Dr. SAMUEL M.ZWEMER (1867-1952)

He animatedly told me how in the vast courtyard of this famous church he had addressed a large crowd in Arabic, with a Turk who knew the language translating his talk into Turkish.  His message was on the Sophia of God.  He proceeded to present Christ to his audience who were intently listening to this western scholar speaking about the Sophia of God in fluent Arabic.  

HAIRS OF THE PROPHET (BUDAPEST 1948)

The title of this paper, to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the death of Dr. Ignace Goldziher, is not intended as a pun on my recent study, ‘Heirs of the Prophet.’ It is rather a footnote to the vast subject of the influence of Animism on Islam. Students of Dr. Goldziher's writings know that his footnotes were often gateways to wide areas of thought. l recall a postcard he wrote to me about 1906 on an obscure Arabian custom.

Apraham Hoja of Aintab

While I was living in Marash word reached us that there was a distinguished soldier of the Cross in Aintab who was God’s instrument in the revival there...… But we were astonished to see an ordinary-looking man, clothed as if he were from the poorest peasant class. It was he, along with twenty-seven other Christian believers, who were burned to death in Osmaniye on April 14, 1909, on their way to the Cilician Convention in Adana.  … more

Stephan Efendi of Zinjirdere     

During the past few decades, Turkey (Anatolia) has been in the limelight of activity for the Savior of all people.  Hundreds of proclaimers of Good Tidings from many countries have been motivated to spread Christ’s message all the way from the main metropolises to the remotest hamlets in this historic land. The brief life story of Stephanos Sirinides (1846-1916) will elucidate contemporary laborers in this same land…  more

WILL SHINE LIKE THE STARS FOREVER

Story of Vahram Tatikyan (1909-1965)

Passionate Evangelist      

Vahram's single-minded service to God and man, first in Istanbul, then in Anatolia and finally in different countries around the world reads like a spiritual epic...  What is so distinctive and striking about this godly man and yet whose name is virtually unknown in our times?  How was it that he, who knew neither school nor university, was able to speak to hundreds of thousands of people...  more

 CHRIST’S SEVEN LAST WORDS

 Every statement from the Incarnate Word bears timeless significance.  However, in the last seven words which Christ pronounced from the cross there is historic, theological and existential relevance.  From the hour they were first heard during the Savior’s tormenting agony, much has been communicated on the subject.  Always some new light or insight emanates from these unfading pronouncements... more

Christ Calls to Act

In a compendium article, we took the subject of The Churches in Christ’s Eyes. In sequence to this, a striking observation comes to light: The letters to the Seven Churches are loaded with serious imperatives from him, related to his solemn pronouncements.  These are dispersed between the lines of the epistles, constantly reminding the reader about the urgency of decision and action ... more 

FROM TORMENT TO TRANQUILITY

 St. Thomas was a disciple of Jesus Christ whose life and ministry carry great weight to the Christians in India, some of whom belong to the Martoma Church.  In the Church calendar, the Sunday following Easter is celebrated as St. Thomas' Day.  The emotional turmoil observed in the conduct of this renowned apostle exposes the span of conflicts surfacing within my soul and yours. Incidents affecting our overall behavior can be readily traced to battles that troubled this reputable disciple's life.  It is of benefit for every believer to examine the pros and cons in Thomas' stormy behavior, which mirror our own ups and downs... more

ISHMAEL AND HIS FATHER

The Quranic claim to the quality, capacity and finality of Islam is nothing less than direct defiance of YAHWEH’s covenant pronouncement once made to Abraham.  The intrusion and usurpation of the defiant religion launched by Ishmael's most prominent son testifies to his deep-seated grudge.  It cries out that his people were cheated and short-changed by Isaac's progeny.  In the very beginning of the new religion the grievance of the founder comes to light ...  more

THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN CHRIST'S EYES

The church, Christ's body on earth, has undergone – and is undergoing – a number of variations and transformations since its inception. Alas! Many for the worse... more

Tathlis - Tawhid, Principle Difference Between The Two

Basic differences, even contradictions among religions, are an actuality.  An expression which we may call conciliatory is often voiced:  three monotheistic religions of the world – Judaism, Christianity and Islam are described in this way. Dialogs and exchange of views on the subject have become the burning passion of some. The three religions to which ordinary folks refer as monotheistic are basically discordant and in many cases antithetical.  Monotheism, as is being used today, starts with Abraham.  ... more

The Dreadful  Warfare Symbolized By The Cup

The chief question is related to our Lord’s supplication, “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me.”   What is this cup?  This age-long question has drawn many answers throughout the centuries.  Here are a few of the attempted explanations that will be dismissed by anyone acquainted with Christ’s commission and its impeccable fulfillment ... more

Pentecost (Ephesians 5:6-20)

On May 11^th we celebrate the day of Pentecost.  I have written this message for the occasion, with prayer that it will refresh your heart in this dry world. 

Thomas Cosmades

The Incarnation is the most distinctive event in history.  “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father” (John 1:14).  In this momentous occurrence divine and human natures appeared in oneness in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s eternal Son... more