Rick Brannan
@rickbrannan.com
Data Architect/Data Wrangler. Doer of ML/MT and AI thingies. Translator of Lexham Press' "Apostolic Fathers." Mastermind behind the "Lexham English Septuagint." Now working on Baylor Handbook for Shepherd of Hermas. He/Him.
web: https://rickbrannan.com
web: https://rickbrannan.com
Pinned
Rick Brannan
@rickbrannan.com
· Dec 6
Fragments of Christianity: Fragmentary Witnesses to Early Christian Liturgies, Hymns, Homilies, and Prayers
Fragments of Christianity: Fragmentary Witnesses to Early Christian Liturgies, Hymns, Homilies, and Prayers [Brannan, Rick] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Fragments of Christianity: Fragmentary Witnesses to Early Christian Liturgies, Hymns, Homilies, and Prayers
amzn.to
Hello, newer followers! I thought I'd mention my last book, "Fragments of Christianity: Fragmentary Witnesses to Early Christian Liturgies, Hymns, Homilies, and Prayers." It has introductions, transcriptions, and translations to 30 papyri (5th cent. & before. (1/2) amzn.to/4iqOj1V #EarlyChristianity
Makes me want to check out the current status of Armenian in OCR and other ML models …
Armenia Is About To Put Its Ancient Manuscripts Online For Free
Armenia Is About To Put Its Ancient Manuscripts Online For Free
An online database that will make Armenia’s treasury of manuscripts searchable for the general public is set to go online by early 2026.
www.rferl.org
January 1, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Makes me want to check out the current status of Armenian in OCR and other ML models …
Reposted by Rick Brannan
USAID *had* a budget of $30-35 Billion prior to the Trump administration eliminating them.
This does not even come close to the level of aid that we were providing to those who were starving and in desperate need around the world.
This does not even come close to the level of aid that we were providing to those who were starving and in desperate need around the world.
The U.S. has pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid to the United Nations as part of a deal that will also overhaul how the U.S. funds foreign aid work going forward. https://to.pbs.org/3YS2q7C
U.S. unveils new plan for humanitarian aid after pausing contributions earlier this year
The U.S. has pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid to the United Nations, as part of a deal that will also overhaul how the U.S. funds foreign aid work going forward. The move comes after the U.S. pa...
to.pbs.org
December 31, 2025 at 3:03 AM
USAID *had* a budget of $30-35 Billion prior to the Trump administration eliminating them.
This does not even come close to the level of aid that we were providing to those who were starving and in desperate need around the world.
This does not even come close to the level of aid that we were providing to those who were starving and in desperate need around the world.
For those who wonder what I do in my 'spare' time, here's an update.
What better way to start the year than with an update (and retrospective)? #EarlyChristianity
rickbrannan.com/2026/01/01/a...
rickbrannan.com/2026/01/01/a...
Appian Way Press: An Update
First, some sites: Appian Way Press website. This is essentially a catalog of the available titles Appian Way Press has produced. These are either new translations from the Greek, or modernizations…
rickbrannan.com
January 1, 2026 at 4:54 PM
For those who wonder what I do in my 'spare' time, here's an update.
Apparently Meecham's _Epistle to Diognetus_ enters the public domain today. Author died in 1955, in UK copyright is death+70, so it's in. This was the best (and only) available work in English on Diognetus until Jefford published his Oxford edition.
Here's a PDF: earlychurch.org.uk/pdf/e-books/...
Here's a PDF: earlychurch.org.uk/pdf/e-books/...
earlychurch.org.uk
January 1, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Apparently Meecham's _Epistle to Diognetus_ enters the public domain today. Author died in 1955, in UK copyright is death+70, so it's in. This was the best (and only) available work in English on Diognetus until Jefford published his Oxford edition.
Here's a PDF: earlychurch.org.uk/pdf/e-books/...
Here's a PDF: earlychurch.org.uk/pdf/e-books/...
Just read the article.
That second impeachment should've been a conviction too.
That second impeachment should've been a conviction too.
Former special counsel Jack Smith also described President Trump as the "most culpable and most responsible person" in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results, according to a transcript of Smith's closed-door interview with the House Judiciary Committee. n.pr/49cmd6E
Capitol riot 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress
Former special counsel Jack Smith also described President Trump as the "most culpable and most responsible person" in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results, according to a transcript of Smith's closed-door interview with the House Judiciary Committee.
n.pr
January 1, 2026 at 2:58 AM
Just read the article.
That second impeachment should've been a conviction too.
That second impeachment should've been a conviction too.
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Breaking News: The Trump administration must return hundreds of California National Guard troops to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s control, a federal appeals court ruled.
Trump Must Return Command of California National Guard to Newsom, Court Rules
The ruling is a win for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has vigorously opposed President Trump’s moves to control California’s National Guard since the summer.
nyti.ms
January 1, 2026 at 12:48 AM
Breaking News: The Trump administration must return hundreds of California National Guard troops to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s control, a federal appeals court ruled.
Reposted by Rick Brannan
SMITH says he had evidence that Trump directly ordered alleged co-conspirators to call senators on the evening of Jan. 6 to try to continue delaying the vote ceritification.
He also had evidence that Bannon said Trump was still "on fire" on evening of Jan. 6.
He also had evidence that Bannon said Trump was still "on fire" on evening of Jan. 6.
December 31, 2025 at 8:17 PM
SMITH says he had evidence that Trump directly ordered alleged co-conspirators to call senators on the evening of Jan. 6 to try to continue delaying the vote ceritification.
He also had evidence that Bannon said Trump was still "on fire" on evening of Jan. 6.
He also had evidence that Bannon said Trump was still "on fire" on evening of Jan. 6.
Reposted by Rick Brannan
DC does not have a triumphal arch, despite all its other Roman architecture, because they are an imperial and not a republican symbol. They became reserved for the Caesars, and the Arc de Triomphe is a monument to Napoleon. If this dumb thing gets built, the only acceptable course is to demolish it.
Congress should stop this.
Also, if Trump wants to enjoy an imitation of the Arc de Triomphe done in a style and at a place congenial to him, he can visit the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, completed in 1982.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Also, if Trump wants to enjoy an imitation of the Arc de Triomphe done in a style and at a place congenial to him, he can visit the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, completed in 1982.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Trump says construction of the ‘Triumphal Arch’ to begin in ‘2 months’
The monument would be a centerpiece of the White House’s plans for America’s 250th birthday.
www.politico.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM
DC does not have a triumphal arch, despite all its other Roman architecture, because they are an imperial and not a republican symbol. They became reserved for the Caesars, and the Arc de Triomphe is a monument to Napoleon. If this dumb thing gets built, the only acceptable course is to demolish it.
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Call for Papers: The Greek Bible Between Judaism and Christianity research unit, EABS Annual Conference, Leuven, 20–23 July 2026. Abstracts can be submitted by EABS members through the online portal: www.eabs.net
December 31, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Call for Papers: The Greek Bible Between Judaism and Christianity research unit, EABS Annual Conference, Leuven, 20–23 July 2026. Abstracts can be submitted by EABS members through the online portal: www.eabs.net
Reposted by Rick Brannan
ICYMI
Exactly 20 days after SCOTUS ordered Trump admin to facilitate Abrego's release from CECOT, Todd Blanche's top aide called charging Abrego a "top priority."
Blanche's office previously denied a role in the decision.
Published yesterday buff.ly/w2OPIta
Exactly 20 days after SCOTUS ordered Trump admin to facilitate Abrego's release from CECOT, Todd Blanche's top aide called charging Abrego a "top priority."
Blanche's office previously denied a role in the decision.
Published yesterday buff.ly/w2OPIta
December 31, 2025 at 3:12 PM
ICYMI
Exactly 20 days after SCOTUS ordered Trump admin to facilitate Abrego's release from CECOT, Todd Blanche's top aide called charging Abrego a "top priority."
Blanche's office previously denied a role in the decision.
Published yesterday buff.ly/w2OPIta
Exactly 20 days after SCOTUS ordered Trump admin to facilitate Abrego's release from CECOT, Todd Blanche's top aide called charging Abrego a "top priority."
Blanche's office previously denied a role in the decision.
Published yesterday buff.ly/w2OPIta
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Squeezed one more into 2025: _The Works of Justin Martyr: A Modern Translation_. Includes Discourse to the Greeks (both), First and Second Apology, On Monarchy, Dialogue with Trypho. Based on Patrologia Graeca vol 6. Kindle & Audio; paperback forthcoming.
appianwaypress.com/books/justin...
appianwaypress.com/books/justin...
The Works of Justin Martyr: A Modern Translation by Justin Martyr
Justin Martyr (c. 100–165) was among the earliest Christian authors to engage directly and systematically with Greco-Roman philosophy, Jewish interpretation of Scripture, and Roman political authority...
appianwaypress.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Squeezed one more into 2025: _The Works of Justin Martyr: A Modern Translation_. Includes Discourse to the Greeks (both), First and Second Apology, On Monarchy, Dialogue with Trypho. Based on Patrologia Graeca vol 6. Kindle & Audio; paperback forthcoming.
appianwaypress.com/books/justin...
appianwaypress.com/books/justin...
Reposted by Rick Brannan
He donated $1.8 million to Trump and hired Pam Bondi’s brother as his pardon attorney. Defrauded hundreds of millions from people. Walked away free. Not Somali.
December 31, 2025 at 12:24 AM
He donated $1.8 million to Trump and hired Pam Bondi’s brother as his pardon attorney. Defrauded hundreds of millions from people. Walked away free. Not Somali.
This kind of thing has been attractive to me since I heard about it. futurism.com/bare-bones-e...
December 30, 2025 at 9:02 PM
This kind of thing has been attractive to me since I heard about it. futurism.com/bare-bones-e...
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Still mind-blowing that a top admin official was revealed to have taken $50,000 in cash in a paper bag from people looking for government favors, the reaction of the administration was "Whatever losers, this is how it works now" and bigshot news media said "If you say so, we'll forget about it"
Border czar Tom Homan didn't receive a normal background check for his role while his bribery probe was still ongoing:
Justice officials felt sure Homan would not be able to obtain a security clearance based on the evidence gathered. It remains unclear how Homan was eventually granted clearance.
Justice officials felt sure Homan would not be able to obtain a security clearance based on the evidence gathered. It remains unclear how Homan was eventually granted clearance.
Border czar Tom Homan didn’t receive normal background check during bribery probe
President-elect Trump initially balked at submitting names of likely nominees to the FBI for background checks, a basic step intended to flag possible financial conflicts or ethical problems.
www.ms.now
December 30, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Still mind-blowing that a top admin official was revealed to have taken $50,000 in cash in a paper bag from people looking for government favors, the reaction of the administration was "Whatever losers, this is how it works now" and bigshot news media said "If you say so, we'll forget about it"
Interested in an English translation of the preface to Patrologia Graeca volume 6? Download the 200+ page word doc from my site.
rickbrannan.com/2025/12/29/t...
rickbrannan.com/2025/12/29/t...
The Preface to Patrologia Graeca vol 6 (Justin Martyr, Tatian, Athenagoras, Theophilus of Antioch, and Hermias)
I’m doing some work with the text of Justin Martyr’s writings as found in Patrologia Graeca volume 6. Other authors are in volume six as well (Tatian, Athenagoras, Theophilus of Antioch…
rickbrannan.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Interested in an English translation of the preface to Patrologia Graeca volume 6? Download the 200+ page word doc from my site.
rickbrannan.com/2025/12/29/t...
rickbrannan.com/2025/12/29/t...
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Support for impeachment is SURGING in the House, up 77% since the first vote in June. We can’t afford to let up now. Take action and see where your Rep stands by visiting our impeachment tracker at ➡️ ImpeachTrumpAgain.org/tracker!
@womensmarch.com @citizensimpeachment.com @johnbonifaz.bsky.social
@womensmarch.com @citizensimpeachment.com @johnbonifaz.bsky.social
December 29, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Support for impeachment is SURGING in the House, up 77% since the first vote in June. We can’t afford to let up now. Take action and see where your Rep stands by visiting our impeachment tracker at ➡️ ImpeachTrumpAgain.org/tracker!
@womensmarch.com @citizensimpeachment.com @johnbonifaz.bsky.social
@womensmarch.com @citizensimpeachment.com @johnbonifaz.bsky.social
Reposted by Rick Brannan
BREAKING: The National Institutes of Health has agreed to evaluate grant applications that were wrongfully frozen due to the Trump administration’s ideological purge of biomedical research.
December 29, 2025 at 11:14 PM
BREAKING: The National Institutes of Health has agreed to evaluate grant applications that were wrongfully frozen due to the Trump administration’s ideological purge of biomedical research.
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Still unreported, should be investigated:
ICE shot Richard outside a mall. I visited mall security office. Guard said ICE and LAPD came in, used thumb drive to copy mall’s video footage, and THEN DELETED THE EVIDENCE from mall’s local drives. He showed me the missing timeline part saying “no data.”
ICE shot Richard outside a mall. I visited mall security office. Guard said ICE and LAPD came in, used thumb drive to copy mall’s video footage, and THEN DELETED THE EVIDENCE from mall’s local drives. He showed me the missing timeline part saying “no data.”
Huge win for Richard Noticias LA, TikTok journalist shot by ICE. Criminal charges dismissed with prejudice, meaning can’t be refiled.
ICE did him DIRTY. Repeatedly. Inhumane treatment, basically medical torture.
Still in ICE custody on immigration case. They owe him unconditional release.
ICE did him DIRTY. Repeatedly. Inhumane treatment, basically medical torture.
Still in ICE custody on immigration case. They owe him unconditional release.
Federal judge dismisses indictment against TikToker shot by ICE, citing constitutional violations
Days before Carlitos Ricardo Parias was set to to go to trial for assault on a federal officer, a federal judge dismissed the case against him. The judge cited the deprivation of Parias' access to cou...
www.latimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Still unreported, should be investigated:
ICE shot Richard outside a mall. I visited mall security office. Guard said ICE and LAPD came in, used thumb drive to copy mall’s video footage, and THEN DELETED THE EVIDENCE from mall’s local drives. He showed me the missing timeline part saying “no data.”
ICE shot Richard outside a mall. I visited mall security office. Guard said ICE and LAPD came in, used thumb drive to copy mall’s video footage, and THEN DELETED THE EVIDENCE from mall’s local drives. He showed me the missing timeline part saying “no data.”
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
December 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Latest Release of Coptic Corpora blog.copticscriptorium.org/2025/12/12/l...
Latest Release of Coptic Corpora
We are pleased to announce the release of version 6.2.0 of the Coptic Scriptorium data! Our corpora now total 2,375,875 words. This release provides significant new annotated data in both…
blog.copticscriptorium.org
December 29, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Latest Release of Coptic Corpora blog.copticscriptorium.org/2025/12/12/l...
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Oh so real conspiracies do happen.
December 28, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Oh so real conspiracies do happen.
Reposted by Rick Brannan
So many of my recent pieces for National Geographic would have suffered were it not for my ability to link to the amazing resources supplied by @nasscal.bsky.social. If you are interested in early Christian literature you must check out this invaluable site.
www.nasscal.com
www.nasscal.com
NASSCAL
North American Society for the Study of Christian Apocryphal Literature
www.nasscal.com
December 28, 2025 at 1:43 PM
So many of my recent pieces for National Geographic would have suffered were it not for my ability to link to the amazing resources supplied by @nasscal.bsky.social. If you are interested in early Christian literature you must check out this invaluable site.
www.nasscal.com
www.nasscal.com
Reposted by Rick Brannan
Assistant Professor (Classics and Religious Studies) Job Opening in Boston, Massachusetts - Insight Into Academia
careers.insightintoacademia.com/job/assistan...
careers.insightintoacademia.com/job/assistan...
careers.insightintoacademia.com
December 28, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Assistant Professor (Classics and Religious Studies) Job Opening in Boston, Massachusetts - Insight Into Academia
careers.insightintoacademia.com/job/assistan...
careers.insightintoacademia.com/job/assistan...
Reposted by Rick Brannan
This isn't a popular idea. This is an *elite* belief. There's no mass of voters who recoil from impeachment like this. Majorities wanted him convicted the last two times, and the same would easily poll >50% today. The handwringing about the sacred presidency is DC-driven, it's not voter-driven.
The popular idea is that removing a president to replace him with a non-criminal president from his party, and usually elected on his ticket, is a coup.
Do governors/mayors get replaced by number 2s all the time? Yes. There's poli sci work on this, the power of the presidency blinds people.
Do governors/mayors get replaced by number 2s all the time? Yes. There's poli sci work on this, the power of the presidency blinds people.
December 28, 2025 at 4:50 PM
This isn't a popular idea. This is an *elite* belief. There's no mass of voters who recoil from impeachment like this. Majorities wanted him convicted the last two times, and the same would easily poll >50% today. The handwringing about the sacred presidency is DC-driven, it's not voter-driven.