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.



November 26, 2025

Prologue in Sermons: November 26



To the Rich

November 26

(A Sermon on the Punishment of Those in Power)

By Archpriest Victor Guryev

To you, the wealthy, comes our message, and here is what we find necessary to say to you. The Lord teaches: "It is difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven; it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" (Matt. 19:23–24). Thus, according to the Lord’s word, you see, it is difficult for you to be saved. But what should be done? For even if it is difficult, one must still be saved; after all, you are Christians. What, then, must you do in order to overcome all obstacles on the path to the Kingdom of Heaven and, on equal footing with other well-lived Christians, attain the crowns? It is precisely this matter that we intend to address to you.

The church sermon for the 26th of November, regarding what a rich person must do to be saved, states the following: “Wash, – it teaches the rich, – your sins in the fleeting water, that is, in the passing gates of the poor; in those who ask from you for bread and water, clothing, rest, and washing. Take them to yourself and, bringing them into your home, seat them, feed them, give them drink, and keep them warm. Act according to your ability, and God will repay you a hundredfold, as He Himself has sincerely promised. You give, and He will increase... If here you do not quickly receive reward for your goodness, you will nevertheless receive it when you leave this transient world and enter that bright and eternal city, which is called the Heavenly Jerusalem... Hold onto the wealth that God has given you, but do not be greedy... Do not say, 'This estate is mine,' but say that it has been entrusted to you for a short number of days, and distribute what has been entrusted to you as instructed by the One Who entrusted it to you, that is, God... Act accordingly and acquire by almsgiving the bright chambers of heaven. And if you acquire even the smallest of them, its value will still surpass all the wealth of the world. Remember that the Kingdom of Heaven is also purchased through almsgiving, provided that it is given from a pure heart... Strive diligently in such philanthropy, and let mercy be constantly with you. 'And when you act in this way, no enemy will prevail against you, seeing that you bear upon yourself the seal of the King of Heaven.'"

From this word, you should understand, O rich ones, that in order to be saved, first and foremost, you must be merciful to the poor. And it must be so without fail: for thus teaches the Church's word, thus also teaches the word of God, and the Holy Fathers. What did the Lord say to the rich young man? He said: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven" (Matthew 19:21). The Holy Fathers teach likewise: "Whoever gives his wealth to the poor," says Gregory of Nazianzus, "uses it for the benefit of his own soul."  "The rich man who gives to the hungry," teaches Basil the Great, "does so to his own advantage; for what you give, you will receive in abundance" (On the Acquisition of Wealth). Regarding the benefit of almsgiving for you, O rich ones, it seems to us that nothing more needs to be added. "Therefore, be merciful, as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36), and your salvation will be assured. Amen.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
 

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