Almost 2000 years ago the ominous term “Armageddon” appeared for the first time and only once in the “Book of Revelations,” the concluding chapter of the Judeo-Christian Bible. Over the centuries this cryptic reference has continued to haunt humanity, and during all that time scholars have been unable to agree about its intended meaning. What has never been in doubt is that this troubling admonition at the end of Scripture embodies a stark warning that a calamity of extraordinary proportions will one day befall the human race. In the late 20th century the world entered a period of ongoing crisis in which key events embody almost exactly what is described in “Revelations.” Such precise parallels have never occurred before.
The “Book of Revelations” is one of the most extraordinary documents ever created. In the brief space of about a dozen pages, it explains some of the most profound truths of human existence. In fact, without this authoritative document there are some, important things humanity wouldn’t know. This includes the purpose that underlies the historical process - an extraordinary tale that over the vast expanse of time is gradually playing itself out through a series of ages like the chapters of a great book. As a result each generation participates in events more significant than is realized.
What is particularly noteworthy about the current era is the scope of incessant violence along with the perversion of “belief” itself, especially religious. Essentially the present era represents the dramatic conclusion of one of the most important ages in history. It commenced in the mid to late 19th century. Currently what is taking place around the globe is nothing less than the climactic resolution of the forces that shaped the modern world.
Because of the lack of formal narrative and unusual imagery, the message expressed in Revelations is difficult to understand. What is known for certain is that this final book of the Bible is the faithful record of the mystical visions of an unknown holy man named “John.” At the time (late first century) he lived on the island of Patmos in the eastern Mediterranean and was a teacher highly regarded for his wisdom. In overall form Revelations is the pastoral letter of instruction he composed to the “seven” congregations of early Christians located in Asia Minor. In essence, those tiny, fledging groups were the beginning of what would become history’s most widespread religion.
In this letter John explains what he experienced when allowed to visit the celestial realm, and departing from his physical body, was briefly “in the spirit.” “A door was opened in heaven, [and then] “I John saw these things and heard them.” He describes one of the extraordinary creatures that he encountered: “[the angel was] clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun.” What John learned at that time came directly out of the book held in the “right hand of him that sat on the throne” [and was] sealed with seven seals.” - the great book that summarizes all others ever written.
Loosening the first, four seals reveals the legendary “Four Horsemen,” who are given emphasis because warfare has played such a dominant role throughout recorded history. Always the horsemen ride together, inseparable in their violent mission. The first rides a ghostly, white horse and as the text states: “he that sat on him, had a bow; and a crown was given to him; and he went forth conquering and to conquer.” The second is astride a red horse, and “power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another.” On a black horse rides famine, and finally the most ominous of all, the horseman astride the pale horse (devoid of all color) - “… his name that sat on him was death, and Hell followed with him and power was given to him to kill with sword and with hunger and with death and with the beasts of the earth…”
Thus the dreaded, Four Horsemen introduce John’s account of humanity’s tragic journey that through the ages has been dominated by incessant war and cruelty, a process that one day will culminate in an event of extraordinary violence - the great and climactic battle of “Armageddon.” It is this catastrophic occurrence that will bring to completion the long and tyrannical reign of the Four Horsemen. Because of the devastation that is described, many through the ages have concluded that John was describing the end of the world - the name Armageddon becoming synonymous in most people’s minds with this interpretation. However, the text doesn’t actually say that, an important point that unfortunately is overlooked. Instead based on the actual wording of the text, it is apparent that Armageddon is something quite different - a violent, temporal event that will alter the course of human history and usher in a new age unlike any that has occurred before.
Later in the text it is disclosed that one day a great nation will lead humanity to Armageddon, when evil will achieve a great triumph in the desolation of history’s most destructive war. In the past there have been many tyrannical regimes that ultimately fell in ignominy. During the current era the most powerful of all have risen in perverse glory - the modern, totalitarian state that has tried repeatedly to dominate the world. Not surprising, these states are virulently atheistic while employing false “belief” to mislead the masses and further a violent agenda. At no time in history has the process of human belief been distorted to such a degree; atheism asserted on a widespread scale; and the concept of a benevolent deity undermined so aggressively. In fact, deceitful ideology as well as mass murder can be regarded as two of the defining characteristics of recent, world history. While humanity supposedly has reached the apex of civilization, the most barbaric acts continue to be perpetrated in the name of the common man. Arising out of this chaotic situation, the battle of Armageddon will be the greatest act of mass murder of all as well as the most vivid embodiment of evil in recorded history.
In Revelations many specifics are provided about this seminal event that will commence in the Middle East, specifically along “the great river Euphrates… [so] the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.” Thus what occurs in the Middle East will be only the prelude to a much larger conflict that occurs in the “east,” which is Russia and China. In that regard John states that “the number of the army of the horsemen” (invaders) from the nation that initiates these events will be “200 thousand-thousand” or 200 million. This is far more than all the world’s armies together. John “heard the number of them” (was actually told) so it was not a guess on his part. Therefore those participating on the side of the aggressor nation will also include large numbers of civilians along with military personnel. Only China, which is synonymous with the “east” and at the time comprised at least one-fourth of the world’s population, could be the source of so many people. (“And power was given unto them [The Four Horsemen] over a fourth part of the earth…”)
Based on John’s account it can be concluded that this terrible confrontation will dwarf anything that has happened in the past. The various descriptions suggest the type of devastation that can only result from the use of nuclear weapons - the ultimate tool of warfare and the preoccupation with violence. Because these weapons were only developed recently, it was assumed that destruction on such a scale could only occur when the world came to an end. With the development of modern, atomic physics, human beings have been afforded access to the most potent forces at the heart of creation. Now this great gift will be misused in the worst possible way.
The focus of this monumental conflict is given an unusual name - a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew term “Har Megiddo.” Essentially a unique, linguistic construction, it means literally the “mountain of Megiddo,” In biblical times Megiddo was a minor town or administrative center beside the plain of Esdraelon in northern Israel. Currently its ruins sit atop a hill about 100 feet high and not a mountain. John wasn’t widely traveled, although it is likely that he spent some time in Israel, which isn’t far from Patmos. Therefore he would have been acquainted with Megiddo, which appeared similar to the unknown place seen in his vision.
The nearby plain of Esdraelon is a relatively small place (only about ten by twenty-five miles) and could never accommodate 200 million people, especially since most are soldiers with equipment. Furthermore because there would be an opposing army, far more than 200 million will be involved. Nonetheless, as the text states, the war will be focused at the place “called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” Since “Har Megiddo” means literally the “mountain of Megiddo,” the location in question must be considerably larger than the biblical site. Somewhere “in the east” (China) there is a mountain vaguely resembling ancient Megiddo that will be the focal point of this greatest of all wars. Why this unknown mountain location will play such a significant role in this climactic event is one of the greatest mysteries of all.
In Revelations the ruinous aftermath of Armageddon is compared to the downfall of the most opulent city of ancient times, mighty Babylon. According to the ancients, Babylon’s grandeur exceeded all others. In his vision John saw a great, ruined city on the coast of Asia that lay tragically in ruins. What city he refers to is a matter of speculation, although there are only a few possibilities. And so John states prophetically: “and [at the time of Armageddon] the cities of the nation fell, and great Babylon came in remembrance…Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become the habitation of devils and the hole of every foul spirit.. and the kings of the earth.. will bewail her and lament for her…and the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her, for no man buys their merchandise anymore. The merchandise of gold and silver and precious stones, and of pearls and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet…and anointments, frankincense, and wine … and the souls of men…”
_______________
It was not until the early 20th century that additional information became available that explains the term Armageddon in greater detail, including when it will occur and why. On July 13, 1917 (time of the Russian Revolution), a lady described as “brighter than the sun, shedding rays of light clearer and stronger than a crystal goblet filled with the most sparkling water and pierced by the burning rays of the sun” appeared near Fatima, Portugal. The mysterious lady is believed to be Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. At that time she made certain dire predictions regarding the future of the world that have become known as “The Three Secrets.” To confirm the validity of what she stated, a miraculous event involving the sun occurred on October 13, 1917. It was witnessed by an estimated 100,000 people. This large assemblage included representatives of Portugal’s most important news organizations, who verified in writing what took place in the sky. This unusual event cannot be explained by any recognized, scientific criteria.
The various accounts are consistent, and everyone who was there reported seeing the appearance of the sun change in highly unusual ways. Rain fell most of the day, and after the sky finally cleared, the sun could be seen rotating and changing color rapidly - some referring to the “sun’s dance.” A reporter from O Seculo, Portugal’s most important newspaper, stated that “the sun trembled, made sudden, incredible movements outside all cosmic law: the sun “danced according to the typical expression of the people.” In the Lisbon daily, O Dia, it was reported: “the silver sun, enveloped in the same gauzy, purple light, was seen to whirl and turn in the circle of broken clouds…the light turned a beautiful blue, as if it had come through the stain-glass windows of a great cathedral…” Outside the immediate area of Fátima, no such unusual changes in the sun’s appearance were seen.
Of the Three Secrets that were disclosed, the most significant is the Second. In essence, it takes the form of Mary’s explicit statement regarding humanity’s immediate future. Specifically the Second Secret refers to the rise to power of the Bolsheviks and atheistic communism (Marxist-Leninist) in Russia, an event that irrevocably changed modern history. In that pivotal year the great totalitarian state of the current era first arose in all its perverse glory and implemented an agenda that emphasizes mass cruelty as well as a virulent hatred of religion. It was the official position of the communists emanating from Lenin that religion was the “opiate of the people” and an obstacle to progress. As a result religious belief had to be eliminated by whatever means was necessary. A dark night of persecution swept over a vast country that previously was one of the most religious on the globe. Church lands were confiscated, and the number of churches reduced from 30,000 to less than 500 located in remote, rural areas. 100,000 priests and bishops were executed in the cruelest ways. In essence, a religious establishment beloved by the people for centuries was quickly decimated. Other religious groups were also treated harshly including the Jews who have always been persecuted in Russia. Both extreme violence and an antipathy to religion are the essential characteristics of all modern, totalitarian states. The obvious reason is that belief in a benevolent God impedes the ability of the state to dominate its citizens so they can be used in whatever way is considered necessary.
In the Second Secret Mary states clearly that if Russia did not return to its spiritual roots, communism would spread elsewhere resulting in catastrophic events of a global nature. Already this has happened. Additional “wars” (plural) after the First World War were predicted, indicating that violence on a grand scale would not end with the Second World War. Furthermore, references are made to “persecutions of the church” - the term used generically. Thus the religious beliefs of many kinds would be undermined, an interpretation verified by recent events.
On March 8-12, 1917 (new style or Georgian calendar), the Russian Revolution commenced, the event that gave birth to the modern totalitarian state. The czar formally abdicated on March 15, and on April 16th Lenin returned from Europe to Petrograd, the center of the revolution. On July 1st 500,000 Bolshevik sympathizers demonstrated, and an unsuccessful coup attempted two weeks later. Finally on November 7, Petrograd was seized, and the next day the Winter Palace, a key symbol of the monarchy. These events effectively gave power to the Bolsheviks and are often referred to as the “October Revolution” according to the old style or Julian calendar that was in effect in Russia at that time. These events, that would have such a far-reaching impact, occurred in the same timeframe as the visitations at Fatima. The chronological parallels are almost exact. In essence, the one (Fatima) is a response to the other, warning humanity in vivid terms of what could lie ahead.
Specifically, the first visitation (May 13) at Fatima occurred shortly after the turmoil in Petrograd began to escalate. The Three Secrets (the second of which specifically refers to the events in Russia) were conveyed on July 13 or only a couple of days after the first attempt at a coup. At that time the success of the revolution was already apparent. The miracle of the sun, that was intended to demonstrate the validity of the Three Secrets, occurred only a few weeks before the Bolsheviks finally gained power. Unfortunately the Russian nation did not return to its religious roots and instead communism (“her errors“) spread elsewhere “causing wars and persecutions…” The Second World War followed - a “worst one [than the First World War]…during the pontificate of Pope Pius XI.”
Because it is stated that there would be additional “wars,” we can conclude that another, major conflict still lies in the future. It will involve unprecedented violence with “various nations being annihilated.” This terminology is very important, especially that “various nations” will be “ANNIHILATED.” This word is probably the most important in all of the Three Secrets. Thus certain nations will not merely be ruined. Annihilation” is something quite different. It is the strongest term that can be used. It means “reduced to nothing.” Usually warfare only damages or incapacitates a defeated nation. Rarely is such a nation reduced to nothing. During the Second World War several nations were severely damaged. Even after incessant aerial bombing, substantial portions of the targeted cities remained. In only two locations did true annihilation occur - Hiroshima and Nagasaki after they were leveled by atomic bombs. Pictures of these tragic cities demonstrate annihilation in the true sense of the term along with the nothingness that is implied. The “annihilation” predicted in the Second Secret will engulf entire “nations” and not merely a few cities. Therefore it can be concluded that one day a war will occur that is monumental in scope and employ nuclear weapons (World War III) - one in which a number of nations over a significant geographical area will be reduced to nothing. Not surprising, the imagery regarding Armageddon in the Book of Revelations describes almost exactly the type of devastation caused by nuclear weapons.
Also John predicted that arising out of the events in Russia during 1917, the world will experience not only “wars” but also religious “persecutions” - the other tragic legacy stemming from the rise of modern totalitarianism. According to the symbolic prediction that is the Third Secret, the assault of nihilism against religion will be ongoing and may conclude with the belief in God being destroyed completely. This ominous possibility is left unresolved. In other words during the 21st century, it could be the tragic fate of humanity to experience both the physical devastation of World War III (Armageddon) as well as a ruin of even greater significance - the loss of spiritual values. Thus in the end atheistic Marxist would finally triumph along with the denial that there is a fundamental world order stemming from the Judeo-Christian Bible - in other words an eternal God.
Note: Without the Book of Revelations combined with the disclosures at “Fatima,” it isn’t possible to understand the full significance of the Biblical reference to “Armageddon.”
The “Book of Revelations” is one of the most extraordinary documents ever created. In the brief space of about a dozen pages, it explains some of the most profound truths of human existence. In fact, without this authoritative document there are some, important things humanity wouldn’t know. This includes the purpose that underlies the historical process - an extraordinary tale that over the vast expanse of time is gradually playing itself out through a series of ages like the chapters of a great book. As a result each generation participates in events more significant than is realized.
What is particularly noteworthy about the current era is the scope of incessant violence along with the perversion of “belief” itself, especially religious. Essentially the present era represents the dramatic conclusion of one of the most important ages in history. It commenced in the mid to late 19th century. Currently what is taking place around the globe is nothing less than the climactic resolution of the forces that shaped the modern world.
Because of the lack of formal narrative and unusual imagery, the message expressed in Revelations is difficult to understand. What is known for certain is that this final book of the Bible is the faithful record of the mystical visions of an unknown holy man named “John.” At the time (late first century) he lived on the island of Patmos in the eastern Mediterranean and was a teacher highly regarded for his wisdom. In overall form Revelations is the pastoral letter of instruction he composed to the “seven” congregations of early Christians located in Asia Minor. In essence, those tiny, fledging groups were the beginning of what would become history’s most widespread religion.
In this letter John explains what he experienced when allowed to visit the celestial realm, and departing from his physical body, was briefly “in the spirit.” “A door was opened in heaven, [and then] “I John saw these things and heard them.” He describes one of the extraordinary creatures that he encountered: “[the angel was] clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun.” What John learned at that time came directly out of the book held in the “right hand of him that sat on the throne” [and was] sealed with seven seals.” - the great book that summarizes all others ever written.
Loosening the first, four seals reveals the legendary “Four Horsemen,” who are given emphasis because warfare has played such a dominant role throughout recorded history. Always the horsemen ride together, inseparable in their violent mission. The first rides a ghostly, white horse and as the text states: “he that sat on him, had a bow; and a crown was given to him; and he went forth conquering and to conquer.” The second is astride a red horse, and “power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another.” On a black horse rides famine, and finally the most ominous of all, the horseman astride the pale horse (devoid of all color) - “… his name that sat on him was death, and Hell followed with him and power was given to him to kill with sword and with hunger and with death and with the beasts of the earth…”
Thus the dreaded, Four Horsemen introduce John’s account of humanity’s tragic journey that through the ages has been dominated by incessant war and cruelty, a process that one day will culminate in an event of extraordinary violence - the great and climactic battle of “Armageddon.” It is this catastrophic occurrence that will bring to completion the long and tyrannical reign of the Four Horsemen. Because of the devastation that is described, many through the ages have concluded that John was describing the end of the world - the name Armageddon becoming synonymous in most people’s minds with this interpretation. However, the text doesn’t actually say that, an important point that unfortunately is overlooked. Instead based on the actual wording of the text, it is apparent that Armageddon is something quite different - a violent, temporal event that will alter the course of human history and usher in a new age unlike any that has occurred before.
Later in the text it is disclosed that one day a great nation will lead humanity to Armageddon, when evil will achieve a great triumph in the desolation of history’s most destructive war. In the past there have been many tyrannical regimes that ultimately fell in ignominy. During the current era the most powerful of all have risen in perverse glory - the modern, totalitarian state that has tried repeatedly to dominate the world. Not surprising, these states are virulently atheistic while employing false “belief” to mislead the masses and further a violent agenda. At no time in history has the process of human belief been distorted to such a degree; atheism asserted on a widespread scale; and the concept of a benevolent deity undermined so aggressively. In fact, deceitful ideology as well as mass murder can be regarded as two of the defining characteristics of recent, world history. While humanity supposedly has reached the apex of civilization, the most barbaric acts continue to be perpetrated in the name of the common man. Arising out of this chaotic situation, the battle of Armageddon will be the greatest act of mass murder of all as well as the most vivid embodiment of evil in recorded history.
In Revelations many specifics are provided about this seminal event that will commence in the Middle East, specifically along “the great river Euphrates… [so] the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.” Thus what occurs in the Middle East will be only the prelude to a much larger conflict that occurs in the “east,” which is Russia and China. In that regard John states that “the number of the army of the horsemen” (invaders) from the nation that initiates these events will be “200 thousand-thousand” or 200 million. This is far more than all the world’s armies together. John “heard the number of them” (was actually told) so it was not a guess on his part. Therefore those participating on the side of the aggressor nation will also include large numbers of civilians along with military personnel. Only China, which is synonymous with the “east” and at the time comprised at least one-fourth of the world’s population, could be the source of so many people. (“And power was given unto them [The Four Horsemen] over a fourth part of the earth…”)
Based on John’s account it can be concluded that this terrible confrontation will dwarf anything that has happened in the past. The various descriptions suggest the type of devastation that can only result from the use of nuclear weapons - the ultimate tool of warfare and the preoccupation with violence. Because these weapons were only developed recently, it was assumed that destruction on such a scale could only occur when the world came to an end. With the development of modern, atomic physics, human beings have been afforded access to the most potent forces at the heart of creation. Now this great gift will be misused in the worst possible way.
The focus of this monumental conflict is given an unusual name - a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew term “Har Megiddo.” Essentially a unique, linguistic construction, it means literally the “mountain of Megiddo,” In biblical times Megiddo was a minor town or administrative center beside the plain of Esdraelon in northern Israel. Currently its ruins sit atop a hill about 100 feet high and not a mountain. John wasn’t widely traveled, although it is likely that he spent some time in Israel, which isn’t far from Patmos. Therefore he would have been acquainted with Megiddo, which appeared similar to the unknown place seen in his vision.
The nearby plain of Esdraelon is a relatively small place (only about ten by twenty-five miles) and could never accommodate 200 million people, especially since most are soldiers with equipment. Furthermore because there would be an opposing army, far more than 200 million will be involved. Nonetheless, as the text states, the war will be focused at the place “called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” Since “Har Megiddo” means literally the “mountain of Megiddo,” the location in question must be considerably larger than the biblical site. Somewhere “in the east” (China) there is a mountain vaguely resembling ancient Megiddo that will be the focal point of this greatest of all wars. Why this unknown mountain location will play such a significant role in this climactic event is one of the greatest mysteries of all.
In Revelations the ruinous aftermath of Armageddon is compared to the downfall of the most opulent city of ancient times, mighty Babylon. According to the ancients, Babylon’s grandeur exceeded all others. In his vision John saw a great, ruined city on the coast of Asia that lay tragically in ruins. What city he refers to is a matter of speculation, although there are only a few possibilities. And so John states prophetically: “and [at the time of Armageddon] the cities of the nation fell, and great Babylon came in remembrance…Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become the habitation of devils and the hole of every foul spirit.. and the kings of the earth.. will bewail her and lament for her…and the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her, for no man buys their merchandise anymore. The merchandise of gold and silver and precious stones, and of pearls and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet…and anointments, frankincense, and wine … and the souls of men…”
_______________
It was not until the early 20th century that additional information became available that explains the term Armageddon in greater detail, including when it will occur and why. On July 13, 1917 (time of the Russian Revolution), a lady described as “brighter than the sun, shedding rays of light clearer and stronger than a crystal goblet filled with the most sparkling water and pierced by the burning rays of the sun” appeared near Fatima, Portugal. The mysterious lady is believed to be Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. At that time she made certain dire predictions regarding the future of the world that have become known as “The Three Secrets.” To confirm the validity of what she stated, a miraculous event involving the sun occurred on October 13, 1917. It was witnessed by an estimated 100,000 people. This large assemblage included representatives of Portugal’s most important news organizations, who verified in writing what took place in the sky. This unusual event cannot be explained by any recognized, scientific criteria.
The various accounts are consistent, and everyone who was there reported seeing the appearance of the sun change in highly unusual ways. Rain fell most of the day, and after the sky finally cleared, the sun could be seen rotating and changing color rapidly - some referring to the “sun’s dance.” A reporter from O Seculo, Portugal’s most important newspaper, stated that “the sun trembled, made sudden, incredible movements outside all cosmic law: the sun “danced according to the typical expression of the people.” In the Lisbon daily, O Dia, it was reported: “the silver sun, enveloped in the same gauzy, purple light, was seen to whirl and turn in the circle of broken clouds…the light turned a beautiful blue, as if it had come through the stain-glass windows of a great cathedral…” Outside the immediate area of Fátima, no such unusual changes in the sun’s appearance were seen.
Of the Three Secrets that were disclosed, the most significant is the Second. In essence, it takes the form of Mary’s explicit statement regarding humanity’s immediate future. Specifically the Second Secret refers to the rise to power of the Bolsheviks and atheistic communism (Marxist-Leninist) in Russia, an event that irrevocably changed modern history. In that pivotal year the great totalitarian state of the current era first arose in all its perverse glory and implemented an agenda that emphasizes mass cruelty as well as a virulent hatred of religion. It was the official position of the communists emanating from Lenin that religion was the “opiate of the people” and an obstacle to progress. As a result religious belief had to be eliminated by whatever means was necessary. A dark night of persecution swept over a vast country that previously was one of the most religious on the globe. Church lands were confiscated, and the number of churches reduced from 30,000 to less than 500 located in remote, rural areas. 100,000 priests and bishops were executed in the cruelest ways. In essence, a religious establishment beloved by the people for centuries was quickly decimated. Other religious groups were also treated harshly including the Jews who have always been persecuted in Russia. Both extreme violence and an antipathy to religion are the essential characteristics of all modern, totalitarian states. The obvious reason is that belief in a benevolent God impedes the ability of the state to dominate its citizens so they can be used in whatever way is considered necessary.
In the Second Secret Mary states clearly that if Russia did not return to its spiritual roots, communism would spread elsewhere resulting in catastrophic events of a global nature. Already this has happened. Additional “wars” (plural) after the First World War were predicted, indicating that violence on a grand scale would not end with the Second World War. Furthermore, references are made to “persecutions of the church” - the term used generically. Thus the religious beliefs of many kinds would be undermined, an interpretation verified by recent events.
On March 8-12, 1917 (new style or Georgian calendar), the Russian Revolution commenced, the event that gave birth to the modern totalitarian state. The czar formally abdicated on March 15, and on April 16th Lenin returned from Europe to Petrograd, the center of the revolution. On July 1st 500,000 Bolshevik sympathizers demonstrated, and an unsuccessful coup attempted two weeks later. Finally on November 7, Petrograd was seized, and the next day the Winter Palace, a key symbol of the monarchy. These events effectively gave power to the Bolsheviks and are often referred to as the “October Revolution” according to the old style or Julian calendar that was in effect in Russia at that time. These events, that would have such a far-reaching impact, occurred in the same timeframe as the visitations at Fatima. The chronological parallels are almost exact. In essence, the one (Fatima) is a response to the other, warning humanity in vivid terms of what could lie ahead.
Specifically, the first visitation (May 13) at Fatima occurred shortly after the turmoil in Petrograd began to escalate. The Three Secrets (the second of which specifically refers to the events in Russia) were conveyed on July 13 or only a couple of days after the first attempt at a coup. At that time the success of the revolution was already apparent. The miracle of the sun, that was intended to demonstrate the validity of the Three Secrets, occurred only a few weeks before the Bolsheviks finally gained power. Unfortunately the Russian nation did not return to its religious roots and instead communism (“her errors“) spread elsewhere “causing wars and persecutions…” The Second World War followed - a “worst one [than the First World War]…during the pontificate of Pope Pius XI.”
Because it is stated that there would be additional “wars,” we can conclude that another, major conflict still lies in the future. It will involve unprecedented violence with “various nations being annihilated.” This terminology is very important, especially that “various nations” will be “ANNIHILATED.” This word is probably the most important in all of the Three Secrets. Thus certain nations will not merely be ruined. Annihilation” is something quite different. It is the strongest term that can be used. It means “reduced to nothing.” Usually warfare only damages or incapacitates a defeated nation. Rarely is such a nation reduced to nothing. During the Second World War several nations were severely damaged. Even after incessant aerial bombing, substantial portions of the targeted cities remained. In only two locations did true annihilation occur - Hiroshima and Nagasaki after they were leveled by atomic bombs. Pictures of these tragic cities demonstrate annihilation in the true sense of the term along with the nothingness that is implied. The “annihilation” predicted in the Second Secret will engulf entire “nations” and not merely a few cities. Therefore it can be concluded that one day a war will occur that is monumental in scope and employ nuclear weapons (World War III) - one in which a number of nations over a significant geographical area will be reduced to nothing. Not surprising, the imagery regarding Armageddon in the Book of Revelations describes almost exactly the type of devastation caused by nuclear weapons.
Also John predicted that arising out of the events in Russia during 1917, the world will experience not only “wars” but also religious “persecutions” - the other tragic legacy stemming from the rise of modern totalitarianism. According to the symbolic prediction that is the Third Secret, the assault of nihilism against religion will be ongoing and may conclude with the belief in God being destroyed completely. This ominous possibility is left unresolved. In other words during the 21st century, it could be the tragic fate of humanity to experience both the physical devastation of World War III (Armageddon) as well as a ruin of even greater significance - the loss of spiritual values. Thus in the end atheistic Marxist would finally triumph along with the denial that there is a fundamental world order stemming from the Judeo-Christian Bible - in other words an eternal God.
Note: Without the Book of Revelations combined with the disclosures at “Fatima,” it isn’t possible to understand the full significance of the Biblical reference to “Armageddon.”