About the Patron Saints of the Skete and the True Cross relic at the Skete:
Gregory Nyssa, titled, “Father of the Fathers” at the Seventh Ecumenical Council, was a bishop in Cappadocia in the fourth century. He was the brother of Basil the Great and a close friend of Gregory Nazianzen. His major contributions to the Orthodox faith deal with the triune nature of the Godhead, one in essence, with hypostases distinguished only by relation; and, the infinity of God (and, thus, the inability to comprehend God).
He does not negate education, however:
“The first of our advantages is education; and not only this our more noble form of it, which disregards rhetorical ornaments and glory, and holds to salvation, and beauty in the objects of our contemplation: but even that external culture … For as we ought not to neglect the heavens, and earth, and air, and all such things, … but to reap what advantage we can from them for our life and enjoyment, while we avoid their dangers; not raising creation, as foolish men do, in revolt against the Creator, but from the works of nature apprehending the Worker] and, as the divine apostle says, bringing into captivity every thought to Christ.” [Oration XLIII, 11. English translation: https://www.elpenor.org/gregory-nazianzen/funeral-basil.asp?pg=7]
It is through not-knowing and not-seeing, paradoxically, that God can be seen and known. Man’s goal is to become more like God through participation in the divine nature (theosis).
Mary of Egypt
Mary of Egypt was a fifth century desert ascetic who ran away from home at age 12 and lived a depraved life in Alexandria, leading many to perdition. She accompanied a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem to venerate the Cross, seducing a number for her amusement. At Jerusalem a mysterious force prevented her from entering the church. Facing an ikon of the Holy Theotokos, she burst into tears and vowed to live a life of repentance should she be allowed to venerate the Cross. The following day she entered the church, venerated the Cross, and retired to the desert, living in prayer as a solitary for the remainder of her life. Decades later, on the last day of her life, she received the Holy Mysteries from the holy hermit, Zosimas.
Xenia of St. Petersburg
Xenia of St. Petersburg was a nineteenth century Russian saint, wife of a military officer, whose husband died suddenly. She gave her possessions to the poor, retired to a hermitage, and later lived as a homeless wanderer (“Fool for Christ”). She had the gift of prayer and of prophecy; her grave is the still the source of many miracles. She is the Patroness of St. Petersburg (Russia).
True Cross
The True Cross was located in Jerusalem in the fourth century by St. Helen, the mother of the Emperor, St. Constantine. The relic is closely regulated by the Church. The largest fragment is found at Xeropotamou Monastery on Mt. Athos.
About The Integrated Textbook of Medicine:
The Integrated Textbook of Medicine was prepared in lecture format It is periodically updated to present current medical practice and is made available for educational use. The material integrates basic science and clinical medicine by topic.
The textbook was originally prepared for McGraw-Hill for medical students from first year to first post-graduate year. Surgical anatomy and biomechanics (including osteopathic medicine) are presented where appropriate. Molecular medicine is discussed in detail.
There is an introductory lecture that highlight the diseases commonly encountered. These are the likely topics for USMLE, COMLEX, or Canadian examinations.
There is no emphasis on “high yield material.” Question banks reinforce the important material. Review books and courses are of use only if one has a good background in medicine.
While 90+% of US or Canadian medical school graduates pass all steps of USMLE or COMLEX, those minority of students at Caribbean medical schools whose school permit them to sit for examination do not perform as well on these exams. This is reflected in the probability of matching for post-graduate training. The Integrated Textbook of Medicine provides a clinical approach to medicine grounded in an understanding of the basic science
About The Author
The Author
Dr. Alonso. MD, PhD, FACP, has been a Clinical Professor at the Morehouse School of Medicine as well as at LECOM Bradenton. He has been a Visiting Professor in both Europe and Latin America as well, and has written for the National Boards. Dr. Alonso has held senior executive positions in business as well as government service; and has held international office. He is active with students and residents through the American College of Physicians, and, has been an American Society of Clinical Oncology Mentor for young oncologists. He has held worldwide patents in the generation, production, and use of fully human monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy.