(continuation of part 2)
III. e) The Mobius FF x FFVII collaboration
Alright, back to our suspension world-hopping! Let’s visit the realm of Mobius FF, —more specifically, the collaboration between Mobius FF and FFVII—, where I found the most substantial evidence for my theory.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the Mobius FF (MFF) world and games, let’s begin with a bit of a summary of the parts relevant to us. The story takes place in a world called Palamecia, to which people from other worlds are inexplicably summoned. The vast majority of those who are brought there don’t remember anything from their worlds of origin or their lives before Palamecia except their names: these amnesiac people are called Blanks. The main character is Wol, accompanied by a guiding fairy of Palamecia named Echo. Echo knows a lot about the mechanisms of Palamecia, as she’s tied to the realm. The leader of this world is Vox, a being who manifests only as a voice. The first thing all Blanks remember before they wake in Palamecia is Vox telling them the rules of the realm. Incidentally, the crystals of the MFF world are teleportation crystals.
III. e) i. Devs’ Statements
Let’s review some of the MFF x FFVII Remake collaboration devs’ statements before diving into its story.
For both the MFF x FFVII Remake collaboration and the Remake project, Kitase took on the role of producer while Nojima supervised the screenplay and wrote the scenario. The project leader was none other than the Remake trilogy’s Hamaguchi, who told a SE interviewer the following:

“We would love for you to play the [MFF x FFVII] collaboration event as you look forward to [Remake’s] release” (“Celebration of the Overseas Release of the Steam Version and FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE Collaboration Event”, Square Enix).

He later hints at the collaboration’s storyline:

“This collaboration is focused on Cloud, so the other characters will not make an appearance. Players will join Cloud, who has gone astray in Palamecia, on his adventures and see how the story unfolds based on his decisions. Content-wise, FINAL FANTASY VII fans will surely become fraught with emotion as events unfold in-game (laughs).”

Kitase concurs on the emotional aspect of the collaboration in the same interview:

“When it comes to the story, I seek two things– ‘mystery’ and ‘[…] emotional impact’.”

Clearly, fans of FFVII are supposed to react emotionally to the events of the collaboration. With these statements in mind to give us perspective, we can get into the plot points relevant to our analysis. MFF x FFVII Remake comes in two parts, the relevant plot points of which I will describe and analyze one at a time.
III. e) ii. Eclipse Contact
1) Fact-Finding
Part one of the MFF x FFVII Remake collaboration event is called Eclipse Contact. It came out in 2017 on Aerith’s birthday, February 7th, and its release campaign ran until March. In Eclipse Contact, Palamecia welcomes someone new: Cloud Strife appears in the realm with very little recollection of his core world of FFVII.
Cloud isn’t a Blank, since he recalls the mako reactors in Midgar upon his arrival in Palamecia, and also remembers that he was hired by Avalanche to blow them up:

“Echo: How did you end up in Palamecia?

Cloud: I… That day... I remember now. A job. I had taken a job. I was hired muscle protecting clients. They wanted to stop the reactor... We used a train to get past security... Was it at night? Something happened... Next thing I knew, I was floating through darkness. Then [I woke up here]”.

This piece of dialogue reveals that Eclipse Contact Cloud’s memories end at the very moment when Avalanche arrives at reactor 1 in OG (disk 1, chapter 1): the very beginning of the game. Consequently, Cloud does not remember anything that happened from the beginning of the OG timeline onwards.
Wol and Echo are intrigued by Cloud’s strange case: non-Blanks rarely arrive in Palamecia. The following text appears on the screen shortly after they meet:

“Perhaps he is not truly who he thinks he is.
Perhaps everything is illusory, a dream.
Only one thing is certain, that he must press on, one step at a time, toward the light that shines from the promised land.”

Just like he did in FFT’s Ivalice, Cloud feels the need to find the Promised Land in MFF x FFVII, despite the fact that he lacks memories of the OG timeline. Though Cloud doesn’t remember anything beyond the train ride to reactor 1, he does remember the Promised Land (at least somewhat). This is odd, given that in OG, Cloud didn’t learn about the Promised Land until several chapters into the game.
Wol and Echo agree to help Cloud figure out why he’s here, since there’s clearly something strange going on with his presence in Palamecia. In fact, Cloud brought Midgar’s mako reactors with him somehow, transplanting them onto the landscape of Palamecia. The group decides to bomb these reactors, following Cloud’s instincts in the hopes that it will jog his memory.
Now for my favorite part. After blowing up another reactor, the group is surprised by the appearance of a crystal. A piano rendition of Aerith’s theme begins. When Wol tries to touch the crystal, something akin to a force field rejects him. When Cloud approaches it, however, the crystal responds to his hand by flashing with light. As it begins to glow, Wol concludes that the crystal is linked to Cloud and Cloud alone. Let’s examine the resulting dialogue:

“Echo: This is the light in your memories. The light of home.

Cloud: Home? But I don’t—

Echo: If you don't remember… then your home is lost to you.

Cloud: Then my memories are gone.

Wol: Do you want to reclaim your past?

Cloud: Not interested... I am what I am now. Not what I was.

Wol: Then tell me… This light. If you can’t remember it, what does it mean to you?

Cloud: It's a warm light... I feel at peace. If this place —home— is as warm and peaceful as this light, then I want to go there.

Echo: You can't go there... Not back to the past.

Cloud: I see.

Echo: But even if you can't go back to the past, you can go forward. If you wish for it strongly enough, the crystal will show you the way. The way to a new world. The way to your Promised Land. […]

Cloud: So... Should [I] take [my] chances and make a wish to this crystal?

Wol: Go ahead. It’s your crystal.

Echo: I should warn you that once you start on this journey, there's no coming back.

Cloud: The past is the past. I want to go to a place where everything is new. I’m ready.“

What follows is a moment I call the wishing scene (13:43-14:34). Cloud closes his eyes and wishes on the crystal. It flashes, and suddenly, rainbow-colored ripples of light appear around it. Aerith’s theme is replaced by a slightly modified version of “Midgar, City of Mako”, the track that plays during the opening cutscene of Remake. You can recreate the modification by listening to “Midgar, City of Mako” from 2:00 to 2:23, then skipping to 3:00 and listening until 3:18. You may recognize the musical motif that kicks off the wishing scene as the Lifestream motif, which has become symbolic of the mysteries of the Remake trilogy, as it often plays during scenes where unexplainable plot deviations from OG occur— more specifically, deviations involving multiverse shenanigans. For instance, it plays during MOTF 4. It also plays in Rebirth after Cloud blocks masamune as Aerith is shown dying anyway.
Cloud disappears with his crystal, after which Echo speaks to Wol about Cloud’s journey:

“Echo: Each person gets the Promised Land they justly deserve, not the one they really need. If you’re a bad person, you go to a bad place. If you expect nothing, you get nothing. Even the journey there makes you look deep within yourself to find out who you really are. Cloud should be facing his own past as we speak. It’s cruel, but necessary. That battle was a long time coming”.

Apparently, at least in the context of this collaboration event, the Promised Land can be a reward or a punishment, depending on which you deserve. Echo explains that Cloud will have to face himself and his past on his way to his Promised Land. This means that the Cloud that appears in Eclipse Contact must next embark on a journey that will confront him with his past, test his mettle, and ultimately lead him to the Promised Land he justly deserves.
III. e) ii. 2) Fact Analysis
There’s a lot of vital information to dig into here, mostly provided by Echo. She claims that the crystal’s light is linked to Cloud’s memories of home; Cloud has to have known this home in the past, as it could not otherwise exist in his memories. MFF Cloud must be a post-OG Cloud. Unfortunately, Echo indicates that whatever Cloud’s home is, he’s lost both it and his memories of it. Despite this, Cloud describes his home as warm and peaceful, concluding that he wishes to find it. Though Cloud can’t return to the past, Echo tells him that if he wishes it strongly enough, the crystal can guide him toward a new world, where his home and his Promised Land exist in the future. The fact that Aerith’s theme is playing all throughout these descriptions of Cloud’s lost home, his Promised Land and the past that he can’t return to makes it extremely obvious that these concepts all point to Aerith. Aerith is Cloud’s lost home. Wherever Aerith is, that’s his Promised Land. The time spent with Aerith before her loss is the past he tragically can’t return to. You might have clocked the similarities between Eclipse Contact’s mention of Cloud’s lost home and DFF’s mention of Cloud’s lost dream: in both these titles, Cloud’s home and dream are equivalent to his Promised Land. It’s confirmed yet again that Aerith is the one Cloud hopes to return to, just like every soul returns to the Lifestream. At this juncture of my research, I was curious as to why the last thing Cloud remembers before waking in Palamecia is the run-up to the Reactor 1 bombing mission in OG (disk 1, chapter 1). This mystery will have to persist for a while longer.
The alarm bells in your head might’ve been triggered by the mention of the wishing scene’s rainbow ripple effects— and rightfully so. This visual cue has sparked passionate debate in the fandom since its appearances in Rebirth, as seen in these pictures:
Zack Choosing To Get A Cure For Cloud, Rebirth Chapter 14; Creating a New World/Timeline
Aerith Pushing Cloud Out of that World/Timeline, Remake Chapter 14
Cloud Blocking Masamune, Rebirth Chapter 14; Creating New World/Timeline
You might have read or heard that this rainbow effect signifies that a character has entered another timeline, created a portal to another timeline, created a new timeline or is being shown different timelines. Indeed, whenever the OG timeline is deviated from in a significant way, this effect appears. The pictures above present multiple examples of these shifting realities.
One might propose that the rainbow ripples in Eclipse Contact and Rebirth are unrelated because of the long period between their respective release dates. This long in-between period indeed makes it likelier that the effect was used without forethought in Eclipse Contact, forgotten over the years, and incidentally reused in Rebirth as a plot-important visual cue with no connection to Eclipse Contact. I’m inclined to disagree since the crystal is specifically described as a vessel that can take Cloud “to a new world” by Echo, which is a bit on the nose. Regardless, it’s plausible that there’s no connection. That is, it would be, if the rainbow effect didn’t show up in Remake too.
When the Whispers are finally defeated in chapter 18 of Remake, a burst of the rainbow ripple effects indicate the emergence of multiple worlds, newly freed from the restrictive clutches of fate (1:16:36-1:16:47). Shortly thereafter, Sephiroth takes Cloud to the Edge of Creation and invites him to join forces with him. Cloud refuses, and Sephiroth says the following:

“Seven seconds till the end. Time enough for you. Perhaps. But what will you do with it? Let's see.”

The question “What will you do with it?” implies that the answer is unknown, meaning Cloud is no longer bound to the OG timeline by fate: many alternate futures lay ahead. Sephiroth is telling Cloud and the audience that now, the mystery of the Remake trilogy has become “Which future will Cloud bring into existence? Which among the infinite possible timelines will his choices result in?” After pondering this aloud, Sephiroth leaves Cloud alone to consider the rainbow effects in the sky (1:19:23-1:19:36). Because they generally represent alternate or changing timelines, it’s safe to assume that the rainbow ripples here represent the myriad of possible worlds that Cloud’s actions in those seven seconds could generate. After all, Sephiroth was just talking about them, and chapter 18’s description in Remake reads as follows:

“In a world beyond, Sephiroth shows Cloud a vision of the planet seven seconds before its demise. Having strayed from the course destiny set for them, they strike out on a path towards an unknown future."

This explains why the player is shown Cloud staring at those colors in the apocalyptic sky at world’s end, directly after hearing Sephiroth’s cryptic words: those are all the alternate “unknown future” timelines ahead of him, now unravelled from fate. Amongst those rainbow ripples lies the answer to the question “What will you do with [the seven seconds]?”
Given that Remake was released in 2020 and Eclipse Contact came out in 2017, the major story elements of the Remake trilogy —including the eventuality of alternate timelines— had to have been planned out at the time of Eclipse Contact’s release: while the MFF x FFVII Remake collaboration was being made, Remake was also in production. Also recall that the collaboration event and the Remake trilogy share a codirector in Hamaguchi, a writer in Nojima and a producer in Kitase. Based on all this, it’s more than likely that the rainbow ripples in the Remake trilogy and inEclipse Contact represent the very same thing: alternate worlds and timelines. All this to say that when the rainbow effect appears around the crystal in the Eclipse Contact, it means the crystal is acting as a vessel to another world, just like Echo said.
But that’s not all Echo said: she also mentioned that this other world would take Cloud to his home, to his Promised Land. We’ve already established what that means for Cloud, what it’s meant since two whole decades at the time of Eclipse Contact’s release: this crystal will take Cloud to Aerith. So, where exactly did the crystal take Cloud? In what world can he meet Aerith again?
The music that plays during the wishing scene gives us a huge hint. As I noted before, the track playing in the background is a slightly modified version of Remake’s “Midgar, City of Mako”, which plays in the introduction cutscene of Remake. This is a musical cue that the ending of Cloud’s journey in Eclipse Contact and the very beginning of the Remake trilogy are closely related. Add the fact that the devs wanted players to experience this collaboration event before playing Remake, and it becomes undeniable: the crystal that appeared to Cloud in Palamecia —which offers to lead him to his home and Promised Land, meaning to Aerith—, took him to the world of the Remaketrilogy.
Eclipse Contact is huge. The whole crux of my theory lives and dies right here. However, we still have part two of the MFF x FFVII Remake collaboration event to analyze as well as its promotions to look into before I can drop the thesis on you, so bear with me in order to receive the most thorough analysis of all this possible! I want to give you every drop of proof I can!
III. e) ii. MFF x FFVII Remake Fatal Calling
1) Fact-Finding
Fatal Calling came out February 1 of 2018, and its release campaign ended in March. The game opens with a cutscene: Cloud is floating, seemingly unconscious, through a sparkling, green current of light. The current flows into a circle of bright, white light, surrounded by rainbow ripple effects as Cloud is driven toward and into it. An orb floats along with him. The Advent Children theme “The Promised Land” plays, a choir of mournful, aching, mutedly desperate souls engaged in a lamenting prayer. Sephiroth’s voice echoes:

“Sephiroth: It’s time. You may turn your back on the past, lock your memories away. Hide reality beneath a layer of illusion. But destiny will not die so easily. Yes. At memory’s end you may plead for it all to go away. But the past is a curse, binding your soul. It’s time. Wake to your fate. Rise to your destiny.

Cloud: (In a half-conscious grunt) Reunion…

Sephiroth: The light will lead you. Wake to your fate. Rise!”

Sephiroth’s mentions of Cloud hiding under an illusion and repressing his memories are no doubt allusions to Cloud’s past, which was complicated and darkened by Hojo’s experiments. It makes sense, then, that Cloud responds with “Reunion”. Fatal Calling indeed focuses on Cloud’s relationship to his past, his identity and Sephiroth. Everything involving Nibelheim —where everything started—, Sephiroth’s manipulation, and Hojo’s experiments are on the table. Also noteworthy if not out of place is Sephiroth’s evocation of fate.
Cloud enters a battle with Sephiroth with the help of Wol and Echo, who are surprised to see him back in Palamecia. Cloud tells them about the orb seen floating along with him in the opening cutscene: though he calls it a materia, he doesn’t know how or when he acquired it. Based on his behavior, it appears that Cloud remembers just as little about the events of OG as he did by the end of Eclipse Contact. Wol informs Cloud that whoever he heard speaking to him on his way here was probably Vox pretending to be Sephiroth.
As the group advances, Cloud recalls Midgar and decides they should go there next. At one of Midgar’s mako reactors, the group encounters Sephiroth, who speaks to himself:

“It's still not enough. This... this is but a pale imitation of the power I desire.”

Once Sephiroth has disappeared, Cloud explains what he remembers: Sephiroth was the greatest SOLDIER of all and a hero to Cloud, though Cloud can’t remember what exactly ended this admiration. As players of FFVII OG, we know the event in question is the Nibelheim incident, wherein Sephiroth slaughtered the town’s residents, including Cloud’s mother, after learning of his past. The former war hero also severely injured Tifa, whom Cloud presumed dead when he found her in the old mako reactor with a vicious slash on her chest. Cloud is agitated by the gaps in his memory, so the group resolves to follow Sephiroth for answers. When they find him again, Sephiroth causes Cloud to experience a piercing headache with the mere mention of the Reunion. They fight, but Sephiroth is too powerful— he skewers Cloud with the masamune and taunts his unconscious body:

“Sephiroth: A puppet. I won’t kill you. Not yet. Not until you know true despair.
Wol: If you want despair, we got plenty to go around. Palamecia’s full of it.
Sephiroth: Yes, this planet knows suffering. But it is not the world that was promised to me. I must go home. Tell Cloud, if he wants to see me again, he should face his memories. I will await him there, in the land of memory, where it all began. In Nibelheim.”

Sephiroth darkens Cloud’s materia, turning it black. Later, Wol explains to Cloud that Sephiroth stole the light from his materia, taking Cloud’s strength along with it.
Once Cloud has woken up, the group travels to Nibelheim to uncover the truth about Cloud’s memories. Cloud slowly gathers pieces of his past, shown to the player as titled, diary-like text written from various perspectives. Cloud learns the truth about SOLDIER, Jenova cells, Sephiroth, and what happened in Nibelheim. Let’s examine a few of these diary entries:

“A Warrior’s Tale: There's a girl in Nibelheim I think about. Warm. Cheerful. More grown-up than a child. Haven't talked to her much, but she seems nice. She's going to be leading the SOLDIERs to the mountain reactor. Maybe if I get into the survey team I'll get a chance to talk to her? Nah. She's out of my league.”

Young Cloud’s crush on Tifa is on full display! This must be a memory from his time as an infantryman accompanying Zack and Sephiroth to Nibelheim.

“Tale of the Nameless: I drift along in the mako, asleep. Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Give me a number. I… I… I am… The Reunion. The Reunion must happen.”

This entry could be taken from any one of the Nibelheim survivors’ perspectives, as they were all bathed in mako and turned into Sephiroth clones. I would venture to say this is Cloud’s perspective though, given the reference to this iconic line from OG:

“Cloud: Professor... please give me a number. Please, Professor...
Hojo: Shut up, miserable failure.” (disk 2, chapter 2).

The trio encounters Sephiroth near the old Mt. Nibel mako reactor. Because Sephiroth stole the light from his materia earlier, Cloud goes into the confrontation already drained of his strength. However, when Cloud lifts the materia in his hand, it lights up and creates rainbow ripples in the air around him, similar to those seen in Eclipse Contact and Rebirth. Cloud is healed of his injuries: he closes his eyes for a moment, wearing a peaceful expression. Sephiroth is displeased, but recovers quickly:

“Sephiroth: The guiding light… it healed you.

Wol: […] here, near the mako reactor, the materia regained its light. And your strength returned […]. [Sephiroth]’s here so he can steal the power you've stored inside that materia.

Sephiroth, with a short laugh: I have all the power I need. Cloud. What strength you’ve regained is yours. Use it to fight me. It’s time. Let’s decide this, in this land lost to despair. The prize is home. The Promised Land. There to answer the call of destiny.”

With this second evocation of fate, Sephiroth disappears.
Cloud, Wol and Echo find Sephiroth at the Northern Crater. He mocks Cloud for believing the orb in his possession is materia. Sephiroth waves a hand and his signature black and purple fog surrounds Cloud, immobilizing him. Sephiroth claims that the power Cloud regained at the Mt. Nibel reactor was Sephiroth’s all along. Now that it courses through Cloud’s veins, Sephiroth controls him. He calls Cloud his puppet and finishes with the following before the two vanish, leaving Wol and Echo alone:

“Now, let us return. Back to the Promised Land. The time of the Reunion has come.”

After Cloud finally breaks free and defeats Sephiroth with the help of Wol and Echo, the villain makes a final threat:

“Very good, Cloud. You’ve destroyed an illusion. But the time will come to abandon your illusions and face reality. Then, you will know true pain.”

Sephiroth disappears for the last time, his body surrounded by his signature dark fog and the rainbow ripples. A piano rendition of Tifa’s theme begins. Cloud’s orb rises into the air and becomes a crystal, with the same shape and glow as the one we see in Eclipse Contact. The following dialogue is illuminating:

“Cloud: I will fight. The light will lead me where I need to go.

Wol: You sure? Wasn’t that [crystal] Sephiroth’s?

Cloud: I heard Sephiroth's voice, at the end. Inside me. Whatever he put in me, it’s still in there. Someday I’ll settle that score. If I can't avoid destiny, I might as well face it head-on.

Wol: Yeah. That was quite a speech, Cloud. Surprised you made it through without laughing.

Cloud: Yeah, forget I said it. I will too.

Echo: Forgetting won’t make it go away. Even if the words fade from memory, your dream will never disappear. Not until it becomes real.“

The crystal shines as though in response.

“Echo: See? See, that's how the light of hope works. Hope can turn your dreams into reality.

Cloud: Yeah. I guess so. I might forget this world, but I won’t forget hope. And my reality, that’s for me to live.”

Tifa’s theme ends. Cloud approaches the crystal, and disappears in a beam of blinding light. Once Cloud has vanished with the crystal, Aerith’s theme begins playing. A few pale feathers with a slight orange tint (the color of MFF) float down onto the floor where he stood seconds before. The image fades to black. The credits roll, and Aerith’s theme continues all the way through.
Once both the final name in the credits and Aerith’s theme fade, we’re surprised by a sudden, troubling image: Sephiroth appears in a frightening flash, standing amidst the flames of Nibelheim. When his image fades to black, the collaboration title *“Final Fantasy VII x Mobius Final Fantasy”*appears on the screen. The FFVII title is surrounded by the 1997 meteor logo. Then, a flash of light: the titles reappear, except this time, they read “Final Fantasy VII REMAKE x Mobius Final Fantasy”. The new Remake Meteor logo replaces the 1997 version. As soon as these changes to the FFVIItitle and meteor logo occur, Aerith’s theme returns. It plays on until the game ends a few seconds later, the screen fading to black.
III. e) ii. 2) Fact Analysis
The introduction cutscene shows that MFF Cloud travelled from Eclipse Contact to Fatal Calling via Lifestream. It’s unclear how much time has passed in between, but the atemporal nature of the Lifestream makes the question irrelevant. My theory that MFF Cloud has died is corroborated by the way he’s depicted in the opening cutscene: his eyes are closed and his body is limp as the Lifestream carries him.
Eclipse Contact ended with Echo’s claim that Cloud will face his true self and confront his past while he journeys to his Promised Land. This description resembles what Cloud experienced in the OG Lifestream sequence (disk 2, chapter 8). Indeed, Fatal Calling revolves around the same topics the Lifestream sequence addresses: the truth about the Nibelheim incident, Hojo’s experiments, young Cloud’s crush on Tifa, etc. The opening cutscene shows Cloud being transported to his Promised Land and facing his past on the way there, just like Echo said he would.
Let’s now take a long detour to examine the song that plays during the opening cutscene of Fatal Calling: “The Promised Land” theme from Advent Children. The title and general subject of this song are obviously relevant to the cutscene, but there must be more to its inclusion than that. Perhaps the lyrics can help us understand its appearance in the opening cutscene of Fatal Calling. Here are the unofficial English lyrics (translated from the original Japanese lyrics by an anonymous fan and verified by me via DeepL):

“Why do we cling together?
Why do we give punishment to lesser hearts?
The planet did not forgive us
Did not forgive us
The planet did not forgive us
Did not forgive us
The pulse of veins flows through the earth
A faint, faint pulse
Of a heart drawn to death
A gentle life returns to the planet
Is it necessary to sacrifice souls?
Why do we cling together?
Why do we beg for forgiveness
In the Promised Land?” (“‘The Promised Land’ (theme)” by Final Fantasy Wiki).

The song appears to be a regretful lament of human behavior, expressed by the repetition of “Why do we […]?” questions. The behaviors listed are all typically human ones: the terms “[clinging] together” and “[giving] punishment to [the] lesser” express the uniquely human nature of tribalism and the consequences of the fear and hatred it can generate, and “[begging] for forgiveness in the Promised Land” is likely a reference to the human hypocrisy of only feeling sorry for one’s crimes when judgement day arrives. This last line describes a scenario where someone remains passive or ignorant in the face of something important, only to realize its essentiality once it’s too late. The repeated“The planet did not forgive us” lines reflect the fear of being condemned forever because of one’s mistakes, as though the planet is a deity one has sinned against. The lyric describing a pulse in the earth is obviously about the planet being alive— a reference to the Lifestream. But the pulse is faint and weak and the planet is dying, perishing because of mankind’s greed. This is an indictment of mako energy. The line “A gentle life returns to the planet” refers to an innocent’s soul returning to the Lifestream after death, while the next lyric “Is it necessary to sacrifice souls?” protests the “sacrifice” of the planet’s soul energy for mako production. In all this darkness, this song’s mention of “forgiveness in the Promised Land” leaves a modicum of hope for a better place, however meek, even though mankind might not deserve it. The song “The Promised Land” is both a lament of mankind’s ways and a plea for mercy, with religious and/or spiritual undertones. The song’s themes seem to be: the Promised Land itself, regret and shame, the sins and foolishness of mankind, the death of innocents, grief, Cetra spirituality, and a meek, quiet hope despite it all. The most interesting aspect of the song is its antithetical portrayal of death as a thing of both despair and hope, condemnation and salvation, cruelty and mercy, suffering and relief. Maybe we can glean more information about this theme’s significance in the world of FFVII if we examine the contexts in which it appears.
Importantly, the song plays in Marlene’s introductory narration of Advent Children, meaning its themes are related or similar to the film’s. I highly recommend listening and watching it again, even if you remember this iconic segment. Marlene references Aerith’s sacrifice as the image of Cloud lowering her into the water is shown. Note that Marlene says “Sadness was the price to see it end” (2:36) after we are shown Aerith’s death and her subsequent unleashing of the Lifestream (1:49-2:24): Aerith’s innocent life was sacrificed for the planet’s survival. The lyrics “A gentle life returns to the planet” and “Is it necessary to sacrifice souls?” suit Aerith’s situation quite well.
The theme also plays in Advent Children as Kadaj dies in Cloud’s arms (1:45:00-1:47:55), hearing Aerith’s gentle voice and reaching up to take her invisible hand. Here is what Aerith says to him in his dying moments as “The Promised Land” plays:

“Aerith’s voice: Kadaj?

Kadaj: Huh?

The dark sky has gone with Sephiroth. Healing rain starts falling from bright clouds. The rain no longer hurts Kadaj.

Aerith’s voice: You don’t have to hang on any longer.

Kadaj: Mother! Is that…?

Aerith’s voice: Everyone’s waiting, if you’re ready.

Kadaj nods his head slightly in acceptance. He holds out his hand, and slowly evaporates into the Lifestream. Cloud watches […]” (Advent Children).

Kadaj is brought into the Lifestream by Aerith as she provides rain from the Lifestream. All those with geostigma are healed by the rain, and Tifa feels Aerith’s presence as the party celebrates:

“Tifa, looking out at the falling rain […]: Somehow, I knew you were there. Thank you” (Advent Children).

Cloud stands in the rain with a smile —his first in the whole film—, closes his eyes and basks in Aerith’s healing with his face upturned. He is finally at peace:

“Cloud’s expression is one of peace as the [Lifestream] rain patters against him” (Final Fantasy VII Advent Children English script, “[83] Atop the Shinra Building”).

One thing is clear: the track “The Promised Land” accompanies Aerith. It only makes sense, since we’ve seen overwhelming evidence that she is Cloud’s Promised Land, and since she occupies the Lifestream —which some consider the Promised Land as it is where souls go after death— during the events of Advent Children. Note that when the piece plays, Cloud is shown either mourning Aerith and releasing her into the river at the Cetra capital, or basking in her presence, smiling with relief at the peaceful feeling that she’s somewhere near: these two opposing scenes reflect the song’s antithetical portrayal of death.
Additionally, the song’s themes of regret, shame concerning one’s sins and a small hope perfectly describe Cloud’s character arc and feelings in Advent Children. Cloud regrets his inability to save Aerith, which he considers a sin. Further, he only realized how important she is to him once it was too late to tell her. And of course, he harbors a fragile yet important hope that he’ll be reunited with her in the Promised Land:

“‘Can sins ever be forgiven?’ — Cloud asks this to Vincent, who mutters a brief answer. For both of them, ‘I couldn't protect my loved one’ is the sense of guilt that they carry, so their words resonate with weight” (FFVII 10th Anniversary Ultimania Revised Edition, “Chapter 2: Character in FFVIIWorld”, “Vincent Valentine”, “In Advent Children”, page 72).

"’It is my sin that I couldn't protect my loved one’ — under this assumption, Cloud closes off his heart. What will the reunion with Aerith bring him? ‘I... think I want to be forgiven. Yeah, I just want to be forgiven’” (FFVII 10th Anniversary Ultimania Revised Edition, “Chapter 2: Character in FFVIIWorld”, “Cloud Strife”, “In Advent Children”, page 40).
“Cloud, after seeing Aerith’s hand reach for him through the Lifestream: … I think I'm beginning to understand.

Tifa: What?

Cloud: An answer from the Planet… the Promised Land... I think I can meet her... there” (disk 3, chapter 3).

Just as the song and Marlene express in the introduction of the film, Aerith was innocent, and her sacrifice generated great grief. Cloud finally experiences peace when he feels her presence in the healing rain, and he smiles: he’s glad to be with her again, even if it’s only for a brief moment of tangential respite.
The scene depicts Aerith guiding Kadaj into the Lifestream as the song plays, tying her to the concept and theme song of the Promised Land once more. This connection is later solidified by Tifa’s thanks to the late flower girl. All of this evidence shows us that this musical theme is intimately linked to Aerith, as it never plays in her absence. After all, the song speaks of sins, the death of innocents, forgiveness, grief, a small sense of hope, regret and the afterlife: all themes relevant to Cloud’s feelings surrounding Aerith’s death in and outside of Advent Children.
The Remake OST also includes a version of this piece called “The Promised Land - Cycle of Life”. This iteration of the theme begins playing in the wake of the first bombing mission, right after Sephiroth taunts Cloud with his mother’s dying words in Sector 8 (chapter 2). Sephiroth appears to Cloud surrounded by flames, evoking the Nibelheim massacre, and the theme begins playing in the background once he disappears, continuing (13:17-15:30) as Cloud walks through the sector, encountering fires and destruction all around him. This version of the Promised Land theme is meant to emphasize the deaths of the innocent Nibelheim townsfolk and the innocents in Sector 8. This dreadful atmosphere is amplified by the cries of despair that ring all around as Cloud passes by NPC Sector 8 residents. Perhaps the themes of tribalism and mankind’s sin are relevant to this scene as well, since Shinra and Avalanche are two distinct and warring groups whose quarrels, regardless of their necessity, result in the deaths of innocents. The theme of guilt also emerges, reflecting the Avalanche members’ feelings upon seeing the unintended collateral damage of the explosion. “The Promised Land - Cycle of Life” plays until Cloud encounters Aerith on Loveless. So it seems in this scenario, the heavy weight of death and despair is lifted when Cloud meets the lively, cheery Aerith. Once more, Aerith is central to the musical theme of the Promised Land, as well as to the concept itself.
I also noticed that a version of the song plays as Cloud and the party ready to enter the Forgotten Capital to save Aerith in Rebirth’s chapter 14: it truly adds the weight of her upcoming death to the scene.
Back to Fatal Calling, the scene where Cloud regains his strength is quite mysterious. Wol says Cloud’s orb regained its “guiding light” light because of its proximity to the mako reactor. In the moment his strength is replenished, Cloud is shown tilting his head back and closing his eyes: this is reminiscent of the scene in Advent Children when he stands under Aerith’s healing Lifestream rain, feeling at peace. The rainbow ripples shining from the orb indicate that something is crossing the boundaries of worlds. Since the mako reactor pumps up the Lifestream, being near a reactor also means being physically near the Lifestream. This means Aerith’s spirit is within proximity. In my opinion, Aerith was able to heal Cloud from the Lifestream, just like in Advent Children. However, Aerith is not in Palamecia with him: her healing had to travel there through the Lifestream, transcending the boundaries of worlds, hence the rainbow ripples.
Let’s now address the appearance of Tifa’s character theme in Fatal Calling. Since Fatal Calling is all about discovering Cloud’s past in Nibelheim and then in Hojo’s lab, it makes lots of sense for Tifa’s theme to play as the crystal appears. In OG’s Lifestream sequence (disk 2 chapter 8), she’s the one there helping Cloud sort through his past instead of Wol and Echo. Cloud even picks up a piece of his childhood crush on Tifa in Fatal Calling as a shard of his memory. After all, this crush was the catalyst for him joining SOLDIER, and everything that transpired in consequence:

“Cloud: That was the first time I heard about Sephiroth. If I got strong like Sephiroth, then everyone might... If I could just get stronger... Then even Tifa would have to notice me” (FFVII OG, disk 2, chapter 8).

Additionally, it’s fitting that her theme should begin right after Sephiroth speaks of “[abandoning] your illusions and [facing] reality”, considering that Cloud’s false persona was concocted by Jenova using Tifa’s mistaken impressions of Cloud:

“While being tended to by a station worker in the Sector 7 Slum train station, [Cloud] was reunited with Tifa, and using the abilities of Jenova’s cells, formed a new personality” (FFVII 10th Anniversary Ultimania Revised Edition, “Chapter 2: Character in FFVII World, “Cloud Strife”, “Cloud Behavior Record, Compilation of FFVII”, page 40).
“(Image caption:) A new personality takes shape the moment he sees Tifa” (FFVII Story Playback, “Story Check: Tifa’s Flashback”).

“Tifa (to Cloud): Deep down, you're a pretty nice guy. Didn't see it when we were kids, but...” (Remake, chapter 14).

MetaWin is an online gambling platform that supports classic casino games, instant-win competitions, and NFT collectibles. Players benefit from anonymous accounts, instant payouts, and high RTP (return-to-player).
MetaWin
But that begs the question: Is MetaWin legit? In this MetaWin review, we cover everything from safety and legitimacy to available games, payments, user experience, and much more.

What is MetaWin?

MetaWin is a popular gambling site that operates on the Ethereum blockchain. As a decentralized platform, MetaWin allows players to gamble online without revealing their identity. In fact, players are not required to open an account – let alone upload KYC documents. Instead, players simply need to connect their wallet to the MetaWin website to begin gambling.
So what games does MetaWin offer?
There are three core divisions on the MetaWin platform. First, there are MetaWin competitions. These are similar to online lotteries but with a core difference – results are determined by smart contract technology. In other words, competition outcomes are guaranteed for their randomness and fairness. Best of all, many MetaWin competitions are free to enter. But to increase the chances of winning, players can purchase additional tickets.
MetaWin Crypto Gambling Site
Another segment of the MetaWin platform is instant-win games. This covers a wide range of classic and new-age casino games. This includes popular table games, including baccarat, roulette, and blackjack. These games are backed by regulated software providers like Pragmatic Play. MetaWin also allows players to access live dealer table games. This offers a real-world casino experience but with cryptocurrencies.
What’s more, MetaWin also offers a wide range of slot games, including plenty of megaways and jackpots. Our MetaWin review also found that the platform allows players to win NFTs. These are popular NFTs that trade on OpenSea and can be won via a lottery-style competition.
Not only does MetaWin offer a broad selection of gambling products alongside anonymous accounts, but payouts are instant. Players can move funds between their wallets and the MetaWin platform at the click of a button. MetaWin supports some of the best crypto wallets, including MetaMask. That said, those looking for a Bitcoin casino will be disappointed – as MetaWin only accepts Ethereum.

MetaWin Pros and Cons

Still exploring the question: Is MetaWin legit? Below, we summarize our MetaWin review with the platform’s best and worst features:
Pros

• One of the best Ethereum casinos for 2024
• No account required – gamble anonymously by connecting a crypto wallet
• Instant payouts
• Supports slots, table games, and live dealers
• Lottery-style competitions backed by Ethereum smart contracts

Cons

• One of the newest crypto casinos in town – so has a limited track record
• Only supports Ethereum

Is MetaWin Regulated & Licensed?

MetaWin is a blockchain-based casino that allows players to gamble anonymously. The main caveat here is that, unlike traditional gambling sites, MetaWin is not regulated. This isn’t a huge surprise considering the anonymous nature of cryptocurrencies in general.
Crucially, players will need to assess the risks of using an unlicensed casino when gambling online. If privacy and anonymity are important factors, then a compromise on regulation needs to be had. That said, many of the games available on MetaWin are backed by Pragmatic Play.
For those unaware, Pragmatic Play is one of the most reputable casino software providers in the market. What’s more, Pragmatic Play is regulated by the UK’s Gambling Commission. This ensures that instant-win casino games on MetaWin are true, fair, and 100% random.
MetaWin Slots

Is MetaWin Secure?

While some players might feel uncomfortable using an unlicensed casino, our MetaWin review found that the platform offers a safe gaming experience.
First and foremost, there is no requirement to enter any personal information or contact details when registering. Nor do players need to upload a government-issued ID or proof of address. This ensures that players avoid being a victim of identity theft and fraud.
Another safeguard is that players do not need to enter sensitive financial information into the MetaWin website. On the contrary, players only need to link their wallets via an encrypted connection. For example, many MetaWin players opt for MetaMask. Before the wallet is connected, MetaMask will ask for authorization. This ensures that only the wallet owner can transfer funds to and from MetaWin.

The Transparency of Blockchain-Based Gambling Transactions

We also found that the blockchain-based nature of MetaWin is a great safety net. For instance, consider that all Ethereum transactions are posted to the blockchain. This means that players have undeniable proof of deposits and withdrawals. While there should be any issues in this regard, this is a handy safeguard if a payment doesn’t arrive on time. That said, MetaWin payments are almost always credited instantly.

Is MetaWin Fair?

One of the most important metrics to explore when gambling online is the fairness of gaming outcomes.
There are two segments to this discussion. First, MetaWin competitions are backed by smart contracts. While instant-win casino games like blackjack and slots are provided by third parties.
Let’s explore the fairness of MetaWin games in more detail.

Smart Contract-Backed Competitions

As we cover in more detail shortly, one of the most popular gambling products on MetaWin is its competition. For example, an ongoing MetaWin competition is offering a 5 ETH prize pot. Based on current ETH/USD prices, the competition is valued at over $9,000.
But is MetaWin legit? And are its competitions fair?
First and foremost, MetaWin competitions are blockchain-based. Winners are determined randomly via a smart contract agreement. This ensures that MetaWin competitions are 100% true, fair, and random.

But why? Well, smart contracts are executed via the Ethereum blockchain. More importantly, Ethereum smart contracts are open source. This means that the underlying smart contract code is publicly available, meaning anyone can view and audit it. This ensures that MetaWin competition outcomes are transparent.
Moreover, smart contracts ensure that competition outcomes are completely random. This gives everyone a fair chance of winning. At any time, players can check the smart contract transaction to verify this. Not only will this show the randomness of the smart contract but the winning wallet address.

Instant-Win Casino Games Backed by Regulated Software

The vast majority of online casino sites have their games supplied by software providers. MetaWin is no different in this regard. However, MetaWin is a brand-new platform, so it has only secured a deal with one software provider to date – Pragmatic Play.
As noted earlier, Pragmatic Play is a regulated software provider with a long-standing track record. And, as Pragmatic Play is regulated by the UK’s Gambling Commission, its games come with a full host of safeguards that ensure fairness and integrity.
For example, one of the key requirements stipulated by the Gambling Commission is that new casino games must go through a testing house process. Put simply, this means that the casino game must be tested and audited before it is licensed to platforms like MetaWin. This means that all of the slots, table games, and other gambling products on MetaWin are random and fair.
Not only that but the UK Gambling Commission also requires security audit reports from the software providers it licenses. Once again, this ensures that MetaWin casino games are legitimate and credible.

What Games can you Play at MetaWin?

Now that we’ve covered the safety and security of MetaWin, we will now take a closer look at its gaming suite.
We’ll break down each gambling product so players know what to expect before proceeding.

Slots

MetaWin offers a broad range of slot titles to suit all tastes. Some of the most popular slots available are Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, African Elephant, and Rock Vegas.
MetaWin also offers a huge selection of Megaways slots. These are slots that often come with over 100,000 active paylines. When a player lands a winning combination, the respective reels will ‘refresh’, meaning new symbols will drop. This allows players to land multiple wins on the same spin.

Some of the best Megaways slots available on MetaWin include 5 Lions, Big Bass, Buffalo King, and Curse of the Werewolf. Other popular titles include Great Rhino, Madame Destiny, Fury of Odin, and Floating Dragon.
We also found that MetaWin is popular for Drop & Win slots. These are slot games that randomly trigger bonuses and features – adding to the excitement. Some of the most popular Drop & Win slots on MetaWin include 3 Dancing Monkeys, Big Bass Splash, Book of Fallen, and Chili Heat.

MetaWin Slot Filters

We like that the MetaWin slots department comes with additional features.
For example:

• Players can easily find a suitable slot by using the filters.
• Players can filter by the slot type, such as Megaways, classic, and cluster.
• Players can also search for their favorite features, including multipliers, free spins, and bonus buys.
• Alternatively, players can find suitable slots by the theme. This includes everything from Asian and fishing to fruits, money, and holidays.

We also like that slots on MetaWin can be played in demo mode. This allows players to take the slot game for a test drive before risking any money. Players can seamlessly switch between real and demo modes at any time.

Table Games

In addition to slots, MetaWin also offers a wide range of table games.
For example, players can access European roulette, which comes with a lower house edge than its American counterpart. After all, there is only one green zero to contend with. The RTP on MetaWin roulette is 97.30%. That said, we were disappointed not to see French roulette or any other popular variations.
Nonetheless, MetaWin also supports blackjack games. There are many blackjack variations to choose from, including Speed, Azure, and The Club. Each offers a slight twist on the classic variation of blackjack, so check the rules and RTP before selecting a title.
Additionally, MetaWin also offers classic baccarat. This will appeal to players seeking casino games with the lowest house edges. For example, the RTP on banker and player bets is 98.94% and 98.76%, respectively.

Live Dealer Tables

Our MetaWin review also found that the platform supports live casino dealers. Just like its software games, tables are backed by the regulated provider Pragmatic Play.
Supported live dealer tables include blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. The table is beamed to the player’s screen via an HD camera. Players make their hand decisions virtually, and then the dealer will action it in real life. This allows MetaWin players to enjoy a real casino experience without leaving home.

Another feature of MetaWin live dealer games is they support casual players and high rollers. For example, some tables come with a minimum bet size of just $0.10. While VIP tables allow bets of up to $5,000 per round.
MetaWin also supports Mega Wheel. This is a live game show that spins a wheel containing various multipliers. For example, if the player gambles $50 worth of ETH and the wheel lands on 100x, they will win $5,000.

Competitions

Another popular gambling product on MetaWin is its competition. As we briefly mentioned earlier, competitions are not too dissimilar to a traditional lottery. But unlike traditional lottery games, winners are determined by smart contracts. This ensures a transparent and fair gambling experience.
So how do MetaWin competitions work?
First, players will need to obtain a ticket to enter the competition draw. MetaWin offers one free ticket to all players. However, the password to unlock the free ticket must be claimed via the MetaWin Telegram group.

That said, to stand the best chance of winning, players can also purchase additional tickets.
There are four options in this regard:

• 50 entries: 0.012 ETH
• 165 entries: 0.036 ETH
• 780 entries: 0.156 ETH
• 2,000 entries:0.36 ETH

As per the above, the more tickets that are bought, the lower the cost price. For example, 2,000 tickets can be purchased for 0.36 ETH. This translates to 0.00018 ETH per ticket.
Purchasing 50 tickets, however, costs 0.012 ETH. This brings the average ticket price up to 0.00024 ETH. An ongoing MetaWin competition is offering a total prize pot of 5 ETH. There are currently 105 participants, each with varying numbers of entries.

MetaWin Wallet Connect & Accepted Deposit Methods

MetaWin offers a simple, anonymous, and fast payment process. The only way to deposit funds is by connecting a wallet to the MetaWin website.
Players can choose from MetaMask or the Coinbase Wallet. MetaWin also supports Wallet Connect. This means that more than 300 additional crypto wallets are supported. If opting for Wallet Connect, MetaWin will display a unique QR code. The player will need to scan the QR with their mobile wallet app. Those using a desktop wallet can copy the QR code in text format and proceed to make the payment.

Payments with MetaMask are even more seamless. After clicking on the ‘Connect Wallet’ button and selecting ‘MetaMask’, a pop-up notification will appear. MetaMask will ask for confirmation of the connection, and that’s it – the player can deposit funds.
Irrespective of the wallet used, it is important to remember that MetaWin only supports Ethereum. No other ERC20 tokens will be supported. Moreover, there is no minimum deposit requirement on MetaWin. However, players will need to consider GAS fees.

How do MetaWin Withdrawals Work?

• Withdrawing Ethereum from MetaWin is very simple.
• Players simply need to click on the ‘Wallet’ button and type in the amount they wish to cash out.
• The wallet will already be connected to the MetaWin website, so there is no requirement to enter the receiving address.
• After confirming the withdrawal, MetaWin will release the payment instantly.
• Therefore, the Ethereum tokens should appear in the player’s wallet in seconds.

MetaWin NFTs

Another popular feature of MetaWin is it allows players to win NFTs. Currently, there are three NFTs available, and both trade on OpenSea.
First, is the ‘Beanz’ NFT, #12022. MetaWin states that this NFT is currently worth $2,755. While there are lower floor prices on the OpenSea website, #12022 comes with rarer traits. In order to stand a chance of winning this NFT, players must hold at least two ‘Reepz’ NFTs. These currently have a floor price of 0.07 ETH on OpenSea, or about $130.
MetaWin is also hosting NFT competitions on the ‘Killabears’ collection. There are currently two individual collections. #9 is currently valued at $3,637. While #2117 is valued at $5,511. These figures are provided by MetaWin, so be sure to check the floor prices on OpenSea before proceeding.

Unlike the Beanze NFT competition, there is no requirement to hold another NFT to enter. Instead, players can buy tickets. 1 ticket costs 0.019 ETH. But lower cost prices are available when buying a larger quantity of tickets.

MetaWin Bonuses

One of the main drawbacks of MetaWin is that it does not offer a welcome package to new players. Nor does it offer any regular promotions for existing players.
Those looking for generous welcome packages and promotions can check out our guide on the best Bitcoin casinos for 2024.

Is MetaWin Legit?

Now that we have explored the platform from top to bottom, let’s evaluate the question: Is Metawin legit?
On the one hand, MetaWin is a new casino site with a limited track record. Moreover, MetaWin operates without a casino license. That said, this is standard practice in the blockchain gambling space. After all, operating away from traditional gambling bodies allows players to gamble anonymously and privately.
Furthermore, MetaWin instant-win games are backed by Pragmatic Play. This is a reputable and regulated software provider with a great reputation. All of the Pragmatic Play games supplied to MetaWin have gone through a testing and auditing process, enduring fairness. Its lottery and NFT competitions are also legit. As mentioned, these are backed by open-source smart contracts. Gaming outcomes are guaranteed for their fairness, and the underlying code can be checked at any time.

All that being said, MetaWin does come with its drawbacks. For example, its gaming suite is limited when compared to other crypto casinos. While it covers the most popular gambling products, the number of available titles is small. This will likely increase once MetaWin forms partnerships with additional software providers.
Another drawback is that MetaWin does not offer any casino bonuses. This means that players are not incentivized to open an account and remain on the platform long-term. We were also disappointed to see that MetaWin only supports Ethereum payments. Those looking to deposit Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will need to look elsewhere.

Conclusion

In summary, we found that MetaWin is a legit casino that offers a broad selection of games, generous competition payouts, and anonymous accounts.

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Theodosius, whose name means "gift of God," grew up in the small cities of Vasilkov and Kursk where his father was a judge. Although his parents were Christian and gave him an education directed primarily at the study of Scripture, they were astonished to see his heart so completely overtaken by love for God.
His father died when Theodosius was 13, and this caused the boy to retreat still further from the world common to one of his age and social rank. He gave away his good clothes, preferring to dress like the poor, and found pleasure in helping the peasants with their work. He often went to church, and when he learned that Divine Liturgy was sometimes not celebrated due to a lack of prosphora, he undertook to bake them himself. His mother loved him dearly, but she did not share her son's life-encompassing Christian outlook; she was very conscious of her social standing and felt that by engaging in such lowly occupations Theodosius brought shame upon the family. She tried cajoling, then threatening and even physically beating him to make him change his ways, but Theodosius stood firmly on the path of the Gospel commandments.
His zeal for the things of God inspired Theodosius to slip away with a band of pilgrims bound for the Holy Land. Three days later his mother tracked him down, berated the pilgrims for having taken the boy along, and dragged Theodosius home where she kept him in chains until the youth promised not to leave her again.
The humility of the youth and the sufferings he endured at the hands of his mother came to the attention of the governor who requested that the youth attend him in church. This served to calm the domestic drama, but Theodosius' heart yearned for a more concentrated spiritual atmosphere, for monastic life. Standing in church one day, he was struck by the words of the Gospel: "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." With fixed resolve, he took advantage of his mother's departure into the country for a few days to set out for Kiev, taking with him nothing but some bread for the road. The monks in the established monasteries, however, turned him away because he had no money. Then he heard about the righteous Anthony. Coming to his cave, Theodosius fell to his knees and begged the holy ascetic to accept him.
"My son," said Anthony, "you see my cave; it is cramped and dismal, and I fear you will not endure the difficulties of life here." "Know, O blessed father," replied Theodosius. "that God Himself has led me to your holiness that I might find salvation. I shall do all that you enjoin." Foreseeing his future greatness, the blessed Anthony accepted the determined aspirant and bade the priest monk Nikon tonsure him. Theodosius was 23 years old.
It was a few years before his distraught mother finally discovered her son’s whereabouts. With great reluctance Theodosius went out to her. At first she vowed that she would die if he did not come home with her. But gradually God softened her heart and she came to see the wisdom of her son's patient admonitions. Following his advice she entered the St. Nicholas convent there in Kiev where she ended her days in peace.
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When Theodosius became abbot, he saw need for a common rule to unite the growing community--which by that time was living above the ground; only a few hermits were left in the caves--and he sent one of his monks to Constantinople to copy out the rule of the Studite Monastery. The rule governed the daily life of the monk: it set the hours of prayer and work; monks were forbidden to have any personal possessions, everything was held in common; all monks were together for common meals: time, apart from prayer, was to be spent in working; all activity was begun with a blessing from an elder and with prayer. The monks were to reveal their thoughts to the abbot, a practice which roused them to constant spiritual vigilance and helped to check manifestations of the passions before they took root in the heart.
Above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves (I Peter 4:8).
It was St, Theodosius' choice of the Studite Rule, with its emphasis on the duty of charity and the common good, which served to revive the ancient ideal of strict cenobitism and gave Russian monasticism its characteristic warmth. "What is principally necessary," taught Theodosius, "is that the youngest should love their neighbor and listen to their elders with humility and obedience. The elders should lavish on the young love and instruction; they should teach them and comfort them." This attitude created an atmosphere eminently suitable for missionary work, and it was thanks to the monasteries that Christianity was so successfully propagated in Russia.
Of a strong constitution, Theodosius was a model of industriousness. Even as abbot, he felled trees, carried water, and ground wheat, often helping the other brethren with their obediences. Once, the cook came to ask if he would assign a monk to cut firewood, as the kitchen supply was depleted. "I am idle," replied the Saint, and he set to chopping wood himself. He worked through the dinner hour and the brethren, when they came out and saw their abbot hard at work, were inspired to do likewise.
Knowing the great benefit of good books upon the soul, Theodosius instituted the reading of spiritually profitable texts during meals, and sought to augment the number of such books in the monastery. Books were still a rarity at that time, and one of the valued occupations of the monastery was the copying and binding of manuscripts. Theodosius himself helped in this work.
At first, life in the Caves Monastery was very austere indeed. The monks lived principally on rye bread and water with the addition of a few vegetables which they cultivated themselves; they wove their own cloth and sewed their own garments. When the brethren murmured about some deficiency, Theodosius exhorted them to place their trust in the Lord Who knew their needs. And his faith was often miraculously rewarded.
The reputation of the monks as 'angels on earth' began attracting pilgrims; princes and peasants ca me for spiritual counsel and left donations. Grand Prince Izyaslav, who became very attached to St. Theodosius and frequently came to visit him, was a great benefactor of the monastery, as also was the Viking Prince Shimon who was baptized into the Orthodox Church together with his entire household, numbering some 3,000 members.
With increased mean s, Theodosius was able to build a guest house for pilgrims where the poor and sick also found refuge. No beggar was ever turned away from the monastery without being given a meal. Weekly a cart was sent from the monastery laden with bread to be distributed among those in prison.
The Saint's compassion was boundless. Once there were brought to him some robbers who had been apprehended in the act of stealing monastery property. With tears the Saint entreated them to mend their ways. Then, having fed them, he let them go. The robbers were so moved by the Saint's mercy that they repented and became honest, God-fearing men.
Like St. Anthony, Theodosius also endured the effects of the princes' quarrels. At the same time he maintained his independence and did not fear risking the displeasure of his royal benefactors if he felt called as a spiritual father to admonish them. When, for example, Svyatoslav unjustly took the throne from Izyaslav, the Saint wrote a strong letter to Svyatoslav, reproving his action and urging him to restore power to his older brother. This angered Svyatoslav, and Theodosius was warned of possible consequences, but he calmly replied: "Nothing could be better for me in this life than to suffer for the sake of the truth." Mindful of the Saint' s popularity, Svyatoslav took no action against him and even went to visit him. He was surprised when Theodosius received him with the respect due to one of authority. "I was afraid you'd be angry with me," said the Prince. "Our duty," replied the Saint, "is to say what is beneficial for the soul's salvation; and you would do well to listen." Although Svyatoslav could not be persuaded to give up the throne and Theodosius continued to commemorate the pious Izyaslav as the lawful ruler, their relationship was peaceful and it was Svyatoslav who gave land for the building of the new stone church.
Work had just begun on this church when St. Anthony reposed. Neither did St. Theodosius live to see its completion. It was his custom to retire to a cave for the course of Great Lent, and it was during this time, in 1074, that the Lord revealed to him his imminent departure from this world. On Bright Week, having joyfully celebrated the radiant feast of Pascha in the monastery, he fell ill. Summoning the brethren, he informed them that his time had come, and foretold the very day and hour of his repose. By common consent of the brotherhood, he blessed his disciple Stefan to take his place as abbot, exhorting him not to change the tradition s of the monastery, "but follow in all things the law and our monastic rifle."
May 3,1074. The divinely appointed hour arrived and the bright soul of the Saint took leave of its earthly tabernacle. As he had willed, his body was laid to rest in the cave which alone with the angels had witnessed his ascetic labors.
Eighteen years after the Saint's blessed repose, the monastery brethren decided to transfer his relics to the new cathedral church. The abbot, together with monk Nestor the chronicler, went to the cave to dig up the relics and discovered them to be incorrupt. Accompanied by a large crowd of people, the relics were solemnly transferred to the Dormition Cathedral on August 14, 1092. And in 1106 Saint Theodosius was added to the list of canonized saints.
True to their promise, the holy founders of the Caves Monastery continued to watch over its existence even after their repose. There is, for example, the story written by Bishop Simon (+1226), a former monk of that monastery and principal author of the Kiev Caves Patericorn of how the stone church was completed.
Sts. Anthony and Theodosius had been gone from this world some ten years when a group of Greek iconographers came to the Caves Lavra demanding to see the two monks who had hired them to adorn the new church with frescoes. They were rather angry inasmuch as the church standing before them was considerably larger than they had been led to believe and would consequently require more work than was covered by the sum of gold they had received there in Constantinople upon signing the agreement. Abbot Nikon, confessing his ignorance of the matter, asked who it was that had hired them. "Their names were Anthony and Theodosius," "Truly," said the abbot, "I cannot summon them, for they departed this life ten years ago. But as you yourselves testify, they continue to care for this monastery even now."
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The Greeks, scarcely believing this possible, called some merchants traveling with them, who had been present at the signing of the agreement, and asked that they be shown an image of the deceased. When this was done the Greeks bowed low, for they recognized in the saints the exact likeness of the two men who had commissioned them to paint the frescoes and given them the gold. Acknowledging the supernatural power of the saints, they decided not to cancel the agreement after all, and set about with heightened inspiration to embellish the church. The iconographers never returned to Constantinople; they became monks and ended their days there in the Caves Monastery.
The Dormition Church, rebuilt in 1470, was destroyed in 1941 by an explosion which the Soviets attribute to the Germans. Witnesses, however, state that it was the communists themselves who set delayed action explosives just before the German occupation of the city.
Orthodox America

Introduction

Organic farming has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier and environmentally sustainable food options. Certification is a crucial aspect of organic farming, assuring consumers that products meet established organic standards. This blog will delve into the requirements for organic farming certification, covering key factors such as eligibility, standards, processes, and benefits.
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Understanding Organic Farming

Organic farming emphasizes using natural processes and inputs to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. It avoids synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and relies on crop rotations, green manure, compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation to maintain soil health and productivity. The goal is to create a sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural system.

Why Certification Matters

Certification serves several critical purposes:

1. Consumer Trust: Certification assures consumers that their products are genuinely organic and produced following stringent standards.
2. Market Access: Certified organic products often have access to specialized markets and can command premium prices.
3. Environmental Impact: Certified organic farming promotes environmental sustainability by minimizing chemical usage and enhancing biodiversity.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Certification helps farmers comply with national and international organic farming regulations, facilitating trade.

Key Certification Bodies

Various certification bodies exist globally, each with specific standards and processes. Some of the well-known certification bodies include:

• USDA Organic (United States Department of Agriculture)
• EU Organic (European Union)
• IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements)
• Soil Association (United Kingdom)
• JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)

Each body has its criteria and standards, but there are commonalities in the principles they follow.

Steps to Obtain Organic Certification

The process to obtain organic certification generally involves several steps:

1. Preparation and Eligibility

Before applying for certification, farmers must ensure their practices align with organic standards. This involves:

• Converting Land: Fields must undergo a transition period, typically three years, during which synthetic chemicals and prohibited practices are phased out.
• Training and Education: Farmers should educate themselves about organic farming practices and standards. Many organizations offer training programs and resources.
• Documentation: It is essential for certification to keep detailed records of farming practices, inputs used, crop rotations, and field histories.

1. Application Process

Once prepared, farmers can apply to a certification body. The application typically includes:

• Application Form: Detailing farm size, location, crops grown, and management practices.
• Organic System Plan (OSP): A comprehensive plan describing how the farm will comply with organic standards, including pest management, soil fertility practices, and use of organic inputs.

1. Inspection

A crucial part of the certification process is the on-site inspection:

• Scheduling an Inspection: They will schedule an inspection.
• Inspection Visit after applying: An inspector visits the farm to verify that the practices described in the OSP are being followed. This includes examining fields, storage areas, and equipment and reviewing records.
• Sampling and Testing: Inspectors may take soil, water, and crop samples to test for compliance with organic standards.

1. Evaluation and Certification Decision

After the inspection, the inspector submits a report to the certification body. The certification body reviews the report and decides whether to grant certification. The decision is based on:

• Compliance with Standards: Ensuring all practices align with organic standards.
• Record Keeping: Verifying that the farmer maintains accurate and comprehensive records.
• Corrective Actions: If minor non-compliances are found, farmers may need to implement corrective actions before certification is granted.

1. Ongoing Compliance and Renewal

Certification is not a one-time process but requires ongoing compliance:

• Annual Inspections: Certified farms undergo yearly inspections to ensure adherence to organic standards.
• Record Maintenance: Farmers must continue to keep detailed records of all farming activities and inputs.
• Updates to OSP: Any farming practices or management changes must be updated in the Organic System Plan and reported to the certification body.

Common Organic Farming Standards

While specific standards can vary by region and certification body, there are common principles and practices in organic farming:

1. Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient Management

• Prohibited Inputs: Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, and GMOs are prohibited.
• Permitted Inputs: Use organic compost, green manure, crop residues, and approved mineral supplements.
• Soil Health: Practices to maintain and improve soil health, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and minimal tillage.

1. Pest, Weed, and Disease Management

• Prohibited Inputs: Synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involves Using biological pest controls, mechanical and physical controls, and organic-approved pesticides as a last resort.
• Preventative Measures: Crop rotation, habitat enhancement for beneficial organisms, and maintaining soil health to prevent pest and disease outbreaks.

1. Crop and Seed Management

• Seed Use: Preference for organic seeds and planting stock. Non-organic seeds may be used if organic seeds are not available, but they must not be treated with prohibited substances.
• Genetic Engineering: Using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is strictly prohibited.

1. Livestock Management

• Living Conditions: Animals must have access to outdoor space, clean water, and organic feed. Confined conditions are restricted.
• Health Care: Use preventive health care practices, such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet, and clean housing. Antibiotics and synthetic hormones are prohibited.
• Breeding: Natural breeding methods are preferred. Artificial insemination is allowed, but cloning is prohibited.

Benefits of Organic Certification

1. Market Advantages

Certified organic products often command higher prices and have access to domestic and international niche markets.

1. Environmental Sustainability

Organic farming practices promote biodiversity and soil health and reduce pollution, contributing to overall environmental sustainability.

1. Consumer Confidence

Certification provides consumers with assurance about the quality and authenticity of organic products, enhancing trust and loyalty.

1. Health Benefits

Organic farming reduces exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides, providing safer food options for consumers.

Challenges in Obtaining Certification

1. Cost and Financial Barriers

The certification process can be expensive, including application, inspection, and annual renewal costs. Small-scale farmers may find these costs prohibitive.

1. Record Keeping

Maintaining detailed records and documentation can be time-consuming and requires diligent management.

1. Transition Period

The required transition period can be challenging for farmers, as they must adhere to organic practices without the immediate benefit of selling their products as certified organic.

Conclusion

Obtaining organic farming certification is a rigorous process that requires dedication, detailed record-keeping, and adherence to strict standards. However, the benefits of accreditation, including market advantages, environmental sustainability, and consumer trust, make it a worthwhile endeavour for many farmers. By understanding the requirements and committing to sustainable practices, farmers can successfully navigate the path to organic certification and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable agricultural system.