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The practice of mummification evolved significantly over time. During the Predynastic period (around 5000 BCE), bodies were preserved naturally by the hot, dry desert sand. By the Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BCE), embalmers began using natron – a natural mixture of sodium carbonate and other salts – along with resins and aromatic materials. The process reached its peak of sophistication during the New Kingdom (1570-1069 BCE), when embalmers employed a complex array of fragrant substances including coniferous resins, oils from cedar and pine, precious spices, and aromatic gums like frankincense and myrrh.Scientists examined nine mummies that showcase this evolution of preservation...

Scientists have managed to grow an ancient seed recovered from a cave just north of Jerusalem into a long-lost species of tree — one with likely Biblical significance.The now 10-foot-tall tree, painstakingly brought back to life over a period of 14 years, has proven to be a once presumed-extinct relative from the 'frankincense and myrrh' family.Researchers now suspect that the tree, which they named 'Sheba,' might be the same species that produced the highly valued medicinal extract 'tsori,' first alluded to in the book of Genesis and later Old Testament accounts of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. 'The identity of Biblical 'tsori'...

Facebook Icons in two different chapels inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre were found to be streaming myrrh recently. A video posted on the “Orthodox Church (Православная Церковь)” Facebook shows four icons in the Chapel of St. Longinus and the Chapel of the Scourging streaming myrrh. Video The phenomenon was noticed by pilgrims at the nighttime Liturgy on Monday-Tuesday. The Jerusalem Patriarchate is reportedly studying the icons and is expected to make an announcement soon.

Just north of the City of David (ancient Jerusalem), archaeologists believe they have found the first of its kind engraving on a precious gem of a biblical plant known to many as the Balm of Gilead. Deep underground in a 2,000-year-old drainage ditch next to Jerusalem’s Western Wall, archaeologists say a rare artifact from Second Temple times was uncovered. “It is a stone seal made of semi-precious amethyst stone with an engraving of a dove and a branch of a tree with fruit on the branch,” said Eli Shukron, former archaeologist of the Israel Antiquities Authority. What was surprising was...

Archdiocese of Washington From Magi to Wise Men – A Homily for Epiphany By: Msgr. Charles PopeThere are so many wonderful details in the Epiphany story: the call of the Gentiles, the nations, and their enthusiastic response, the significance of the star they see, and the gifts they bring, the dramatic interaction with Herod and their ultimate rejection of him in favor Christ.In this meditation I would like especially to follow these Magi, in their journey of faith to become wise men. As Magi, they followed the faint stars, distant points of light; as Wise Men they follow Jesus who...

This Weekend, 'A Window To Heaven' Appeared At St. George Greek Orthodox ChurchBAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- According to Tom Dorlis, the vice president of the parish council for St. George Greek Orthodox Church, back in 2007, around the time of the financial crisis, a portrait of the Virgin Mary, from Hawaii, started to cry an oily substance that smells like roses. Parishioners at the church, located at the intersection of Truxton Avenue and 'U' Street, said there's no doubt that the weeping icon is a gift from god, whether you're a believer or not. “What the myrrh-streaming icon is, is basically...

Journeying with the Magi Louise Perrotta You want to cheer when the magi appear on the horizon in chapter 2 of Matthew’s Gospel. After all, the Savior of the world, God in the flesh, has been born! History’s central event has taken place! And although Jesus slipped in among us more like an undercover agent than a conquering hero, how right and fitting that a special delegation would make a special effort to welcome the newborn King. Perhaps, like me, you feel indebted to the “wise men from the East” as you read the twelve verses where they make their...