Blog Search Results

Lent: Day 12 - Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 1-11

Day Twelve: St. Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 1-11 Who: Justin Martyr was a Philosopher who converted to Christianity and became a tireless evangelist and apologist. Justin wrote more Christianity than any other person prior to his time. He is classified herein as Eastern, since he a native of Samaria and his thought patterns were Eastern. However, he spent the last years of his life in Rome, where he was executed as a martyr (c. 165). What: An apologetic (defence) essay to explain what Christians believe and do. Why: Justin is demanding the Emperor to investigate accusations and unjust persecution against Christians so that they at least may face a f...

What is Advent?

It’s that time of year when Christmas lights and decorations go up, things start to look a little more sparkly, and kids are getting ready to open their Advent Calendars. But what exactly is “Advent”? You may be from a Church tradition which recognises this each year so are more familiar, but if not, you may be curious to know more about this ancient Christian tradition. Advent, derived from the Latin “adventus,” signifying “coming” or “arrival,” stands as a sacred season deeply entrenched in the hearts of many Christians globally. This period of expectant waiting and preparation marks the initiation of the liturgical year in Western Christia...

Who was the real Santa Claus?

...seeking a faith-based approach to share with your kids this season, consider telling them about Saint Nicholas. He was a real historical figure known for his wonder-working acts and deep compassion. By sharing his story, we also remember the Father of Lights, who gave us His perfect gift from above—His Son, Jesus Christ (James 1:17; Matt. 2:1-3, 9-11). Merry Christmas everyone!   Further Reading/Sources: The Book of Saints: Amazon.co.uk: Hoagland, Victor: 9780882711294: Books Let’s Stop Celebrating St. Nicholas Punching Arius| National Catholic Register (ncregister.com) Bishop Nicholas Loses His Cool ::: St. Nicholas Center (stnicholascenter.org)...

Lent Day 31: Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical Lectures: Lecture XX

...ration of faith and are baptised three times in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three times in the water as Christ was three days in the grave. Though we don't really die, nor get buried, nor get resurrected in that moment physically, “our imitation was in a figure, and our salvation in reality”. Like many other early church writers, Cyril views baptism as a way in which our sins are washed away, probably due to passages like Acts 2:38 (“...so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”) and 2 Peter 3:21 (“And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but...

The Mystery Of Epiphany And The Star Of Bethlehem

...rimage of faith. Like them, we are invited to seek Christ, to bow in worship, and to offer Him our treasures: our hearts, our lives, our devotion, as “living sacrifices” (Rom 12:1). Jesus, the True Star As we celebrate Epiphany, let us remember that the ultimate revelation is not in the heavens but in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the fulfilment of God’s promise, the King who brings hope, peace, and salvation to all who follow Him. Whether we gaze at the stars or reflect on the scriptures, may we be drawn to worship the King of Kings, born in humility yet reigning in glory. This is the message of Epiphany: the Light has come, and the nations are dr...

My new book, available now! Take a journey through the first 400 years of Church History in only 40 days!

...Take a journey through the first 400 years of Church History in only 40 days! "40 Days with the Fathers" is a daily reading plan/devotional spread out over forty days; and over the course of this reading plan you will read extracts and commentary on 23 different early Church texts from a selection of some of the most influential Church Fathers, such as: Didache, Diognetus, Polycarp, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Cyprian, Athanasius, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ambrose of Milan, and Leo the Great. These people who came before us, those great men of faith, many of whom suffered persecution and martyrdom to preserve the Church and Christ's mission, bridge the gap between th...