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Welcome to Spring or Autumn. This is a transitional month with something for everyone. Internationally, it is Women's History Month, focusing on the achievements, needs, and challenges that women ...
The world steps into the second month of 2025 with hope and trepidation. The United States has a new administration. Canada is finding its way to a new administration. Germany and several other European nations...
There are several unique focuses for 2025. I covered the first 12 in Part One. The following are the rest I have discovered for this year. As with all issues of LEEP Ink, the following descriptions are a...
International Toothache Day marks the martyrdom of Saint Apollonia, the patron saint of Dentistry, in 249 AD. Apollonia was a young virgin, a Christian woman, who was killed in a pogrom against Christians in Egypt. Part of her torture included having all her teeth pulled out, which is why she is associated with dentistry.
These were the early days of Christianity, nearly four hundred years before Islam and a hundred years before Constantine would convert the entire Roman empire to Christianity. It was a dangerous time to be Christian, and they were hated and hunted by the Hebrews and Romans. This particular pogrom against the Christians began due to an Egyptian poet's prophesying that great harm was to come to the people of Alexandria. The cause, he said, would be the Christians, and therefore, the Christians needed to be eliminated.
At the time of Apollonia, living to the age of 50 was considered old. By the time most people died, many had lost their teeth. Today with modern toothpaste and brushes, not to mention dental care, most of us retain our teeth into old age.
Today is a day to reflect on dental health's importance, remember Apollonia's sacrifice, and the cost of judging others by their faith. And for those of faith, it is a day to thank God for every tooth we have.
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