Saint Anastasia the Great-Martyr and Deliverer from Potions

The Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, a Roman by birth, suffered for Christ at the time of Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. Her father was a pagan, but her mother was secretly a Christian. Saint Anastasia’s teacher in her youth was an educated and pious Christian named Chrysogonus. After the death of her mother, her father gave Saint Anastasia in marriage to a pagan named Publius, but feigning illness, she preserved her virginity.

Clothing herself in the garb of a beggar, and accompanied by only one servant, she visited the prisons. She fed, doctored and often ransomed captives who were suffering for their faith in Christ. When her servant told Publius about everything, he subjected his wife to a beating and locked her up at home. Saint Anastasia then began to correspond secretly with Chrysogonus, who told the saint to be patient, to cleave to the Cross of Christ, and to accept the Lord’s will. He also foretold the impending death of Publius in the sea. After a certain while Publius did indeed drown, as he was setting out with a delegation to Persia. After the death of her husband, Saint Anastasia began to distribute her property to the poor and suffering.

Diocletian was informed that the Christians who filled the prisons of Rome stoically endured tortures. He gave orders to kill them all in a single night, and for Chrysogonus to be sent to him at Aquileia. Saint Anastasia followed her teacher at a distance.

The emperor interrogated Chrysogonus personally, but could not make him renounce his faith. Therefore, he commanded that he be beheaded and thrown into the sea. The body and severed head of the holy martyr were carried to shore by the waves. There by divine Providence, the relics were found by a presbyter named Zoilus who placed them in a coffer, and concealed them at his home.

Saint Chrysogonus appeared to Zoilus and informed him that martyrdom was at hand for Agape, Chione and Irene (April 16), three sisters who lived nearby. He told him to send Saint Anastasia to them to encourage them. Saint Chrysogonus foretold that Zoilus would also die on the same day. Nine days later, the words of Saint Chrysogonus were fulfilled. Zoilus fell asleep in the Lord, and Saint Anastasia visited the three maidens before their tortures. When these three martyrs gave up their souls to the Lord, she buried them.

Having carried out her teacher’s request, the saint went from city to city ministering to Christian prisoners. Proficient in the medical arts of the time, she zealously cared for captives far and wide, healing their wounds and relieving their suffering. Because of her labors, Saint Anastasia received the name Deliverer from Potions (Pharmakolytria), since by her intercessions she has healed many from the effects of potions, poisons, and other harmful substances.

She made the acquaintance of the pious young widow Theodota, finding in her a faithful helper. Theodota was taken for questioning when it was learned that she was a Christian. Meanwhile, Saint Anastasia was arrested in Illyricum. This occurred just after all the Christian captives there had been murdered in a single night by order of Diocletian. Saint Anastasia had come to one of the prisons, and finding no one there, she began to weep loudly. The jailers realized that she was a Christian and took her to the prefect of the district, who tried to persuade her to deny Christ by threatening her with torture. After his unsuccessful attempts to persuade Saint Anastasia to offer sacrifice to idols, he handed her over to the pagan priest Ulpian in Rome.

The cunning pagan offered Saint Anastasia the choice between luxury and riches, or grievous sufferings. He set before her gold, precious stones and fine clothing, and also fearsome instruments of torture. The crafty man was put to shame by the bride of Christ. Saint Anastasia refused the riches and chose the tools of torture.

But the Lord prolonged the earthly life of the saint, and Ulpian gave her three days to reconsider. Charmed by Anastasia’s beauty, the pagan priest decided to defile her purity. However, when he tried to touch her he suddenly became blind. His head began to ache so severely that he screamed like a madman. He asked to be taken to a pagan temple to appeal to the idols for help, but on the way he fell down and died.

Saint Anastasia was set free and she and Theodota again devoted themselves to the care of imprisoned Christians. Before long, Saint Theodota and her three sons accepted a martyrdom. Her eldest son, Evodus, stood bravely before the judge and endured beatings without protest. After lengthy torture, they were all thrown into a red-hot oven.

Saint Anastasia was caught again and condemned to death by starvation. She remained in prison without food for sixty days. Saint Theodota appeared to the martyr every night and gave her courage. Seeing that hunger caused Saint Anastasia no harm whatsoever, the judge sentenced her to drowning together with other prisoners. Among them was Eutychianus, who was condemned for his Christian faith.

The prisoners were put into a boat which went out into the open sea. The soldiers bored holes in the boat and got into a galley. Saint Theodota appeared to the captives and steered the ship to shore. When they reached dry land, 120 men believed in Christ and were baptized by Saints Anastasia and Eutychianus. All were captured and received a martyr’s crown. Saint Anastasia was stretched between four pillars and burned alive. A certain pious woman named Apollinaria buried her body, which was unharmed by the fire, in the garden outside her house.

In the fifth century the relics of Saint Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople, where a church was built and dedicated to her. Later the head and a hand of the Great Martyr were transferred to the monastery of Saint Anastasia Deliverer from Potions, near Mount Athos.

Troparion — Tone 4
Your lamb Anastasia, calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice:
“I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering.
In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You, and I died so that I might live with You.
Accept me as a pure sacrifice,
for I have offered myself in love.”
Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.

Troparion — Tone 5
As a martyr you emulated the deeds of the martyrs,
To whom you ministered,
And, striving valiantly, you overcame the enemy.
You are an abundant and overflowing source of grace
For all who come to you, O godly-minded Anastasia!

Kontakion — Tone 2
Those in temptations and afflictions hasten to your temple
And are restored by the grace that dwells in you,
For you ever pour forth healings for all the world,
O great Martyr Anastasia!

Saint Nicholas of Japan, Apostle to the Japanese

Saint Nicholas, Enlightener of Japan, was born Ivan Dimitrievich Kasatkin on August 1, 1836 in the village of Berezovsk, Belsk district, Smolensk diocese, where his father served as Deacon. At the age of five he lost his mother. He completed the Belsk religious school, and afterwards the Smolensk Theological Seminary. In 1857 Ivan Kasatkin entered the Saint Peterburg Theological Academy. On June 24, 1860, in the academy temple of the Twelve Apostles, Bishop Nectarius tonsured him with the name Nicholas.

On June 29, the Feast of the foremost Apostles Peter and Paul, the monk Nicholas was ordained deacon. The next day, on the altar feast of the academy church, he was ordained to the holy priesthood. Later, at his request, Father Nicholas was assigned to Japan as head of the consular church in the city of Hakodate.

At first, the preaching of the Gospel in Japan seemed completely impossible. In Father Nicholas’s own words: “the Japanese of the time looked upon foreigners as beasts, and on Christianity as a villainous sect, to which only villains and sorcerers could belong.” He spent eight years in studying the country, the language, manners and customs of the people among whom he would preach.

In 1868, the flock of Father Nicholas numbered about twenty Japanese. At the end of 1869 Hieromonk Nicholas reported in person to the Synod in Peterburg about his work. A decision was made, on January 14, 1870, to form a special Russian Spiritual Mission for preaching the Word of God among the pagan Japanese. Father Nicholas was elevated to the rank of archimandrite and appointed as head of this Mission.

Returning to Japan after two years in Russia, he transferred some of the responsibility for the Hakodate flock to Hieromonk Anatolius, and began his missionary work in Tokyo. In 1871 there was a persecution of Christians in Hakodate. Many were arrested (among them, the first Japanese Orthodox priest Paul Sawabe). Only in 1873 did the persecution abate somewhat, and the free preaching of Christianity became possible.

In this year Archimandrite Nicholas began the construction of a stone building in Tokyo which housed a church, a school for fifty men, and later a religious school, which became a seminary in 1878.

In 1874, Bishop Paul of Kamchatka arrived in Tokyo to ordain as priests several Japanese candidates recommended by Archimandrite Nicholas. At the Tokyo Mission, there were four schools: for catechists, for women, for church servers, and a seminary. At Hakodate there were two separate schools for boys and girls.

In the second half of 1877, the Mission began regular publication of the journal “Church Herald.” By the year 1878 there already 4115 Christians in Japan, and there were a number of Christian communities. Church services and classes in Japanese, the publication of religious and moral books permitted the Mission to attain such results in a short time. Archimandrite Nicholas petitioned the Holy Synod in December of 1878 to provide a bishop for Japan.

Archimandrite Nicholas was consecrated bishop on March 30, 1880 in the Trinity Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Returning to Japan, he resumed his apostolic work with increased fervor. He completed construction on the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tokyo, he translated the service books, and compiled a special Orthodox theological dictionary in the Japanese language.

Great hardship befell the saint and his flock at the time of the Ruso-Japanese War. For his ascetic labor during these difficult years, he was elevated to the rank of Archbishop.

In 1911, half a century had passed since the young hieromonk Nicholas had first set foot on Japanese soil. At that time there were 33,017 Christians in 266 communities of the Japanese Orthodox Church, including 1 Archbishop, 1 bishop, 35 priests, 6 deacons, 14 singing instructors, and 116 catechists.

On February 3, 1912, Archbishop Nicholas departed peacefully to the Lord at the age of seventy-six. The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church glorified him on April 10, 1970, since the saint had long been honored in Japan as a righteous man, and a prayerful intercessor before the Lord. He is commemorated on February 16th in the New Calendar and February 3rd on the old calendar. For his successful apostolic and evangelistic efforts, he was named Equal-to-the-Apostles and the Apostle to Japan.

Troparion — Tone 4
O holy saint Nicholas
The enlightener of Japan,
You share a dignity and the throne of the Apostles;
You are a wise and faithful servant of Christ,
A temple chosen by the Divine Spirit,
A vessel overflowing with the love of Christ.
O hierarch equal to the Apostles,
Pray to the Life-Creating Trinity
For all your flock and for the whole world.

HOW TO: Find Orthodox Theological Academies in the United States of America

So, you've decided that youy would like attend an Orthodox Christian pastoral or theological academy, college, house of studies, institute, seminary, university, etc., but not sure what is available for you in America? Then this blog post is for you. Here are the 12 solid higher learning facilities in the U.S.A. that you will want to consider, sorted by the states in which they reside followed by alphabetic order:

ALASKA

1. Saint Herman Theological Seminary in Alaska (OCA)

CALIFORNIA

1. Great Martyr Euphemia Orthodox Theological Academy in California (JP)
2. Saint Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology in California (AOCANA)
3. Saints Cyril & Athanasius Institute for Orthodox Studies in California (ROCOR)

ILLINOIS

1. Orthodox Pastoral School in Illinois (ROCOR)
2. Saint Sava School of Theology in Illinois (SOCNASA)

NEW JERSEY

1. Saint Sofia Orthodox Theological Seminary in New Jersey (UOCUSA)

NEW YORK

1. Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in New York (ROCOR)
2. Saint Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York (OCA)

PENNSYLVANIA

1. Christ the Saviour Seminary in Pennsylvania (ACROD)
2. Saint Stephen House of Studies in Pennsylvania (AOCANA)
3. Saint Tikhon Orthodox Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania (OCA)

Let's Go Sailing!

Recently I got a Co-Operative Game from Family Pastimes called "Let's Go Sailing!". It looked interesting, so we played it and I was surprised just how much everyone loved playing the game. It took a lot of cooperation and planning to win, but a lot of luck is involved too! It is meant for 1-6 players, aged 6-Adult.

Here is how Family Pastimes describes their game:

"You are a sailing crew taking your Sailboat from Home Dock to the Island Port. When you get safely there, celebrate a great day of sailing by breaking out rations of milk and cookies. Then it’s hoist anchor and set sail for home again. 

Sailing is a challenge, demanding the best effort from everyone on the crew. Everyone’s contribution is valued.

Each of us has a supply of Action Cards that we share with each other. We use them to advance the boat, negotiate Strong Currents and High Winds, while trying to avoid Rocks and Reefs. In each game, the location of the Reefs is different.

We must keep a Seadog’s eye out for potential Breakdowns that could ground us. Save the Coast Guard cards in case we need to be rescued. Or else we could end up being adrift at sea!"

Sounds fun right? Well it is! It even won Dr. Toy's Game of the Year Award! This game is perfect for a family, a Sea Scout Ship, a Boy Scout Patrol, a Maritime Exploring Club, a Venturing Crew, or even a Cub Scout Den.

Family Pastimes also has many more co-operative games about Deep Sea Scuba Diving, Exploring, Search & Rescue, Hiking, Mountaineering, Weather, Birding, etc. I'll probably be checking out at least a few if them. Most of their games can be found HERE.

The REAL Saint Valentines!

Saint Valentine the Hieromartyr of Interamna and Terni 

The Hieromartyr Bishop Valentine and his three disciples, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius, and the righteous Abundius lived during the third century. Saint Valentine was a bishop in Umbria (now Italy), in the city of Interamna. He received from God the gift of healing various maladies.

At this time three pagan youths, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius, came from Athens to Rome to study.They found a tutor named Craton, and lived in his home. Craton’s son Cherimon fell grievously ill, and his spine was so contorted that his head was bent down to his knees. Craton asked Bishop Valentine to help his sick son.

The holy bishop went into the sick child’s room and prayed fervently all night. When day came, the happy parents saw their son had been healed. They believed in Christ and were baptized with all their household.

Craton’s students, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius were also baptized and became devoted disciples of Saint Valentine. The bishop’s fame quickly spread, and many were converted to Christ. Among them was the city prefect’s son, Abundius, who openly confessed himself a Christian. This was a bold thing to do, since paganism prevailed in the world, and Christianity was persecuted.

The wrath of the prefect and other city leaders fell upon Bishop Valentine, the teacher of the youths. They demanded that he renounce Christ and worship the idols.

After much torture they threw him into prison, where his followers visited him. Learning of this, the prefect gave orders to take Valentine out of the prison and behead him. Saint Valentine’s students Proculus, Ephebus, and Apollonius took the body of their teacher and carried it to the city of Interamnum, where they buried it.

Both believers and pagans were drawn to them, and they converted many idolaters to the true Faith. When the authorities heard about this, they arrested the youths and threw them in prison. Fearing that people might break the sufferers out of prison, the executioners beheaded them by night.

Abundius, learning that his friends had been locked in prison, hastened to see them, but found that they had already been executed. He buried their bodies near the grave of holy Bishop Valentine.

Saint Valentinus the Presbyter and Martyr of Rome

During the reign of the emperor Claudius II (268-270), Saint Marinus together with his wife Martha and their sons Audifax and Habakkuk journeyed from Persia to Rome, to pray at the graves of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul. During this time fierce persecutions and executions befell the Roman Church. Saint Marinus and his wife and sons helped Christians locked up in the prisons, and also requested the bodies of executed martyrs. At one of these jails they met a prisoner named Cyrenus and they helped him, since he had endured many torments for faith in Christ.

The persecution spread, and even more Christians were arrested. During this time 260 Christians, among whom was the tribune Vlastus, had been sent under the court sentence to dig ground along the Salerian Way, and were executed by archers. When they learned about this vicious murder, Marinus, his family, and the presbyter John went by night and took the bodies of the martyrs to be buried in the catacombs. They returned later to the prison where Saint Cyrenus was incarcerated, but did not find him. He had been executed the day before and his body was thrown into the Tiber River. Doing their holy duty, Saints Marinus and Martha and their sons took the body of the holy martyr from the river and committed it to the earth. The holy workers were among Christians, who continued secretly to perform the divine services under the leadership of the holy Bishop Callistus, and hid them from their pursuers.

In consummation of their great charitable deeds the holy family was deemed worthy to glorify the Lord by martyrdom. The pagans beheaded the courageous confessor Valentinus the Presbyter, and the imperial gardener Asterius who had been converted by him, and the holy ascetics from Persia were arrested and given over to torture. By order of the emperor, Saints Marinus, Audifax and Habakkuk were beheaded in the year 269, and Saint Martha was drowned in a river.

The relics of the holy saints are in Rome at the Church of Saint John the Hut-Dweller, and the relics of Saint Valentinus are in the Church of the holy Martyr Paraskeva.

Saint Valentine of Moesia in Bulgaria

The Martyrs Valentine and Pasikrates came from the city of Durostorum, Silistria (now Bulgaria) and were soldiers under the governor Absolanus. Pasikrates was twenty-two years old, and Valentine was thirty.

When a persecution against Christians began, Saints Pasikrates and Valentine openly confessed their faith in Christ. At the trial Pasikrates spit at the idol of Apollo, and refused to offer sacrifice.

The brother of Saint Pasikrates wept and urged him merely to appear to offer sacrifice to the idols. The martyr placed his hand on the sacrifice in the fire and said, “The body is mortal and burns in the fire, the soul, however, is immortal and is not harmed by these torments.” Saint Valentine also showed his readiness to suffer for Christ.

When they led the martyrs to execution, the mother of Saint Pasikrates followed them and exhorted her son not to fear death for Christ. Both martyrs were tortured and then beheaded in 288.

SCOUTING UNIFORM DEAL: 5.11 TacLite Pro & Stryke Pants, Shorts, and Shirts on SALE for Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, & Cub Scouts Leaders

For those of you who choose 5.11 TacLite Pro shirts, shorts, and pants for your Sea Scouts uniforms (or as more durable, more comfortable replacement pants and shorts for Scouts BSA and Cub Scouter uniforms), you'll want to know that they just went on sale at Amazon:

$39 Men's Pants: https://amzn.to/2E5P8vZ

$39 Women's Pants: https://amzn.to/2TN1G0n

$28 Men's Long Shorts: https://amzn.to/2SK8crK

$13 Women's Shorts: https://amzn.to/2TTi8w4

$39 Men's Shirts: https://amzn.to/2Gn66Ij

$45 Women's Shirts: https://amzn.to/2I8Zor3

If you wear a size 0, like my wife, TacLite Pro pants aren't available to you, so you need to buy 5.11 Tactical Stryke Women's Pants. They are more expensive, but also massively discounted right now for only $59 at https://amzn.to/2tmpBbJ

Scout Sunday 2019/7527

Please see the following announcement from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America about Scout Sunday for 2019 / 7527:

Scout Sunday, February 10, 2019 

To the Faithful Orthodox Christians and Scouts: 

We now observe another Scout Sunday where we pause from our busy routine to remember the many contributions that the Scouting Community has made to make our world a better place to live. It is fitting that our churches especially remember the Scouts as many of our Parishes are home to Scout Troops. Answering the call to have “Duty to God”, our churches are an integral part of what makes Scouting such a valuable institution. Always remembering that “A Scout is Reverent”, these young men and their leaders offer a path to holiness that is grounded in the good works and learned skills that can only be found in Scouting. 

I remember my youth and being a part of Troop 19 in Mahaffey, Pennsylvania and how much I gained personally by being a part of that troop. I remember the summers spent at Camp Mountain Run, outside DuBois, Pennsylvania where we honed our skills of living in the woods. Living here in Alaska now, those skills come in very handy some times. There is not a time that goes by when I find the need to tie a knot, or rig a line, or other outdoor activity that I do not harken back to what I learned so long ago. In short, I am a more confident person today thanks to Scouting. 

In 1960, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas [SCOBA] endorsed Scouting as viable part of their youth ministry and created the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting [EOCS]. This was the first agency created by SCOBA and presently an agency under The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas. The EOCS Executive Board encourages all Orthodox Churches to recognize and celebrate this Scout Sunday on February 10, 2019 even if their church does not sponsor a Scout unit. 

I am sure there are Scouts in nearly every Parish in the United States. Living in a world that constantly seems to want to attack the family and the ideals of Scouting, either directly or indirectly, I find our Scouting troops to be a good place to support the ideas of Reverence and Duty to God. 

Anyone interested in their good work can go to the EOCS website at www.eocs.org to learn more about Scouting and the Orthodox Church. This year will be the World Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia from July 23. Once again the EOCS will be sponsoring an Orthodox booth, holding services and meetings with Orthodox Scout from around the country and around the world. I would encourage all Orthodox Scouts to attend and be involved at the Jamboree. 

Some Scout Sunday Ideas: - If your parish sponsors a Scout unit have them arrive in full uniform. 

- If the church does not have a Scout program, have the Scouts come in uniform. Many priests are aware of Scout Sunday and will discuss Scouting at some point of the service. 

You can have the uniformed Scouts: 

- Serve at the candle table in the narthex 

- Serve as Ushers 

- Help pass the collection tray 

- Help serve during the coffee hour And any suggestions from the parish priest 

- Present Eastern Orthodox Religious Scout Awards and/or any other Scout Awards earned. 

- Have a Scout Display and recruitment. 

- Think of sponsoring or establishing a Scout unit in your parish. 

- Approach a local Scout unit and give them ideas for service projects which can benefit your parish and community. 

- Look at the many Orthodox Scout awards and encourage your Scouts to earn them. Scouting has proven to develop stronger church membership and it is a natural fit. Good Scouts make better Church members and good Church members make better Scouts. 

- Volunteer to assist the local Scout troop/pack/crew. 

- Take a collection and contribute funds to the EOCS so they can continue their good work. 

Think about establishing a local EOCS committee so all Orthodox Scouts in the region can gather and support one another. 

May the Lord God send His Blessings upon our Scouts, our leaders and the many volunteers across the United States of America. 

+ Bishop David Bishop of Sitka and Alaska 

Episcopal Liaison to the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting

In North Texas (Area 2), the local EOCS committee (North Texas Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting) is inviting all Orthodox Scouts and Scouters (Adult Leaders), as well as all Scouts who do not have a church celebrating Scout Sunday, to attend the Divine Liturgy at the following location on February 10th, 2019 at 10:00am.

Saint Barbara Orthodox Church
5201 Altamesa Boulevard
Fort Worth, Texas 76133 USA

At the end of the Divine Liturgy there will be a special blessing and prayer service for all Scouts and Scouters and a cake to celebrate the solemn occasion.

The 13 Most Popular Posts of 2018 & All Time

The Orthodox Scouter's first post of 2019 isn't even about 2019, it is all about 2018! The top 13 viewed posts on this blog in 2018 were not all from 2018, so here are 2018's 2 most popular posts authored in 2018, 2018's 7 most popular viewed posts from years previous to 2018, and the 4 most popular posts of all time that are not listed in the lists prior to it. Read them all and let us know what your 13 favorite posts from this blog are.

2018's Top Viewed Posts Authored in 2018

1. Saint George the Trophy-Bearer Patch
2. DESMOS: International Link of Orthodox Christian Scouts

2018's Top Viewed Posts NOT Authored in 2018

1. Updated "Duty to God" Faith Requirements for Cub Scouts
2. HOW-TO: Traditional Orthodox Pascha (Easter) Basket
3. HOW-TO: Find Orthodox Christian Camps for Summer and Winter in America
4. The Scout Oath and the Holy Bible
5. The Scout Law and God's Laws
6. Conservation of the God-Created Environment in the Holy Bible
7. The Gospel According to Saint John, Chapter 6: A Parallel of the Passover and the Exodus of Israel

All Time Top Viewed Posts (Not Listed Above)

1. Sleeping Positions of Married Couples and What They Mean
2. Tattoos
3. A Timeline of Church History: Tracing the birth and continuity of the Christian Church from Pentecost to the present.
4. 30 Severely Corrupted Scriptures in the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible

Saint Nicholas of Myra in Lycia, Patron Saint of Sailors and Sea Scouts

The feast day of St. Nicholas in both East and West is celebrated on 6th December. Traditionally it is called "winter Nicholas" because the Orthodox Church also commemorates him on 9th May and this day is called "summer Nicholas."

St. Nicholas was born into a wealthy family in Patera, Lycia, in Asia Minor (modem Turkey) sometime between 240-280AD. He died about 326 or 342AD. Since childhood he is said to have fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays as he refused to suck his mother's milk on those days. Butler's "Lives of the Saints" quotes that Nicholas "was exceedingly well brought up by his parents and trod piously in their footsteps" and "he kept untarnished the innocence of his heart". When he was five years old he began to study the "sacred sciences" and "day by day the teaching of the church enlightened his mind and encouraged his thirst for sincere and true religion". Later in life he entered the monastery of Holy Sion, near Myra and was later made abbot by the archbishop who founded this monastery. Myra was the capital of Lycia in Asia Minor. It was an archiepiscopal See, having been founded by St. Nicanor. In later ages thirty-six suffragan bishops were subject to this See of great dignity. The metropolitan church became vacant during Nicholas' lifetime and he was chosen to be archbishop. In that exalted See he became known for extraordinary "piety and zeal", and numerous miracles. Hence he came to be called "the wonderworker".

He was put into chains and exiled in the sixth century during the persecution of Diocletian. St. Nicholas was also among the three hundred bishops who took part in the Council of Nicea in 325AD. This council condemned Arianism and promulgated the Nicean Creed that stated Christ is consubstantial with the Father, i.e. one being or of one substance. Nicholas was imprisoned at this council for having slapped Arius in the face in accusation of his heresy. During his imprisonment St. Nicholas had a vision in which he saw the Mother of God and Christ who gave back to him his gospel book and amaphorion, a symbol of his episcopal dignity. His bishopric was duly restored.

The Translations of the Relics of St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas' relics were kept in Myra with great honour. But in 1087AD they were taken to Bari, a seaport in Naples, Italy, where the relics are still kept today. The commemoration of his relics is kept in the Russian Orthodox Church on 9th May, the day when his relics safely landed at Bari in 1087. According to an account supposed to have been written by a certain Archdeacon John at the order of his archbishop, it happened that certain merchants from Bari sailed in three ships to the coast of Lycia. They kept watch that no Mohammedans were near and went to the church where St. Nicholas' relics were kept. The church stood in a desert place three miles from the sea and was guarded by a small community of monks. The merchants broke open the marble coffin in which the sacred bones lay and carried them off to their ships. The inhabitants, upon the alarm given, pursued the robbers to the shore. But the Europeans were safe on board. They landed at Bari on 9th May in 1087 and the relics were deposited by the archbishop in the church of St. Stephen. On the first day after the relics were placed in the church, thirty people were cured of ailments through imploring the intercession of the saint. From that time to this present day Bari has been a famous destination for pilgrimages.

What We See in the Icons of St. Nicholas

The general features of St. Nicholas portray him with an oval head, well groomed beard, and his hair falling neatly in rhythmical waves. His face displays courage and firmness. When he is depicted if as a bust, his right hand is often blessing and he holds a closed Gospel book in his left hand. He wears an amaphorian and a phelonian with a pattern of crosses on it. Whether depicted in a bust form or standing, he is shown to have a sturdy build. Sometimes icons of St. Nicholas depict stories of his life, starting with his birth and a variety of miracles and acts of mercy ending with his death.

A selection of his miracles and acts of mercy include:

St. Nicholas saving three girls from prostitution by throwing three bags of gold for their dowries into their bedroom window at night.

St. Nicholas saving three men unjustly condemned to death by his coming to the place of execution and releasing the prisoners. He reproached Euthsathius the governor for accepting a bribe to have these men put to death.

St. Nicholas saving sailors in distress off the Lycian coast when they invoked his aid and so were brought safely to port.

St. Nicholas appearing in a dream to the Emperor Constantine who had imprisoned three innocent men after Albavius a prefect had procured their imprisonment from the Emperor. Albavius also experienced a similar dream. After he and Constantine compared their notes regarding their dreams, the three men were sent for questioning. The prisoners told them they had called on the name of Nicholas of Myra when praying to God. On hearing this, Constantine set them free.

Among temples St. Nicholas destroyed was that of Artemis, the principal one in the district, and evil spirits fled, howling before him.

Patronages attributed to Saint Nicholas

Because of his saving acts and childhood innocence, St. Nicholas is patron saint of children, sailors, pawnbrokers and merchants. He is patron saint of Russia, Greece, Apula, Sicily and Lorraine. It is interesting to note that in England, during the later middle ages, four hundred churches were known to be dedicated to St. Nicholas.

The Orthodox hymns from Vespers and Matins recall his miraculous wonders and invoke him as intercessor in a variety of ways.

Extolling the Praises of St. Nicholas and Evoking His Aid

O chief prelate of Christ, Saint Nicholas, you anoint the faces of those who ever keep your honoured memory with faith and love. Father, by your fervent entreaties to the Lord, from all tribulations, dangers and calamities you rescue them.

What crowns are there of praise wherewith we might crown worthily the holy Hierarch? While in Myra located physically, in advance he spiritually reaches all those who long to be sincerely with him. For those who are afflicted he is consolation; to those in danger he provides refuge. He is a tower of piety; the believers' champion. Through St. Nicholas the pride of foes was cast down by Christ himself, the Lord who possesses great mercy.

You are a great and ardent guardian to those surrounded by danger, O great and glorious father Nicholas, the sacred preacher of Christ, to those who are travelling by land or are sailing far and near, O intercessor sympathetic and strong. Therefore we assemble and cry out "Intercede with God to redeem us from every adversity besetting us".

Truly in accordance with your name, for the faithful people you shone as their mighty victory in trials, O Saint Nicholas, truly a servant of Christ. For whenever you are invoked, you reach them beforehand, who take refuge under your protection longingly. For at night and even daytime you are seen by faith and you save them from besetting trials and adversities.

Rejoice O sacred head of the Church, the pure abode of every virtue, O Nicholas, divine standard of the most divine holy priesthood and great Shepherd of the people, and the beaconlight that shines very brightly. You are the namesake of victory. And on the needy you take pity with sympathy. And to the prayers of the sick you incline an ear. Ready deliverer of all and guardian saving them who now religiously honour your ever venerable memory. Pray intently to Christ, O blessed one, to send down great mercy to our souls.

Rejoice pure habitation wherein the Holy Trinity made its dwelling, most sacred mind, the Church's unshaken pillar and the believers' support, for you are the help of all who are oppressed. O star that at all times dispels the gloom of adversities and of temptations by the radiance of your prayers that are well received, holy Hierarch Nicholas, calm haven wherein those who meet the turbulent storms of life and are surrounded by tempests escape for refuge and hence are saved. Pray to Christ with fervour, holy father Nicholas, that great mercy be given to our souls.

Man of God and loyal servant and minister of the Lord, man of holy desires, chosen vessel, pillar and foundation of the Church, heir to the Kingdom, be not silent in calling out to the Lord on our behalf.

O Nicholas the Hierarch, in your life and after death, the Lord greatly glorified you with miracles, holy father. For whoever simply prayed, invoking your all-holy name with all his faith and not been heard immediately or found you to be his ardent protector?

You brightly shine on earth with rays of wonders, inciting every tongue to sing praises and glory of God whoever has glorified you on earth, O wise Nicholas. Pray Him earnestly as one select of the fathers, that we who keep your feast with faith and love be delivered from all needs.

As you are hovering over the towers of the Church being yourself a fledgling of the nest of angels, O Nicholas thrice blessed, you ever cry unto God on behalf of all who in temptations and perils invoke your aid; and you rescue them by fervent prayers.

By means of practical virtue you made the elegance of sacerdotal virtue shine with greater resplendence, O God-bearing Father. Hence as priest you accomplish terrific deeds and from lamentable woes you deliver us, as you work your famous miracles.

Miracles and Saving Acts

You appeared to Constantine the king in a dream, and also to Albavius. You frightened them. Speaking sternly, you commanded them: "With haste release from the dungeon the prisoners whom you hold unjustly; for the unlawful slaughter they are innocent. If you refuse to obey me, I will make petition against you when I pray to the Lord, O Emperor".

Come all believers, let us praise the great arch pastor, hierarch and prelate of those in Myra, Saint Nicholas, and extol him; for he delivered many people from wrongful death, appearing in a dream to the Emperor and to Albavius, thereby rescinding the unjust sentence.

Rejoice. With divine zeal filling you, you extricated from abduction by treachery, through your awesome intervention and your appearing in dreams, those who had unjustly been condemned to die.

As you appeared in a dream to the pious emperor and thus from death rescued those unjustly imprisoned, intercede unceasingly so that now we who worthily sing your praise be likewise rescued from temptations, perils and every pain, O Father Nicholas.

What songs are there extolling prophesy wherewith we might praise the holy Hierarch? For he could foresee what lay far ahead and would speak beforehand, announcing it clearly as if it were present. Moreover he continually circulates the world, rescuing everyone suffering injustices. Once from unjust execution he delivered prisoners by appearing in a dream to the godly-minded king. He has richly deserved great mercy.

Defender and Upholder of the Faith

Blessed father Nicholas, you are a foremost defender of the faithful, guard and shield, venerable saint. It is clear that you redeem every one, O finest honour and glory of hierarchs.

St. Nicholas is remembered in the service of Matins and Vespers for his defences against Arianism, but there is no tactful approach: Nicholas you are a well that gushes forth myrrh oils in Myra, that thoroughly waters souls and drives away and eradicates tares of errors and heresy. Winnowing shovel that threshes the chaffy doctrines of Arius. Pray to Christ intently, holy Father, that He send down great mercy to our souls.

What songs are there wherewith we might melodiously sing praises of the Hierarch? Champion is he of correct belief and adversary of impiety; one of the Church's chief leaders; the mighty great defender and expositor; the teacher who disconcerted all the heretics; the destroyer of the ardent strong Arius. For through him did Christ our God demolish the arrogance of Arius, since He is the One of great mercy.

O Nicholas, manifestly you protected the Church of Christ with the utmost zeal, refuting godless beliefs and doctrines of heresies, censuring them with candour. And you were clearly Orthodoxy's rule of faith and great intercessor for all who follow your divine teachings and conferences.

An Invitation for All to Rejoice on this Feast

Let us sound the trumpet with clarion of song, and festively let us leap for joy, and exultantly let us join chorus for the annual celebration of the God-bearing Father. Let the kings and princes run together and with hymns extol him who by his fearsome appearance in a dream convinced the Emperor to release the three imprisoned officers, for they were innocent.

Shepherds and Teachers, let us come together and praise the Shepherd and zealous imitator of the Good Shepherd.

Those of us who are sick let us praise the physician.

For he is our rescuer, in perils.

For sinners, our defender.

Those who are poor he makes rich.

You in tribulation, your consolation.

You who travel, a fellow traveller.

You who pilot and sail the seas, a protector.

And everyone extol him who anticipates everywhere, quickly come and deliver us from present needs, and save your flock by your supplications.

This gives prayerful insight to St. Nicholas as a great saint revered and invoked in time of need in the early church. It is no wonder that his popularity both in the religious and secular sphere led to him being known as Santa Claus. The name "Santa Claus" comes from the Dutch "Sinterklaus", itself a version of "Saint Nicholas". It appears to have evolved among Dutch settlers in America, where the name and modern concept of Santa Claus first became popular. Probably our own custom of giving presents at Christmas time derives from the Dutch, German and Swiss custom of doing this on the 6th December, the saint's feast day. Such customs have mingled the religious and secular observances with boy bishops for children.
As we rejoice in the true popularity of St. Nicholas before and during the Christmas season, we can be invited to pray one more of the hymns:

Nicholas, the refinement of hierarchs and the glory of the Father, fountainhead of miracles and the greater helper of the faithful, let us feast lovers come together and extol him with songs of praise and say to him:

Rejoice guard and divine bishop, immutable pillar of the peoples of Myra.

Rejoice all resplendent luminary, that lights up the end of the world with miracles. Rejoice divine joy of the troubled and most fervent protector of the injured.

And now, O blessed Nicholas, cease not interceding with Christ God on behalf of those who with faith and longing ever honour your joyous and festive memory.

Saint George the Trophy-Bearer Patch

On the EOCS: Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting Facebook page, I read that a Roman Catholic Activity Badge was available to non-Roman Catholics, and weary of such a thing, I checked it out. This is actually a cool little activity for Orthodox Christian Scouts:

About this activity
The goal of this activity is to share the life of the saint so that the youth might relate to what this saint has done and maybe look to the saint as a role model.

How to start

• Read about Saint George.
• 1st - 5th Grades - Complete 4 requirements and 2 of the activities.
• 6th - 12th Grades - Complete 5 requirements and 3 of the activities.

Requirements

1. Where and when was St. George born?
2. When is the feast day of this saint?
3. St. George is considered the Patron Saint of?
4. What is St. George known for (major accomplishment)?
5. St. George is probably best known for the legend of St. George and the Dragon. What was this legend all about and what similarities does it have to St. George's real life?

Activities

1. Draw a picture showing some of his actual accomplishments. Introduce others to St. George by telling the story and sharing this picture with your family and friends.
2. Identify the next Religious Emblem of Faith that you can earn as a scout and meet with your Scout leader or family and start working on this next program.
3. Create signs and posters that get people to ask themselves how they can be a better Christian. Place these in your school or church.
4. Perform an examination of conscience.
5. What would you do if you saw someone being bullied? How might you imitate St. George?

Completion of the Activity
After completing the requirements, the participants will order the patch online.

UPDATE: My Cub Scouts earned this badge by reading about Saint George from this book: The Martyrdom of Saint George of Cappadocia from Saint Shenouda Press' All Time Heroes from All Times Series. I highly recommend this book for both youth and adults!

Frequently Asked Questions

• May only Roman Catholics Scouts earn this? No. Any Scout may earn any of the activity patches. The requirements are grade-specific.
• Is this activity considered a religious emblem and may a Scout receive a religious knot after earning this activity? No. This activity is considered a religious activity, not a religious emblem. Scouts may not receive a religious knot for earning any of the activity patches.
• Who may serve as an adult mentor for this activity? Any parent or adult who meets the standard BSA YPT requirements.
• Is there any time requirement? Only that the grade-specific requirements need to be completed while in the respective grade level.
• Do the answers need to be submitted? No. The answers should be reviewed by an adult. The Order Form and patch fee are the only things that need to be submitted.
• Who do I check with once I complete the requirements for my grade level? Any knowledgeable parent, Scout leader, Priest, Deacon, Monastic, or Catechist.

Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople Excommunicated by the Moscow Patriarchate of All Rus' and All the North

From RT:

In the biggest rift in modern Orthodox history, the Russian Orthodox Church has cut all ties with the Constantinople Patriarchate, after it accepted a [schismatic sect claiming to be part of the] Ukrainian Orthodox Church as independent. 

The Holy Synod, the governing body of the Russian Orthodox Church, has ruled that any further clerical relations with Constantinople are impossible, Metropolitan Hilarion, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church’s External Relations Department, told journalists, de facto announcing the breach of relations between the two churches. 

“A decision about the full break of relations with the Constantinople Patriarchate has been taken at a Synod meeting” that is currently been held in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, Hilarion said, as cited by TASS. 

The move comes days after the Synod of the Constantinople Patriarchate decided to eventually grant the so-called autocephaly to two [vagante] branches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, thus legitimizing the two clerical organizations. 

The Moscow Patriarchate also said that it would not abide by any decisions taken by Constantinople and related to the status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. “All these decisions are unlawful and canonically void,” Hilarion said, adding that “the Russian Orthodox Church does not recognize these decisions and will not follow them.” 

At the same time, the Russian Church expressed its hope that “a common sense will prevail” and Constantinople will change its decision. However, it still accused the Ecumenical Patriarch of initiating the “schism.” 

The move taken by Moscow marks arguably the greatest split in the history of the Orthodox Church since the Great Schism of 1054, which separated [Roman] Catholics [from the] Orthodox Christians, as it involves a break of communion between the biggest existing Orthodox Church – the Moscow Patriarchate – and Constantinople Patriarch, who is widely regarded as a spiritual leader of world’s Orthodox Christians, even though his status is nothing like that of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church. 

Constantinople’s decision seems to be serving the interests of the Ukrainian [political] leadership rather than the Orthodox Christians living there. While most Orthodox clerics in Ukraine still pledge loyalty to the head of the Russian church, Patriarch Kirill, and consider themselves to be part of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kiev actively supports a schismatic force, which has been unrecognized by any other Churches until now. 

This religious movement led by the former Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, who is now [claiming to be the] "Patriarch Filaret in Ukraine", has sought to gain the status of an independent Orthodox Church, “equal” to the Moscow Patriarchate, since 1990s. Meanwhile, it did not hesitate to seize Moscow Patriarchate’s churches by force. 

In its October decision, the Holy Synod of the Constantinople Patriarchate “canonically reinstated” Filaret and his followers “to their hierarchical or priestly rank” and restored their communion with the Church, thus effectively declaring that it does not see them as schismatic. This particular move also provoked angry reaction in the Moscow Patriarchate [and other canonical Orthodox Churches around the world]. 

“A schism remains a schism. And the leaders of a schism remain as such,” Hilarion said, adding that “a Church that recognized schismatic 'priests' and entered into communion with them … excluded itself from the canonical field of the Orthodox Church.” 

He also named restitution of Filaret’s and his followers’ hierarchical or priestly ranks as one of the major reasons behind the Russian Orthodox Church Holy Synod’s decision to break all ties with Constantinople. 

According to TASS, 40 churches have been forcefully seized by the Kiev Patriarchate between 2014 and 2016. In the first half of 2018 alone, Ukraine witnessed 10 new [violent] attacks on Russian Orthodox Churches. Now, as Constantinople is launched a procedure of granting independence to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, such attacks might further intensify, some experts warn.

As such, members of the Russian Orthodox Church, including ROCOR, can no longer attend, commune, marry, confess, or receive any mysteries at any church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Likewise clergy of the MP and ROCOR may no longer concelebrate with priests under the Patriarch of Constantinople. Russian Orthodox Christians may continue to attend and receive the mysteries at any other Patriarchate Church, Canonical Autonomous Orthodox Church, or Canonical Autocephalous Orthodox Church worldwide.

My DNA: Tracing my ancestory to Noah, Adam, and Eve!

I recently had my DNA tested by 23andMe. If you'd like to check out your DNA, you can save by registering at this link: https://refer.23andme.com/s/ir2tk I guarantee that you will find it fascinating!

Most of it was unsurprising, such as having Irish ancestry. My paternal grandfather was born in Ireland shortly before immigrating with his mother, Queen Tobin Stanosheck to America. Recently we learned that my maternal grandfather's family had lived in Ireland for some time before immigrating to America. Through my maternal line it appears we are related to Clan McLaren/MacLaren too.

Both my maternal grandmother's and grandfather's families had lived in Germany so having German DNA was not surprising.

Now the last names of my grandfathers are Polish-Russian and Welsh. So having DNA from Poland and Great Britain was not a surprise. But what was a surprise was that although my last name is a blend of Polish and Russian, I have no Russian DNA, but do have Ukrainian DNA. (I've actually had an intuition about this before getting tested).

Surprise #2 is that we were always told that my maternal grandmother was Czech, but according to my DNA, she was actually Slovak, as I have Slovak DNA but no Czech DNA.

Surprise #3 is that my DNA can be traced all the way back to Noah. We are related to Noah via his son, Japheth, his grandson Gomer, and his great-grandson, Ashkenaz.

It looks like someone in my ancient family members moved from Syria to the Slavic lands, and then up to Scandinavia. Where exactly, my DNA doesn't know, but it was in my mother's side of the family.

So many people who get their tests done get surprise African or Asian DNA, but my test showed my DNA to be solely European (as far as it can go back). Here is the exact (to 99.98% accuracy) breakdown:

Here are the histories that my DNA tells:

The stories of all of our paternal lines can be traced back to just one man: the common ancestor who lived in eastern Africa at the time, Adam.

Your paternal-line ancestors gradually moved north, following available prey and resources as a shifting climate made new routes hospitable and sealed off others. Then a small group ventured across the Red Sea and deeper into southwest Asia. Your ancestors were among these men, and the next step in their story is marked by the rise of  your ancestors in the Arabian Peninsula.

Passing through the Middle East, your paternal-line ancestors continued on to the steppes of Central Asia, vast grasslands stretching all the way from central Europe to the eastern edge of Asia.

The next step in your story can be to the common ancestor of a man who likely lived in Central Asia. His descendants roamed the vast steppes of the continent, where they hunted huge mammals like the mammoth.

Your ancestral path forked off again in western Asia, but farther south in the Iranian Plateau your ancestors flourished.

As the people of the Fertile Crescent domesticated plants and animals for the first time. Around 8,000 years ago, the first farmers and herders began to push east into Central Asia and north into the Caucasus Mountains. Some of them eventually reached the steppes above the Black and Caspian Seas. There, they lived as pastoral nomads, herding cattle and sheep across the grasslands, while their neighbors to the south developed yet another crucial technology in human history: bronze smelting. As bronze tools and weaponry spread north, a new steppe culture called the Yamnaya was born.

Perhaps triggered by a cold spell that made it difficult to feed their herds, Yamnaya men spilled east across Siberia and down into Central Asia. To the west, they pushed down into the Balkans and to central Europe, where they sought new pastures for their herds and metal deposits to support burgeoning Bronze Age commerce. Over time, their descendants spread from central Europe to the Atlantic coast, establishing new trade routes and an unprecedented level of cultural contact and exchange in western Europe.

The men from the steppes also outcompeted the local men as they went; their success is demonstrated in the overwhelming dominance of the lineage in Europe, especially Ireland and Wales.

You descend from a long line of women that can be traced back to eastern Africa. If every person living today could trace his or her maternal line back over thousands of generations, all of our lines would meet at a single woman who lived in eastern Africa, Eve. The story of your maternal line begins with her it.

While many of her descendants remained in Africa, one small group ventured east across the Red Sea, likely across the narrow Bab-el-Mandeb into the tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

Your story continues with one of two branches that arose from southwestern Asia. Researchers have long debated whether they arrived there via the Sinai Peninsula, or made the hop across the Red Sea at the Bab-el-Mandeb. Though their exact routes are disputed, there is no doubt that the women migrated across all of Eurasia, giving rise to people from Portugal to Polynesia.

One of those branches traces back to a woman who likely lived in the Middle East or the Caucasus Mountains. Her descendants appear to have migrated into northern Europe, and then through southwestern Asia as far as Pakistan with the expansion of agriculture about 8,000 years ago.

Women carrying this haplogroup likely migrated into and across Europe during this stretch of milder climate.

Today, they are mostly spread across southeastern Europe and into the Middle East, including in the North Caucasus and northern Iran. Some can also be found in the northern and western reaches of Europe, including in Britain, Finland, and even western Siberia.

Chronological Index of the Gospel Parallels, A Historical Concordance

Did you ever wonder what order everything in the Orthodox New Testament Holy Gospels happened? Here is a chronological index of the Gospel parallels, so you can get a feel for when everything happened in the Four Gospels of the New Covenant in the Holy Bible. I will also notate in italics when events are also discussed in the Orthodox New Testament Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The Conception of Saint John the Baptist: Luke 1:5-25
• The Annunciation: Luke 1:26-38
• The Virgin Mary Visits Saint Elizabeth: Luke 1:39-56
• The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist: Luke 1:57-80
• Announcement to Saint Joseph the Betrothed: Matt 1:18-24

BIRTH & CHILDHOOD OF JESUS

• The Genealogy of Jesus: Matt 1:2-17, Luke 3:23-38
• The Registration: Luke 2:1-5
• The Nativity of our Lord: Matt 1:25, Luke 2:1-7
• Angels & Shepherds: Luke 2:8-20
• The Magi: Matt 2:1-12
• The Circumcision: Luke 2:21
• The Meeting in the Temple: Luke 2:22-38
• The Flight into Egypt & Return: Matt 2:13-21
• The Massacre of the Infants: Matt 2:13-21
• Childhood of Jesus at Nazareth: Matt 2:23, Luke 2:40
• The Child Jesus in the Temple: Luke 2:41-50

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER

• Introduces Christ: Matt 3:1-6, 11-12, Mark 1:2-8, Luke 3:1-6, 15-18, John 1:6-28
• The Baptist's Preaching: Matt 3:7-10, Luke 3:7-14
• The Baptism of Jesus: Matt 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34
• The Temptation: Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13
• The First Three Apostles: John 1:35-42
• Apostles Philip & Nathanael: John 1:43-51
• The Marriage at Cana: John 2:1-11
• The Sojourn at Capernaum: John 2:12

EARLY JUDAEAN MINISTRY

• First Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple: John 2:13-22
• Jesus and Nikodemos: John 3:1-21
• Christ Baptizing in Judea: John 3:22-24
• John the Baptist's Testimony at Aenon: 3:25-26
• Imprisonment of John the Baptist: Matt 14:3, Mark 6:17, Luke 3:19-20
• From Judea to Galilee: Matt 4:12, John 4:1-3
• The Samaritan Woman: John 4:4-42
• The Gospel in Sychar: John 4:27-42

GALILEAN MINISTRY

• Jesus Arrives in Galilee: Matt 4:17, Mark 1:14-15, Luke 4:14-15, John 4:43-46
• Healing of the Nobleman's Son: John 4:46-54
• First Rejection at Nazareth: Luke 4:16-30
• Jesus Goes to Capernaum: Matt 4:13-16
• The Call of the Four Fishermen: Matt 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11
• Healing of the Demoniac in the Synagogue: Mark 1:23-28, Luke 4:33-37
• Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law: Matt 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39
• The Sick Healed at Evening: Matt 8:16-17, Mark 1:32-34, Luke 4:40-41
• Jesus Departs from Capernaum: Mark 1:35-38, Luke 4:42-43
• First Preaching in Galilee with Four Disciples: Matt 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44
• The Cleansing of the Leper: Matt 8:2-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16
• The Paralytic Borne by Four Friends: Matt 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26
• The Call of Levi (Saint Matthew): Matt 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32
• The Question About Fasting: Matt 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39
• Jesus Heals the Man at Bethesda & Attends 2nd Passover: John 5:1-18
• Jesus' Discourse on Eternal Life and the Father: John 5:19-48
• Plucking Grain on the Sabbath: Matt 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5
• Healing the Man with a Withered Hand: Matt 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11
• Jesus Heals the Multitudes by the Sea: Matt 12:15-21, Mark 3:7-12, 
• Jesus Chooses the Twelve: Matt 10:2-4, Mark 3:7-13, Luke 6:12-16

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

• The Occasion: Matt 4:24-5:2, Mark 3:7-13, Luke 6:17-20
• The Beatitudes: Matt 5:3-12, Luke 6:20-23
• The Salt of the World: Matt 5:13, Mark 9:49-50, Luke 14:34-35
• The Light of the World: Matt 5:14-16, Mark 4:21, Luke 8:16, John 8:12
• On the Law and the Prophets: Matt 5:17-20, Luke 16:16-17
• On Murder and Anger: Matt 5:21-26
• On Adultery and Divorce: Matt 5:27-32, Mark 9:43-48
• On Swearing: Matt 5:33-37
• On Retaliation: Matt 5:38-42, Luke 6:29-30
• On Love of One's Enemies: Matt 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-28, 32-36
• On Almsgiving: Matt 6:1-4
• On Prayer: Matt 6:5-6
• The Lord's Prayer: Matt 6:7-15, Luke 11:1-4
• On Fasting: Matt 6:16-28
• On Treasures: Matt 6:19-21, Luke 12:33-34
• The Sound Eye: Matt 6:22-23, Luke 11:34-36
• On Serving Two Masters: Matt 24, Luke 6:13
• On Anxiety: Matt 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-32
• On Judging: Matt 7:1-5, Mark 4:24-25, Luke 6:37-42, John 7:53-8:11
• On Profaning the Holy: Matt 7:6
• Answering of Prayer: Matt 7:7-11, Luke 11:9-13, John 14:13-14, 15:7, 16:24
• The Golden Rule: Matt 7:12, Luke 6:31
• The Narrow Gate: Matt 7:13-14, Luke 13:23-24
• By their Fruits...: Matt 7:15-20, Luke 6:43-45
• Not Everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord." Matt 7:21-23, Luke 6:46, 13:25-27
• The House Built Upon the Rock: Matt 24-27, Luke 6:47-49
• The Effect of the Sermon: Matt 7:28-29, Mark 1:21-22, Luke 4:32, 7:1, John 7:46
• The Sermon on the Plain: Luke 6:24-26

THE MINISTRY IN GALILEE CONTINUES

• Healing the Centurion's Servant at Capernaum: Matt 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10
• The Widow's SOn at Nain: Luke 7:11-17
• Saint John's Question and Jesus' Answer: Matt 11:2-6, Luke 7:18-23
• Jesus' Witness Concerning Saint John: Matt 11:7-19, Luke 7:24-35
• Galilean Cities Reproved: Matt 11:20-24
• Invitation to Find Rest in Christ: 11:25-30, Luke 10:12-15
• Anointing of Jesus' Feet; Parable of the Two Debtors: Luke 7:36-50
• Certain Women Follow Jesus: Luke 8:2-3

TEACHING AT THE SEA OF GALILEE

• Jesus Accused of Madness: Matt 12:24-30, Mark 3:20-27
• Healing of the Blind and Dumb Man: Matt 12:22-29
• Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit: Matt 12:31-37, Mark 3:28-30, Luke 12:10
• Folly of Seeking for a Sign: Matt 12:38-42, 16:1-4, Mark 8:11-12, Luke 11:16, 29-32, John 6:30
• The Return of the Evil Spirit: Matt 12:43-45, Luke 11:24-26
• Christ's True Kindred: Matt 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21

JESUS SPEAKS TO THE CROWDS BY THE SEA

• Parable of the Sower: Matt 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-25, Luke 8:4-18
• Parable of Seed Growing Secretly: Mark 4:26-29
• Parable of the Darnel: Matt 13:24-30
• Parable of the Mustard Seed: Matt 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19
• Parable of the Leaven: Matt 13:33
• Conclusion: Matt 13:34-35, Mark 4:33-34

TEACHING DISCIPLES IN HOUSE

• Parable of Tares Explained: Matt 13:36-43
• Parable of Hidden Treasure: Matt 13:44
• Parable of the Pearl of Great Price: Matt 13:45-46
• Parable of the Net: Matt 13:47-50
• Treasures Old and New: Matt 13:51-53

MIRACLES BY THE SEA

• Stilling the Storm: Matt 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
• The Gergesene Demoniacs: Matt 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39
• Raising of Jairus' Daughter, Woman with the Issue of Blood: Matt 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56
• Healing of Two Blind Men and Demoniac: Matt 9:27-34

NAZARETH

• Jesus' Second Rejection: Matt 13:54-58, Mark 6:1-6
• Galilean Tour: Matt 9:38
• Disciples Sent Forth: Matt 10:1-4, Mark 6:7, Luke 9:1-2
• Instructions for the Journey: Matt 10:5-15, Mark 6:8-11, Luke 9:3-5
• Persecution of the Disciples: Matt 14:1-12, Mark 6:14-29, Luke 9:7-9
• Cost & Rewards of Discipleship: Matt 10:34-11:1, Mark 6:12-13, Luke 9:6
• Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist: Matt 14:1-12, Mark 6:14-29, Luke 9:7-9

AT CAPERNAUM

• Feeding of the 5,000: Matt 14:31-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-13
• ...

...

THE DAY BEFORE THE CRUCIFIXION

• ...
• The Mystical Supper: Matt 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-23, 1Cor 11:23-26
• ...

THE DAY OF CRUCIFIXION

• ...
• Remorse of Judas: Matt 27:3-10, Acts 1:18-19
• ...

...

THE RESURRECTION

• ...
• Christ Appears to the Disciples: Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-25, 1Cor 15:6-7
• ...
• Other Commissions: Luke 24:44-49, Acts 1:3-8

THE ASCENSION

• Many Things Not Told nor Written: John 20:31; 21:25, Acts 1:9-12

It is very fitting that this chronological ends ends with these last verses, as we cannot put everything that Jesus Christ did on earth in this index. As Saint John the Theologian, Apostle, and Evangelist in Holy Writ says:

"That indeed Jesus also did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these things have been written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye may have life in His name." 

And again: 

"And there are also many other things, which if as much as Jesus did may be written one by one, I suppose even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen."

DESMOS: International Link of Orthodox Christian Scouts

The International Link of Orthodox Christian Scouts (DESMOS, from Greek "Δεσμός", bond) is an autonomous, international body committed to promoting and supporting Orthodox Scout associations and to be a link between the Scout Movement and Orthodox churches.

DESMOS was founded in 1994 at the holy site of the Penteli Monastery in Athens, Greece, with the mandate of the World Scout Bureau, in consultation with the Deputy Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and with the blessing of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I.

It enjoys consultative status with the World Scout Committee and forms the World Scout Inter-Religious Forum together with the Council of Protestants in Guiding and Scouting, International Catholic Conference of Scouting, International Union of Muslim Scouts, International Forum of Jewish Scouts, Won-Buddhism Scout, and World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood.

The object of the Link is as follows:

1. To develop and promote the spirit of brotherhood and understanding among Scouts of the Orthodox Christian Faith.
2. To promote warm relations and co-operation between Scouting and the official local Orthodox Churches.
3. To develop an educational curriculum that should enhance the spiritual dimension in the personalities of young Orthodox in accordance with the purpose, principles and method of the Scout Movement.
4. To introduce Scouting in such states or areas where Orthodox Church is established.
5. To co-ordinate the activities of "DESMOS" with non-Scout Organisations having the same objectives.
6. To motivate co-operation among "DESMOS" members.
7. To motivate and promote Scouting to Orthodox boys and girls on global basis.

Member organizations include:

• Armenia: Hayastani Azgayin Skautakan Sharjum Kazmakerputiun (Kazmakerputyun)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Savez izviđača Bosne i Hercegovine
• Bulgaria: Organizatsia na Bulgarskite Skauty
• Cyprus: Cyprus Scouts Association
• Finland: Suomen Partiolaiset
• Greece: Scouts of Greece
• Israel: Israel Boy and Girl Scouts Federation: Christian Orthodox Scout Association
• Jordan: Jordanian Association for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides
• Lebanon: Lebanese Scouting Federation: National Orthodox Scout Association - Scout National Orthodoxe
• Macedonia: Sojuz na Izvidnici na Makedonija
• Moldova: Organizaţia Naţională a Scouţilor din Moldova
• Palestinian Authority: Palestinian Scout Association: Palestinian Orthodox Scouts Association
• Poland: Polish Scouting and Guiding Association
• Romania: Cercetaşii României
• Russia: Russian Association of Scouts/Navigators
• Serbia: Savez Izviđača Srbije
• Uganda: The Uganda Scouts Association: Uganda Orthodox Scouts
• Ukraine: National Organization of Scouts of Ukraine
• United States: Boy Scouts of America: Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting

CONTROVERSIAL OPINION: Why I Surprisingly Support Girls in the BSA (but not in the Boy Scouts)!

DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion and does not represent the official position of my Den, Pack, District, Council, Region, the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), or the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM). I'm posting my personal opinion so that I can point others to it, instead of making the same arguments over and over on social media and in emails.

Some people might be surprised. Mostly I think they are confused about what is really happening. Please read below and see what is REALLY happening. Don't trust the buzz and spin of those with agendas.

First off, Packs get to decide if they wish to remain segregated starting in Autumn 2018 , and so there can be all-boy and all-girl Packs. It is all up to the Adult Volunteers and the Chartering Organizations. (Packs and Troops are chartered by a local organizations such as churches, PTAs, charitable organizations, etc.)

If a Pack decides to become integrated, the Dens are still segregated. There are all boy dens and all girl dens. So boys still get to be boys around boys, and girls still get to be girls around girls!

What about the Boy Scouts (11-17 year old Scouts)? The press release says nothing about letting girls join Boy Scout Troops. It says it will create a new program for girls so they can earn the same ranks as Boy Scouts do. My guess is it will be called Girl Guides, the original name for female Scouts. A name still in use around the world where Scouts are segregated based on sex.

What kind of interest is out there? The survey results are overwhelming and echo the flood of requests the BSA has received from families wanting a BSA program for girls.

At a glance, from Scouting Magazine:

• 90 percent of parents not involved with the BSA expressed interest in getting their daughter involved in programs like Cub Scouts.
• 87 percent of parents not involved with the BSA expressed interest in getting their daughter involved in programs like Boy Scouts.

Why the interest? Well many Girl Scouts don't like the current GSUSA program. They say they want to camp, learn knots, and learn to be leaders. The GSUSA Council have been selling off camps at an alarming rate lately, and this ties in to the lack of camping. The BSA has heard this over and over again, and decided to help these girls out, when the GSUSA has chose not to.

Back to Packs, Cub Scouts is a family organization. We have sisters coming to events, doing the same thing as their brothers, enjoying the events just as much, but not being able to earn awards. Why not let them join and earn ranks and Adventure Loops, Awards, and other Badges?

What many don't even know, is that the BSA already has integrated programs with young men and women aged 15-21 in Sea Scout Ships, Venturing Crews, S.T.E.M. Scout Labs, and Exploring Clubs & Posts. Youth Protection programs including 2-deep leadership help keep them safe from predators and inappropriate behaviour.

So in the end, if you want your boy segregated from girls in Scouting, you can choose that. If you want your girl segregated from boys in Scouting, you can choose that. If you want an integrated Scouting experience for your family, you can choose that at certain ages too.

I understand that some parents with only boys in their family, may not understand this move, but take it from a parent of 1 girl and 2 boys, this is really a good move.

Please consider buying some delicious popcorn this month to help support my son's Scouting adventures this year at https://www.trails-end.com/store/scout/ZXPHQBKI
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