Viet-Hoang Nguyen (de:Benutzer: Viet2001), CC BY-SA 3.0 DE , via Wikimedia Commons
Serving as the Vice President of the European Parliament for the Renew group until last December 31st, Nicola Beer brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has played a part in committees focusing on economics and monetary affairs foreign affairs and industry and science. One notable achievement includes her role as rapporteur for the Critical Raw Materials Act, which was successfully passed in the European Parliament on December 12th.
Nicola Beer’s political journey
Nicola Beer‘s political journey began in 1991 when she became a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Over time she has held positions such as State Secretary for European Affairs in Hesse and Minister of Culture from 2012 to 2014. In 2017 she became a member of the Bundestag. From 2013, to 2019 she served as Secretary General of the FDP.
Nicola Beer’s appointment, to the EIB Board of Directors comes after a proposal from the government and the formal decision of EU member states, who’re shareholders of the EU bank. Until now there haven’t been any Germans among the eight Vice Presidents on the EIB Board of Directors throughout outgoing President Werner Hoyers term, which ended on December 31 2023 and who has been replaced by Nadia Calviño from Spain.
EIB President Werner Hoyer expressed his enthusiasm for Beer joining the Board of Directors stating, “I’ve known Nicola Beer as an European for years. I’m delighted that she is joining us to contribute to the work of the EU bank benefiting both people and economies in the European Union.”
Honoured by the appointment
In response to her new role, Nicola Beer expressed her honor. She stated, “Being appointed as Vice President of the European Investment Bank is truly an honor. The EIB is one of the worlds financial institutions and a significant player in climate financing.” She emphasized how EIB plays a role in enhancing European economy competitiveness driving innovation and fostering partnerships.
The EIB holds importance within the European Union. Its Board of Directors serves as its body responsible for overseeing day, to day operations. Nicola Beers selection, as a member of the EIB Board of Directors comes after fulfilling the protocols involving EU member states and the governments proposal.
The European Investment Bank as part of the EIB Group focuses on providing long term financing to support investments that align with the objectives of the EU. It is worth noting that the EIB has recently increased its financing for energy projects showcasing a commitment to sustainability and climate neutrality. The banks dedication to innovation funding and its efforts in discontinuing support for fossil fuels further solidify its reputation as a leading institution that embraces thinking financial practices.
Nicola Beer’s appointment not only represents a personal achievement but also signifies progress towards achieving gender diversity in leadership positions within influential European institutions. As she assumes her responsibilities all eyes will be on Beer and the EIB as they navigate through challenges and opportunities, in shaping both the economic and environmental landscape of the European Union.
1. Those who reproach the fact that before their exodus, at the command of God, the people took from the Egyptians vessels of all kinds and clothing and so set off (with these things), from which the tabernacle was made in the wilderness, then they blame themselves ignorant of God’s justifications and His orders, as the presbyter also says. For if God had not deigned to do this in the representative exodus, then no one could now be saved in our true exodus, i.e. in the faith in which we stand and through which we were separated from among the pagans. For we all belong to either a small or a large property, which we acquired “from mammon of unrighteousness.” For where do we get the houses in which we live, the clothes with which we cover ourselves, the vessels with which we use, and everything else necessary for our daily life, if not from what, being pagans, we acquired out of our own greed or received from our pagan parents? , relatives or friends, having acquired it through untruth? – I do not say that we gain it now that we have become believers. For who sells and does not want to make a profit from the buyer? And who buys and does not want. to profitably purchase something from a seller? What industrialist is engaged in his trade not in order to eat through it? And do not the believers who are at the royal court use supplies from Caesar’s property, and do not each of them, according to his ability, provide for the poor? The Egyptians were indebted to the people (Jewish), according to the former goodness of Patriarch Joseph, not only with their property, but also with their lives; and what do the pagans owe us for, from whom we receive both profits and benefits? What they acquire with difficulty, we believers use without difficulty.
2. Until that time, the people of the Egyptians were in the most grievous slavery, as the Scripture says: “The Egyptians did great violence to the children of Israel, and made life hateful for them with hard work, clay and mud-making, and all the work in the fields and all kinds of work, with which they greatly oppressed their”; They built fortified cities for them, worked hard and increased their wealth over many years and all kinds of slavery, although they were not only not grateful to them, but also wanted to destroy them all. What injustice was done if they took a little from a lot? and when could we have had great wealth, if we had not been in slavery, and come out rich, received very little reward for our great slavery, and come out poor? As if someone free, forcibly taken away by another, served him for many years and increased his wealth, and then received some allowance and, apparently, had something from his wealth, but in fact, from his many labors and from his great acquisition, he took little and left, and someone would have blamed him for it, as if he had acted unfairly; then the judge himself will rather seem unfair to the one who was forcibly taken into slavery. Such are also those who accuse the people who have taken little from much, and do not blame those themselves who did not give any gratitude due for the merits of their parents, and even brought them into the gravest slavery, and received the greatest benefit from them. These (accusers) say that (the Israelites) acted unfairly, taking for their labors, as I said, unminted gold and silver in a few vessels, and about themselves they say that they – we must tell the truth, although this may seem funny to some – they act justly when, for the labors of others, they carry in their purses minted gold, silver and copper with the inscription and image of Caesar.
3. If we make a comparison between us and them, then who will receive more justly – the people (Israel) from the Egyptians, who were their debtors in everything, or we from the Romans and other nations who owe nothing to us? And the world enjoys peace through them (the Romans), and we walk the roads without fear and sail wherever we want. Against such people, the words of the Lord will be very helpful: “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see (how) to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” For if the one who accuses you of this and boasts of his knowledge, separated himself from the society of the pagans and did not have anything alien, but was literally naked and with bare feet and lived homeless in the mountains, like some animal that eats herbs , then deserves leniency because he does not know the needs of our community. If he uses what people call foreign, and (at the same time) condemns the prototype of this, then he shows himself to be very unfair and turns such an accusation against himself. For he will find himself carrying with him something that is not his own and desiring what is not his; and that is why the Lord said: “Judge not, lest ye be judged, for with the judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.” Not that we do not punish those who sin or approve of evil deeds, but that we do not unjustly condemn the orders of God, since He is justly concerned (^with everything that will serve for good. For, since He knew that we would make good use of our property that we have to receive from another, he says: “Whoever has two clothes, give to the poor, and whoever has food, do the same. And: “I was hungry, and you gave Me food; I was naked, and you clothed Me.” And: “When you do alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” And we turn out to be right when we do any kind of good, as if redeeming ours from someone else’s hands: I say “from someone else’s hands” not in in the sense that the world would be alien to God, but because we receive gifts of this kind from others, like those (Israelites) from the Egyptians who did not know God – and through this very thing we build the abode of God in ourselves, for with God dwells in those who do good, as the Lord says: “Make for yourself friends with unrighteous wealth, so that when you flee, they will receive you into eternal abodes.” For what we acquired through unrighteousness while we were pagans, having become believers, we turn to benefit the Lord and are justified.
4. So, this was necessary first in mind during that transformative action, and from those things the tabernacle of God is built, because those (Israelites) received justly, as I showed, and in them we were foreshadowed, who were then supposed to serve God through the things of others “For the whole procession of the people from Egypt, according to the dispensation of God, was the type and image of the origin of the Church, which had to be from the pagans, and therefore He at the end (of time) brings her out from here into her inheritance, which not Moses the servant of God, but Jesus the Son of God gives as an inheritance. And if anyone takes a closer look at the words of the prophets about the end and what John the Lord’s disciple saw in revelation, he will find that the nations will accept the same plagues in general that then struck Egypt piecemeal.
Source: St. Irenaeus of Lyon. 5 Books Against Heresies. Book 4. Ch. 30.
About the author: The Moscow Patriarchate has imposed a ban on the ministry of Fr. Alexey Uminsky, who is no longer the head of the Church of the Holy Trinity on Khokhlovska Street in the Russian capital. This was reported by the Russian opposition media “Radio Liberty” and the TV channel “Dozhd”, referring to the journalist Ksenia Luchenko and parishioners of the church where Fr. Alexey. According to information from the same media, instead of Fr. Uminsky, the Holy Trinity Church has appointed the scandalous priest Andrey Tkachev, known for his support for Russia’s war against Ukraine and his advice on violence against women, as the rector.
I have a feeling that the level of aggression is not decreasing. Aggression is wave-like. It does not need occasions, objects are always sought and always found for it. Aggression in society always overflows, is redirected from one channel to another. An object of some kind of hatred arises, so we must direct the aggression in this direction.
When the level of aggression reaches such a heightened level, then it is already poured out on specific people. Then people begin to simply destroy each other – in the most brutal, most inhuman way. Then it goes away. Aggression is always present in our society, and it is incurable. No one is concerned with curing society of aggression.
Aggressive society is very comfortable, easily controlled from above. You just have to find an object for the aggression. On a state scale, aggression can be a very “useful” thing. It infects people, mobs them, deprives them of their individual consciousness and turns them into a collective unconscious.
And this way of thinking the person then brings with him to the Church. It is very comfortable to live with. Not long ago, I read one of the letters of the apostle Paul, in which there were such words: “I declare to you, brothers, that the gospel that I preached is not human, because I neither received it nor learned it from a man, but by revelation Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:11-12). Very important words about what we Christians are dealing with, that there is nothing there that was invented by man.
By itself, the Gospel is a very uncomfortable book that does not allow a person to live in those paradigms in which only aggression can exist: “own-stranger”, “friend-enemy”, “near-far”. If it was a human book, like many of the religious human books, then the enemy would be indicated. “His-foreigner” would definitely be clearly described. It would be clearly stated who is “own” and who is “foreign”, and what are the parameters of “own”, who should be helped, who should be served, with whom should be shared, and who is the one not to be shared with, who we can lie to, who it is necessary to destroy.
So the Gospel is such a book that does not give man human ways to feed his aggression and multiply it. However, people often come to the Church who are not transformed or who live with ideologues, with ideologies instead of a living faith. Ideology is always a human thing, and the Christian faith is not human. It is a gift of God, a gift from the unattainable God who became Man. And it is very uncomfortable to deal with such a non-human religion, and that is why the desire to replace the Christian faith, to replace the Gospel with some ideology, constantly appears.
Wherever ideology appears, even under the sign of Christianity, under the sign of Orthodoxy, whatever, there immediately appear the enemies – of this ideology, of this faith, of the Church.
And there are too many enemies – you don’t need to look for them, they will be found immediately. And then this aggression, which could be healed by the mercy of Christ, by the love of Christ, including by our repentance, our change, cannot be like poison squeezed out of man. Quite the opposite – suddenly this aggression acquires its good meaning, becomes a good, acquires power because it can be used against the common enemy. Then it doesn’t go anywhere, it just gets another name.
They were not the class enemies, they were not the enemies of the people – the enemies immediately appear in the Church, her enemies: those who are foreign, who are not your own, who you can always separate. Someone is a fundamentalist for you, and you are a liberal for them. And at that moment, people suddenly begin to feel so much “love” for each other, so ready to utter nasty, vile curses and insulting names, forgetting that they partake of the same Cup.
The question even arises among them: “Can we partake of a Chacha with such people?” Can any people, if we don’t like them, be Christians at all?”.
So this aggression can perfectly exist in the Church as well. Then it flows into an aggressive and malicious declaration of one’s own faith, which is done with an almost benign goal – the protection of our sanctuaries.
We saw how last year all this terrible, sinful aggression suddenly began to be understood by some people as a way of defending the faith, as Christian behavior.
I remind you that the Gospel bequeathed to us is not a human gospel, there are no ideologies there. Therefore, aggression has no place in the Gospel, and therefore only the Christian is able to heal this aggression in society, who can love his enemy, so that he does not respond to a blow with a blow, but hate with hate. We have this opportunity.
We could give this world an example of how aggression heals, but alas, we haven’t yet.
Source: Archpriest Alexy Uminsky, Oksana Golovko, Archpriest Alexy Uminsky – about aggression in the Church (And why the Gospel does not divide the world into “us” and “strangers”), April 14, 2021. Read on Pravmir: https://www.pravmir.ru /agressiya-i-xristianstvo-kak-my-sovmeshhaem-nesovmestimoe-video-1/ : “Anger, rudeness – towards acquaintances and complete strangers – it seems that this has almost become the norm of communication on social networks. Has the level of aggression in society increased? Or, on the contrary, does it spill out onto the Internet, leaving real life? What is happening to us, why are we dividing everyone into camps, groups of “us” and “strangers,” reflects Archpriest Alexy Uminsky. “Pravmir” again publishes a video recording made in 2013.”
Note: So far, there is no official announcement from the ROC about the removal of Prot. Alexei Uminsky and his imposed ban. Father Alexey has been the chairman of the Holy Trinity Church for more than thirty years. The repression against him began last year, when he gave an interview in which he did not hide his anti-war views. He is a well-known publicist, the author of a large number of articles on various topics: from pastoral ministry to Christian pedagogy to commentaries on current events. He is known for his active civil position on a number of important public issues, defends those persecuted for political reasons, criticizes the authorities for violating the rights of citizens.
In his address at a parish meeting at the end of December, Fr. Alexey touches on the issue of Christian peacemaking, which is “unbearable to hear in a world where people tear their hearts out in search of justice and which is always achieved through the violence of some over others. Only violence must defeat other violence, otherwise it is not fair. To be a Christian is to make up your mind. No one can force a person to become a Christian. However, if we have once decided on this, then let us do it properly. Even if it doesn’t work out completely… Otherwise, we will have to subdivide the Gospel, make it a convenient book for us and say that we are Orthodox, without adding – Christians. Let us first of all be Christians, and then we will necessarily be Orthodox. And if for us the external ideological form is more important than the gospel words – then something is wrong here”.
Social media cites another announcement by journalist Ksenia Luchenko that another well-known Moscow priest, Vladimir Lapshin, has also been removed from the position of chairman of the Assumption Church in Moscow, which happened at the end of December. Vladimir is known as one of the last students of Fr. Alexander Men. This change in the leadership of this temple was not officially announced on the website of the Moscow Patriarchate.
These actions of patriarch Cyril are a sign that the repression against the opponents of the war among the priests is deepening and affecting iconic clerics known not only in Moscow, but throughout Russia and abroad. The replacement of Fr. Alexey Uminsky with Andrey Tkachev is a clear demonstration of the line that supports the leadership of the Moscow Patriarchate – to impose an aggressive and violent Christianity, incompatible with the image of Christ, but fitting the state policy of Putin’s Russia.
The European Union has expressed its support for the recent appointment of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, the former Foreign Minister of Colombia, as the new Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus. This move is seen as a pivotal step in revitalizing the stalled peace negotiations in the region and is a testament to the EU’s unwavering commitment to finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue.
The appointment of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar comes at a crucial time when the last formal negotiations in Crans Montana in 2017 have yet to yield a sustainable resolution1. The EU’s top representatives, High Representative Josep Borrell, and Commissioner Elisa Ferreira, have welcomed this development, recognizing the importance of this role in the broader context of European security and cooperation2.
The EU has reiterated its readiness to actively support the UN-facilitated process with all the tools at its disposal. The bloc’s dedication to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue is grounded in the UN framework, adherence to relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the foundational principles of the EU itself, including the acquis. This integrated approach underscores the EU’s holistic commitment to regional stability and the rule of law.
Cyprus’s strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean makes it a key area for security and stability. The EU recognizes that fostering cooperation in this region is more important than ever, given the current geopolitical climate. The appointment of a new UN Personal Envoy is not only a step towards peace in Cyprus but also an opportunity to enhance cooperation and pursue joint approaches that benefit the broader region.
María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar’s Diplomatic Expertise
María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the table, having served as Colombia’s Foreign Minister. Her expertise in international relations and conflict resolution will be invaluable assets in her new role as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus. Her appointment is a clear signal of the international community’s renewed focus on the Cyprus issue and its potential resolution.
The road to peace in Cyprus is fraught with challenges, but the EU’s support for María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar’s appointment is a positive sign of progress. As the new envoy embarks on her mission, the EU, along with the UN, will be closely monitoring and supporting the process, hoping to bridge divides and establish a lasting peace that respects the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Cyprus.
Conclusion
The appointment of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus is a significant development in the quest for peace in the region. The EU’s endorsement of this decision reflects its commitment to supporting Cyprus and ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. With renewed diplomatic efforts and international support, there is hope for a peaceful future for Cyprus.
The European Union’s response to the appointment of María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus is a clear indication of its commitment to resolving the long-standing conflict on the island. The EU’s support for the UN’s efforts and its readiness to provide assistance throughout the peace process are important steps towards achieving stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. With Holguín Cuéllar’s extensive diplomatic experience and the EU’s active involvement, there is renewed optimism for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue that aligns with both UN resolutions and EU principles.
Once upon a time in a land not far from our wildest imaginations there existed an annual celebration of immense magnificence involving not just one or two but three esteemed kings. This was no royal procession with regal figures waving from their carriages. It is the tale of the Three Wise Men, also known as the Magi, who embarked on an extraordinary journey across vast deserts and realms guided solely by a celestial beacon that outshone any contemporary GPS system.
As January 6th approaches, while some are recuperating from their New Years Eve festivities others are eagerly preparing for a day filled with intrigue, generosity and perhaps even indulging in a slice of Kings Cake. Welcome to the Feast of the Epiphany my friends; where brilliance can be found not in the splendid decorations but also, within the stars that grace this remarkable narrative.
Now let us acquaint ourselves with our characters. Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar. The original bestowers of gifts whose ability to traverse the globe makes Santas single night journey seem like childs play.We’ve got Balthazar, dressed in his Babylonian attire; Melchior, the knowledgeable Greek with a fondness for prophecies; and Gaspar, the youngest among them a trendy Mede with an envy inducing collection of spices. These three individuals are not merely kings; they can be considered the worlds equivalent of the Avengers. However of fighting crime their mission is to deliver gifts.
A Celestial Announcement on Social Media
So how did these esteemed personalities end up following the path? It all began with a star that defied convention. Announced the birth of a unique kind of king. This was no celestial body; it served as the universes way of sending a notification without relying on social media platforms.. Just like any influential figure on social media it managed to capture the attention of our trio who were fascinated by astronomy.
The Journey: Camels, Desert Sands and Occasional Oases
Picture this; three kings accompanied by their entourages loading camels with luxury gifts from times. There were no gift receipts or express shipping options to them; instead they relied on navigating through open deserts using stars as their guide, towards a shared destination.
They journeyed through sand dunes. Evaded potential dangers, all the while perhaps engaging in debates over who should take the lead in guiding the camel caravan.
The Presents: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
Skipping through their travel montage the Magi eventually arrived not at a grand palace but at a modest dwelling in Bethlehem.
They arrived bearing gifts that would make any baby shower unforgettable; gold for royalty frankincense for divinity and myrrh for mortality— concepts for a young child but these individuals were focused on symbolism.
The Afterparty: Dreams and Detours
After their visit as they dreamt of things (or whatever was considered delightful back then) they received a warning in a dream to take an alternate route, on their way home. It turns out that King Herod, the reigning ruler wasn’t particularly thrilled about a king emerging.
Therefore our wise trio decided to avoid him by taking a longer path back to prevent spoiling the surprise of the newborn king’s whereabouts.
Legacy: Cake, Crowns and Parades
Fast forward millennia later and the journey of the Three Kings is still highly significant.In regions children eagerly place their shoes outside hoping for treats from passing monarchs while in other places a slice of Kings Cake carries the exciting possibility (or reward) of discovering a small figurine inside—and the honor of hosting next years celebration.
Lets not overlook the parades. From New Orleans to Madrid people wear crowns throw beads and commemorate the journey of the Magi with floats that make Mardi Gras seem like a prelude.
The Main Idea: A Cosmic Quest for Everyone
So, what is the essence behind this age old tale? Maybe it signifies that certain journeys are worth enduring a bit of sand in your shoes.. Perhaps it emphasizes that genuine wisdom lies in pursuing your own guiding star wherever it may lead.. It could simply be that everyone adores an engaging story with a joyous ending.
Regardless of the interpretation the Feast of Epiphany holds significance than just being another day on the calendar; it serves as a reminder of an era when three kings, from distinct lands united for a universal quest bringing gifts and leaving behind a legacy characterized by unity, generosity and an air of enchantment.
As you indulge in a slice of Kings Cake take a moment to think about Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar—the wanderers of the road. Their incredible journey reminds us that some of the stories are those that have been shared and retold over generations and across different cultures under the glow of a guiding star that once led wise men towards a fresh start.
So there you have it—a captivating exploration spanning through time itself honoring the influence of the Three Kings. Whether you’re fascinated by history captivated by legends or simply enjoy indulging in cake the Feast of the Epiphany is a tradition that continues to capture hearts and ignite imaginations, around the globe.
Exciting news from the European Union! They’ve recently invested a €2 billion in some fantastic projects to promote cleaner energy and make our planet greener. Can you believe it? €2 billion! It’s like hitting the jackpot and deciding to contribute it all towards efforts. Amazing don’t you think?
What does this entail? Picture brand new wind farms harnessing breezes to generate electricity solar panels absorbing the suns rays efficiently and improved insulation for buildings that reduces the need for heating or cooling. It’s akin to wrapping a house in a blanket so you can dial down the thermostat.
This isn’t a move, by the EU.They have been allocating billions of euros since 2021 and this recent round of funding is part of a strategy to achieve cleaner and more advanced energy systems across Europe by 2030. Their aim is to ensure that while we are powering our devices, lights and entertainment we minimize the harm to our planet.
Several countries are benefiting from this €2 billion investment. These include Bulgaria, Croatia and Poland each with their planned initiatives to improve and enhance energy production. For instance Bulgaria intends to upgrade its grid capacity in order to accommodate a greater amount of green energy. Croatia has goals for installing numerous solar panels while Czechia (which refers to the Czech Republic) is transitioning from coal to gas for residential heating purposes in order to reduce pollution levels.
The source of this funding is quite fascinating well. It originates from the EUs Emissions Trading System where companies are required to pay for their impact. The more pollution they generate the higher their financial contribution becomes. The EU then utilizes these funds by investing in friendly projects. It’s akin to ensuring that those who create a mess also contribute towards cleaning it up.
However it’s not, about the financial aspect involved.
The European Union (EU) has set climate goals and is diligently working towards achieving them. Among their initiatives they have introduced the Modernisation Fund as part of their broader plans, such as the REPowerEU Plan and the Fit For 55 package. These initiatives outline their roadmap towards an healthier world, where concerns about climate change are reduced.
The EU demonstrates its commitment to these goals by collaborating with the European Commission and the European Investment Bank to ensure that funds are allocated strategically for impact.
So what does this mean for us? It means that the EU is not just making promises but backing them up with substantial investments to support environmental causes. It serves as a reminder that significant efforts are being made globally to combat climate change and every individual action counts. Whether its supporting large scale funds, like this or simply increasing our recycling efforts we all have a role to play in preserving our planets well being.
To stay updated on the developments regarding this fund and how it is revolutionizing green energy practices keep an eye on news sources and visit official EU websites. They have all the details, about the projects and how thiss part of a larger plan to create a better and cleaner future.
Then, after the death of Terah, the Lord said to Abram: get out of your land, and from your family, and from your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. And I will make you into a great language, and I will bless you, and I will magnify your name, and you will be blessed. And I will bless the one who blesses thee, and curse the one who swears thee: and all the families of the earth shall be blessed because of thee (Gen. XII, 1, 2, 3). Let us carefully examine each of these words in order to see the God-loving soul of the patriarch.
Let us not ignore these words, but let us consider how difficult this command is. Get out, he says, from your land and from your kindred and from your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. Leave, he says, what is known and reliable, and prefer the unknown and unprecedented. See how from the very beginning the righteous man was taught to prefer the invisible to the visible and the future to what was already in his hands. He was not commanded to do something unimportant; (commanded) to leave the land where he had lived for so long, to leave all his kinship and his entire father’s house, and to go where he did not know or care. (God) did not say to what country he wanted to resettle him, but with the uncertainty of His command he tested the piety of the patriarch: go, he says, to the land, and I will show you. Think, beloved, what an exalted spirit, unpossessed by any passion or habit, was required to fulfill this command. In fact, if even now, when pious faith has already spread, many cling so tightly to habit that they would rather decide to transfer everything than to leave, even if it was necessary, the place in which they had hitherto lived, and this happens, not only with ordinary people, but also with those who have retired from the noise of everyday life and have chosen the monastic life – then it was all the more natural for this righteous man to be upset by such a command and to hesitate in fulfilling it. Go away, he says, leave your relatives and your father’s house, and go to the land, which I will show you. Who wouldn’t be confused by such words? Without declaring to him either a place or a country, (God) tests the soul of the righteous with such uncertainty. If such a command had been given to someone else, an ordinary person, he would have said: so be it; you command me to leave the land where I now live, my kinship, my father’s house; but why don’t you tell me the place where I should go, so that I know at least how great the distance is? How do I know that that land will be much better and more fruitful than this one that I will leave? But the righteous man did not say or think anything like that, and, looking at the importance of the command, he preferred the unknown to what was in his hands. Moreover, if he did not have an exalted spirit and a wise mind, if he did not have the skill to obey God in everything, he would have encountered another important obstacle – the death of his father. You know how often many, because of the coffins of their relatives, wanted to die in the places where their parents ended their lives.
4. So for this righteous man, if he were not very God-loving, it would be natural to think about this too, that my father, out of love for me, left his homeland, abandoned his old habits, and, having overcome all (obstacles), even came here , and one can almost say, because of me he died in a foreign land; and even after his death, I do not try to repay him in kind, but retire, leaving, along with my father’s family, his coffin? However, nothing could stop his determination; love for God made everything seem easy and comfortable to him.
So, beloved, God’s favor towards the patriarch is very great! Those, he says, I will bless who bless you; And I will curse those who curse you, and because of you all the families of the earth will be blessed. Here’s another gift! All, he says, the tribes of the earth will try to be blessed by your name, and they will place their best glory in bearing your name.
You see how neither age nor anything else that could tie him to home life served as an obstacle to him; on the contrary, love for God conquered everything. Thus, when the soul is cheerful and attentive, it overcomes all obstacles, everything rushes towards its favorite object, and no matter what difficulties present itself to it, it is not delayed by them, but everything runs past and stops not before reaching what it wants. That is why this righteous man, although he could have been restrained by old age and many other obstacles, nevertheless broke all his bonds, and, like a young man, vigorous and unimpeded by anything, he hastened and hastened to fulfill the command of the Lord. And it is impossible for anyone who decides to do something glorious and valiant to do it without arming himself in advance against everything that might hinder such an enterprise. The righteous man knew this well, and leaving everything without attention, without thinking about habit, or kinship, or his father’s house, or his (father’s) coffin, or even his old age, he directed all his thoughts to that only, as if him to fulfill the command of the Lord. And then a wonderful sight presented itself: a man in extreme old age, with his wife, also elderly, and with many slaves, was moving, not even knowing where his wandering would end. And if you also think about how difficult the roads were at that time (then it was impossible, as now, to freely pester anyone, and thus make the journey with convenience, because in all places there were different authorities, and travelers must were sent from one owner to another and almost every day moved from kingdom to kingdom), then this circumstance would have been a sufficient obstacle for the righteous if he did not have great love (for God) and readiness to fulfill His commandment. But he tore all these obstacles apart like a cobweb, and… having strengthened his mind with faith and submitted to the greatness of the One who promised, he set out on his journey.
Do you see that both virtue and vice depend not on nature, but on our free will?
Then, so that we know what situation this country was in, he says: The Canaanites then lived on the earth. Blessed Moses made this remark not without a purpose, but so that you would recognize the wise soul of the patriarch and from the fact that he, since these places were still occupied by the Canaanites, had to live like a wanderer and wanderer, like some outcast poor man, as he had to, having, perhaps, no shelter. And yet he did not complain about this either, and did not say: what is this? I, who lived in such honor and respect in Harran, must now, like a rootless, like a wanderer and a stranger, live here and here out of mercy, seek peace for myself in a poor refuge – and I cannot get this either, but am forced to live in tents and huts and endure all other disasters!
7. But so that we do not continue the teaching too much, let us stop here and finish the word, asking your love that you imitate the spiritual disposition of this righteous man. Truly, it will be extremely strange if, while this righteous man, being called from (his) land to (another’s) land, showed such obedience that neither old age, nor other obstacles we have counted, nor the inconveniences of the (then) time, nor other difficulties that could stop him were not able to keep him from obedience, but, breaking all the bonds, he, the old man, fled and hurried, like a cheerful youth, with his wife, nephew and slaves, to fulfill the command of God, we, on the contrary, are not called from earth to earth, but from earth to heaven, we will not show the same zeal in obedience as the righteous, but we will present empty and insignificant reasons, and we will not be carried away by either the greatness of (God’s) promises or the unimportance of what is visible, as earthly and temporary, nor the dignity of the Caller, – on the contrary, we will discover such inattention that we will prefer the temporary to the always abiding, the earth to the sky, and we will place the thing that can never end lower than that which flies away before it appears.”
Source: St. John Chrysostom. Conversations on the Book of Genesis.
Conversation XXXI. And Terah gave water to Abram and Nahor his sons, and to Lot the son of Arran his son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, the wife of Abram his son: and I brought him out of the land of the Chaldeans, and went to the land of Canaan, and came even to Haran, and dwelt there (Gen. XI, 31)
Have you ever pondered why some days feel hotter than the ones your grandparents reminisce about?. Why weather patterns seem to be in disarray? Well the explanation may lie above us unseen but impactful; greenhouse gases. In Europe like in parts of the world these gases have become a pressing concern. Lets delve into the reasons behind their significance.
What are greenhouse gases? Imagine your car parked under the scorching sun with all its windows tightly shut. The temperature inside rises higher than outside right? That’s because the suns warmth becomes trapped within. On a scale greenhouse gases function similarly. They act as a layer around our planet capturing heat and maintaining a temperature that is conducive to sustaining life.
The prevalent greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2) methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). While these gases naturally exist in the atmosphere, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial processes have escalated their levels significantly. Consequently more heat is retained within our atmosphere resulting in an Earth.
Europe has been a region, for a period, which means it has been generating greenhouse gas emissions for many centuries. However in times Europe has become increasingly conscious of the impact these emissions have on climate change.
The European Union (EU) consisting of countries like Germany, France and Italy has made progress in reducing emissions. From 1990 to 2019 the EU successfully decreased its emissions by 24%. Despite this achievement Europe still faces challenges in diminishing its greenhouse gas footprint.
The Present Scenario; Europes commitment to a future is evident through initiatives like the European Green Deal that aims to achieve climate neutrality within the EU by 2050. This entails not adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than can be absorbed—a state known as “zero” emissions.
Several European nations are leading by example in this regard. For instance Denmark is capitalizing on wind power while Iceland harnesses energy. Nevertheless overcoming the continents reliance, on coal, oil and natural gas remains an obstacle.
The Role of Different Sectors: Various sectors contribute differently to Europes greenhouse gas emissions.
The energy sector, which encompasses electricity and heating stands as the contributor, closely followed by transportation that heavily relies on fuels. Agriculture also plays a role, in this aspect with livestock generating methane and fertilizers releasing oxide.
To address these sectors impact Europe is making investments in energy sources promoting the use of electric vehicles and encouraging sustainable farming practices. These measures not benefit the climate. Also have the potential to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
However reducing greenhouse gas emissions comes with its share of challenges. It necessitates a transformation in our energy production methods, travel habits and land management approaches. While this can be both expensive and complex it also presents opportunities for innovation and advancement.
Europe faces the task of striking a balance between growth and environmental sustainability. This equilibrium is vital to maintain support for policies since abrupt changes can lead to social and economic upheaval.
Recognizing that climate change transcends boundaries like greenhouse gases do international cooperation becomes imperative. Europe actively collaborates with nations through agreements like the Paris Climate Accord with the shared objective of limiting warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, above pre industrial levels. Europe plays a role, in negotiations serving as a model for other regions and extending support to developing countries in their transition to cleaner energy sources.
Moving forward Europe has a direction; continue reducing greenhouse gas emissions and work towards a future. This will involve investing in eco technologies, reevaluating transportation systems and changing consumption habits.
Every European has their part to play whether its policymakers crafting laws or individuals opting for biking of driving. It’s an endeavor we all contribute to collectively acknowledging the challenge but also recognizing the reward—a healthier planet, for everyone.
To sum up greenhouse gases are a matter centered around regulating our planets temperature. Europe with its heritage and forward thinking approach is embarking on a journey to decrease these emissions. It’s a path marked with obstacles. Also filled with optimism. By comprehending the role each of us can play we can come together. Ensure that hot trends only refer to fashion and not jeopardize our planets future.
On Wednesday January 3, the Council of Europe introduced additional restrictive measures against a person and an entity responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
The sanctions on Russian diamondsT are part of a G7 effort to develop an internationally coordinated diamond ban that aims at depriving Russia of this important revenue source.
These designations complement the ban on the import of Russian diamonds included in the 12th package of economic and individual sanctions adopted on December 18, 2023 in anticipation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
In total, EU restrictive measures concerning actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to almost 1,950 individuals and entities in all. Designated persons are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to them. Individuals are also subject to a travel ban, preventing them from entering or transiting EU territories.
The relevant legal acts, including the names of the persons and entities listed, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.
Chinese researchers recently developed a new electronic skin that they say has “excellent isothermal regulation,” reports Xinhua.
Scientists from the Southern University of Science and Technology have developed this thermo-e-skin with biomimetic structures. Thus, it mimics the thermoregulation mechanism of the human body by integrating a flexible thermoelectric device with a hydrogel composite material.
Thanks to the delicate balance between heat generation and dissipation, thermoelectronic skin maintains a stable surface temperature of 35 degrees Celsius over a wide range of ambient temperatures – from 10 to 45 degrees Celsius.
In recent years, electronic skin has realized human-like tactile functions and formed stable neural reactivity, largely imitating the human body, making it an ideal component for future intelligent robots.
However, its thermoregulatory function was until recently limited to simple heating or cooling, meaning that it was unable to maintain isothermal regulation for a long time in a complex and changing environment.
The research was published in the journal “Nano Energy”.
Illustrative Photo by Angela Roma : https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-ethnic-person-touching-bare-skin-7480273/
