Month: December 2019

Prídie Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

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Prídie Kaléndas Januárii.  Luna. The Thirty-First Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Romæ natális sancti Silvéstri Primi, Papæ et Confessóris; qui Magnum Constantínum Imperatórem baptizávit, et Nicænam confirmávit Synodum, ac, multis áliis rebus sanctíssime gestis, quiévit in pace. At Rome, the birthday of Pope St. Sylvester I, confessor, who baptized Emperor Constantine the Great, and confirmed the council of Nicaea. After performing many other holy deeds, he rested in peace. Item Romæ, via Salária, in cœmetério Priscíllæ, sanctárum Mártyrum Donátæ, Paulínæ, Rústicæ, Nominándæ, Serótinæ, Hiláriæ et Sociárum. At Rome, on the Salarian Way, in the cemetery of Priscilla, the holy martyrs Donata, Paulina, Rustica, Nominanda, Serotina, Hilaria, and their companions. Apud Sénonas beatórum Sabiniáni Epíscopi, et Potentiáni; qui, a Pontífice Románo illuc ad prædicándum dirécti, confessiónis suæ martyrio eándem metrópolim illustrárunt. At Sens, the blessed Sabinian, bishop, and Potentian. They had been sent there to preach by the Roman Pontiff, and that metropolitan church was illustrated by their confession and martyrdom. Cátanæ, in Sicília, pássio sanctórum Stéphani, Pontiáni, Attali, Fabiáni, Cornélii, Sexti, Floris, Quinctiáni, Minervíni et Simpliciáni. At Catania in Sicily, the passion of the Saints Stephen, Pontian, Attalus, Fabian, Cornelius, Sextus, Flos, Quinctian, Minervinus, and Simplician. Apud Sénonas sanctæ Colúmbæ, Vírginis et Mártyris; quæ, igne superáto, in persecutióne Aureliáni Imperatóris, gládio cæsa est. At Sens, St. Columba, virgin and martyr, who, after having triumphed over fire, was beheaded during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian. Eódem die sancti Zótici, Presbyteri Románi; qui, Constantinópolim proféctus, illic alendórum orphanórum curam suscépit. On the same day, St. Zoticus, a Roman priest who went to Constantinople and undertook the work of caring for orphans. Ravénnæ sancti Barbatiáni Presbyteri et Confessóris. At Ravenna, St. Barbatian, priest and confessor. In pago Lalovésci, diœcésis Viennénsis, in Delphinátu, deposítio sancti Joánnis-Francísci Regis, Sacerdótis e Societáte Jesu et Confessóris, exímiæ in salúte animárum procuránda. At La Louvesc, in the diocese of Vienne in Dauphine, the death of St. John Francis Regis, priest of the Society of Jesus and confessor. He was a man of great love and patience in securing the salvation of souls. Rhætáriæ sancti Hermétis Exorcístæ. At Retiers, St. Hermes, exorcist. Lutétiæ Parisiórum sanctæ Catharínæ Labouré, Vírginis, e Societáte Puellárum Caritátis, quæ a Deípara Immaculáta singulári manifestatióne Sacri Numísmatis donáta, virtútibus et miráculis insígnis éxstitit, et a Pio Papa Duodécimo in sanctárum Vírginum númerum reláta est. At Paris, St. Catherine Labouré, Virgin, of the Order of the Daughters of Charity, who, having been presented with the Miraculous Medal in a special apparition of the Immaculate Mother of God, was remarkable for her virtue and her miracles.  Pope Pius XII added her to the number of holy Virgins. Eódem die sanctæ Melániæ junióris, quæ, cum viro suo Piniáno, ex urbe Roma discéssit, et Hierosólymam profécta est; ibíque ipsa inter féminas Deo sacras et vir inter Mónachos religiósam vitam exércuit, et ambo sancto fine quievérunt. Also, St. Melania the Younger, who withdrew from Rome with her husband Pinian, and went to Jerusalem, where both embraced the religious life, she among the women consecrated to God, and he among the monks, and ended their career in peace.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:


St. Sylvester, Pope and Confessor

St. Columba, Virgin and Martyr

St. Melania the Younger

ORCCE Ordo: S. Silvestri Papae et Conf. ~ Duplex

Nota Bene: 

Christians Not Target of Baghdad Bombings, Iraqi Officials Say

Different faiths distributed Red Roses and Christmas Cards at the Churches of Rawalpindi and Islamabad city

Central African Republic Christians petition for President’s removal

Coptic Church Forced to Close Due to Violence From Muslim Brotherhood Backed Aggressors

Christian Syrian Refugees Denied Visas to West

Christians being attack on Christmas in Mideast

Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola RESCUED : Nigeria’s Anglican Leader Kidnapped by Gunmen

VIDEO reports: Iraq bombings target Christians on Christmas

Joy and fear for Christians in Sri Lanka

Egyptian Copts to celebrate Christmas ‘no matter the circumstance’

Tértio Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

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Tértio Kaléndas Januárii.  Luna. The Thirtieth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Romæ natális sancti Felícis Primi, Papæ et Mártyris, qui sub Aureliáno Príncipe Ecclésiam rexit.  Ipsíus tamen festum tértio Kaléndas Júnii celebrátur. At Rome, the birthday of St. Felix I, pope and martyr, who governed the Church during the reign of Emperor Aurelian.  His feast day is celebrated on the 30th of May. Spoléti item natális sanctórum Mártyrum Sabíni, Assisiénsis Epíscopi, atque Exsuperántii et Marcélli Diaconórum, ac Venustiáni Præsidis cum uxóre et fíliis, sub Maximiáno Imperatóre. Ex ipsis Marcéllus et Exsuperántius, primum equúleo suspénsi, deínde fústibus gráviter mactáti, postrémum, abrási úngulis et láterum exustióne assáti, martyrium complevérunt; Venustiánus autem non multo post, simul cum uxóre et fíliis, est gládio necátus; sanctus vero Sabínus, post detruncatiónem mánuum et diútinam cárceris maceratiónem, ad mortem usque cæsus est. Horum martyrium, licet divérso exstíterit témpore, una tamen die recólitur. At Spoleto, the birthday also of the holy martyrs Sabinus, bishop, Exuperantius and Marcellus, deacons, and also Venustian, governor, along with his wife and sons, under Emperor Maximian. Marcellus and Exuperantius were first racked, then severely beaten with rods; afterwards being torn with iron hooks, and burned in the sides, they fulfilled their martyrdom. Not long after, Venustian was put to the sword with his wife and sons. St. Sabinus, after having his hands cut off, and being a long time confined in prison, was scourged to death. The martyrdom of these saints is commemorated on the same day, although it occurred at different times. Alexandríæ sanctórum Mansuéti, Sevéri, Appiáni, Donáti, Honórii et Sociórum Mártyrum. At Alexandria, the Saints Mansuetus, Severus, Appian, Donatus, Honorius, and their martyr companions. Thessalonícæ sanctæ Anysiæ Mártyris. At Thessalonica, St. Anysia, martyr. Ibídem sancti Anysii, ejúsdem civitátis Epíscopi. Likewise, St. Anysius, bishop of the same city. Medioláni sancti Eugénii, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Milan, St. Eugene, bishop and confessor. Ravénnæ sancti Libérii Epíscopi. At Ravenna, St. Liberius, bishop. Aquilæ, in Vestínis, sancti Rainérii Epíscopi. At Aquila, in Abruzzi, St. Rainer, bishop.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Sabinus, Bishop of Assisium, and His Companions, Martyrs
St. Anysia, Martyr
St. Maximus, Confessor

ORCCE Ordo: Dominica Infra Octavam Nativitatis

Nota Bene: 

Christians Not Target of Baghdad Bombings, Iraqi Officials Say

Different faiths distributed Red Roses and Christmas Cards at the Churches of Rawalpindi and Islamabad city

Central African Republic Christians petition for President’s removal

Coptic Church Forced to Close Due to Violence From Muslim Brotherhood Backed Aggressors

Christian Syrian Refugees Denied Visas to West

Christians being attack on Christmas in Mideast

Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola RESCUED : Nigeria’s Anglican Leader Kidnapped by Gunmen

VIDEO reports: Iraq bombings target Christians on Christmas

Joy and fear for Christians in Sri Lanka

Egyptian Copts to celebrate Christmas ‘no matter the circumstance’

Quarto Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

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Quarto Kaléndas Januárii.  Luna. The Twenty-Ninth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Cantuáriæ, in Anglia, natális sancti Thomæ, Epíscopi et Mártyris, qui, ob defensiónem justítiæ et ecclesiásticæ immunitátis, in Basílica sua, ab impiórum hóminum factióne percússus gládio, Martyr migrávit ad Christum. At Canterbury in England, the birthday of St. Thomas, bishop and martyr, who, for the defence of justice and ecclesiastical immunity, was struck with the sword in his own basilica by a faction of wicked men, and thus went to Christ as martyr. Hierosólymis sancti David, Regis et Prophétæ. At Jerusalem, holy David, king and prophet. Areláte, in Gállia, natális sancti Tróphimi, cujus méminit sanctus Paulus ad Timótheum scribens. Ipse autem Tróphimus, ab eódem Apóstolo Epíscopus ordinátus, præfátæ urbi primus ad Christi Evangélium prædicándum diréctus est; ex cujus prædicatiónis fonte (ut sanctus Zósimus Papa scribit) tota Gállia rívulos fídei recépit. At Arles in France, the birthday of St. Trophimus, mentioned by St. Paul in his Epistle to Timothy. Being ordained bishop by that apostle, he was the first sent to preach the gospel of Christ in that city. From his preaching, as from a fountain, according to the expression of Pope St. Zosimus, all France received the waters of salvation. Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Callísti, Felícis et Bonifátii. At Rome, the holy martyrs Callistus, Felix, and Boniface. In Africa pássio sanctórum Mártyrum Domínici, Victóris, Primiáni, Lybósi, Saturníni, Crescéntii, Secúndi et Honoráti. In Africa, the passion of the holy martyrs Dominic, Victor, Primian, Lybosus, Saturninus, Crescentius, Secundus, and Honoratus. Constantinópoli sancti Marcélli Abbátis. At Constantinople, St. Marcellus, abbot. In pago Oxyménsi, in Gállia, sancti Ebrúlphi, Abbátis et Confessóris, témpore Childebérti Regis. In the country of Hiesmes in France, St. Ebrulf, abbot and confessor, in the time of King Childebert. Viénnæ, in Gállia, Commemorátio sancti Crescéntis, Epíscopi et Mártyris, qui fuit discípulus beáti Pauli Apóstoli ac primus ejúsdem civitátis Epíscopus, et cujus dies natális quinto Kaléndas Júlii celebrátur. At Vienne in France, the commemoration of St. Crescens, bishop and martyr. He was a disciple of St. Paul the Apostle and was the first bishop of that city. His birthday is mentioned on the 27th of June.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:


St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr

St. Marcellus, Abbot of the Acœmetes, Confessor

St. Evroul, Abbot and Confessor


ORCCE Ordo: Ss. Innocentium ~ Duplex II. classis

Nota Bene: 

Different faiths distributed Red Roses and Christmas Cards at the Churches of Rawalpindi and Islamabad city

Central African Republic Christians petition for President’s removal

Coptic Church Forced to Close Due to Violence From Muslim Brotherhood Backed Aggressors

Christian Syrian Refugees Denied Visas to West

Christians being attack on Christmas in Mideast

Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola RESCUED : Nigeria’s Anglican Leader Kidnapped by Gunmen

VIDEO reports: Iraq bombings target Christians on Christmas

Joy and fear for Christians in Sri Lanka

Egyptian Copts to celebrate Christmas ‘no matter the circumstance’

Quinto Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

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Quinto Kaléndas Januárii.  Luna. The Twenty-Eighth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

In Béthlehem Judæ natális sanctórum Innocéntium Mártyrum, qui pro Christo ab Heróde Rege interfécti sunt. In Bethlehem of Juda, the birthday of the Holy Innocents, who were slain for Christ by Herod the king.

Lugdúni, in Gállia, item natális sancti Francísci Salésii, Epíscopi Gebennénsis et Confessóris; quem, doctrína et flagrantíssimo in converténdis hæréticis zelo præclárum, Alexánder Papa Séptimus in Sanctórum númerum rétulit, et ipsíus festivitátem quarto Kaléndas Februárii, quo die sacrum illíus corpus Lugdúno Annésium, in Sabáudia, fuit translátum, agéndam esse constítuit. Eum Pius Nonus, Póntifex Máximus, Doctórem universális Ecclésiæ declarávit; et Pius Papa Undécimus ómnibus Scriptóribus cathólicis, qui diáriis aliísve scriptis in vulgus edéndis Christiánam sapiéntiam illústrant ac próvehunt et tuéntur, cæléstem Patrónum dedit seu confirmávit. At Lyons in France, the birthday also of St. Francis de Sales, bishop of Geneva and confessor. Because of his burning zeal for the conversion of heretics and his learning, Pope Alexander VII placed him among the number of the saints, and his feast is observed on the 29th of January, on which day his holy body was translated from Lyons to Annecy in Savoy. Pope Pius IX decreed him a doctor of the universal Church, and Pope Pius XI constituted him the heavenly patron of all Catholic writers who explain, promote, or defend Christian doctrine by publishing journals or other writings in the vernacular.

Ancyræ, in Galátia, sanctórum Mártyrum Eutychii Presbyteri, et Domitiáni Diáconi. At Ancyra in Galatia, the holy martyrs Eutychius, priest, and Domitian, deacon.

In Africa natális sanctórum Mártyrum Cástoris, Victóris et Rogatiáni. In Africa, the birthday of the holy martyrs Castor, Victor, and Rogatian.

Nicomedíæ sanctórum Mártyrum Indis eunúchi, Domnæ et Agapis ac Theóphilæ Vírginum, et Sociórum; qui, in persecutióne Diocletiáni, post longa certámina, divérso mortis génere corónam martyrii sunt assecúti. At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Indes, a eunuch, Domna, Agapes, and Theophila, virgins, and their companions, who, after long trials, attained to the crown of martyrdom by various kinds of death, during the persecution of Diocletian.

Neocæsaréæ, in Ponto, sancti Troádii Mártyris, in persecutióne Décii; cui quidem Troádio agonizánti sanctus Gregórius Thaumatúrgus in spíritu ádfuit, eúmque ad subeúndum martyrium roborávit. At Neocaesarea in Pontus, St. Troadius, martyr, in the persecution of Decius. During his trial St. Gregory Thaumaturgus appeared to him in spirit and encouraged him to undergo martyrdom.

Arabíssi, in Arménia inferióre, sancti Cæsárii Mártyris, qui sub Galério Maximiáno passus est. At Arabissus in Lower Armenia, St. Caesarius, martyr, who suffered under Galerius Maximian.

 In monastério Lirinénsi, in Gállia, sancti Antónii Mónachi, miráculis clari. In the monastery of Lerins in France, St. Anthony, a monk famed for his miracles.

Romæ sancti Domniónis Presbyteri. At Rome, St. Domnio, priest.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:


The Holy Innocents

St. Theodorus, Abbot of Tabenna, Confessor

ORCCE Ordo: Ss. Innocentium ~ Duplex II. classis

Nota Bene: 

Christian Syrian Refugees Denied Visas to West

Christians being attack on Christmas in Mideast

Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola RESCUED : Nigeria’s Anglican Leader Kidnapped by Gunmen

VIDEO reports: Iraq bombings target Christians on Christmas

Joy and fear for Christians in Sri Lanka

Egyptian Copts to celebrate Christmas ‘no matter the circumstance’

Sexto Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

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Sexto Kaléndas Januárii.  Luna. The Twenty-Seventh Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Apud Ephesum natális sancti Joánnis, Apóstoli et Evangelístæ, qui, post Evangélii scriptiónem, post exsílii relegatiónem et Apocalypsim divínam, usque ad Trajáni Príncipis témpora persevérans, totíus Asiæ fundávit rexítque Ecclésias, ac tandem, conféctus sénio, sexagésimo octávo post passiónem Dómini anno mórtuus est, et juxta eándem urbem sepúltus. At Ephesus, the birthday of St. John, apostle and evangelist.  After writing his gospel, and after enduring exile and writing the divine Apocalypse, he lived until the time of Emperor Trajan and founded and governed the churches of all Asia.  Worn out with age, he died in the sixty-eighth year after the passion of our Lord and was buried near Ephesus.

Constantinópoli sanctórum Confessórum Theodóri et Theóphanis fratrum, qui, a puerítia in Palæstinénsi sancti Sabbæ monastério nutríti, cum póstea pro sanctárum Imáginum cultu advérsus Leónem Arménum strénue decertárent, ejus jussu verbéribus affécti sunt et exsílio relegáti. Sed, eódem Leóne mórtuo, rursus Theóphilo Imperatóri, qui eádem impietáte detinebátur, constánter resisténtes, verbéribus íterum cæsi et in exsílium pulsi sunt, ubi Theodórus in cárcere exspirávit. Theóphanes vero, pace demum Ecclésiæ réddita, factus est Nicænæ civitátis Epíscopus, et confessiónis glória præclárus quiévit in Dómino. At Constantinople, the holy confessors Theodore and Theophanes, brothers, who were brought up from their childhood in the monastery of St. Sabas. Afterwards, they strove zealously for the veneration of holy images against Leo the Armenian, and at his command they were scourged and banished. After his death they again firmly opposed Emperor Theophilus, who was imbued with the same impiety, and were scourged a second time and driven into exile, where Theodore died in prison. Theophanes, after peace had at length been restored to the Church, was made bishop of Nicaea, and there, famous for his glorious witness of the faith, rested in the Lord.

Alexandríæ sancti Máximi Epíscopi, qui satis clarus et insígnis título confessiónis efféctus est. At Alexandria, St. Maximus, bishop, well known and renowned by reason of his confession.

Constantinópoli sanctæ Nicáretes Vírginis, quæ, sub Arcádio Imperatóre, cláruit sanctitáte. At Constantinople, St. Niceras, virgin, who was renowned for sanctity in the time of Emperor Arcadius.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:


St. John the Apostle and Evangelist

St. Theodorus Grapt, Confessor

ORCCE Ordo: S. Johanni Apostoli ~ Duplex II. classis

Nota Bene: 

Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola RESCUED : Nigeria’s Anglican Leader Kidnapped by Gunmen

VIDEO reports: Iraq bombings target Christians on Christmas

Joy and fear for Christians in Sri Lanka

Egyptian Copts to celebrate Christmas ‘no matter the circumstance’

Séptimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

Published on by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

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Séptimo Kaléndas Januárii.  Luna. The Twenty-Sixth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Hierosólymis natális sancti Stéphani Protomártyris, qui a Judæis, non longe post Ascensiónem Dómini, lapidátus est. At Jerusalem, the birthday of St. Stephen, the first martyr, who was stoned to death by the Jews shortly after the Ascension of our Lord.

Romæ sancti Maríni, ex órdine Senatório viri, qui, sub Numeriáno Imperatóre et Marciáno Præfécto, Christiánæ religiónis causa comprehénsus, equúleo et úngulis servíli more punítus, in sartáginem deínde conjéctus, sed, igne in rorem convérso, liberátus, objéctus quoque feris et ab illis nullátenus læsus; tandem, ad aram íterum ductus, et, cum idóla oratióne ejus corruíssent, percússus gládio, martyrii triúmphum adéptus est. At Rome, St. Marinus, a man of senatorial rank.  In the time of Emperor Numerian and the prefect Marcian, he was arrested for the Christian religion, racked and torn with iron claws like a slave, then thrown into a boiling cauldron; but being delivered because the fire became like a dew, he was exposed to the beasts without being injured by them, and finally being led to the altar, the idols of which toppled over at his prayer, he was struck with the sword, and thus obtained the triumph of martyrs.

Ibídem, via Appia, deposítio sancti Dionysii Papæ, qui, multis pro Ecclésia impénsis labóribus, fídei documéntis clarus effúlsit. Likewise at Rome, on the Appian Way, the death of Pope St. Dionysius, who sustained many labours for the Church, and was renowned for his doctrinal writings.

Item Romæ sancti Zósimi, Papæ et Confessóris. In the same city, St. Zosimus, pope and confessor.

In Mesopotámia sancti Archelái Epíscopi, doctrína et sanctitáte célebris. In Mesopotamia, St. Archelaus, bishop, famous for learning and holiness.

Majúmæ, in Palæstína, sancti Zenónis Epíscopi. At Majuma, in Palestine, St. Zeno, bishop.

Romæ sancti Theodóri, qui Mansionárius Ecclésiæ sancti Petri fuit, cujus et méminit beátus Gregórius Papa. At Rome, St. Theodore, sacristan of the church of St. Peter, who is mentioned by blessed Pope Gregory.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:


St. Stephen, the First Martyr

St. Dionysius, Pope and Confessor

St. Jarlath, First Bishop of Tuam in Ireland, Confessor

ORCCE Ordo: S. Stephani Protomartyris ~ Duplex II. classis

Nota Bene: 

Joy and fear for Christians in Sri Lanka

Yamini Ravindran, National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka’s (NCEASL) advocacy officer, said, “Christmas is commercialized for the Christians residing in the main city areas; however, for most Christians in the rural or Buddhist-dominant villages it is a completely different scenario. It is an event filled with joy and fear for them. Joy to remember the birth of Christ—fear to conduct services boldly and fear of attacks against churches, pastors, or Christian members.”

Open Doors warned that Sri Lankan Christians may be under increasing persecution as Christmas nears in the mostly Buddhist nation. Citing recent reports from NCEASL, Open Doors said in a Dec. 19 email that “Christians in Sri Lanka are likely to take extra precautions as they hold their Christmas gatherings and celebrations this month.” The NCEASL noted several recent instances of persecution, including the Dec. 5 visit from authorities who told a pastor to “stop all religious worship activities taking place on his premises” in southern Sri Lanka, according to Open Doors.’

Click to read more at World Mag

Egyptian Copts to celebrate Christmas ‘no matter the circumstance’

By Waleed Abu al-Khair in Cairo

Egyptian Copts are eager to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s this year but at the same time acknowledge the need for increased security.

“Christmas celebrations are a necessity that will not be stamped out by any circumstances or events,” said Father Paul Nathir of the Church of St. Anthony in Cairo’s Shubra district.

He told Al-Shorfa, however, that Copts are planning on making this year’s New Year’s and Christmas celebrations low-key affairs.

“Copts have unpleasant memories of previous New Year’s and Christmas Eves,” he said, recalling the killings in Nag Hammadi on Christmas Eve in 2009 and the bombing of the Saints Church in Alexandria on New Year’s Eve last year that left dozens of Christians killed and wounded.

“Many areas have begun forming popular committees to secure the masses held during the holidays in collaboration between young Christians and young Muslim members of political groups and independents,” he said.

Mena Mitri, a senior in Cairo University’s Department of Languages, said celebrating Christmas is “essential and semi-obligatory, no matter the circumstances”.

GWOZA CHRISTIANS PUBLISH OPEN LETTER DEMANDING ANSWERS AND REVEAL HORRORS COMMITTED AGAINST THEM Gwoza Christians in Northern Nigeria published an open letter in three Nigerian national newspapers demanding answers for severe crimes committed against them.  They also hope to inform the global…

COLOMBIAN GUERRILLA GROUP BANS WORSHIP SERVICES, THREATENS PASTORS An estimated 150 churches closed since July. COCHABAMBA, Bolivia, December 18, 2013 (Morning Star News) – Christians in southern Colombia are living in constant danger…

Video: Dutch politician Geert Wilders named politician of the year by the people Examiner.com 19 December 2013 On Monday, Dutch news outlet the Volkskrant reported that Dutch politician Geert Wilders was named the 2013 politician of the year. The Dutch news program, ‘EenVandaag’, asked its viewers to vote for who they believed was the Netherlands best politician. There were approximately 35,000 viewers who cast a ballot, Wilders received 16% of those votes.

Video: December 10th: The Day of Genuine Human Rights Gates of Vienna 19 December 2013 By Baron Bodissey Hatune Dogan is a Turkish-German Orthodox Christian nun. In the video below, recorded on December 10th in Vienna, Sister Hatune gives a shocking description of the situation for Christians in Syria, Iraq and Turkey.

Prince Charles warns Christianity disappearing in Middle East birthplace Ecumenical News 19 December 2013 By Peter Kenny The heir to the British throne, Prince Charles has warned that the decline of Christians in the Middle East is a major blow to peace as they often act as bridge-builders…

O Virgo virginum

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Although the antiphons and dates before have been fairly universally recognised throughout western Christendom, an alternative English medieval practice arose of moving all of the antiphons forward by one day (commencing therefore on 16 December) and adding an additional (eighth) antiphon on 23 December, with the acrostic thus becoming Vero cras, “truly, tomorrow”. Perhaps an example of why England was known as “Mary’s Dowry” because of the high affection held for her in this country? This is the antiphon O Virgo virginum (O Virgin of virgins), with the following text:

O Virgo virginum, quomodo fiet istud? Quia nec primam similem visa es nec habere sequentem. Filiae Jerusalem, quid me admiramini? Divinum est mysterium hoc quod cernitis.

English: O Virgin of virgins, how shall this be? For neither before thee was any like thee, nor shall there be after. Daughters of Jerusalem, why marvel ye at me? The thing which ye behold is a divine mystery.

It seems appropriate then to conclude our reflections on the O Antiphons with this last, on this the eve of the Nativity, when Our blessed Lady will fulfil all that God had intended for her from the beginning of the ages, “before the world was, I was” ever with the Son Whom she is about to bear for our redemption.

Nono Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

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Nono Kaléndas Januárii.  Luna. The Twenty-Fourth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Vigília Nativitátis Dómini nostri Jesu Christi. The Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cracóviæ, in Polónia, natális sancti Joánnis Cántii, Presbyteri et Confessóris, quem, doctrína, propagándæ fídei zelo, virtútibus ac miráculis clarum, Clemens Décimus tértius, Póntifex Máximus, Sanctórum número adscrípsit.  Ejus autem festívitas tertiodécimo Kaléndas Novémbris celebrátur. At Cracow in Poland, the birthday of St. John Cantius, priest and confessor, celebrated for his learning, for his zeal in propagating the faith, and for his virtues and miracles, for which Pope Clement XIII added him to the number of the saints.  His feast is observed on the 20th of October.

Apud Spolétum sancti Gregórii, Presbyteri et Mártyris; qui, tempóribus Diocletiáni et Maximiáni Imperatórum, primo nodósis fústibus cæsus, ac deínde, post cratículam et cárcerem, cárduis férreis in génibus percússus, sed et ardéntibus lampádibus per látera incénsus, tandem est decollátus. At Spoleto, St. Gregory, priest and martyr. In the time of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, he was first beaten with rough clubs, exposed on the gridiron and imprisoned, struck on the knees with iron carding instruments, burned on the sides with firebrands, and finally beheaded.

Trípoli, in Phœnícia, sanctórum Mártyrum Luciáni, Metróbii, Pauli, Zenóbii, Theotími et Drusi. At Tripoli in Phoenicia, the holy martyrs Leucian, Metrobius, Paul, Zenobius, Theotimus, and Drusus.

Nicomedíæ sancti Euthymii Mártyris, qui, in persecutióne Diocletiáni, cum multos ad martyrium præmisísset, et ipse, ense tranfíxus, eos secútus est ad corónam. At Nicomedia, during the persecution of Diocletian, St. Euthymius, martyr, who sent many before him to martyrdom, and being pierced with a sword, followed them to share their crown.

Antiochíæ natális sanctárum Vírginum quadragínta, quæ, in Deciána persecutióne, per divérsa torménta martyrium consummárunt. At Antioch, the birthday of forty holy virgins who suffered martyrdom by divers torments in the Decian persecution.

Burdígalæ sancti Delphíni Epíscopi, qui, Theodósii témpore, cláruit sanctitáte. At Bordeaux, St. Delphinus, bishop, who was renowned for holiness in the time of Theodosius.

Romæ natális sanctæ Tharsíllæ Vírginis, ámitæ sancti Gregórii Papæ, de qua ipse testátur quod in hora éxitus sui Jesum ad se veniéntem víderit. At Rome, the birthday of the holy virgin Tharsilla, aunt of Pope St. Gregory, who writes of her that at the hour of her death she saw Jesus coming to her.

Tréviris sanctæ Irmínæ Vírginis, fíliæ Dagobérti Regis. At Treves, St. Irmina, virgin, daughter of King Dagobert.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:


SS. Thrasilla and Emiliana, Virgins


St. Gregory of Spoleto, Priest and Martyr

ORCCE Ordo: In Vigilia Nativitatis Domini ~ Duplex I. classis

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O Immanuel

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The seventh great “O” is: O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.

English: O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: come to save us, O Lord our God.

It reflects the following prophecies and Scripture:

O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour:

  • immanuel03Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 [also Isaiah 8:8; Isaiah 8:10] The Hebrew word ‘virgin’ occurs seven times in the Old Testament. It means a young woman of marriageable age, normally a virgin (Gen. 24:43). The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament made about 150 b.c.) translated with a word more specifically meaning “virgin.” The New Testament understands Isaiah to be designating the Virgin Mary (Matt. 1:23). See “The Virgin Birth of Jesus” at Luke 1:27. Immanuel means “God with us.” The name conveys God’s promise to save, bless, and protect His children. Tradition identifies the child as the Messiah, a divine personage whose birth is above nature. It equates the Child named “Immanuel” with the Child possessing God’s titles in 9:6, and with the “Branch” of ch. 11.
  • Isaiah7.14Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23 Jesus’ conception by a virgin is miraculous, announcing that God will soon redeem His people and is present with them. This quotation is the first of a number of Old Testament references Matthew uses to show that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament. A parallel thought is found in  John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Highlighting the fulfilment of the Messianic prophecies in Christ (see O Adonai)
  • And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:7 (see O Rex gentium)

come to save us, O Lord our God.

  • Again the Church expresses the prayer of the redeemed who recognise Christ as the “Word” i.e. the “logos”, the “Ruach Elohim” the Creator with God of the world, see O Sapientia.

Décimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

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Décimo Kaléndas Januárii.  Luna. The Twenty-Third Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Romæ sanctæ Victóriæ, Vírginis et Mártyris, quæ, in persecutióne Décii Imperatóris, cum esset desponsáta Eugénio pagáno et nec núbere vellet neque sacrificáre, ídeo, post multa facta mirácula, quibus plúrimas Deo Vírgines aggregáverat, a carnífice percússa est gládio in corde, rogátu sui sponsi. At Rome, St. Victoria, virgin and martyr, during the persecution of Emperor Decius. She had been promised in marriage to a pagan named Eugene, but because she had refused to marry him and to offer sacrifice to idols, and because by working many miracles she had brought many virgins to the service of God, the executioner thrust a sword into her heart at the request of her spouse.

Nicomedíæ pássio sanctórum Migdónii et Mardónii, quorum alter, in Diocletiáni persecutióne, igne cremátus, alter in fossam projéctus occúbuit. Tunc étiam Diáconus sancti Anthimi, Epíscopi Nicomediénsis, passus est; qui, cum lítteras perférret ad Mártyres, a Gentílibus tentus est, atque, lapídibus óbrutus, migrávit ad Dóminum. At Nicomedia, the passion of Saints Migdonius and Mardonius, one of whom was burned alive in the same persecution of Diocletian, and the other died in a pit where he had been thrown. A deacon of St. Anthimus, bishop of Nicomedia, suffered at the same time. He had been arrested by the heathen when he was carrying letters to the martyrs, and being overwhelmed with stones, went to our Lord.

Ibídem natális sanctórum vigínti Mártyrum, quos ípsamet Diocletiána persecútio, gravíssimis torméntis cruciátos, Mártyres Christi fecit. Likewise, the birthday of twenty holy martyrs, whom the persecution of Diocletian made martyrs for the faith of Christ, after subjecting them to the most painful torments.

In Creta sanctórum Mártyrum Theodúli, Saturníni, Eupori, Gelásii, Euniciáni, Zétici, Leóminis, Agathópodis, Basílidis et Evarísti; qui, in Décii persecutióne, crudélia passi sunt et cápite cæsi. In Crete, the holy martyrs Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunicianus, Zeticus, Leomines, Agathopodes, Basilides, and Everistus, who were beheaded after suffering cruel torments in the persecution of Decius.

Romæ beáti Sérvuli, qui (ut sanctus Gregórius Papa scribit), a primæva sui ætáte usque ad finem vitæ, paralyticus jácuit in pórticu prope Ecclésiam sancti Cleméntis, et demum, Angelórum cántibus invitátus, ad paradísi glóriam transívit; ad cujus túmulum Deus mirácula crebérrime osténdit. At Rome, blessed Servulus of whom St. Gregory writes that from his early years to the end of his life he was a paralytic and had remained lying in a porch near St. Clement’s Church, and being invited by the chant of angels, he went to enjoy the glory of Paradise.  At his tomb frequent miracles are wrought by God.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:


St. Servulus, Confessor


Ten Martyrs of Crete

St. Victoria, Virgin and Martyr

ORCCE Ordo: Feria II infra Hebdomadam IV Adventus ~ Feria major

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