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Monday, September 23, 2013

The Silence of Our Friends -- the Extinction of Christianity in the Middle East

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:
  • The last month and a half has seen perhaps the worst anti-Christian violence in Egypt in seven centuries, with dozens of churches torched. Yet the western media has mainly focussed on army assaults on the Muslim Brotherhood, and no major political figure has said anything about the sectarian attacks.
  • Last week at the National Liberal Club there was a discussion asking why the American and British press have ignored or under-reported this persecution, and (in some people's minds) given a distorted narrative of what is happening.
  • Among the four speakers was the frighteningly impressive Betsy Hiel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, who has spent years in Egypt and covered Iraq and Afghanistan. There were lots of stories of Muslims protecting Christian neighbours, but there were also incidents with frightening echoes; Hiel described a man riding on his bike past a burned down church and laughing, which brought to my mind the scene in Schindler's List when local Poles make throat-slitting gestures to Jews en route to Auschwitz.
  • Some of this has been reported, but the focus has been on the violence committed against the Brotherhood. Judging by the accounts given by one of the other speakers, Nina Shea of the Center for Religious Freedom, the American press is even more blind, and their government not much better; when Mubarak was overthrown one US agency assessed the Muslim Brotherhood as being 'essentially secular'.
  • The night ended with historian Tom Holland declaring sadly that we are now seeing the extinction of Christianity and other minority faiths in the Middle East. As he pointed out, it's the culmination of the long process that began in the Balkans in the late 19th century, reached its horrific European climax in 1939-1945, and continued with the Greeks of Alexandria, the Mizrahi Jews and most recently the Chaldo-Assyrian Christians of Iraq. The Copts may have the numbers to hold on, Holland said, and the Jews of Israel, but can anyone else?
Read more by clicking below:

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Obama Must Increase Egyptian Pressure to Protect Christians, USCIRF Declares

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

  • President Barack Obama must increase pressure on the Egyptian interim government to protect Christians who have been violently targeted in the past couple of months, urges a letter sent by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Monday.
  • "I respectfully urge you to speak out clearly and forcefully about the unprecedented sectarian attacks committed against Christians in Egypt that proliferated at a frenetic pace on August 14 and the immediate days thereafter," wrote USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George.
  • "It also is vitally important that the Egyptian interim government understands from you that it must promptly and thoroughly investigate violent incidents, prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, and provide greater protections for Christians and their places of worship."
  • While Obama has repeatedly spoken out against the violence in Egypt following the ousting of former President Mohamed Morsi, Coptic Christians have found themselves targeted by Islamic mobs blaming them for taking part in the protests that led to the government change. Muslim Brotherhood-backed attacks on Christians resulted in fatalities, as well as burnt down churches, monasteries, Christian schools and book stores.
  • Both the Islamic protesters and the interim government have been blamed for using excessive force, which has led to thousands of Egyptians losing their lives, leading to a state of emergency in the African country.
  • "We were deeply troubled that leaders and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood tolerated or even encouraged incitement against Christians, and that the interim authorities stood by or were slow to react when attacks occurred," George continues.
  • "The extent and scope of attacks since August 14 have resulted in the sectarian-related killings of at least seven Copts and attacks on more than 130 churches and Christian religious structures, homes, and businesses."
  • The letter to Obama adds that Morsi's leadership, which began in June 2012, had been marked by sectarian rhetoric targeting religious minorities, including Copts and other Christians, Shi'a, Sufis, and Baha'is. It also says that although Muslim Brotherhood leaders have called for peace in official statements, their supporters who have turned to violence have been tolerated and even encouraged at times.

Read more by clicking below:
Obama Must Increase Egyptian Pressure to Protect Christians, USCIRF Declares

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Get Ready For Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Note: It's back! For those of you who love the flavors of pumpkin, spices, and coffee, the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming have ready their Mystic Monk Coffee Pumpkin Spice coffee. A great flavored coffee for fall and those cooler fall mornings!

It's getting to be that time of year when people start looking towards the holidays and begin to think about the flavors and scents of the season. Just in time, the good Carmelite Monks of Wyoming are offering their Mystic Monk Coffee Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee.

The good monks at Mystic Monk Coffee say on their web site:

"Smooth and sweet! The creamy pumpkin flavor melds perfectly with cloves and aromatic spices, finishing with a warming aftertaste that will make even the coldest fall day cozy. It's especially delicious when topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg."

So get yours now while the supply is good. It is available in ground regular, whole bean, and ground decaffeinated. You can also find their other flavored coffees here.

Chaldean Catholic Patriarch urges Assyrian counterpart: restore full unity : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:
  • The leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church has written to his counterpart in the Assyrian Church of the East, proposing that they bring their churches into full communion.
  • Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako sent a birthday greeting to the Assyrian Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV, and suggested that the two Eastern churches should “begin dialogue for unity, which is the desire of Jesus.” Full union with the Chaldean Church would also bring the Assyrian Church into union with the Holy See, he noted.
Read more by clicking below:

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Op-Ed Writer For WSJ On Syrian War Lied About PhD From Georgetown

Do you remember Elizabeth O'Bagy? Let me refresh your memory. She is the 26 year old "Syrian researcher" who penned an op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), that was later cited by both Secretary of State John Kerry and Senator John McCain during congressional hearings about the use of force in Syria. Ms. O'Bagy was initially represented as a "senior analyst" at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), and was referred to as "Dr. O'Bagy" by Senator McCain when he read from her piece to Secretary Kerry during last Tuesday's senate hearings. Then the next day, Kerry, during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, described her article as "very interesting" and urged committee members to read it

It was later proven that Ms. O'Bagy was not only a "senior analyst" (at age 26?) at ISW, BUT, "Ms. O’Bagy is affiliated with the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a nonprofit operating as a 501(c)(3) pending IRS approval that subcontracts with the U.S. and British governments to provide aid to the Syrian opposition,” from the WSJ clarification added later to the article.

Now we have the following news from Politico, that shows that the woman Kerry and McCain both found so "knowledgable" LIED about having a PhD. from Georgetown University, and was fired from ISW. So let me ask you. Do you think whether or not the USA should go to war, be it Syria or anyplace else, should hinge on the advice from any 26 year old? I certainly do not.

I am sure we can look forward to more incompetence to come from members of the Obama administration, as well as Senators like McCain And Graham.

Read more from Politico here: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/09/wall-street-journal-elizabeth-obagy-fired-96637.html#ixzz2ecAfxYw8

Monday, September 09, 2013

Blog Posts For Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Saint Quote: Saint Nicholas of Tolentino -

 See more at: http://faithofthefatherssaintquote.blogspot.com/2013/09/saint-quote-saint-nicholas-of-tolentino.html

Catholic Mass Readings For Tuesday, September 10, 2013 -


See more at: http://faithofthefathersreadings.blogspot.com/#sthash.G4Txcbrj.dpuf

News Vatican Information Service 09/07 - 09/09/2013 -


See more at: http://faithofthefatherspopeandchurch.blogspot.com/#sthash.HhVtA9Zv.dpuf

Sunday, September 08, 2013

Blog Posts For Monday, September 9, 2013

Catholic Mass Readings For Monday, September 09, 2013 - See more at: http://faithofthefathersreadings.blogspot.com/#sthash.KgWAUdIi.dpuf


Friday, September 06, 2013

From The Dignitatis Humanae Institute: DHI Warns G20 Summit: "Blood for Blood" is no Pathway to Peace in Syria

Note: The following is a press release from The Dignitatis Humanae Institute


Rome, 6 September 2013
 
Speaking in Rome for his hopes of a genuine political effort to end the Syrian conflict, Luca Volontè stated: "The proposals for outside military intervention currently debated within Western media circles and the corridors of power promise an increase to the kill count whilst offering no applicable roadmap to a cessation of the conflict.  The calls for stand-off missile strikes represent the misguided thinking of 'something must be done, this is something, therefore we must do it.'  These reprisals will only add to the distress of a besieged population, blood for blood is not the solution to the Syrian conflict."

Noting the breakdown of communication between key UNSC power-brokers, Mr Volontè appealed for both sides to re-engage in negotiation: 

"Rather than an upsurge in intra-state warfare, efforts would be far better concentrated on assisting the displaced refugees and redoubling efforts towards a political solution.  An attempt to end this war by military victory for either side will only lead to violent reprisals against the vanquished and the descent into never-ending sectarianism.

The Dignitatis Humanae Institute appeals and adds its voice to His Holiness Pope Francis in calling for a ceasefire and the return to peace talks.  The international community has a pivotal role to play in bringing both sides back to the negotiating table in an effort to find a workable political solution."

Luca Volontè also expressed concern for the two arch-bishops, Paul Yazigi and Yohanna Ibrahim, who remain missing following their kidnapping.  The overwhelming majority of rebel-held territory is now ruled under Shariah Law, and the hunting of Christian clergy has become widespread.  Under Islamist rule, any Christian found within this territory is now required to pay the jizya, a punitive fine dealt against non-Muslims.  Mr Volontè noted; "Until anarchy and Islamism give way to pluralism and stability, the overlooked human tragedy of Syria's Christians will continue to until their elimination."

The Dignitatis Humanae Institute aims to uphold human dignity based on the anthropological truth that man is born in the image and likeness of God and therefore has an innate human dignity of infinite worth to be upheld. The Institute promotes this understanding by supporting Christians in public life, assisting them to present effective and coherent responses to increasing efforts to silence the Christian voice in the public square.

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Chocolate Carmel Coffee


Just a quick post, to let you know that Mystic Monk Coffee now has a brand new flavored coffee, Chocolate Carmel. It will only be available for the month of September. It is available in ground regular and decaf, and whole bean regular. You can see it here.

Also, for those who like to use a press for their coffee, Mystic Monk Coffee has a new, larger 32 ounce Monk Press available. It has double wall stainless steel construction to keep your coffee warm for hours. 


There are also some new Monk Vaults for storing your coffee and keeping it fresh.

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

John McCain and 'Allahu Akbar'

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

  • Tuesday morning, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) got a bit hot under the collar when Brian Kilmeade of Fox News noted that the Syrian rebels whom Barack Obama and McCain want to aid militarily were shouting "Allahu akbar! Allahu akbar!" as rockets hit Syrian government offices. McCain's response to Kilmeade demonstrated not only his ignorance of Islam, but his abysmal misjudgment of what is happening in Syria. And on the basis of that ignorance, he is aiding Obama's rush to yet another war.
  • "I have a problem," Kilmeade said, "helping those people screaming that after a hit." That incensed McCain, who shot back: "Would you have a problem with an American or Christians saying 'thank God? Thank God?' That's what they're saying. Come on! Of course they're Muslims, but they're moderates and I guarantee you they are moderates."
  • Wrong on all counts. In the first place, it does not mean "thank God," as McCain seems to have affirmed when he said, "That's what they're saying." Allahu akbar means "Allah is greater" -- not, as it is often translated, "God is great." The significance of this is enormous, as it is essentially a proclamation of superiority and supremacism. Allah is greater -- than any of the gods of the infidels, and Islam is superior to all other religions.
  • Al-Islam.org states this obliquely: "Allahu akbar implies that God is superior to all tangible and intangible, temporal and celestial beings." This may seem to be an innocuous theological statement until one recalls that Islam has always had a political aspect, and Islamic jihadists always shout "Allahu akbar" when attacking infidels. It is a declaration of the superiority of their god and their way of life over those of their victims. 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta also stated that it was meant to make the infidels afraid. He wrote instructions to jihadists that were found in his baggage: "Shout, 'Allahu Akbar,' because this strikes fear in the hearts of the non-believers."

Read more by clicking below:
John McCain and 'Allahu Akbar'

Monday, September 02, 2013

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For September 2013


The Pope's general prayer intention for September is: “That people today, often overwhelmed by noise, may rediscover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and their brothers and sisters.”

His mission intention is: “That Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world may by their witness be prophets of Christ's love.”


Syrian Minister: US Strike on Syria 'Would Benefit Al-Qaeda'

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

  • Any US military action against Syria would amount to "support for al-Qaeda and its affiliates," Damascus has said.
  • Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad also told the BBC that armed groups backed by America - not Syrian troops - had used chemical weapons.
  • The US says it has evidence that Damascus used the nerve agent sarin in a deadly attack in August.
  • President Barack Obama has vowed punitive action but wants Congress to vote on the issue first.

Read more by clicking below:
Syrian Minister: US Strike on Syria 'Would Benefit Al-Qaeda'