The Abomination of Desolation - St. Marys Coptic Orthodox Church

BABYLON THE GREAT WHORE 1
The Book of Revelation tells us that towards the end of the reign of
Antichrist, and indeed the end of the world, a major world power will
be suddenly destroyed. This major world power is prophetically called
Babylon.
The destruction of Babylon is first mentioned in Revelation 14:8
“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen,
that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the
wrath of her fornication.” It is mentioned also in Revelation 16:9 “And
the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations
fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto
her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” In both these
verses, this destruction is shown as happening in the context of, or close
to the end of the world.
The Book of Revelation assigns two complete chapters (17 & 18) to
the destruction of this great world power, and gives us graphic details
about this destruction and about the reasons of its destruction.
Babylon, whatever that code name refers to, will be destroyed
suddenly, like Sodom and Gomorrah. Three times we are told that the
destruction will be “in one hour.” “Alas, alas, that great city Babylon,
that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.” (Rev 18:10)
“For in one hour so great riches is come to nought.” (Rev 18:17)
“And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing,
saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had
ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made
desolate.” (Rev 18:19)
The destruction will be complete and final as we are told, “... and she
shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth
her.” (Rev 18:8) “And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great
millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that
great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.”
The destruction will be a judgment of God: “And there came one
of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me,
saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the
1 Published: September, 2002