The Maccabee Scholar - המלומד המכבי

The Maccabee Cornerstone Explained

2010-11-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

The Eye Below + The Eye Above = The Eyes of the Star of David

Color and Triangles of the Four Elements

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The Eye Above = The Element of Fire OR The Element of Air

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The Eye Below = The Element of Water OR The Element of Earth

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The Eye Above + The Eye Below = The Star of David
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According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely Rabbi Jesus.

- I Corinthians 3:10-11

I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him down into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more.

- Revelation 20:1-3

Greetings, I am a nobody scholar and devout member of the Roman Catholic Church who believes that the eye below the pyramid is an ancient secret that must be passed on to the next generation. Sorry to bother you, but I hope you can find the time, the patience, or perhaps just the plain curiosity to read this letter in its entirety. It’s somewhat interesting and may contain some information you may not have come across previously. All in all, it’s a fairly good read and well worth the effort of at least looking through it.

First of all, does anyone know anything about this symbol? No, I’m not referring to the already famous eye above the pyramid. I’m talking about the other symbol, the eye below the pyramid. This little known symbol is probably why the new brand of soda pop was called Seven-Up Upside Down. The rock band Live sings about it in their hit song Lightning Crashes. It’s also what the new, modern historians and scholars refer to as ‘history from below.’ It symbolizes stalactites, rather than stalagmites; valleys, not mountains; the undertow, rather than the waves. Studied carefully, it appears to be a rounded mound of earth heaped on top of a stone trapezoid foundation. At the bottom, the triangular eye rests perfectly balanced upon a singular point, thus making it the cornerstone for the entire structure. The Beatles specifically refer to this eye below the pyramid in their song Hey Jude, ‘And any time you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain. Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders…’ The Holy Bible mentions or alludes to this symbol on numerous occasions as well.

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell
me if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements-
surely you know! Or who stretched a line upon it? On what were
its bases sunk or who laid its cornerstone?

- Job 38:4-6

Examined closely, it really does look like a pile of dirt on top of a rock, brick foundation. It even seems as if a portion of soil is sliding or falling off on the left side- much like a possible logo for the Flat Earth Society. One thing I have become more and more certain of is that this symbol was drawn deliberately to be seen and understood both right-side up and upside down, like quite a few other famous paintings. It is certainly no mere coincidence. We may not see eye to eye about this right away, but the evidence that follows can and will change your mind. Coincidence? No way.

The next question worth asking is whether or not this is all some sort of deep, dark secret. Why else would the nickname for the secret headquarters of British Intelligence be called Foggy Bottom? It this all some sort of cover-up? Or have I exposed something undercover? I hope so, because this centuries-old secret needs to end and become a small part of today’s and tomorrow’s common knowledge. Everyone should be in on the know, so to speak. For this reason, I am sending this letter to as many intellectuals and other thinkers as possible and I urge them to share it with friends and acquaintances. Get the word out! ‘Announce and publish it among the nations; publish it; hide it not.’ (Jeremiah 50:2) Call me a radical wobbly, but I insist that the people be told the truth.

The 'Wobbly' Anti-Masonic Party

I first encountered this symbol back in 1995, years before I finally fell victim to acute paranoid schizophrenia. As a hobby during this time, I was interested in conspiracy theories, reading books like Pat Robertson’s New World Order among many others. Hindsight being 20/20, I must admit most of these books were somewhat absurd and ridiculous. Even at the time I considered any Zionist or Jewish conspiracy to be total horse manure. From what I knew about Jews personally is that many of them were from old-fashioned, traditional Eastern European families who still believed in a Biblical God. Their attitudes, beliefs and behavior were little different from most Christian families.

Even so, there are those who may ask accusingly why some of them were communist and others capitalist. The Soviet Jewish conspiracy, a lie that has been believed in by otherwise intelligent people, remains unconvincing once you discover that Stalin got rid of the vast majority of Jews from any significant positions of power within the Soviet Union during the Great Purges of the 1930s. At the time, most of the Soviet military officers that were Jewish were either shot immediately or died later in the Gulag. The aftermath made it clear that, even in Communist Russia, the Jews were still the ruled rather than the rulers.

Some anti-Semites will point to the fact that Lenin was part Jewish, Trotsky was fully Jewish, and Karl Marx was a pure-blooded Jewish convert to Christianity. Remember, Lenin was never circumcised and died after being in power for less than seven years. Trotsky was stabbed to death with an ice pick in Mexico by his former ‘comrades’, while Marx dabbled in Satanism at University and viciously attacked Jews and Judaism, in writing, several times. None of them practiced or believed in Judaism. It was Josef Stalin, a Gentile ‘Christian’, who brutally attacked the Russian Orthodox Church and murdered its clergy, not the Jews. In practice, International Communism was little more than White Russian, ethnocentric socialism, a lot less deadly than Germany’s National Socialism, but deadly nevertheless. One could say that both regimes were for the ruling class ethnic majority, whether they were Slavic or Teutonic. By any measure, the USSR was anti-Semitic nearly its entire existence. Jewish aspirations for equality within an atheist, socialist ‘paradise’ were never realized. If there ever was any sort of conspiracy, it involved misplaced Jewish loyalties, an exchange of their centuries-long trust in God and self for a sudden, inexplicable trust in Gentile strangers and godless, romantic, utopian politics. The final results, with more than a million Jews having already fled the former Soviet Union in recent decades, speak for themselves.

In addition to this, the international Jewish banking conspiracy appears highly unlikely when one examines who actually owns and runs the largest and most powerful banking firms in today’s world. With the exception of Goldman Sachs, most of them are either Japanese or European, not Jewish. The conspiracy-minded always fixate on the fact that the Federal Reserve is privately owned. Yes it is, but almost none of the original owners were or are Jewish. In fact, every bank that was involved in the formation of the Federal Reserve is now a multi-national corporation that is publicly traded on the stock exchange. Because of this anyone can own a portion of the Federal Reserve, at least indirectly. Jewish ownership in the system is minimal. It is actually quite unfortunate that the age of the Rothschilds, the world’s most powerful Jewish family of bankers, has ended. Because of their pacifist policies and investment strategies, they brought more wealth to more people than perhaps any other family in history. Even at the time, they were the exception rather than the rule.

The so-called Zionist conspiracy is also a joke. Zionism consists of personally accepting that the Jewish nation-state of Israel has the right to exist. In light of the Holocaust, I’d call that little more than simple decency. Refusing to do so is much like the cruelty of school-yard bullies that just can’t seem to leave the new Jewish kid alone. It takes more courage to defend the disliked than to defame them. Amazingly, Islam’s one billion people, many of them extremely hostile to Jews, will accuse Israel, with seven million citizens on a tiny sliver of land, of being the actual bully. More amazingly, agnostic Europe still occasionally agrees with such nonsense. What’s my conclusion? The only real conspiracy is that of the pigeons, many of them former Rabbis. Their origins remain mysterious and they have lived, almost exclusively, in towns and cities since the days of ancient Babylon. After having observed them for many years, I suspect them to be far more intelligent than you or I would have ever imagined. They just hide it from us, the rude giants called humans.

The Freemasonry conspiracy also seems like horse manure considering that many Masons are devout Christians as well. Why would a world-wide organization of mostly older Christian men attempt to plan a global, pagan, totalitarian dictatorship to destroy Christianity? It didn’t make any sense at all. The truth is that Freemasonry was, and probably still is, very anti-Catholic. The historical facts clearly show that many of them plotted for centuries to secure as much freedom and independence from Vatican City as possible. The assassination of the first and only Roman Catholic President, John F. Kennedy, in a nation founded by Freemasons, by a bullet that apparently defied the very laws of physics, remains quite troubling. This does not mean the Freemasons were responsible, but it also does not mean they are completely innocent. Besides, Freemasonry is now a failing organization that most Evangelical Protestant Christians of today refuse to join. Because of this, the Masons will continue to dwindle in numbers and power as the years go by. In comparison, Roman Catholicism still grows steadily as immigration from Latin America continues. Their children will end up Knights of Columbus and not Freemasons. As it states in the Wall Street Journal, ‘Let there be open borders.’ A future Latin American Pope is more than likely. Meanwhile, serious researchers have discovered more than a little nonsense in some of Freemasonry’s ultra-secret rites and ceremonies, including a whopping 33 different levels, or degrees, of membership. The adventurous, glory days of secretly conspiring against ‘all-powerful’ Popes and Kings are slowly coming to an end. Christianity continues, as does Judaism and Islam.

One possible conspiracy never mentioned, but worth noting, is that of male circumcision. For whatever reason, the United States is one of the only nations besides Israel and Muslim countries that circumcise their male children. This is a fairly recent phenomenon, most of it occurring after World War II. The practice is virtually unknown in Europe and Asia. Calling it standard medical procedure or claiming it is done for purposes of hygiene doesn’t really explain why Japan and Sweden, with comparable medical expertise, do not practice it. One historian may provide some clues to the puzzle:

All this is of significance because it is concerned with the fact
that there is an age-old Western tradition, much battered
and destroyed in recent generations, that has sent up new,
living shoots of vigorous growth since 1945.

- Tragedy & Hope, by Carroll Quigley, p.1232

Also intriguing is the fact that the future king of Great Britain, Prince Charles, is circumcised in a nation where literally no one else is, besides for Jewish and Muslim citizens. I believe that this conspiracy, if it actually is one, should prosper. As Jesus once stated about the old laws, which included mandatory circumcision for males, ‘Do not think I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.’ (Matthew 5:17) Hopefully, this process will continue and become a permanent Christian tradition that will branch out into other countries until all the nations on earth routinely circumcise their male children. However, the question of how it became a standard American medical practice and who was behind it remains unanswered. Nevertheless, future generations should take heed of the warning that, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.’ (Acts 15:1)

The present American situation of Christian Gentiles circumcising their male children may not last unfortunately. One never knows when the political fringe will organize and begin calling for a ban on circumcision. What happens when, and if, circumcision is declared illegal and considered a criminal offense? Will anyone resist and will anybody care? It is not a good sign that some Jewish mothers of today are making it a point to leave their own sons uncircumcised. History tells us that, almost two centuries before Christianity, this exact same phenomenon began to occur among the Hellenized Jews. At one point, the Greek rulers of Israel, along with their mainly homosexual, tyrannical Jewish allies, boldly made circumcision a crime punishable by death in order to destroy Judaism. Any Jewish mothers caught with circumcised male infants had their own babies tied around their necks and were then thrown down from a wall to their deaths. It should not be surprising that, among these same Greeks, and later the Romans, the practice of pedophilia (pederasty) was very common, socially accepted, and perfectly legal. State-sponsored and tax-funded temples dedicated to Venus, the so-called goddess of love, included little boys and little girls being forcibly used as temple prostitutes and sex slaves.

In contrast, Jewish law condemned pedophilia and made it a capital offense. The Babylonian Talmud states quite clearly: ‘Pederasty is punished by [death].’ (Nezikin III, Sanhedrin 54a) Though it may have taken centuries, the Christian religion eventually imposed a Jewish code of sexual morality upon the entire Roman Empire, and all its citizens, that made child prostitution, along with pedophilia, a heinous crime. Many other perverted practices were also prohibited including rape, incest, bestiality, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexuality, sodomy, fellatio, prostitution, pornography and masturbation. Regardless of St. Paul’s reluctant tolerance, this Christian code of moral law should now include circumcision as a common, perhaps even required, practice among all Christians world-wide. Pedophilia should be a crime, not circumcision.

Studying history carefully, I must admit to sensing a modern conspiracy against Christianity, most especially the Roman Catholic Church. During the French Revolution, hundreds of unarmed monks and priests were murdered, nuns were raped, and Churches were transformed into pagan, and even Satanic, temples where midnight orgies were held with whores spreading their legs right upon the altar. Stalin continued in this hate-filled tradition by executing and imprisoning thousands of priests and monks, as well as dozens of Rabbis. In Western Europe, 600 priests were murdered in less than a month during the Spanish Civil War. Adolph Hitler mockingly dismissed Christianity as just another ‘Jewish swindle’ and sent quite a few priests, monks and nuns to the death camps to work and die alongside the Jews. Communist China continues to persecute Christians on a daily basis. Sad to say, Christianity and the Church have been badly damaged in France, Russia, Spain and Germany. It is being choked to death in China. I had just been contemplating this perplexing anti-Christian conspiracy when I first discovered the eye below the pyramid.

Roving Eye of Pedophilia Vs. the Mark of Circumcision

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The Conspiracy Against ------------- Christianity Itself

The incident, if you want to call it that, happened late one night. I was just sitting there, still totally confused about what the eye above the pyramid represented, when I pulled out a dollar bill to look at it. I suddenly turned the dollar bill upside down and, for the first time, truly looked at the eye below the pyramid. For some reason, it seemed like the eye was staring straight back at me as if it were actually seeing me. Someone, who was somewhere else, was somehow looking, through this eye below the pyramid, directly at me. Never being easily scared before, I nonetheless found this very frightening. As Nietzsche once warned, ‘When you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back.’ I nervously looked away for several minutes and then, after gaining enough courage, I looked at the eye below the pyramid yet again. It still seemed to be looking straight at me. This incident may be quite similar to what Moses experienced when he encountered the burning bush.

An angel of the LORD appeared to him in fire flaming out of
a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush,
though on fire, was not consumed. So Moses decided, ‘I must go
over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is
not burned.’

- Exodus 3:2-3

A few days, then weeks, then months went by and I started to forget about the incident. I had by then basically decided that the eye below the pyramid was, in fact, the eye of the Devil. This was mainly because it had scared the wits out of me the first time I saw it. Upon first impression, the eye’s expression looked kind of mean, possibly even dangerous. Even so, it only took a few more years for me to change my mind completely about the eye below the pyramid. I have now concluded that, if I were ever forced to decide, I would choose the eye above the pyramid as Satan, the bad guy, and the eye below the pyramid as God, the good guy. Over time, I also began to realize that, during the initial encounter, the eye below had been trying, like with Moses, to tell me, ‘I am the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Moses, the God of Rabbi Jesus, the God of Roman Catholicism, the God of your Baptism and the God of your Confirmation.’ I’d just been too startled to understand this at the time.

The Four Elements of the Star of David

In particular, and after thorough study of the Bible, I have decided that, given no other choices, the eye above the pyramid is the one and only Mark of Cain that God placed upon Cain’s forehead after being banished for murdering his brother Abel. Furthermore, I have come to believe that the eye above the pyramid is the actual Mark of the Beast (666) as well. This is because, in reality, the Mark of Cain and the Mark of the Beast are the exact same symbol.

Notice that, in the Book of Genesis, the death of Cain or any of his descendants is never even mentioned, while the exact age of death is carefully noted for everyone else? Did Cain or any of his sons ever really die or are they still alive? Could it also be possible that Cain is, in fact, the Beast or the Devil? The following chart shows the clear connections between these two marks.

Aspect of Beast: Old Testament --> New Testament
The Mark of the Beast: So the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest anyone should kill him at sight. (Genesis 4:15) --> It forced all the people…to be given a mark on their right hand or their forehead, so that no one could buy or sell except one who had the mark of the beast. (Revelation 13:16-17)
The Number of the Beast: The gold that Solomon received every year weighed 666 gold talents. (I Kings 10:14) --> This calls for wisdom: let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666. (Revelation 13:18)

On the other hand, the eye below the pyramid probably symbolizes Abel, the lamb slain since the foundation of the world. As the Bible states: ‘Your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground.’ (Genesis 4:11) It is also the actual 'seal of the living God' placed upon the foreheads of 144,000 male virgins chosen from the 12 tribes of Israel.

‘Then I saw another angel…holding the seal of the living God.
He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels…‘Do not damage
the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the
foreheads of the servants of our God.’ I heard the number of those
who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four
thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites.

- Revelation 7:2-4

Medical science tells us that, for whatever reason, our eyes actually see everything upside down. The brain is then required to reverse the images it receives, thus resulting in normal visual perception. With that in mind, take notice that 666 is 999 upside down. Legend states that Christ was crucified with three 9 inch metal nails. The Beatles also mention this number on their White Album when they chant, ‘Number 9, Number 9, Number 9.’ This tradition is also why the American Rock band calls itself Nine Inch Nails.

A careful reading of Revelation, as well as some common sense, should lead one to suspect that the ‘Mark of the Beast’ and the ‘Seal of the Living God’ must be probably complete, polar opposites in appearance, just like the letters W and M or the numbers 6 and 9. The eye above the pyramid and the eye below the pyramid meet those requirements. Skeptics may be quick to remind you that these two different marks mentioned in the Bible could, in fact, be an entirely different set of symbols. After years of study and research, I no longer believe in that possibility. In fact, I would even claim that both of these symbols are as old as time and have been seen and understood throughout history. Without a doubt, the Mark of Cain is the Mark of the Beast and is represented by the eye above the pyramid- the calm, deceitful eye of Cain who was ‘a murderer from the beginning [and] when he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of all lies.’ (John 8:44) Similarly, the eye below the pyramid is the Seal of the Living God and is representative of Abel’s outrage over being murdered. It can’t be that simple, some would say. Believe it or not, it may well be that simple. Readers are free to disagree with these conclusions.

<--- Versus ---->
666 Mark of the Beast 666 ____ 999 - Seal of the Living God - 999

Regardless of those particular issues, there are many other reasons for concluding that the eye above the pyramid symbolizes the bad guy. First, it obviously represents the Egyptian enslavement of the Hebrews during the time of Moses when they were forced to build monuments for dead people, including pyramids. As the Bible states: ‘And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field.’ (Exodus 1:14) The Israelites never built pyramids, they built in squares, including their tents. In comparison, the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incans all built pyramids and also practiced Satanic human sacrifice and cannibalism on an unprecedented scale. Because of this history, the eye above the pyramid is not symbolic of freedom, but of slavery.

Second, the eye above is located on top of an Egyptian pyramid, traditionally a monument to the dead. Therefore this eye would represent, not the eye of the living God, but the eye of a dead Pharaoh still attempting to rise up from the dead and rule from beyond the grave. With that in mind, this eye represents not life, but death. Remember, the God of Israel ‘is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.’ (Luke 20:38)

Third, there is plenty of modern slang that is derogatory and that specifically refers to the eye above the pyramid in an insulting, rebellious manner. Many would say that it stands for being uppity, like some snot with their nose in the air, who believes they are above it all, even above the law. It is not having a high IQ, it’s simply being an air-head. It certainly does not symbolize Lenin’s ‘commanding heights of the economy,’ On the contrary, it’s a bullshit pyramid scheme, a tall tale nearing bankruptcy. Instead of being a sign of financial stability, it is a clear indication that you are about to go belly-up! It is not being on top of the situation, but simply another way of deliberately overlooking major difficulties, hoping they will magically go away. In short, the eye above the pyramid stands for little more than dangerous arrogance and self-destructive pride.

At worst, the eye above the pyramid is a pie in the sky, head in the clouds, high-minded Ponzi scheme and it stinks like high heaven. At best, it is foolishly putting your ass out on a line for no one in particular and for no particular reason except, of course, to make yourself look like a hero in front of others. Some may be frightened or even intimidated by this so-called New World Order but, behind the facade, it is simply an infantile game of ‘look at my butt’ or ‘kiss my ass’ that only filthy-minded people like to play. As the ole’ Southern song recommends: ‘Look away, look away, look away, Dixieland.’

At the same time, one could claim that the eye below the pyramid does not always mean scraping the bottom of the barrel, being down and out, in the pits, or buried six feet under. Instead, it stands for grass roots, down to earth virtues, or even a bottom-up approach to deep-seated problems. In many ways, the eye below is an undervalued solution that, like buried treasure, lies just underneath the surface. It symbolizes the underlying universal truths, the root causes of goodness that touch us deep down, from the bottom of our hearts. We can’t all be top dog, so there’s nothing wrong with cheering for the underdog most of the time. The eye below the pyramid is almost certainly the reason why the nation of Australia is nicknamed the Land Down Under. Wise business owners and investors refer to it as ‘the bottom line.’ In many ways, the eye below the pyramid represents a real hero, who would never dare to commit high crimes and misdemeanors or stage a mutiny at high seas, but would gladly disobey unjust laws to fight the good fight for the down-trodden, much like the white Yankee northerners who helped to hide escaped slaves as a part of the Underground Railroad.

The eye above the pyramid has an expression that, when studied carefully, seems stuck-up as opposed to the righteous anger and jealousy found in the eye below the pyramid. ‘For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.’ (Exodus 20:5) A classic Rock song captures the upper crust, uptight, snobbishness this eye seems to express as it gazes out from the heights of wealth and power, a classic example of what Hannah Arendt referred to as the ‘banality of evil.’

I am the eye in the sky. Looking at you, I can read your
mind. I am the maker of rules dealing with fools, I can cheat
you blind.

- Eye in the Sky, by the Allan Parsons Project

In addition, there are several Biblical passages strongly suggesting that the eye above the pyramid is the real bad guy. It does not, in any way, represent Ronald Reagan’s ‘shining city upon a hill’ nor a ‘light unto the gentiles’ nor God’s ‘holy mountain’ as mentioned by Isaiah and several other prophets of Israel. Seen literally, it is nothing more than a man-made structure, a tomb for the dead tyrant Pharaoh, not Mount Sinai. The pertinent Biblical verses include the following:

You [Lucifer] said in your heart: "I will scale the heavens, above
the stars of God I will set up my throne; I will take my seat on the
Mount of Assembly, in the recesses of the North. I will ascend
above the tops of the clouds; I will be like the Most High!" Yet
down to the nether world you go, to the recesses of the pit!

- Isaiah 14:13-15

Upon a high and lofty mountain you made your bed, and there
you went up to offer sacrifice. Behind the door and the doorpost
you placed your indecent symbol. Deserting me, you spread out
your high, wide bed, and of those whose embraces you love you
carved the symbol and gazed upon it…While you sent your
ambassadors far away, down even to the nether world.

- Isaiah 57:7-9

Beware! I am against you, destroying mountain, destroyer of the
entire earth, says the LORD; I will stretch forth my hand against
you, roll you down over the cliffs, and make you a burnt mountain.
They will not take from you a cornerstone, or a foundation stone;
ruins forever shall you be, says the LORD.

- Jeremiah 51:25-26

There also seems to be considerable evidence that quite a few individuals have been well aware of the eye below the pyramid and that both symbols are thousands of years old. The astonishing influence of these two symbols can be seen throughout the English language. Even today, they continue to shape the creation of new words and phrases, including modern terms such as: corporate downsizing, upscale apartments, rock bottom prices, top of the line merchandise, getting paid under the table or having a high-end job. Here are just a few, obvious examples:

Topic --> Eye Above, Eye Below
Standard --> Above standard, Below standard
Technology --> High tech, Low tech
Internet --> Log on, Log off
Urban --> Uptown, Downtown
Class --> High class, Low class
Greetings --> What’s up?, What’s going down?
Self-control --> Lighten up, Calm down
Patience --> Wait up!, Slow down!
Qualify --> Above all, it was wrong, At bottom, it was wrong

The original authors of the Bible, as well as many of its main characters, were most surely familiar with these two symbols. Moses certainly must have known about them. Why else would he have used the expression an ‘eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth?’ (Deuteronomy 19:21) King David and his contemporaries were most probably acquainted with them as well. Nothing else explains the following verse from Psalms:

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done, it is wonderful in our eyes.

- Psalms 118:22-23

The prophet Isaiah was also quite aware of it. The eye below the pyramid is exactly what he is referring to in the passage: ‘See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, a precious cornerstone as a sure foundation. He who puts his faith in it will not be shaken.’ (Isaiah 28:16) Remember, cornerstones are the very first stones put into the ground, placed there at the beginning of the foundations. Capstones are the last stones put at the very top. Logically speaking, only the eye below the pyramid could possibly represent a cornerstone.

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The Eye Above is a Capstone -------- Not a Cornerstone

It is also fairly obvious that Rabbi Jesus knew full well about the eye below the pyramid. Why else would He have emphasized and repeated the same passage from Psalms, warning his listeners: ‘Everyone who falls on that stone will be dashed to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls’? (Luke 20:18) In addition to this, both the Apostles Peter and Paul also specifically refer to these same verses from Psalms in their own New Testament letters. They compare ‘the stone the builders rejected’ to Jesus who was crucified (rejected), yet through His resurrection became the cornerstone of an entirely new religion. In other words, it is the eye below the pyramid that most represents Christianity and not the eye above the pyramid. Likewise, Rabbi Jesus was clearly referring to the eye below the pyramid when He told Peter, ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.’ (Matthew 16:18) Keep in mind that Peter was crucified upside down by the Romans.

Legend also states that this symbol represents a circumcised penis with the eye symbolizing the circumcised tip of the organ. In particular, the eye below the pyramid is a G-rated substitute for Noah’s flaccid, circumcised penis which Ham saw by accident. He then told his two brothers Shem and Japheth that their father had no foreskin. This angered Noah who had planned on teaching his sons the ancient Divine traditions first before having them circumcise themselves. Many of these traditions, which included a secret explanation about the two eyes of the pyramid, dated back to the time of Abel who had also circumcised himself before being murdered by his uncircumcised brother Cain. Using both symbols also helps to explain what Scriptures is actually talking about in the following passage:

Eye Above Verse --> Eye Below Verse --> Eye Above Verse (Bible)
I. The alien residing among you will rise higher and higher above you while --> you sink lower and lower. He will lend to you, not you to him. --> He will become the head, you the tail. (Deuteronomy 28:43-44)
II. For the LORD is the great God, the great king over all gods, --> whose hand holds the depths of the earth, --> who owns the tops of the mountains. (Psalms 95:3-4)
III. Raise a glad cry you heavens, the LORD has done this. --> Shout you depths of the earth. --> Break forth, you mountains, into song. (Isaiah 44:23)
IV. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. --> Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. --> It is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15)
V. The one who comes from above is above all. --> The one who is of the earth is earthy…but --> the one who comes from heaven is above all. (John 3:31)

The use of these two symbols, the eye above and the eye below the pyramid, as a method of both analysis and explanation is most certainly related to what Marxists used to call dialectical materialism. It is high time that more and more individuals become familiarized with the eye below the pyramid and the fact that it too has a very long history and meaning to it. Along with the prophets, Roman Catholic historian Carroll Quigley almost certainly knew about the symbol. He makes it fairly obvious in the following passage:

In each country the supply of money took the form of an
inverted pyramid or cone balanced on its point. In the
point was a supply of gold and its equivalent certificates; on
the intermediate level was a much larger supply of notes and
at the top, with an open and expandable upper surface, was
an even greater supply of deposits.

- Tragedy & Hope, by Caroll Quigley, p.54

The Rabbis who wrote the Babylonian Talmud were also familiar with both symbols. Nothing else explains the repeated saying: ‘The native would be in the earth and the stranger in the highest heavens? Yes, the like has found his like and is aroused.’ (Mo’ed II, ‘Erubin 9a) Note that placing the two pyramids, or triangles, together creates a Star of David. For centuries, numerous Christians have used this star as a hex to drive off demons and other evil spirits.

-- --
Heaven -------- + ------ Earth ----- = The Star of David

Traditionally in Judaism the upright triangle stands for Heaven, the inverted triangle for the Earth, while putting both together symbolizes Heaven and Earth, a golden age of peace and prosperity for all. Using this same technique, it becomes easier to understand certain concepts and phrases from historically significant people. The following chart is a sampling of this eye for an eye type of analysis.

Idea (Individual): Eye Above --> Eye Below --> Both Eyes (Star of David)
Philosophy (Hegel): Thesis --> Antithesis --> Hypothesis
Psychology (Freud): Id --> Superego --> Ego
Judaism (Rabbi Hillel): If I am not for myself, who will be? --> If I am not for others, what am I? --> If not now, when?
Christianity (Rabbi Jesus, Mark 3:23-4): How can Satan --> Cast out Satan? If a kingdom is --> divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
Mysticism (Meister Eckhart): The eye by which I see God is the --> same as the eye by which God sees me. --> My eye and God’s eye are one and the same.
Music (The Rolling Stones): There’s heads, --> There’s tails, just call me Lucifer --> And I’m in need of some restraint.

Hopefully by now I have managed to convince you that the eye below the pyramid is quite real, meaningful, and most certainly not a coincidence. Taken as a whole, this age-old riddle of the Founding Fathers is far more than meets the eye. Keep in mind that both eyes are symbolic of the pagan principle: ‘As above, so below.’ In particular, the Bible itself makes far more sense once you’ve been made aware of the eye below the pyramid. Many Scriptural verses refer to one or both pyramids on numerous occasions. Personally, I still cannot truly explain how or why I first recognized this symbol. I do remain confident, however, that my initial encounter was, in fact, a supernatural event- a sign from the Holy Ghost. So, even though I cannot prove it as an empirical fact, the evidence indicates that the eye below the pyramid has been known for millennia and remains one of history’s better kept secrets. Go tell the world until isn’t a secret anymore.

At bottom, this symbol is neither the evil eye, nor the troll under the bridge, nor the monster under the bed. It is simply a part of both Judaism and Christianity. The Jewish Torah states: ‘The God of your father…blesses you, with the blessings of the heavens above, [and] the blessings of the abyss that crouches below.’ (Genesis 49:25) Just as the New Testament proclaims: ‘I Jesus…am the root and the branch of David. I am the bright, morning star.’ (Revelation 22:16) Even children can understand these adult concepts intuitively, as in the nursery rhyme: ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder where you are.’ Remember your dreams, now and forever.

The Star of Creation

Neoliteralism, a 21st Century Theology

2010-11-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Neoliteralism, the Cornerstone of Judeo-Christian Theology

Today, there are a countless number of methods along with differing schools of thought when it comes to Bible Studies and Theology. At least some astute observers might say there are already far too many, with each 'method' or 'school' contradicting another so that these traditionally Christian fields of study have become nothing more than a 'Mystery Babylon' intellectual enterprise. Obviously, adding yet another catchy term to the list would seem to be compounding the problem, rather than providing a solution. Nevertheless, the project of Neoliteralism, a new term for a new scholarly outlook, has only one intent and that is simplification. Neoliteralism, as the word implies, presumes to take the Bible literally, but it also includes a basic understanding of what the Bible represents. This understanding is simple, not complex, and general, rather than specific. Thus, a perfect example of Neoliteralism can be seen in the following comments and remarks:

I. The Holy Bible is the most published, read, studied, documented, analyzed, interpreted and discussed book ever known in the history of the world.
II. The Holy Bible is currently available in more alphabets, languages, and versions which are spoken and written by more ethnicities and cultures than any other book on earth today.
III. The Holy Bible is the the single most influential book underlying the development of nearly all the written languages still used on earth today.
IV. The Holy Bible is the official text of Christianity, the largest religion with the most followers in the entire world.
V. The Holy Bible is the cornerstone of monotheism, represented by the three great religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
VI. The Holy Bible is the chronological story of a single family's relationship with a specific supernatural entity that began in 3760 B.C. with Adam and ended with Joshua ben Joseph (Jesus) in 33 A.D.
VII. The Holy Bible is the most powerful piece of literature in the modern world that has inspired, motivated, and influenced more individuals to think and act in more ways than any other written document in the history of the world.

Even if the simple generalizations just mentioned may appear controversial to some readers, each one of them is not only true, but a scientific fact that cannot be denied or dis-proven. In other words, Neoliteralism is willing to make ample use of the Statistical Sciences in order to further its primary agenda, simplicity. Is simplicity an objective goal? Is simplicity biased or politically motivated? The answers to both of those questions depend on the assumptions of what simplicity will do to the fields of Theology and Religious Studies. Put bluntly, there is an infinite number of ways of interpreting Neoliteralism's emphasis on simplicity. The non-believer might suspect that it is simply a code word for fundamentalist Christianity intent on quashing complex, sophisticated dissent of traditional Biblical belief systems. On the other hand, the believer may mistake simplicity as either an attempt to water down or dilute Christian truth or an absurd strategy to tear down the Church which has been built upon a continuing accumulation of scholarship compiled and studied throughout the centuries.

In other words, religious scholars may well be skeptical of this new contraption, this intellectual tool known as Neoliteralism. All things considered, they have every right to be. Indeed, for most readers this is the first mention of the word Neoliteralism. This original piece of jargon could end up being nothing more than another case of self-promotion. Theologians and Religious Scholars, just like nearly everybody in today's world, crave attention. They crave readers, listeners, endowments, large offices, and higher salaries. For some, the spread of Christian intellectual truth is also a strong underlying motivation.

With that in mind, Neoliteralism must be honest with itself and with others about what the term really means. This includes the inventor of the word and author of this essay. In other words, who is the man behind the curtain pulling the strings of Neoliteralism? Well, for starters, Neoliteralism is obviously a self-interested attempt to be different. Are not all 'methods' and 'outlooks' found in Theology the same way? Of course they are. Theologians, like all intellectuals, entered the field out of a desire to have their religious ideas read and listened to by others. Assuming the factor of self-interest remains, here are the basic, and specific, agendas underlying Neoliteralism.

I. Neoliteralism is Catholic: Catholic Christianity is emphasized because it is older and has more adherents than Protestantism. The reason is simple, St. Peter was specifically chosen to be the leader by Joshua (Jesus) (NOTE: the author of this essay is a practicing Roman/Ukrainian Catholic scholar.)
II. Neoliteralism is Judaic: Athens, Greco-Roman Philosophy, and Hellenism are ignored in favor of Jerusalem, Mysticism, and Judaism. The reason is simple, Joshua (Jesus) was and is a Jew.
III. Neoliteralism is Iconoclastic: Extreme anti-Christian sentiments and assumptions found in the visual arts proves their inherently Pagan and demonic tendencies. The reason is simple, God prohibited the graven image as one of the Ten Commandments
IV. Neoliteralism is Scientific: Darwin's Theory of Evolution is losing ground due to scientific dissent among experts. Natural law is concurrent with biological behavior of other mammalian species.
V. Neoliteralism is Evangelical: The continued popularity of the Bible, of Christianity, and their combined historical influence clearly indicates supernatural forces that cannot be explained scientifically. The probability of Christianity's success and the Bible's best-selling status are statistically impossible. Judeo-Christian theology is a statistically significant reality.
VI. Neoliteralism is Judeo-Christian: Numerous sayings and parables found in the Gospels have exact parallels in the Talmud, the Apocrypha, and in modern Orthodox Judaism.

VII. Neoliteralism is a Catholic, Judaizer, Iconoclast, Scientist, Evangelist, and Judeo-Christian.

Honesty should not condemn a new idea, theory, or paradigm. In short, these particular aspects of Neoliteralism cannot, and should not, disqualify it from being taken seriously. No type of Theology can ever be objective due to the pre-existing preferences of their creator or inventor. Most importantly, the above statements of subjectivity represent a key component in Neoliteralism. How so? By admitting the simple, unspoken truth of Theology and Biblical Studies. Rather than remain in denial, Neoliteralism simply accepts the reality of dualism embedded in the historical differences of Judeo-Christian thought.

Sometimes, like a coin with only two sides, objective study of these differences is impossible to achieve. Buddists, Hindus, Muslims, even nonbelievers and Pagan, are either Catholic or Protestant because, regardless of their personal faith, they will always prefer one over another. This understanding is also true concerning the traditional Christian stereotypes which have, at times, erupted into violent opposition. Historically speaking, the Glorious Revolution of England and the Iconoclasm Rebellion of the Byzantine Empire are perfect examples of ideas armed with swords. Everyone, including every theologian is, in the end, either a Judaizer or a Hellenizer, an Iconophil or an Iconoclast, an Artist or a Scientist, who is Private or Evangelical about being Christian or Judeo-Christian. To summarize, Neoliteralism is brutally honest about its intentions of being barbarically simple about Theology and Biblical Studies. Complexity and sophistication are both acceptable, but there must be balance instead of a one-sided journey into obscurity and obsolescence.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

Jason Nicholas Korning

The Romanovs, a Family of Saints

2010-11-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

The Romanovs, a Family of Saints

This post is in honor and memory of the Romanov family who were murdered by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918. They have been canonized as Saints by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and as Passion-bearers by the Russian Orthodox Church. This new family of Saints includes St. Nicholas II, his wife St. Alexandra, along with their four daughters St. Olga, St. Tatiana, St. Maria, St. Anastasia, and their only son St. Alexei. Their new feast day is on July 17.

Sometimes common sense gets lost in the attempts by professional, accomplished historians to write and publish the premier text on certain key 20th century events, such as the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. Indeed, even Karl Marx himself, who was baptized and raised a Protestant Lutheran, predicted that a Communist Revolution in the Russian Empire would never be successful and that the most likely candidate was, in fact, Germany, his own native country. Regardless of the numerous, carefully detailed explanations offered by the academics, the ingredients of this real-life story still read like a fictional tragedy straight out of Kafka or Tolstoy. Consider the cast of characters:

MARX: a failed, bitter, angry Communist intellectual and journalist from a recently converted dynastic family of Rabbis, who courted and married a beautiful, blonde German girl of noble blood, but then managed to publish almost nothing, except a small book called 'The Communist Manifesto' written mostly by his friend and life-time patron Frederick Engels.
RASPUTIN: a dirty, lecherous Russian peasant with strange, occult powers that appeared to miraculously heal the Czarevich Alexei of his terminal illness, historically known as the Mad Monk.
LENIN: a stern, politically fanatical, Russian intellectual from a upper-class background with a completely shaven head and a well-trimmed goatee who was sent back to Russia from a defeated Germany on a mysterious black train to instigate a Revolution against the Czar.
TROTSKY: a naive, ambitious, internationalist, anti-religious son of a hard-working Jewish farmer from the Ukrainian Shetl, originally named Lev Bronstein.
STALIN: a Georgian Socialist Revolutionary expelled from Orthodox Seminary for spreading Marxism, historically known as Uncle Joe, or the Gorgeous Georgian.
I have a secret conviction that I am destined for a terrible trial, that I shall not receive my reward on this earth. - Saint Nicholas II

These days the general understanding of the Romanovs, especially that of Nicholas II, is that he was both a brutal Jew-hating dictator and an inept ruler who was destined to lose control of the Russian Empire. In reality, he was deeply Christian man far more concerned with his wife, his chidren and his religious faith, than with the diabolical schemes of Protestant German intellectuals. All things considered, the Romanovs were just as much the pawns of history as any other common family. Needless to say, the greatest tragedy about the Bolshevik Revolution that seems to get lost in the historical milieu is the fate of the Russian people, who went from being ruled by a classical autocracy to a fanatical, anti-Christian (and anti-Jewish) dictatorship who violently persecuted and oppressed their own people most of all. The now undisputable historical facts speak for themselves:

Soviet Persecution and Imprisonment Facts
- In 1917, there were only 28,600 total prisoners within the Russian Empire, which was the largest prison population ever known in the history of Orthodox Christian, Imperial Russia.
- After the Communists murdered the Romanovs and took over the government, the prison population slowly exploded into the hundreds of thousands. By 1927, a mere 10 years after the Bolshevik Revolution, there were over 300,000 Soviet prisoners, ten times more than Czarist Russia ever had.
- Then, between the years 1929 and 1934 the prisoner population increased by twenty-three times, placing the total prison population in the millions.
- In comparison to Czarist Russia, 14 million Soviet prisoners passed through the Gulag from 1929 to 1953, while an additional 6 to 7 million were forcibly exiled to remote regions of the USSR.
- A 1993 study reveals that a total of 1,053,829 prisoners died in the Gulag between 1934 to 1953.
- In reality, Czarist Russia imprisoned very few of their imperial subjects, while the Communists arrested, convicted, and sentenced millions of innocent people to a life of brutal enslavement and inevitable death.

Soviet Anti-Jewish Facts
- In the summer of 1919, nearly all Jewish properties, including synagogues, were seized by the Soviet authorities. Numerous Rabbis and other religious leaders were threatened with violent persecution.
- In the mid-1930s, Stalin had any remaining Jewish leaders arrested and executed, while the Yiddish schools were forcibly shut down.
- By the late 1940s, the Communist party had abolished any and all Jewish organizations, while only a few synagogues were left open and kept under strict surveillance by the KGB.

Soviet Anti-Christian Facts
- Within five years after Lenin and the Bolsheviks had seized power, 28 Russian Orthodox bishops and 1,200 priests had been executed by the Soviet authorities.
- Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the vast majority of the Russian Orthodox Clergy, along with many of its most devout believers had been shot dead or sent to the Gulag.
- Between the years 1927 and 1949, the number of Russian Orthodox Churches dropped from 29,584 to less than 500.
- From 1917 to 1935, 130,000 Orthodox priests were arrested. 95,000 of these priests were eventually put to death by the Soviet authorities.

By tradition, individuals believers that have been officially canonized by the Church are considered by the living Christian authorities to be in the Kingdom of Heaven. Those observers who believe that the Romanov family were arrogant, elitist tyrants who looked down on the Russian people do not know their history and should take the time to look up the many historically accurate summaries of the Romanovs who are now some of the newest Orthodox Christian Saints in Heaven.
Perhaps an atoning sacrifice is necessary for the salvation of Russia. I shall be that sacrifice. May the will of God be done! - Saint Nicholas II

Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra did anything but spoil their children, and were adamant that all of them become as well-educated and intelligent as possible. Except for the expensive outfits worn only on public occasions, they had very few personal possessions that they could call their own. Priceless gifts and diplomatic offerings were taken away and kept as additions to the Imperial collection, which was originally meant as an everlasting heritage for all of Russia. From the beginning, Nicholas II and his wife insisted their children see themselves as having been born with special burdens which included numerous God-given responsibilities and duties they had to live up to and not as superior individuals born to rule over the unruly masses. The loving relationships they formed with the common peasants who were an integral part of the Imperial staff proves this to be the case.

For many reasons, the canonization of the Romanovs means that, even if the Russian Orthodox Church doesn't canonize every victim of Soviet persecution, those who aren't so well-known will still have an entire family of Heavenly advocates who already know first-hand what it was like to be murdered by a tyrannical regime based upon principles violently hostile to the Judeo-Christian tradition. Likewise, if the Romanov children are anything like they were before their execution, they would probably tell you that their personal Sainthood matters far less than the well-being of every single nameless, faceless victim of the International Communist Empire who never cared for them at all.
A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic. - Stalin A lie told often enough becomes the truth. - Lenin

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus. God Save the Queen!

Even More Romanov Ikons

The Number Seven of Maccabee Christianity

2010-10-22T20:55:00.001-07:00

The Seven Mysteries of Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ)

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The Number Seven & God the Father

The Seven Days of Creation
I. God creates Light and separates the Light from the Darkness (Genesis 1:1-5)
II. God separates the Waters Above from the Waters Below and creates Heaven (Genesis 1:6-8)
III. God creates the Land, the Seas, and all the Plants (Genesis 1:9-13
IV. God creates the Sun (Day), the Moon (Night), and the Stars. (Genesis 1:14-19)
V. God creates all the Fish and the Birds (Genesis 1:20-23)
VI. God creates all the Animals, Insects, and then Mankind. (Genesis 1:24:31)
VII. God Rests (Genesis 2:1-4)

The Seven Noahide Laws
I. You will not commit idolatry.
II. You will not murder.
III. You will not steal.
IV. You will not commit sexual perversion.
V. You will not commit blasphemy.
VI. You will not eat the flesh of a living animal.
VII. You will establish courts to enforce these laws.

The Seven Colors of the Rainbow
I. Red
II. Orange
III. Yellow
IV. Green
V, Blue
VI. Indigo
VII. Purple

The Seven Archangels of God
I. Uriel
II. Raphael
III. Raguel
IV. Michael
V. Saraqael
VI. Gabriel
VII. Remiel (Book of Enoch 20:1-8)

The Seven Duties of the Archangels
I. Uriel: Rules over the world and over Tartarus.
II. Raphael: Rules over the souls of men.
III. Raguel: Takes vengeance on the world of the luminaries.
IV. Michael: Rules over the best part of mankind and over chaos.
V. Saraqael: Rules over the ghost, who sin in the spirit.
VI. Gabriel: Rules over Paradise and the serpents and the Cherubim.
VII. Remiel: Rules over those who rise from the Dead. (Book of Enoch 20:1-8)

The Seven Evils God Hates
I. The haughty eyes
II. The lying tongue
III. The hands that shed innocent blood
IV. The heart that devises wicked plans
V. The feet that run rapidly to evil
VI. The false witness who utters lies
VII. The one who spreads strife among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The Seven Holy Maccabee Martyrs
I. St. Abim
II. St. Antonius
III. St. Guriah
IV. St. Eleazar
V. St. Eusebon
VI. St. Alimus
VII. St. Marcellus

Their Mother: St. Solomonia
Their Teacher: St. Eleazar

The Seven Catholic Books of the Bible
I. Sirach
II. Tobit
III. Wisdom
IV. Judith
V. First Maccabees
VI. Second Maccabees
VII. Baruch

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Seven & God's Only Son, Joshua (Jesus)

The Seven Sacraments of Maccabee Christianity
I. Baptism
II. Communion
III. Confession
IV. Confirmation
V. Matrimony
VI. Ordination
VII. Anointing

The Seven Sacraments of Maccabee Christianity

The Seven Essential Beliefs of the Apostles' Creed
I. God, the Father
II. Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), His only Son
III. The Holy Ghost
IV. The Holy Catholic Church
V. The Communion of Saints
VI. The forgiveness of sins,
VII. The resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

The Seven Catholic Letters of the Bible
I. James
II. Jude
III. First Peter
IV. Second Peter
V. First John
VI. Second John
VII. Third John

The Seven Joys of St. Mary
I. The Annunciation of Joshua
II. The Nativity of Joshua
III. The Gifts of the Three Wise Men
IV. The Resurrection of Joshua
V. The Ascension of Joshua
VI. The Pentecost, or Descent, of the Holy Ghost
VII. The Heavenly Coronation of Mary

The Seven Sorrows of St. Mary
I. The Prophecy about Joshua
II. The Exile of Joshua
III. The Disappearance of Joshua
IV. The Cross-bearing of Joshua
V. The Crucifixion of Joshua
VI. The Dead Body of Joshua
VII. The Burial of Joshua

The Seven Joys of St. Joseph
I. The Message of the Angel (Matthew 1:20)
II. Jesus' Birth itself (Luke 2:7)
III. The Holy Name of Jesus (Matthew 1:25)
IV. Simeon's prophecy that many would rise (Luke 2:34)
V. The Overthrow of Idols (Isaiah 19:1)
VI. Life with Mary and Jesus (Luke 2:39)
VII. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:46)

The Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph
I. The Doubt of Saint Joseph (Matthew 1:19)
II. The Poverty of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7)
III. The Circumcision (Luke 2:21)
IV. Simeon's Prophecy that many would be lost (Luke 2:34)
V. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14)
VI. The Return from Egypt (Matthew 2:22)
VII. The Loss of the Child Jesus (Luke 2:45)

The Seven Material Deeds of Mercy
I. Feed the Hungry
II. Quench the Thirsty.
III. Clothe the Naked.
IV. Shelter the Homeless
V. Visit the Imprisoned
VI. Comfort the Sick
VII. Bury the Dead

The Seven Spiritual Deeds of Mercy
I. Instruct Ignorance
II. Counsel Doubt
III. Rebuke Sinners
IV. Endure Others Patiently
V. Forgive Others Willingly
VI. Comfort Affliction
VII. Pray for the the Living and the Dead

The Seven Churches of Revelation
I. Ephesus
II. Smyrna
III. Pergamum
IV. Thyatira
V. Sardis
VI. Philadelphia
VII. Laodicea

The Seven Last Words of Christ
I. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
II. Amen I say to you: 'This day you shall be with me in Paradise.' (Luke 23:43)
III. Woman, behold your son. . . .Behold your mother. (John 19:26-27)
IV. Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? (My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?) (Matthew 27:46)
V. I thirst. (John 19:28)
VI. It is consummated. (John 19:30)
VII. Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46, or Psalm 30:6)

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The Number Seven and the Holy Ghost

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
I Wisdom
II. Understanding
III. Counsel
IV. Courage
V. Knowledge
VI. Devotion
VII. Fear of the LORD

The Seven Manifestations of the Holy Ghost
I. Love
II. Joy
III. Peace
IV. Long-Suffering
V. Gentleness
VI. Goodness
VII. Faith

The Seven Expressions (or Lamps) of the Holy Ghost
I. Grace
II. Life
III. Adoption
IV. Holiness
V. Supplications
VI. Truth
VII. Glory

The Seven Mysteries of the Holy Ghost
I. The Annunciation (Luke 1:35)
II. The Visitation (Luke 1:42)
III. The Baptism (Luke 3:22)
IV. The Wedding (John 2:1-11)
V.. The Crucifixion (John 19:30)
VI. The Resurrection (John 20:19, 22)
VII. The Pentecost (Acts 2:1)

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The Number Seven, Good and Evil

The Seven Ancient Virtues of God
I. Prudence
II. Justice
III. Temperance
IV. Fortitude
V. Faith
VI. Hope
VII. Love

The Seven Holy Virtues
I. Valour: Pursuit of Courage and Knowledge
II. Generosity: Pursuit of Giving
III. Liberality: Pursuit of Will
IV. Diligence: Pursuit of Ethics
V. Patience: Pursuit of Peace
VI. Kindness: Pursuit of Charity
VII. Humility: Pursuit of Modesty

The Seven Heavenly (Contrary) Virtues
I. Chastity
II. Temperance
III. Charity
IV. Diligence
V. Patience
VI. Kindness
VII. Humility

The Seven Deadly Sins
I. Lust
II. Gluttony
III. Greed
IV. Sloth
V. Wrath
VI. Envy
VII. Pride

The Seven Demons of the Seven Deadly Sins
I. Lucifer = Pride
II. Mammon = Greed
III. Asmodeus = Lust
IV. Leviathan = Envy
V. Beelzebub = Gluttony
VI. Satan/Amon = Wrath
VII. Belphegor = Sloth (Peter Binsfeld, 1589)

The New, Seven Deadly 'Social' Sins
I. Human Experimentation
II. Genetic Manipulation
III. Environmental Pollution
IV. Social Injustice
V. Poverty Causation
VI. Excessive Wealth
VII. Drug Abuse

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The Gospels of Seven

Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) Appears to Seven Disciples
Jesus manifested Himself again to (seven of) the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. (John 21:1-2)

The Seven Woes of Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) from Matthew 23
I. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. (Matthew 23:13-14)
II. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. (Matthew 23:15)
III. Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. (Matthew 23:16-22)
IV. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. (Matthew 23:23-24)
V. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. (Matthew 23:25-26)
VI. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:27-28)
VII. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! (Matthew 23:29-31)

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The Other Sevens

The Seventh Hour Miracle
As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, 'Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.' So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, 'Your son lives' and he himself believed and his whole household. (John 4:51-53)

The Village Seven Miles from Jerusalem
Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened. And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. (Luke 24:12-14)

The Old Prophetess Married for Seven Years
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)

Seven, the Number of Forgiveness

Seven Times of Forgiveness
"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' (Luke 17:3-5)

Seven-Seven Times of Forgiveness
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' (Matthew 18:21-22)

Mary, the Woman with Seven Demons

The Woman Cured of Seven Demons Supports Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ)
Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. (Luke 8:1-3)

The Woman Cured of Seven Demons Encounters the Resurrected Joshua (Jesus)
They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. (Mark 16:8-10)

The Miracle of Seven Loaves

Seven Loaves of Bread Feeds Four Thousand with Seven Baskets Left Over
His disciples answered Him, 'Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?' And He was asking them, 'How many loaves do you have?' And they said, 'Seven.' And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well. And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces.About four thousand were there; and He sent them away. (Mark 8:4-9)

Joshua (Jesus) Questions the Apostles about the Seven Loaves
'When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?' And they said to Him, 'Seven.' And He was saying to them, 'Do you not yet understand?' (Mark 8:20-21)

Seven Loaves of Bread Feeds Four Thousand Followers (Matthew)
Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, 'I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.' The disciples said to Him, 'Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?' And Jesus said to them, 'How many loaves do you have?' And they said, 'Seven, and a few small fish.' And He directed the people to sit down on the ground and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 15:32-38)

Joshua (Jesus) Questions the Apostles about the Seven Loaves
'Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up?' (Matthew 16:10)

The Seven Demons of Lust

The Seven Demons of Nocturnal Emissions (Matthew)
Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came,' and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation. (Matthew 12:43-45)

The Seven Demons of Nocturnal Emissions (Luke)
When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.' (Luke 11:24-26)

The Question of Seven Husbands

The Wife of Seven Husbands (Mark)
Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying, 'Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN'S BROTHER DIES and leaves behind a wife AND LEAVES NO CHILD, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER. There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children. The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her.' Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like Angels in Heaven. But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, and the God of Jacob?' He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken." (Mark 12:18-27)

The Wife of Seven Husbands (Luke)
Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, 'Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN'S BROTHER DIES, having a wife, AND HE IS CHILDLESS, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER. Now there were seven brothers, and the first took a wife and died childless, and the second and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her.' Jesus said to them, 'The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.' Some of the scribes answered and said, "'Teacher, You have spoken well.' (Luke 20:27-39)

The Wife of Seven Husbands (Matthew)
On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, asking, "Teacher, Moses said, 'IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER. Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. Last of all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.' But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (Matthew 22:23-33)

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The Number Seven and the Apocrypha

The LORD God Choose the Number Seven
The LORD...created all His creatures, and divided time, from time he fixed the years, and from the years..the months, and from the months he appointed the days, and of days he appointed seven. (II Enoch 65:3)

The Seven Original and Final Elements of Man
I. Man's flesh from the Earth
II. His Blood from the Dew
III. His Eyes from the Sun
IV. His Bones from Stone
V. His Intelligence from the swiftness of the angels and from Clouds
VI. His Veins and his Hair from the Grass of the earth
VII. His Soul from the Wind. (II Enoch 30:10)

The Seven Original Elements of Man's Creation
1. Earth
2. Morning Dew
3. Sun
4. Stone
5. Clouds
6. Grass
7. Wind (II Enoch 30:10)

The Seven Organs and Sensations of Man
I. The flesh for hearing
II. the eyes for sight
III. The soul for smelling,
IV. the veins for touching
V. the blood for taste
VI. the bones for endurance
VII. The intelligence for enjoying (II Enoch 30:11)

The Seven Natures of Man
I. Listening
II. Seeing
III. Smelling
IV. Touching
V. Tasting
VI. Enduring
VII. Enjoying (II Enoch 30:11)

The Seven Elements and Natures of Mankind
On the sixth day I commanded my wisdom to create man from seven consistencies: one, his flesh from the earth; two, his blood from the dew; three, his eyes from the sun; four, his bones from stone; five, his intelligence from the swiftness of the angels and from cloud; six, his veins and his hair from the grass of the earth; seven, his soul from my breath and from the wind. And I gave him seven natures: to the flesh hearing, the eyes for sight, to the soul smell, the veins for touch, the blood for taste, the bones for endurance, to the intelligence sweetness [enjoyment]. (II Enoch 30:10-11)

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May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

Jason Nicholas Korning

The Seven Hills of the Beast (Pagan Rome)

The Seven Churches (and Angels) of Revelation

The Basics of Maccabee Christianity

2010-10-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Many Crosses of the Christian Faith

The Basic Facts of Maccabee Christianity

Religion: Roman Catholic, Orthodox Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Coptic and Ethiopian Christianity
Founder: Rabbi Joshua ben Joseph, the Nazarene (Jesus Christ)
Lifespan: 0 B.C. to 33 A.D.
Successor: Simon Peter
Leaders: 12 Apostles, 72 Disciples
Location: Rome, Constantinople, Jerusalem
Sabbath: Sunday, Saturday
Language: Latin, Greek, and Aramaic
Holy Book: Bible, Old and New Testament
Sacred Text: Book of the Maccabees I and II
Holiday: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter
Timeline: 33 A.D. to 2,000 A.D.
Divinity: One God in Three: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
Afterlife: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell

The Five Aspects of Maccabee Christianity

1. Theology and Doctrines: The Holy Trinity of God, the Ancient Creed of Faith (Nicene Cree), the Seven Holy Maccabee Martyrs. the Twelve Apostles of Joshua the Messiah & Twelve Tribes of Israel, the Seven Archangels of God, the Seven Catholic Books of the Old Testament, the Seven Catholic Letters of the New Testament
2. Laws and Commandments: The Ten Commandments, the Three Greatest Commandment(s)
3. Rituals and Practices: The Sign of the Cross, the Seven Sacraments, the Seven Material and Seven Spiritual Deeds of Mercy, the Three Eminent Good Works
4. Ethics and Morality: The Seven Ancient Virtues of God, the Seven Holy & Seven Heavenly (Contrary) Virtues, the Seven Deadly Sins and the New, Seven Deadly 'Social' Sins
5. Prayers and Mysteries: The LORD's Prayer, the Hail Mary Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, the Seven Gifts and Seven Manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the Seven Joys and Seven Sorrows of Mary

1. Theology & Doctrines of Maccabee Christianity

The Holy Trinity of God
I. The Father: God, the LORD God of Israel (YHVH)
II. The Son: Rabbi Joshua the Nazarene (Jesus Christ)
III. The Holy Ghost

The Ancient Creed of Faith (Nicene Creed)

I. We believe in
One God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all that is, seen and unseen.

II. We believe in
One LORD, Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), the only Son of God, eternally born of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, born not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, He came down from Heaven. By the power of the Holy Ghost, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake He was crucified by order of Pontius Pilate. He suffered, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end.

III. We believe in
The Holy Ghost, the LORD, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Amen.

The Seven Holy Maccabee Martyrs
I. St. Abim
II. St. Antonius
III. St. Guriah
IV. St. Eleazar
V. St. Eusebon
VI. St. Alimus
VII. St. Marcellus

Their Mother: St. Solomonia
Their Teacher: St. Eleazar

The Twelve Apostles of Joshua the Messiah
I. Peter
II. Andrew
III. James the Greater
IV. James the Lesser
V. John
VI. Philip
VII. Bartholomew
VIII. Matthew
IX. Thomas
X. Jude Thaddeus
XI. Simon
XII. Matthias (after Judas)

The Twelve Tribes of Israel
I. Reuben
II. Simeon
III. Levi
IV. Judah
V. Zabulon
VI. Issachar
VII. Dan
VIII. Gad
IX. Asher
X. Naphtali
XI. Joseph (Menasseh and Ephraim)
XII. Benjamin

The Seven Archangels of God
I. Michael
II. Gabriel
III. Raphael
IV. Uriel
V. Raguel
VI. Remiel.
VII. Saraqael

The Seven Catholic Books of the Old Testament
I. Sirach
II. Tobit
III. Wisdom
IV. Judith
V. First Maccabees
VI. Second Maccabees
VII. Baruch

The Seven Catholic Letters of the New Testament
I. James
II. Jude
III. First Peter
IV. Second Peter
V. First John
VI. Second John
VII. Third John

2. Laws and Commandments of Maccabee Christianity

The Ten Commandments
I. I am the LORD your God. You will have no other gods but Me.
II. You will not use the name of the LORD in vain.
III. You will honor the Sabbath day.
IV. You will honor your father and mother.
V. You will not kill.
VI. You will not commit adultery
VII. You will not steal.
VIII. You will not lie.
IX. You will not envy your neighbor’s wife.
X. You will not envy your neighbor’s property.

The Three Greatest Commandment(s)
I. LOVE OF GOD: Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)
II. LOVE OF NEIGHBOR: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)
III. GOLDEN RULE: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Matthew 7:12)

3. Rituals and Practices of Maccabee Christianity

The Sign of the Cross
I. In the Name of the Father: 'In the name of the Father,' (Place Right Hand on Forehead)
II. In the Name of the Son: 'the Son,' (Place Right Hand on Waist)
III. In the Name of the Holy Ghost: 'and the Holy Ghost.' (Place Right Hand on the Left then Right Shoulder)

The Seven Sacraments
I. Baptism
II. Communion
III. Confession
IV. Confirmation
V. Matrimony
VI. Ordination
VII. Anointing

The Seven Material Deeds of Mercy
I. Feed the Hungry
II. Quench the Thirsty.
III. Clothe the Naked.
IV. Shelter the Homeless
V. Visit the Imprisoned
VI. Comfort the Sick
VII. Bury the Dead

The Seven Spiritual Deeds of Mercy
I. Instruct Ignorance
II. Counsel Doubt
III. Rebuke Sinners
IV. Endure Others Patiently
V. Forgive Others Willingly
VI. Comfort Affliction
VII. Pray for the the Living and the Dead

The Three Eminent Good Works
I. Prayer
II. Fasting
III. Charity

4. Ethics & Morality of Maccabee Christianity

The Seven Ancient Virtues of God
I. Prudence
II. Justice
III. Temperance
IV. Fortitude
V. Faith
VI. Hope
VII. Love

The Seven Holy Virtues
I. Valour
II. Generosity
III. Liberality
IV. Diligence
V. Patience
VI. Kindness
VII. Humility

The Seven Heavenly (Contrary) Virtues
I. Chastity
II. Temperance
III. Charity
IV. Diligence
V. Patience
VI. Kindness
VII. Humility

The Seven Deadly Sins
I. Lust
II. Gluttony
III. Greed
IV. Sloth
V. Wrath
VI. Envy
VII. Pride

The New, Seven Deadly 'Social' Sins
I. Human Experimentation
II. Genetic Manipulation
III. Environmental Pollution
IV. Social Injustice
V. Poverty Causation
VI. Excessive Wealth
VII. Drug Abuse

5. Prayers & Mysteries of Maccabee Christianity

The LORD’s Prayer
Our Father,
Who is in Heaven,
Holy is your name.
May your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Let us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
Amen.

The Hail Mary Prayer
Hail Mary,
Full of grace,
The LORD is with you.
Blessed are you among women
And blessed is the son
Of your womb Joshua

Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
Prayer for us sinners
Now and at the
Hour of our death.
Amen.

The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth.

I believe in Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), His only Son, our LORD. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
I. Wisdom
II. Understanding
III. Counsel
IV. Courage
V. Knowledge
VI. Reverence
VII. Fear of the LORD

The Seven Manifestations of the Holy Ghost
I. Love
II. Joy
III. Peace
IV. Long-Suffering
V. Gentleness
VI. Goodness
VII. Faith

The Seven Joys of Mary
I. The Annunciation of Joshua
II. The Nativity of Joshua
III. The Gifts of the Three Wise Men
IV. The Resurrection of Joshua
V. The Ascension of Joshua
VI. The Pentecost, or Descent, of the Holy Ghost
VII. The Heavenly Coronation of Mary

The Seven Sorrows of Mary
I. The Prophecy about Joshua
II. The Exile of Joshua
III. The Disappearance of Joshua
IV. The Cross-bearing of Joshua
V. The Crucifixion of Joshua
VI. The Dead Body of Joshua
VII. The Burial of Joshua

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

A Definition of the Maccabees - המכבים

2010-09-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比
مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים マカバイ- مكابيين

Definitions of the Maccabees

Maccabees \Mac'ca*bees\
(n. pl.) The name given later times to the Asmonaeans, a family of Jewish patriots, who headed a religious revolt in the reign of Antiochus IV., 168-161 B. C., which led to a period of freedom for Israel.
(n. pl.) The name of two ancient historical books, which give accounts of Jewish affairs in or about the time of the Maccabean princes, and which are received as canonical books in the Roman Catholic Church, but are included in the Apocrypha by Protestants. Also applied to three books, two of which are found in some MSS. [manuscripts] of the Septuagint.

- Webster's Dictionary 1913

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים -

Maccabees
Mac·ca·bees (mak′ə bēz′) noun
1. family of Jewish patriots who, under Judas Maccabaeus, headed a successful revolt against the Syrians (175-164 ) & ruled Palestine until 37
2. Bible two books of the Old Testament Apocrypha that tell of this revolt: abbrev. M, Macc, or Mc

Origin: LL(Ec) Machabaei, pl. of Machabaeus, surname of Judas <>- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים

Maccabees
Mac·ca·bees 1 (măk-ə-bēz)
A family of Jewish patriots of the second and first centuries B.C., active in the liberation of Judea from Syrian rule.
Mac·ca·bees 2 (măkə-bēz)
plural noun Abbr. M or Mc or Mac. or Macc.

Related Forms: Maccabean, Macca·be, an adjective

- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 -המכבים

Maccabees
late 14c., from L.L. Maccabæus, surname given to Judas, third son of Mattathias the Hasmonean, leader of the religious revolt against Antiochus IV, 175-166 B.C.E., usually connected with Heb. maqqabh "hammer," but Klein thinks it an inexact transliteration of Heb. matzbi "general, commander of an army."

- Online Etymology Dictionary

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 המכבים -

Maccabees
Mac·ca·bees: noun pl \ma-kə-bēz\
Definition of MACCABEES
1: a priestly family leading a Jewish revolt begun in 168 b.c. against Hellenism and Syrian rule and reigning over Palestine from 142 b.c. to 63 b.c.
2: singular in construction : either of two narrative and historical books included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha - see bible table
- Mac·ca·be·an\ma-kə-bē-ən\ adjective

Origin of MACCABEES
Greek Makkabaioi, from plural of Makkabaios, surname of Judas Maccabaeus 2d century b.c. Jewish patriot
First Known Use: 1587

- Miriam-Webster On-line Dictionary

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים -

Maccabees
Mac·ca·bees, pronunciation: mae kə biz
part of speech: plural noun
definition: the members of a ruling Jewish family who defeated the Syrians in 167 B.C. and rededicated the temple in Jerusalem, these events being commemorated in the festival of Hanukkah.

- Wordsmyth Dictionary

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 המכבים -

Maccabees
MAC'CABEES, n. The name of two apocryphal books in the Bible.

- Webster's Dictionary, 1828 Edition

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 המכבים -

Maccabees
1. A family of Jewish patriots of the second and first centuries B.C., active in the liberation of Judea from Syrian rule.
-noun-plural

- American Heritage Dictionary

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 המכבים -

Maccabees
-proper-noun
1. A book of the Old Testament Apocrypha.
2. A Jewish liberation movement who fought for, and established independence in the Land of Israel during the second and first centuries BC.

- Wiktionary

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים -

Maccabees
Mac·ca·bees [ mákə beez ] plural noun
Definition:
1. followers of Judas Maccabeus: the followers of Judas Maccabeus, who led the revolt of the Jews against Syria in 168 bc
2. books of Jewish history: four books of Jewish history, the first two of which are included in the Roman Catholic Bible and Protestant Apocrypha

[14th century. Via Latin Maccabaeus<>- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 המכבים -

Maccabees
(fl. 2nd century BC) Priestly family of Jews who organized a successful rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes in Palestine and reconsecrated the defiled Temple of Jerusalem. The rebellion began under the leadership of the Jewish priest Mattathias after Antiochus sought to stamp out Judaism by forbidding all Jewish practices and desecrating the temple (167 BC). When Mattathias died (c. 166 BC), his son Judas Maccabaeus recaptured Jerusalem and reconsecrated the temple, an event celebrated in the holiday Hanukkah. After Judas's death, the war continued intermittently under his brothers Jonathan and Simon. The Maccabees formed the Hasmonean dynasty.

- Britannica Concise Encyclopedia

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים -

Maccabees
This word does not occur in Scripture. It was the name given to the leaders of the national party among the Jews who suffered in the persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes, who succeeded to the Syrian throne B.C. 175. It is supposed to have been derived from the Hebrew word (makkabah) meaning "hammer," as suggestive of the heroism and power of this Jewish family, who are, however, more properly called Asmoneans or Hasmonaeans, the origin of which is much disputed.

After the expulsion of Antiochus Epiphanes from Egypt by the Romans, he gave vent to his indignation on the Jews, great numbers of whom he mercilessly put to death in Jerusalem. He oppressed them in every way, and tried to abolish altogether the Jewish worship. Mattathias, an aged priest, then residing at Modin, a city to the west of Jerusalem, became now the courageous leader of the national party; and having fled to the mountains, rallied round him a large band of men prepared to fight and die for their country and for their religion, which was now violently suppressed. In 1 Macc. 2:60 is recorded his dying counsels to his sons with reference to the war they were now to carry on. His son Judas, "the Maccabee," succeeded him (B.C. 166) as the leader in directing the war of independence, which was carried on with great heroism on the part of the Jews, and was terminated in the defeat of the Syrians.

- Easton's Bible Dictionary 1897

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 המכבים -

Maccabees
(a hammer ), This title, which was originally the surname of Judas, one of the sons of Mattathias, was afterward extended to the heroic family of which he was one of the noblest representatives. Asmonaeans or Hasmonaeans is the Proper name of the family, which is derived from Cashmon, great grandfather of Mattathias. The Maccabees were a family of Jews who resisted the authority of Antiochus Epiphanes king of Syria and his successors who had usurped authority over the Jews, conquered Jerusalem, and strove to introduce idolatrous worship. The standard of independence was first raised by Mattathias, a priest of the course of Joiarih. He seems, however, to have been already advanced in years when the rising was made, and he did not long survive the fatigues of active service. He died B.C. 166, having named Judas --apparently his third son--as his successor in directing the war of independence. After gaining several victories over the other generals of Antiochus, Judas was able to occupy Jerusalem except the "tower," and purified the temple exactly three years after its profanation. Nicanor was defeated, first at Capharsalama, and again in a decisive battle at Adasa B.C. 161, where he was slain. This victory was the greatest of Judas successes, and practically decided the question of Jewish independence; but shortly after Judas fell at Eleasa, fighting at desperate odds against the invaders. After the death of Judas, Jonathan his brother succeeded to the command, and later assumed the high-priestly office. He died B.C. 144, and was succeeded by Simon the last remaining brother of the Maccabaean family, who died B.C. 135. The efforts of both brothers were crowned with success. On the death of Simon, Johannes Hyrcanus, one of his sons, at once assumed the government, B.C. 135, and met with a peaceful death B.C. 105. His eldest son, Aristobulus I., who succeeded him B.C. 105-101, was the first who assumed the kingly title, though Simon had enjoyed the fullness of the kingly power. Alexander Jannaeus was the next successor B.C. 104-78. Aristobulus II. and Hyrcanus III. engaged in a civil war On the death of their mother, Alexandra, B.C. 78-69, resulting in the dethronement of Aristobulus II., B.C. 69-69, and the succession of Hyrcanus under Roman rule but without his kingly title, B.C. 63-40. From B.C. 40 to B.C. 37 Antigonus, a son of Aristobulus II., ruled, and with his two grandchildren, Aristobulus and Mariurnne, the Asmonaean dynasty ended.

- Smith's Bible Dictionary 1901

- マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים -

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

馬加比 - המכבים - マカバイ- مكابيين - 馬加比
مكابيين - 馬加比 - המכבים マカバイ- مكابيين

SOURCE(S) (1) Webster's New World College Dictionary. © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. (http://www.yourdictionary.com/maccabees).
(2) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.(http://www.yourdictionary.com/maccabees).
(3) 1913 Webster's Dictionary, (http://www.onelook.com/?loc=pub&w=maccabees).
(4) Online Etymology Dictionary, http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Maccabees).
(5) Miriam-Webster On-line Dictionary, (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maccabees).
(6) Wordsmyth Dictionary, Advanced Dictionary. (http://www.wordsmyth.net/?ent=Maccabees).
(7) Webster's Dictionary, 1828 Edition. (http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/maccabees)
(8) Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary. at Free Dictionary.org, a On-line Dictionary. (http://www.freedictionary.org/?Query=maccabees).
(9) American Heritage Dictionary & Wiktionary, at Wordnik.com, (Maccabees Definition, http://www.wordnik.com/words/Maccabees)
(10) Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] © & (P)2009 Microsoft Corporation. (http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861627541)
(11) For more information on Maccabees, visit Britannica.com. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Copyright © 1994-2008 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. - The Free Dictionary.com, an on-line Dictioary, (http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Maccabees+%28family%29)
(12) Smith, William, Dr. "Entry for 'Maccabees'". 1901. Smith's Bible Dictionary, (http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/smiths-bible-dictionary/maccabees.html)

Maccabee Illustrations, by Gustave Dore'

2010-09-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Book of the Maccabees I & II Illuminated

Source: Ikons taken from the English Bible, Illustrated by Paul Gustave Dore' (1865)

Mattathias and the Apostate (I Maccabees 2:1-25)

BIBLE: In those days Mattathias the son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, moved from Jerusalem and settled in Modein. He had five sons, John surnamed Gaddi, Simon called Thassi, Judas called Maccabeus, Eleazar called Avaran, and Jonathan called Apphus.

He saw the blasphemies being committed in Judah and Jerusalem, and said, 'Alas! Why was I ever born to see this, the ruin of my people, the ruin of the holy city, and to dwell there when it was given over to the enemy, the sanctuary given over to aliens? Her temple has become like a man without honor, while her glorious vessels have been carried into captivity. Her babes have been killed in her streets, her youths by the sword of the foe. What nation has not inherited her palaces and has not seized her spoils? All her adornment has been taken away; no longer free, she has become a slave. And behold, our holy place, our beauty, and our glory have been laid waste; the Gentiles have profaned it. Why should we live any longer?' And Mattathias and his sons tore their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned greatly. Then the king's officers who were enforcing the corruption came to the city of Modein to make them offer sacrifice. Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathias and his sons were assembled.

Then the king's officers spoke to Mattathias as follows: 'You are a leader, honored and great in this city, and supported by sons and brothers. Now be the first to come and do what the king commands, as all the Gentiles and the men of Judah and those that are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons will be numbered among the friends of the king, and you and your sons will be honored with silver and gold and many gifts.'

Unmoved, Mattathias answered and said in a loud voice: 'Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him, and have chosen to do his commandments, departing each one from the religion of his fathers, yet I and my sons and my brothers will live by the covenant of our fathers. Far be it from us to desert the law and the ordinances. We will not obey the king's words by turning aside from our religion to the right hand or to the left.' When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice upon the altar in Modein, according to the king's command. When Mattathias saw it, he burned with zealous rage and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him upon the altar. At the same time he killed the king's officer who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar.

- I Maccabees 2:1-25

Mattathias Appeals to the Jewish Refugees (I Maccabees 2:42-70)

BIBLE: Then a company of Hasideans joined with them, mighty warriors of Israel, every one who offered himself willingly for the law. Therefore all who became fugitives to escape their troubles joined them and reinforced their numbers. They organized an army, and struck down sinners in their anger and lawless men in their wrath, the survivors fled to the Gentiles for safety. And Mattathias and his friends went about and tore down the altars, they forcibly circumcised all the uncircumcised boys that they found within the borders of Israel. They hunted down the arrogant men, and the work prospered in their hands. They rescued the law out of the hands of the Gentiles and kings, and they never let the sinner gain the upper hand.

Now the days drew near for Mattathias to finally die, so he said to his sons: 'Arrogance and reproach have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers. Remember the deeds of the fathers, which they did in their generations; and receive great honor and an everlasting name. Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt. Phinehas our father, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood. Joshua, because he fulfilled the command, became a judge in Israel. Caleb, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land. David, because he was merciful, inherited the throne of the kingdom for ever. Elijah because of great zeal for the law was taken up into heaven. Hannaniah, Azariah, and Mishael believed and were saved from the flame. Daniel because of his innocence was delivered from the mouth of the lions. And so observe, from generation to generation, that none who put their trust in him will lack strength. Do not fear the words of a sinner, for his splendor will turn into dung and worms. Today he will be exalted, but tomorrow he will not be found, because he has returned to the dust, and his plans have perished with him.'

''My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honor. Now behold, I know that Simeon your brother is wise in counsel; therefore always listen to him; he shall be as your father. Judas Maccabeus has been a mighty warrior from his youth; he shall command the army for you and fight the battle against the peoples. You shall rally about you all who observe the law, and avenge the wrong done to your people. Pay back the Gentiles in full, and heed what the law commands.' Then he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers. Mattathias died in the one hundred, forty-sixth year and was buried in the tomb of his fathers at Modein. And all Israel mourned for him with great lamentation and sorrow.

- I Maccabees 2:42-70

Judas Maccabeus Pursues Timotheus (I Maccabees 5:28-44)

BIBLE: Then Judas and his army quickly turned back by the wilderness road to Bozrah; and he took the city, and killed every male by the edge of the sword; then he seized all its spoils and burned it with fire. He departed from there at night, and they went all the way to the stronghold of Dathema. At dawn they looked up and beheld a large company, that could not be counted, carrying ladders and engines of war to capture the stronghold, while attacking the Jews within.

So Judas saw that the battle had begun and that the cry of the city went up to Heaven with trumpets and loud shouts, and he said to the men of his forces, 'Fight today for your brethren!' Then he came up behind them in three companies, who sounded their trumpets and cried aloud in prayer. And when the army of Timothy realized that it was Maccabeus, they fled before him, and he dealt them a heavy blow. As many as eight thousand of them fell that day. Next he turned aside to Alema, and fought against it and took it; and he killed every male in it, plundered it, and burned it with fire. From there he marched on and took Chaspho, Maked, and Bosor, and the other cities of Gilead. After these things Timothy gathered another army and encamped opposite Raphon, on the other side of the stream.

Judas sent men to spy out the camp, and they reported to him, 'All the Gentiles around us have gathered to him; it is a very large force. They also have hired Arabs to help them, and they are encamped across the stream, ready to come and fight against you.' And Judas went to meet them. Now as Judas and his army drew near to the stream of water, Timothy said to the officers of his forces, 'If he crosses over to us first, we will not be able to resist him, for he will surely defeat us. But if he shows fear and camps on the other side of the river, we will cross over to him and defeat him.'

When Judas approached the stream of water, he stationed the scribes of the people at the stream and gave them this command, 'Permit no man to encamp, but make them all enter the battle.' Then he crossed over against them first, and the whole army followed him. All the Gentiles were defeated before him, and they threw away their weapons away and fled into the sacred precincts at Carnaim. Judas then took the city and burned the sacred precincts with fire, together with all who were still in them. Thus Carnaim was conquered; for they could stand before Judas no longer.

- I Maccabees 5:28-44

The Death of Eleazar (1 Maccabees 6:33-46)

BIBLE: Early in the morning the king rose and took his army by a forced march along the road to Beth-zechariah, and his troops made ready for battle and sounded their trumpets. They showed the elephants the juice of grapes and mulberries, to arouse them for battle. And they distributed the beasts among the phalanxes; with each elephant they stationed a thousand men armed with coats of mail, and with brass helmets on their heads; and five hundred picked horsemen were assigned to each beast. These took their position beforehand wherever the beast was; wherever it went they went with it, and they never left it. And upon the elephants were wooden towers, strong and covered; they were fastened upon each beast by special harness, and upon each were four armed men who fought from there, and also its Indian driver. The rest of the horsemen were stationed on either side, on the two flanks of the army, to harass the enemy while being themselves protected by the phalanxes. When the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the hills were ablaze with them and gleamed like flaming torches. Now a part of the king's army was spread out on the high hills, and some troops were on the plain, and they advanced steadily and in good order. All who heard the noise made by their multitude, by the marching of the multitude and the clanking of their arms, trembled, for the army was very large and strong. But Judas and his army advanced to the battle, and six hundred men of the king's army fell.

And Eleazar, called Avaran, saw that one of the beasts was equipped with royal armor. It was taller than all the others, and he supposed that the king was upon it. So he gave his life to save his people and to win for himself an everlasting name. He courageously ran into the midst of the phalanx to reach it; he killed men right and left, and they parted before him on both sides. He got under the elephant, stabbed it from beneath, and killed it; but it fell to the ground upon him and he died.

- 1 Maccabees 6:33-46

Judas Maccabeus before the Army of Nicanor (1I Maccabees 15:15-29)

BIBLE: Jeremiah stretched out his right hand and gave to Judas a golden sword, and as he gave it he addressed him thus: 'Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with which you will strike down your adversaries.'

Encouraged by the words of Judas, so noble and so effective in arousing valor and awaking manliness in the souls of the young, they determined not to carry on a campaign but to attack bravely and to decide the matter once and for all, by fighting hand to hand with all courage, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were all in danger. Their concern for their wives and children, and also for brothers and other family members, lay upon them less heavily; their greatest and first fear was for the consecrated sanctuary. And those who had to remain in the city were in no little distress, being anxious over the encounter in the open country.

When all were now looking forward to the coming decision, and the enemy was already close at hand with their army drawn up for battle, the elephants strategically stationed and the cavalry deployed on the flanks, Maccabeus, perceiving the hosts that were before him and the varied supply of arms and the savagery of the elephants, stretched out his hands toward heaven and called upon the Lord who works wonders; for he knew that it is not by arms, but as the Lord decides, that he gains the victory for those who deserve it. And he called upon him in these words: 'O LORD, you did send your angel in the time of Hezekiah king of Judea, and he killed nearly a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of Sennacherib. So now, O Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel to carry terror and trembling before us. By the might of thy arm may these blasphemers who come against thy holy people be struck down.'

With these words he ended his prayer. Nicanor and his men advanced with trumpets and battle songs; and Judas and his men met the enemy in battle with invocation to God and prayers. So, fighting with their hands and praying to God in their hearts, they laid low no less than thirty-five thousand men, and were greatly gladdened by God's manifestation. When the action was over and they were returning with joy, they recognized Nicanor, lying dead, in full armor. Then there was shouting and tumult, and they blessed the Sovereign LORD in the language of their fathers.

- 1I Maccabees 15:15-29

Jonathan Destroys the Temple of Dagon (I Maccabees 10:60-85)

BIBLE: So Jonathan went with pomp to Ptolemais and met the two kings, he gave them and their friends silver and gold as well as many other gifts and found favor with them. A group of degenerate men from Israel, lawless men, gathered together against him to accuse him, but the king paid no attention to them. The king gave orders to take off Jonathan's garments and to clothe him in purple and they did so. The king also seated him at his side then he said to his officers, 'Go forth with him into the middle of the city and proclaim that no one is to bring charges against him about any matter and let no one annoy him for any reason.'

So when his accusers saw the honor that was paid him, in accordance with the proclamation, and saw him clothed in purple, they all fled. Thus the king honored him and enrolled him among his chief friends and made him general and governor of the province. Thus Jonathan returned to Jerusalem in peace and gladness. In the one hundred and sixty-fifth year Demetrius the son of Demetrius came from Crete to the land of his fathers. When Alexander the king heard of it, he was greatly sorrowed and returned to Antioch. Demetrius then appointed Apollonius the governor of Coelesyria and assembled a large force in order to threaten Jamnia.

Then he sent the following message to Jonathan the high priest: 'You are the only one to rise up against us, and I have become a laughingstock and reproach because of you. Why do you assume authority against us in the hill country? If you now have confidence in your forces, come down to the plain to meet us, and let us match strength with each other there, for I have with me the power of the cities. Ask and learn who I am and who the others are that are helping us. Men will tell you that you cannot stand before us, for your fathers were twice put to flight in their own land. And now you will not be able to withstand my cavalry and such an army in the plain, where there is no stone or pebble, or place to flee.'

When Jonathan heard the words of Apollonius, his spirit was aroused. He chose ten thousand men and set out from Jerusalem, while Simon his brother arrived to help him. He encamped before Joppa, but the men of the city closed its gates, for Apollonius had a garrison in Joppa. So they fought against it, causing the men of the city to become afraid and open the gates, resulting in Jonathan gaining possession of Joppa. When Apollonius heard of it, he mustered three thousand cavalry and a large army, and went to Azotus as though he were going farther. At the same time he advanced into the plain, for he had a large troop of cavalry and put confidence in it. Jonathan pursued him to Azotus and the armies engaged in battle. Now Apollonius had secretly left a thousand cavalry behind them. Jonathan learned that there was an ambush behind him, for they surrounded his army and shot arrows at his men from early morning till late afternoon. Nonetheless, his men stood fast, as Jonathan commanded and the enemy's horses grew tired. Then Simon brought forward his force and engaged the phalanx in battle (for the cavalry was exhausted); they were overwhelmed by him and fled, while the cavalry was dispersed in the plain. They fled to Azotus and entered Beth-dagon, the temple of their idol, for safety. But Jonathan burned Azotus along with the surrounding towns and plundered them, as well as the temple of Dagon, causing those who had taken refuge in it to be burned with fire. The number of those who fell by the sword, with those burned alive, came to eight thousand men.

- I Maccabees 10:60-85

Heliodorus Is Cast Down (II Maccabees 3:23-40)

BIBLE: Heliodorus went on with what had been decided. However, when he arrived at the treasury with his bodyguard, right then and there the Sovereign of spirits and endowed of all authority caused so great a manifestation that all who had been so bold as to accompany him were now astounded by the power of God, and became faint with terror. For there appeared to them a magnificently caparisoned horse, with a rider of frightening mien, and it rushed furiously at Heliodorus and struck at him with its front hoofs. Its rider was seen to have armor and weapons of gold. Two young men also appeared to him, remarkably strong, gloriously beautiful and splendidly dressed, who stood on each side of him and scourged him continuously, inflicting many blows on him. When he suddenly fell to the ground and deep darkness came over him, his men took him up and put him on a stretcher and carried him away, this man who had just entered the aforesaid treasury with a great retinue and all his bodyguard but was now unable to help himself; and they recognized clearly the sovereign power of God. While he lay prostrate, speechless because of the divine intervention and deprived of any hope of recovery, they praised the Lord who had acted marvelously for his own place. And the temple, which a little while before was full of fear and disturbance, was filled with joy and gladness, now that the Almighty Lord had appeared.

Quickly some of Heliodorus' friends asked Onias to call upon the Most High and to grant life to someone who was lying there nearly at his last breath. And the high priest, fearing that the king might get the notion that some foul play had been perpetrated by the Jews with regard to Heliodorus, offered sacrifice for the man's recovery. While the high priest was making the offering of atonement, the same young men appeared again to Heliodorus dressed in the same clothing and they stood saying, 'Be very grateful to Onias the high priest, since for his sake the Lord has granted you your life. And see that you, who have been scourged by heaven, report to all men the majestic power of God.' Having said this they vanished. Then Heliodorus offered sacrifice to the Lord and made very great vows to the Savior of his life, and having bidden Onias farewell, he marched off with his forces to the king. And he bore testimony to all men of the deeds of the supreme God, which he had seen with his own eyes.

When the king asked Heliodorus what sort of person would be suitable to send on another mission to Jerusalem, he replied, 'If you have any enemy or plotter against your government, send him there, for you will get him back thoroughly scourged, if he escapes at all, for there most certainly is about the place some miraculous power of God. For he who has his dwelling in Heaven watches over that place himself and brings it aid and he strikes and destroys those who come to do it injury.' This was the outcome of the episode of Heliodorus and the protection of the treasury.

- II Maccabees 3:23-40

The Army Appears in the Heavens (II Maccabees 5:1-4)

BIBLE: About this time Antiochus made his second invasion of Egypt. And it happened that over all the city, for almost forty days, there appeared golden-clad horsemen charging through the air, in companies fully armed with lances and drawn swords, with troops of horsemen drawn up, attacks and counterattacks made on this side and on that, brandishing of shields, massing of spears, hurling of missiles, the flash of golden trappings, and armor of all sorts. Therefore all men prayed that the apparition might prove to have been a good omen.

- II Maccabees 5:1-4

The Martyrdom of Eleazar the Scribe (II Массabees 6:18-31)

BIBLE: Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, was being forced to open his mouth to eat swine's flesh. But he, welcoming death with honor rather than life with pollution, went up to the the rack of his own accord, spitting out the flesh, as men ought to go who have the courage to refuse things that it is not right to taste, even for the natural love of life. Those who were in charge of that unlawful sacrifice took the man aside, because of their long acquaintance with him, and privately urged him to bring meat of his own providing, proper for him to use, and pretend that he was eating the flesh of the sacrificial meal which had been commanded by the king, so that by doing this he might be saved from death, and be treated kindly on account of his old friendship with them. But making a high resolve, worthy of his years and the dignity of his old age and the gray hairs which he had reached with distinction and his excellent life even from childhood, and moreover according to the holy God-given law, he declared himself quickly, telling them to send him to Hades.

'Such pretense is not worthy of our time of life,' he said, 'Unfortunately, the young might suppose that Eleazar in his ninetieth year had gone over to an alien religion and through my hesitation for the sake of living a brief moment longer, they might be led astray because of me, while I defile and disgrace my old age. For even if for the present I should avoid the punishment of men, yet whether I live or die I shall not escape the hands of the Almighty. Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will show myself worthy of my old age and leave to the young a noble example of how to die a good death willingly and nobly for the revered and holy laws.'

When he had said this, he went at once to the rack. And those who a little before had acted toward him with good will now changed to ill will, because the words he had uttered were in their opinion sheer madness. When he was about to die under the blows, he groaned aloud and said: 'It is clear to the Lord in his holy knowledge that, though I might have been saved from death, I am enduring terrible sufferings in my body under this beating, but in my soul I am glad to suffer these things because I fear him.' So in this way he died, leaving in his death an example of nobility and a memorial of courage, not only to the young but to the great body of his nation.

- II Массabees 6:18-31

The Courage of a Mother (II Maccabees 7:20-42)

BIBLE: The mother was especially admirable and worthy of honorable memory. Though she saw her seven sons perish within a single day, she bore it with good courage because of her hope in the Lord. She encouraged each of them in the language of their fathers. Filled with a noble spirit, she retorted using her woman's reasoning with a man's courage, and said to them, 'I do not know how you came into being in my womb. It was not I who gave you life and breath, nor I who set in order the elements within each of you. Therefore the Creator of the world, who shaped the beginning of man and devised the origin of all things, will in his mercy give life and breath back to you again, since you now forget yourselves for the sake of his laws.'

Antiochus felt that he was being treated with contempt and he was suspicious of her reproachful tone. The youngest brother being still alive, Antiochus not only appealed to him in words, but promised with oaths that he would make him rich and enviable if he would turn from the ways of his fathers, and that he would take him for his friend and entrust him with public affairs. Since the young man would not listen to him at all, the king called the mother to him and urged her to advise the youth to save himself. After much urging on his part, she undertook to persuade her son. But, leaning close to him, she spoke in their native tongue as follows, deriding the cruel tyrant: "My son, have pity on me. I carried you nine months in my womb, nursed you for three years. I have reared you and brought you up to this point in your life and have taken care of you. I implore you, my child, to look at the Heaven and the Earth and see everything that is in them and recognize that God did not make them out of things that existed. Thus also mankind came into being. Do not fear this butcher, but prove worthy of your brothers. Accept death, so that in God's mercy I may get you back again with your brothers.'

While she was still speaking, the young man said, 'What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king's command, but I obey the command of the law that was given to our fathers through Moses. But you, who have contrived all sorts of evil against the Hebrews, will certainly not escape the hands of God. For we are suffering because of our own sins. And even if our living Lord is angry for a little while, in order to rebuke and discipline us, he will again be reconciled with his own servants. But you, unholy wretch, you most defiled of all men, do not be elated in vain and puffed up by uncertain hopes, when you raise your hand against the children of heaven. You have not yet escaped the judgment of the almighty, all-seeing God. For our brothers after enduring a brief suffering have drunk of everflowing life under God's covenant; but you, by the judgment of God, will receive just punishment for your arrogance. I, like my brothers, give up body and life for the laws of our fathers, appealing to God to show mercy soon to our nation and by afflictions and plagues to make you confess that he alone is God, and through me and my brothers to bring to an end the wrath of the Almighty which has justly fallen on our whole nation.'

The king then fell into a rage and punished him worse than the others, being exasperated at his scorn. So he died in his integrity, putting his whole trust in the Lord. Last of all, the mother died, after her sons. Let this be enough then, about the eating of sacrifices and the extreme tortures.

- II Maccabees 7:20-42

The Punishment of Antiochus (II Мaccabees 9:1-9)

BIBLE: About that time, as it happened, Antiochus had retreated in disorder from the region of Persia. For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and attempted to rob the temples and control the city. Therefore the people rushed to the rescue with arms, and Antiochus and his men were defeated, with the result that Antiochus was put to flight by the inhabitants and beat a shameful retreat. While he was in Ecbatana, news came to him of what had happened to Nicanor and the forces of Timothy. Transfixed with rage, he conceived the idea of turning upon the Jews the injury done by those who had put him to flight; so he ordered his charioteer to drive without stopping until he completed the journey. But the judgment of heaven rode with him! For in his arrogance he said, 'When I get there I will make Jerusalem a graveyard of Jews.'

However, the all-seeing Lord, the God of Israel, struck him an incurable and unseen blow. As soon as he ceased speaking he was seized with a pain in his bowels for which there was no relief and with sharp internal tortures -- and that very justly, for he had tortured the bowels of others with many and strange inflictions. Yet he did not in any way stop his insolence, but was even more filled with arrogance, breathing fire in his rage against the Jews, and giving orders to hasten the journey. And so it came about that he fell out of his chariot as it was rushing along, and the fall was so hard as to torture every limb of his body.Thus he who had just been thinking that he could command the waves of the sea, in his superhuman arrogance, and imagining that he could weigh the high mountains in a balance, was brought down to earth and carried in a litter, making the power of God manifest to all. And so the ungodly man's body swarmed with worms, while he was still living in anguish and pain, his flesh rotted away, and because of his stench the whole army felt repulsed at his decay.

- II Мaccabees 9:1-9

The Angel Is Sent to Deliver Israel (II Maccabees 11:6-13)

BIBLE: When Maccabeus and his men got word that Lysias was besieging the strongholds, they and all the people, with lamentations and tears, pleaded with the LORD to send a good angel to save Israel. Maccabeus himself was the first to take up arms and he urged the others to risk their lives with him to aid their brethren. Then they eagerly rushed off together. Once there, while they were still near Jerusalem, a horseman appeared at their head, clothed in white and brandishing weapons of gold. So they all praised the merciful God together as one, and were strengthened in heart, ready to assault not only men but the wildest beasts or walls of iron. They advanced in battle order, having their heavenly ally, for the LORD had bestowed mercy upon them. They hurled themselves like lions against the enemy, killing eleven thousand of them and sixteen hundred horsemen, forcing all the rest to flee. Most of them got away stripped and wounded, and Lysias himself escaped by cowardly, disgraceful flight. Because he was not without intelligence, he pondered over the defeat which had befallen him, and soon realized that the Hebrews were invincible because the mighty God fought on their side.

- II Maccabees 11:6-13

Brief Biography of the Artist
Paul Gustave Dore was born in Strausborg, France in 1832 and by age five was considered a child prodigy, destined for future fame and success. He began his adult career in Paris as a literary illustrator whose drawings were then commissioned by such historical greats as Rabelais, Balzac, Milton, and Dante. By 1853, Gustave then began to illustrate the works of Lord Byron. Other opportunities among British publishers soon followed which included a new illustrated English Bible. In 1863, Doré illustrated a French edition of Cervantes's Spanish Classic Comedy, Don Quixote. In fact, his specific drawings of the knight Quixote and his squire Sancho have become the standard by which many readers understand and visualize the story. By 1883, Doré was then chosen to illustrate an oversized edition of Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven.' Gustave Doré's English Bible published in 1866 also became a great success so that by 1867, Doré had a major exhibition of his works in London, which then led to the opening of the Dore Gallery soon after. While known primarily for his illustrations, Gustave Dore's wood carvings are world-renowned and are seen by most art historians as more representative of his artistic genius. Although a Frenchman, his fame grew mostly from an English audience, but he did manage to illustrate at least once for nearly all his French literary contemporaries. These particular portraits of the Maccabees are all taken from his Biblical wood-cut illustrations published first in 1865 and again in the late 1860s.

Neoliteralism

2010-09-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

An Introduction to the Theology of Neoliteralism

Today, there are a countless number of methods along with differing schools of thought when it comes to Bible Studies and Theology. At least some astute observers might say there are already far too many, with each 'method' or 'school' contradicting another so that these traditionally Christian fields of study have become nothing more than a 'Mystery Babylon' intellectual enterprise. Obviously, adding yet another catchy term to the list would seem to be compounding the problem, rather than providing a solution. Nevertheless, the project of Neoliteralism, a new term for a new scholarly outlook, has only one intent and that is simplification. Neoliteralism, as the word implies, presumes to take the Bible literally, but it also includes a basic understanding of what the Bible represents. This understanding is simple, not complex, and general, rather than specific. Thus, a perfect example of Neoliteralism can be seen in the following comments and remarks:

I. The Holy Bible is the most published, read, studied, documented, analyzed, interpreted and discussed book ever known in the history of the world.
II. The Holy Bible is currently available in more alphabets, languages, and versions which are spoken and written by more ethnicities and cultures than any other book on earth today.
III. The Holy Bible is the the single most influential book underlying the development of nearly all the written languages still used on earth today.
IV. The Holy Bible is the official text of Christianity, the largest religion with the most followers in the entire world.
V. The Holy Bible is the cornerstone of monotheism, represented by the three great religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
VI. The Holy Bible is the chronological story of a single family's relationship with a specific supernatural entity that began in 3760 B.C. with Adam and ended with Joshua ben Joseph (Jesus) in 33 A.D.
VII. The Holy Bible is the most powerful piece of literature in the modern world that has inspired, motivated, and influenced more individuals to think and act in more ways than any other written document in the history of the world.

Even if the simple generalizations just mentioned may appear controversial to some readers, each one of them is not only true, but a scientific fact that cannot be denied or dis-proven. In other words, Neoliteralism is willing to make ample use of the Statistical Sciences in order to further its primary agenda, simplicity. Is simplicity an objective goal? Is simplicity biased or politically motivated? The answers to both of those questions depend on the assumptions of what simplicity will do to the fields of Theology and Religious Studies. Put bluntly, there is an infinite number of ways of interpreting Neoliteralism's emphasis on simplicity. The non-believer might suspect that it is simply a code word for fundamentalist Christianity intent on quashing complex, sophisticated dissent of traditional Biblical belief systems. On the other hand, the believer may mistake simplicity as either an attempt to water down or dilute Christian truth or an absurd strategy to tear down the Church which has been built upon a continuing accumulation of scholarship compiled and studied throughout the centuries.

In other words, religious scholars may well be skeptical of this new contraption, this intellectual tool known as Neoliteralism. All things considered, they have every right to be. Indeed, for most readers this is the first mention of the word Neoliteralism. This original piece of jargon could end up being nothing more than another case of self-promotion. Theologians and Religious Scholars, just like nearly everybody in today's world, crave attention. They crave readers, listeners, endowments, large offices, and higher salaries. For some, the spread of Christian intellectual truth is also a strong underlying motivation.

With that in mind, Neoliteralism must be honest with itself and with others about what the term really means. This includes the inventor of the word and author of this essay. In other words, who is the man behind the curtain pulling the strings of Neoliteralism? Well, for starters, Neoliteralism is obviously a self-interested attempt to be different. Are not all 'methods' and 'outlooks' found in Theology the same way? Of course they are. Theologians, like all intellectuals, entered the field out of a desire to have their religious ideas read and listened to by others. Assuming the factor of self-interest remains, here are the basic, and specific, agendas underlying Neoliteralism.

I. Neoliteralism is Catholic: Catholic Christianity is emphasized because it is older and has more adherents than Protestantism. The reason is simple, St. Peter was specifically chosen to be the leader by Joshua (Jesus) (NOTE: the author of this essay is a practicing Roman/Ukrainian Catholic scholar.)
II. Neoliteralism is Judaic: Athens, Greco-Roman Philosophy, and Hellenism are ignored in favor of Jerusalem, Mysticism, and Judaism. The reason is simple, Joshua (Jesus) was and is a Jew.
III. Neoliteralism is Iconoclastic: Extreme anti-Christian sentiments and assumptions found in the visual arts proves their inherently Pagan and demonic tendencies. The reason is simple, God prohibited the graven image as one of the Ten Commandments
IV. Neoliteralism is Scientific: Darwin's Theory of Evolution is losing ground due to scientific dissent among experts. Natural law is concurrent with biological behavior of other mammalian species.
V. Neoliteralism is Evangelical: The continued popularity of the Bible, of Christianity, and their combined historical influence clearly indicates supernatural forces that cannot be explained scientifically. The probability of Christianity's success and the Bible's best-selling status are statistically impossible. Judeo-Christian theology is a statistically significant reality.
VI. Neoliteralism is Judeo-Christian: Numerous sayings and parables found in the Gospels have exact parallels in the Talmud, the Apocrypha, and in modern Orthodox Judaism.

VII. Neoliteralism is a Catholic, Judaizer, Iconoclast, Scientist, Evangelist, and Judeo-Christian.

Honesty should not condemn a new idea, theory, or paradigm. In short, these particular aspects of Neoliteralism cannot, and should not, disqualify it from being taken seriously. No type of Theology can ever be objective due to the pre-existing preferences of their creator or inventor. Most importantly, the above statements of subjectivity represent a key component in Neoliteralism. How so? By admitting the simple, unspoken truth of Theology and Biblical Studies. Rather than remain in denial, Neoliteralism simply accepts the reality of dualism embedded in the historical differences of Judeo-Christian thought.

Sometimes, like a coin with only two sides, objective study of these differences is impossible to achieve. Buddists, Hindus, Muslims, even nonbelievers and Pagan, are either Catholic or Protestant because, regardless of their personal faith, they will always prefer one over another. This understanding is also true concerning the traditional Christian stereotypes which have, at times, erupted into violent opposition. Historically speaking, the Glorious Revolution of England and the Iconoclasm Rebellion of the Byzantine Empire are perfect examples of ideas armed with swords. Everyone, including every theologian is, in the end, either a Judaizer or a Hellenizer, an Iconophil or an Iconoclast, an Artist or a Scientist, who is Private or Evangelical about being Christian or Judeo-Christian. To summarize, Neoliteralism is brutally honest about its intentions of being barbarically simple about Theology and Biblical Studies. Complexity and sophistication are both acceptable, but there must be balance instead of a one-sided journey into obscurity and obsolescence.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

The Flag of the Knights Hospitaller (the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem)

The Maccabee Steps

2010-09-16T01:26:00.000-07:00

An ancient set of stone steps named after the Maccabees...

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. (John 18:1)

A Recent Photo of the Maccabee Steps

Located on the eastern slopes of Mount Zion...A very ancient flight of steps called the Maccabee Steps can be seen in the garden of the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu. The steps were certainly in use at the time when the events narrated in the Gospels were taking place. Jesus probably descended on them the evening of his arrest, when He went to pray in Gethsemane.

- Christus Rex

The Maccabee Steps Today

Kidron Valley lies between the Old City of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. It is replete with impressive burial chambers built during the period of the First Temple. Absalom's Pillar, the Tomb of Saint James and the Tomb of Zacharias are the most notable.

On the other side of the Kidron facing the Mount of Olives rises also the area of Sion. Here, besides the Cenacle, one finds also the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu. This was built in the 1930's by the Assumptionist Fathers, on the site of an ancient Byzantine basilica which, in turn, a tradition holds that it was built at the site of Caiaphas' house. Its name recalls the threefold denial of Peter, before the cock crew twice, as recounted in the Gospels.
A very ancient flight of steps called the Maccabee Steps can be seen in the garden of the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu. The steps were certainly in use at the time when the events narrated in the Gospels were taking place. Jesus probably descended on them the evening of his arrest, when He went to pray in Gethsemane.

On the north side of the church is an ancient staircase that leads down towards the Kidron Valley. This may have been a passage from the upper city to the lower city during the first temple period. Many Christians believe that Jesus followed this path down to Gethsemane the night of his arrest.Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu.

A Byzantine shrine dedicated to Peter's repentance was erected on this spot in 457 AD, but was destroyed by Muslim invaders in 1010. The chapel was rebuilt by Crusaders in 1102 and given its present name. After the fall of Jerusalem the church again fell into ruin and was not rebuilt until 1931. Today a golden rooster protrudes prominently from the sanctuary roof in honor of its biblical connection. This spot is also believed to be the location of the High Priest Caiaphas' palace. According to the Pilgrim of Bordeaux in his Itinerarium Burdigalense, "...going up from the Pool of Siloe to Mount Zion one would come across the House of the Priest Caiaphas."

- Wikipedia

Another View of the Maccabee Steps

On the north side of the church is an ancient staircase that you can walk down towards the valley of Kidron. It is perhaps the passage from the upper city to the lower city during the first temple period.

- Biblewalks.com.

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. (John 18:1)

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

SOURCE(s): Saint Peter in Gallicantu, Biblewalks.com. (http://www.biblewalks.com/Sites/Gallicantu.html)
Jerusalem, the Way of the Cross, Cristus Rex. (http://www.christusrex.org/www1/jvc/TVCgeths2.html)

A Family of Saints

2010-09-11T08:48:00.001-07:00

This post is in honor and memory of the Romanov family who were murdered by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918. They have been canonized as Saints by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and as Passion-bearers by the Russian Orthodox Church. This new family of Saints includes St. Nicholas II, his wife St. Alexandra, along with their four daughters St. Olga, St. Tatiana, St. Maria, St. Anastasia, and their only son St. Alexei. Their new feast day is on July 17.

Sometimes common sense gets lost in the attempts by professional, accomplished historians to write and publish the premier text on certain key 20th century events, such as the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. Indeed, even Karl Marx himself predicted that a Communist Revolution in the Russian Empire would never be successful and that the most likely candidate was, in fact, Germany his native country. Regardless of the numerous, carefully detailed explanations offered by the academics, the ingredients of the story still read like a fictional tragedy straight out of Kafka or Tolstoy. Consider the cast of characters:

MARX: a failed, bitter, angry Communist intellectual and journalist from a recently converted dynastic family of Rabbis, who courted and married a beautiful, blonde German girl of noble blood, but then managed to publish almost nothing, except a small book called 'The Communist Manifesto' written mostly by his friend and life-time patron Frederick Engels.
RASPUTIN: a dirty, lecherous Russian peasant with strange, occult powers that appeared to miraculously heal the Czarevich Alexei of his terminal illness, historically known as the Mad Monk.
LENIN: a stern, politically fanatical, Russian intellectual from a upper-class background with a completely shaven head and a well-trimmed goatee who was sent back to Russia from a defeated Germany on a mysterious black train to instigate a Revolution against the Czar.
TROTSKY: a naive, ambitious, internationalist, anti-religious son of a hard-working Jewish farmer from the Ukrainian Shetl, originally named Lev Bronstein.
STALIN: a Georgian Socialist Revolutionary expelled from Orthodox Seminary for spreading Marxism, historically known as Uncle Joe, or the Gorgeous Georgian.

These days the general understanding of the Romanovs, especially that of Nicholas II, is that he was both a brutal dictator and an inept ruler who was destined to lose control of the Russian Empire. In reality, he was deeply Christian man much more concerned with his family and his faith. All things considered, they were just as much the pawns of history as any other family. The greatest tragedy about the Bolshevik Revolution that seems to get lost in the historical milieu is the fate of the Russian people, who went from being ruled by a classical autocracy to a fanatical, anti-Christian (and anti-Jewish) dictatorship who violently persecuted and oppressed their own people most of all. The facts speak for themselves:

Soviet Prison Facts
- In 1917, there were only 28,600 total prisoners within the Russian Empire, the largest prison population ever known in the history of Imperial Russia.
- In stark contrast, 14 million Soviet prisoners passed through the Gulag from 1929 to 1953, while an additional 6 to 7 million were forcibly exiled to remote regions of the USSR.
- A 1993 study reveals that a total of 1,053,829 prisoners died in the Gulag between 1934 to 1953.

Soviet Anti-Jewish Facts
- In the summer of 1919, nearly all Jewish properties, including synagogues, were seized by the Soviet authorities. Numerous Rabbis and other religious leaders were threatened with violent persecution.
- In the mid-1930s, Stalin had any remaining Jewish leaders arrested and executed, while the Yiddish schools were forcibly shut down.
- By the late 1940s, the Communist party had abolished any and all Jewish organizations, while only a few synagogues were left open and kept under strict surveillance by the KGB.

Soviet Anti-Christian Facts
- Within five years after Lenin and the Bolsheviks had seized power, 28 Russian Orthodox bishops and 1,200 priests had been executed by the Soviet authorities.
- Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the vast majority of the Russian Orthodox Clergy, along with many of its most devout believers had been shot dead or sent to the Gulag.
- Between the years 1927 and 1949, the number of Russian Orthodox Churches dropped from 29,584 to less than 500.
- From 1917 to 1935, 130,000 Orthodox priests were arrested. 95,000 of these priests were eventually put to death by the Soviet authorities.

By tradition, individuals believers that have been officially canonized by the Church are considered by the living Christian authorities to be in the Kingdom of Heaven. Those observers who believe that the Romanov family were arrogant, elitist tyrants who looked down on the Russian people do not know their history and should take the time to look up the many historically accurate summaries of the Romanovs who are now some of the newest Orthodox Christian Saints in Heaven.

Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra did anything but spoil their children, and were adamant that all of them become as well-educated and intelligent as possible. Except for the expensive outfits worn only on public occasions, they had very few personal possessions that they could call their own. Priceless gifts and diplomatic offerings were taken away and kept as additions to the Imperial collection, which was originally meant as an everlasting heritage for all of Russia. From the beginning, Nicholas II and his wife insisted their children see themselves as having been born with special burdens which included numerous God-given responsibilities and duties they had to live up to and not as superior individuals born to rule over the unruly masses. The loving relationships they formed with the common peasants who were an integral part of the Imperial staff proves this to be the case.

For many reasons, the canonization of the Romanovs means that, even if the Russian Orthodox Church doesn't canonize every victim of Soviet persecution, those who aren't so well-known will still have an entire family of Heavenly advocates who already know first-hand what it was like to be murdered by a tyrannical regime based upon principles violently hostile to the Judeo-Christian tradition. Likewise, if the Romanov children are anything like they were before their execution, they would probably tell you that their personal Sainthood matters far less than the well-being of every single nameless, faceless victim of the International Communist Empire who never cared for them at all.

A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic.

- Stalin

A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

- Lenin

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus. God Save the Queen!
__________________________________________

SOURCE: Canonization of the Romanovs, WIkipedia

Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, his wife Tsarina Alexandra, and their five children Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Alexei are saints of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and passion bearers of the Russian Orthodox Church. The family was murdered on July 17, 1918 in Ekaterinburg, Russia by the Bolsheviks.

The family was canonized in 1981 as new martyrs by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. They were canonized along with their servants, who had been killed along with them. The canonized servants were their court physician, Yevgeny Botkin; their footman Alexei Trupp; their cook, Ivan Kharitonov; and Alexandra's maid, Anna Demidova. Also canonized were two servants killed in September 1918, lady in waiting Anastasia Hendrikova and tutor Catherine Adolphovna Schneider. All were canonized as victims of oppression by the Soviet Union.

Alexandra's sister, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna, who was murdered by the Bolsheviks on July 18, 1918, was canonized as New-Martyr Elizabeth by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, along with Prince Ioann Konstantinovich of Russia, Prince Igor Konstantinovich of Russia, Prince Konstantine Konstantinovich of Russia, Grand Duke Sergey Mikhaylovich of Russia, and Prince Vladimir Pavlovich Paley, Fyodor Remez, Grand Duke Sergei's personal secretary, and Elizabeth's faithful companion, Sister Varvara Yakovleva, who were all killed with her. They were declared martyrs of oppression by the Soviet Union.

In 1992, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna and Varvara Yakovleva were canonized as New-Martyr Elizabeth and New-Martyr Barbara by the Russian Orthodox Church inside Russia. The princes and others killed with them were not canonized.

In 2000, after much debate, the Romanov family was canonized as passion bearers by the Russian Orthodox Church inside Russia. The Russian Orthodox Church did not canonize the servants, two of whom were not Russian Orthodox: Alexei Trupp was Roman Catholic and Catherine Adolphovna Schneider was Lutheran.

Maccabee Art Classics

2010-09-10T04:49:00.000-07:00

The IV. Best Maccabee Ikons in the World

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I. Martyrdom of the Seven Maccabee Brothers and their Mother

TITLE: The Martyrdom of the Seven Maccabee Brothers and their Mother (under King Antiochus IV Epiphanes)
ARTIST: Franz Joseph Hermann (1771)
LOCATION: St. Pancras Church, Wiggensbach, Bavaria, Germany

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II. Heliodorus Chased from the Temple by the Angels

TITLE: Heliodorus Chased from the Temple by the Angels (1857-1861)
ARTIST: Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863)
LOCATION: Chapel of the Angels at St. Sulpice Church, in Paris, France

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III. Martydom of the Maccabees

TITLE: Martydom of the Maccabees
ARTIST: Antonio Ciseri (1863)
LOCATION: Church of St. Felicity, Florence, Italy

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IV. The Maccabees

TITLE: The Maccabees
ARTIST: Wojciech Stattler (1842)
LOCATION: National Museum, Krakow, Poland
BIOGRAPHY: Wojciech Korneli Stattler (1800-1875), a Polish painter with Swiss aristocratic roots, eventually became a career professor of the School of Fine Arts in Kraków.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.