"...when baptized he is attached at once to the rank of readers or exorcists, if, that is, it is clear that he had or has one wife and that he received her as a virgin. Two years after his initiation having elapsed, he can be made an acolyte and subdeacon for five more, and thus can be advanced to the diaconate, if during these times he was judged worthy. Then subsequently, … [Read more...]
Augustinian Spirituality, Advent, and the English Civil War(s)
One of the Great Anglican divines, Jeremy Taylor, lived through the chaotic period of the English Civil War(s) (1642-1651). During this time period the Church of England had its bishops removed, the Peerage dissolved, and the King beheaded. Presbyterians effectively took over the established Church and began to dismantle the rich liturgical Tradition of the Ecclessia … [Read more...]
St. Nicholas: Bruce Wayne of the Ancient Church
Since I've been posting on Advent, I thought I'd also examine the Christian History of Santa. Most people know that Santa Claus also possesses the moniker: Saint Nic. Yet does anyone know who St. Nicholas was? Well he was bearded, but he was hardly a pasty white northerner surrounded by snow and reindeer. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Now … [Read more...]
Advent Devotional Reading
If anyone was looking for an historic understanding of Advent devotion, I'd heartily recommend them to look to the work of St. Ephraim the Syrian. He wrote a great Hymn for Christmas that you can see: here It's a LOT longer than most of the hymns we've come to be familiar with, but it is rich in theology and mentions many of the things discussed on this site so far for Advent … [Read more...]
From the Didache to the DDR: Why Bishops Were Elected
"Therefore, appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord" - The Didache (ca. A.D. 100) "But, if it happen that any of the clergy who are now in the Church should die, then those who have been lately received are to succeed to the office of the deceased; always provided that they shall appear to be worthy, and that the people elect them..." - Canons of the … [Read more...]