The murderous attack on the youth of the capital city of France
Pope Francis called the terrorist attack in Paris “a piece” of a Third World War, broadening the scope of the world’s response to one between good and evil. Speaking Saturday to an Italian TV network, the Pope said there is no “religious or human justification for these things,” adding that the murders perpetrated by adherents of the Islamic State, were “not human.”
The “Islamic State” has taken responsibility for the attacks in Paris, even going so far as to placed them in a religious context, calling the terrorist attacks “miracles.” This jihadist organization, declaring itself a new Caliphate, the traditional name for a pan-national Islamic empire, has called this slaughter merely the “first of the storm.”
The massacre of 130 people, and the wounding of almost 400, in several attacks in Paris, has put the entire country of France under a state of emergency. Some of the perpetrators have already been identified as having entered the country through Greece, as Syrian refugees, something the Islamic State had promised to do.
The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, following the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York, stated that Muslims needed to be patient, for they would ultimately conquer the Western World by migration, and their high birth rates would assure them dominance of the West. We are already seeing the changing demographics throughout the West, including Canada and the United States. The mass movement of thousands of immigrants across the borders of western countries appears to many to be similar to the Trojan Horse of ancient lore. The Islamic State has refused to be patient, and is quickly moving to install their Caliphate. Pope Francis is correct, we are already in World War III.
Vladimir Putin has stepped up Russia’s military presence in Syria and told the Western Allies they must back its leader Bashar al-Assad in order to tackle the growing threat of Islamic State (ISIS). The American alternative would leave a huge vacuum in Syria, that likely, if the history of our intervention in the Middle East be repeated, be filled by the Islamic State. It would also serve us well to remember that President al-Assad protected the Christian population in Syria, while the “moderates” the United States has supported, have continually attacked the Christian population.
Is it yet another reflection of Islam’s unwavering Rule of Numbers, which holds that, wherever and whenever Muslims grow in numbers—and they make for a large minority in France—the same acts of “anti-infidel” violence that are endemic to the Islamic world grow with them?
Let us, meanwhile, pray for those who lost their lives in the Paris massacre, and for all those who were injured. Let us pray for the families and loved ones left behind, and let us also pray for the leaders of the Western World, that they wake up to the Trojan Horse that has been brought through the gates of our countries, and stand up to these evil people who intend to devour us.
If we think this Islamic attack is an anomaly, and that Islam is a peaceful religion, we need only read the violent history of this political/religious movement. A historical look at the conquering of the Christian nations of Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and all the other Middle Eastern nations that were once Christian, and the destruction of the Buddhist nation of Afghanistan, and the Christian Byzantine Empire, should be a sobering wake up call for what is in store for those who refuse to visit history.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russian has expressed to President of the Republic of France Francois Hollande his condolences over the series of terrorist actions committed in Paris on November 13-14, 2015, in which hundreds of people have been killed and wounded.
Your Excellency,
Dear Mr. President:
The news about a series of terrorist actions committed in Paris has echoed with deep sorrow in my heart. As a result of this evil deed, hundreds of people have been killed and wounded. On behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to you and all the people of France.
Terrorism brings innumerable disasters, crashing people’s lives and seeking to sow fear. Standing in its path must be a resolute will that overcomes the existing differences and mobilizes countries and people for joint courageous resistance to this evil.
I pray to the All-Merciful Lord that He may give rest to the souls of the innocent victim, an early recovery to the wounded and consolation and fortitude to their families, relatives and loved ones in the trial that has befallen them.
With profound condolences,
+ KIRILL
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
Sunday November 15, 2015 / November 2, 2015
24th Sunday after Pentecost. Tone seven.
Martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius, Aphthonius, Elpidephorus, and Anempodistus of Persia (341).
New Hieromartyrs Constantine and Anania priests (1918).
New Hieromartyrs Bishop Victorin and Priest Basil Luzgin of Glazomicha (1918).
Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus (388).
“Shuiu-Smolensk” Wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God (1654-1655).
Blessed Cyprian of Storozhev, former outlaw (Olonets) (16th c.).
St. Erc, bishop of Slane, Ireland (512) (Celtic & British).
St. Anthony the Confessor, archbishop of Thessalonica (844).
Women-Martyrs Cyriaca, Domnina and Domna (Greek).
Martyrs of senatorial rank beheaded under Marcus Aurelius (Greek).
Scripture Readings
Ephesians 2:14-22
Christ Our Peace
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Christ Our Cornerstone
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Luke 8:26-39
A Demon-Possessed Man Healed
26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.
30 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”
And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.
34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.
38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
“…that they…stand up to the subhumans who intend to devour us.” And how do you imagine this “standing up” to manifest itself, apart from violence? Are their lives (Muslim lives) not more valuable than ours, given our security and standing in Christ?
Father. What you wrote was a very harsh statement. I understand your fear and passion in the wake of these horrendous attacks and threats, but surely this is not of the Spirit. I understand the many complications as they pertain to state and Church, but violent retaliation or even self defense is simply not a biblical Christian teaching.
I apologize for coming across as so certain with such a complex and emotional issue, but I’ve been reading Tolstoy’s “The Kingdom of God is Within You” and I could not be more convinced of both the apparent human inefficiency and Truth found in teachings on non-violent resistance.
It’s true – if we respond non-violently we may lose our country, our homes, our selves, and our lives. But it’s also a witness to Christ and it may be such a strong statement that some Muslims may even be moved to repentance. And what is more important – the powers of this world or the Kingdom of His? Let us not forget Luke 15:7.
I am only writing what I believe to be true. Surely I am too cowardly to actually allow myself to be slaughtered without fighting back (contrary to my strong beliefs, my fear would likely take over). When I point the finger, I am also pointing to myself.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this; I am not sure if I will receive an email notification if you reply to my comment, but perhaps you could consider also emailing me your response? This is very important to me and (I do believe) the future of the Church and it’s witness to heart of God.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
In love,
Chelsea
Dear Chelsea, I don’t know you but with all my respects, after reading your comment I just would say that if you for exemple, were an Yazidi woman being gang raped by those demonic possessed beast called jihadists you maybe would have a different perception. To understand the level of cruelty those demonic beings are capable check this article from The Guardian newspaper where a mass grave was found with the remains of women and girls! I respect your position but as Orthodox Christians we must defend our families and our Churches against the attacks of the devil.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/15/iraq-yazidi-mass-grave-sinjar-kocho
Dear Chelsia, Your thoughts and words are very noble, but reflect on this: Do you think the Nazis were moved to repentance by the suffering and destruction of the Russians and other Slavs in World War II? There were many Orthodox clergy helping the resistance in WWII. If you are unsatisfied or uncomfortatble with this, try the Quakers.
I would like to know why the USA bombing of a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Afghanistan is not mentioned? Or the constant drone surveillance and bombing strikes? Or the USA manufacturing and supplying the murderers? Senator Rand Paul in the last debate explained the USA should “stop supplying its enemies” with weapons. I agree.
The War on Drugs and War on Terror will never be “won”. Endless wars guarantee endless profit for the US military-industrial complex. Several presidential candidates are in favor of coming very close to war with Russia in Syria. Maybe the terror is okay when it is in a distant land. But Paris is closer to home. Many of us like our coffee French roast. Some even like French fries. Paris gets noticed.
Our Creator made us equal. He loves us all. Two eyes, hands, arms, kidneys, ears, legs, feet. All the same. And He is our only Hope.
Blessings to All in His Love,
Ken
Although the Orthodox Church does not have a doctrine of “Just War”, as does the Roman Catholic Church, seeing, as we do, that all war is sinful, we are not a pacifist faith. There are times, such as the battle with Hitler’s Germany, that Orthodox countries have taken up arms.
Dear Father Tryohon
Thank you for stating and expressing what had to be said. For too long, the politicians, the media and even the churches have avoided the reality of what is going on.
I fear even now, after the horrors of Paris, there will be many who will hide their heads in the sand and find excuses for the barbarity of these attacks. God help us all!
I join you in your prayers for those who have been slaughtered and those who mourn.
Thank you, Father. I will need to mediate and continue to pray.
Some Mideast analysts, fwiw, think too strong an armed response to ISIS will only draw more of the local Muslim population to join ISIS.
What has worked in the past against aggressors would not apply in these Islamist terrorist scenarios. At least the soldiers of Nazi Germany or the Red Army would try to survive their battles to enjoys whatever fruits their victories offered. Victory by suicide seems to be at the top of the Islamists’ list. How a future empire builds on this is the question…
From the West’s POV, everything is a lose/lose situation. As above, counter-aggressision incites more aggression, secularizing Muslim immigrants tends to have the opposite effect, and passive Western political correctness just gives Islamist more elbow room for their agenda. It does not help that leftish Westerners have paradoxically co-opted the cause of Muslim immigrants to use as a battering ram against their own foes.
The only creative way to deal with this…outside of prayer…is intelligence. That poses a problem too since Arabic is a very difficult language to learn it would require using personnel who could potentially be operators for the other side.
Fear, over-reacting, going out of one’s way to offend a la Charlie Hebdo garbage just clouds our reason.
We also need to consider sometimes if some of this is not some kind of punishment for how we ended up in the West. In which case, we need to mend out ways and not just blame outside forces for our predicament, which is precisely what Islamists are doing.
When soldiers asked John what they must do he did not tell them to give up being soldiers or anything else in regards to their duties, only to treat people rightly in proper context. Jesus had great respect for the Centurion who’s servant he healed.
What is the solution Dear Fr. Tryphon?
I do agree with your commentary and the History of RADICAL Islam is not one of Peace.
LOVE & BLESSINGS TO ALL MANKIND, (AS YOU NOW THAT IS PART OF OUR LITURGY)?
LET US PRAY FOR PEACE AND INDEED OUSTING PR. ASSAD IN SYRIA IS NOT THE ANSWER.
THANK YOU AND PRAY FOR PEACE, AS I KNOW YOU DO.
ALBERT
all this philosophical stuff and prayer is fine and dandy, but the only language these savages understand is strength, and for the sane world to totally destroy these jihadists…..
if we didn’t learn our lessons from world war 2, let it all be repeated again….
and we can always thank the Bush administration for ‘ opening a can of worms’…….
Father Tryphon,
you mentioned Islam’s response after 9/11. While we must wake up to the Islamic threat, we cannot forget the Israeli response to 9/11 — in essence we were told the USA finally experienced what it deserved.
For Christians to support retaliation is direct disobedience of our Savior’s command to turn the other cheek. It is also an ignoring of the USA’s complicity in the death and destruction of Middle Eastern peoples.
Lord have mercy.
Forgive me, a sinner
Dear Fr. Tryphon, Thank you for your thoughtful appraisal of the war on Islamic terrorists. Many agree with you, including myself, that the opening of our country to the fleeing Muslim refugees represents a serious risk and those who deny it are fool hearty. Why not open our borders to the Christians who are being persecuted in the Middle East? Then there is the US pushing to take down President al-Assad. Have we not learned anything from Iraq? When we took down Saddam Hussein we created ISIS. Wherever there is a vacuum, ISIS moves in. I can only hope Putin resists the US call to oust President al-Assad. As an Orthodox Christian, when the Islamic State tells me to convert or die, I will do as my Serbian ancestors did–I will die, but I will die fighting.
One thought that occurs to me is that there seems to be a lot of similarity in these attacks to the kind of massacres that have been happening in our own country (i.e. recently in Roseburg, Oregon). The mind set of these cruel murderers seem to be similar to that of the insane people who shoot up our schools. We can easily call out school shooters as suffering from mental illness, and I think the mind-set of the jihadist is likewise psychopathic.
The only things that bothers me about the above is that the pope called the attackers “not human.” Indeed, they are still human beings although they are not acting as humans. Such people deserve to be pitied.
While I can agree with some of what you have said, I do believe the Pope should not be found at fault for his choice of words. Humans are capable, when under demonic influence, to be subhuman. History is filled with such individuals, who, in their fallen state, have departed from all that it means to be human.
Elder Thaddeus said: “We should defend one another, for we are brothers — especially we who are of one Faith. There is an example of this in history. Once, when an official delegation of Constantinopolitan dignitaries was sent to the Saracens to negotiate peace, the Saracens argued that Christians disobeyed God’s commandment. They said: ‘Why do you Christians disobey Christ’s commandment to love your enemies, but instead persecute and kill us?'”
“Now, a certain Cyril was part of this delegation. His answer to the Saracens was: ‘If, in a certain law, there are two commandments that must be fulfilled, which man shall be more righteous, he who fulfills both commandments or he who fulfills only one of them?’ The Saracens answered, ‘He that fulfills both, of course.'”
“Then Cyril said: ‘As individuals we forgive our enemies, but as a community we lay down our lives for one another. For the Lord has said that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s neighbor. As a community we protect one another and lay down our lives for one another. Not only is your aim to enslave us physically, you also aspire to enslave us spiritually. It is for this reason that we defend ourselves. This, therefore, is justified.'”
Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, Our Thoughts Determine our Lives, pp. 91-92
I love this, Father Michael. Thank you so much for sharing this!