An Arabic Christmas Carol (Byzantine Hymn of the Nativity)

 

On the assassination of Shireen Abu Akleh and resurrection

The Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was assassinated by Israeli forces on May 11 at the Jenin refugee camp. The following post commemorating Shireen Abu Akleh has four parts. First, there is a brief statement by a Palestinian friend on the article by Amer Zahr. The article follows, and following that is a photograph of Shireen Abu Akleh and a statement from Birzit University. We end up with another post from other friends in Palestine that I will not edit.

This is an example of resurrection, I think. An innocent person has been martyred and the Israeli military, representing the idols of death, continues to inflict hardships and repression on the Palestinian people and deny responsibility for the killing. But the people feel a stirring within themselves that they have felt before, and there is a cry for justice in Palestine and around the world. Birzit University has not let Shireen Abu Akleh die without notice or consolation, but keeps her memory alive by creating a scholarship in her name. The people mourn her, but they also talk of her as a martyr. She returns to life through Birzit University's efforts, the Palestinian resistance, and the solidarity of people around the world,

If it matters, Shireen Abu Akleh is a Christian. Amer Zahr explains below why we speak of  Shireen Abu Akleh in the present tense.    

Wanted to make sure you know our news. Sharing reflection by Amer Zahr because I agree with his words whole heartedly. (American-Palestinian comedian/activist who has performed at Taybeh Oktoberfest)

Shireen

May 11, 2022

Today, Israel assassinated Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Shireen is the face of Palestine for Al-Jazeera, the world’s most-watched Arabic-language media outlet.

Early this morning, she dressed in her press vest and helmet to once again cover the everyday horrors of Palestinian life under brutal occupation.

To be clear, Shireen was not simply executed by a single bullet precisely delivered by a single sniper. She was executed by a racist apartheid movement built on the notion that Palestinians are foreigners in our own land. Based on the belief that we don’t deserve life. And if you’re American, like I am, like Shireen is, that sniper’s bullet, and his elite training, were paid for by you and me, with the full support of our leaders.

Shireen is a daughter of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. She is a voice for the voiceless. An example. She is every Palestinian’s sister. She has told the truth about Palestine for over twenty years. And today, Israel decided that she had said enough.

And yes, I will keeping talking about Shireen in the present tense. I will never say “was” about her. That’s what they want. But they don’t get to steal her from us.

And they don’t get to steal her truth either. As if on cue, Israel immediately started telling everyone she was shot by Palestinians, while a number of Palestinian eyewitnesses and fellow journalists all told the same story: There were no Palestinians, only Israeli military, in the area.

But see, this has been Israel’s game for 74 years. They have always tried to convince you that we Palestinians have all been telling the same, unchanged, coordinated lies since 1948.

While we Palestinians are really smart, no conspiracy is that good.

In the face of a rifle that sees us as unworthy of basic human life, there is only one reason we Palestinians haven’t surrendered after all this time. And that’s because the truth resides with us.

Shireen knows that. That’s why she chose her path in life. And that’s why her work will continue, no matter what happened this morning in Jenin.

That’s why we don’t say “was” about Shireen.

I have met Shireen before. I know her as smiling, supportive, radiant, and charismatic. If you hear Shireen, you will, if nothing else, learn one unmistakable truth. She loves her people. That definitely doesn’t stop today.

That’s why we don’t say “was” about Shireen.

Shireen’s family name, Abu Akleh, means someone who is wise, thoughtful, considerate, gentle. Her love for us and for Palestine embody these things. We are lucky she is one of us.

“Is” one of us. We don’t say “was” about Shireen.

We Palestinians share a bond with one another that I’m not sure others can ever understand. Yes, it is built on a shared despair, a communal suffering, and a collective loss. But most of all, it is built on a united, pure, unshakeable truth.

Shireen knows that. That’s why we don’t say “was.”

So, next time you see a Palestinian, tell them, “I’m proud of you. I love you.” Be like the best of us. Be like Shireen.

Birzit University announces the launch of the "Sherin Abu Aqla Award for Media Excellence", an annual award aimed at Palestinian journalists, aiming to encourage creativity and ethnic media work that is part of the story of Palestine.

This award, which will be announced on May 11 of each year, comes the date of the martyrdom of journalist Sherin Abu Aqla, as a tribute to her national and media role as she contributed to reaching the Palestinian voice to the world.

The University also announced the allocation of an annual scholarship in the name of Sherin Abu Aqla to an academically distinguished media student as an encouragement of academic excellence in the media under the title of "The Martyr Sherin Abu Aqlah Scholarship for Academic Excellence in the Field of Journalism and Media"..

And another post from friends in Palestine:

The house resided by Sherin Abu Aqla.
A humble house in the neighborhoods of Jerusalem, knowing that she lives alone without a husband or children, and through her salary she can live in a palace, and because she has American citizenship she can leave Palestine also and live in Wall Street or the Hawaiian Islands, for example.
Did you know that Sherin Abu Aqla supported Ramadan fast breaking for people with special needs.
Did you know that she was treating the poor and needy at her own expense
And did you know that it was stationed throughout the month of Ramadan in Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Shereen was not a journalist as much as she was fighting and resisting and she got testimony shaa min shaa abi abi abi, people love for her is only divine love
(If God loves a servant, he calls in the heaven and earth, "I love someone, so love him).

She really is receiving a blessing...

 

We have two important dates to mark: The Healing of the Paralytic and The Sunday of Thomas (with music from Ralph Stanley)

The Healing of a Paralytic: Mark 2:1-12

1 When Jesus returned to Capernauma after some days, it became known that he was at home.

2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them.

3 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.

4 Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”

6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves,

7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?

8 Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?

9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?

10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”—

11 he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”

12 He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

John 20:19-29 and see this: https://www.goarch.org/thomas-sunday

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

21 [Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

22  And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit.

23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”

28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

From St. Irene Byzantine Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon

 

Christ is risen! - Indeed, He is risen!

Христосъ воскресе! - Воистину воскресе! Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! - Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη!

Hristos a înviat! - Adevărat a înviat!

¡Cristo ha resucitado! - ¡En verdad, ha resucitado!

基督复活了! 真正复活! !المسيح قام! حقاً قام

It was God's blood which was shed upon the cross...

 

The Theotokos (God-Bearer)

 

An Evening Prayer Posted From Palestine

Peace be upon you O Mary, full of the grace of the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, our Lord Jesus Christ, Saint Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen

 

O, Gracious God....

 

A prayer and photo from Palestine

Good morning with all the goodness and happiness of the morning prayer. Peace be upon you Mary full of the grace of the Lord with you blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb our Lord Jesus Christ Saint Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

 Amen.

 

I have become like the foolish virgins

The Parable of the Ten Virgins.*

1“Then* the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2* Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

3The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them,

4but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.

5Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

7Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.

8The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

9But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’

10While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.

11* a Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’

12But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’

13b Therefore, stay awake,* for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Repentance

 A Greek Catholic priest hears confession....

Kyrie Eleison /Анастасия Гладилина //Хор Сретенского Монастыря

 

Humility--Lenten Reflections

The following comes from the Catholic Near East Welfare Association Lenten Reflections and quotes Pope Francis:

Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples, saying, “Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt 23:10-12)

"God loves humility. God lifts up those who humble themselves; he lifts up those who serve. … Today, then, let us ask ourselves, each one of us in our heart: how am I doing with humility? Do I seek to be recognized by others, to affirm myself and to be praised, or do I think rather about serving? Do I know how to listen … or do I want only to speak and receive attention? Do I know how to take a step back, defuse quarrels and arguments, or do I always want to stand out? Let us think about these questions: how am I doing with humility?"

Good night! An Orthodox & Greek Catholic Evening Prayer And An End-Of-Day Methodist Prayer

A Greek Catholic/Orthodox private evening prayer:

Only-Begotten Word of the Father, Jesus Christ who alone are perfect: according to the greatness of your mercy, do not abandon me, your servant, but ever rest in my heart. O Sweet Jesus, Good Shepherd of your flock, deliver me from the attacks of the devil. Do not allow me to become the prey of Satan's evil intention, even though I have within me the seed of eternal damnation. Instead, O Lord Jesus Christ, adorable God, holy King, while I sleep, protect me by your Holy Spirit through whom You sanctified your disciples. Enlighten my mind by the light of the Holy Gospel, my soul by the love of your cross, my heart by the purity of your teaching. Protect my body by your sacred passion, my senses by your humility, and awaken me in due time for your glorification. For You, above all, are adorable, together with your Eternal Father and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

An end-of-day Methodist prayer:

Tender shepherd of my soul; make yourself and your way known to me in this evening time of prayer and reflection. Bring awareness of my failures and confidence in your desire and ability to forgive my sins, heal my wounds, and mend my broken places. By the power of your presence bring me to the end of the day whole, complete, and at peace with you, my neighbor and myself. Grant a night of peaceful rest and send me forth tomorrow as a witness to your love and grace.

Note: Both prayers invite reflections on our sins, asking forgiveness, and offering thanksgiving. These lines from the 51st Psalm are helpful:

A clean heart create for me, God;

renew within me a steadfast spirit.

Do not drive me from before your face,

nor take from me your holy spirit.

Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;

uphold me with a willing spirit.

After reflection, asking forgiveness, and praise and thanksgiving these words from the 4th Psalm are helpful:

But you have given my heart more joy

than they have when grain and wine abound.

In peace I will lie down and fall asleep,

for you alone, LORD, make me secure.

Good night, y'all. Sweet dreams!

Haluski Noodles & Cabbage

Another recipe from my past and one that even I can manage:

Play some good Slovak music on a CD while you cook. I like to have Del Sinchak playing. Tex-Mex or Texas-Czech/Bohemian music also works very well.

Cook a one-pound package of medium or wide noodles. I usually use egg noodles. Drin them.

Chop one head of cabbage that weighs maybe three pounds or so very fine a fry in butter 'til it browns. I like to keep mine a little crunchy, but not everyone does.

Perhaps you would like to add some fennel, onion, or caraway. You don't have to do this, but it's a nice touch. If you're aedding caraway seeds add a tablespoon or two of vinegar. At that point it isn't haluski. Who cares?

Mix the noodles and the cabbage together.

Pour about 6 tablespoons of melted butter over it all.

Have a good hot sausage with it. Wash it down with a good union-made dark beer

Avoid the scale or blood pressure monitors or a visit to the doctor for about a month.

 Photo from Chocolatemoosey.com. Their recipe is different than mine, of course.

Some instructions for using Holy Water from Micheline Hannoun

I'm not going to edit the wording here. I think that English-reading readers will get it. And this is not just for Catholic and Orthodox believers---everyone can do these things.

- There are 8 ways to use holy water in our daily lives, the first starts with blessing ourselves. But we should not be enough to do this Sunday only, because we need blessings and blessings everyday of the week. From here, it is very important to place a small jar of holy water near the door of the house, for the family to be blessed as visitors, especially before leaving the house.

-But our home is a tiny church that needs spiritual protection, we have to bless it. We can spray the holy water by ourselves all around the house, or ask a priest to attend.

- And ensure the frame of the family's blessing, we must use holy water to pray and draw the sign of the cross over the partner and the children before they go to sleep. In this way, we strengthen the link between family members and God. Let's keep a bottle of sacred water near our families for this purpose!

- Let us bless the place where we work, and spray it with holy water, not only for spiritual protection in the work environment, but to sanctify our daily work to the glory of God.

- Let’s not forget our cars. The car is perhaps the most dangerous place to pass an unappreciated time. Never underestimate the importance of holy water filtered in a car, it keeps you away from harm if used with faith and full trust in God.

- Bless your gardens! This was a common habit in the Middle Ages, and people used to spray their plants and their vegetables with holy water, since they relied on plants to live. And the use of holy water to sanctify and bless the plants was showing people's form of divine grace.

-Bless the sick with holy water, for this is considered an act of mercy. And if you visit a patient in the hospital, bless the surrounding area with holy water and leave a bottle of condolence near him when needed.

- Bless your pets, animals accompany individuals and families, and they often help them. And she can be blessed with holy water because all creatures praise God. In the same context, this could apply to livestock and farm animals that feed us.

In the end, we ask a provocative question: What do we say when we use holy water? As always ordered by catholiccompany.com we should know that holy water has blessed the priest's prayers, but we can recite a simple prayer through sprinkling water to determine our intention to use it, and to express our faith in its spiritual power. As we can recite the prayer of the Father, or even the prayer of Saint Michael. Don't forget that you can bless everything you use, for holy water is a spiritual weapon from God.

Memorial Wheat: Part of responding to death and comforting those who mourn

In my tradition it's common to offer memorial wheat to mourners when someone dies. It's a good tradition because while you're making this you can think of the person who passed on and those who are mourning them and it gives you something to offer people and comfort them instead of hurrying away from a funeral or memorial service. It's good to make it the day before you share it. Some folks give it two days.

Get about one-and-one-half pounds of brown wheat berries or something similar. I've seen people use kasha or wheat cereals. Wash it thoroughly and have it boil for a few hours until it is done. Pour cold water over it and let it sit over night.

Spread it out in a pan and---this part REALLY matters---sop up any extra moisture with paper towels. Put it in a large bowl and mix in one-pound of fine walnuts, one-quarter pound of chopped pecans, one teaspoon (or a bit more) of honey, a good bit of powdered sugar, one-half teaspoon of salt, and maybe one-half of a carton of plain bread crumbs or so. Some people add pomegranate seeds. Mix it by hand.

Some people mound it on a platter and shape it with wax paper. I always left it in a bowl, but it's good to smooth it out. Use wax paper for all of the smoothing and molding.

Add some more bread crumbs when it's all smooth so that the wheat is covered over by the bread crumbs. Top it with powdered sugar, raisins, and cinnamon. If the person who has passed is a Christian, you can make a cross on top out of raisins, pistachios or Jordan almonds. It's nice to put a beeswax candle in and light it.

It's also nice when one person serves it to others in little paper cups. Give the leftovers to the family in your bowl and then call in a week or so to get your bowl back and check in to see how they're doing.

 

Meat Pies Recipe

Back when I learned how to make this you could not get pizza dough in the supermarkets. You can use that or any yeast bread dough from the store or that kind of thing and make the dough yourself, but it should be about one-and-one-half inches thick.

Chop up 2 pounds of beef and one big onion, or use lots of onion powder. Cut the dough into 5-inch circles and flatten them out. Combine the meat and onions on top of each piece and fold them into triangles.

Be sure to leave a small opening in the top around the center. 

Oil up a baking sheet, place the pies on it about 1 inch apart, and bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes.

Now, you can get a little fancy and add some taco mix and cumin powder and garlic powder and add those things after you brown the beef and onion and drain them. You can use round or sirloin steak cut up, and potatoes and onions sliced thin. If you do that, put some butter on top. You can use flour tortillas. You can beat a few eggs and grate up some cheese and pour those over the pies as they bake. Baking time should be about 30 minutes or so if you go a little fancy, or maybe 1 hour if you use the steak and potatoes. 

"Put all your requests and your life in His hands and He will (answer) the question of your heart."

Pray with complete faith to God (and) without any doubt, and trust in advance that He will answer your prayers according to His will, thinking and timing…Be sure that God knows all that you need more than you do, and even if His response to you is late, it is for your benefit because He knows the right time more than you…May God's will be accepted, and accepted in Your life…Put all your requests and your life in His hands and He will (answer) the question of your heart…God's timing for you is the greatest, most beautiful and most joyful for you.---FADY MANSOOR

From Coptic Icons