Pray now while one is healthy. It is almost impossible to do so when you are sick. A bad headache can make just thinking, let alone praying, a challenging task. Minimize these problems to the best of your ability. If you can't, then pray about them or pray for the grace to pray with them.

Our present world environment is not conducive to prayer. Our minds are overwhelmed with images from the television, sounds from the radio, horror stories from the newspapers, for example.

Media feeds our minds with many distractions during prayer. These things and images become impressed upon our minds, making it difficult for one to raise one's mind to God."

One doctor of the Church and Doctor of prayer, St. Therese of Avila, taught that most of the problem one has during prayer relates to what one does when one begins to pray. She emphasizes that in your prayer's beginning, place oneself in the Presence of God.

Recollection is another term for this practice. It means collecting your thoughts. Give yourself time to settle down to prayer. Breathe deeply. Find the best position. Forget what you were doing a few minutes before,etc.

Don't begin your prayer already distracted. Visualize a picture of Jesus, imagine Him before you or by another method place Him before you.

There is a Saint to pray to for help in this area. The French Carmelite nun Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity said before she died that when she was in Heaven she would help people to be recollected.

Finally, pray aloud when overwhelmed by distractions bad - if you are alone. This technique is especially helpful while doing what is called "conversational prayer"-- talking to God. By praying out loud at least if you get so distracted - and stop praying - you'll notice it!

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3. - Ave Maria, Jessica Smith - Camino De Vida Black Catholic Film Soundtrack Soundtrack 50:15

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5. Sorrowful Mysteries & Stations of The Cross -St. Brigid Traditional Choir - - Rosary Africanus Americanus Time:1:16:55

6. - Afrocentric Glorious Mysteries- St. Brigid Tradtional Choir/James Wesly Smith, JD, MA- Rosary Africanus Americanus Time:2:02:55

6b. Afrocentric Chaplet of Divine Mercy with Speaking Drums

7. - Our Father - Ron Smith Camino De Vida Black Catholic Film Soundtrack Time:2:23:01

8. God Has Cleansed My Soul - Robert Hollis - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is God n/a

9. - Who Is God II - Marian Fussey MA,MA, Florence Hawkins, Kelly Hawkins, Kelly Hawkins, Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is god? 2:29:57

10. Who Is God IV - Florence Hawkins, Marian Fussey MA,MA, Patricia Vigne, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is God V Time:2:48:41

11. Who Is God V - Dr. Carolyn Yusef,Ph.D., Patricia Vigne, Florence Hawkins, Marian Fussey MA,MA, Bro. Tom Vincent, SSJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is God? 3:00:48

12. Who Is Christ-Fr. Paul Banet, SSJ, Caroyln Burris, Sharolyn Daniels, Patricia Vigne, Leola Raglin, Marian Fussey MA,MA, Rosebud Joyner, MA, Imogene Lutz, Brenda Johnson, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, For Soul's Sake, Ron Smith, Guardian Angel Choir, St. Brigid Teen Ministry - - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is Christ? 3:40:59

13. Who Is Christ II- Fr. Paul Banet, SJ, Brenda Johnson, Dr.Carolyn Yusef,Ph.D., Patricia Vigne, Rosebud Joyner, MA, Carolyn Burris, Sharolyn Daniels, Marian Fussey,MA,MA, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is Christ 4:25:21

14. Blessed Virgin Mary & Family -Patricia Vigne, Iris Hall, Leola Raglin, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Mary & Family 4:40:14

15. - The Sacraments- Brother Tom Vincent, SSJ, Larry Ewing, Marian Fussey,MA,MA, Dr. Sikele, Sharolyn Daniels, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--The Sacraments 5:09:11

16. Sacraments, Sacramentals, Prayer -James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Sacraments, Sacramentals, Prayer - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- 5:41:19

17. The Mass - Pamalier Perry, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock Series--The Mass Time:5:51:55

18. Transubstantiation -Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Fr. Paul Banet, SSJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Transubstantiation - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- 6:20:33

19. The Liturgy -Marian Fussey MA, MA, Dr. Carolyn Yusef,Ph.D., Patricia Vigne, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - The Liturgy - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Time:6:43:08

20. The Liturgy II - Marian Fussey MA, MA, Patricia Vigne, Dr. Carolyn Yusef, Ph.D., James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock 7:27:58

21. Afrocentric Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary - St. Brigid Traditional Choir w/ James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Rosary Africanus Americanus 7:43:13

22. Afrocentric Glorious Mysteries - St. Brigid Tradtional Choir/James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Rosary Africanus Americanus 8:07:29

23. Afrocentric Sorrowful Mysteries & Stations of The Cross - St. Brigid Traditional Choir - Rosar Africanus Americanus 8:27:35

24. What Is Sin? - Doris Fork, Larry Ewing, Dr. Sikele Sing, Ph.D., - Teach All Nations Upon This Ro 9:13:36

25. What Is Sin II - Marian Fussey MA, MA, Dr. Sikele Sing, Ph.D. - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock 9:44:28

26. Sex & Christianity -Rosebud Joyner, MA,, Sharolyn Daniels, Carolyn Burris, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Sex & Christianity - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- n/a 9:49:49

27. Rosebud Joyner, MA, Carolyn Burris, Sharolyn Daniels - Epilogue: Sex & Christianity - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock 10:20:23

28. Justice - -Fr. Paul Banet, SSJ, Rosebud Joyner, MA, Desmond Gates, Mary McPherson, Andrew Knox, MA, Carolyn Burris, Sharolyn Daniels, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- Justice Time: 10:22:52

29. Justice II -Desmond Gates, Andrew Knox, MA, Carolyn Burris, Mary McPherson, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Justice II - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- Time: 10:53:09

30. Death & Resurrection -Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Bro. Tom Vincent, SSJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Death & Resurrection - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- Time:11:04:36

31. Death & Resurrection II -Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Bro. Tom Vincent, SSJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Death & Resurrection - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- Time:11:34:48

32. Death & Resurrection Epilogue --Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Death & Resurrection, Epilogue - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Time: 12:04:59

33. Salvation & Redemption - -Fr. Fisher Robinson, SVD, Marian Fussey MA, MA, Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, Wayne Richard Smith - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Salvation & Redemption Time: 12:06:47

34. Salvation & Redemption II -Bro. Tom Vincent, SSJ, Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Scottie Rydell, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Salvation & Redemption II Time: 12:37:18

35. James Wesly Smith, St. Brigid Choirs, - Missa Africanus Americanus (Introit - Offertory) - Album 12:45:02 Missa_Africanus_Americanus_Introit_- 14:51

36. James Wesly Smith - Missa Africanus Americanus (Consecration--Dismissal Antiphon) - Album Time: 12:59:54

Missa_Africanus_Americanus_Consecration--Time: 0:20

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AFRICANS AND AFRICAN CHRISTIANITY PREFACE

Africans did not call themselves that! In addition, we are informed and believe upon investigation that the word for the continent was TaMeri/ Ptah Merri .

This site strives not for apologetics> It is rather a celebration of our Black involvement in the Christian Church since before the beginning.

Europeans concocted a "one drop rule"> It proved viciously applied in the American culture of slavery. Ok! We adopt it. Anybody with "one drop" of black blood is black.

American law went further in the Chinese Exclusion Cases of the 1880s, "Anybody who is not white is black".

With such definitions, one can see Blacks have been members of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic church from the beginning.

While some (usually the Eurocentric--and we can say that because we have Sussex and Yorkshire English Ancestors who "slipped in"--we who have had to scratch our heads, or defend our Catholic Christian faith to our brethren of Al Islam, or Lord Buddha, or Zoroaster can point to the African genesis of the Way known as Christian.

Some of ourscholars say, Akebulan--from the time of the conquest of the Prophet's armies. Still others indicate Azaria.

The word AFRICA, in one theory, proves Greek in origin.

AF RI KA

From a edited dictionary source (Webster's)

Africa

Pronunciation: 'a-fri-k& also '

"...Eastern hemisphere continent/land mass found south of the Mediterranean. It connects with Asia on the Northeast, and has 11,677,239 square miles.

ANCIENT LEGEND

Ancient Legend says the name Af ra ka was given to an ancient Khemetian elder called Heru. (And we use the word "legend" here in the cultural anthropologic manner. It does NOT mean myth or fiction!)

That Black oral tradition opines that the name actually stems from the Khemetian (Egyptian to the Eurocentric) hieroglyphics of our Hamitic (or Ethiopian--to use a biblical term) ancestors.

Af--A prefix for "flesh"
Ra, a Khemetian name for the Almighty God, as they knew and understood Him.

(Remember, Pharaoh Akhenaton (Thutmose IV) proved among the first in that world area to postulate,

"There is one God!"

Scripture tells us that later, because of famine, the Habiru came to visit the land of Khemet (Egypt). Yet, it was only shortly thereafter Akhenaton's reign. (See the biblical story of Joseph).

Lastly, the suffix Ka-has particular significance to the ancient Khemetians (Egyptians). (Those who really wish to know can research).

From the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia--fair use for those in the African geologic and cultural diaspora):

In the below discussion of spirituality, we have changed the name Egyptian to the original Khemetian.

Please excuse the original author(s)'prejudice, eurocentrism, and ethnocentrism in the remarks below. We do not adopt them by reference. We merely use the paragraph to illustrate a prefatory, instruction on the concept of KA.

On the other hand, in the Khemetian religion, there exists a developed and elevated eschatology. In the first place, life in its fullness, unending life with 0siris, the sun-god, who journeys daily through the underworld, even identification with the god, with the right to be called by his name, is what the pious looked forward to as the ultimate goal after death.

The departed are habitually called the "living"; the coffin is the "chest of the living", and the tomb the "lord of life ". It is not merely the disembodied spirit, the soul ,as it were-- that continues to live, but the soul with certain bodily organs and functions suited to the conditions of the new life.

Anthropology underlying Khemetian eschatology, several constituents of the human person are distinguished, the most important of which is the Ka, a kind of semi-material double; and to the justified who pass the judgment after death the use of these several constituents, separated by death is restored.

Hence, AF RA KA! Of course, we do not expect those who are not of the melanin to believe, or take the knowledge further.

(With help from the research of Emyrna)

We will leave it to the Bible Scholars to research the fascinating scriptural connections of our culture with Ham, and Nimrod.

Pax Christi --James Wesly Smith, editor

So the appellation Africa in these sites shall be used interchangeably, with Ta Merri/Ptah Merri (more particularly here inclusive of Egypt), and Akebulan.

Curiously, in ancient times the name Ethiopia was also sometimes used in the Bible for Africa, and Ethiopian for Africans generically.

As soon as we receive word from learned African scholars what the actual name was (from consensus, since it remains a huge continent), that is the word we shall use exclusively herein these sites.

Further, Egypt was not called Egypt by the Egyptians, but KHEMET/KEMET

Alternately it was called Cush, Nubia, or Abyssinia depending the dynasty and the ruler's lineage. Later, the continental area was known as TaMeri/Ptah Merri, or shortly after the 700s, Akebulan.

the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Matt. 2:13-15).

Christian Coptic and Armenian Traditions Of the Travels of the Yusef, Myryrm, and Yeshua (Jesus, Mary and Joseph) In the flight into Africa-- Khemet (Egypt) From King Herod's Wrath

Re-written from:

http://pharos.bu.edu/cn/articles/HolyFamilyInEgypt.txt

17 U.S.C. Fair use for those of the African Historical and Geologic Diaspora Travels of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph-- the Holy Travel Family in Africa (particularly, Ptah Merri/Khemet) proves based on oral traditions. These stem primarily from the Christian Coptic and Armenian rites of the one Holy Catholic (meaning Universal) and Apostolic Church.

Apostolic means that each division was based upon the missionary effort of one of the 12 then 13 apostles (we include St. Paul), or their disciples (or a close confidant of Yeshua-Jesus, the Christ, such as St. Mary of Magdala (Magdalene) who preached and ministered later in Gaul (France).

But as indicated Yeshua, Jesus himself, along with his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph set the foundation through their travels in Africa/Khemet.

Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Africa/Ptah Merri. (Egypt)

It is a tradition that the Holy Family and Salome, the midwife, left Bethlehem hurriedly (Mary was between 14 and 16 years of age at the time. This was not uncommon, as most folks did not live to see 30, which was considered Old age). Reportedly, three young men were also with the party.

Tradition says the young mother, Mary, rode a donkey (See riding upon a donkey (Zech. 9:9). Joseph walked beside her, with Salome and the others trailing.

Coptic literature theorizes the Holy Family followed the Mediterranean route (and caravan trails), going first west about 40 Kilometers further on, through the ancient Canaanite fortified city, Gaza (Genesis 10:19).

From Gaza strip, the Holy Family went through Jenysos village, now known as Khan Yunis. Then they hit Raphia (Rafah). This was a guard station and the outpost between Gaza-strip and the then Roman province of Khemet (Egypt). The caravan trail stretched another 27 and miles, two days travel for a young recently pregnant mother. Myryrm, Yusef, and Baby Yeshua passed over a stream known as the the River of Egypt, now, the Wadi al-'Arish. From even ancient days, this natural boundary between Khemet and Palestine proved recognized.

Soon, the Holy Family reached (conjecturing this was the route) a city called Rhinocolura, now known as al-'Arish. Next came Ostrakini, now called Straki, in the area of al-'Arish, what was to be a large metropolis and seaport, Pelusium (Farama), in the Augustamnica province. The territory was replete with mud (pelou) and swamps, from which its name could have been derived.

Tradition has the Holy Family passing through, which by camel was normally a six days journey from Jerusalem.''

The Nile Delta Hides Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

The Holy Family reached Goshen province, the land of Goshen. (Genesis 45:10) An Armenian Rite tradition says the Holy Family passed through the Plain of Tanis. The tradition continues that they briefly rested in Bilbais.

Nearby Bilbais and Tell Al-Kebir was one of the ancient Goshen city built by the forced labor of the Habiru for Pharaoh Raamses, Pithom. (See Exodus 1:11). The area was also generally known as the On. However, one writer speculates, If On lies in Goshen this would extend the district in which the Habiru resided is extended nearly to the outskirts of the modern Cairo.

(The Holy Family tradition reportedly lived in Hieropolis, Old Cairo. And there are legends of their stay through Zaytoun/Zeitun, which the reader is encouraged to search on the web.)

Conjecture has it that should Jesus, Mary, and Joseph came to the Nile Delta through Wadi Tumilat, the first town encountered would be Pithom or Pi-tum, the abode of Tum, the Khemetian Setting Sun. How ironic, as the Light (Yeshua) would have been passing through.

The Wadi Tumilat traditions say Holy Family first traveled the coast of the Mediterranean, accompanied by a virgin (presumably Salome) and three young men. Heat, however caused the party to seek shelter in a cave.

Approaching the cavern wild animals came out of it, frightening Mary. Legend has it Baby Yeshua (Jesus) Jesus calmed her fears (as He later calmed the seas). All the wild animals lay together, as in Isaiah prophesy, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6).

Later, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph traveled a small distance, and then stopped seeking shade under a palm tree. The tree also yielded fruit. They entered Hieropolis (Heroopolis, older spelling) province, which is reached by traveling through the Wadi Tumilat.

Nine and a third miles west of Pithom, lay Succoth. A day after that rest ,loomed the other citadel of forced labor by the Habiru for Pharaoh--Raamses, now Tell Al-Kebir.

In this city, Yusef, protecting his wife and Child, Baby Jesus, reached the Nile Delta, passing west through Pi-Sopt (now a village of Saft Al-Hinna), and then Bubastis, the Pi-Besethm in the Bible (Ezekiel 30:17-18).

Ironically, Vizier Joseph (Jacob's boy) had court at Bubastis. The Coptic Synaxarium, Basatha (Bubastis, Pi-Beseth, Bastah, or Tell Al-Bastah), 1.24 miles to the southwest of a town called Zagazig proved the Delta encampment visited by Holy Family and Salome.

The residents did not take to strangers, however. Visitors were shunned. This is even though tradition has it Yeshua pinpointing the location of water. The blessed spring was a healing source for everyone, except the local residents of of Basatah. The Vision of Theophilus describes the tradition: In Basatah, the Holy Family met two outlaws. Titus, the Khemetian (Egyptian), with the Syrian, Dumachus.

Dumachus told Titus he would like to rob the Mary and Jesus, the garments that are on this woman and her Son. They resemble the garments of kings, and if I had encountered them in a place other than this, I would have taken those garments from them."

Titus passed on the idea. "Let us proceed on our way. I never saw a Child like this since I was born."

Baby Jesus asked for water. Mary looked about. She could not find any. The Blessed Virgin took Yeshua to Bastah. She begged local women for Water for Jesus. None would show compassion.

The tradition says the outlaws saw the Blessed Virgin and her Son entering Basatah, crept up on a sleeping Joseph, and stole the golden and silver sandals of Jesus.

Learning of the robbery, Mary upon her return was stressed and wept. Baby Jesus saw His Mother crying. Wiping her tears, He made the sign of the cross on the earth with His small finger. A water spring gushed forth. Jesus, Mary, Joseph drank this water which was as sweet as honey and as white as snow.

The tradition goes on to say that Jesus blessed this water, "Let this water help make whole and heal the souls and bodies of all those who shall drink of it except the inhabitants of this town, of whom none shall be healed by it."

The Holy Family moved south for a day to Bilbais, (which lies near the modern Ismailiya Canal).

As the Holy Family entered, a mourning funeral procession exited. Jesus, had compassion on the mourners. Legend says Baby Jesus raised the dead man to life.

It was learned it was a widow's son, brought back to life, said, "This is the True God, the Savior of the world, who is born of the Blessed Virgin, Who accomplished a mystery which the human intellect cannot comprehend."

All the town of Bilbais believed in Jesus.

Pilgrims in the Middle Ages stopped at Bilbais to kneel at the foot of an ancient and large tree.

Both Christians and Muslims traditions honor the stay of the Holy Family at Bilbais. Followers of Al Islam named it the Tree of the Virgin.

Ethiopic and Coptic Synaxaria tell us the Holy Family left the Sharqiah Province and went north.

They came to Samannud (Gamnudi), an ancient town of Sebennytos (Zeb-nuter), on the Damietta branch of the Nile.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph crossed the river, traveling west.

Today, one can see the Church of Abba Nub atop a more ancient church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was constructed where the Holy Family rested.

Samannud Christians point out in the Church's nave where there had been a well. The water, which had been blessed by Jesus.

Crossing the Nile (Damietta Branch), Jesus, Mary, and Joseph moved west to what is now known as al-Gharbiyah. The province lies between the Nile River's Rosetta and Damietta branches.

As He made His way, Jesus placed His small foot upon a stone, and the mark of the sole of His foot remained upon the rock. Tradition has it the locale was thence known as Bikha Isous.

(Isous is the Coptic language name of Jesus). The Ethiopic and Coptic Synaxaria mention this.

Leaving Bikha, Isous (Jesus), Mary, with Joseph leading moved further west, still. They again crossed the river, which conjecture has it as the Rosetta branch of the Nile.

The Desert of Scetis, the Wadi El-Natrun, could be seen in the distance. Tradition says Jesus blessed the area and said to His Mother, Know, O my Mother, that in this desert there shall lie many monks, ascetes and spiritual fighters. They shall serve God like angels." The Nile Valley

The Holy Family reached the Nile Valley. Traveling south, they arrived at the City of On (Biblical Bethshemesh), Jeremiah 43:13). This was a deserted pagan city. Yusef sought shelter where there would have been Jewish families living in the proximity of the Jewish center at Leontopolis.

(A tradition exists that Joseph, and by extension, Mary had relatives in the area--a reason the angel sent them to Khemet--a traditional place of refuge).

Yusef stopped his family at what is now the village of Matariyah, a modern day, and Cairo suburb.

(There exists a tradition that Baby Yeshua was a rambunctious child, and the reader must note that when Herod was seeking the Child, it was not right after He was born, but months had passed ).

Both the Coptic and Ethiopic Synaxaria report the Matariyah rest stop. The Ethiopic Synaxarium tells that when the Holy Family reached

The outskirts of Matariyah, a staff in Joseph's hand with which he used to smite Jesus Joseph gave Jesus the staff.

Jesus told His mother, Mary, We will tarry here'. That place and its desert and the well became known as Matariyah.

Jesus took Joseph's staff, and broke it into little pieces. (Already, the child was working with wood).

Legend says planted the them there, digging His own Divine hands a well. There flowed from it sweet water, which had an exceeding sweet odour.

Jesus took water in His hands, and watered therewith the pieces of wood which He had planted. They immediately took root. Leaves sprouted. An exceedingly sweet perfume was emitted by them, which was sweeter than any other perfume.

And these pieces of wood grew and increased and they called them 'Balsam'. And Jesus said unto His Mother, 'O My Mother, these Balsam, which I have planted, shall abide here for ever, and from them shall be taken the oil for Christian baptism when they baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost.'

Armenian tradition has the balsam replaced with a palm-tree. That version is also to be found in the Holy Qu'ran: The Blessed Virgin saw a palm tree and wished to rest under it. When she was seated, she saw fruit, saying asking Joseph for some.

Baby Jesus, sitting in His Mother's lap bade the palm-tree to give to His Mother fruit. The tree bent as low as her feet. Mary took what she wanted. Jesus told the tree to rise again, and give to them of the water concealed below its roots. A spring gushed forth. The party rejoiced and drank thereof. The well now waters the garden, where the Blessed Virgin Mary washed her Son.

The Armenian tradition adds the Blessed Virgin then washed the swaddling clothes of Jesus. She dried them upon a post.

A boy possessed with the devil took one of them down. He placed it upon his head. The devil came out of his mouth, and flew away in the shape of crows and serpents.

From that time, the boy was healed by the power of Jesus. He began to sing praises and give thanks to the Lord who had healed him. Reportedly in 1480, The Dominican Friar Felix Fabri noticed close to the gate an immense fig-tree. In its hollor trunk, as in a small chapel, two lamps hung, for the tree had once opened to provide refuge for the Blessed Virgin.

Another tradition has the Holy Family stalked by two outlaws. The tree opened to conceal them.

Leaving Matariyah the Holy Family went to where now stands the Church of the Blessed Virgin in Harat Zuwaila, north east district of Cairo,at the end of a lane leading off the street of Sharia Bain as-Surain.

A convent is next to the church. A tradition says that when the Holy Family rested here, Jesus blessed the water of the well, and the Blessed Virgin drank from it.

This well lies in the floor before the southern sanctuary of the lower church, and the water is still used for healing the sick. Moving south, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph passed the Roman Fortress of Babylon (Old Cairo). This guarded the route to Upper Egypt.

They stopped there going back to Palestine. There used to be at Gizah the palm-tree under which the Blessed Virgin suckled Jesus, and this palm-tree was said to have been the only one in the region which bore any fruit.

About 7 miles south of Cairo, at Maadi on the Nile, a Church of the Blessed Virgin can be found. Oral griot tradition reports there was at the time of the Holy Family's visit a synagogue which the Holy Family attended.

Joseph hooked up Nile boat sailors in or around Maadi. They invited Baby Jesus, Mary, and Yusef into Upper Egypt, south of where they were. The bounty of the Three Kings visiting at Yeshua's birth allowed these trips.(Matthew 2:11).

Even now, in the churchyard in the Church of the Pure Lady Mary, al-Martuti, it can be seen the site from whence the Holy Family left the trip south. The Holy Family traveled through the Nile Valley, traversing irrigation canals filled of crocodiles

About seven and one half miles southwest of Maghaghah lies the village of Ishnin an-Nassarah. Oral griot tradition locally tells the Baby Jesus blessed well water which was found a short distance north of the Church of St. George. The Holy Family went through the village.

The Ethiopic Synaxarium says Jesus, Mary , and Joseph visited an area now known as Baysus ("Bet Iyasus", means House of Jesus). Baby Yeshua dug a well. The water subsequently cured all sickness and pain.

The Baby also caused a Nilometer- type guage to remain-- a sign in a certain Khemetian river. The water flooded each year. One authority, Al-Maqrizi states the Copts' tradition points out The Family came through al-Bahnasa. A Holy Qu'ran commentator tells of the visit, "and we have made the Son of Mary and His Mother a portent, and we gave them refuge on a height, a place of flocks and water-springs," (XII, 50) which it is says is the area of al-Bahnasa.

Another tradition in Al Islam tells of the Holy Family with Mary on atop a donkey coming to al-Bahnasa. There existed a chapel well which healed one from sicknesses.

The Blessed Virgin Myryrm, Yusef, and Baby Yeshua bathed (washed) before prayer. (See the Essenian traditions). Water from the ritual baths spilled, disappearing.

Other commentators of Al Islam goes on to say when the Holy Family arrived in al-Bahnasa, they visited the well, (later to be famed). Joseph briefly left. (Christians of al-Bahnasa area say the Holy Family stayed on the west bank of what is now known as the Bahr Yusuf Canal).

Mary and Jesus were left near the well. Jesus asked for water (a scene to be repeated about 31 years later, with the Samaritan woman at the well).

The story goes on to say that Baby Jesus began to cry being thirsty. But no water was then to be found in the dry well, due to the lowness of the water table. Miraculously, the water rose. Jesus drank. From that time, Christians in the area celebrate the occurrence.

JESUS AT KHEMETIAN (EGYPTIAN)SCHOOL

Another tradition proves remarkably similar to a 12 year old Jesus in the temple with scholars. The tradition compares with one similar in the book of Thomas the Israelite (140-160 A.D.)

Mary took the nine month old Jesus to the school in al-Bahnasa. The teacher told Jesus: "Say the alphabet."

Baby Jesus said: "Dost thou know what these words mean?"

The teacher wished to strike the challenging Child. But Jesus said: "Do not strike me, but if thou dost not know, ask me and I shall explain to thee."
The teacher bade Baby Jesus, "Speak!"

Jesus replied, "Come down from thy desk."
The teacher complied. Jesus took his place, teaching as all watched.
"Well!" the teacher told Mary. "Take thy Son and watch over Him, for God hath given to Him wisdom. He doth not need a teacher." YESHUA CATCHES THIEVES

Wahb (d. 728 A.D.) says the Holy Family stayed at a hospice for the poor at al-Bahnasa. This was supported by a diqhan, a local ruler nobleman.

One day found much the diqhan's treasure stolen. This event distressed Mary. Jesus saw His Mother's sadness. He told her, "Mother, dost thou wish me to show where the diqhan's money is?"

Mary told the diqhan Jesus' offer. Gathering all together including two suspects, Jesus approached them. One was blind. The other man was lame, the latter being carried by the blind man.

As he did thirty years later with a man outside the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus told the blind man, "Arise!"

"This I cannot do," said the blind man.

Jesus then asked, "How then was it possible for you to steal?"

When the witnesses heard this, they struck the blind man until he showed Jesus where the treasure was.

This then was their trick. The blind man used his strength and the lame man his eyes. The dighan recovered his stolen treasure.

The Holy Family boarded on a boat headed south, near ancient Cynopolis, (present day al-Kais village). After 27 miles they went pass Gabal at-Tair, This area lies nearly opposite Samalut and Bihu.

The priest Abu al-Makarim says that, when the Holy Family passed the mountain there, a large boudler threatened to fall in the boat. This frightened Mary.

Baby Jesus extended His hand. The rock did not fall. The imprint of Jesus' hand remained on the rock. Sadly, when the European King of Jerusalem during the Crusades, Almeric, (1162-1173 A.D.)invaded Upper Egypt warring against Shirkuh the Kurd's armies, they (Kurds)had cut away the piece of rock upon which was the mark of the palm of the hand, and took it back with them to Syria in 1168.

BR> Continuing south after Gabal at-Tair, Yeshua, Myryrm and Yusef came upon the port of Khoufou( now Minya). Tradition relates there existed there (present village of Beni Hassan ash-Shuruk a Temple of the goddess Pekhet (in Greek Speos Artemides). There was also the Temple of Ramses II (at the ruins of later Antinoupolis). The site also now covers Shaikh 'Abadah village.

Al-Rodah lies opposite to the Antinoupolis ruins. Here, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph came ashore to go to what is now the al-Ashmunain village, but then was known as Khmunu ( Greek, Hermopolis Magna).

When not on the water, the Holy Family used donkeys or camels. In the latter days reign of Caesar Augustus, Khemet (Egypt) stayed relatively peaceful. But travel was taxing and taxed. And the Emperor's travel taxes were paid by the Holy Family.

The book "Vision of Theophilus",recounts statues of horses were to be found on the four corners of the gate into Hermopolis Magna. But the tradition says these all fell and broke into pieces as the Holy Family came into town.

The Book of the Bee, alternatively tells there stood by at two of the gate's buttresses, two brass figures of brass fashioned by Khemetian artisan sages and philosophers.

As the Holy Family traversed the gate, the figures shouted, "A great king has come into Egypt!"

Armenian traditions on the Holy Family's visit to Hermopolis Magna, states that when the City's governor, Aphrodosius, saw the idols destroyed, he adored the Child.

The governor declared to those present, Unless this were the God of our gods, they would not have fallen. If we do not adore Him, as they have done, we are in danger of such destruction as fell upon Pharaoh who was drowned with his army."

When the Roman ruler of Egypt, heard this, he was troubled and moved. He feared lest his charge be stripped from him. The ruler commanded heralds to proclaim throughout the whole city, If a man knoweth, let him point Him out to us without delay."

Searching not finding Him, the ruler ordered the inhabitants of the city to leave the city, and re-enter one by one. As Jesus entered, the two figures of brass cried out, This is the king!"

Finding out of Jesus, the ruler sought to kill Him.

Now a Jewish man, Lazarus, whom Jesus later raised from the dead, was there, as one of the ruler's officials. Lazurus was esteemed by the autorities. He came to Joseph and inquired,"Whence are ye?"

Yusef told him to him, "From Palestine."

When Laxurus heard the Holy Family was from Palestine, he was sorry for them and went to the king and pledged himself for the Child. This precipitated the life long affection between Lazarus and Jesus.

The Ethiopic Synaxarium tells the Holy Family staying with a man called Apelon. The Coptic Synaxarium calls the host, Taloun.

A tree in Hermopolis Magna worshipped the traces of the steps of Jesus. Jesus said to the tree,"Let no worm be found in thee for ever. But be thou a remembrance to all of my entry into this town."

And He touched the Mukantah tree. The Byzantine historian Sozomen (Hist. Eccl. V, 21) calls this tree Persea.(Reference a later tree's curse, about 30 years later)

The following day, many sick people gathered about Jesus. The Christ Child laid His hand on each and healed them.

Two days more travel south saw the Holy Family in the town of now present Dairut al-Sharif, then Kenis, (Nikyas, Funkus). Inhabitants proved charitable. Jesus, Mary and Yusef remained several days.

Through Jesus, miracles abounded there. Many came with faith to a healing. An acquaintance of Yusef from Jerusalem, Dianos, a carpenter, Asked the Holy Family to stay with him.

His son was possessed of a devil. When Jesus came near, the devil took the boy and dashed him to the ground and cried out,"What have I to do with Thee, O Jesus of Nazareth? We left Jerusalem to Thee and came to this town, and Thou followest us to torment us. Verily, Thou art the Son of God."

Then Jesus said: "O accursed devil, shut up thy mouth and come out of him." Jesus healed the child. Many people believed in Him.

After Jesus performed these miracles, the town's idols were broken smashed.

Yusef took Jesus and Mary from Dairut al-Sharif via Pepleu,(Beblaw), to Sanabu. Armenian tradition says the Holy Family received hospitality and provisions for their trip from those folks who received them, albeit, many did not.

One stop over saw them witness a marriage. However, sorcery made the bride to be dumb and deaf. She could not open her mouth. But when the bride saw the Blessed Virgin entering town, carrying the Child Jesus, the bride stretched out her hands to Jesus and took Him into her arms. Closely hugging Him, she kissed Him repeatedly. The string of her tongue loosened. Her ears opened.

The bride began singing praises to God who had restored her speech and hearing.

Jesus Mary, and Joseph went al-Qusia village (now), then called Cusae (Kuskam?). As the ancient capital of the Lower Sycamore Nome (a governmental administrative unit)the city of Gosu.

When the Holy Family visited, there existed a temple of idols. One idol had seven veils.

As Jesus reached the Cusae gate, the seven veils rent. The idol fell, breaking into pieces. Devils in the idol threatened the priests. They cried out, If thou dost not pursue that woman and the Child who is with her, and the old man who is with them, and the other woman, namely Salome, and drive them away,and if thou let them enter this town, they will put an end to thy service. We will leave the town."

When the hundred priests of the idols, heard this, they chased the Holy Family with rods and axes.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph quickly left the area, traveling a short way south and about 4 miles west to rest.

In this present day village of Meir, Jesus took the olive-wood staff of Joseph and planted it in the ground and said, "Thou shalt serve as a testimony of My arrival here."

The staff immnediately rooted and blossomed.

That evening, the Holy Family climbed a mountain near Meir, only to run into the two outlaws again from Basatah (Tell al-Bastah). These had been stalking them place to place.

Spotting the Holy Family the outlaws drew their knives, and swords. With their faces masked, they approached and said, "Ye have exhausted us. We have pursued you for many days and have not found you to plunder you, except now,ye have fallen into our hands.

Today, we will strip you of your garments and rob you." And they snatched Jesus from the arm of His Mother and stripped Him of His garments. Then they took the garments of the Blessed Virgin, taking even her veil. Then they stripped Joseph, standing by speechless as a lamb.

Salome, seeing what was happening, threw her garments to them before they came to her.

After securing the clothes, the outlaws left, traveling a short distance.

Mary worried within herself, "Perchance they will return and kill my Son. Would that I were in Bethlehem, because then they would have recognized Joseph who would have implored them not to kill my Son.

Would that they would kill me before killing my Son, that I may not see His great affliction. If they were to kill my Son, I would kill myself with my own hands."

As Mary thought, lamenting,weeping,tears streamed down her cheeks. The Egyptian outlaw looked back to her and saw her weeping. His nerves shaken, he told his Syrian companion, "I beseech thee today not to take the garments of these strangers. I perceive on their faces a light greater than that on all the faces of mankind. This child resembles a prince, the like of whom I have never seen."

The Egyptian brigand asked for his portion of the garments. He was much distressed at the nakedness of the Holy Family, and he returned his portion of the garments to them. When Jesus had put on His garments, He looked at the brigand. The Child stretched out His finger and made the sign of the Cross over Him.

The two robbers left. Armenian written traditions tells us Jesus said to His Mother: "O Mary, they will crucify Me in Jerusalem. And these two brigands whom thou seest, one of them will be crucified on my right hand, and the other on my left hand. The Egyptian will be crucified on my right hand, and the Syrian left. The brigand who hath returned our garments will confess Me and believe in Me on the Cross, and he will be the first to enter Paradise. even before Adam and all his descendants."

This written tradition concludes the story with the following advice: And all sick persons who shall come in future to the place where the brigands stripped Jesus, and shall be stripped of their garments and be bathed, Jesus will heal them in honour of the fact that there He was stripped of His garments.

Five miles south of Meir, the Holy Family found another well. It had dried up. Mary took Jesus there. The Christ Child stretched forth His finger, and blessed it. The well filled.

Salome saw a wash-basin and (water jug)amphora. It was if the angels had placed the items there them. Salome always bathed Jesus. Mary, His Mother nursed Him. Often, as her nipples fed Jesus, she saw the angels and celestial beings prostrating themselves and worshipping the Christ Child.

Armenian tradition continues that meanwhile, Satan appeared to Herod and said to him, "Thou slewest the innocent children of Bethlehem in order to find Mary and her Son. And thou didst not find them. I shall tell thee now where they are.

The woman and her Son are hidden in a desert place on the southern side of the Land of Egypt. Arise! Dispatch ten of thy soldiers to repair to that place and to kill them. And thus thou wilt be confirmed in thy kingdom.

If thou dost not listen to me and dost not do what I tell thee, then tomorrow this Child will grow up and go to Jerusalem, both He and His Mother, and He will perform numerous and great miracles there.

When thy soldiers depart to inquire after them, let them proceed as far as Cusae (Kuskam), and then let them travel to the west side of it, as far as the mountain, until they find them in the place, where they are living alone, for they have sought in all the Land of Egypt and not found anybody who would offer them shelter."

Herod assembled the chiefs and elders. He told them what had taken place. The advisors said, "O our Lord,let it be as thou desirest."

Herod chose ten valiant men. He informed them where the Holy Family were to be found. He said to them, "When ye have found them, bring them unto me that I may kill them with my own hands. If ye do what I have commanded you, I will give unto each of you ten talents of gold, and ye shall be great in all my kingdom."

The soldiers rode off to find Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Now there was a man from the Children of Israel, of the tribe of Judah and the family of the kings, who was related to Joseph, and his name was Moses.

When he heard this news, he went unto Joseph with great speed and Divine help. He came unto the Holy Family within three days, for he travelled in the night more than in the day. When Joseph saw Moses, he recognized him, and he rose up to greet him.

And Moses told him what had taken place, and of what Herod had done, and how he had killed the children of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. He reported how Herod still searched for the Divine Child.

Mary heard this. She was exceedingly sorrowful. She trembled with fear. Jesus comforted her, and they turned to Moses. Jesus said unto him, "Thou hast come to us in order that thou mayest inform us of this thing.

Thy coming and thy labour shall of a truth be rewarded. But because of the fear which thou hast caused to My Mother, take hold of this stone on which I was bathed, and put it beneath thy head. Sleep and rest for a little while."

Moses took the stone, placed it beneath his head, and turning his face toward the east, he gave up the ghost. Joseph took his body and buried it in this house under the threshold, towards the interior. And his memory survives till this day.

Thus the spirit of Moses became a guardian of the house against the intrusion of evil spirits.

After this, the Holy Family sojourned for six months in this house. Then Jesus said to His Mother: "This house in which we are shall contain holy monks on whom no rule in this world shall be able to inflict any injury, because it has been a refuge to us. Any barren woman who beseecheth Me with a pure heart and calleth to mind this house, unto her will I give sons.

There shall, moreover, be in this place a blessed congregation who shall remember and bless My Name, and pray unto Me at all times, and so gain strength against all their adversaries.

Those women in travail who shall be mindful of Me and of the labour which thou didst endure with Me, their prayers will I hear, and they shall be relieved."

History records this holy site as the Dair al-Muharraq, blessed due to the presence of the Holy Family.

The priest, Abu al-Makarim, says Jesus , Mary, and Joseph stayed in a chamber on the upper story of the church. A flight of steps allows access to the area.

BR> The chamber has a window, was opened by the breath of Jesus. It was not opened by the hand of man nor by any tool.

Assiut oral tradition says the most southern place visited by the Holy Family in Egypt was 6.2 miles southwest of Assiut. This area known as the ancient Lycopolis or wolf-town.

Oral tradition goes on to say the Holy Family returned to the present Dair al-Muharraq. The reader must remember these were nunted and wanted people.

Thus, they could not stay long in a place, where friends of Caesar (and by extension, Herod), were constantly on the lookout. This does not include the Holy Family being wanted due to the idols destroyed.

The Return of the Holy Family to Palestine

As Joseph slept one night at Dair al-Muharraq, the Angel of the Lord visted him in a dream saying, "Arise! Take the young child and his Mother. Go to Israel. For they are dead which sought the young child's life." (Matthew 2:20).

Obeying the angel of God, the Holy Family returned to Palestine. Leaving Cusae, they passed back through Hermopolis Magna(al-Ashmunain). The Vision of Theophilus reports that the locals received them joyously.

Presently, the village of al-Ashmunain may be found near Khmunu, capital city of the Hare-Nome of Upper Egypt, and the main site of Tut worship, Egyptian god of writing and science.

Local Dair al-Barsha oral tradition (on the Nile's east bank opposite to Mallawi), says the Holy Family stayed some time in a cave near the village.

Now known as the Magharat al-Adhra, the Cave of the Holy Virgin, it lies in the mountains east of Dair al-Barsha. A carpenter's bench and a plane,is to be still found there. Tradition says these St.Joseph used these objects. An icon on the cave wall shows the Blessed Virgin seated, knitting.

Apparently, Holy Family backtracked in their return to Palestine. The Coptic Synaxarium, states that during their return trip, they also sought shelter in a cave today found beneath the now Church of St. Sergius (Abu Sargah)in Old Cairo section, the ancient Babylon of Egypt.

Mary, Yusef, and Jesus likely took their time at Babylon (also a Roman fortress). For the Habiru Exile (597-538 B.C.), Jews had lived there. A Synagogue of Abraham Ben Ezra (ca. 1150 A.D.) was the former Coptic Church of St. Michael. Its builders used the site of an even more ancient synagogue. Jewish tradition has it Jeremiah preached there.

Conjecturally, Yusef, Myryrm, and Jesus would stay with their countrymen, especially since they had lived in the country for six to seven years.

Oral tradition says Joseph met with some family members at Babylon.. These persuaded him to spend time there.

The Synaxaria reports the tradition of the Holy Family's visit to Babylon. And when Antoninus Martyr (560-570 A.D.) the pilgrim of Placentia went through Egypt,he saw at Babylon (Memphis transliterated, Misr al-Kadimah) a temple, now a church.

" Antoninus Martyr viewed a linen cloth. Upon it was an imprint of the Saviour. The Child Jesus reportedly wiped His face on it, and His visage remained. Christians adore this image at certain times, but because of its brightness we were not able to look fixedly upon it, because the more earnestly you fix your gaze upon it, the more it changes before your eyes."

At the time of his Antonius' visit, the church was called the Church of Our Lady of Cana in Babylon. Near the altar in the upper church was a deep hole, like a big tomb, full of water, from which they were told Joseph drew water for washing the Divine Child.

Yusef, Myryrm and Yeshua went from Babylon northwards. They stopped again at Matariyah. They bathed, blessing the well. The Holy Family also bathed at al-Mahammah, called the place of bathing. The Coptic Synaxarium, says a water source marks the spot.

A temple with many idols had stood there. This collapsed when the Holy Family passed.

In the Church of the Blessed Virgin at Musturud, about three kilometres west of Matariyah, on the western bank of the Ismailiyah Canal, there is another a well blessed by the Holy Family's visit. It is to be found in the northeast church, east of the cave, where the Holy Family found shelter.

Yusef, Myryrm, and Yeshua continued on to Leontopolis, the ruins of Tell al-Yehudiyah. Romans knew it as Vicus Judaeorum. An oral tradition of the Christians of Shibin al-Kanatir (1 miles northwest of Leontopolis) says that the Holy Family visited their countrymen, who had settled around the Temple of Onias.

Jewish High priest Onias IV went to Egypt in 154 B.C. He sought the help of Egypt's ruling Ptolemies (Alexander the Great's remnant generals) against the Seleucid tyrants, the Ptolemies' political enemies.

Ptolemy IV (Philometer) gave Onias permission to build a temple synagogue at Leontopolis. Though small, it copied the Temple of Jerusalem(at the time).

Onias felt the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple by conquerer Antiochus Epiphanes (170 B.C.)was eminent. The copy Egyptian synagogue temple could be seen as the legitimate successor to that of Jerusalem.

But reportedly,Jewish Mishnah, traditional teachings considered only quasi-legitimate status to the temple of Onias.

The Holy Family walked through Tell al-Yehudiyah, into Bilbais, the Wadi Tumilat, the isthmus at al-Oantara, to the Mediterranean coast, caravan-route from Egypt to Palestine.

Again, tradition reports that Yusef, Myryrm, and Yeshua stayed for days in a garden between the Gabal Muntar and the nearby Gaza.

Returning to Palestine, Joseph learned "that Archaelaus ruled Judaea in in place of his father, Herod. Joseph feared to go there.

God's dream warned him as well. Joseph turned toward Nazareth. The prophets would be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matthew 2:22-23).

BLACK SAINTS

See below As Black Catholics, we did not just fall off the ecclesiastical, Latin rite, liturgical church turnip truck.

And we were not originally converted by our Europeans brothers and sisters. As a people, a culture, we were in the one, holy, Universal (Catholic), Christian Church before they were. Some some say, even before the establishment by our Lord and Saviour,Yeshua--Jesus, in Greek parlance-- of the The Way, as early Christianity was known.

And Yes! to our still protesting brethren-- Catholics are Christians!To express our main difference, but to emphasize our Christ connections with each other, we of the Latin Rite, African root liturgical church concentrate on the altar, rather than the pulpit!

Indeed, we functioned as establishing, charter members from even before the time of Zipporah (Moshe/Musa/Moses' black wife).

Khemetian (Egyptian to European-heritaged)Pharaoh Akhenaton (Amenophis IV)first "universally" wrote of the One Godconcept.(He established a city to Him). Shortly thereafter, the Habiru tribe seeking relief from famine came to the area. And so it began!.

We include examples of our saints--more than 22,000 of them.

Remember-- Our Lord and Savior Yeshua,ne: Jesus, the Christ in English language established one Holy Catholic Church on earth.

Man split it, not God.

The African Church did not participate in that split. Thus this writer submits that all who follow the Nicene, Apostle's, or Athanasian Creeds are part of that Mystical Body of Christ (all Christianity, combined).

A Few Black Saints of the Early Church Remember, Yeshua--Jesus-set one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church upon the earth. man split it. And Blacks,Africans had little to do with that division.

The below list is still being transcribed from ancient sources. Please be patient, and check from time to time.

To Find More information, please visit the Coptic Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox, and Catholic Online saints lives sites to get the vitae on some of the friends of God listed here.

One reason for the requirement of triple checking is that the Latin and Orthodox rites excommunicated each other in or about 1054 A.D. Each site may have saved information, that the other faith tradition rite expunged, but still part of the Mystical Body of Christ, one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Jesus set up one church. Man split it!

It should be remembered that during the time of kidnapping and enslavement (slavery), some in the Church in the west did much to hide the true character, race, ethnicity of our African heritaged saints. Further, an invidious word, "North" started appear on maps of Africa (Kemet) in the 19th century particularly, to implicate that the residents were not of US. Notwithstanding our book, below, please find a few of the Latin Rite, Coptic Rite, and Orthdox rite sites, in which the reader can elicit additional information about the African friends of God listed here. LATIN RITE http://www.cin.org/saints/agnes.html http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/indexsnt.htm http://www.catholic.org/saints/ http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/ http://www.cin.org/saints.html Or a google search with just the saint's name. COPTIC RITE http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/synexarion/index.html and Orthodox http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/lives.htm http://www.goarch.org/access/calendar/index.asp?D=10/21/2003&T=10 http://www.in2greece.com/english/saints/saints.htm http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Denominations/Orthodox/Saints_and_Martyrs/ http://www.orthodox.net/saints/ http://gavras.customer.netspace.net.au/Lives%20of%20Orthodox%20Saints.htm http://rejoyse.com/ http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Denominations/Orthodox/Saints_and_Martyrs/C/ http://www.abbamoses.com/

13 martyrs at Alexandria
200 more killed. Feast Oct 30. 482AD
203 MM martyrs at Carthage
261 Christians
630-648 Became a monk under St. Theonas at DeirkKirjos, near Alexandria. D. 662 a disciple of Saints Anthony and Macarius, traveling in Scete. He established a monastery where he slept standing or sitting, keeping 40 night vigils for 40 years.A.D. 391
Aaron (another)
Aaron (Ethiopian Monophysite) 16 May
Aba Mina near Alexandria
Abadios 20 Jan.
Abadir and Sister Iraya[Herais]
Abadiu, Bishop of Antinoe 26 Dec.
Abahor (several) (Apa Hor)
Abaidas, 31 Oct. Ethiopian Disciple of St. Acirianus
ABAKERAZUM( St. Kirdjun) at Alexandria Borieam in Banuar
Abakuh (Apa Kauh) of Bamujeh, in Fayum, Khemet 23 Jan.
Abamon (Apa Pamun) Martyred in Alexadria, Khemet
Abel 13 July? Khemetian of Tacla Monastery Abyssinia
Abeluzius (Anba Lucius?) 15 Jan. Ethiopian
Abilus. Bp
Abraham The Poor
Abraham, MM
Abshai (confessed Christ at Alexandria)
Achillas, Bp
Achillas, Hmt
Adrian of Cantebury, Ab
Adrio, Victor and Bassilla
Aedesius, M
African Bishops
African Martyrs-210 AD, 303 AD, 459 AD,
Aglleus, M
Airka-M
Aizan and Sazan MM
Alexander of Alexandria, Bp
Alexander. M (Tribune of Theban Legion:
Alexandria Martyrs-261AD, 356AD, 390AD, 342AD, 372AD,
Alipius M
Alrka Saturninus , Felix, Ellas, Jeremy, Isaias, Samuel, Daniel, MM
Ambrose Kibllka
Ammon the Great, Hmt
Ammon, M
Ammon, Zeno,
Ammon,Hermogenes
Amoes, Hmt
Anatole Kiriggwajjo,African martyrs at Carthage

Anatolius, Bp and other martyrs 25 Sept.
Andrew and Companions MM
Anianus, Bp
Anihan-Moses the Black. Killed by Beduoins.
Anthanasius Badzekaketta, 1886, Uganda, M
Antonius. M
Antony, Ab, Hmt
Apa Isaac of Tiphre Priest
Apa Shamul of Teraphia Priest
Apa Simeon of Tapcho Priest
Aphrodisius and 30 Christians
Apollinaris
Apollinius, M
Apollo, Ab, Hmt
Apollonia, M
Appian Honorius, and Companion Apringus
Aquila, M
Aquilinus, Geminus, Eugene,bishops ot Numidia died as slaves at Mines in Sigum (Sigilim)
Arator, Dioscorus Companions MM
Arcadius and Companions, Apollinius and Companions MM
Arcadius, (under Valerian, 3rd Century) M
Aretas and Companions MM,
Aristaceus, Antonius; Arianus, Theoticus and Adventor, Solutor ,connected with the Theban Legion
Arori (aka Hor) D. at Alexandria
Asclas, M
Augustine. Bp, Dr
Aurelius, Bp. Hmt
Barsanuphius, Hmt
Basicicus of Khemet(Egypt) 7 Aug. His feet pierced with nails, he was beheaded at Varsinus. Jesus appeared to him while in prison.
Basilides (Father of Kings) 18 Sept. Reported brother in law of Emperor Numerianus and Basilides of Alexandria
Bassarion The Great,18 Aug, Coptic Memorial, 29 Nov. (Russian Rite, 6June), 17 June in Roman Martyrology
Bassus, Antony, and Protolicus, MM
Basura (Psura) and Shabas 19 Jan. (See St. Bahura)
Basura, Bishop of Masil,Khemet) 9 Sept. Martyred under Diocletian.
Batli(Amba Batli) 10 March Might be same as St. Batle of Nisibis
Batrabo, Ethiopian Saint 13 July (Coptic Memorial)
Batzalota (Basalota) Michal 6 June,15 July, 3 Oct. (Coptic calendar, depending on rite) Baula (Amba Baula of Tama (Temei)1 Oct.
Baula (Paul, Amba Baula) 1 Oct. Coptic Memorial of Tama(Temei)
Beauch(Bagug), Martyred 15 Jan. at Tina(Kau) in Khemet. Sentenced at Antinoe by order of Arrhianus
Bebnuda (Paphnutius) Martyr 15 Apr. of Tentyra, Khement. The tree from which he was hanged bore fruit in the same hour.
Bedel (Amba Bedel) Ethiopian 11 July (Coptic)
Bege (Amba Bege) 23 Dec.beheaded with Bishops Sergus, Kapalichus, Theodorus beheaded. Mentioned at daily Mass by the Ethiopian Rite.
Behnan (Behnui,Behnu,Bahanu) 15 May Martyr Ethiopian, Coptic
Beirina 26 Nov. African martyr Mennas, affiliate) Belamon (Palemon?) 9 May Belana 2 Jul Bellicus 22 Jan. martyred in Africa (See St. Januarius, an affiliate) Bellicus, 21 June (See St. Cyriacus) Benedict the Moor (The Black), d. 1586 Benjamin (Amba) and his sister Edoxia, martyrs in Khemet. From Benjamin 6 Aug. (Ethiopian, Abyssinian priest) Had gift of Ecstasy Benjamin I, 3 Jan(Coptic) 38th Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria Benjamin the Great, Physician 18 May, 29 Dec. Nitrian Desert, Khemet, Fasted for 80 years Bernard, Mary and Gracia, under Diocletian Besas, Cronian, and Julian, MM Besas, martyred at Alexandria 27 Feb. (See St. Julianus) Beshada (Abshadius,Psote) 19 Jan. Khemetian Bishop Besoy(Psoii) Besoy, beheaded, and mother died of torture Bessarion Bl Joseph Mkasa, Boniface, group of 140 soldiers martyred in Africa Boniface, Subdeacons Servis, Rusticus, the monks Rogatus, Septimus, and Maximus, a boy at the monastery of Capsa
Bruno Sevonkuma, martyred soldier of Alexander
Caesarinus , with Theostista, Justinian, Virgins, at Carthage, Africa 15 June
Caesarius (Anda) martyr in Africa 4 Nov. with St. Primus
Caesarius, martyr at Teracina under Trajan. This African denounced a suicide, proclaimed himself a Christian, and was imprisoned, then thrown into the sea.
Caius, Faustus, Eusebius,Germana, MM
Callistratus and 50 Companions. African martvr executed by public officials at Alexandria
Callistus, Pope
Calus Pia Ceasarius The African)
Candidus
Candidus (Legionnaire),
Candidus (not Legionnaire)
Cassion, M
Castus, and Aemilius. MM
Catherine of Alexander-MM
Catulinus (Catholinus), Januarius, Florentius, Cedlius (Cecilianus), Celerinus, M. Her Companions, MM, The companions were little children. Philip of refused to die when they tried to kill him at first
Cerbonjus, Bp
Cerontius. Januarius. Saturninus Successus Julius
Chaermon Lucius and Companions, with Titus and Flavius, MM
Chaermon, Bp and Others
Chrispina (Crispinal, M
Chrysanthus Eunuch of Queen Candace of Ethiopia
Clement of Alexandria
Clithis(?) A physician
Cointha (Quinta), M confessed Christ . Thrown from a rock
Cordian, M. beheaded in Rome
Cornelius
Cynthinus
Cyprian, Bp, M
Cyril of Alexandria, Bp. Dr; (Cyril the Great) M
Cyrus and John, MM.Alexandria (Head Bishop Prior d, 180, seven men, live Felix Africanus, Audcatus, Januarius, Fortunatus, Septimus,
Damian, M
Datius, Reaturs (Restivusl. another Datius . Heradius, Secundius, Mark. Julian, Vincent, and 27 Companions, MM
Demetrius (Archdeacon) and Calaegerus
Demetrius of Elpidius, Canion (Cavion) Vindonius, MM
Dionysia and Companions, MM
Dionysius and Ammonius
Dionysius of Alexandria
Dionysius Regulus
Dionysius, Peter,Quodvulldeus. Bp
Dioscorus,Successus, and Companions martyred Proconsularis
Donatian, and Companions, Praesidius, Germanus,Rutinus Mark, Valerius MM
Dunatus, Justus, Hevena and 50 Companions,Saturninus, Emeritus
Kogantianus Victoria Egyptian Martyrs, group of 303AD under Diocletian
Elesbaan, Aksumite-Ethiopian King
Emiliano and 44 Christians Martyred at Membressa in Africa, MM
Epimachus and group of 46 Martvrs arrested and sent to Carthage Alexander, MM
Epiphanius (African Bishop), Donatus, Rufinus,Saturninus. Neopolis, Germanicus and MM
Eugenius of Carthage, Bp
Eulogius of Alexandria, Bp
Eunus, M
Euphra-Proconsularis Saturninus, Thyrsus and Victor, M, Saturus (Eupraxia)
Euphyrosyne, Euphrasius, Bp
Eutropia,(Saturust Salurniniis Revocatus, and Secunduliis MM
Exuperius
father of Saints Eusebius and Macarius; prefect of Antioch. Diocletian exiled to African Pentaplolis. Governor Masura ordered him killed
Felix Alexandria, MM
Felix and Regula
Felix Bp
Felix of Thibluca, Bp, martyred at Carthage
Felix, black soldier
Felix, Luciolus. Fortunatus, Marcia, martyred
Fortunatus and Lucian, MM
Forty Martyrs of Sebaste,Egypt and Palestine
Frumenlius and Companions
Fugraphus MM
Fulgentius, Bp
Gelasius, African Pope
Gereon, officer in the Theban Legion
Ghebre, d 1885. Ethiopian Monk
Gregory. Bp
Gregoryions MM Thais- Theban
Group of 220, Feast ot Oct. 16, in Uganda
group of 330 martyred at Xanter on the Rhine:
group of 41 martyrs Fortunatus and Marcian
Heraclas, Bp;and Helladius, MM
Heradius and Zozimus, MM, at Carthage
Herais, wife martyred after being married three weeks
Hermos and Majoricus with Datayia.Aemilian
Heron, a second Serenus Rhais MM
Heron, Arsenius, Isodore, Dioscorus, MM
Hilorian (Child and Companions martyred in Northwest 357AD, priests and bishops
Hiro, M
Hor (Anba Gri?; Anba Apari) 2 Aug. Priest with mystical gifts. Jesus appeared to him.
Hor (Or) in Khemet Affiliated with St. Ireneous 7 Aug.
Hor and Mother Daydara (Didra) 23 June and other martyrs:
Hor the Strong, Hermit 28 Nov. at Atrib, Khemet. In Alexandria
Hor the Wise, hermit in Khemet. Abbot of Nitrian Desert
Hor(Anba Hor) 6 July Khemetian native of Sariokos. Beheaded at Antinoe under Diocletian with 127 men, and 20 women.
Hor, another soldier, tortured and lanced
Hor, Bishop of Kemet, and 14 Sept. priest Serapion, martyrs at Alexandria
Innocentius, M, Theban Legionnaire
I'rolerius Patriarch ol Cyriacus, M
Iscyrion, M.
Isidora
Isidore of Alexandria,
Isidore of Nilria,Bp
Isidore of Pelusium,Ab
James Buzabalio. Uganda soldier of King Mwanga, 1886
Januaria, Cenerosa. Veslina, Secunda Gereon and Companions, M
John of Companions. MM
John of Egypt, Hmt
John the Dwarf (Kolubas)
Julia
Julian of Egypt
Julian Ptolemy, Ingen, Soldiers with Theophilus
Julius, Potamia, Crispian, Felix Khemet, (Egypt) Kibuka in Uganda. M
Kizito, Died 1886. Youngest Uganda martyr. He died laughing
Leomdas and Companion, MM
Leonitus, Hiero-Moor from Maurentania
Liberatus Ab and M
Liberatus, Abbot, 19 Aug. Patron of Carthage. Killed with Oars
Lot, reportedly a teacher of St. Peter in 22 Oct, 26 Apr.
Luke Banabakitu, Uganda martyr, 1886
Lycarion
Lycopolis, Prophet
Macarius of Alexandria (The Younger)
Macarius the Elder,
Macarius, Rufinus, Justus, and Theophilus, MM
Macrious of Fayum Priest
Macroni of Thoni Priest
Malthias Murumba d 1886 ,
Mansuetus,bl
Mappalicus, M
Marcella, MM, mother of Potam-timl Hermit
Marcellinus of Carthage with Apringius and Martyrs killed tor the faith
Marcellinus of Embrun, Bp. M
Marcellinus,MM
Marcellus, M
Marcian, Quintus, Theodotus, and Tryphon, MM
Martyrs of Najra by lews 523.
Maurice
Maurice M leader of the Theban legion
Maurus, Monk.
Maxiamian M refused service in the Roman Army From
260AD.267AD
Maximum of Vuchin Priest
Maximus ot Alexandria. Bp
Mennas
Mennas Bp,
Mennas of Constantinople
Metras M
Michael Ammon, Theophilus, Neoterius with 22 Christians at Alexandria,
Milliades MM
Modestus, Ammonius Child
Monica, Mother ol St Augustine
Moses Kagwa, 1886, military officer, Uganda M
Moses of Psammaniu Priest
Murilla Bp, Dr.
Napoleon
Neopolus M
Nicandor, Felix, Silvias, Vitalis, MM
Nilammon , MM
One of seven deacons and David, Onuphrius and Companions, MM
Opportuna
Optatus M
Orsieius Ab
Pachomius Ab Soldier
Pahnutius and Companions marlyrs Hmt
Palaermon Hmt
Palapius. Hmt
Pambo
Pantaenus of Alexandria
Paphnutius Bp
Paphunutius of Tentyra Priest
Papinianus and Mansuelus, Moors named originally Achmed, Zoraida and Laida, MM;
Paternuthius, Copras, and Boniface and Thecia, MM
Paul the Hermit
Paul the Simple
Pelagius. M
Peleus. Nidus, and Companion. MM
Peter Claver. d. 1654, Jesuit Priest
Peter ol Alexandria, Bp M
Peter Severus soldiers executed 300 A.D. (circa) Constantinople
Peter, Successus, Bassianus, Primitivus and Companions Castrensis, Bp
Phileas,M
Philemon M
Philemon was an entertainer M
Philip, Zeno Narseus and MM at Carthage,
Philotheus of Pendje Priest
Pierius Prior Hmt
Pipenon and Companions of 22
Plularchus (Plutarch) (Cucufate, Cugat, Guinefort, M. Lived in Scillis,Serenus,
Poemen from Africa, but killed in Spain
Polius and Eutychus, MM
Porphyry Monk
Possidius Bp
Potamiaeno Church in Africa
Potamon Up. M
Primus and llonatus
Priscus Bp Castrensis
Ptolemaeus, son of the Eparch Priest
Publius Julian Alexandria
Quadratus. M, Companions, MM
Quintian Bp
Quintian. Lucius an Julian Paul, Dionysius The Great of Alexandria. Bp, and 10 C ompanions, MM doctrine of Trinity (Three persons in one God)
Regains. Sebuggwawo, M, under King Mwanga, Uganda, 1886
Restituta, died 255 at Carthage. M
Rutilius. Fusculus. MM
Sabsir. Both imprisoned at Satnuf and beheaded at Bahra.
Salutaris, and Companions, a band of 315 plus 65 others ,11 and Companions
Saturninus and 13 Companions
Secundus and Companions
Secundus. Various MM Serapeum and 4966 other Christians were driven into desert by vandals
Senuthius of Buasti Priest
Serapion (Sarapion) the Scholastic M
Serenus M of Thynissa, and another Felix
Servus, Blessed
Servus, Rusticus, Septimus and Maximus, MM
Shenute Ab-
Silvanus Monk
Simeon of Thou Priest
Simeon, Salus Legionnaires, frozen while naked at Sebaste (Sivas, Turkey), MM
Sissinius of Tanatho Priest
Soldier under Emperor Diocletian,
Solochon and Companions three Egyplian soldiers
Spera
Talida. Abbess
ten martyrs
Terrence, Africanus, Pompeius and Companions
Thaumaturges, among the Fathers of the Khemetian Desert.
THEBAN LEGION
Theban Legion-Cyprian. MM
Theban legionnaire called Sarelius, M
Theodora and Didymus
Theodore Monk
Theodore of Chotep Priest
Theophilus Heliodorus, Venutus and Companions, MM
Thomas of Tanphoh Priest
Timothy and Maura husband Heraclldes, M
Timothy M
Tryphon and Companions group, under order of Arian Kiang of the Vandals Huneric, along with deacon Valerian, Up, M
Varus, Roman soldier martyred in Upper Egypt
Verena related to a Theban legionnaire Victorian and Januarius and Marcaria, MM
Veturius, Felix.Gaudlosus The African, Bp of Abitina
Victor Mauros
Victonnus and Companions MM
Victor
Victor 1 African Pope d 190 was the first Pope to introduce Latin in the Liturgy
Victor and Stephen, MM
Victor and Ursus, Theban Legionnaires
Victor Cratusian and Companion, MM
Victor of Solothurn
Victor ot Vilae, Bp ol Carthage
Victor, Leomdas, M
Victorian
VincenI of Digne
Vitalis Theban, Seraplon, Seleucus , Valerian, Straton, MM, legionnaire
Women under Huneric
Zoticus, Rogatus, Modestus Castutus and Companions Bp of Brindisi from Alexandria

Virginmartyr Martha in Egypt February 6 -

- Virginmartyr Mary in Egypt. February 6

- Martyr Lycarion in Egypt. February 6
Martyr Lycarion in Egypt Egypt
Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Cyrenia(326)

- Venerable Agathon of Egypt. March 2 Egypt (5th)

Virginmartyr Irais (Rhais) of Antinoe in Egypt. March 5 -
Virginmartyr Irais (Rhais) of Antinoe in Egypt Egypt, Antinoe

March 5-St Mark the Faster, of Egypt
March 13 - Martyr Sabinus (Abibus) of Egypt

Martyr Sabinus (Abibus) of Egypt Egypt (287)
Martyr Terence of Carthage Carthage (3rd)
March 15 - Martyr Nicander of Egypt
Martyr Nicander of Egypt Egypt (ca 302)

March 16 - Martyr Sabinas of Egypt March 27 -
Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt
March 29 - Venerable John the Anchorite, of Egypt
March 31 - Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt

April 1 - Venerable Mary of Egypt April 5
- Venerable Publius of Egypt April 5
- St Theonas of Egypt April 5
- St Simeon of Egypt April 5
- St Phorbinus of Egypt April 7
- Venerable Serapion of Egypt April 11
- Venerable Pharmuthius the Anchorite of Egypt May 3
- Martyr Timothy the Reader and His Wife in Egypt May 3
- Martyr Maura of Antinoe in Egypt May 10
- Blessed Isidore the Fool of Tabenna in Egypt May 10
- Blessed Thais of Egypt May 14
- Venerable Serapion of Egypt May 19
- Martyr Kalufa of Egypt May 20
- Martyr Asclas of Egypt May 24
- Martyr Serapion the Egyptian Who Suffered in Galatia June 4
- St Zosimas of Cilicia the Bishop of Babylon in Egypt June 5
- Martyr Marcian of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Nicander of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Hyperechius of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Appolonius of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Leonidas of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Arius of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Gorgias of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Selenias of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Irenius of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Pambo of Egypt June 5
- Venerable Anubius the Confessor and Anchorite of Egypt June 6
- Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker, of Egypt June 12
- Venerable John the Hermit of Egypt June 12
-Venerable Andrew the Hermit of Egypt June 12 -
Venerable Heraclemon the Hermit of Egypt June 12 -
Venerable Theophilus the Hermit of Egypt June 15 -
St Dulas the Passion-Bearer of Egypt July 9
- Martyr Patermuthius of Egypt July 9
- Martyr Coprius of Egypt July 9
- Martyr Alexander the Soldier of Egypt July 9-
Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt July 9-
Venerable Coprius the Ascetic of Egypt July 14-
Venerable Ellius (Hellius) of Egypt July 18-
Venerable Pambo the Hermit of Egypt August 5-
Martyr Cantidius of Egypt August 5 -
Martyr Cantidian of Egypt August 5 -
Martyr Sibelius (Sobel) of Egypt August 7 -
Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt August 9-
Venerable Psoi of Egypt August 16 -
Venerable Cherimon (Chaeremon) of Egypt September 6-
St David of Hermopolis in Egypt September 16 -
Venerable Dorotheus the Hermit of Egypt September 18 -
Martyr Sophia of Egypt September 18 -
Martyr Irene of Egypt September 25 -
Martyr Paphnutius in Egypt September 25 -
546 Martyred Companions of Paphnutius in Egypt October 4 -
Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt October 8 -
Venerable Thais of Egypt October 9 -
Venerable Andronicus and His Wife, of Egypt October 9 -
Venerable Athanasia and Her Husband, of Egypt October 19 -
Blessed Cleopatra With Her Son in Egypt October 19 -
Blessed John With His Mother Cleopatra in Egypt November 9 -
Venerable John the Short, of Egypt November 11 -
Martyr Mennas of Egypt December 2 -
St John of Egypt December 2 -
St Heraclemon of Egypt December 2 -
St Andrew of Egypt December 2 -
St Theophilus of Egypt December 5 -
Venerable Kaion (Cyrion) and His Son, of Egypt December 5 -
Venerable Zachariah of Egypt December 11 -
Martyr Mirax of Egypt December 11 -
Martyr Acepsius of Egypt December 11 -
Martyr Aithalas of Egypt December 17 -
Venerable Daniel the Confessor (In Schema, Stephen) of Spain, and Egypt

Some documents entered under 17 U.S.C.Sec. 107 (Fair use for scholarship, education of members of the geological and historical African Diaspora). Pax Christi, James Wesly Smith, editor.

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Research reveals (four black African popes--Roman tradition-- some say three),more in the Coptic (as now). and more Bishops in Africa in the Early Church than in the rest of the world combined, until the Vandal invasions of 400s. Then everything (for us)started to go down hill.

There is a wonderful story Our Lord was invited back to Africa the King of Axum. Jesus had an appointment on Golgotha, but promised to send someone. He sent his cousin, St. Jude Thaddeus.

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We begin with WHAT BLACK CATHOLICS believe, then on Mary, Jesus' Mother, and continue until we reach the present.

Beliefs of Black Catholics (and all members of the One Holy Catholic Apostolic church-Universal Faith, aka, Catholic whether denominated Melkite, Maronite, Coptic, Syrio Aegyptus, Roman, Greek or Russian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox CATHOLICS ALL.

We can go to Church in any country in the world and generally know the exact order or the worship service (called Mass)...and with only a few exceptions, know what the Homily (aka sermon in other churches), will be about. It is normally based on one of the Bible readings for that mass.

What We Believe

See the Athanasius Creed and the Old Roman Creed (African theologian, Tertullian commentary, below). (Note: The First Council of Nicea was influenced by a heavy African delegation, hence African thought is represented. Yet the word AFRICA proves of Greek European origin. Alexandria Khemet (aka Kemet)remains one of the areas generating many black saints.

European derivate folks know its country today as Egypt--another Greek, Eurocentric term. Africa has been alternately know by Africans as Akebu-lan, Azaria,Ta Merri, and later, Ethiopia> ("dark skin or land of burnt faces". When Pharoah Tarhaqua (see Book of Isaiah, and around 2 Kings) ruled, his kingdom was Ethiopia. Later trade routes went from the East coast(Khemet -Egypt) to the West, modern Mauretania, Ghana, and Nigeria.

It is said the Dongola people had a direct connection with the ancient Khemetian empire (Egyptian). Before the prophet's armies, Khemetian influence went from the upper coast of what is now know as Africa to timbuctu, reportedly an important university area housing the last of the extensive library of the Sphinx temple complex.

One must remember, that Baby Yeshua (Jesus) grew up in the Khemetian area until the age of reason--sense history can pinpoint exactly when Herod died. As tradition reports-- until about the age of six or seven, Jesus grew up in Africa around what is now old Cairo--Heliopolis.

Our Lord, the Christ went to school in the area, learned African ways,to read and write, inculcated African wisdom, and thought...perhaps a reason why several of the Apostles went to Akebulan (Africa), St. Matthew, Nathaniel, Philip, His cousin, St. Jude Lebbeus Thaddeus.

Evangelist,St.John Mark died there. And in Scripture itself,during Pentecost when "devout men from every nation on Earth" were in Jerusalem who is named as upon the first baptized disciples by St. Philip in Acts? The Ethiopian Finance minister of the Kandake Queen Candace in the Bible! Candace of Axum's reign was a small part of what had been contiguous to Pharoah Tarhaqua.

We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.

And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

For researching the Russian and Eastern side of the Church, you can go here:

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Information on the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Priest Gregory Naumenko, Protection of the Mother of God Church

(This deals with North Eastern part of the Church)

Who are we? What exactly is this Orthodox Church to which we belong? To answer these important questions we must go back to the beginning:

Man was created by God to live in full communion with his Creator and share in His Divine Glory.

But Adam's rejection of life with God because of personal pride plunged all mankind into sin and separation from God. Because of his sinfulness, man cannot save himself or discover Truth through the efforts of his own reason or experience. God alone can save man, and God alone reveals Truth to sinful mankind.

The Old Testament is the history of God's preparing mankind to receive the Truth, the Resurrection and the Life -- God in the flesh, Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ, by His earthly life, sufferings, and Resurrection, opened the way for men once again to come into full communion with God.

After ascending into heaven, the Son of God sent the Holy Spirit upon His Apostles. We read in the second chapter of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles: "Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like the rushing of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

And there appeared to them tongues like flames of fire, divided among them and resting on each one. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit!" So the History of the Church begins, with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Jerusalem during the feast of Pentecost.

On that same day, through the preaching of Apostle Peter, 3,000 men and women were baptized, and the first Christian community at Jerusalem was formed.

Before long the members of the Jerusalem Church were scattered by the persecution which followed the stoning of St. Stephen the first martyr."

Go forth therefore," Christ had said, "and make all nations My disciples"(Math. 28:19). Obedient to this command, they preached wherever they went; at first to Jews, but before long, to the Gentiles also.

Thus, the Apostles established the Church throughout the ancient world. St. Peter and St. James founded the Church of Jerusalem. St. Paul founded the Church of Antioch(but Peter was its first head); St. Andrew the Church of Constantinople; St. John Mark, the Church of Alexandria; and St. Peter and Paul, the Church of Rome.

Tradition and documents show Saints Nathaniel, Matthew, Philip, Jude Lebbeus Thaddeus (St. Jude),and OUr Lord Himself, founding, interacting with, or influencing the African Church.

A Bible verse even indicates the Queen of the South (Seba=Queen Makeda of Axum/Ethiopia? will be a judge)

[Mat 12:42.5] The Queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

South of Israel lies Khemet,(Egypt), and south of that is Cush/Nubia/Abyssinia)

Some accounts of the Apostolic--missionary journeys are recorded by St. Luke in the book of Acts; others are preserved in the Holy Tradition of the Church. Thus, was founded on earth Christ's Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and thus it began its spread to all the ends of the Earth.