Having entered the Christmas season, we ask those who find the work of the Mystagogy Resource Center beneficial to them to help us continue our work with a generous financial gift as you are able. As an incentive, we are offering the following booklet.

In 1909 the German philosopher Arthur Drews wrote a book called "The Myth of Christ", which New Testament scholar Bart D. Ehrman has called "arguably the most influential mythicist book ever produced," arguing that Jesus Christ never existed and was simply a myth influenced by more ancient myths. The reason this book was so influential was because Vladimir Lenin read it and was convinced that Jesus never existed, thus justifying his actions in promoting atheism and suppressing the Orthodox Church in the Soviet Union. Moreover, the ideologues of the Third Reich would go on to implement the views of Drews to create a new "Aryan religion," viewing Jesus as an Aryan figure fighting against Jewish materialism. 

Due to the tremendous influence of this book in his time, George Florovsky viewed the arguments presented therein as very weak and easily refutable, which led him to write a refutation of this text which was published in Russian by the YMCA Press in Paris in 1929. This apologetic brochure titled "Did Christ Live? Historical Evidence of Christ" was one of the first texts of his published to promote his Neopatristic Synthesis, bringing the patristic heritage to modern historical and cultural conditions. With the revival of these views among some in our time, this text is as relevant today as it was when it was written. 

Never before published in English, it is now available for anyone who donates at least $20 to the Mystagogy Resource Center upon request (please specify in your donation that you want the book). Thank you.



December 9, 2025

Sermon 2 on the Fast of Advent (St. Leo the Great)


By St. Leo the Great

(Sermon 13: On the Fast of The Tenth Month, II)

Why the Fast of the Tenth Month Was Instituted, 
and Praise of Christian Mercy Toward the Poor

Since both the season of the year and the custom of our devotion remind us, we preach to you, most beloved, with pastoral concern, that the fast of the tenth month is to be observed — in which, for the completed gathering of all the fruits, a most fitting offering of self-restraint is made to God, the generous Giver of them all. For what can be more effective than fasting? By its observance we draw near to God, and by resisting the devil, we overcome seductive vices.

Fasting has always been nourishment for virtue. From abstinence arise chaste thoughts, reasonable desires, and healthier counsels. Through voluntary mortifications the flesh dies to its lusts, and the spirit is renewed in virtues.

But because the salvation of our souls is not acquired by fasting alone, let us supplement our fasting with acts of mercy toward the poor. Let us give to virtue what we take away from pleasure. Let the refreshment of the poor be the abstinence of the one who fasts. Let us strive for the defense of widows, for the benefit of orphans, for the consolation of those who mourn, for the peace of those at odds. Let the stranger be received, the oppressed assisted, the naked clothed, the sick cared for — so that whoever among us offers to God, the Author of all good things, this sacrifice of charity from righteous labor may merit to receive from Him the reward of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Therefore, let us fast on Wednesday and Friday; and on Saturday, let us keep vigil together at the shrine of the blessed Apostle Peter, so that with his merits aiding us, we may obtain what we ask — through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Migne P.L., 54. Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
 

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