Strange phoenix like bird, of St. Clement.

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF
CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS.
CHAPTER 25 -- THE PHOENIX AN EMBLEM OF OUR RESURRECTION.
Let us consider that wonderful sign [of the resurrection] which takes place in Eastern lands, that is, in Arabia and the countries round about. There is a certain bird which is called a phoenix.

This is the only one of its kind, and lives five hundred years. And when the time of its dissolution draws near that it must die, it builds itself a nest of frankincense, and myrrh, and other spices, into which, when the time is fulfilled, it enters and dies.

But as the flesh decays a certain kind of worm is produced, which, being nourished by the juices of the dead bird, brings forth feathers.

Then, when it has acquired strength, it takes up that nest in which are the bones of its parent, and bearing these it passes from the land of Arabia into Egypt, to the city called Heliopolis.

And, in open day, flying in the sight of all men, it places them on the altar of the sun, and having done this, hastens back to its former abode.

The priests then inspect the registers of the dates, and find that it has returned exactly as the five hundredth year was completed.

(Clement was a disciple of Peter, and afterwards Bishop of Rome.

Clemens Alexandrinus calls him an apostle. Jerome says he was an apostolic man, and Rafinus that he was almost an apostle.

Eusebius calls this the wonderful Epistle of St. Clement, and says that it was publicly read in the assemblies of the primitive church. It is included in one of the ancient collections of the Canon Scripture.






All these photos were taken in English Anglican churches. I still think that these birds in churches look very strange.



St. Clement's Anchor

St. Clement was the Bishop of Rome from about 85-96 AD. After a life of steadfast witness to the Truth of the Gospel, much of which is included in his first Epistle to the Corinthians, St. Clement was arrested and exiled by the government in 95AD.

Even in the prison camp, he continued his ministry has a Christian, resulting in his martyrdom. He was tied to an anchor, and thrown into the Black Sea. His victorious death is celebrated every November 23rd, "St. Clement's Day".

Above this High Altar of the Church of St Michael and All Angels in the Highlands of Scotland,
there is a magnificent picture of a phoenix like bird, it resembles the phoenix in the Testament of 3 Baruch Holy scriptures written in 130 AD by Christians.





The phoenix, a mythical creature who bursts into flames at death but rises again from its own ashes, was used by the early Christians as a fitting symbol of the resurrection of Christ.