Category: history

  • Quran Quotes the Talmud

    Quran 5:32 Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers…

  • The Perpetual Virginity of Mary

    First, why I used to disbelieve in the perpetual virginity of Mary: I wrote a paper in 1997 while at seminary on it where I concluded that it was based on the Protoevangelium of James (ca 150 AD). Origen, if read in particular way, it led me to conclude that. Closer examination of Origin led…

  • Destruction of the Temple – Part 2

    John Chrysostom Homily 76 Sermon on Matthew about the destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 AD. I should therefore be glad to inquire of the Jews. Whence came there thus upon them wrath from God intolerable, and more sore than all that had befallen aforetime, not in Judæa only, but in any part of…

  • Epistle Reading – 2025-02-01

    ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS 8:28-39Brethren, we know that everything works for good with those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And…

  • Fasting in the Early Church

    The Didache is first-century document which describes the practice of fasting in the earliest Church. Chapter 8. Fasting and Prayer (the Lord’s Prayer). But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day (Wednesday) and the Preparation (Friday).…

  • History of Dispensationalism

    From Grok. Dispensationalism is a theological framework within Protestant Christianity that interprets the Bible’s history and prophecy through distinct periods, or “dispensations,” where God deals with humanity in different ways. Here’s a brief history of its development: Origins: Spread and Influence: Key Developments: Modern Dispensationalism: Criticisms and Debates: This overview encapsulates how Dispensationalism has shaped…

  • Saints – 2025-01-29

    Ignatius and Nicandrus of Sinai Laurence the Recluse of the Kiev Caves Saint Laurence, Hermit of the Caves and Bishop of Turov, in the Near Caves at first lived as a hermit at the monastery of the Great Martyr Demetrius, built by Great Prince Izyaslav at Kiev near the Monastery of the Caves. Later, he…

  • Ancient Christian Prayer

    Archaeologists Say This Tiny Amulet Is the Oldest Evidence of Christianity Found North of the Alps Discovered in central Germany, the 1,800-year-old silver artifact held a tiny scroll, which researchers have now deciphered using high-resolution scans Smithsonian December 19, 2024 Experts have been able to read the scroll’s inscription without unrolling it. According to an…

  • Epistle Reading – 2025-01-25

    JOHN 10:9-16The Lord said, “I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good…

  • Dedicated Virgin in the Old Testament

    The daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite was a sort-of dedicated virgin in the Old Testament. There are parallels to this story and the Theotokos. Judges 11:34-40 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside…

  • Rebuild a Third Temple?

    There has long been a Zionist desire to rebuild the Third Temple. This desire is found among some Zionist Jews but many more Zionist Christians. Jews today go to the “wailing” wall (aka Western Wall) to mourn the destruction of the Temple and pray for a third temple to be built there. I was there…

  • Archaeologists Discover Notable 1,500-Year-Old Monastery With Mosaic Floor

    Newsweek 2025-01-15 Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a significant Christian monastery dating back to roughly 1,500 years ago at a site in Israel. The remains include a remarkable colorful mosaic floor with an inscription written in Greek—taken from the Book of Deuteronomy—that translates roughly to: “Blessed are you when you come in and blessed…

  • Time Markers and Bible Prophecy

    The Olivette Discourse is the words of Jesus that he spoke from the Mount of Olives. This is found in Matt 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. It describes the events that would happen to Jerusalem. Jesus is answering a question that the disciple asks him. Matt 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount…

  • Saints of the Day 2024-12-13

    Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes of Greater Armenia Circa 300 AD. Persecuted under the emperors Diocletian and Maximianus. Orthodox Christianity Then and Now Lucia the Virgin-martyr Orthodox Christianity Then and Now Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska & First Saint of America Orthodox Christianity Then and Now Gabriel the Hieromartyr, Archbishop of Serbia Orthodox…

  • Ancient Paths vs the Ancient Path

    The YouTube video channel ancientpathstv produces some interesting content. It’s done by a Presbyterian pastor and has critiques of pretty much every other Christian sect including Eastern Orthodoxy. I’ve enjoyed the videos in the Anabaptists and the “radical reformation” quite a bit. They show the lawlessness and even warfare that resulted from that path of…

  • Eusebius Source Materials

    Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History is important as a witness to Apostolic Succession. Composition began around 311, and 4 versions were issued.  The final version of the text appeared soon after the fall of Licinius in 323. Eusebius had access to the Theological Library of Caesarea and made use of many ecclesiastical monuments and documents, acts of…

  • Bishops and Episcopos

    Perry Robinson looks at the difference between Bishops and Episcopos.

  • Saints of the Day 2025-01-14

    The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus, Slavs by origin, lived at the beginning of the fourth century during a persecution against Christians by the emperor Licinius (311-324). Saint Hermylus served as deacon in the city of Singidunum (Belgrade). Condemned by Licinius to imprisonment, he was long and cruelly tortured…

  • On Hating the “Institution” of the Church

    Gospel reading for today. ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 4:7-13 BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (in saying, “He ascended, ” what does it…

  • Jesus Among the Gentiles

    Gospel Reading of the Day MATTHEW 4:12-17 At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of…

  • Saints of the Day 2025-01-12

    Tatiana the Martyr of Rome (200’s AD) The Holy Virgin Martyr Tatiana was born into an illustrious Roman family, and her father was elected consul three times. He was secretly a Christian and raised his daughter to be devoted to God and the Church. When she reached the age of maturity, Tatiana decided to remain…

  • Saints of the Day 2025-01-10

    Gregory of Nyssa In the year 372, Gregory of Nyssa was consecrated by Saint Basil the Great as bishop of the city of Nyssa in Cappadocia. Saint Gregory was an ardent advocate for Orthodoxy, and he fought against the Arian heresy with his brother Saint Basil. Gregory was persecuted by the Arians, by whom he…

  • Saints of the Day 2025-01-09

    Polyeuctus the Martyr of Melitene in Armenia Saint Polyeuktos went to the city square, and tore up the edict of Decius which required everyone to worship the idols. A few moments later, he met a procession carrying twelve idols through the streets of the city. Dashing the idols to the ground, he trampled them underfoot.…

  • The Biblical Case for the Dec. 25th Birth of Christ

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