Comments on: Russia brings music to Constantinople on “The Three Romes” tour

By: cynthia curran

cynthia curran — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:55:00 +0000

Well, the only thing I like about the Renaissance was the emphasis on old Greek and Roman classics. As many of us know Byzantines that left Constantinople after the fall in 1453 settled heavily in Italy and had an interest in the older Greek and Roman Culture. And Elliot is right, atheistism was defintely brought back to the West. Probably Epicurius writings and the Roman Lucretius- a contemporary of Cicero and Julius Caesar whose work on the Nature of Things has strongly influence atheists since it stated that fear is the reason that man believes in the Gods.

By: Eliot Ryan

Eliot Ryan — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:19:05 +0000

In reply to Geo Michalopulos. St Luke, Archbishop of Crimea is an outstanding model of faith and pioneering work as a surgeon:

St. Luke's virtues, struggles and achievements are staggering. As a Grace-filled hierarch of the Church, he re-opening many churches that had been closed by the Communists, produced deep theologic works, and supported the faithful while drawing many to Orthodoxy. In addition, his love, skill and devotion to his patients saved thousands, (especially injured soldiers in war), and his research techniques were award-winning, and were claimed to be important to his fellow surgeons fifty years later. After a lifetime of such medical accomplishments and spiritual struggles in his confession for the Faith, St. Luke reposed in the Lord as the Archbishop of Simferopol (Crimea) on June 11th (New Calendar) 1961.

The life of St Luke, Archbishop of Crimea is translated in English (The Blessed Surgeon). St. Luke's life is a powerful example of faith, genius and dignity, all of it in the mist of a harrowing persecution of the Church. It is also an example showing that science does not oppose faith. This lie (one of the biggest ones) is perpetuated by the secular powers to this day.

By: Geo Michalopulos

Geo Michalopulos — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:34:33 +0000

Agreed, I never was much of a fan of the Renaissance, much prefer the High Middle Ages, even the so-called Dark Ages. To me, “Renaissance man” means a man for all seasons, a polymath, gentleman-scholar, soldier-statesman, etc. Or some combination thereof. Someone who excels in more than one field, a la Leonard DaVinci, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin

By: Eliot Ryan

Eliot Ryan — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:26:00 +0000

In reply to Geo Michalopulos. Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev is a true Renaissance man ?

Traditionally, this intellectual transformation has resulted in the Renaissance being viewed as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern era.

In other words Renaissance movement did set the West on the path to atheism. It later spread to the rest of the world.

By: Geo Michalopulos

Geo Michalopulos — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:51:27 +0000

This is wonderful! Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev is a true Renaissance man!