Holy comforter vienna: Church of the Holy Comforter
Worship In Person – Church of the Holy Comforter
Saturday Church
Join us in-person at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a Holy Eucharist service on the front lawn. The service includes readings, prayers, a homily, and communion. Mask wearing is optional. Please bring your own chairs or blankets. In the event of heavy rain or temperatures below 50 degrees, look for us indoors in the Chapel.
Join us for a Holy Eucharist service in the Chapel. The service includes readings, prayers, a homily, and communion. Mask wearing is optional.
Sunday Church
Join us in-person and online at 9:30 a.m.
Join us for a Holy Eucharist service in the Sanctuary. The service includes hymns, readings, prayers, a homily, and communion. Mask wearing is optional. This service is livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. Recorded services along with service bulletins are available HERE.
New Sunday Schedule Begins September 25
9:30 a. m. Holy Eucharist in the Sanctuary
10:40 a.m. Sunday School
Face masks are optional for indoor and outdoor worship and activities.
We have resumed administration of a common cup of wine for communion. It is administered via standing stations. There will be no intinction (dipping the wafer in the wine) permitted per CDC guidance. Unfermented grape juice will be available at the Sunday service only. The clergy will direct the congregation to which side of the standing stations it will be available.
Drive-Thru Communion: Unable to attend worship in-person? Drive-Thru Communion is offered on the 2nd Sunday of the month. From 10:45 to 11:00 a.m., drive through the Front Circle to receive Holy Communion and a blessing from your car.
Communion in Your Home: In mid-June, our Eucharistic Visitors will resume visits following the COVID hiatus. If you would like a pair of visitors to bring Communion to your home once a month or once every other month, please contact the Church Office.
Holy Week and Easter at Holy Comforter (April 9 through 17) reenacts a powerful story of change—a story that continues to change the world, and to change people’s lives. We hope you can join us for any or all Holy Week and Easter offerings—Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.
All indoor worship services will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Recorded services can be found on this website HERE.
Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Blessing of the Animals (RAIN OR SHINE)
Saturday, October 1 at 5:00 p.m.
All creatures are welcome for a blessing (no matter how big or small). Pictures and stuffed animal toys welcome too! Join us as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, patron saint of animals and all Creation.
Then stay for “Yappy Hour” at 6:00 p.m.—with refreshment and treats for humans and animals. Bring a friend!
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of heavy rain, look for us inside the Ministry Center.
PLUS, grazing sheep will be onsite, eating their fill of invasive plants, helping us balance our fragile ecosystem.
(REMEMBER: People are welcome to visit them at the far end of the parking lot, but sheep are afraid of dogs!)
Ash Wednesday March 2
12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes (in the Chapel)
1:30 p.m. Drive-Thru Communion with Imposition of Ashes (in the Front Circle)
7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes (in the Sanctuary)
Choral Evensong
Sunday, October 2 at 5:00 p.m.
Holy Comforter’s Adult Choir will present a service of evensong followed by an elegant reception. This beautiful and brief choral liturgy will include canticles by Sir John Stainer, an anthem by Holy Comforter’s Minister of Music, David Kelley, and organ works by Dan Locklair. Join us, and bring a friend!
Taizé Contemplative Worship Sunday, September 25 at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Join us in St. Mary’s Chapel for a powerful and moving combination of song and scripture featuring lush greenery, candles, icons, and considerable time spent in silent meditation.
All are welcome! Bring a friend!
Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24
11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Children’s Living Crèche*
11:00 a.m. Service Bulletin
12:30 p.m. Christmas Communion in Cars – For those who cannot receive Holy Communion in person, drive through the front circle of the church at 12:30 to receive Holy Communion and a Christmas blessing while staying in your vehicle.
4:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Children’s Living Crèche* (Livesteamed on YouTube and Facebook)
4:00 p.m. Service Bulletin
7:00 p.m. Festival Choral Eucharist
7:00 p.m. Service Bulletin
10:00 p.m. Festival Choral Eucharist (with incense) (Livesteamed on YouTube and Facebook)
10:00 p.m. Service Bulletin
Christmas Day – Saturday, December 25
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Organ Music and Carols
10:30 a.m. Service Bulletin
Sunday, January 2
9:30 a.
m. Holy Eucharist* – The service includes hymns, readings, prayers, a homily, and communion (bread only—gluten-free available). This service is livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.
9:30 a.m. Service Bulletin
Due to the surge in COVID cases in our region:
The 4:00 p.m. Saturday service has been canceled this weekend.
Nursery and Sunday School will not take place this Sunday.
Coffee Hour with Body & Soul Mini Classes will take place outdoors. Learn more.
We will continue with distanced seating in the sanctuary with masking.
Sunday
Children’s Chapel during the 9:30 a.m. service
Before the gospel, children who would like to go are invited to follow the acolyte with the dove cross to the Chapel, where a children’s book about faith is read and time for conversation, prayer, and response is given. Children are returned to the Sanctuary for the Peace.
Nursery
9:00 a.m.–Noon
Childcare on Sundays for children through age 4 is available in the Nursery, located on the lower level below the Sanctuary.
Coffee and Fellowship Hour
following the 9:30 a.m. service (about 10:40 a.m.)
Join us in the church Narthex for coffee and conversation. All are welcome for an informal fellowship hour—a chance to see one another and chat.
Sunday School for Pre-K–6th Grade meets from 10:40 to 11:30 a.m.; Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (4-year olds and kindergarten) Room 309; Godly Play (1st–4th graders) Room 313; Faith in Action (5th and 6th graders) Lower Level Lilian Croy Room Learn more.
Sunday School for 7th–12th Grade meets at 10:40 to 11:30 a.m.; Middle School meets in the old library; High School meets in McGill Hall Learn more.
Sunday Bible Study is on hiatus until later in the program year.
Sunday Bible Study
11:00–11:45 Hybrid Zoom
We use Feasting on the Word, a curriculum that focuses on one of the lectionary readings each week.
Join on Zoom from home or join from the Chapel, using the “owl” which allows group participation online. All are welcome to this drop-in class.
Join the Zoom Call
Meeting ID: 989 8222 5684 Password: 4ZAaFi
Sunday
Hybrid Fellowship Hour
11:15 a.m. In-Person OR Online
All are welcome for a chance to see one another and chat. Join us either in-person in the Narthex (MASKS OPTIONAL) or virtually on Zoom.
Join the Zoom Call
Dial by your location:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 854 4592 5109
Password: 3TYKua
Find your local number HERE.
Worship is at the heart of our community. Our experience of God creates a sacred life which changes the way we live, treating ourselves and others with dignity.
Fed at Christ’s table, we take that deep nourishment out into the world, recognizing Christ’s presence everywhere. All of our ministries are a response to the love of God we experience around the table. It is a profound claim on our hearts, minds and bodies.
Monday
Centering Prayer
1:30 p.m. on Zoom
Please join us for Centering Prayer, a means of Christian meditation that uses a single word for us to rest our attention while we come before the presence of God. This will include a brief check-in, an opening prayer, brief instruction, 20 minutes of silence and then a brief closing prayer. Please follow the link below and follow the prompts.
Join the Zoom Call
Tuesday
Men’s Bible Study
6:45–7:45 a.m. on Zoom
Join us on Zoom early for coffee followed by our Bible study. Please contact the Rev. Jon Strand or Ray Wadlow to RSVP. We are using the Bible study guide from St. Stephen’s Richmond—found below—to start out.
We will generally meet weekly, taking breaks for holidays and the summer.
Bible Study Guide
Women’s Bible Study
6:45–7:45 a.m. on Zoom
Bible women, especially those who speak, are surprisingly bold! Join us as we explore their voices, many of whom have been silenced or forgotten. Every week, please contact the Rev. Ann Gillespie to be included—first come, first served (limit 20). Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you!
Compline and Conversation
8:00 p.m. on Zoom
Compline is descended from the night prayers said before bed at the end of the monastic round of daily prayer. You may use our online Prayer Book HERE.
Join the Zoom Call
Dial by your location:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washinton DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 868 4172 1540
Password: 8nxJKa
Find your local number HERE.
Wednesday
Noonday Prayer
12:00 p.m. on YouTube and Facebook
Join us on our YouTube Channel for a brief 10 to 12 minute meditation.
Watch on on YouTube
Learn More
Music
Learn More
Baptisms
Learn More
Weddings
Learn More
Funerals
Learn More
Worship Ministry
Helping our community prepare for and celebrate all the services of our liturgical life.
Acolytes & Vergers:
All youth in grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to serve in the Acolyte Ministry. Acolytes not only grow spiritually by playing an active, meaningful role in the liturgies, but also develop tremendous leadership skills as they grow from being a young torch bearer to captain of their own team. School volunteer hours can also be earned. Vergers are committed lay people who assist the clergy in the conduct of public worship. Their varied tasks include recruiting, training and directing the acolytes, physical preparation of the worship space, coordination of lay ministers, ordering and marshaling of processions, as well as general safekeeping of the church building.
Vergers are selected by the rector.
Digital Ministry:
Run the audio and video for services in the Sanctuary and help live stream and record services—which involves monitoring the sound and video systems to ensure proper volumes, camera coverage, recording and troubleshooting and possible video editing for recorded services. An important part of the ministry is facilitating holiday services which expand the audio and video capabilities throughout the church building to accommodate the increased number of parishioners attending those services.
Eucharistic Ministers:
As Eucharistic Minister, you will serve the chalice of consecrated wine at the altar during Holy Eucharist at Sunday and special services. Lead Eucharistic Ministers assist the Priest in the preparation and serving of the Holy Eucharist, lead the procession, and perform other duties during Saturday services.
Greeters:
Greet people as they arrive at the services and assist any newcomers to find what they might need after the service—an excellent way to help with a person’s journey of faith.
All that is needed is a welcoming attitude and every other talent and essential knowledge will develop on its own.
Lectors & Intercessors:
Read the lessons and/or psalm for the day and offer the prayers of the people as assigned for each service.
Manna Makers:
Bake the bread for our Eucharistic services using a standard recipe and a lot of love. Teams of bakers bake on a rotating basis and are happy to train new recruits.
Music Ministry:
The Adult Choir and Choristers serve on Sunday mornings and at other special services or events. The Chorister program uses the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) training curriculum called Voice for Life.
Learn More
St. Mary’s Altar Guild:
Members prepare the worship spaces for the gatherings of God’s people: Holy Eucharist, Evensong, Baptism, Weddings, Funerals, Taize, and special liturgies. We take care of the sacred vessels, linens, and vestments working in teams that rotate weekly.
At Christmas and Easter we decorate the church in celebration of our lives together in Christ. The Altar Guild is open to all parishioners ages 14 and up. We will train you!
Learn More
Ushers:
Provide assistance in seating, handing out bulletins, and other logistics for services.
Church of the Holy Comforter
Who We Are
Transformation. Wholeness. Healing. Everyone is welcome at Holy Comforter!
You are welcome here because you are made in the Image of God. Our baptismal covenant calls us to respect the dignity of every human being. That means people of every race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, physical or mental health, or other circumstances are welcome. As St. Paul wrote “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
In response to the love of God and the power of the Resurrection, we at Holy Comforter are called to be a source of transformation, wholeness, and healing for all within and without the parish community.
As a Center for Wellness and Spirituality we offer programs and resources to support emotional, physical and spiritual health. We invite you to become an active participant in helping us build this community of peace. In God, we are a new creation and we will continue to follow where God’s Spirit, our holy comforter, leads us.
As Episcopalians we are a people of the “Middle Way”, a balancing between Catholic and Protestant traditions, taking the best of both. We are members of the worldwide Anglican Communion, committed to living out the reconciling work Jesus began. Our worship is deeply informed by the long tradition of Christ’s church and yet is creatively responsive to the changing world we live in.
Mission Statement
The Church of the Holy Comforter is called to help our community and world know the transforming love of God in Jesus Christ. We welcome all people into a generous Christian community where they may encounter God’s transforming presence in worship, be formed with others in the way of Christ through intentional formation, and be empowered to live out their faith through engagement in God’s mission of healing and reconciliation in a rapidly changing world.
Leadership
- CLERGY
- STAFF
The Rev. Jon Strand
Rector
Jon’s ministry is focused on the Resurrection, a vision of the restored life God has given to us in Christ. This vision is one that is given to all of us uniquely. “Without each of us that vision is incomplete and our view of heaven, is incomplete. As the former Archbishop of Canturbury has said ‘It won’t really feel like heaven unless we are all there together.’ What is your unique vision of a restored world? Please tell me, and let us work together in the church, achieving it!”
When he is not in his servant-leader/spiritual director role as priest and Rector, Jon will often find himself running on trails while listening to audiobooks, practicing contemplative prayer, being a dad to his three children and a husband to his wife Beth, an oncology nurse practitioner. He also enjoys working on improving a telescope design, paddling a kayak on the ocean, or on his kayak-erg in the garage or hosting guests in the backyard.
A semi-professional trumpeter, Jon occasionally performs in the area when practice time allows. A graduate of Yale Divinity School and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, Jon has served at Holy Comforter as Rector since the spring of 2018. All the congregations where he has served, have experienced growth in numbers and ministry. He is committed to strengthening the ministry of Holy Comforter’s incredibly thoughtful, compassionate and dynamic community.
Jon has ministered in a variety of contexts from youth ministry and street ministry to interfaith organizing and growing communities of faith. Invite him for a walk, run or a hike!
He can’t decide if his favorite passage of scripture is when Jesus proclaims “Peace” to the disciples who failed him; or if its from Paul’s letters, “In Christ there is no male nor female, nor Jew nor Greek, nor slave nor free, by all are one in Christ Jesus.” Both are compelling visions of resurrection life.
The Rev. Ann Gillespie
Senior Associate Rector
The Rev.
Ann Gillespie arrived June 1, 2019 to serve as our Senior Associate Rector and the Director of the Center for Spirituality and Wellness. Ann brings to parish ministry a 23-year career as an actress in television and theater and 18 years as a yoga teacher. Ann’s acting career included many guest-starring roles. Some may remember her recurring characters as “Kelly’s mom” on Beverly Hills, 90210 and the second iteration in the 2000’s called “90201” and Nurse Jabara on Star Trek’s Deep Space 9. Eventually the call to the altar and the pulpit won out.
After graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2007, she served as Senior Associate Rector for 11 years at Christ Church, in Alexandria. During that time she also got an MFA in Creative Writing through Seattle Pacific University’s low residency program. She is passionate about the ways her work as priest combines the ritual and pageantry of theater with the healing and transformation of yoga.
She designed her own brand of yoga, meditation and God, called Finding God in Your Body that has been offered in multiple church and diocesan settings.
Just before coming to Holy Comforter, she spent a year as Consultant for Ministry and the Arts at VTS and continues to help them with special projects. She believes art and God are inextricably entwined.
The Rev. Jacqueline Thomson
Pastoral Associate
Drawn out of retirement to come “home,” The Rev. Jackie Thomson returned to Holy Comforter in October, 2018. “It was in this community that my adult faith was formed. It was largely through my thirteen-year ministry here as Director of Christian Education that my call to ordained ministry emerged. It’s really good to be home.”
After nearly 25 years as a parishioner, Jackie left Holy Comforter in 1995 to attend seminary. Following graduation from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1998, she served as Curate at St. Alban’s in Annandale for two years and then as Senior Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Adult Formation at St.
Anne’s in Reston for thirteen years. In the Diocese she served as President of the Standing Committee and as Chair of the Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct. In retirement Jackie has lived out her priestly call serving as chaplain at INOVA Fairfax Hospital and as nave chaplain at Washington National Cathedral.
“As preacher, I love combining my background as a teacher (of high school English, Sunday school, and swimming) with my passion for the Biblical text to help the story come alive. As pastor, I value time spent with people during good times as well as challenging times. Creating a sense of welcome for everyone, just as they are, continues to be a ministry priority.”
Longtime residents of Vienna, Jackie and her husband Barney enjoy visiting their four adult children who grew up at Holy Comforter where they benefitted from the acolyte, youth and formation programs. Jackie and Barney delight in sharing all things Washington and (fun!) with their twelve grandchildren who look forward to being spoiled at Camp Grammie.
Victor Hernandes
Sexton
Linda Meyers
Director of Holy Comforter Preschool and Kindergarten
Linda Meyers was born and raised in Stockton, California, and has her Multi-disciplinary studies teaching credential, administrative credential, and a Masters in Educational Leadership. She began teaching at Holy Comforter Preschool and Kindergarten in 2006 where she taught the Threes, Pre-K classes and Kindergarten and now is in her third year as director of HCEP&K.
Linda values being a part of Holy Comforter as it is a place of love, worship, and joy for her on a daily basis. Every day with the children is a blessing and one she treasures and thanks God! As HCEP&K celebrates its 25th anniversary this school year, she is looking forward to enveloping more children into the sanctuary of HCEP&K. Linda has been supported and married to her wonderful husband, Chip Meyers for over 30 years and they have three beautiful daughters.
Elys McLean
Communications Designer, Editor
Elys Mclean joined the Holy Comforter staff in June, 2008.
She began her communication career at USA TODAY where she worked for 15 years as an Illustrator and Informational Graphics Specialist. Additionally, she designs, produces, and coordinates communications and promotional products for other Episcopal churches, as well as for local and national organizations. Elys and her husband are the very proud parents of a son and daughter—both in their twenties.
Liz Bleich
Office Assistant
Liz Bleich has worked in the office of Church of the Holy Comforter since 2001. She holds a BA from Virginia Tech. She currently resides in Reston, Virginia with her husband of twenty years, Larry, and their two children, Joseph and Laura.
Tom Gadell
Facilities Manager
Tom came to Church Of The Holy Comforter from Saint Timothy Parish in Chantilly where he was the Facilities Manager of five buildings and 18 acres. He is the seventh of ten children and has lived in Vienna over 50 years. He and his wife Marty have five children and six grandchildren.
Tom enjoys spending time with family, golfing, fishing, and cooking. He feels very blessed to be part of the Holy Comforter community.
Peggy Miller
Parish Administrator and Treasurer
[email protected]
Peggy Miller has been a parishioner at Holy Comforter for 27 years. She has been Holy Comforter’s volunteer treasurer for 18 years. Peggy joined the church office staff in 2010. Prior to working at Holy Comforter, Peggy spent 33 years in banking. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
Denis McMullan
Director of Youth Ministries
In 2018 when Denis was considering retiring from his engineering company, God found another role for him as Director of Youth Ministries. He has created a sustainable youth program with a strong team of dedicated leaders that focuses on listening, guiding, and rejoicing with our youth as they explore and struggle with decisions that affect their heart, soul, strength, and mind.
He has encouraged the teens to take responsibility for their own lives and decide for themselves the values by which they will live.
Our youth will tell you that Denis loves to tell stories of his mistakes, failures, and successes. He will throw his planned teaching lessons out the proverbial window if he senses that the teens just need to talk and be themselves. He has created a safe place where teens know they are loved by God and by us, that all are welcomed, and that we will always be there for them on this journey of faith in Christ.
Denis has completed Youth Ministry courses at the Virginia Theological Seminary and participated in numerous Youth Ministry conferences. He loves spending time with his two daughters and five grandchildren, playing golf, biking and trying to be a good husband to his wife of more than 50 years, Valerie.
Brynn Pacitti
Director of Children’s Ministries
Brynn has been working as the Interim Director of Children’s Ministries at Holy Comforter since the fall of 2018 and has been teaching children (ages 3–14) for over twenty years.
She began her teaching career in Upstate NY as an elementary classroom teacher after completing her BA degree from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY in Psychology, Elementary and Special education.
After moving to Virginia, she earned a master’s degree in reading from the University of Virginia and was a classroom teacher and literacy coach to other teachers in several Fairfax County Public Schools, including two Title I schools, where she was nominated for the Fairfax County Teacher of the Year award. The real reward, she believes, was watching the incredible growth and achievement of children from disadvantaged backgrounds and in coaching both teachers and parents.
Brynn works as a consultant to parents and teachers empowering them to raise children who happily live to their God-given potential. She feels a calling to empower parents to mentor their children by fostering the development of the 7 research-based skills that lead to school and life success. (Focus and self-control, perspective taking, communicating, making connections, critical thinking, taking on challenges, self-directed, engaged learning.
)
The greatest inspiration comes from Brynn’s husband John and their four children. Together they love to play games, ski, watch the Caps, and play in the backyard!
Dr. David Kelley
Minister of Music
David Kelley has worked as Minister of Music at Church of the Holy Comforter since May 2011. David has broad classical training, including a Doctorate in Organ Performance from Peabody Conservatory, as well as degrees in Music Theory, Composition, and Liturgical Music.
His work in the church utilizes all of these skills, from composing pieces for the choir and congregation to sing, to creating colorful improvisations that enhance weekly worship. David uses his experience with vocal pedagogy and the Royal School of Church Music curriculum to train Holy Comforter’s volunteer choir members of all ages.
Outside Holy Comforter, he has served in leadership roles in the American Guild of Organists, is active in the Association of Anglican Musicians, and has published articles and compositions.
When not engaged in musical activities, David enjoys designing and building bikes that he can ride to and from the church.
Also at Holy Comforter
Children
Nursery and Sunday School
Learn More
Youth
Middle School, High School, and Confirmation
Learn More
Adults
Formation, Small Groups, and Ministries
Learn More
Devotee of faith and comforter: the world mourns for Alexy II
Kyiv/RIGA/TBILISI/BAKU/VIENNA/LONDON/ATHENS/MOSCOW, December 5 – RIA Novosti. Heads of state and government, religious figures, politicians from many countries express their condolences on the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’, who died on Friday in Moscow at the age of 80.
Alexy II (in the world Alexei Mikhailovich Ridiger) – the 15th primate of the Russian Orthodox Church since the introduction of the patriarchate in Rus’ in 1589 – was born at 1929 in Estonia.
He was elected Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ in the summer of 1990 at the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, a year before the collapse of the Soviet Union, in which the Church was persecuted and persecuted for more than 70 years. The name of Alexy II is associated with a spiritual revival in Russia. In the eighteen and a half years that have passed since his election to the patriarchal throne, the Church has been able to freely carry out religious, educational and charitable activities, ministry in hospitals, nursing homes, in the army and prisons.
Russian Church Abroad
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York called Alexy II a preacher of the return of the Russian people to their origins.
“The newly-departed His Holiness Patriarch was a preacher of repentance and the return of the Russian people to their historical roots, to their Holy Russian ideals,” says the Metropolitan’s statement posted on the ROCOR website.
Metropolitan Hilarion expressed condolences to “the Holy Synod, fellow archpastors, all-honourable fathers, brothers, sisters and children of the entire Russian Orthodox Church” and calls on the archpastors, clergy and flock of ROCOR to pray for the repose of the soul of His Holiness.
“It is with pain in my heart that I received the news of the death of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’, and on behalf of the Russian Church Abroad I hasten to express my condolences,” the hierarch’s statement says.
“Truly, as St. Simeon, the New Theologian, says: “I have an end to the beginning of life, an end to a beginning, I don’t know where I come from, I don’t know where I am, and I don’t know where I’ll go again tomorrow.” Such is fate. every person. And now, at this hour of our common prayer for the dead, we are confronted by the bright image of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy, who truly was a kind and selfless ascetic of the revival of the Russian Orthodox Church, which rose from the ruins after so many years of godless persecution,” the Metropolitan says in a statement Hilarion.
Patriarchs of Local Orthodox Churches
On Friday, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople sent a telegram of condolences to the RPU Synod on the death of Patriarch Alexy.
The Patriarchate of Constantinople, located in Istanbul, occupies the first place in the diptych of local Orthodox churches.
“The Mother Church expresses its condolences to the fraternal saint of the Russian Church on the occasion of the repose of her most blessed primate, Patriarch Alexy, who was our good friend and co-servant,” says Bartholomew’s message.
“We pray from the bottom of our hearts for the repose of his soul in paradise, and that the archpastor Christ will appoint a worthy successor to him at the helm of your most holy church. May his memory be eternal!” – writes Patriarch Bartholomew.
Patriarchs Alexy and Bartholomew met for the last time in October of this year in Istanbul during the meeting of the Primates of the Orthodox Churches.
Pope and Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa, the second in the hierarchy of Orthodox leaders, sent condolences to the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on Friday in connection with the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’.
“We convey our heartfelt prayers of condolence to you and the entire hierarchy, the holy clergy and the people of the Russian Land of Christ. We pray that the Lord of eternal life will rest him with the saints and the righteous and appoint him a worthy successor,” the letter says.
Patriarch Theodore recalled his personal acquaintance with Patriarch Alexy when he was Patriarchal Exarch of Alexandria under the Russian Church in the 1980s.
Patriarch Alexy helped and supported the future Patriarch Theodore and at 1990s, when he was Bishop of Kirensky, and after his election to the ancient patriarchal throne. In October 2007, Patriarch Theodore, already in his capacity as primate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, paid an official visit to Russia and communicated a lot with Patriarch Alexy.
The Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the oldest autocephalous local church. It ranks second in the diptych of Orthodox churches (after the Patriarchate of Constantinople). The patriarchal throne is located in Alexandria of Egypt, worship is conducted in Greek and Arabic, and most of the flock lives in Africa.
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II served a memorial service on the occasion of the death of Alexy II on Friday, the press service of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) told reporters.
“His Holiness Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’, has died. He headed the Russian Church for 18 years and was the greatest clergyman. The Patriarch was a friend of Georgia and the Georgian people. We condole with the entire Russian parish, especially the Holy Synod, the clergy, and believers,” the patriarch said at a meeting with reporters.
According to the press service, the GOC has already sent a telegram of condolences to Moscow and expressed its desire to send a delegation to the Russian capital to participate in the funeral ceremony of the Patriarch of All Rus’.
The Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) is mourning the death of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’, the SOC said in a message circulated in the Serbian capital.
A telegram of complicity was sent to the Russian Orthodox Church by Metropolitan Amfilohiy of Montenegro and Littoral with the blessing of Serbian Patriarch Pavle, who is undergoing treatment at the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade.
“We pray to God for the repose of his noble soul, and for the consolation of your pain for the great hierarch of the Church of Christ,” the message says.
On Saturday at noon in all the temples and churches of the Serbian capital, on the occasion of the death of Alexy II, a memorial service will be served.
Vatican
Alexy II consistently defended the interests of the Russian Orthodox Church throughout the world. As head of the Russian Orthodox community, he did everything to improve relations with the Roman Catholic Church, but did not have time to meet with the Pope, although recently there have been reports of the possibility of their meeting next year in Baku – as part of the Summit of the Heads of World Religions, scheduled for October 30 – November 2, 2009of the year.
The Vatican also expressed its condolences to all the Orthodox Russian Orthodox Church. In a statement on behalf of the Holy See, the head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Walter Kasper, noted that the patriarch “always expressed his benevolence towards the Holy Father and his desire to strengthen cooperation with the Catholic Church.”
Pope Benedict the Sixteenth in his message to the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church stated that he was deeply shocked by the “sad news”. The Pope noted that Alexy II waged “a good fight for human values.”
The Russian imperial house of the Romanovs also mourns the loss. As the director of the office of the head of the house, Alexander Zakatov, told RIA Novosti, in the person of the patriarch, the imperial family “lost its second father, a spiritual father, and an older wise friend and mentor.”
Muslims
Muslims of the CIS countries express their condolences on the death of Alexy II.
The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Caucasus (DUMK) expresses deep regret over the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’, Mugeddes Paizov, head of the external relations department of the DUMK, told RIA Novosti.
“We deeply regret the death of the Patriarch and express our deep condolences to the political leadership of Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church and the entire Russian people,” he said.
According to Paizov, the head of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Caucasus, Sheikh Allahshukur Pashazade “will certainly take part in the funeral of Alexy II.”
Khoja Akbar Turajonzoda, a senator of the Tajik parliament, a well-known theologian, and a former spiritual leader of the country’s Muslims, called the death of Patriarch Alexy II a great loss for the entire Orthodox world.
“He was not only a spiritual leader, but also a patriot of Russia, defending its interests, and he is worthy of every respect and honor,” the Tajik senator told journalists on Friday.
He noted the respectful attitude and close cooperation of the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church with representatives of other confessions, with whom he maintained a constant dialogue, enjoying authority among the leaders of many Muslim countries. Turajonzoda said that he was personally acquainted with Alexy II when he took part in the Tajik delegation in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus’. He expressed deep condolences to the entire Orthodox world and said that he “mourns with him.”
Austria
Bishop Hilarion (Alfeev) of Vienna and Austria mourns over the death of Patriarch Alexy II.
“This morning I had to have a telephone conversation with His Holiness, because his visit to Vienna was being prepared and we had conversations on this topic almost every day. At 10.00 Moscow time I called his direct phone,” he told RIA Novosti.
According to the Bishop of Vienna and Austria, “His Holiness had a direct telephone, which he used to pick up the phone himself.
” This time, a nun who works at the residence answered the phone instead of him and asked to call back in half an hour, he continued.
“When I did this, she only said two words: ‘His Holiness died’ and wept,” says Bishop Hilarion.
“It is hard to believe that we have lost His Holiness, with whom many years of spiritual life are connected, with whom the years of the revival of the Russian Orthodox Church after persecution are connected. However, for many of us, bishops, His Holiness is not just the head of the church, he was a father to us, to which we could come, call by phone, share our sorrows and joys. He always found words of support, words of consolation. I think that for many of us this is also a huge personal loss, “said Bishop Hilarion.
Speaking about the planned visit of the Patriarch to Austria, the main purpose of which was to illuminate after the restoration of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Vienna, Bishop Hilarion said that this issue would have to be resolved by the chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad.
In his opinion, the lighting ceremony can be postponed.
Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis expressed his condolences to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the death of Patriarch Alexis, Karamanlis’s press office reported on Friday.
“The Prime Minister regards the death of Patriarch Alexy II as a great loss for the Orthodox world,” the statement says.
“In his telegram, Karamanlis emphasizes the courage, great faith, patriotism and deep Greek education of the late Patriarch, who restored the moral authority of the Russian Orthodox Church,” the report says.
Patriarch Alexy was joyful at his last service, Metropolitan Nicholas of Greece, who served with the Patriarch in Moscow the day before, said Friday.
“Yesterday the Patriarch was very joyful. He was a very joyful person,” Metropolitan Nikolay of Mesogeia and Lavreotiki told the Greek church news agency Romfea.
On Thursday, Metropolitan Nikolai served a liturgy together with Patriarch Alexy in the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin in honor of the feast of the Entry into the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos.
“I pray that the Lord will repose him. I am extremely excited, because yesterday the Patriarch, after the Divine Liturgy, spoke such wonderful words about our Greece and our archbishop,” said Metropolitan Nicholas.
Earlier, the head of the Orthodox Church of Greece, Archbishop Jerome, expressed his condolences in connection with the death of Patriarch Alexy.
Great Britain
In connection with the death of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Alexy II at the residence of the Russian Ambassador to the UK Yuri Fedotov at 13, Kensington Palace Gardens on Monday, December 8, from 14.30 to 17.30 and on Tuesday, On December 9, from 10.00 to 17.30, a book of condolences will be open for signing.
In addition, a book of condolences in connection with the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’ will be opened in the Orthodox Assumption Cathedral in London, the Diocese of Sourozh said in a statement.
“Having received the news, Bishop Elisey of Sourozh performed a panikhida at the Dormition Cathedral in London at the end of the liturgy,” the diocese said in a statement.
In addition, on Sunday, December 7, after the end of the Divine Liturgy and memorial service, those who wish will be able to leave their signatures in the book of condolences in the library of the cathedral.
Diocese of Sourozh was established in 1962 and is part of the Russian Orthodox Church in Great Britain and Ireland.
The diocese is made up of parishes spread over five deaneries throughout the UK and is open to people of all nationalities. The ruling bishop of the diocese is Bishop Elisey of Sourozh
Germany
In the church of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Berlin on Saturday a memorial service will be held for the Patriarch of Moscow Mutak and All Rus’ Alexy II, who died on Friday, hegumen Daniel told RIA Novosti ( Irbits).
“Today we had a memorial service, tomorrow Vladyka will also lead the memorial service at 10 am,” the agency’s interlocutor said. Also, he said, Archbishop Feofan will leave for Moscow on Sunday.
In Germany memorial services were held in ROCOR churches, including the Cathedral of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia and St. Nicholas in Munich and in the church in Augsburg.
According to RIA Novosti, the dean of the Munich Cathedral, Archpriest Nikolai Artemov, the rector of the Munich Cathedral, Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany, due to the death of the patriarch, cancels a trip to New York, where a regular meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad is scheduled for December 8-9. After that, Father Nikolai said, Vladyka Mark would most likely also go to Moscow.
Italy
Representatives of the Italian Episcopal Conference (IEC) mourn the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’.
In a statement, the head of the IEC, Angelo Bagnasco, and the organization’s general secretary, Mariano Crochat, say that Alexy II “was a guide for all Christianity.”
“He was actively involved in promoting the ecumenical dialogue,” the document says.
In turn, the Bishop of Terni, head of the Episcopal Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue Vincenzo Paglia noted that he was personally acquainted with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, during the conversations the Patriarch spoke warmly about Pope Benedict XVI.
“He expressed hope for further rapprochement between the Russian and Catholic Churches,” he stressed.
Ukraine
Representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, whose canonicity is not recognized by most Orthodox churches, said that the Church would pray for the repose of the deceased Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’.
President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko also expressed regret over the death of Alexy II.
He stressed that the versatile activities of His Holiness the Patriarch to a large extent influenced the religious revival in the countries of the former USSR, contributed to the return of society to Christian roots.
“While visiting Ukraine, Alexy II inspired our compatriots with a sense of deep faith, struck with his balance and wisdom,” Yushchenko notes.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko expressed her sincere condolences on the death of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’, the press service of the government reports.
“The earthly path of His Holiness will be an example for all believers,” the prime minister said in sympathy.
“Patriarch Alexy had a difficult but noble mission of reviving Orthodoxy in a very difficult historical era. This was reflected in the return to faith in God for millions of people,” Tymoshenko said.
The Prime Minister also noted that during the time of the patriarchal ministry of Alexy II, churches were renewed in large numbers, the spiritual and educational mission of the church was activated, which activated the spiritual renewal of society. The Prime Minister noted that “she is sad at this mournful time and asks God to give us all strength of spirit.”
The leader of the Ukrainian Party of Regions Viktor Yanukovych expressed condolences on the death of Patriarch of Moscow and All Alexy II.
This was announced on Friday by the official website of the politician.
“The world has lost a great man who devoted his whole life to serving God and humanitarian values,” Yanukovych is quoted as saying by his website.
Yanukovych will travel to Moscow for the farewell ceremony and funeral of the deceased Patriarch Alexy II, the party’s press service reported on Friday.
Latvia
President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers expresses his condolences to all Orthodox on the death of Alexy II, RIA Novosti reported. press secretary of the head of state May Celmin.
“The President of Latvia expresses his deepest condolences to the entire Orthodox world, as well as to his family and friends on the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’. In 2006, the Patriarch visited Latvia, and this visit contributed to the improvement of relations between Latvia and Russia”, Celmina said.
The Latvian Orthodox Church is mourning the death of Patriarch Alexy II, Metropolitan Alexander of Riga and All Latvia told reporters on Friday.
He plans to take part in the funeral ceremonies in connection with the death of the Patriarch.
“He was an outstanding hierarch of the 20th-21st centuries. In this difficult time, he took upon himself the heavy burden of reviving and strengthening the Church. Everything that His Holiness the Patriarch did was successful and brought fertile fruits. He was a man of honor, deeply believing, kind “, merciful, understanding the human soul. Through his labors, the ROC and ROCOR united, with pastoral visits he traveled to many dioceses and churches, everywhere affirming Holy Orthodoxy, trying to cheer up people, betray them optimism,” said Metropolitan Alexander.
Estonia
The Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (EPTSMP) deeply mourns over the sudden death of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’, who was born and began his service to the Church in Estonia.
Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’, who headed the Russian Orthodox Church for more than 18 years, died on Friday in Moscow at the age of 80.
“In the hearts of all Orthodox living on Estonian soil, the death of the First Hierarch resounded with especially acute pain. It was here that his church path began, here he went through all the steps from the reader and subdeacon to the bishop. At the Tallinn cathedra – from Bishop to Metropolitan – the deceased served almost 30 years in the difficult years of godless Soviet power,” the EOCMP message received by RIA Novosti, signed by Metropolitan Cornelius of Tallinn and All Estonia, reads.
On Friday, memorial services for the repose of the soul of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy were performed in the parishes of the EOCMP.
A memorial service for the newly reposed Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Alexy II was served at the Tallinn Cathedral of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky. Metropolitan Korniliy of Tallinn and All Estonia, who called on the faithful to pray especially fervently in connection with the death of the deceased Archpastor, served a memorial service.
Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves sent condolences to the Russian leadership on the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’, the office of the President reported.
“I express my sincere sympathy to all the Orthodox of Russia and all the people of Russia. I recall with gratitude our last conversation with Alexy II in the summer, at his residence. The meeting was unusually warm, sincere and spiritual,” Ilves’ message says.
According to the Estonian President, the Patriarch has always expressed a sincere interest in the events in Estonia in correspondence and in conversations, while showing a rare understanding of the problems.
“I am sincerely sorry that Alexy II did not have time to visit Tallinn again and the grave of his parents in the Pukhtitsa Monastery, which is of particular importance to him. I will always remember Alexy II as an unusually wise man who was respected by both believers and secular people “, – wrote Ilves.
Patriarch Alexy II was born in 1929 in Tallinn in the family of priest Michael von Rüdiger and Elena Pisareva.
Mayor of Tallinn Edgar Savisaar on Friday sent condolences on the death of Alexy II, who was born and began his ministry in the Church in Estonia, to Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, RIA Novosti was told at the Tallinn City Hall.
“The Patriarch has never cut ties with his homeland – Estonia – and the people of Estonia have experienced his spiritual support and care for decades. The memory of the great compatriot will never fade in the hearts of believers and other people of Estonia,” the mayor’s message says.
“I had the opportunity to meet this outstanding person, whose spiritual greatness and firmness in upholding the positions of the church, high moral principles will forever remain in memory,” said Savisaar.
“Together with thousands of residents of Estonia and Tallinn, I deeply mourn the death of our great compatriot, Patriarch of the Orthodox Church Alexy II,” the letter from the Mayor of Tallinn says.
The Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church expressed deep condolences to the Moscow Patriarchate and the entire Russian Orthodox Church on the death of Patriarch Alexy II.
“Patriarch Alexy of Moscow and All Rus’, who was born in Estonia and began his church service here, had good and friendly relations with the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church,” says the obituary signed by Archbishop of the Lutheran Church Andres Põder.
“Patriarch Alexy II was one of the founders of the Estonian Council of Churches, his activities were accompanied by significant aspirations for ecumenism, peace and justice. We honor the memory of Patriarch Alexy II, our brother in Christ and good friend, and pray for a peaceful repose and joyful resurrection of the eternal Matins,” the obituary says.
Georgia
The opposition Labor Party of Georgia also expressed its grief over the death of the Patriarch, according to a statement released by the party on Friday.
“Alexey II until the end of his life fought for the unity of the entire Orthodox world. One of the clearest examples of this is the jurisdiction of the Georgian Orthodox Church in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, confirmed by him after the August events,” the statement says.
Georgian Laborites believe that such personalities as Alexy II “create an era and the memory of them is eternal.”
Armenia
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Friday sent condolences on the death of Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Alexy II, RIA Novosti was told in the press service of the head of the Armenian state.
“The life and work of the patriarch has been and remains an example of serving the people,” Sargsyan said.
According to him, all 60 years of Alexy II’s stay in the church connect the periods of the modern history of Russia, many years of which were especially difficult in the light of relations between the state and the church.
“Today we can say with confidence that the patriarch has made a huge contribution to the revival of the worthy role of the church in the public life of the country,” Sargsyan said.
The President of Armenia noted that the most important achievement of the patriarch was the reunification of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad with the Russian Orthodox Church.
Sargsyan stressed that the Patriarch was known, loved and deeply respected in Armenia, and noted that Alexy II also made a great contribution to the development of relations between the Armenian Apostolic and Russian Orthodox Churches.
“We remember and appreciate his efforts to strengthen peace in the Caucasus,” the President of Armenia said.
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II on Friday sent his condolences to the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’, RIA Novosti was told in the press office of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we learned of the untimely and unexpected death of our beloved brother Patriarch Alexy II. God called him to live next to the good and brave shepherds of his flock. Nevertheless, our hearts are saddened by parting with him,” – Garegin II said.
According to him, filled with the wisdom of the Patriarch, the Russian Church was able to withstand the difficult Soviet years.
“Alexy II did a lot to strengthen the Church, when, after the collapse of the Soviet system, it became possible to freely act and preach. Under his patronage, the believing soul of the Russian people appeared in a new brilliance, reflected in the newly erected churches as evidence of the revival of the age-old traditions of the Russian Church,” – said the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
According to him, Alexy II made a great and valuable contribution to the creation of a new Russia, to strengthening its statehood and building a peaceful and free life.
“His Serene Highness the Patriarch experienced joy and peace from the reunification of the Russian Church, which will contribute to its even greater strengthening and power. Through the efforts of Patriarch Alexy II, the Russian Church has made a great contribution to inter-church and inter-confessional life, the establishment of peace and stability throughout the world,” – Garegin II said, adding that all Armenians will always remember with gratitude his mediation efforts in the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
“We can note with satisfaction that the relations of our Churches have always been warm and fraternal, and this was manifested during our mutual visits and meetings. We will always keep in our souls the memory of these meetings, his love and fatherly care for those living in We pray to the Almighty to accept the soul of the righteous Alexy II, and send consolation to the flock of the Holy Orthodox Russian Church,” the Catholicos of All Armenians said.
Azerbaijan
Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Alexy II made a significant contribution to the development and enhancement of Azerbaijani-Russian relations, the message of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev says in connection with the death of the Patriarch.
“Dear Dmitry Anatolyevich, with deep regret I accepted the sad news of the death of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’, His Holiness Alexy II,” says the text of the message distributed by the official media, which also says that “Patriarch Alexy II made a significant contribution to development and enhancement of traditionally friendly Azerbaijani-Russian relations, in strengthening the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust between our peoples.”
“In these moments of sorrow, please accept, dear Dmitry Anatolyevich, my sincere condolences to you and all the people of Russia,” the message of the President of Azerbaijan also says.
In connection with the death of Alexy II, a memorial service will be held in Orthodox churches in Azerbaijan on Friday evening.
“Tomorrow morning, in the temples of the Baku and Caspian diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, a funeral liturgy will be served in connection with the death of the Great Patriarch,” Father Methodius, secretary of the Baku Diocesan Administration, told Novosti-Azerbaijan.
The priest expressed sincere condolences on the death of the Patriarch.
According to him, the Bishop of Baku and the Caspian Sea, Vladyka Alexander is now in Moscow, where he takes part in memorial events.
Kyrgyzstan
An outstanding figure of our time, whose name is associated with an entire era, has passed away, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said in a condolence message on the untimely and sudden death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’.
“All the activity of this outstanding person was devoted to the development of state-confessional relations,” the head of the Kyrgyz state believes.
Bakiyev noted that “the tireless pastoral service of Patriarch Alexy II, aimed at strengthening the spiritual and moral principles in a person’s life, won him the boundless love of the Orthodox of the whole world, the well-deserved respect of hundreds of millions of people of different faiths and nationalities.
”
“I am sure that the role of Patriarch Alexy II in history and the spiritual heritage of His Holiness are duly appreciated by humanity,” the telegram says.
Bakiyev also conveyed his condolences to the entire Russian people at this sad time.
2. Muhammad in the New Testament – Islam as it is
According to the Qur’an, Jesus predicted in his Injiliy (Gospel) that after him, mankind should wait for another prophecy – Muhammad: “And so Isa, the son of Maryam, said:“ O children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah to you, confirming the truth of what was sent down before me in the Torah, and proclaiming the messenger who will come after me, whose name is Ahmad (Muhammad) ”(Quran, 61: 6).
In this regard, many prominent medieval Muslim theologians believed that information about Muhammad should have been preserved in the modern New Testament. Therefore, on their part, attempts were made to analyze his texts and identify this prophecy.
However, it should be noted that all the results of this analysis are non-specific and polemical.
At the beginning of the 20th century, David Benjamin Keldani, a Catholic priest, who after his conversion to Islam was known as Professor Abdul Ahad Daud, deserves attention on this topic. He has published a series of articles on the subject.
In his article “Periqlytos means Ahmad”, the object of his research is the following verse from the Gospel of John (14:16): “And I will ask the father, and he will give you another Comforter (Greek: Paraklytos) to be with you forever” [7 , c. 1150].
Revealing the identity of the “Comforter” becomes the object of reflection by AA Daud. The identification of this term with the Holy Spirit, he considers inappropriate for the context of this verse from the Gospel of John and the doctrine of Christianity in general: “The belief that the death of Jesus on the cross delivered believers from the curse of original sin, and that his spirit, courtesy and presence at the Eucharist (baptism) remains with them forever, deprived them of their need for comfort or the coming of a “comforter”.
On the other hand, if they needed such a “comforter”, then all Christian assumptions and claims regarding the sacrifice at Calvary become groundless. The promise that the Comforter would be sent by God after Jesus had already gone indicates the complete failure of all hopes for the triumph of the Kingdom of God” [13, p. 197].
In addition, AA Daoud stated that the Greek word “Paraklytos” does not literally mean the word “Comforter”. In this sense, the Greek word “Parakalon” is used. “The Hebrew word ‘Comforter’ (mnachem) in the Septuagint, in the Lamentations of Jeremiah (I. 2, 9, 16, 17, 21, etc.) is translated as ‘Parakalon’, from the verb ‘Parakaloo’, which means ‘to call upon’ , “invite”, “exhort”, “comfort”, “pray”, “beg”. It should be noted that after the consonant letter “kappa” in the word “Parakalon” there is a long alpha, which is not in “Paraklytos”. The sentence “He who comforts us in all our sorrows” uses “Parakalon” and not “Paraklytos” in the sense of “I admonish or invite you to work.
” In the meaning of “Comforter” and “Leader” another Greek word “Porygorytys” is used. Concerning the different meaning of “intercessor” and “advocate” which is given to the ecclesiastical word “Paraklete”, I again insist that “Parakalon” and not “Paraklytos” can have a similar meaning. In Greek, “lawyer” is “Sunegorys”, and “intercessor” or “mediator” is “Meditea”” [13, p. 193-194].
After that, A. A. Daoud put forward his solution to the problem of the Gospel verse from John (14:16). He considered the word “Paraklytos” to be a distorted form of the word “Periqlytos” [13, p. 193-194], which literally fits more into the context of the gospel narrative. The fact is that after the word “Paraklytos” actually does not have the meaning “Comforter”, which church tradition gives it, then this word in the Gospel of John loses all meaning. Therefore, A. A. Daoud believed that this verse was distorted by later interpreters and should be read like this: “I will go to the Father, and He will send you another apostle, whose name will be Periklitos (Periqlytos), who can remain with you forever.
”
“Periqlytos” means in Greek “the more glorified one who is praised”. The word Ahmad (Muhammad), which is given in the Koran from the words of Jesus, translated from Arabic also means “more glorified, praised.” Thus, A. A. Daud came to the conclusion that Periklitos is Ahmad (Muhammad), and Jesus had in mind exactly him. The name Ahmad (Muhammad) for the first time, according to the Muslim tradition, was named Muhammad from birth and no one before him had this name.
In conclusion, A. A. Daud wrote: “The revelation of the Qur’an that Jesus, the son of Mary, declared to the people of Israel that he is the one who announces the messenger who will come after him, whose name is Ahmad, is one of the strongest proofs that that Muhammad was truly a prophet and that the Quran is a real divine revelation. He will never know what Periklitos meant Ahmad, except through suggestion and revelation. The authority of the Qur’an is decisive and final, since the literal meaning of the Greek name exactly and indisputably corresponds to Ahmad and Muhammad” [13, p.
200].
Later, besides A. A. Daud, another Muslim biblical scholar and polemicist A. Didat studied the same topic. Unlike A. A. Daud, he does not focus on the origin of the word “Paraklytos”, believing that “it does not matter whether we call him “Comforter” or some other equivalent term of fundamental importance” [14, c.23] . “Christians are justly proud of having translated the Bible into hundreds of different languages of the world, and the New Testament, which abounds in this prophecy, into more than 2,000 different languages and dialects. Thus, the Christian genius invented over 2,000 different names in over 2,000 different languages for one candidate, the Comforter. The closest pronunciation to the original words of Jesus in the Christian scriptures is the Greek word Paraklytos, which must also be rejected because the Master (i.e. Jesus) did not speak Greek” [14, p. 24]. Therefore, he proposes to take as a basis precisely the official church interpretation of this word in the meaning of “Comforter”, and refer it to the meaning of the holy spirit.
After that, A. Didat cites evidence from the New Testament in favor of the fact that there, by the name “spirit”, it means not God, but man. He gives the following verse as an example: “Beloved! Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have appeared in the world.” (I John 4:1) [7b p. 1221].
After that A. Didat wrote: “You may notice that the word “spirit” is used here as a synonym for the word “prophet”. The true spirit is the true prophet, and the false spirit is the false prophet. But for those Christians who look at everything with an emotional eye, I recommend that they take up C. I. Scofield’s authorized King James Version, who, with an editorial committee of nine Doctors of Divinity, added his observations and comments to it. When they get to the first word “spirit” in the above verse, they will be instructed to compare it with Matthew 7:15, which confirms that false prophets are false spirits.
Thus, according to the Gospels of John, the Holy Spirit is the Holy Prophet, and the Holy Prophet is the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad.”
As if anticipating counter-objections A. Didat further writes about how to distinguish true spirits from false spirits. And here he refers to the biblical verse: Know the Spirit of God thus: Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” 1st John (4:2) [7. With. 1221].
To prove the truth of Muhammad as a messenger (spirit) of God, A. Deedat cites evidence that he (Muhammad) “confessed Jesus”:
“Jesus is mentioned in the Holy Quran by name at least 25 times. He was honored with names:
1. Isa ibn Maryam – Jesus, son of Mary;
2. As-Salih – a righteous man;
3. Kalimat-u-llah – The Word of Allah;
4. Ruh-u-llah – Spirit of Allah;
5.
Masih is the Messiah. [14, p. 27].
Thus, A. Didat, in contrast to A. A. Daoud, gives his arguments in support of the version “Comforter” is Muhammad, based on the word “Paraklytos”.
Despite the difference in approaches to the meaning of the word “Comforter” in the Gospel of John, A. Deedat and A. A. Daud expressed similar positions on the issue of the meaning of the expression “Another Comforter” in the Gospel of John 14: 16. They were both one in the opinion that this expression can not be attributed to anyone other than Muhammad, and this point is in perfect harmony with the Qur’anic verse (61:6), given at the beginning of this chapter.
Literature references:
1. Abd ar-Rahman Nasr al-Saadi, Abd ar-Rahman ibn Hassan “Explanations to the book of monotheism”, Baku, “Geyturk” 1997, p. 250.
2. “Avesta” in Russian translations, edited by I.V. Cancer. St. Petersburg, “Summer Garden”, 1998, 480 p.
3. Amusin. I.D. Dead Sea Manuscripts. M., Publishing House of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, 1961, 272 p.
4. Amusin I. D. “Texts of Qumran”. M., “Nauka”, 1971, 496 p.
5. Archbishop Averky. “Apocalypse or Revelation of St. John the Theologian”. M., “Original”, 1991, 80 p.
6. Archimandrite Nikifor. “Bible Encyclopedia”. M., Printing house Snegiryova, 1891, 902 p.
7. Bible (books of Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testaments). M., Bible Societies, 1995, 1376 p.
8. Brenchak. I. M. “Criticism of the religious concept of the origin of man”, M., “Knowledge” 1980, 64 p.
9. Brennier. F. “Jews and Talmud”. Paris, “Rapid-Imprimerie” 1928, 112 p.
10. Vagabov M.V., Vagabov R.M. “Islam and questions of atheistic education”. M., “Higher School”, 1988, 272 p.
11. Vainikainen. K. “In the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
” SPb., “The Bible for All”, 1997, 314 p.
12. Grigulevich. I. R. “Inquisition”, M., Politizdat, 1985, 448 p.
13. Daud A. A. “Muhammad in the Bible”. Qatar, Publishing House of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Relations, 1996, 238 p.
14. Didat A. “Muhammad is the natural successor of Christ.” Baku, “AZ&S;”, 1994, 48 p.
15. Didat. I. “The Bible Myashyammyad Peyyambyar shagynda nya yazyr?” Bulls, Azarnyashr, 1995, p. 32.
16. Donini A. At the origins of Christianity. M., Politizdat, 1989, 365 p.
17.. “The Gospel of John”, Minsk, “Picorp”, 1992, 90 p.
18. Zhuravsky A. V. “Christianity and Islam. Sociocultural Problems of Dialogue”. M., “Nauka”, 1990, 128 p.
19. Islam. Historiographical essays, edited by S. M. Prozorov. M., “Science”, 1991. 232 p.
20. Islam. Encyclopedic Dictionary. M., “Nauka”, 1991, 316 p.
21. Kautsky K. “The Origin of Christianity”, Moscow, Politizdat, 1990, 463 p.
22. Kovalev, Kublanov. “Finds in the Judean Desert”. M., Politizdat 1960. 110 p.
23. Koran (translation and comments by Krachkovsky). Baku, “Yazichy”, 1990, 744 p.
24. Koran (translated from Arabic by G. S. Sablukov). Kazan 1878 1221 p.
25. Koran (translation of meanings and commentary by V. Porokhova). M., 1997, 800 p.
26. Kosidovsky.Z. “Bible Tales”, “Tales of the Evangelists”. M., Politizdat, 1991, 480 p.
27. Kryvelev I. A. “Bible: Historical and Critical Analysis”. M., Politizdat, 1985, 250 p.
28. Kuliev. E. R. “Prophecies of the Approaching End of the World.” Baku, “Ozan”, 1999, 128 p.
29. Lozinsky S. G. “History of the papacy”, M., Politizdat, 1986, 382 p.
30. Nadavi M. S. “Muhammad the ideal prophet”, M.
, “Zahra”, 1994, 65 p.
31. Niyazi H. M. “Sources of the Koran”, M., “Santlada”, 1993, 96 p.
32. New Testament. Vienna, Bible Societies, 1988, 370 pp.
33. Prabhupada. Bhagavad is the Gita as it is. Calcutta, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1984, 832 p.
34. Prabhupada. “The Book of Indian Thinking”. Calcutta, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. 1989.
35. Rambam (Maimonides). Favorites. Jerusalem, Aliya Library, 1990, p. 242.
36. Ranovich A.B. Primary sources on the history of early Christianity. Ancient Critics of Christianity. M., Politizdat, 1990, 479 p.
37. B. Russell “Why am I not a Christian?”, M., Politizdat, 1987, 310 p.
38. S. I. Samygin, V.N. Nechipurenko, I.N. Polonskaya. “Religious Studies: The Sociology and Psychology of Religion”. Rostov-on-Don, “Phoenix”, 1996, 672 p.
39. Sventsitskaya I. “Early Christianity: pages of history”.
M., Politizdat, 1988, 336 p.
40. Sokolov VV “Medieval Philosophy”. M., Higher School, 1979, 448 p.
41. Spinoza. B. “Theological-Political Treatise.” M., 1935, p. 121.
42. Farrar. F. Life of Jesus Christ. M., “Prometheus”, 1991, 464 p.
43. Philosophical dictionary. (under the editorship of Rosenthal M. M.). M., Politizdat, 1975, 496 p.
44. “Christian sectarian missionary organizations in Azerbaijan: political, moral and ideological sabotage”. Baku, Azerbaijan State Book Chamber, 1997, 64 p.
45. Schwartz J. “The laws of the descendants of Noah”. Jerusalem, 2000.
46. Shifman I. Sh. “The Old Testament and Its World”. M., Politizdat, 1987. 239.
47. Watt M. “The Influence of Islam on Medieval Europe”, M., “Nauka”, 1976, p. 128.
48. Useymin. “Allahin sifetlerine ve en guzel adlarina dair ideal gaydalar”.
Baki, Azerbaijan devlet kitab palatasi, 1996, 70 s.
49. Canan I. Kutub-I Sitte (tercume ve serhi), p. 2, Ankara, Akcak, 1995, 558 s.
50. Canan I. Kutub-I Sitte (tercume ve serhi), p. 3, Ankara, Akcak, 1995, 558 s.
51. Canan I. Kutub-I Sitte (tercume ve serhi), p. 7, Ankara, Akcak, 1995, 560 s.
52. Canan I. Kutub-I Sitte (tercume ve serhi), p. 8, Ankara, Akcak, 1995, 558 s.
53. Canan I. Kutub-I Sitte (tercume ve serhi), p. 10, Ankara, Akcak, 1995, 560 s.
54. Canan I. Kutub-I Sitte (tercume ve serhi), p. 14, Ankara, Akcak, 1995, 560 s.
55. Deedat A. Christ in Islam. Durban, Islamic Propagation Center International, 1997.48 p.
56. Humeyyis M. “Hanefi ulemasina gore sirk ve sebepleri” Istanbul, “Guraba” 1999, 72 s.
57. Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 4. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 624 s.
58. Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 6. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990 631 s.
59. Canan I. Kutub-I Sitte (tercume ve serhi), p. 4, Ankara, Akcak, 1995, 559 s.
60. Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 7. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 598s.
61. . Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 8. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 624 s.
62 . Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 9. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 632 s.
63. . Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 10. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 630 s.
64. . Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 11. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 639 s.
65 . Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 12. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 631s.
66. . Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c.
13. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 632 s.
67. . Ibn Kesir. Hadislerle Kur’ani Kerim tefsiri, c. 14. Istanbul, Cagri yayinleri, 1990, 659 s.
68. Ibn-I Useymin. “Uc esas: Allah, Din, Peygamber”, Istanbul, “Guraba”, 1999, 196 s.
69. Ibn-I Teymiyye. El-Akidetu’l Vasitiyye ve serhi. Istanbul, Guraba 2000.
70. Sultan M. “Ana cizgilerle Islam” (Nevevi kirk hadis serhi), Istanbul, Guraba 2000, 196s.
71. The Holy Bible (New International version). Harper Paperbacks, New York, 1983. 1110 p.
72. Yazici. Y. “Aciklamali ibadet rehberi”. Ankara, Turkiye diyanet vakfinin yayinleri, 1996, 204 s.
73. Yuksel N. Kur’ani Kerim fihristi. Istanbul, Bayrak yayinleri, 1992, 416 s.
74. . Zuhayli V. Islam fikhi ansiklopedisi, c. 1. Istanbul, Feza yayincilik, 1994, 551 s.
75. . Zuhayli V. Islam fikhi ansiklopedisi, c.