Dear friends,
I wish to all of you who celebrate the Holy Nativity according to the Flesh of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ on January 7th a joy-filled and peaceful feast day! My family and I will be leaving our home for 3 days to join our parish on the West Coast of Florida for the celebration of the Nativity. I will be taking a small laptop with me, but my keyboard time will be limited. My assistant Amarynth will be holding the fort and, when needed, posting guest post or interesting documents/statements on my behalf while I am gone.
I think that this is also a good time for us to catch our breath and prepare for the big stuff ahead: a Russia-US meeting, followed by a meeting of the Russia-NATO Council followed by a meeting with the OSCE. Basically, one of two things are likely to happen next: either the US is serious about negotiations, and all that Kabuki theater is just a face-saving PR operation of the White House, or the US will try to “drown” any serious talks in endless “multilateral” “negotiations” which can only fail to yield anything and will force Russia to turn up the “pain dial”. Rather than guess, let’s just wait, hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
I want to leave you with a beautiful Homily by Saint John Chrysostomos on the Nativity of our Lord. And to those theologically inclined, I want to recommend this text, the On The Incarnation of the Word by Saint Athanasios which you can read here: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2802.htm
Kind regards to all
Andrei
Behold a new and wondrous mystery!
My ears resound to the Shepherd’s song, piping no soft melody, but chanting full forth a heavenly hymn. The Angels sing. The Archangels blend their voice in harmony. The Cherubim hymn their joyful praise. The Seraphim exalt His glory. All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth, and man in heaven. He Who is above, now for our redemption dwells here below; and he that was lowly is by divine mercy raised.
Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds within itself on every side, the Sun of justice. And ask not how: for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed; He had the power; He descended; He redeemed; all things yielded in obedience to God. This day He Who is, is Born; and He Who is, becomes what He was not. For when He was God, He became man; yet not departing from the Godhead that is His. Nor yet by any loss of divinity became He man, nor through increase became He God from man; but being the Word He became flesh, His nature, because of impassability, remaining unchanged.
And so the kings have come, and they have seen the heavenly King that has come upon the earth, not bringing with Him Angels, nor Archangels, nor Thrones, nor Dominations, nor Powers, nor Principalities, but, treading a new and solitary path, He has come forth from a spotless womb.
Since this heavenly birth cannot be described, neither does His coming amongst us in these days permit of too curious scrutiny. Though I know that a Virgin this day gave birth, and I believe that God was begotten before all time, yet the manner of this generation I have learned to venerate in silence and I accept that this is not to be probed too curiously with wordy speech.
For with God we look not for the order of nature, but rest our faith in the power of Him who works.
What shall I say to you; what shall I tell you? I behold a Mother who has brought forth; I see a Child come to this light by birth. The manner of His conception I cannot comprehend.
Nature here rested, while the Will of God labored. O ineffable grace! The Only Begotten, Who is before all ages, Who cannot be touched or be perceived, Who is simple, without body, has now put on my body, that is visible and liable to corruption. For what reason? That coming amongst us he may teach us, and teaching, lead us by the hand to the things that men cannot see. For since men believe that the eyes are more trustworthy than the ears, they doubt of that which they do not see, and so He has deigned to show Himself in bodily presence, that He may remove all doubt.
Christ, finding the holy body and soul of the Virgin, builds for Himself a living temple, and as He had willed, formed there a man from the Virgin; and, putting Him on, this day came forth; unashamed of the lowliness of our nature.
For it was to Him no lowering to put on what He Himself had made. Let that handiwork be forever glorified, which became the cloak of its own Creator. For as in the first creation of flesh, man could not be made before the clay had come into His hand, so neither could this corruptible body be glorified, until it had first become the garment of its Maker.
What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of days has become an infant. He Who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He Who cannot be touched, Who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He Who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infants bands. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation the measure of His Goodness.
For this He assumed my body, that I may become capable of His Word; taking my flesh, He gives me His spirit; and so He bestowing and I receiving, He prepares for me the treasure of Life. He takes my flesh, to sanctify me; He gives me His Spirit that He may save me.
Come, then, let us observe the Feast. Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the Nativity. For this day the ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken, paradise is unlocked, the curse is taken away, sin is removed from us, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused, and spreads on every side, a heavenly way of life has been ¡in planted on the earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and men now hold speech with angels.
Why is this? Because God is now on earth, and man in heaven; on every side all things commingle. He became Flesh. He did not become God. He was God. Wherefore He became flesh, so that He Whom heaven did not contain, a manger would this day receive. He was placed in a manger, so that He, by whom all things are nourished, may receive an infants food from His Virgin Mother. So, the Father of all ages, as an infant at the breast, nestles in the virginal arms, that the Magi may more easily see Him. Since this day the Magi too have come, and made a beginning of withstanding tyranny; and the heavens give glory, as the Lord is revealed by a star.
To Him, then, Who out of confusion has wrought a clear path, to Christ, to the Father, and to the Holy Spirit, we offer all praise, now and forever. Amen.
We may have the rsponse from the hegemon: a maidan colour revolution in Kazahkstan right now.
Yeah the situation there looks pretty wild right now…suspicious timing.
They are aiming for the underbelly, Russia’s soft spot. The “Western partners” have been trying for many years to get the stans away from Russia/China spheres of influence. Interesting developments in Kazhakstan, worth observing how it plays out. TASS is saying “Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has imposed a curfew in the country’s largest city of Almaty and the southwestern Mangistau Province, according to a presidential decree released on Wednesday…”
https://tass.com/world/1383891
It is also saying “Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a two-week state of emergency in the country’s largest city of Almaty and the southwestern Mangistau Province on Tuesday, the presidential administration’s press service said…” https://tass.com/world/1383881
This article from Kazakhstan News,
https://www.kazakhstannews.net/news/272100129/kazakhstan-rocked-by-third-day-of-protests-over-energy-price-hike
further explains some aspects of the protests. There are other internal factors behind the protests, beyond the hike in gas prices, however, it is obvious the “Western partners” are taking full advantage of it. Take a look at this typical, corrupt, Western agent, calling for demonstrations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukhtar_Ablyazov
Lone Wolf
Is V. Nuland already distributing cookies? Can you hear the hysterical “Fuck Central Asia” already?
Seriously it was sadly predictable with the empire of creative chaos, trying to create new “Ukraine or Syria” around critical geography of Russia/China/Iran. Add to that the disruption multipliers such as AGW, biodiversity loss, regional mismanagement/corruption by capitalists oligarchs, energy infrastructure issues etc. And the agents of imperialist chaos will repeat their insane policies. I pray that beautiful Kazakhstan and neighboring Ural will be protected, God willing.
С Рождеством Христовым!
May your holidays and New Year be peaceful, healthy and filled with love, beauty and … happy memories of beautiful Russia!
Even if the collective Biden is actually serious, what about Congresscritters, dead weight media anchors, and their guests such as former generals? They would need a visits from intelligence officers who not only have intelligence and have the skills to gather intelligence, but are still capable of talking a language they understand, as in come dressed in black suits wielding steering columns and ball peen hammers, making it clear that it is not just the “cursed Moskuls” who are ready to turn up the pain dial.
Andrei My Orthodox Brother,
Merry Christmas to you and your family. May the peace and joy of this wonderful season be upon you and your dear ones.
Sincerely,
Jamie E. in California
The Royal Hours of the Nativity in Arabic Byzantine Chant
https://youtu.be/MvjiVam2HO4
You speak the truth and honour God in the land of corruption and evil.. State and federal courts SNL and the Judges gavel replaced with a banana. 2022 the terminal decline, discuss in 500 words or more.
From JFK too the Covid 19 will this year be FEMA camps for the non compliant ? As they say, emigrate or run while you still can. ( oh yes; and sell high)
Have a safe year.
Христос родился
All the best for a joyful Christmas and happy new year for our orthodox brethren.
And who know, if we’re all (well, mostly) good boys and girls, we may survive another trip around the sun
Russia wants to force the US to respect the UN Charter.
https://www.voltairenet.org/article215199.html
All men and women are created equal…….so are countries. Please explain why America gets a free pass to destabilise and bomb foreign lands as they seek profits for the 1% ? I forgot, forgive me…”never give a sucker an even chance.” It this mindset that is responsible for planet Earth being at war since 1939 or earlier. The UN is supposed to stop the crazy, greedy, buggers rampaging slaughter and stealing of other peoples “national treasure.”
Happy Holy Nativity and New Year!
A merry Christmas and joyful celebration dear Andrei and to all.
I pray it will be quiet 3-4 days while we all catch our breath.
best regards,
God bless dear sir, and I wish you and your family joy in togetherness for this Holy Nativity Holyday.
Wishing a joyfull celebration to all Orthodox brothers and sisters in the Vineyard, and especially our Host Andrei and his wonderful family.
Chrisus e rodi! Vaistinú e rodi!
And a good year 2022.
Enjoy your trip and celebration with your family.
Per
Have a nice trip and a happy and peaceful celebration.
Can Russia supply them with the gas they so desperately need, and thus stop the new maidan?
This bad blood between America & Allies and Russia and Allies could all be over in a fortnight if :-
1) Iran handed over 25% of it’s Energy Resources to UK & Israel
2) Russia handed over 25% of it’s Energy & Mineral Resources to America.
All Parties will then sign Agreements that US-NATO-Vassals won’t encroach upon the remaining 75%.
HONEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ WTFUD
Well, I got to say that is one of the most insightful penetrating comment ever and i mean that. You sum it up perfectly!
I’m actually reminded of the same sentiment from the good book:
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us[b]? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:1-6
Thanks and Cheers and much peace
Dukhovnost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Feliz Natal e, excelente descanso! :-)
Farei o mesmo na próxima semana.
Uma curiosidade:
https://topcor.ru/23411-rossija-idet-va-bank-kreml-trebuet-peresmotra-itogov-holodnoj-vojny.html
Se me parece uma celeuma de opiniões…
Boas Festas!
:-)
Google Translation,MOD:
Merry Christmas and, excellent rest! :-)
I will do the same next week.
A curiosity:
https://topcor.ru/23411-rossija-idet-va-bank-kreml-trebuet-peresmotra-itogov-holodnoj-vojny.html
If it seems like a stir of opinions…
Happy Holidays!
:-)
A peaceful & blessed Nativity to you, your family & loved ones Andrei, thanks for all of this you do.
You too Amarinth.
We will be joining our Orthodox brothers and sisters in celebration of this joyous day.
Auslander and VCO
Merry Christmas to all.
May you all have a prosperous and happy 2022.
Andrey,
I’d like to read what you think about the latest events in Kazakhstan.
Thank you.
С Рождеством!
Good morning for everyone, first and foremost thanks for Mr Raesky and his crew for their outstanding work here and a blessed nactivity for those celebrating. Cheers from Niterói
The “color revolution” mafia (CIA, MI6, NATO, Mossad, et al), took full advantage of Kazakhstan increase in gas prices, to unleash yet another “regime change,” with a corrupt thief, Mukhtar Qabyluly Ablyazov, waiting in the wings in London to head the new puppet “government.” He’s being promoted by RFE/RL as “the man behind the resistance” with his Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) as the party behind the protests.
https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-opposition-activists-sentenced/31621317.html
This is partly a response from the “Western partners” to show Russia how vulnerable her sphere of influence can be to a new version of the “Maidan revolution” right on its door steps. Unexpectedly, Russia is now forced to cover another flank, allegedly deploying PMCs to the Baikonur cosmodrome and other Russian facilities. https://avia-pro.net/news/rossiya-ekstrenno-napravila-v-kazahstan-svoi-chvk-dlya-zashchity-baykonura
(Take avia.pro news with a grain of salt, besides all what is lost in translation, they are not the most accurate source of info)
Another concern is the proximity of the Avangard hypersonic misiles base to Kazakhstan (20 kilometers). https://avia-pro.net/news/nato-poluchit-pod-kontrol-rossiyskie-giperzvukovye-avangardy-v-sluchae-smeny-vlasti-v
No doubt the “color revolution” mafia is forcing the developments in Kazakhstan to push Russia into a military intervention. The president of Kazakhstan seems to be losing control of the military and security forces, and given Kazakhstan is a member of the CSTO, can petition an intervention from Russia.
Let’s wait and see what develops. In the meantime, it would be nice to hear what Saker is thinking about the latest kerfuffle in Central Asia.
Lone Wolf
And a very Blessed Nativity to you and your family and all those who share in this celebration.
We have a thread up now about Kazakhstan. /sitrep-kazakhstan/
May I ask that any more comments go to that thread, and that we give The Saker all the best wishes and time for his and his family’s days of celebration to “Behold a new and wondrous mystery!”
Thank you. Very thoughtful of you. Apologies for the digression.
Lone Wolf
No worries Lone Wolf :-)
Best wishes for the Holy Nativity to the Saker and all the Orthodox readers! We need to pray our Lord particularly in these difficult times.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ORTHODOX COMMUNITY ON CHRISTMAS DAY 2022.
This thread seems the only relevant pace for this statement yesterday, Jan, 5, by Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary. If we take the official WH press secretary at her word, the negotiations are dead before they begin. Let me also note that the MSM are not reporting her warmongering lies – of course. I saw it at russtrat.ru and since it was twice machine translated, I searched for the original source.
Here’s the only (and best) source in English:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2022/01/05/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-and-port-envoy-to-the-white-house-supply-chain-task-force-john-porcari-january-5-2022/
“Q Jen, so, next week, I know we’ve got these three tracks of talks with Russia. One is U.S.-Russia, one is NATO-Russia, another is broader European security talks. For the U.S.-Russia talks, are there — is there scope, you know, in terms of what the agenda looks like? What are the specific areas you want to focus on?
MS. PSAKI: Sure. That’s exactly right. There are three sets of talks next week. They start on the 10th in Geneva. Those will be led by Deputy Secretary Sherman. Then there’s the 12th in Brussels — the NATO-Russia Council. And then the 13th in Vienna, which is the OSCE, which will start then; we’ll be represented by our Ambassador to the OSCE, Mike Carpenter.
So, let me give you a preview, as you just asked, for what to expect.
Russia has, of course, raised, as you’ve seen them raise publicly — they’ve also raised privately — the issue of European security.
Let’s be clear: Over the past two decades, it is Russia that has invaded two neighboring countries, interfered in many other elections, used coun- — used chemical weapons to attempt assassinations on foreign soil, and violated international arms control agreements.
We and our allies will be raising those issues and other issues with Russia in the days and weeks ahead, and certainly as a part of these talks.
And of course, we cannot forget that there is an ongoing Russian military occupation in Ukraine. In addition to the three meetings next week, we will continue to actively support progress on the Minsk Accords to resolve the current conflict in the Donbas.
There have been a number of proposals, of course, that Russia has already published — or put out there, advocated for. President Biden has made clear that we can make progress on some issues, while others are not viable.
We’re not responding to them point by point, and I don’t expect we will in these negotiations because, in our experience, you don’t make actual progress by negotiating in public and also because many of the proposals don’t merit such a response.
But Russia is very familiar with our positions, which are grounded in the fundamental principles of European security they once agreed to, including that borders cannot be redrawn by force and countries have the sovereign right to determine with whom they associate.
Finally, we don’t know what next week’s conversations will bring, but our approach to the discussions will be pragmatic, results-oriented, and we believe there are areas we can make progress on with Moscow — make progress on if they come to the table ready to do that. And obviously, that’s the nature of diplomacy.”
She laid out a tough maximalist position, studded with vital lies. Shame on Amerikkka.
Please note Cosimo – you could have put this comment in the MFC. Mod.
Humanism and Hedonism infected America many years ago. And it was a direct attack on the Sacred….America wants to export American filth to the rest of the world-at gunpoint…..Resistance is not futile…..We are up against the Beast….That’s for sure…
Last night, I read Yeats’ The Second Coming……several times. I think it might be relevant.