There has been a “special relationship” between these two countries since their birth. They represent the two sons of Joseph, son of Israel, Ephraim and Manasseh. Family ties are hard to be broken. These two were born into Egypt in the years of plenty. Their father provided food for everyone in the time of the famine and was greatly admired. Although they’ve had their differences, like brothers, they always settle them and get along with each other in peace. This relationship is now being threatened to come to an end in hostility. It will be a time of Great Tribulation.
Manasseh and Ephraim – A Special Brotherly Relationship
Bartholomew was an Apostle of Jesus Christ. And with this story, comes the legend of the children of Israel, that is Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham. It highlights a portion in time when the people of God were in transgression and had been scattered throughout the earth, as they are to this day. For their help, He sent them His servants, the Prophets, His own son, Jesus, and his Apostles. In most every instance, they have been met with hostility and persecution because what they had to say was not well received. But they persevered because they had been sent by God Himself to correct His people and turn them back to Him.
August 24, is celebrated and remembered throughout Christendom as the feast day of the Apostle, Bartholomew. He was numbered among the twelve original Apostles who followed Jesus and were witnesses to all that he said and did. Before he died, Jesus sent them out to teach their brethren all things he had taught them. They were all tortured and killed, as Jesus was, for their testimony except one. That one was John who was exiled and from whom we have the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the last book of the Bible. Jesus had twelve Apostles, one for each of the twelve tribes of the House of Israel/Jacob. Bartholomew was also known in the Gospels as Nathaniel. Jesus pointed to him and said, “Behold! an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47)
According to ancient tradition, Christianity was first preached in Armenia by two Apostles of Christ, Thaddeus and Bartholomew. During the first three centuries of Christianity in Armenia its followers had to remain a hidden congregation because of persecution. Indeed Christ led his followers into being persecuted for his name’s sake, as were the Prophets before him. He had told them before-time to expect it. Even Paul/Saul persecuted followers of Christ before his conversion and then after that he himself was killed. (Acts 7-8)
On June 10th, the Vatican announced the initiation of a “new accountability process” for their organization in regards to their internal reporting and handling of bishops accused of “abuse of office” when it comes to how they handle child abusers. The process was drafted by the popes Commission for the Protection of Minors which is led by Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley. Catholic leaders and laity are calling this system a potential “breakthrough moment on an issue that has plagued the church globally”.
Pope Francis continues to lead a house of pedophiles with tolerance for the accused and disregard for the victims as was recently confirmed through his leadership promotions. A small town in southern Chile has come into the spotlight with the promotion of Juan Barros Madrid to the position of Bishop. Juan is not unique to the Catholic organization in that he has been accused of covering up the crimes of his mentor by destroying letters from victims. The victims also accuse Juan of being present in the room while they were sexually abused. If that is the case, he is also a participant in the crimes, a criminal himself. The confirmed abuser, Karadima, was found guilty by the Vatican and sentenced to a life of “penitence and prayer”.
New York, NY On March 5th Retired Cardinal Egan went into cardiac arrest and died. His funeral was attended by the New York City Mayor, Governor and countless other public officials. He received much praise as the “comforter-in-chief” while in his role as the Archbishop of New York during 9/11 and is credited for reducing the Archdiocese of Bridgeport’s debt during his role as Archbishop from 1988-2000.
What the Public officials and general media have failed to remember (or chosen to forget) is Egan’s direct involvement with the sexual abuse scandal, his brash redaction of an “apology” to victims and outright statement that the church had done nothing wrong. While Archbishop of Bridgeport no less than 36 allegations of abuse were reported to the diocese, yet Egan has stated there was not “even one known case of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest throughout my tenure”.
