There is so much noise in the background of life, the simplicity of enjoying the day of Orthodox Christmas serves as a boost to the spirit.
Outside the fabricated mechanics of man, there is a lot of love and joy in the world.
Feel the hope and allow your spirit to rejoice. Also, I like this place.
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Posted in Christian Values
Merry Christmas!
golly!
that IS pretty!
Merry Christmas to the Orthodox Treepers!
Thank you Bessie2003, Hristos se Rodi!
What a gorgeous church! How were these churches treated at the height of communistic rule I wonder? Were they kept so nicely? Did people attend?
They were not well kept, not all survived, many were used as warehouses and such, they were laboriously restored after the Soviet scheme fell, Putin had a significant hand in restoring the foundations of Russian society.
Yes, it all is true of Putin by the western press. They need an enemy.
You’re on the mark, Maquis.
Thanks to Sundance for his coverage of Orthodox Christmas and to Menagerie for her coverage of Epiphany.
Queenie Ness and I went to confession, then Mass on Jan 6. We did pray for our people in jail, too.
One other note: Joan of Arc was born on Orthodox Christmas or Epiphany (January 6) 1412.
Queenie Ness and I stood in the house Joan was born in and grew up in, and we attended Mass on the eve of All Saints Day in the little village church in Domremy Joan worshiped in … for it still stands.
Joan, besides being a military leader and saint of the Church, petitioned her king for a chapel for the saying of Masses for the souls of the war dead of France. (Our Protestant brothers and sisters by and large do not believe in the concept of Purgatory, but Catholic and Orthodox Christians do. I am not looking to promote dissension among us as Treepers but merely to point out it was a belief of Joan and most of the people of her nation, so she made sure to address it in a practical way.)
Joan also was a political prisoner who suffered multiple attempted rapes while imprisoned. She had to tie her thigh boots to her hose and her tunic with leather cords to keep the English soldiers at bay. (Her hose had a leather pantie and waistband to protect her modesty, so it could withstand the cords.) This was testified to at her English-ordered trial of condemnation in 1431 and in connection with her trial of nullification in 1456 ordered by Pope Callistus III to clear her name.
Pope Callistus, in the wake of the fall of Orthodox Christian Constantinople to the Moslem Turks, sold Church-owned real estate and art to fund military aid for the Christians of Hungary and the Balkans. (The rulers of his homeland, Spain, would eventually push jihadists out in 1492.) Pope Callistus was angry the French and English kings downplayed the threat of jihad, so he also knew the clearing of Joan of Arc would expose the English government and the ungrateful French king and the French clergy who collaborated with the English. The French king who Joan and her men placed on the throne would not ransom her in her hour of distress. The English murdered Joan in public by burning her alive.
Joan writhed in agony, but she had the courage and good sense to invoke the Holy Name of Jesus loudly for her own soul and pray aloud for her people until the pain of the fire on her flesh rendered her unconscious and the smoke asphyxiated her. Her day of death was May 30, 1431. Old-time Treepers will remember May 30 used to be Memorial Day, which was apt because it coincidentally is the feast day of a military saint.
Since the English and their French lackeys wanted Joan to be made an example of, they ordered her burned on an elevated pyre. Executioner Geoffroy Therage said he wanted to behead Joan with a sword, which would hurt her less. They denied her this sort of death. Therage said he wanted to have the ability to hit Joan a knockout blow from behind the pyre or choke her with a small chain from behind the pyre like he did to others condemned to the stake to lessen her misery. But the high pyre wouldn’t let him do either. He was also bitter the English made him knock down the flames right after Joan slumped over. The fire had burned off all her clothing except for her boots …. so the officials saw she was naked, anatomically a woman, and dead. It was her final violation. Then Therage was ordered to rake the coals back into place and get the flames to consume Joan’s body entirely. Therage testified Joan’s bones burned but her heart did not. He disposed of Joan’s heart by throwing it into the River Seine.
The FBI, Capital Police, and other federales murdered Ashli Babbitt and Roseanne Boylan and have caused deaths and harm to others imprisoned unjustly for the January 6 fedsurrection.
Joan hated injustice and treason against her people. Joan also understand unjust treatment by evil and corrupt officials. I would think she has her eyes on those who were murdered and falsely imprisoned for expressing themselves on the day of her birth. Joan would be an apt patroness for the fighting patriots and martyrs of this country too.
Again, grateful thanks to Sundance and Menagerie and Ad Rem for making the Treehouse the 360-degree floodlight of truth and hope that it is.
Thank you so much for this informative and enlightening post.
So much to learn, so much to know.
Thank you, Jepperine.
That “evil monster Putin” restored the church in Russia…
Yes, I was there and saw several Churches that were remodeled to look new and majestic.
The soviets tried to kill the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a sense of pride for many in the church that they are here and growing and the soviets are gone. It is a testament to God great power over men’s intensions. The life story of St Matrona touches on this as she stayed in Moscow while being pursued by the atheist soviets.
“Christianity is a nail. The more you hammer it the deeper it goes.”
I needed this, Sundance.
Many, many thanks.
Agree with you Betsy. Went to mass at St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, the parish I was brought up in. I am still in a state of shock that not one word about the Epiphany was mentioned.
Rather the mass was celebrating the Baptism of Jesus instead! I wanted to hear about the Magi!!! On top of that the entire Slovak language had been stripped from the prayer books, and only at the very end did anyone say “Hospodi Pulmilyoi,” (spelling slaughtered, sorry) which means Lord have Mercy. Still stunned that this church will not be a place of comfort for me again. Almost too much to absorb tonight. Really in shock.
My parents would speak Slovak at the the dinner table when I was young when they didn’t want us to know what they were talking about. And when we picked up my Grandma on Sunday mornings to take her to church, her first words were “Yuck Shumush?” Which means how are you? I miss the comfort that came from hearing Slovak spoken.
That’s why I loved this video. I think I know of church just about a mile up the road, Russian Orthodox I may be attending tomorrow.
Orthodox Christians celebrate the Adoration of the Magi on December 25th along with the Nativity of Christ.
January 6th on the Orthodox Church calendar is the feast of Theophany. I guess the byzantine Catholics decided to switch to the Eastern Orthodox feast schedule?
For anyone who is interested, here is our Orthodox Nativity hymn for the feast:
Thy nativity, O Christ our God, hath shone forth the light of knowledge upon the world; for therein those who worship the stars have been taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of righteousness, and to know Thee the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee!
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Thank you for your lovely memories, and your sorrows, Retired IG.
I have them as well for my childhood Episcopal Church. The rector was a friend of my family’s, a faithful earthly shepherd of God’s flock. I loved the services which were elevating and traditional. And comforting.
But something happened to that denomination, as it has for, it seems, every other. Almighty God Himself has been ushered to the back pew, if not completely out of His own house.
And I’m sure the Holy Spirit has left those houses whilst those inside are yet unaware.
I am drawn to the incredible faith we see in Russian Churches… and especially to the music which is worshipful and reverential. I can feel His presence in those churches, as I know you did once upon a time in yours.
God bless you. Keep your memories alive because they keep Christ in your heart. Dare we hope one day an awakening will return all our churches to places of Holiness? I pray so. Fervently 🙏🏻🕊
I will leave this for you and everyone here as an example of that sublime, uplifting Russian singing which always makes me feel closer to Almighty God. You may know it. It soothes my soul, especially during these turbulent times.
I heard this choir music in my wife’s RU Catholic church in Riga, 25 years ago,… it was stunning and created such a solemn atmosphere while we lit our candles and said our prayers.
I was in my catholic church’s choir and an alter boy, but I had never heard such beautiful voices uplifted to God, until I attended her church in Riga, Latvia.
TY for this video.
There are no voices like Russian voices. And Eastern European ones. Certainly none like the bass voices. The whole Hymn soars and reaches so deeply. The first time I heard this I was transported heavenwards. Is this what Heaven would be like? God grant that He take this prodigal daughter as I expect that it is.
You are most welcome, sir.
“We who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing to the Life-Giving Trinity the thrice-holy hymn, let us now lay aside all earthly cares that we may receive the King of all, escorted invisibly by the angelic orders. Alleluia”
Same here!
So beautiful!
Счастливого Рождества!
Καλά Χριστούγεννα
Kalá Christoúgenna
I’m Greek Orthodox and wish my Orthodox brothers and sisters Merry Christmas!
Mir Bozi Hristos se Rodi, Vaistinu se Rodi!
Srećan Božić
Hvala. Hristos se Rodi!
Absolutely stunning and breathtaking.
Yes these pre-Brut buildings I love. Building these churches kept some of my ancestors out of the draft or conscription. This and bodyguard to the Czar allowed the men to not have the funeral when drafted (for life.). My to do list is to learn more of this faith which was not taught to me.
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Beautiful! Merry Christmas.🌲
There is a LOT of Love in the world.
I have it on good authority that there is exactly an INFINITE AMOUNT OF LOVE IN THE WORLD.
These things we see and experience are unsettling, but just right there, stop and close your eyes…you can feel it. The presence of God is always near when you seek his Love. Always. That infinite. That’s forever. That IS power. Everything else is temporary and well, kind of borish. In those private moments and even when we aren’t aware. It’s always there. Always.
When you think about it..it’s really soothing and reassuring.
God Bless America
noting: I may not be as involved in these great exchanges for the next several days, possible more than a week. I am going to spend some time with my Father. Both of them. We aren’t getting any younger.
God Bless America
Well miss you Brother, come back safe.
No greater truth could be spoken, regitiger. Enjoy the hours with both your fathers. God Bless all of you.
looks like were finally going to see a white Christmas. with all the high temp measuring equipment mought on our air transportation. 3 local weather reports at 3 TV stations can’t seem to tell if it’s going to be 3″/5″we got another at 6″ to 9″.
I did manage to find milk and bread. with all the storms I have been through ,that is considered a small miracle. I know -I know, I should have checked the Liquor stores and see how they were fairing. But I really don’t care.
Bottom line it’s Christmas , and I get to shovel snow. Well, that’s just a little lie! my land lord has a 27″ 8.5 brigs ready to spark up. aint used one since 77. Got paid too. CETA ,Clinton signed it . the Comprehensive Employment and training Act. they gave me the money finally . all at once.
Just dawned on me. My Boss’s name. Gary. great guy,very nervous. he went home at the end of the day. we would let that happen. I would done 30 more before I would that happen. I must have glazed 1000 pains of glass ,sand blasted the old creamery or where they make the milk. put a barbed 3 strand on post. I loved every minute of it too!
Is it me? or is the World crazy?
I hope everyone has a nice day tomorrow. I will be working ,but I have been dying to try that brigs 8.5 “
This cathedral is simply beautiful. It reminded me of St Mary’s Basilica in Mpls and St Paul’s Cathedral where I grew up – Roman Catholic but just as beautiful and the parishioners just as devout- a long time ago and far, far away. The mini tour brought back some cherished memories. December 25th, January 7 or Sept 23 the Birth of our Lord is God’s greatest gift. Thank you.
This Orthodox Christmas is on Sunday, January 7. The word for “Sunday” in Russian is “resurrection”.
Izhevsk is famous for being the home of Kalashnikov rifle, where it was designed and manufactured. Traveling by train to Izhevsk one notices
the land in the region (Udmurt Republic) is very similar to the interior of Alaska. The churches in Russia are everywhere, and well attended. There is no reason for conflict with Russia or it’s people. It is by far the most fascinating country in Europe and safest for foreigners to travel.
In Saratov, on the Volga River, the tradition on (old/traditional) Christmas is to drill a hole in the ice and the Governor and his ministers take a splash. Russian politicians are far tougher than the American/Europeans.
God’s blessings on our Russian sisters and brothers, and peace on earth on whom His favor rests.
Astounding!!
Thank you, Sundance!
My heart be still.
mother Russia has humbled itself slowly back to it’s roots in Almighty the Father, God, the SON and GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT. Consecrated to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of GOD.
REIGN, CHRIST, REIGN!!!!!!
And that gift shop makes me weep with joy. Ahhhh, let me loose in there.
Off to Mass. Love and prayers to all.
True love was born in a stable. One Child. One Star. One Night.
Simply beautiful chapel. From olden days of intricately ornate designs to honor the glory of God as best His creation can do.
Izhevsk is also home to Russia’s state weapons manufactory. A place where Mikhail Kalashnikov’s famous rifle was first mass produced. The AK47 in original form is one of the world’s most reliable arms, if not the most reliable, under the most adverse conditions. If you live in a state that’s not been Communist compromised, get yourself a legal to own AK for protection against terrorists and insurrectionists.
https://www.rbth.com/defence/2015/06/15/izhevsk_200_years_at_the_forefront_of_russian_rifle_production_46919.html
Merry Christmas !🎄🙏 🇺🇸
Extreme beauty!
That structure is a very great prayer to the Creator.
To ever be at war with thes people would be an insanity.
Thank You, Sundance, for the Saint Michael’s Cathedral video,… my wife is Orthodox Catholic from Riga and really enjoyed it. I went with her to her church in Riga, Latvia, a beautiful church with a gorgeous choir. The Icons are really something to see.
We were married first in my Catholic church and one week later in a Greek Orthodox church,… I am so Married!
Love to you, Sundance.
A most blessed Christmas to all my Orthodox friends!
Beautiful video
Great memories of working in Serbia and attended Orthodox services, the Gregorian chants and no pews for sitting. Everyone remains standing, returning to my Ukrainian roots. Merry Christmas.
I think those living in Russia, including American asylum seekers, are more free right now than US citizens living in US.
Thanks to all, who wrote a response to my church sorrows. Learned today the the Roman Catholic church she attended today celebrated the Magi. God Lord (no pun intended) Romans, Ukrainians, Byzantines, etc. I guess, have been in some kind of disagreement since they originated. Same as it is today.
I was so fed with Christmas music, just because it brought up so many sad memories but found a gem of song on a CD my sister created for me in 2009. Many here have probably moved on to other topics, but I just had to post this song.
Holy Day Song – Lee Amos
Love to All, and yes indeed, it is going to snow in many ways this year. I welcome the “snow.”
Oops the song I posted is a good one but this is what I meant to post::
https://www.jambase.com/article/amos-lee-holiday-song