BLESSED VIRGIN MARY THEOTOKOS

By His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen
May 1, A.D. 2010

In both the Orthodox and Roman Churches, the Mother of God is highly honored, cherished, and respected. The title of Theotokos in Greek means God-bearer. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Theotokos, truly she gave human birth to Jesus Christ who is both God and man. Therefore, she is the Mother of God, Bearer of God (Theotokos). The Nestorian heresy believed that she was the Christotokos meaning Bearer of Christ (Mother of Christ) claiming that the Blessed Virgin did not give birth to Christ God. The Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church and all Eastern Orthodox Churches reject this notion and maintain that she was and is the Mother (Bearer) of God (Theotokos). She conceived Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. She, and her betrothed husband, St Joseph, cared for their Son, Jesus, and Joseph took both into his home as his own. The birth of Jesus was also miraculous and left Mary's virginity intact as a clear sign that this birth was truly overseen by the Holy Spirit. Joseph and Mary never had relations even after the birth of our Lord. Orthodox Catholics also use the word "Panagia" to describe the Blessed Virgin, meaning "All-Holy."

There is one major difference between Roman and Orthodox Catholics, i.e., the "Immaculate Conception." The Immaculate Conception is, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, the conception of the Virgin Mary without any stain ("immacula" in Latin) of original sin. It is one of the four dogmas in Roman Catholic Mariology. Under this aspect Mary is sometimes called the Immaculata (the Immaculate One), particularly in artistic contexts. The dogma states that, from the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved by God from the lack of sanctifying grace that afflicts mankind and that she was instead filled with divine grace. It is further said, and this is also believed by Eastern Orthodox Catholics, that she lived a life completely free from sin. This belief in Mary's Immaculate Conception in the womb of her mother, through sexual intercourse, should not be confused with the doctrines of the virginal conception of her son Jesus, known as the Annunciation and the Virgin Birth. Eastern Orthodox Catholics believe that although Mary was born with original sin, as inherited by all humanity, she was cleansed by the Holy Spirit when she conceived Jesus in her womb, and that Christ, only, was born without original sin. Most Orthodox reject the dogma of the Immaculate Conception as unnecessary. Orthodoxy does not see ancestral sin as an inheritance of guilt or a stain, there is no reason for the miraculous removal of either. Nonetheless, Orthodox tradition does hold that the Theotokos remained free of personal (actual) sin, a belief shared with Roman Catholics and some reformers such as Martin Luther.

Many Orthodox theologians and writers have written extensive articles and books on this subject. Some of these are: St. Augustine & Original Sin by Fr. John Matusiak; The Immaculate Conception: The Holiness of the Mother of God in East and West by Dr. Alexander Roman (Ukrainian Orthodox Church); On the Immaculate Conception by Patriarch Bartholomew I (Archontonis) of Constantinople; and Zeal Not According to Knowledge the view of St. John of Shanghai on the issue.   "Like other human beings, such as St John the Baptist, whose conception and birth are festivals of the Church, the Holy Virgin was born under the law of original sin, sharing with all other human beings their common responsibility for the fall." Vladimir Lossky, "Panagia," in E. L. Mascall, ed., The Mother of God: A Symposium by Members of the Fellowship of St Alban and St Sergius. Westminster: Dacre Press, 1959. Page 31. "The Orthodox Church does not accept the Catholic dogma of 1854 -- the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, in the sense that she was exempt at birth from original sin. This would separate her from the human race, and she would then have been unable to transmit to her Son humanity. But Orthodoxy does not admit in the all-pure Virgin any individual sin, for that would be unworthy of the dignity of the Mother of God." Sergius Bulgakov, The Orthodox Church, St Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1997.

Although worship and adoration belong to God in the Blessed Trinity, Orthodox Catholics do reverence and greatly love the Blessed Virgin Mary, and hyperveneration is given to her before her icons, as with other saints of the Church. How can we love the Son without loving His mother? We must emulate Christ's love for His holy mother because it was she who gave birth to the Word of God, the Son of God – Jesus Christ our Savior – Christ God.

May God's blessings and graces be upon you all.

Metropolitan Stephen, Primate

MESSAGE TO ARCHDIOCESAN FAITHFUL

RE: SCHISMATICS & DEPOSED CLERGY

By His Eminence Archbishop Timothy
April 17, A.D. 2010

With the recent admission of two deposed bishops into a jurisdiction claiming to be the "Orthodox Church of France", it has become more apparent that there are those throughout the world that are masquerading behind the face of Holy Orthodoxy. Both the canons of the Holy Rudder (Pedalion) and those of all canonical Orthodox Catholic jurisdictions call for a bishop to issue a release to clergy before they can be received by another bishop. Furthermore, there is a very real danger in accepting a canonically and justly deposed member of the clergy by another bishop. From the "Apostolic Canons" of the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church. It states: "If any one of the clergy or laity who is excommunicated, or not to be received, shall go away, and be received in another city without commendatory letters, let both the receiver and the received be excommunicated (Canon XII and XIII). The Apostolic Canons also state: If any clergyman shall join in prayer with a deposed clergyman, as if he were a clergyman, let him also be deposed (Canon XI).

In August of 2008, the Holy Metropolis deposed former bishop Cyril Robert Cranshaw of Nicaragua for actions unbecoming a bishop, and for foul and abusive language directed at the Primate of our Church in the presence of fourteen people who were shocked by his actions. This man's archival records demonstrate that he has been suspended by the Archdiocese many times in the past for these same actions, and other infractions, but His Beatitude has always received him back with love and compassion. In February 2010, one called "Nicolas" claiming to be the "Primate" of the "Orthodox Church of France" accepted him as a "bishop" of their Church. In August 2009, the Holy Metropolis deposed former bishop Simeon Robert G Anderson of Cleveland Ohio for embezzlement of funds belonging to the Church, misuse of a non-profit status issued by the State of Ohio, slander and libel against the Primate of the Church, and other actions unbecoming a bishop. The same "bishop", Nicolas, accepted him as well into his group against the canons. In checking with three other Orthodox Archdiocesan primates, all have no knowledge of this "bishop" Nicolas, and commented that the Orthodox Church of France, formerly under the Romanian Patriarchate, was denounced by the same and eventually fragmented into several schismatic groups. Obviously, they have no recognition, and the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church maintains its deposition of both, and gives no recognition to the actions of this "bishop" Nicolas.

It is an unfortunate thing that in the United States, and other countries, there do exist many groups that use the name "Orthodox Catholic", "Orthodox Christian", "Apostolic Orthodox", and other names, and try to pass themselves off as genuine Orthodox Christian Churches but in reality are not. Many true Orthodox bishops refer to them as "charlatans." In most all cases, they receive no recognition from any of the canonical Orthodox Churches or the Roman Church. A Metropolitan who accepts validly deposed clergy and prays with them, as stated in Apostolic Canon XI, becomes deposed as well. Therefore, the presence of the Holy Spirit is absent in their sacerdotal and episcopal actions making what they do empty actions without grace.

Schismatic churches are those that have separated from their Mother Church and have created new groups that are sometimes rivals of their former Mother Church. They often imitate what they have broken from, but most also employ new self-styled canons and, in many cases, new beliefs as well. Unless their "founders" were deposed, laicized, and/or excommunicated, their actions are often referred to as illicit rather than invalid, but even in some cases where they were not, their newly adopted actions and/or beliefs can make them invalid. Rome as well as Orthodoxy has schismatic bodies that are not recognized by both. In our own Archdiocese, there are a number of churches that broke from the Archdiocese since the early 1900's that are not recognized. Some of the reasons they are not are because some have embraced heretical beliefs, theosophy, and believe in non-biblical notions such as "reincarnation." Some have adopted a more Protestant form of worship that has replaced the Eucharist's true or real presence with what is called consubstantiation, i.e., something "symbolic" of Christ's Body and Blood. Others have changed the ordination rites in their churches that make the actions at best "illicit" but, in many cases, invalid. Certainly we pray for their return to sound faith and to their Mother Church.

DONATIONS TO THE METROPOLIA

"Giving to Glorify God" (Matthew 6: 1-4). The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Metropolis would like to thank the following for their generosity and love shown to God and His Church. Those wishing their names withheld are shown as "Anonymous." Donation statements upon request.

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OFFICIAL POLICY FROM HOLY METROPOLIS

Liturgical Vestments in Syriac-Greek Antiochene Rite
Promulgated through this venue on April 26, A.D. 2010

It is the custom for clergy in the Orthodox Catholic Church to wear robes that are labeled as "liturgical" and "non-liturgical" and often the liturgical ones are referred to as vestments. The non-liturgical robes are the cassock (rason in Greek) that is usually black and worn with a white clerical collar, and the exo-rason or exoryassa also black but with wider sleeves and no buttons down the front, and worn over the cassock or rason. In tropical and equatorial climates the cassock is often white or light gray. Most clergy wear only the cassock when engaged in parochial work. The cassock is a floor length garment with fitted sleeves like shirtsleeves. It is proper to wear a belt around the cassock or rason, usually black for priests and magenta or red for bishops depending on rank. The early tradition of the Church in 1892 was for priests and bishops to wear sashes instead of belts, a tradition that is being considered once again. Cassocks are usually only worn by bishops, priests, deacons, monks and nuns. Permission to wear it is often given to subdeacons, monastic novices, seminarians, and lay readers in a parish. In Syriac-Greek Antiochene usage cassock or rason is used along with exo-rason or exoryassa instead of ryassa for cassock.

The liturgical vestments are always worn at church services, e.g., liturgy, memorials, vespers, et cetera. In the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Rite the liturgical vestments are the Phelon (Chasuble), Epitrachelion (Stole), Cincture, and Sticharion (Alb). Clergy of a higher rank and bishops also wear an epigonation (side shield). Bishops dress the same as priests except that they also wear their Pectoral Cross and/or a Panagia and at certain times of the liturgy the omophorion (pallium). The Saccos, a more modern vestment worn by many bishops today but was not worn in the ancient Church. In the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Rite it is only worn at ordinations and the Mass of Chrism on Holy Thursday, and whenever the bishop is "Coram Episcopo", i.e., he presides over instead of celebrates the Liturgy of the Mass, or as directed by the Primate. The Metropolis is considering the eventual phasing out of this vestment as most bishops of the Synod have been or are against it because it was not part of the early Church.

The Liturgical Colors vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction although most are very similar. The Typicon usually refers to "light" or "dark" vestments rather than green, red, or white. In many jurisdictions there are seven colors commonly used: white, green, purple, red, blue, gold, and black is used for funerals, memorials, and on Holy Friday. However, more recently, white is also allowed for funerals especially those of children. The colors have been given meanings by various jurisdictions. White is for the pure light of God's energy. Green is the color of life, the wood of the cross, and of the Holy Spirit. Purple is for the suffering of Christ. Red is for the blood shed by Christ on the cross, and for the martyrs of the Church. Blue is for the Mother of God. Gold is for the richness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are twelve Holy Days (Major Feasts) with Great and Holy Pascha being the Feast of All Feasts, or Holy Day of All Holy Days. On these days, if specified, another color may replace the gold. In Ritual Masses, i.e., those celebrated for Marriage, Ordinations, et cetera, the color is normally white or another festive color. There are six basic groups of Feasts in the Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Catholic Church (Syriac-Greek Antiochian) also accepts these six groups which are:

1. The Feasts commemorating Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prophets, the Apostles, and the Holy Hierarchs of the Orthodox Catholic Church. The color worn for these is gold of any shade. Gold or ornate white with gold thread, ornaments, and appliques are worn for Great and Holy Pascha.
2. The Feasts commemorating the Most Holy Mother of God, the Bodiless Powers and Virgins. Light blue or white is worn, and on feasts of the Theotokos during penitential periods dark blue can be worn.
3. The Feasts commemorating the Cross of Our Lord call for purple or dark red vestments.
4. The Feasts commemorating the Martyrs call for red vestments. On Holy Thursday red or deep red vestments are worn although the church is still covered with black and the Holy Altar is dressed in white. The Feast of Pentecost, and Holy Trinity Day (Monday after Pentecost), are celebrated in red.
5. The Feasts commemorating monastic saints, ascetics and fools for Christ. Vestment color is Green. The Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem, as a rule, is celebrated in green vestments of all shades.
6. During the Lenten periods, the vestment color is usually purple, but dark blue may also be worn. Black is often worn during the first week of Great Lent and the Wednesdays of Great Lent. On Sundays and Feasts during this period the vestments are of a dark color (unless otherwise prescribed) with gold or colored ornaments or appliques. Funerals, as a rule, are done in black vestments except for children under the age of reason, or as requested, then it is white. In some countries where black is looked upon as a "bad color" it is replaced with dark purple.

In the early Church there were no black vestments in the Eastern Orthodox Church although the everyday clothing of monastics and clergy was black. Crimson (dark red) vestments were worn instead of black in Greek and Russian jurisdictions. In Russia, at the funeral of Emperor Peter II (1821) the clergy of St Petersburg were directed to wear black vestments, if possible, to take part in the service. From then on black became customary for funerals and weekday services of Great Lent. The following is the general policy used in the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese.

     White is worn for the feasts and post-feasts of Epiphany (Theophany), Transfiguration, and Pascha on which gold is also allowed. It is also worn on the Nativity of Christ (Christmas), but gold is worn from the second day of Christmas until Epiphany. White vestments are worn during the Paschal season and especially from Ascension to matins on Pentecost, but red is worn at Liturgy on the day of Pentecost. It is generally worn during the Season of Nativity (Christmas), Season of Pascha, Feasts of the Lord (except those of His Passion), and Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary except where blue is prescribed. It is also used on Feasts of the Angels and Saints who are not martyrs, unless otherwise prescribed. All Saints Day (November 1) and Feasts of the Apostles unless otherwise prescribed. It is also worn for Nuptial Liturgies (Masses), and for Requiem Masses for children who died before the age of reason. White is also allowed at memorial services unless otherwise requested by the family. White or silver may be worn for Anniversary Liturgies. White is symbolic of light, innocence, purity, joy, triumph, and glory.

     Red is worn for the Feasts of the Lord's Passion, Blood, and Cross, unless otherwise prescribed. It is worn on Feasts of the Martyrs and the Evangelists, except St John when white is worn. It is worn on Palm Sunday and Pentecost. In parishes where it is approved because of custom, "green" vestments may be worn on Palm Sunday. The feast commemorating the Holy Innocents calls for red vestments. On Holy Thursday red or deep red vestments are worn although the church is still covered with black and the Holy Altar is dressed in white. Red is also worn on the Saturdays and Sundays of Great Lent. The Feast of Pentecost, and Holy Trinity Day (Monday after Pentecost), are celebrated in red. It is worn for the Elevation of the Holy Cross of Christ, and for the feast of Ss Peter and Paul. It is also worn on the Feast of St John the Baptist and St Blasé, Bishop and Martyr. It is also used at Masses for deceased Patriarchs, and for Metropolitan Primates of the Church. Red is symbolic of the Passion, blood, fire, martyrdom, and God's Love.

     Green is worn during Ordinary Time, i.e., Time after Epiphany and Time after Pentecost. It may also be worn for feasts of the prophets, monastic saints, ascetics and fools for Christ. Green can also be worn on the feast of the Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem, although the usual color prescribed is red. Green is symbolic of the Holy Ghost (Spirit), life eternal, and hope.

     Purple or violet is worn during the Season of Advent and the Season of Lent on weekdays. It is worn on Vigils except for Ascension and Pentecost. It is worn during Holy Week except on Holy Thursday when red is worn, and Holy Friday when black is worn, and as prescribed during Great Lent and Holy Week. It is symbolic of penance, humility, and melancholy.

     Blue is worn for feasts commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary (unless otherwise prescribed). It is used on the feasts of the Presentation of the Lord and on the Annunciation. Dark blue is usually worn on the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. It is symbolic of love and peace.

     Black is worn on All Souls Day (November 2, but if not a Sunday, the Sunday closest to it – but after it). It is worn at Requiem Liturgies (Masses) except for baptized children who died before the age of reason, Good Friday, during the first week of Great Lent and all the Wednesdays of Great Lent. Today it is common for some to request that white is worn at adult funerals and this may be honored. It is symbolic of mourning and sorrow.

     Rose is worn on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday in Lent). This color may be replaced with a light purple or red if it is not available. It is symbolic of joy.

     Gold can replace white, red, or green when necessary, but not purple, blue, violet, or black. Gold is worn on the feasts commemorating Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also worn on most feasts of the Prophets, the Apostles, and the Holy Hierarchs of the Orthodox Catholic Church, and gold of any shade may be worn. Gold or ornate white with gold thread, ornaments, and appliques are worn for Great and Holy Pascha. It is also worn from the eve of Ascension to the eve of Pentecost unless otherwise prescribed. It is symbolic of joy.

In Syriac-Greek Antiochian parishes white is the usual color of the cloths used upon the Holy Altar except for Holy Week when purple is used as an under-cloth that hangs down the front with a white cloth over it, except for Holy Thursday. If veils are used to cover the Holy Tabernacle, they should always match the color of vestments of the day that the priest is wearing. If veils are used over lecterns, podiums, analogia, et cetera, the same rule applies except for the Prothesis Table, which is always covered in white. In some parishes after the Liturgy of the Mass a red velvet (or other material) cloth is placed over the Holy Altar to maintain its cleanliness. Colors are changed before Vespers on the eve of the day or feast being commemorated (or after 6:00 p.m. the night before the day or feast if Vespers is not celebrated). Funerals and memorials are never celebrated on Sundays.

WHY ARE CHARISMATIC PROTESTANTS SO SUCCESSFUL

By Father Stephen M Johnson ThB
St Michael & All Angels Parish, St Cloud MN

Why are the charismatic Protestants so successful? This question is one whose answer was long in coming to me. Having come from a very strong protestant background it is very easy looking back now. When I was a child my family was originally Lutheran and when that did not suit us anymore we became Baptist, then Agape, and then Pentecostal and so on. We would find a church and go every week and it would become our all-encompassing thought, and whenever we would move or just need a change in our lives we would attend another church.

My thoughts of these churches at the time were that I was more and more impressed with the church when they would dance and sing and invoke the Holy Spirit (including speaking in tongues and healing). I thought that surely these people must have the message of God because I would feel this welling up inside me as the frenzy grew. In this lies the secret to their success. I will not say that these people do not have their hearts in the right place, nor can I say that these people evil. What I can say is that they were more likely raised in the faith and they just hold on so dearly that they cannot see beyond where they are.

The "circus-like" attitude that surround these services are all encompassing and run so deep that it actually is depressing as we leave these churches. In psychology we learn that around these hyped up situations an endorphin reaction takes place. Endorphins cause us to feel euphoric and is the principal cause of the condition known as "Mob Mentality." In this condition we become less and less likely to oppose the direction that this group is going. For example, when the group decided to speak in tongues, we speak in tongues, or when Mrs Smith falls down after the pastor puts his hand on her head that is what we decided to do also. This has become extremely evident on college campuses around America. One example being Maryland Terrapins. In the early 2000s, security officers quelled sports-related rioting at least three times in as many years. After a major basketball loss in 2000, one thousand freshman and sophomores swarmed across campus and caused significant property damage. Following a win versus hated Duke in 2002, 18 people, including three students, were arrested after a crowd of about 3,000 tramped down Route 1 setting fires and throwing trash.

That being said, these churches can be very similar. The group dynamic is amazingly powerful. As the circus like environment winds up we become enthralled almost to a point of frenzy. The preacher spitting hellfire, the choir backing up all the preacher's sermon, and people waving their arms and speaking (in tongues), which is not truly tongues but is a topic of another article. All of these elements mingle together to take our minds away from God and put it on the moment. While these people think that are feeling the "spirit" they are actually being swept away further and further from God. This is why I love the Orthodox Church. The services aren't wild but beautiful, they are not frenzied but solemn. This is how we are to come to God. He draws us in softly like a calm cool breeze. He is our eternal Father and needs not to resort to cheap tricks to get us to love Him. Nor does He need to frighten us with hell fire, for His love is all encompassing and He is easily found by those who would only seek Him.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Texas A&M University

The following is the winning entry in an annual contest at Texas A&M University calling for the most appropriate definition of a contemporary term. This year's term was "Political Correctness." The winner wrote: "Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

CHRIST THE PANTOCRATOR SOVEREIGN ORDER OF CHIVALRY

[Metropolia] Following is a list of the new officers and members of the Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry with the blessing of His Beatitude the Primate. Those interested in joining the Order of Chivalry and being part of Induction Class II for 2008, or wishing more information, are asked to send their petition and bio-data to the Metropolia by no later than March 1^st , 2008. This may be sent to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, c/o St Sophia Monastery, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406.

 BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS IN PERSPECTIVE

By Charles Mercieca, Ph.D.
President, International Association of Educators for World Peace

Dedicated to United Nations Goals of Peace Education, Environmental Protection, Human Rights & Disarmament, and Professor Emeritus, Alabama A&M University

View of Fundamental Aspects

1. Respect: Human beings are entitled from their very first moment of conception to great respect. This is shown especially by demonstrating interest in the welfare of their life. Since they constitute the backbone of the nation, they are entitled by natural law to receive free education and free health care from the cradle to the grave. When people develop their full potential they are better equipped to make greater and more outstanding contributions to society. As a result, everyone benefits greatly. Also, when people are healthy they are in a position to work harder and to be more productive as a result to the extent that everyone will be a winner and no one a loser. When a government gives its people free education and free health care from the cradle to the grave, this would serve as a guarantee that such a nation would be making the best investment that could be ever made beyond which there is no greater one. By demonstrating respect to these two basic vital needs of people a nation is assured of its eventual strength.

2. Law: One of the most unfortunate experience people go through is to realize that higher laws, which were meant to protect them from their very beginning of human existence, are ignored by their government. In order to have a clear concept of this reality, we need, in the first place, to enlist the four hierarchical laws that always existed since the beginning of times. These are viewed as hierarchical because in the event there is a clash then the higher law should be observed and the lower one disregarded. These four laws are enlisted as follows: Divine Positive Law, Natural Law, Ecclesiastical Law and Civic Law. (a) The Divine Positive Law consists basically of the Ten Commandments which God gave to Moses. They are found in every religion under different names. Among these we find that we should not kill, not say lies, show respect to our parents and so on. (b) The Natural Law consists of the way nature is meant to function. It is found, for example, in the law of gravity, where everything heavier than air goes down and anything lighter goes up, and the law of plantation where the roots always grow below the surface of the earth.

Examination of Hierarchical Laws

These two mentioned laws are viewed to be God-made laws because they are perennial and they can never be modified or changed. Hence, all other laws that are enacted in both the ecclesiastic and civic sphere should be subservient to both the Divine Positive Law and the Natural Law. Anything enacted that would violate any of these two higher laws should be disregarded and not observed at all. (c) The Ecclesiastical Law consists of laws enacted by religious authorities or groups the purpose of which is to guide their adherents to lead a better and more fulfilling life. Such laws should be observed provided they show respect to the first two laws mentioned. Besides, religious authorities should become very vocal in condemning any civic law that does not respect higher laws. (d) The Civic Law refers to any law enacted by governments for their respective nations. Such laws need also to be observed provided they do not contradict the first three kinds of laws, especially the Divine Positive Law and the Natural Law. Although the civic law is the least important of all these four hierarchical laws, it has been quite often the source of so many conflicts, struggles and wars. Those that have the courage to defy the civic law, when it goes against the three mentioned higher laws, often ended up as martyrs, as victims of their tyrannical government. The enactment of a civic law that goes against the first three laws constitutes an abuse of power, which is criminal.

3. Taxation: The notion of taxation is not a new one. It goes back to centuries and even millennia. There is nothing wrong with taxation as long as it is fair and as long as the money collected from the general public is used merely for positive and constructive purposes. This is proved to be so only when such tax money is not used for purposes that would violate the Divine Positive Law and the Natural Law in particular. Unfortunately, over the centuries, the many abuses that took place in this area caused suffering and death to millions of people. For example, if tax money is used to promote struggles and wars, which would involve the killing of innocent people that constitutes a direct violation of the Divine Positive Law, God-made law. Although taxation may be viewed as legitimate, such tax money should be used only for positive and constructive purposes. This means the governments involved are expected to improve the nation's educational system by providing better teachers and by improving the school facilities. It also means that such authorities must use tax money to make sure that the nation's people are provided with the best health care system possible. Besides, such tax money may also be used to provide adequate home facilities to the poor and the homeless and to encourage the creation of humanitarian organizations that are mostly composed of volunteers.

Role of Taxation and Environment

It would certainly be ideal for any government if it were to find ways where taxes become minimal, if not eliminated at all. Fortunately, we do have very few nations that found ways of generating the needed national revenue from the natural resources of the nation itself. This way their people are not really bothered with taxes. In this area of taxation there is one thing for sure. Those nations that tend to achieve what they want, nationally or internationally, through military force are among the most prominent in taxing their own people even at the cost of making many suffer as a result. In nations where the indiscriminate usage of the military becomes a way of life, taxation has become very much abused to the very detriment of the nation's people.

4. Environment: All people around the world have a sacrosanct right to live a long and healthy life. This is done not only by having adequate nourishment but also by having their environment protected against air and water pollution. In this regard, every government has the sacrosanct obligation to see to it that its respective nation is properly protected from air and water pollution. Nowadays, most governments have become merely ornaments. They seem to exist for any purpose but not to look properly after the welfare of their own people. In many countries the accumulation of money and wealth by the few has become more important that the health and life of the nation's people. This explains why some of the leading nations of the world have emerged to become among the greatest polluters on earth. They are mostly guided by the elite wealthy and rich to the extent that the government becomes merely a puppet in their hands for all practical purposes. For example, the weapons industry and the military industrial complex have emerged to become among the greatest polluters on earth. Many of those who worked for such entities have incurred cancer of some kind and died some time afterwards. Yet, the governments involved in such nations do nothing about it for fear that the war-oriented industry may suffer financially!            Some 4,500 years ago Greek philosopher Socrates said that we can solve every problem we encounter if we were to take the first step, namely, to bring the problem into the open for everyone to see. He said "unless the people become aware of a problem they would do nothing to bring it under control." This means that we are fully obligated to bring into the open all kinds of violations against sacred human rights and to hold those that cause such violations as fully responsible and accountable. We should do this especially when those responsible happen to be in authority. We should let them know that we are fully aware of the existent problem that is violating human rights and that immediate steps should be taken to remedy the situation.

Importance of Our Involvement

When confronted with violations of sacred human rights, we should not remain silent. On the contrary, we should have the courage to become highly vocal and to take all legitimate steps to remedy the situation. We should establish a series of healthy and constructive dialogues until all problems that deal with the violations of sacred human rights are solved. These would include the right for self-respect; the right to have civic laws that observe, in turn, higher laws; the right for adequate or small taxation that would not make the financial life of many miserable; and the right for an environment that is totally free from air and water pollution by all means. It is true that our earthly community has been experiencing so many struggles, wars and suffering. However, it is also true that we do still have hope for a better and brighter future. All we need is for all of us to become involved in making sure that the basic human rights outlined in this presentation would be safeguarded. Above all, we should continue to enlighten government and industrial officials of their obligation to protect by all means the basic human rights that were discussed. We should encourage all those who are involved with the weapons and war industries to change their products from destructive ones to constructive ones. This means encouraging the replacement of tanks with tractors, military machinery with medical and educational equipment, and barracks with home facilities and so on. To this end, we need to continue to do our best to create a global environment where all people begin to feel they are, after all, members of one big global family. Their actions, individually and collectively, should always be positive and constructive because this way everyone will end up to be a winner and no one a loser. As a result, hatred will be replaced with love, fear with hope, suspicion with trust, struggles and conflicts with harmony and peace. Let us keep in mind that when there is a will there is always a way.

AMERICAN CENTER FOR LAW & JUSTICE – PRAYER ISSUE

By Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel for ACLJ

Sadly, prayer is on the line again according to a federal district court in Wisconsin, where a judge has ruled in favor of an atheist organization - declaring the National Day of Prayer UNCONSTITUTIONAL. The lawsuit is yet another twisted legal attempt to remove prayer from public life. Don't let this time-honored tradition be trampled by those seeking to destroy religious liberty - add your name to the ACLJ's online COMMITTEE TO PROTECT THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER immediately! Simply put, THERE IS NO CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS HERE.

A day set aside for prayer for our country is a longstanding tradition.  It's a day of recognizing prayer.  No one is COMPELLED to take part. Such observances not only reflect our nation's rich history, but are also consistent with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The ACLJ is fighting to preserve the National Day of Prayer in court, all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States if necessary. Don't let this time-honored American tradition come to an end!  Please join the COMMITTEE TO PROTECT THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - it will be represented in the amicus brief we're preparing to file in this case. And be sure to use the website's forward-to-friend tool to encourage your friends and family to join as well – http://www.aclj.org .

Thank you!

Jay Sekulow
Chief Counsel

ORTHODOX BITS N' PIECES

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q. What canon addresses archbishops and their importance in the Rudder? (Paul Anderson, Chicago IL)

A. There are several canons addressing this issue, but the one that stresses the importance of a "chief bishop" is that of Apostolic Canon 34 that states: "Bishops of every nation must have an archbishop. They confer with him and he with them."

Q. What is meant by cheirothesia? (John Sposato, Oak Park IL)

A. Cheirothesia is the rite used to bring validly ordained clergy from other apostolic Churches into the Orthodox Catholic Church. In our jurisdiction this involves anointing along with the Prayer to the Holy Spirit, placing the liturgical vestments upon the clergyman, and his concelebrating the Liturgy of the Mass with the Bishop on his reception day.

Send your questions to the editor for inclusion in the next edition of the OCH.

DOMESTIC PARISHES & PRAYER GROUPS

The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese of the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church, like other small Orthodox jurisdictions, realizes that there are members who live far away from the nearest parish to them. In some cases, there are parishes of other jurisdictions that are in communion with us or in which mutual recognition has been exchanged. In such cases our members may attend those churches until one of ours is opened in their locality. In other cases, there are those living in an area with no parish at all to attend, and for them they may belong to an existing parish and be on its rolls as a member. Such persons would be allowed to use the Typica Service within their homes on Sunday and Holy Days. Domestic Churches, Chapels, and Prayer Groups may be established in homes until a parish or mission can be officially established. "Distance Parishioners" would also be allowed to make their 10% tithe to the parish attached to uniting them to it in good standing. For further information contact His Eminence Archbishop Timothy at rbsocc@juno.com or St Sophia Monastery Inn and Retreat Center, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. If you are interested in assisting the Archdiocese in establishing a mission parish in your area, please write to us.

 APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS

• VR Father Macfonse Osmond named Vicar of the Nigerian Vicariate in Africa by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on April 28, 2010.
• Father Michael Krejany, Pastor of St Michael the Archangel Parish, Melbourne Victoria, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy on January 30, 2010.
• Rt Rev Chorbishop Haralambos Winger appointed Dean of the Deanery of Alaska by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on August 21^st, 2009.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Baptisms & Chrismations

• Alexi Jacob Mason baptized/chrismated at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by Archbishop Timothy, and sponsor was Father Anthony Luebke. (December 2010)
• Vincent D Cappabianca chrismated at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by Father Anthony Luebke, and sponsor was Archbishop Timothy. (March 28, 2010)

Commissioning of Licensed Provider

• Dr Andrew Gill commissioned and blessed in the Commission on Religious Counseling & Healing by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy during the Divine Liturgy of the Mass on Monday April 5, 2010 at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio.

Stewards of the Holy Metropolis

The following were inducted:

• Dr Maureen Amen (02.15.10)
• Dr Audrey Daniel (01.09.10)
• Very Rev Archimandrite Anthony Luebke (04.07.10)
• Father William Day (02.23.10)
• Mr Albert Dobiash (02.12.10)
• Dr Sandra Dobiash (02.12.10)
• Dr Marge Ebeling (02.11.10)
• Dr Mark Green (03.06.10)
• Dr Jana Green (01.03.10)
• Very Rev Archpriest Stephen Lawrence (01.09.10)
• Ms Gretchen Lejuene (02.12.10)
• Dr William R Meeks (02.25.10)
• Dr Douglas Phillips (03.31.10)
• Dr Peter Smyth (02.25.10)
• Dr Karla VonEhrenkrook (02.17.10)
• Dr Nancy Williams (02.17.10)
• Dr Sharel Zacharias (02.23.10)

Forthcoming Ordinations Announced

The Holy Metropolis has announced the approval of the following men to be ordained priests and deacons for the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Vicariate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The date to be announced. Those subdeacons that will be ordained Deacon and then Priest on the following day because of the length of time they have been waiting are listed first.

Candidates for the Diaconate/Priesthood:

• Subdeacon Kabangi Floribert
• Subdeacon Laurent Kabosani
• Subdeacon Joachim Kingwesi
• Subdeacon Joseph Mabedi
• Subdeacon Denis Mpongo Malumba

Candidates for the Diaconate:

• Subdeacon Francois Bazaba
• Subdeacon Aime' Manzensa

INCARDINATIONS PENDING / APPROVED

• His Grace Bishop Ozando Benuk of Zambia (Africa)
• Father Macfonse Osmond of Nigeria (Africa) incardinated into Archdiocese on April 27, 2010.
• Father Antonio Rodriguez, Dominican Republic
• Father Samuel Ulloa, Dominican Republic

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established:

• Holy Cross & St Helen Parish, Ft Wayne IN
• St Michael the Archangel Parish, Melbourne Victoria (01.30.10)
• St Nicholas of Myra Chapel, Canfield OH (12.17.09)

Dissolved:

• St Brendan Assisted Living Home, Cleveland OH (10.25.09)

DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

• Simeon Robert Anderson and Cyril Robert Cranshaw are both deposed bishops of the Church. They have aligned themselves with an independent group in France under a bishop by the name of Nicolas. No information exists on this man's apostolic succession, and those jurisdictions that we have contacted are suspicious of him. There is another investigation going on now concerning the invalidity of Simeon Anderson's priesthood before joining the Archdiocese. Again, clergy of our Archdiocese are not to have contact with these men.

OFFICIAL FROM HOLY METROPOLIS

His Grace Bishop Joshua – (04.26.10.1) His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen accepted the request of His Grace Bishop Joshua of North Carolina to return to the active ministry of the Church, and cancel his retirement. He continues to serve in the Synod of Bishops with jurisdiction in Winston-Salem NC.

Relic of St Nicholas of Vounenon – (02.01.10.1) The Metropolis requests that all clergy obtain a relic of St Nikolaos of Vounenon that was sanctified for our Archdiocese in March 2008. Please write or email the Metropolis about obtaining one for your parish. This is a directive and not a request.

Commemoration of Patriarch of Antioch – (01.15.10.1) The Primate has decreed that as of Sunday January 31, 2010 all priests and bishops of the Metropolis shall begin to commemorate His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I of Antioch in all Divine Liturgies (Masses). He shall be commemorated at the Great Litany in both the Liturgies of St John and that of St Gregory just before our Primate, Metropolitan Stephen. If there are any questions, please contact the Archdiocese.

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

• His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen (Ohio)
• His Eminence Archbishop Timothy (Ohio)
• His Eminence Archbishop Anthony (New York)
• Archdeacon John DeMeis (New York)
• Mr Andrew Lucas (Illinois)
• Mr Carl Maus (Maryland)
• Rev Mother Helena (Bofey) SCSB (African Congo)
• Mr Bryan Thomas (Ohio)
• Mrs Sherry Ellison (South Carolina)
• Father Seraphim Kanagaratnam (Malaysia)
• VR Archpriest Thomas Dillon (New Jersey)
• Mr Hampton Bumgarner (New Jersey)
• Father Paul Jensen (Texas)
• Dr Audrey Daniel DCh (South Carolina)
• Dr Marge Ebeling DCh (Arizona)
• Mr Vincent D Cappabianca (Ohio)
• Mrs Toni Jovanovic (Indiana)
• Mr Omar Esquilin (Ohio)
• Mr Alexi J Mason (Arizona)
• VR Father Paul Jensen (Texas)
• Mr Vincent Colombo (Indiana)
• VR Archimandrite Anthony Luebke (Ohio)
• Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
• Father Sebastian Robles (Canada)
• Father Padraig Kneafsey (Ireland)
• Dr Karla VonEhrenkrook DCh (Arizona)
• Mr Howard Youngheim (Indiana)
• Ms Sandra Wiechnik (Indiana)
• Dr Joseph Bannon DCh (California)
• Deacon Thomas Monroe (Colorado)
• Our Armed Forces everywhere, who are suffering, injured, or who have lost their lives protecting the freedom of others.
• For all our God-loving Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Monks, and Nuns, both living and dead, and especially our Most Reverend Metropolitan Stephen, that they will all have good health and many years.

Note: If you, or someone you know, is sick or suffering, please let us know and you (or they) will be added to the OCH Prayer List. Send full name, address and age. Thank you.

REST IN PEACE!

• Mrs Mary Colombo of Crown Point Indiana, cousin of His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen who passed away March 10, 2010. May she rest in peace.

You are asked to consider a donation to help the Metropolia with all its programs by sending yours to Metropolis, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield Ohio 44406; or by using your credit card to make a donation through PayPal at http://rbsocc.org/donations.html. All donations are tax-deductible.

METROPOLIS ASKS PRIESTS TO BECOME MORE ACTIVE IN MINISTRY

[Canfield OH] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen advised clergy at the Metropolis, and others, that being a priest means much more than putting on the clerical garb. Priests are to actively establish parishes in their locations that will serve the people of God. The priesthood is not a service to one's self, but to others. Those who fail to open a mission parish or chapel, that is open to the public, fail to honor the priesthood of Christ, and the vows made to the Church. His Beatitude has dedicated this year, 2010, to the establishment and growth of parishes throughout the world under the Metropolis. He calls on all clergy to go and teach others about the Orthodox Catholic Church, and to establish a place where all can worship God, along with the priest, every Sunday and Holy Day. The priesthood is a gift – a talent – that should not be buried but should be proudly used in honor of Christ God, He who made this possible. The Archdiocesan Chancery will give guidance to any priest who is having difficulty in organizing his mission simply by contacting us by email, mail, or by telephone. There are many ways to serve, e.g., hospital chaplaincies, nursing homes, prison ministry, and starting a religious education program in the rectory for those interested. Placing ads in the local papers is also a good way to let others know of your presence.

NEW BOOKSTORE & GIFT SHOP FOR ARCHDIOCESE

[Canfield OH] Holy Trinity Bookstore and Gift Shop is now open at St Sophia Monastery Inn and Retreat Center, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Room 3, Canfield Ohio 44406. Father Anthony Luebke is the manager of the new bookstore that will hold its grand opening on February 11, 2010. The bookstore offers books on many topics in Counseling, General Studies, Healing, Religion, Scripture, Theology, and more. It also offers many beautiful gifts from Egypt, England, Greece, Italy, Russia, and items from the United States. It also offers many religious articles and icons, and collectible items that are one of a kind, and those that are hard to find. You can request more information and catalog from the address above or by calling 330.533.4048 and ask for the bookstore or listen to the prompts.

UGANDA NEEDS ASSISTANCE

[Kiboga Uganda] The Very Reverend Archpriest Fr Spiridon Kisomose of Uganda has written to the Metropolis asking for some assistance for the poor parishes in his vicariate. In Uganda, there are four parishes and a school, but all of these are very poor as they serve poor families and individuals. In addition to financial needs, they are in need of clothing, office supplies, sewing supplies, school supplies, books, et cetera. If you wish to assist please send your donation to the Metropolis at St Sophia Monastery Inn, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. Please mark your donation for Uganda Vicariate. 

HANDMADE ITEMS FROM UGANDA ON SALE AT BOOKSTORE/GIFT SHOP

[Canfield OH] Father Christopher Tamale sent some beautiful handmade items from Kiboga Uganda to be sold at Holy Trinity Bookstore & Gift Shop in Canfield Ohio. The profits from these items will be sent to Uganda to help the mission parishes there in their survival. If you wish to purchase some by mail, please contact the bookstore and ask for a catalog of items and price list. There are change purses, purses for women, hats, jewelry, coconut bracelets, and many other beautifully handmade gifts. The Metropolis has several very poor parishes in Uganda. There are also two schools for children in Uganda under our omophor. We are asking that all try to make a purchase to help with the great poverty being experience by the faithful. If you wish to assist please contact St Sophia Monastery Inn, Holy Trinity Bookstore, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. You can call (330) 533.4048 and ask for bookstore. You can also just send a cash donation by check or via PayPal. Please mark your donation for Uganda Vicariate.

ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE RESPONDS ABOUT DEPOSED BISHOP

From Chancery Office of the Metropolis

[Cleveland OH] The Office of the Cardinal in the Archdiocese of Chicago Illinois sent a letter to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy advising that Simeon Robert Anderson, deposed bishop of our jurisdiction, was never a priest or professed monk of the Roman Catholic Church. Simeon Anderson told many people that he was once a priest in the Roman Catholic Church, but never substantiated this claim. He found a bishop in France that is independent to take him in as a deposed bishop, and is not the only deposed bishop in this Orthodox Church of France. It is believed that this group is one of the schismatic fragments of the time when the Orthodox Church of France was dissolved by the Romanian Patriarchate.

Advertise in the Herald You can advertise your parish, center, club or other organization in this section for $10.00 plus $.50 (fifty cents) per word. The Orthodox Christian Herald is sent to every diocese, which copies it on to local members. It is read by over 2,900 people and growing.

Framed Icon of St Panteleimon, Patron of Healers Available from the Archdiocesan Chancery, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406, these icons are suitable for hanging in counseling centers, clinics, and in the home. $40.00, postage and handling included. Commission members are required to have this icon hanging in their offices and clinics. Order yours today.

Handmade Nun Dolls from the Past Handmade nun dolls from the past. Full habits of many orders of nuns from various Churches including Orthodox, Lutheran, and Roman. Nostalgia brought to your doorsteps. These are beautifully created and show the exact habits of nuns worn many years ago. The wife of one of our priests makes them. You can write for a catalog or additional information to Father Patrick Lemming, St James House, 804 Catlett Road, Sevierville TN 37862.

Revised (2008) and Final Edition - A Treatise on Chiropathy: The Holistic Healing Ministry is now available from Commission on Religious Counseling & Healing, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. The cost is $25.00 and includes Postage and Handling. All chiropaths must have this in their library.

SYRIAC-GREEK ANTIOCHIAN PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

Archdiocese of the Americas & Dependencies - Write to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406.

Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write - Archbishop Timothy, St Sophia Monastery Inn, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. This is an organization for licensed healing professionals in service to God. They serve through the Healing Ministry of the Church.

The Companions of St Basil is open to married or single men and women wishing to share in the good works and prayers of the Monastic Community of St Basil. Those interested in the Companions of St Basil should write to the Moderator, Father Steven Johnson, St Thomas House, 1719 South 7^th Avenue, St Cloud MN 56301.

Monastic Community of St Basil is open to those who wish to follow a monastic way of life. Write to St Sophia Monastery Inn and Retreat Center, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Nigeria, Ohio, and Minnesota (USA). The Sisters of the Community of St Basil are headquartered in the African Congo and are part of the Monastic Community of St Basil. His Eminence Archbishop Timothy is the interim Archabbot.

All Saints Chapel, Anchorage Alaska, Chorbishop Haralambos Winger, Pastor.

All Saints of Ireland Eastern Orthodox Catholic Parish, County Cork Ireland; Father Padraig Kneafsey, Pastor.

Holy Ghost Eastern Orthodox Catholic Chapel , Oceanside California, Very Reverend Archpriest Stephen Lawrence, Pastor.

Ss Cosmas and Damian Eastern Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 785 Grand Avenue #206, Carlsbad California. Very Reverend Archpriest Stephen Lawrence, Pastor.

St George the Great Martyr Eastern Orthodox Catholic Parish, Pueblo Colorado, Fr Deacon Thomas Monroe, Administrator.

St Luke the Physician Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Mission Parish, VR Father Paul Jensen, Pastor, 339 NE 8^th Street, Paris Texas 75450.

St Michael the Archangel Chapel, Melbourne Victoria Australia, Father Michael Krejany, Pastor.

St Nicholas of Myra Eastern Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield Ohio. Sunday Liturgy of the Mass at 10:30 a.m., Holy Days at 7:00 p.m. or as announced.

HEALTH, HEALING, & WELLNESS SECTION
Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing

BIBLICAL HEALTH

Father Paul G Jensen is a retired chiropath from the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing, and a priest of the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church since 1982. He has written many articles on "Biblical Health" that have been published in various papers including the "Roxton Progress" in Plano Texas in the 1980's. The following information was published in the "Roxton Progress" on November 7, 1985.

Going back to the fifth chapter of Genesis we find that Methuselah lived to 969 years; Noah lived to 950 years; Adam lived to 930 years; Seth lived to 912 years; Enos lived to 905 years; and Cain lived to 910 years. What happened in the ensuing years that reduced our life span? What changes have shortened our lives and visited so many dreadful diseases upon mankind? With a little thought on the matter we come to realize that in their day they lived a natural lifestyle, free from adulterated food, poorly combined foods, gluttony, hectic eating, et cetera. The air they breathed was uncontaminated and their food and water was also uncontaminated. The Bible gives us our medically sound dietary directions for good health. Divine biblical law differentiates between the clean and the unclean, between the meats that can be eaten and those that should not. It is because we ignore these laws that we are plagued with cancer, tuberculosis, insanity, diabetes, heart disease, as well as juvenile delinquency and crime.

Now, here it is necessary to make the distinction of what a nutritionist is and what a dietician is. Dieticians in our hospitals and other institutions believe that white bread is nourishing with its bleached flour and additives. They see nothing wrong with the highly refined sugars we consume in high quantities. They see nothing wrong with polished rice with all its real nutrients taken away. In contrast to this consider the nutritionist. The nutritionist insists on the use of multigrain breads where the wheat germ has not been removed. Nutritionists would recommend honey as a natural sweetener since it is a biblical food and has many useful nutrients. As for rice, the nutritionist would prefer the natural unprocessed rice or wild rice or brown rice. All these are much more nutritious and beneficial to our health. These are just a few of the reasons that a nutritionally oriented doctors or physician should be sought out if you really want to be well. Chapter 11 of Leviticus tells us that we should abstain from unclean foods that include camel, horse, rabbit, swine, and shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. Thus bacon, ham, pork sausage, and use of all pork is forbidden. Read Leviticus 11:7; Isaiah 65:4; Deuteronomy 14:3; and Isaiah 66:17. Also, the fat and blood of animals are forbidden in Leviticus 3:17. Swans, ducks, geese are all waterfowl and of the same Avian species, web-footed, etc., and are forbidden in Leviticus 11:18.

However, game birds such as pheasants, grouse, partridge, quail, dove, et cetera, are clean, provided their blood is drained. Also, the seafood that is clean are those fish with both fins and scales. Leviticus 11:9 directs that catfish have no scales and they are scavengers and should not be eaten.  The discovering and use of fire for cooking has resulted in the cultivating and killing of animals for food far out of proportion to their need in our diets. The heavy consumption of meat is one of the main reasons that our health suffers. Meat eventuates into uric acid and into two fecal components: indol and scatol. Both of these are reabsorbed into the system and poison it, thus reducing our life span and inducing all manner of grave illness. There will be those that will not believe the admonitions about diet, healthy living, et cetera, that is given us in the Bible. They will think that their knowledge is sufficient to judge what to eat and what not to eat. What does the Bible teach about that? "He takes the wise in their own craftiness" I Corinthians 3:19. 

Editor's note: Although the Bible should be obeyed as far as can be, there exists the question: If the Jewish faithful of today abide by the dietary laws, why are they not living longer today than those who are not following the biblical law? This question has come from many including some theologians. Your thoughts on this matter may be sent to the editor.

AVITAMINOSIS EXPLAINED IN BRIEF

Avitaminosis is any disease caused by chronic or long-term vitamin deficiency or caused by a defect in metabolic conversion, such as tryptophan to niacin. The same letter as the vitamin is used to designate them. Conversely hypervitaminosis is the syndrome of symptoms caused by over-retention of fat-soluble vitamins in the body. Hypovitaminosis is a nutritional deficiency state characterized by relative insufficiency of one or more vitamins in the diet, manifested first by depletion of tissue levels, then by functional changes, and finally by appearance of morphologic lesions. Providers and others interested in this topic should visit online and enter the word "Avitaminosis." Scurvy that was very common at one time, is an avitaminosis that is caused by a severe lack of Vitamin C. 

Avitaminoses include:  

• Vitamin A deficiency causes xerophthalmia or night blindness.
• Thiamine deficiency causes beriberi.
• Niacin deficiency causes pellagra.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia.
• Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy.
• Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets.
• Vitamin K deficiency causes impaired coagulation.

THE SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS

Submitted by Dr Janet Maus DCh FSAC

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty. At that time crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hands and feet. Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long. The nails were driven into His wrists, not into His palms as is commonly portrayed. There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder. The Roman guards knew that when the nails were being hammered into the wrist the tendon would tare and break, forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support Himself so that He could breath. Both of His feet were nailed together. Thus He was forced to support Himself on the single nail that impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could not support Himself with His legs because of the pain so He was forced to alternate between arching His back then using His legs just to continue to breath. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering, the courage. Jesus endured this for over 3 hours.

Yes, over 3 hours! Can you imagine this kind of suffering? A few minutes before He died, Jesus stopped bleeding. He was simply pouring water from His wounds. From common images we see wounds to His hands and feet and even a spear wound to His side. But do we realize His wounds were actually made in His body? A hammer driving large nails through the wrist, the feet overlapped and an even larger nail hammered through His arches, then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear. But before the nails and the spear Jesus was whipped and beaten. The whipping was so severe that it tore the flesh from His body. The beating so horrific that His face was torn and His beard ripped from His face. The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp. Most men would not have survived this torture. He had no more blood to bleed out, only water poured from His wounds. The human adult body contains 3.5 liters (just less than a gallon) of blood. Jesus poured all 3.5 liters of His blood. He has three nails hammered into His body, a crown of thorns on His head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into his [chest] side. All these without mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying His own cross for almost 2 kilometers while the crowd spat in His face and threw stones. The cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part, where His hands were nailed.

Editor's Note: The above does not mention it, but Jesus' mouth was very parched, dry, and bloody. When He asked for something to drink, the soldiers gave Him gall (vinegar). Have you ever poured vinegar onto an open and deep cut? Aside from this, and all the above, Jesus suffered much more than we realize. In addition, His emotional self was tortured along with His physical.