks of hair are shiny and black, Like a raven’s feathers. His eyes are like those of doves sitting by pools of water, having eyes bathed in milk and fitly set. His cheeks are like bowls of spices pouring forth perfumes. [His face is rugged, his beard smells like sage, His voice, his words, warm and reassuring.] His lips are lilies dripping choice myrrh. His hands are like elaborate gold set with precious stones. His stomach is like an ivory tablet inlaid with sapphire stones. His legs are like pillars or marble established on golden feet. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedar trees. His mouth is most sweet and altogether desirable. This is my beloved, my companion, O daughters of Jerusalem!

Yeshua Calms A Storm in Gospel of Mark 4.35-41:

On that day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. And other boats were with Him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” And He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?” Lord Yeshua the Messiah, True God, have mercy on us! प्रभु यीशु मसीह, परमेश्वर के सन्तान, हम पर दया कर!  We learn from St. Mark that, in the words of the St. Athanasius the Great, “The Lord Who rebuked (the storm) was not a creature, but rather its Creator.” St. Basil the Great further teaches us that “by these encounters we are meeting the Father of the Son, the Father Who creates through the Son.

The Beatitudes: 

In Thy Kingdom remember us O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Porphyrios Bairaktaris the Kapsokalyvite, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Patrick of Ireland, Bridget of Ireland, Archangel Michael, Christopher of Lycia, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, John Sergiyev of Kronstadt, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Dymphna, Nino of Georgia, Joseph the Betrothed, Queen Esther, Judith the Conqueror of Holofernes, Archangel Uriel, Gabriel Urgebadze, Grigol Peradze, Apollonia, Panteleimon the Holy Unmercenary Healer, and Mary Magdalene pray for us always!

“I AM the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, he it is that BEARS MUCH FRUIT, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Claudia Procula, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, John the Theologian, Pavel Peter Gojdič, John Maximovitch of Tobolsk, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Queddus, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Herman of Alaska, Matrona Nikonova the Wonderworker of Moscow, Patrick of Ireland, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Josephine Bakhita, Dymphna, Herman of Alaska, Job Zhelezo of Pochaev, Luke Voino-Yasenetsky the Blessed Surgeon of Simferopol and Crimea, Peter the Aleut, André Bessette of Montreal, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Gregory Palamas, Nilus of Sora / Nil Sorski, Christopher of Lycia, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus YESHUA of Lisieux, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse and Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow PRAY FOR US ALWAYS!

Prophesy of Daniel 3:16-18, 3:23-24

Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), and Abednego (Azariah) answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is in the heavens, able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the fiery furnace. And they walked about in the midst of the flames, singing hymns to God and blessing the Lord. +MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS AND SAINTS MARY MAGDALENE, Holy Prophet Daniel, Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), Abednego (Azariah), Gabriel Urgebadze, Panteleimon the Unmercenary Healer, Apollonia, Xenia of St. Petersburg, Dymphna, Barsanuphius of Optina, Sophrony Sakharov, Grigol Peradze, Isaac the Syrian, Kassiani the Hymnographer, Holy Righteous Father Abraham, Queen Esther, Judith conquerer of Holofernes, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco, John Sergiyev of Kronstadt, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Phoebe the Deaconess, Patrick of Ireland, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Pachomius the Great, Alexander Hotovitzky, Alexis Toth of Wilkes-Barre, Phanourios the Great Martyr, Herman of Alaska, Peter the Aleut, Mitrophan Yang, Nectarios Kephalas of Aegina & Pentapolis, King David, King Solomon,Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Takla Haymanot, Yared of Ethiopia, Gregory Palamas, Holy Prophet and God-seer Moses, Elijah/ Elias the Prophet, Holy Righteous Joshua (Jesus) son of Navi (Nun) , Christopher of Lycia, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom, Hesychius the Horebite, Anthony the Great of Egypt, Michael the Archangel, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, Salathiel, Jehudiel, Jeremiel, Barachiel the Archangel, Pavel Peter Gojdič, André Bessette of Montreal, Josephine Bakhita, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos and Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia PRAY FOR US ALWAYS!

“Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Claudia Procula, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse, Sergius, Bacchus, Bayard Rustin, Coretta Scott King, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Josephine Bakhita, André Bessette of Montreal, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Holy Righteous Prophet-King David, Jonathan, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Silouan Antonov the Athonite, Sophrony Sakharov of Essex, Florence Li Tim-Oi, Grigol Peradze, Maxim Sandovich of Gorlice, and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov pray for us always!

Saint Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia Quote:

“This is the way we should see Christ— He is our friend, our brother. He is whatever is good and beautiful. He is everything. Yet, He is still a friend and He shouts it out, “You’re my friends, don’t you understand that? We’re brothers. I’m not threatening you. I don’t hold hell in my hands. I love you. I want you to enjoy life together with me.” Christ is Everything. He is joy, He is life, He is light. He is the true light who makes man joyful, makes him soar with happiness; makes him see everything, everybody; makes him feel for everyone, to want everyone with him, everyone with Christ.“ -Saints Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Paisios of Mount Athos, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco, John Jacob the Romanian Chozebite of Hazeva, Ephrem the Syrian, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze, Mitrophan Yang of Beijing, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna  the New Martyr,Moses the Black, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, and Nino of Georgia pray for us always! LORD YESHUA THE MESSIAH, SON OF ALLAH / ELOHIM, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE UNIVERSE! LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE UNIVERSE!

Prayer of Saint Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos: “Our Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ: Do not abandon your servants who live far away from the Church. May your love convict them and bring them back to you.Lord have mercy on your servants who are suffering from cancer. On your servants who suffer either from small or serious ailments. On your servants who suffer from physical infirmities. On your servants who suffer from spiritual infirmities. Lord have mercy on our leaders and inspire them to govern with Christian love. Lord have mercy on children who come from troubled homes. On troubled families and those who have been divorced. Lord have mercy on all the orphans of the world, on all those who are suffering pain and injustices since losing their spouses. Lord have mercy on all those in jail, on all anarchists, on all drug abusers, on all murderers, on all abusers of people, and on all thieves. Enlighten these people and help them to straighten out their lives. Lord have mercy on all those who have been forced to emigrate. On all those who travel on the seas, on land, in the air, and protect them. Lord have mercy on our Church, the bishops, the priests and the faithful of the Church. Lord have mercy on all the monastic communities, male and female, the elders and eldresses and all the brotherhoods of Mt. Athos. Lord have mercy on your servants who find themselves in the midst of war. On your servants who are being pursued in the mountains and on the plains. On your servants who are being hunted like birds of prey. Lord have mercy on your servants who were forced to abandon their homes and their jobs and feel afflicted. Lord have mercy on the poor, the homeless and the exiled.Lord have mercy on the nations of the world. Keep them in your embrace and envelope them with your holy protection. Keep them safe from every evil and war. Keep our beloved Greece (we can add here the USA [or Planet Earth]) in your protective embrace day and night. Embrace her with your holy protection defending her from all evil and war. Lord have mercy on those who have been abandoned and have suffered injustice. Have mercy on families that are going through trying times. Pour your abundant love upon them. Lord have mercy on your servants who suffer from spiritual and bodily problems of all kinds.Lord have mercy on those who are despairing. Help them and grant them peace. Lord have mercy on those that have requested that we pray for them. Lord grant eternal rest to all those who have passed on to eternal life throughout the ages.”

[thetruthseekerway]

Preparations for the Month of Ramadan

New Post has been published on http://www.truth-seeker.info/jewels-of-islam/preparations-for-the-month-of-ramadan/

Preparations for the Month of Ramadan

By Lobna Youssef Mulla

Cleaning out the closet feels great. You go through all of your stuff, throw away whatever you don’t want, and give away things you don’t need. In the end, you know you are left with more space, a clean area, and peace of mind. Now that Ramadan is around the corner, this is a great time to take account of ourselves and go through a very similar process with our soul. What negative feelings or thoughts hide in the shadows of our hearts? Are we even aware of how this “stuff” spreads toxicity throughout our soul, which then seeps into our relationships? When we rid ourselves of emotional “baggage” we free up space in our hearts to soak in all the positive outcomes of Ramadan.

To begin this spring cleaning, it is helpful to reflect on the following verse:

“O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Surah Al Hashr, 59:18)

It is only when we allow ourselves to truly take account of what is in our hearts that we are able to process what we find. Who are we avoiding? What grudges do we hold? What negative thoughts do we ruminate over? Once we are able to face what lurks within, we can figure out ways to get over them. Actually writing down the answers to the above questions has been proven to be a helpful way to start tackling the toxic thoughts we store in our main processing center. Next, let us think about how Allah, Exalted is He, prescribes the process of purification.

“Those who spend in the way of Allah both in affluence and hardship, who restrain their anger, and pardon others. Allah loves such good-doers.” (Surah ‘Aal `Imran, 3:134)

Why does Allah mention giving money, first in the time of ease, then in the time of difficulty, before addressing two emotional strengths? And even then, why does Allah mention exercising control over anger before excusing others (a higher level of forgiveness)?

Perhaps practicing gratitude in times of prosperity prepares one for the ability to acknowledge blessings, even during times of hardship. What effect does this type of training have on one’s understanding? We may consider the possibility that engaging in a constant state of gratitude develops satisfaction. Additionally, gratitude in the form of donation fosters a sense of compassion – being able to connect with others by connecting with something similar within ourselves. Gratitude, which leads to satisfaction and compassion creates an environment in which anger is less likely to develop, since anger is a reflection of turmoil that exists within the individual. So in a way, satisfaction despite life’s challenges allows one to engage with others from a place of peace within.

We see a very inspiring application of part of this verse in the following exchange between Ali ibn Al-Husain (also known as Zayn Al-Abideen), the great-great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and his servant. Abdur-Razzaq As-San’ani (d.211 AH) said: A slave-girl of ‘Ali bin Husain was pouring water on him while he was preparing for prayer. Accidentally the jug slipped from her hands and fell on his face causing his face to be injured. He raised his sight towards her in anger. She recited ((Those who restrain anger)). He said to her: ‘I have restrained my anger’. She then recited ((…who pardon people)). He said: ‘I have forgiven you’. She further recited ((…And Allah loves the doers of good)). He said: ‘Go now you are free’.

Imagine that – spending in the way of Allah, is a demonstration of gratitude which promotes satisfaction and compassion. That compassion, in turn, prevents the early sprouting of anger and rage. Keeping anger at bay facilitates the ability to think rationally and process possible reasons why someone may be worthy of your forgiveness. These three qualities of being charitable, controlling anger, and forgiving others put us on the path of ihsan (excellence). And Allah loves those who exhibit ihsan (as mentioned in the verse above, 3:134).

So let’s recap spring cleaning for the soul. First, take stock of your negative feelings towards aspects of your life and towards others. Sometimes this process makes us feel uncomfortable, so we shut down the introspection and abort it prematurely. Allow yourself to sift through these nagging negative thoughts and try to evaluate them. Are these negative thoughts really worth the mental and spiritual drain? Do others really deserve the old grudge? This exercise alone may already diminish your list of bad feelings.

Next, turn towards the positive, and put it into action – give. Give when you have abundance, and give when you are struggling (remember it doesn’t have to involve money). Next, work on controlling your anger and find ways to prevent it before it takes control of you. Need some tips on anger management? Here is a handy article. And finally, learn to pardon and forgive others – out of compassion for their circumstances, lack of understanding, or just for the sake of Allah. This entire process is not easy and comes with a great deal of work, yet the results are rewarding on many levels.

May Allah make this spiritual cleansing a successful process of purification before the greatest month of all – Ramadan. Ameen.

———-

This article was taken with slight editorial modifications from The Muslim American Society.

[westernriteorthodoxrosary]

HANNUKAH (Chanukah) MIRACLE!   2 Maccabees 10:5-9 It happened that on the same day on which the sanctuary had been profaned by the foreigners, the purification of the sanctuary took place, that is, on the twenty-fifth day of the same month, which was Chislev. And they celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the feast of booths, remembering how not long before, during the feast of booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals. Therefore bearing ivy-wreathed wands and beautiful branches and also fronds of palm, they offered hymns of thanksgiving to him who had given success to the purifying of his own holy place. They decreed by public ordinance and vote that the whole nation of the Jews should observe these days every year. Such then was the end of Anti′ochus, who was called Epiph′anes. +LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF GOD,  through the prayers of the Holy Maccabee Martyrs Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus, Marcellus, Solomonia, and Eleazar, have mercy on us sinners! Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Judas Maccabeus, have mercy on us sinners! LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF ALLAH (GOD), THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF SAINT JUDE (THADDEUS) THE APOSTLE, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Kontakion to Holy Martyr Menas of Egypt: Today the church honors those who fought the good fight and died for their faith: / The victorious Menas, the noble Victor and the ascetic Vincent. / The church glorifies their divine struggle and cries out with love: / Glory to You, O Christ, the lover of mankind. +LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, through the most powerful prayers of Saints Menas the Martyr of Egypt, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Moses the Ethiopian, Chiune Sugihara of Lithuania, Alexander Schmorell of Munich, Walatta Petros, Grigol Peradze, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Gabriel Urgebadze, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Mary of Egypt, Symeon the New Theologian, Paisius Velichkovsky, Barsanuphius Plikhankov of Optina and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Holy Virgin Protection Hymns: O Mother of God, sheltered by thy coming/ We faithful people today keep feast in joy./ And beholding thy most pure image/ moved to the depths of our heart we say/ Protect us with thy precious veil/ and deliver us from every ill/ by entreating Christ thy son and our God to save our souls. Today the Virgin stands forth in the church/ and invisibly with the choir of the saints prays to God for us./ The hierarchs bow down with the angels,/ the apostles and the prophets rejoice/ for the Mother of God prays to the eternal God for us. We magnify thee/ O most holy Virgin/ and we honor thy precious veil/ for Saint Andrew beheld thee/ in the air praying to God for us. Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God (Allah/ Elohim), through the prayers of thy most Holy Mother the Theotokos, have mercy on us sinners!

Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Maxim Sandovich of Gorlice, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Milad Makeen Zaky, Abanub Ayad Atiya, Maged Soliman Shehata, Youssef Shukry Younan, Kirollos Boshra Fawzy, Bishoy Astafanous Kamel, Samuel Astafanous Kamel, Malak Ibrahim Sinyout, Tawadros Youssef Tawadros, Gerges Milad Sinyout, Mina Fayez Aziz, Hany Abdel Mesih Salib, Samuel Alham Wilson, Ezzat Boshra Naseef, Luka Nagaty Anis, Gaber Mounir Adly, Essam Baddar Samir, Malak Farag Abrahim, Sameh Salah Farouk, Gerges Samir Megally, Mathew Ayairga, Magdy Sobhy Tawfeek, Sahar Talaat Rezk, Katherine Magdy Sobhy, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Father Samaan Shehata, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Queddus, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus of Lisieux, Claudia Procula, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse, Dymphna, Khalid Jabara the Antiochian Orthodox Martyr of Oklahoma, and Michael the Archangel pray for us always!

Gospel of John 20:11-16        But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus [Yeshua] had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus [Yeshua] standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus [Yeshua]. Jesus [Yeshua] said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus [Yeshua] said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).

Protection Prayer: Today the faithful celebrate the feast with joy / illumined by your coming, O Mother of God. / Beholding your pure image we fervently cry to you: / “Encompass us beneath the precious veil of your protection; / deliver us from every form of evil by entreating Christ, / your Son and our God that He may save our souls.” Saints Mary Magdalene the Apostle, Andrew the Fool-for-Christ of Constantinople, Epiphanius, Romanos the Melodist, Metropolitan Peter Polyansky of Krutitsy, Thomas the Apostle, Sebastian Dabovich of Jackson and San Francisco, Olga Michael of Alaska, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, Thekla the Protomartyr, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, Apostle Paul, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Josephine Bakhita, André Bessette of Montreal, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze,Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Peter the Apostle, Paul the Apostle, Pope Pius I, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Takla Haymanot, Yared of Ethiopia, Hilda of Whitby,Florence Li Tim-Oi, Apostle Prochorus, Michael (Mikhail I) of Kiev, Olympia the Deaconess, Phoebe the Deaconess, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus of Lisieux,Herman of Alaska, Peter the Aleut (Cungagnaq), Hildegard von Bingen,Innocent Popov-Veniaminov of Alaska, Kateri Tekakwitha, and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov pray for us always!!

Prayer to Saint Joseph the Betrothed:  O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intersession and obtain for me from thy Divine Son all the spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that having engaged here below thy Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee with Jesus asleep in thy arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name, and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen. Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, помилуй нас грешники!

Prayer to Saint Panteleimon: You emulated the Merciful One, and received from Him the grace of healing, Passion-bearer and healer Panteleimon; by your prayers, heal our spiritual diseases and continually drive away the temptations of the enemy from those who cry out in faith “Save us, O Lord.” Doamne Iisuse Hristoase, Fiul lui Dumnezeu, Miluieşte-ne pe noi pacatosii!

Troparion to Saint Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris:

You became a bride of Christ, O venerable Mother, And offered your body and soul to Him as a living sacrifice. You exposed the evil side of humanity’s ways, By allowing the light of the Resurrection to shine forth from you. We celebrate your memory in love, O Martyr and Confessor Maria. Pray to Christ our God that He may save our souls. +++ Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God, through the powerful prayers of your Most Holy Virgin Mother Mariam (Mary) the Theotokos and your Saints Mary Magdalene, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Moses the Ethiopian (Moses the Black), Walatta Petros, Mary of Egypt, John Climacus, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Alexander Hotovitzky, Kassiani the Hymnographer, Innocent Popov-Veniaminov of Alaska, Athanasius of Alexandria, Herman of Alaska, Peter Cungagnaq the Aleut, Olga Michael of Alaska, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Silouan Antonov the Athonite, Sophrony Sakharov, Alexander Schmemann, Anthony Bloom of Sourozh, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina & Pentapolis, Mitrophan Yang of China, and Joseph Kottis the Hesychast, have mercy on us sinners and have mercy on the whole universe.+++

FAVORITE QUOTE FROM SAINT MARIA SKOBTSOVA OF PARIS: “However hard I try, I find it impossible to construct anything greater than these three words, ‘Love one another’ —only to the end, and without exceptions: then all is justified and life is illumined, whereas otherwise it is an abomination and a burden.” LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF THE LIVING GOD, THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS & SAINTS MOTHER MARIA SKOBTSOVA THE NEW MARTYR OF PARIS, FATHER MOSES THE ETHIOPIAN (MOSES THE BLACK), MOTHER WALATTA PETROS, DOROTHY DAY, OSCAR ROMERO, SERAPHIM MOSHNIN OF SAROV, GREGORY PALAMAS, ARCHANGEL MICHAEL, HOLY RIGHTEOUS JOSHUA SON OF NAVI (NUN), ELIAS THE PROPHET, MOSES THE PROPHET, ARCHANGEL URIEL, AND GRAND DUCHESS ELIZABETH FYODOROVNA THE NEW MARTYR OF RUSSIA, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Ethiopian Orthodox Akathist to Saint Mother Walatta Petros:

Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a garden! Wrapped in heavenly scent, you are shade for the doves, from the heat of misery that fills our world. Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a mirror! You reveal the Trinity in its holiness to everyone, high and low: now the faithful sit safe on dry ground. Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a light! Your preaching split the darkness and the foolish friends of this world ran eagerly toward repentance. Peace upon you! What no eye has seen nor ear ever heard, that mystery you chose as your wedding finery, refusing a life of luxury.  Hail to you, Walatta Petros, our mother! Strength of will carried you through the narrow gate —like thousands of martyrs before and the righteous monks of Waseef. Peace upon you and your forebear Shenoute, arrayed in the armor of chastity! Come, comfort our distress and woe; guard us while the whirlwind rages. Hail to you Walatta Petros, who brings harmony! May the power of your help outweigh the schemes of Satan and of men; may it veil us like a cloud. Peace upon you! We make a walled fortress from your aid; we fear not the assault of godless enemies when they rise against us. Peace upon you! For your children, the brothers and all the sisters— plead without ceasing in the presence of the Lord, that they may avoid temptation. Peace upon you! You escaped the snares of beastly inquity by carrying the guarantee of victory—the cross— as did the disciples of Saint Macarius. Hail to you, Walatta Petros! From the Four Creatures of Heaven to where the Holy Trinity is worshipped, raise the incense of our song— with a censer wrought of light! LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS! MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS and Saints Mary Magdalene, Mother Walatta Petros, Mother Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Father Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Job Zhelezo of Pochaev, Gabriel Urgebadze, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, George Karslidis the Righteous of Drama, John Jacob the Chozebite Romanian (Ioan Iacob Hozevitul), Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Isidore of Seville, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Archbishop Iakovos Koukouzis of America, and Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia pray for us always!

Prayer to Archangel Michael: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. +LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, PRE-ETERNAL BISHOP, PRE-ETERNAL PATRIARCH & SON OF GOD, through the prayers of Saints Mary Magdalene, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Gabriel Urgebadze, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, Moses the Ethiopian, Archangel Michael, Archangel Raphael, Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Uriel / Archangel Ariel, Archangel Selaphiel, Archangel, Jehudiel, Archangel Barachiel, Archangel Raguel, Archangel Jeremiel, Archangel Anael, Archangel Jophiel, Archangel Zadkiel, and Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Dormition Prayer: Neither the tomb, nor death, could hold the Theotokos, who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions. For being the Mother of Life, she was translated to life, by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb. Most Holy Theotokos save us! LORD YESHUA THE MESSIAH, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS! Saints Mardarije Uskoković of Libertyville, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr,Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco,Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze, and Holy Righteous Abraham pray for us always!

The Transfiguration Troparion / Kontakion:

Saints Mark Ji Tianxiang, Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Alexander Hotovitzky, Spyridon of Trimythous, Sebastian Dabovich of Jackson and San Francisco, Olga Michael of Alaska, Florence Li Tim-Oi, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Maxim Sandovich, Ahmed the Calligrapher, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Porphyrios Bairaktaris the Kapsokalyvite, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Holy Prophet and God-Seer Moses, Prophet Elijah/Elias, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, and Leonty Turkevich of New York pray for us! You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, / revealing Your glory to Your disciples as far as they could bear it. / Let Your everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners, / through the prayers of the Theotokos. / O Giver of Light, glory to You! On the Mountain You were Transfigured, O Christ God, / And Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could see it; / So that when they would behold You crucified, / They would understand that Your suffering was voluntary, / And would proclaim to the world, / That You are truly the Radiance of the Father!

Song of Songs/ Song of Solomon 5:10-16

My beloved is a shining and fiery light, Chosen from countless thousands. His head is like refined gold; His locks of hair are shiny and black, Like a raven’s feathers. His eyes are like those of doves sitting by pools of water, having eyes bathed in milk and fitly set. His cheeks are like bowls of spices pouring forth perfumes. [His face is rugged, his beard smells like sage, His voice, his words, warm and reassuring.] His lips are lilies dripping choice myrrh. His hands are like elaborate gold set with precious stones. His stomach is like an ivory tablet inlaid with sapphire stones. His legs are like pillars or marble established on golden feet. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedar trees. His mouth is most sweet and altogether desirable. This is my beloved, my companion, O daughters of Jerusalem!

The Beatitudes:

In Thy Kingdom remember us O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Porphyrios Bairaktaris the Kapsokalyvite, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Patrick of Ireland, Bridget of Ireland, Archangel Michael, Christopher of Lycia, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, John Sergiyev of Kronstadt, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Dymphna, Nino of Georgia, Joseph the Betrothed, Queen Esther, Judith the Conqueror of Holofernes, Archangel Uriel, Gabriel Urgebadze, Grigol Peradze, Apollonia, Panteleimon the Holy Unmercenary Healer, and Mary Magdalene pray for us always!

“I AM the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, he it is that BEARS MUCH FRUIT, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Claudia Procula, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, John the Theologian, Pavel Peter Gojdič, John Maximovitch of Tobolsk, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Queddus, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Herman of Alaska, Matrona Nikonova the Wonderworker of Moscow, Patrick of Ireland, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Josephine Bakhita, Dymphna, Herman of Alaska, Job Zhelezo of Pochaev, Luke Voino-Yasenetsky the Blessed Surgeon of Simferopol and Crimea, Peter the Aleut, André Bessette of Montreal, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Gregory Palamas, Nilus of Sora / Nil Sorski, Christopher of Lycia, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus YESHUA of Lisieux, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse and Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow PRAY FOR US ALWAYS!

Prophesy of Daniel 3:16-18, 3:23-24

Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), and Abednego (Azariah) answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is in the heavens, able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the fiery furnace. And they walked about in the midst of the flames, singing hymns to God and blessing the Lord. +MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS AND SAINTS MARY MAGDALENE, Holy Prophet Daniel, Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), Abednego (Azariah), Gabriel Urgebadze, Panteleimon the Unmercenary Healer, Apollonia, Xenia of St. Petersburg, Dymphna, Barsanuphius of Optina, Sophrony Sakharov, Grigol Peradze, Isaac the Syrian, Kassiani the Hymnographer, Holy Righteous Father Abraham, Queen Esther, Judith conquerer of Holofernes, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco, John Sergiyev of Kronstadt, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Phoebe the Deaconess, Patrick of Ireland, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Pachomius the Great, Alexander Hotovitzky, Alexis Toth of Wilkes-Barre, Phanourios the Great Martyr, Herman of Alaska, Peter the Aleut, Mitrophan Yang, Nectarios Kephalas of Aegina & Pentapolis, King David, King Solomon,Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Takla Haymanot, Yared of Ethiopia, Gregory Palamas, Holy Prophet and God-seer Moses, Elijah/ Elias the Prophet, Holy Righteous Joshua (Jesus) son of Navi (Nun) , Christopher of Lycia, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom, Hesychius the Horebite, Anthony the Great of Egypt, Michael the Archangel, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, Salathiel, Jehudiel, Jeremiel, Barachiel the Archangel, Pavel Peter Gojdič, André Bessette of Montreal, Josephine Bakhita, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos and Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia PRAY FOR US ALWAYS!

“Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Claudia Procula, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse, Sergius, Bacchus, Bayard Rustin, Coretta Scott King, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Josephine Bakhita, André Bessette of Montreal, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Holy Righteous Prophet-King David, Jonathan, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Silouan Antonov the Athonite, Sophrony Sakharov of Essex, Florence Li Tim-Oi, Grigol Peradze, Maxim Sandovich of Gorlice, and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov pray for us always!

Saint Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia Quote:

“This is the way we should see Christ— He is our friend, our brother. He is whatever is good and beautiful. He is everything. Yet, He is still a friend and He shouts it out, “You’re my friends, don’t you understand that? We’re brothers. I’m not threatening you. I don’t hold hell in my hands. I love you. I want you to enjoy life together with me.” Christ is Everything. He is joy, He is life, He is light. He is the true light who makes man joyful, makes him soar with happiness; makes him see everything, everybody; makes him feel for everyone, to want everyone with him, everyone with Christ.“ -Saints Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Paisios of Mount Athos, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco, John Jacob the Romanian Chozebite of Hazeva, Ephrem the Syrian, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze, Mitrophan Yang of Beijing, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna  the New Martyr,Moses the Black, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, and Nino of Georgia pray for us always! LORD YESHUA THE MESSIAH, SON OF ALLAH / ELOHIM, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE UNIVERSE! LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE UNIVERSE!

Prayer of Saint Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos: “Our Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ: Do not abandon your servants who live far away from the Church. May your love convict them and bring them back to you.Lord have mercy on your servants who are suffering from cancer. On your servants who suffer either from small or serious ailments. On your servants who suffer from physical infirmities. On your servants who suffer from spiritual infirmities. Lord have mercy on our leaders and inspire them to govern with Christian love. Lord have mercy on children who come from troubled homes. On troubled families and those who have been divorced. Lord have mercy on all the orphans of the world, on all those who are suffering pain and injustices since losing their spouses. Lord have mercy on all those in jail, on all anarchists, on all drug abusers, on all murderers, on all abusers of people, and on all thieves. Enlighten these people and help them to straighten out their lives. Lord have mercy on all those who have been forced to emigrate. On all those who travel on the seas, on land, in the air, and protect them. Lord have mercy on our Church, the bishops, the priests and the faithful of the Church. Lord have mercy on all the monastic communities, male and female, the elders and eldresses and all the brotherhoods of Mt. Athos. Lord have mercy on your servants who find themselves in the midst of war. On your servants who are being pursued in the mountains and on the plains. On your servants who are being hunted like birds of prey. Lord have mercy on your servants who were forced to abandon their homes and their jobs and feel afflicted. Lord have mercy on the poor, the homeless and the exiled.Lord have mercy on the nations of the world. Keep them in your embrace and envelope them with your holy protection. Keep them safe from every evil and war. Keep our beloved Greece (we can add here the USA [or Planet Earth]) in your protective embrace day and night. Embrace her with your holy protection defending her from all evil and war. Lord have mercy on those who have been abandoned and have suffered injustice. Have mercy on families that are going through trying times. Pour your abundant love upon them. Lord have mercy on your servants who suffer from spiritual and bodily problems of all kinds.Lord have mercy on those who are despairing. Help them and grant them peace. Lord have mercy on those that have requested that we pray for them. Lord grant eternal rest to all those who have passed on to eternal life throughout the ages.”