Never Compromise With Islam!

A Letter From a JTO Reader:

Dear Brother in Christ,

I am so pleased that you have taken the courage to stand against Islam even when it seems unpopular to do so in our Orthodox circles. Indeed, it is a common saying throughout the Islamic World: "First the Saturday people and then the Sunday people." In fact, in Palestine alone, the PLO and Fatah broadcasts actually state this in Arabic. Our critics often rebuff us saying that "But Yasser Arafat married an Orthodox Christian lady." To which I will reply: "Even if this is so, so did Emperor Diocletian have a Christian woman as one of his concubines. Muhammad also had a Coptic Christian wife amongst his many. Yet despite those facts, it did not stop either of these godless men from actually persecuting the Christian believers not to mention the Jews."

We have been betrayed as Orthodox Christians by our own leaders not to mention others, whom we have trusted for the well-being of our souls. Whilst appearing to oppose ecumenism, they have given Islam uncritical acceptance. May the Lord God requite this of such men! It is obvious that they have not learned from the life and teachings of our Saints and Fathers. Have we forgotten as Orthodox Christians that many of the saints martyred were during both the periods of Ottoman Empire and various Caliphates in power? Have we also not learnt from our Blessed Father, St. John of Damascus either? St. John of Damascus despite being a vizier to the Caliphate in Syria, was not exempt from false charges and even had his hand cut off, only to be healed by the miraculous intervention of the Mother of God. Notwithstanding, he never compromised with Islam the way our leaders have compromised. He was not corrupted by either power or the environment and was in fact unscathing in his attack on Islam. In his book, The Fount of Knowledge, we find a detailed critique of Islam by him. He even goes so far as to state that the Allah whom Muslims worship is nothing short of an idol. He even goes so far as to call the Muslims: "Mutilators of God" in answer to their charges of calling us Christians: "Associators of God". Elsewhere, St. John of Damascus refers to Muhammad as: "the apostle of Satan" and also to him as "the prophet of Satan".

Let us learn from the life and teachings of the Blessed St. John of Damascus and understand that Islam is a foe not an ally. Let us also not make the mistake of our forbears in the past, by giving alliance to Islamic forces at the expense of our sanctity. This is how we lost Constantinople to the Turks and Syria and Egypt to heretical Muslims.

Yours in Christ,
Timothy Kwoh

Read The History Of Jihad
Notice: the above link is certifiably anti-religion and anti-Christian as stated in their "About Us" section. The site advocates humanism and science as a substitute for belief in God. Ironically, this promotion is a religion in itself. The site has value in terms of displaying the history of religious conflict, however, in the opinion of JTO, the site lacks merit as to its conclusions that all religion, including Christianity, is man-made and based falsely on man's innate need for psychological fulfillment.

"First Comes Saturday, Then Comes Sunday"

Is Islam friendly to Christianity as some would have us believe? There is a saying in the Islamic World: "First comes Saturday, then comes Sunday." To interpret: Annihilate the Jews then annihilate the Christians. Islam's goal is to conquer the world through violent overthrow. Learn from history and do not be deceived by the recent academic voices in Orthodoxy and elsewhere, advocating the tragically erroneous view that Islam is peaceful and Christianity fairs well under their domination. I pose two questions:

1. What country, region or land in history has Islam conquered through peaceful means?
2. If Islamic leaders today are saying they will "conquer", "annihilate", and "kill every last one" of the Christians and Jews and take over their lands, do they mean what they say?

First, they take Rome, then spread throughout all of Europe, then conquer the "two Americas". Still want to believe Islam is a peaceful religion? Hear their own words:

THE LAWS OF ISLAM:

Mainstream Sharia books define Jihad as:
"to war against non-Muslims to establish the religion." (Shafi’i Sharia o9.0). Jihad is not just the duty of the individual Muslim, but it is also the main duty of the Muslim head of State (the Calipha):
"A Muslim calipha is entrusted to take his people into war and command offensive and aggressive Jihad. He must organize Jihad against any non-Muslim government, which prevents Muslim da’wah (meaning preaching and spreading Islam) from entering its land." (Shafii Law o25.0 to o25.9).

"(When the caliph appoints a ruler on a region, his duty includes) if the area has a border adjacent to enemy lands, (he will) undertake Jihad against enemies, dividing the spoils of battle among combatants and setting aside a fifth for deserving recipients." (Sharia law# o25.9)

"The Caliph makes war upon Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians until they become Muslim or else pay the non-Muslim poll tax provided he has first invited them to enter Islam or pay Jizya, the non-Muslim poll tax, (in accordance with the word of Allah Most High Chapter 9 verse 29)."

"Jihad in terms of warfare is a collective responsibility of the Muslim Ummah." (Zia-Ul-Haq, former President of Pakistan)

"Islam wishes to destroy all states and governments anywhere on the face of the earth which are opposed to the ideology and program of Islam regardless of the country or the nation which rules it. The purpose of Islam is to set up a state on the basis of its own ideology and program … the objective of Islamic jihad is to eliminate the rule of an un-Islamic system and establish instead an Islamic system of state rule. Islam does not intend to confine this revolution to a single state or a few countries; the aim of Islam is to bring about a universal revolution." (Sheikh Maolana Maududi 20th Century Islamic Scholar)

To My Baptist Friends: Is This Still Your Icon?

Listen to the most famous, highly lauded, Southern Baptist minister promote Universalism which says that any and all will come to heaven whether or not they know Christ. This is a false doctrine and a straying from the fundamental foundational truths of Christianity making Billy Graham a heretic in the historical sense of the word. And yet, the SBC continues to praise him, hold him in high honor and have even erected a statue to him in Nashville, Tennessee. When a person or a group strays from the historic faith and give to themselves the right to interpret scripture void of Apostolic Tradition or historic consideration (Sola Scriptura) this type of aberrant convoluted interpretation of Christianity is inevitable. What else in the Baptist system of theology has been tainted since John Smythe founded the denomination in the 1500's? How much does Baptist theology and practice look like the undivided Church of the first 1000 years? Keep seeking.

An Example of Respectful Discourse on the Middle East

These comments were posted under the Article "Request To His Eminence Metropolitan Phillip ". I think that some who visit JTO miss out on the heart of a matter by not participating in the discussion in the Comment section. This discourse was worthy to post here for all to see because it gives clarity to the heart of the matter and the purpose to the post from OrthodoxProphets.blogspot.com.

Debbie Espen Said...

"I cannot agree. I agree with his eminence. You forget that many Palestinian people are Christian. And that Israel is practicing a form of apartheid, creating ghettos and committing genocide against the Palestinian people. No wonder they fight back! The government of Israel is not the Jewish people. Please remember that distinction.

10:13 AM

A Sinner said...

So does America practice Apartheid by keeping the Mexicans out? We consider this our nation. Those within our borders rightfully have full rights and liberties as long as they do not commit crimes. Those from without have no rights and if they shoot missiles into our sovereign territory we will stop them. Why is Israel any different? Your comments imply that you do not recognize the Nation of Israel's right to exist. Herein lies a political question and not a theological one. The Metropolitan shares your views. My point is that to subjugate his parishioners to his political view under the cloak of his Bishopry is not acceptable. Ghettos" Genocide? Where? The Gaza Strip was given to the predominantly Arab (they are not Palestinians-It is a new word being used since Israel became a nation) populace a couple of years ago by the Israeli government. They have created their own ghettos by continuing to wage terror using the newly acquired land to kill innocents in Israel. Where is your compassion for the Israelis on the Gaza border who have had to live in bomb shelters since their government forcibly removed them from Gaza to allow the Arabs to live there? You are apparently listening to one propaganda mill. All I am suggesting is that all be held accountable for the lack of peace. By the way, why do the people you defend purposely put rocket launchers in their own neighborhoods knowing that Israelis will fire on them? Could it be that the loss of a few women and children is an acceptable propaganda tool to help promote their political agenda. They did this in Lebanon as well. Who is more worthy of death...an Arab child or an Israel child? Neither. All should pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Orthodoxy sees the Church as the "Israel" of the new Covenant not the nation. We understand the difference between Jews, Judaism and the Nation of Israel. I am not a dispensationalist defending Israel's right to exist because of some evangelical interpretation of prophecy. I see the human equation and I am asking our Metropolitan to expand his narrow and biased view. I would ask you to do the same.

12:39 PM

Debbie Espen said...

Nathan, I greatly respect you for your willingness to do research and your openness to discover information, as evidenced by your studies in religion and religious history. In light of this, Instead of getting into a back and forth discussion on each point,I humbly suggest that you do some further research on this topic - you may discover that there is more to the story than you are presently aware of, much like what you experienced regarding the subject of 9/11, which you wrote about in a recent blog entry. You can view these documentaries free online at freedocumentaries.org: Occupation 101; Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land. You can go to these websites: IfAmericansKnew.org; B'Tselem.org; NormanFinkelstein.com; Tikkun. You can go to YouTube and watch any Anna Baltzer videos or If Americans Knew What Israel is Doing. You could check out some books, such as I am a Palestinian Christian by Mitri Raheb; They Dare to Speak Out by Paul Findley; Ethnic Cleansing by Ilan Pappe. You can research Rabbis for Human Rights. (Several of these resources are Jewish.) Unfortunately, be prepared to have what you thought you knew be blown away, and be disappointed and shocked.

2:39 AM

A Sinner said...

Debbie, If you will look closely you will see that the theme of my discourse is not the blind and compete support of the nation of Israel, rather it is how our Bishops step into the political fray with an obvious blind slant toward their Arab brothers who are as viscous and vile and culpable as some claim the Israelis are. As one comment put it, "the unreasonable bias and political gerrymandering of many within our Church in attacking the Jews and Israel at every opportunity." I have written another article called "Are Antiochians Anti-Semite?", where I state that the modern day Israel is Zionism and not all Jews support the state. I also disclaim Dispensationalism that gives a pass on everything Israel does based on a false system of eschatology. Islam is a violent religion founded by a false prophet who was verifiability a pedophile. The devaluation of women and children, the indoctrination of hate and murder for the cause of Allah (not God), the pronounced agenda to annihilate the Jew then move on to "the people of the book" (Christians)in order to dominated the world, is enough for our Bishops to know that they should not stand shoulder to shoulder with these evil, Christ denying humans just because they are ARABS! Have Israeli soldiers committed atrocities? Of course, incidents can be found just as seen by some American soldier's aberrant behavior. But does the government as a whole condone, support and train their soldiers toward such actions as Islamic groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah? Have you ever seen an Israeli soldier pick up a child and use him as a shield during combat? To my knowledge, no. There is a marked difference in the value of life. Please see the Addendum I added to my last post. Listen to the son of one of Hamas' founders. He is now a Christian living in California. He is an eye witness, was int he thick of the evil on the ground, and gives the truth without propaganda or ethnic bias. I have been studying in the arena that you have suggested, including Talmudic Judaism, the Illuminati and their alleged plan to dominated the world. I still question as to why there allegedly were no Jews killed in the World Trade Towers on 9/11, except one who was visiting and one in the plane. There were over a thousand Jewish employees who worked there and it was not a holiday. Your admonition is well taken. When I discover truths relevant to the Orthodox Church and its conduct in relation to the Middle East, I will point them out.

11:04 AM

Debbie Espen said...

Some reasonable and valuable points, Nathan. Well taken. However a few comments: Allah is not a name. Allah is the Arabic word for God. They believe in the same God of the Bible, and the Bible is one of they do consider the Bible top be a Holy Book. Yes, Islam was founded in violence, but it is not unlike the Bible's Old Testament. The religion itself is intended to be a religion of peace, and most Moslems do want to be good and peaceful people who value life dearly. Also, many Arabs are Christian, and they should not be forgotten. They are in the middle of this, too. Lastly, yes, Israeli soldiers do use Palestinian people, often children, as human shields, and have been filmed doing so, at high risk to the journalists, for they Israeli government does not want that info getting out. I have seen such film as well as other such atrocities done by Israeli soldiers and by Israeli (illegal) settlers on Palestinian land. Anyway, what is going on at this time in Gaza is plainly overkill. Lastly, I very much enjoy discussion with you, Nathan, since you are reasonable, calm, and do your homework. Keep up the good work!

2:35 PM

A Sinner said...

Debbie, It is refreshing that you understand the nature of this discourse. Can one stand with either side in 100 support over the other? Well yes, but should Bishops of a Christian Church? This is my exhortation to the Bishops and the mistake I think they show...their "bias". The argument that the Palestinians can do what they want to and it is justified because of the tyranny of the oppressor is Old Testament "Eye for an eye" theology which Jesus came to change. Critics of my posts without exception condemn Israelis but justify the same atrocities by the Palestinians. This is my point: Sin is sin. A missile is a missile and dead children are dead children no matter what the intended target. I am asking the Bishops to speak to and condemn BOTH. (So far they haven't.) For this I am called a Christian Zionist, a hater, a heretic, Cain, spiteful, self-proclaimed (false) Christian. This is an example of how deep this bias goes. I got your book and am reading it. I will consider recommending it to my readers. I also went to the site you mentioned, unfortunately I cannot recommend it. It is unintelligent and apologetically biased using media manipulation and video editing tactics that are dishonest propaganda. There are better sites out there to present the pro-Palestinian view, however proving one side worse than the other has never been the focus of this discussion.

3:01 PM

Debbie Espen said...

Of course you are, indeed, correct Nathan. While I understand the frustration and despair the Palestinian people are feeling, two wrongs do not make a right. Both parties should target military targets only, never civilians.

Is Israel Commiting Genocide?

When will our Bishops speak out against the genocide committed by Arab Muslims?

"Palestine" and "Palestinian" - New Words For A Modern Conflict

A 19 minute and 8 second history lesson to better understand the players in the Middle East conflict.











So who has owned or ruled over this sliver of land now called Israel?

Egyptian Empire
Kingdom of Israel
Assyrian Empire
Babylonian Empire
Persian Empire
Macedonians Empire
Romans Empire
Byzantine Empire
Sussanid Empire
Caliphate Empire
Seljuk Empire
Crusader Kingdom
Salhadin's Empire
Mongol Empire
Ottoman Empire (Turks)
European Colonialism
State of Israel

Did you notice there has never been a "Palestine" empire, kingdom or state? In case you missed it, the term "Palestine" was used by the Roman Empire in the second century and was resurrected by the European Colonialists when the entire Middle East was divided into nation States. The term referred to a region. The indigenous people who have lived on the land were of many races including the Hebrews/Jews who have had a consistent presence there for 3700 years. Those who choose to condemn only the Israeli Jews and support the Arabic "Palestinians" without question at least need to know whom they are condemning and whom they are supporting and why. Set emotions, religion, and ethnicity aside and look at history.

Proper BLOG Etiquette Or "The Tongue Is A Fire"

Due to the provocative nature of the discourse surrounding some of the subjects covered on JTO, please allow me to offer a few suggestions. When posting an article or leaving a comment on a blog:

1. Understand the language in which you are communicating. This includes carefully choosing words and knowing the definitions of the words chosen. For instance: the word "heretic" means: "A difference in faith in God itself" (St. Basil) or those who do not baptize in the name of the Trinity. (Canon 95 of the Quinisext). "Heretic" does not mean someone who doesn't agree with you on church political matters, has a different ethnic slant, is unorthodox in some minor doctrinal matter, who doesn't fully understand an Orthodox doctrine, or someone who is just generally unlikeable. One should take great care to not easily accuse someone of being such in blog discourse, especially if you are a fellow Christian. Another instance is the use of the word "condemn": "to express an unfavorable or adverse judgment on; indicate strong disapproval of; censure". To point out the error of a person or a group is not to "condemn" them personally. It is one thing to condemn an action, it is another thing indeed to condemn the person or group themselves. Make sure you are using that word in right context.

2. Do not neglect the subject of the discourse by resorting to personal accusations of someone's motives and character. It is always best to know the person and to have looked into his eyes before being confident that their motives or character can be judged. Words levied at a person such as "spiteful", "hater", "hate-filled", "self-professed Christian" and "mental or verbal terrorist" are examples of judgment words. It is simply unreasoned name-calling which has no redeeming value and brings enmity.

3. Judge a person's actual words and do not attribute to them anything they have not said or written. If in doubt as to the meaning of a post or any element in it, ask questions in the comment section of the blog. This will allow further and more complete understanding. For Instance: If someone points out that Israeli Christians, women and children are being targeted and killed by Palestinian missiles, and that our Bishops should condemn that if they condemn Israeli violence, do not presume the writer is a Christian Zionist who fully supports all Israel does and who is against the Palestinian people.

Just some thoughts!

Airman Sharp

Congratulation to Gregory Sharp, now Airman Sharp, for successfully completing boot camp in the United States Air Force. Greg will now go on to nine weeks of Training School where he will serve as an Aerospace Propulsion Apprentice.

Greg is my son-in law having married our second daughter about six years ago. He was chrismated last year into the Orthodox Church by Father John Denny of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Mission (WR) in Hot Springs Arkansas.

Please pray for Gregory as he is away from his wife and two young children during this time. Pray for our daughter, April, and the two children that they will prosper and be at peace in his absence. The United States Military men and women are still sorely underpaid for what they do. It is difficult to see the spouses and children of those who serve struggle financially while their dads and moms lay their lives on the line. Are you listening, President-Elect Obama? Are you listening, Democratic Controlled House and Senate?

Pray for all those who serve in the military of all nations around the world defending their freedoms from those who would dominate and oppress.

A Balanced Request Concerning Gaza?

From OrthodoxProphets.blogspot.com:

The following request appears on the Antiochian Orthodox Website concerning the conflict in Gaza. On its face, it seems balanced in that it does not take sides nor does it offer overt political bias. The only thing I would suggest is that the Diocese should have and could have made the same request to halt the terrorist missiles being launched into Israel prior to Israel having to respond militarily. It seems a little late now to suggest "the faithful" contact our Representatives to urge the US government to "exert influence". Does this not infer strongly that Israel is the one who needs to stop? Why is our Diocese always silent when the Muslim Arab Palestinian Terrorists are attacking Israel, yet it screams to high heaven when Israel responds?

"We of The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America join most of the world in decrying the loss of life and extreme human tragedy unfolding in Gaza before our eyes.

In light of this, we make an urgent appeal to all of the faithful of The Antiochian Archdiocese to immediately contact their elected representatives. Urge them to exert the considerable influence of the U.S. Government to end these hostilities and engage the various parties in a meaningful dialogue to forge a just and lasting peace. At the same time we ask you to keep all of the victims of this tragedy in your daily prayers."

I commend the IOCC charity fund also mentioned on the Antiochian Website as long as they give also to Israeli families who have been affected by terrorists missiles.

Addendum Questions:
When Hamas announces publicly that it will send "suicide bombers" into Israel and will "kidnap" Israeli soldiers in retaliation for the Gaza incursion, is the fact that they will use women and children as suicide bombers to target INNOCENT civilians and will torture the soldiers, worthy of a condemnation by the Antiochian Diocese? If so where is the condemnation and when will it be issued?

Addendum Questions 2:

Is this statement true or false?:
"Islam is not the word of God," said Yousef. "If you want to be offended it's your problem. But you know something? Go study. Think for a second that I might be right. So wake up, look at your path, see where you're going. Are you really going to heaven with 72 virgins after you kill yourself and kill another 20 people?" (Mosab Hassan Yousef- Son of one of the founding members of Hamas now a Christian and living in the United States)

If the statement is true, should the Church be careful not to side with and support advocates of it?

Addendum Question 3:
How many of their own people do "Palestinians" Kill?

Killing Their Own by Jacob Laksin

Addendum Question 4:

How trustworthy are the statistics issued by Hamas?

Gaza Doctor Says Death Toll Inflated

"Physician at Gaza's Shifa Hospital tells Italian newspaper number of dead in Israeli offensive 'stands at no more than 500 or 600, most of them youths recruited to Hamas' ranks'. Senior Palestinian Health Ministry official denies claims, IDF estimate on 1,200 casualties in Strip remains unchanged."

Bride Of Christ or Adulteress?

Another Post from OrthodoxProphets.blogspot.com

I am disheartened to see our good friends at www.westernorthodox.blogspot.com join the chorus of those who advocate that the Bride of Christ commit adultery with the world by seeking the United States Government's permission to exist. They do so, I believe unwittingly, by promoting the idea that Orthodox churches must be registered by the government by way of 501c 3 non-profit status in order to exist.

In what seems to be a sincere effort to assist churches coming into Orthodoxy by way of the Western Rite, the blog includes the following erroneous and misleading information.


"Getting Your Own Tax Exemption. Talk with your counsel about securing a tax exemption under Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3), as well as a similar exemption from the state in which you are organized and operate your new parish. This is valuable, since it exempts the church from income tax as well as from most or all state taxes. It also means gifts may be deducted by the donor." [While it is true that 501c 3 non-profit status "exempts" non-profit organizations from taxes and allows donors to deduct contributions, churches are not required to be a 501c 3s. According tho the IRS statutes, churches are natural "EXCEPTIONS" to the law since the government has no right to make any law pertaining to them. In other words, the Church doesn't even need the government to say it is "exempt". The IRS has no say, whatsoever.}

"Keeping Your Tax Exempt Status. Once your parish obtains a tax exemption, you must keep it. [Says who? The government? The IRS says that churches do not have to be 501c 3, so to assert that once you are you must keep it, begs the question.The threat of losing ones 501 c 3 status is the fear that keeps the Church from speaking to the ills of society and bringing salvation to America. Churches are under the mistaken idea that if they lose their 501c 3 status the government can shut them down or donors can't give. False and false.] One of the Internal Revenue Service tests is the “organizational and operational test”. A church must ("Must"? The reason the government can give orders to the church is because it has voluntarily become a government entity through the 501c 3.] demonstrate that it is organized and will be operated exclusively for religious purposes. Statements to this effect should go in both the bylaws and in the Articles of Incorporation, where the corporate purpose is given. The IRS also requires ["Requires "Again an order to the church because they are a government controlled entity through the 501c 3] that religious organizations refrain from lobbying or political campaigning. [ So by voluntarily becoming 501c 3 controlled entities the church must abide by the laws which removes them from any influence to speak to or effect the political spectrum which decides our social, economic and religious freedoms?] Church bylaws and articles of incorporation must also provide that church assets are irrevocably dedicated for religious purposes, and that if the church ever dissolves its assets will be distributed to another tax-exempt religious organization. (See the Antiochian Archdiocesan sample articles of incorporation.) You should consult with your local counsel about these provisions, as well as how your organization ["Organization'? Is the Church an organization now?] can meet these tests [Since when did the United States Government have a right to "test" the church? While an ongoing effort is being made to eliminate the Church from the state, the church is voluntarily allowing the state into the Church through being a 501c 3] to obtain and maintain tax exempt status.
[Sample language to be inserted both in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, relating to tax exemption under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3):]
No substantial part of the activities of this corporation [Since when is the Church a business incorporation?] shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation [Wait! Isn't this what the Church is supposed to do? Yet. in voluntarily committing adultery with the state and agreeing to their rules, the Church's voice in society is limited.] and this corporation shall not participate in or intervene in (including publishing or distributing statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to religious purposes,[Being a 501c3 allows the government to define what "religious purposes" are. The Church is to be defined by the Kingdom of God not the Kingdoms of this world.] as set forth above. No part of the net earnings [And the government tells the Church how it can spend God's money.] of this corporation shall insure to the benefit of its directors, trustees, officers, private shareholders or members, or to any individual.
 On the winding up and dissolution of this corporation [Does this not presume that the "gates of hell" WILL prevail against the Church?], after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the corporation, the remaining assets of this corporation shall be distributed to an organization (or organizations) organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes [And the government gets to have a say] and that is tax exempt under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States of America.

The Antiochian Diocese must lead the rest of the Orthodox Church in the west in a united effort to free ourselves from the entanglement of the State lest we become a State Church as seen in other nations. I call on all Orthodox Prophets and all who operate a blog to look into this matter and sound the trumpet of warning.

Only One Life

My mother had a sign hanging in her kitchen as I was growing up. It read:

"Only one life. It will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."

Redeem the time. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Request To His Eminence Metropolitan Philip

[From OrthodoxProphets.blogspot.com]

Your Eminence, Metropolitan Philip,
The last time the nation of Israel attacked terrorists to stop the indiscriminate firing of thousands of missiles into Israeli territory, you sent out a letter to be read in all of the churches in America. The letter was a strong condemnation of the Israeli government which you referred to as "occupiers." There was not one word of condemnation for the violence and deaths caused by the terrorist group Hezbolla as they fired missiles from Lebanon, your native land, into Israel killing scores of innocent Jews and Arabs, Jewish, Muslim and Christian alike. Your politically and ethnically biased letter was what I called airing of Orthodox Dirty Laundry. I, along with many of your American spiritual children, realize that you are an Arab and have disdain for the nation of Israel. We hope, however, that you will not use the recent actions of the nation of Israel to stop the Hamas missiles which are being fired from the Gaza Strip, as another opportunity to step outside of your calling as our Bishop and lower yourself again to the role of a biased political pundit. We would expect that you would find all parties culpable and hold all actions to account for the cause of peace in the region. I for one would not welcome another such letter to be force fed to your parishioners in the sanctity of God's holy temples across America and would deem it an affront to the cause of Christ and the sanctity of His Holy Liturgy. We honor and respect you for your pastorate and for all that you do for the cause of Christ. Please honor and respect the voices of dissent that rise up from the parishes when Bishops overstep their pastoral bounds.
Please forgive me a sinner.

Christ Is Born! Glorify Him!

Merry CHRIST-MASS

Merry Christmas 2008 and a
Happy and blessed New Year.

Pray for peace.

A Good Example

At this season of giving, there is a good example to follow. If your church is anything like Saint Ignatius in Franklin, Tennessee, USA, there are those among your body who have lost their jobs and are in financial need. Saint Ignatius has a tradition of preparing food baskets for those in the community who are in particular need. This season many of our own parishioners have lost their jobs, their income, their livelihood, including one of our own priests who was laid off from his job of 25 years. As Saint Ignatius prepared their baskets they made sure that those among their local body who had such needs were given baskets as well. This is a good example for all Orthodox believers to follow.

"Having been joined to Christ and His Church, these baptized believers begin living as the body of Christ. We find them looking after each other, using their personal resources for the care of each other, continuing together in prayer and in the Eucharist (Acts 2:42-47)." (The Orthodox Study Bible-Thomas Nelson Publishers, Notes page 444)

501c 3- Wolves In Sheep's Clothing

The Orthodox Church should NOT be a 501c 3 entity. Read why in this Article at www.OrthodoxProphets.blogspot.com

The Baptist Covenant/Creed

Do Baptists really believe in Sola Scriptura (Bible Alone) or are they selective in whatever will support their doctrines and practices? From a youth I remember the Baptist Covenant being displayed in the form of a large framed poster. This display was usually mounted on the front wall of the sanctuary near the altar. While Baptists claim "no creed but Christ", that the "Bible is all sufficient for faith and practice", denouncing creeds and ignoring the decisions of the Ecumenical Counsels of the Church as well as the writings of the Early Church Fathers, they promote their own version of what is important. The Baptist Covenant was slowly replaced by The Baptist Faith and Message (1963) which was adopted at one of their own councils which they call Conventions. The creed and statements of the Baptist church are still changing as seen by the recent conflict and split of the Southern Baptist Convention. Now both parts are attempting to define what makes them different from each other in the form of new statements or creeds, each claiming to be the true Baptists with the right teaching and methods. It is apropos that their division stemmed from arguments on how to interpret scripture.

If the Bible alone can be interpreted outside of the historical context of the life of the Church of 2000 years, why the need for so much definition and creedalism? Baptists and others throw general accusations toward the Orthodox Church saying that Orthodox value "men's writings as sacred as the scripture". Even the The Gideons International forbid Orthodox Christians from being members of their organization for this stated reason. The irony and dare I say, deceptive hypocrisy of each, is the fact that the Orthodox Church wrote, compiled and preserved the very scripture they defend and distribute and has withstood any redefining of doctrine and truth for 2000 years. The only creed was one that was adopted by the whole undivided church- The Nicene Creed, and this was done to combat a heretical attack by some on the very nature of Christ. The Nicene Creed highlights the very foundations of the Christian faith, unlike the Baptist creed and others which picks and chooses what is seemingly important to them culturally and denominationaly (see the forbidding of alcohol as a beverage). This is not to diminish the good and scriptural statements contained in such creeds, but rather to point out that denominations, while claiming to follow only the Bible, interpret that Bible by their own standards outside the historical life of the Church. To do so has made them foreign matter to the Church that Christ founded and the Apostles established.

The Baptist Covenant

"Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek to salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our department; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay. We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. And now unto Him, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, be Power and Glory forever. Amen."

Good stuff but only a slice of the pie, a snap shot of Christianity, a drop in the bucket, compared to the Faith of the Apostles as reflected in the creed that the whole Church adopted in 325 A.D. There is nothing inherently wrong with creeds if they are birthed from the whole Church and not limited by factional or denominational agendas. Paul quotes from an early creed which encapsulates the gospel as creeds are intended to do:

"...I write so that you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory."
(1 Timothy 3:15,16)

Paul also quotes various creeds of the church in his second letter to Timothy and in his letters to the Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. "Thus, when the early councils met and issued creeds, they were well within the bounds of biblical precedent." (The Orthodox Study Bible Page 489 Notes)

The Baptist church does practice creedalism and strays from its doctrine of Sola Scriptura in doing so. Being birthed outside the original faith of the Apostles, the Orthodox faith, Baptists and others like them are left to their own devises and attempt to reinvent the wheel. With over 2500 denominations there are plenty of wheels from which to choose.

A New World View

For many years his map has been presented to us as being accurate. From our youth we accepted its dimensions as being accurate. Why not? Most of those around us did as well. There was no question that this map was the accurate map of the world, We knew where the countries were, how they were shaped and their relative distance from each other and from each pole.

Now we are discovering that what we have been told for so long is not as accurate as we thought. Scientists, mathematicians and map makers have devised what is know as "equal area" maps which depict a much more accurate perspective of our planet. Look at the much larger size of Africa and the much smaller dimensions of Alaska. Australia is even larger compared to the USA.

It helps to step back and review our perspective occasionally. Our view may be skewed. Take a look at the early church by reading the Early Church Fathers. See if what they taught and how they worshiped looks anything like what you are calling church. Such an evaluation may change your world view.

On The Use Of Alcoholic Beverages

Some would say the use of alcoholic beverages is forbidden by God. This view has no historic validity either in culture or in the practice of the Church. The most common scripture used to promote this view is

"Wine is reckless, liquor rowdy; unwise is anyone whom it seduces." Proverbs 20:1

Those who might promote the God-mandated-abstinence view for all Christians usually also hold to the tenet that the scriptures are "literally true" and should be taken at face value. The literal reading of this proverb discusses the seductive nature of alcoholic beverages. The face value here is that over-indulgence or alcoholism can occur. The same scripture in the KJV reads,

"Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise."

The face value here is the same in that being led astray by the over consumption of such is not wise. One can debate the face value of this passage were it not for the fact that the Church, the Apostles and Jesus himself used alcoholic drink as a beverage and for medicinal purposes. Nowhere in scripture, save for some religious exercises of abstinence for a season of fasting, is such forbidden by God.

Jesus himself was the best winemaker who ever lived as proven by the account of the Wedding of Cana. Ignorance of history, culture, the Church and ignoring the face value of the account, leads some to assert that the wine served at the wedding was simply juice and not fermented,

1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it.

The faulty and historically inaccurate assertion that the wine Jesus made was not fermented, is ignorance of the culture of the day. Grape juice was not served at wedding feasts. Typically, the best tasting wine was served first and when the celebrants were well on their way to feeling the effects of such, the poorer quality wine was served,

9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

Not only did Jesus make fermented wine for consumption by the celebrating wedding party, but the scripture says doing so was a sign of His glory:

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

Can advocates of the God-mandated-abstinence view have it both ways? They say that God forbids the drinking of alcohol then when the scripture shows God in the flesh supplying the forbidden drink they must reinterpret the facts to prove their point. "Oh, the wine that Jesus served was not fermented." Only in this way is their faulty view consistent. It seems they start with a belief premise then attempt to prove their premise. This is faulty biblical exegesis.

To abstain from alcoholic drink can be a good and honorable thing for purposes of soberness, problems with addiction, or spiritual fasting, but Apostle Paul has very strong words for those who would create a doctrine which commands food and drink regulations that God does not. Paul instructs on the so-called "forbidden consumption" doctrine. He actually calls such doctrines the "doctrines of demons" one

"...commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth." 1 Timothy 4:3

Paul also states that a Bishop must

"not be given (addicted) to wine." 1 Timothy 3:3

Notice that Paul does not say a Bishop must not drink wine. He says a Bishop must not be addicted to wine. Wine was part of the culture of the region and of the church. The church came out of Judaism and worship at the temple. Christians were a sect of Judaism. The liturgical structure of the gatherings on the new Lord's Day were patterned after the synagogue. The use of wine was a traditional given. When and where did the new Jewish Christians make the announcement,

"Okay people listen up! I have an announcement! I know we have used wine in our ceremonies at the Temple and in our homes for hundreds of years and I realize the properties of wine and strong drink have been a great help to all of us in time of illness. We of course know that Apostle Timothy has had a little stomach trouble from time to time and that a little wine for his stomach's sake has helped- Tim, good to see you today- but we can no longer use it. From this day forward all alcoholic beverages are forbidden by God. We are asking all Christians to just drink juice. So if you are planning any family get-togethers or celebrations like weddings and such, you may need to make a few adjustments. Of course we have traditionally used wine at gatherings to "cheer people's hearts" but juice can be kind of cheery too, don't you think? Just use your existing wine pots to store your juice. Just don't store it too long or that will defeat the purpose. Simeon, we will pray that you will find another line of business as we realize that your six generation vineyard and wine store is your living, but maybe the juice thing will catch on in the city as well, although the Pharisees and the Sadducees may take a little convincing. We know how they like their fermented wine! And the temple priests...well...don't get me started. But all in all I think it is a good change don't you?"

And from that day forward they all juiced?

Here is the simple teaching of the faith of the Apostles concerning food and drink including the use of alcoholic beverages:

" All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any...all things are lawful for me but not all things edify...therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

The Church Is ISRAEL

Paul said that believers are:

"The children of God" (Romans 8:16).

"The Household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).

"The children of Abraham" (Colossians 3:7).

"Abraham's seed" (Galatians 3:29).

"The Children of promise" (Rom. 9:8, Galatians 4:28).

"A peculiar people” (Titus 2:14).

"The elect of God" (Colossians 3:12).

"Heirs of God"(Rom. 8:17).

“Heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29).

"The temple of God" (1 Cor 3:16).

"The circumcision" (Philippians 3:3).

"The Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16).

Peter said that believers are:

"A chosen generation" (1 Peter 2:9).

"A royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).

"A holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9).

"A peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9).

James said that believers are:

"Heirs of the kingdom" (James 2:5).

John said that believers are:

"The sons of God" (John 1:12).

"Kings and priests unto God" (Revelation 1:6).

"The new Jerusalem" (Revelation 3:12).

“The Holy city (Revelation 21:2).

The letter to the Hebrews said that believers are:

"The people of God" (Hebrews 4:9).

“Mount Zion” (Hebrews 12:22).

“The city of the living God” (Hebrews 12:22).

“The heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22).

A Note About Receiving Holy Eucharist

I had the joy of recently visiting Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Mission (WR) in Hot Springs, Arkansas. My good friend, priest and fellow laborer Father John Denny founded the church as a Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC) and eventually led the church into the Orthodox faith. I commend Father John Denny and the mission parish as worthy of your support by way of prayer and especially by way of financial gifts.

Along with spending some very valuable personal discussions with Father John Denny, I also picked up a bulletin with a very clear explanation of the Eucharist, who receives it, who does not and why. It is brief but explains so much:

"The Orthodox understands the Eucharist, or Lord's Supper, to be-among other things-the paramount expression of Christian unity. While it is our deepest hope that all Christians will one day fulfill Christ's desire for unity among all who claim His name (John 17:21), the unfortunate reality of our day is that the various communities of Christendom are not unified with the historic Orthodox Catholic faith. Since participation in the Eucharist expresses a unity with all the dogma and practice of the Orthodox Church, non-Orthodox guests do not receive Holy Communion but are permitted to come forward for a blessing as well as a portion of blessed bread. Holy Communion is reserved for those members of the Orthodox Church who have prepared themselves by prayer, fasting, and recent confession. But that need not be the end of the question for our non-Orthodox guests! Have you considered the possibility that you too could become an Orthodox Christian?"

I am sure such exclusivity flies in the face of the western view of relativity, "I'm okay, you're okay", "Every path to God is a right one", "There is no one true church", etc. This mantra, no matter how often chanted, does not negate the fact that there is certain, absolute truth and there is ONE Church where that truth has been maintained for 2000 years.

Thanks Be To God For Life and Fresh Air

Thanks be to God that my family and I are alive. Workers discovered the presence of a substantial amount of Carbon Monoxide leakage in our house. A "deadly" rating is 35. The rating discovered in our house was 1000 plus. Obviously there was a measure of ventilation in the furnace area that did not allow the full potential of leakage to get into our living area or death would have been certain. We have, however, suffered from unexplained physical illnesses and symptoms for months, even up to three years. Thanks be to God that this odorless, invisible gas was discovered and that we will have an opportunity to heal with fresh air. Please pray that there will be no long term effects on our bodies as is sometimes the case with such long term exposure.