DEAR MEMBERS,

                  I AM ENCLOSING THE STATEMENT FILED BY HIS GRACE MATHEWS MAR
SEVERIOS METROPOLITAN IN KADAMATTOM CHURCH. THE CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT
SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

========================================================

BEFORE   THE FIRST ADDITIONAL  DISTRICT  COURT, ERNAKULAM

O.S. No.1  of 20OO.
  "**-5-"
K.P. Thankachan: Plaintiff   Vs
St. George Orthodox Syrian Church & Ors.: Respondents/Defendants
STATEMENT  FILED BY THE 8th DEFENDANT

In the above case, evidence of the plaintiff is already started and the
plaintiff’s evidence is almost reaching a stage of conclusion. We have filed
a detailed written statement in the above suit. At present there is no
faction in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, as also in the parish
churches of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Some of the former patriarch
group members under the leadership of, Thomas Dionysius left Malankara
Orthodox Syrian Church, after He [Thomas Dionysius] agreed before the
Hon’ble Supreme Court to conduct election to the managing committee of
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church by convening the Malankara Association.
Under his [Thomas Dionysius] leadership a new church by name, Jacobite
Syrian Christian church had been formed with a separate constitution of its
own.

2. In this case, it is admitted by all the plaintiff that the church in
dispute namely, St. George Orthodox Syrian Church, Kadamatam is a
constituent parish church of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Therefore it
is very easy for this Hon’ble court at this stage to grant directions to
open the church to have the holly services in the church by the priest of
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church alone with the necessary prohibitory orders
and protection as against the persons who opposes the Malankara Orthodox
Syrian Church and it is hierarchy. It is also worth to notice that the
compromise entered into between the former two factions on the basis of
consensus made by the hierarchy of two factions was not able to continue in
the church due to the unilateral withdrawal of former patriarch faction. We
are ready to abide by the compromise decree passed by this Hon’ble court in
O.S. 15/97 dated 08-01-1998.

3. We still stand by our contention and are not ready or amenable for any
kind of compromise sacrificing our rights over the church by accommodating
any other person of any other denomination not recognized and authorized by
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in the plaint church in conducting
religious services and sacraments in the plaint church.

This statement is filed only because when the trial was on the plaintiff
proposed a compromise settlement during the course of trial and this Hon’ble
court asked for our stand in the matter.

Dated this the 29th day of July 2005
-
Dr. Mathews Mar Savarios 8th Defendant

BIJU ABRAHAM
=============================
P J PHILIP,
ADVOCATE, ERNAKULAM
PRAISE THE LORD,
PHILIP P J [PARAMBIL THARAKAN]

Cool down brother. Let us not take sword against sword. That is not
the Christian way. That is what is happening in the world of Islam
Fundamentalists for which the whole world is suffering.
Please do not provocate the sentiments of
brothers and sisters by our words and actions. Christ did not have any
earthly Church building or assets and His disciples too. All our curse
and crisis are around this material possession and earthly thrones.
Let our Spiritual Leaders help us to bring the 'KINGDOM OF GOD on
EARTH'. Then only the real peace will come on Earth.

Alex Vilanilam
New Jersey,USA

--- In IndianOrthodox@yahoogroups.com, George C Thomas, Kuwait wrote:
> Why govt is hesitating to implement supreme court order? We
> have many politicians in our church.but none of these fellows
> are doing some thing constructive for our church.
> we should try to protect our churches by forming our own CHURCH
> PROTECTION FORCE since so far no govts are honest in implementing
court order.
> If some body tries to create problem during Holy Qurbana
> he/she  should be kicked out of the building.

> George T
> Kuwait

Last few days Mumbai is experiencing a worst tragedy. Non stop rains flooded all
the low laying areas. So many people are without food, proper house, water and
electricity for the last few days. It started on last Tuesday as a normal rain
and that day it rained heavily for 24 hours.The total rainfalls for that 24
hours exceeded the rainfall recorded in Chirapunji. Most of the people who went
to office on Tuesday came back home only on Thursday when the rain and water
were receded. Our church at Ullas nagar was under water -11 feet high and the
churches in Kalina, Saki Naka and Mulund were also affected. Worst affected
areas are Kalyan, Kurla, Saki Naka, Jogeshwari. Around 1000 people were lost
their lives in Mumbai only. Crores of Rupees was lost due to damages. All the
ground floor flats of the low laying areas were submerged in water. In Chembur
church, 2 members who were staying on the ground floor lost every thing. Rains
are not yet stopped. According to weather prediction
  another big blow is expected on the 3rd August. I request all the members to
inform everybody who are planning to travel these days through Mumbai to keep
the same on hold.

Mumbai Diocese of our church has planned to help the needy, especially our
church members. Coorlios Thirumeni is super heading these relief operations. All
Achens were informed to collect the information of their need of the Church
members and others and to inform the diocesan office today. MGOCSM students are
manning the telephone net work at the Diocesan office and collecting
information. Providing temporary shelters, giving food to people in the relief
camps and supplying essential commodities are already underway.

Kindly keep Mumbai in your prayers. You want to be part of these relief
operations or want to know more about this relief work you can contact Coorilos
Thirumeni on orthodox77@ hotmail.com or marcoorilos@ yahoo.com (without the
space after the @)

Jacob Varghese
Chembur, Mumbai

We have received several success stories. We need more
to publish. We remind every one to write a sucess
story of themselves or others and send in. Or read a
biography or autobiography of some one and make a one
page summary brief with lessons to learn and send in.
The deadline is August 31st.

Very Rev. Thomas P. Mundukuzhy
Albany, NY
veryrevtpm@ yahoo.com

Dear Brother Joyce

I appreciate your hard work in producing the Malankara Nazrani. It is
by far the best Malankara Orthodox Internet publication in look,
quality and contents.  Some of the theological discourses by our
beloved H.G Gabriel Mor Gregorios, Rev. Dr. K M George and summary of
the Holy Writings of Saint. Gregorios were excellent.

My only suggestion  is that you should not mix  these Holy writings
with  other  filthy materials.  I don't think there are  many
individuals in both our churches who doesn't know the behavior  of
the leaders on both sides. Is there a  need to expose it further??

Also, I saw in your last edition a mention about our Bishop from
Niranam Diocese in  context of spending the offertory  from Parumala
for court cases. You should not forget that Parumala church is under
direct control of  Kottayam and Niranam Diocese or its  Metropolitan
has no say in  how the offertory from Parumala is being spent. Please
do not bring the names of good people into bad stories.

Joyce,I would suggest you read the following:
Genesis 9:
20 Noah, a man of the soil, was the first to plant a vineyard. 21 He
drank some of the wine, became drunk, and uncovered himself inside
his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told
his two brothers outside. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a cloak and
placed it over both their shoulders, and walking backwards, they
covered their father's nakedness. Their faces were turned away, and
they did not see their father naked.
24 When Noah awoke from his drinking and learned what his youngest
son had done to him, 25 he said:
Canaan will be cursed.
He will be the lowest of slaves to his brothers. 26 He also said:
Praise the Lord, the God of Shem;
Canaan will be his slave. 27 God will extend Japheth;
he will dwell in the tents of Shem;
Canaan will be his slave.
Rgds
Ronnie Daniel
Toronto, Canada

------------------------------------------------------------
+ + + + + Inform! Involve! Inspire! + + + + + +
+ + + I C O N! * * *! M A T R I M O N I A L + + +
+ + + LOOKING FOR BRIDE/GROOM FOR INDIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS + + +
------------------------------------------------------------
Look for "Matrimonial Particulars" in every ICON Tuesday Digests.
If anybody would like to avail this free service, please send the
relevant information about bride/groom to IndianOrthodox@
hotmail.com. ICON digests reach around 3,300 families all over
the world. Please feel free to forward the matrimonial information
to any interested parties.
We will publish this information every Tuesday in 4 consecutive
issues. For getting responses the advertisor should mention
their e-mail address and/or telephone contacts in the body
of the message.

We Moderators do not take or assume any responsibility for the
particulars given by the advertisers. Concerned parties are
encouraged to verify the particulars.
---------------------------------------------------------
Further correspondence to be done with the E-Mail address/
Phone No. given against each item (pl. note, no space needed
after '@'sign in E Mails, although space given here for proper
display on your screen in ICON Digests) quoting the Ref. No.
given on the top of each item. We would highly appreciate,
if you can give us your frank opinion about this column
(positive or negative)including results (if any)
to IndianOrthodox@ hotmail.com for our internal evaluation.

---------------------------
(I) SEEKING BRIDEGROOM:
============================
********************
REF NO: MTM 1183B2
********************
Orthodox Christian parents settled in Delhi invite
proposal for their Son 33 years, 167cm working in
Dubai as Executive Secretary with family status.
Father retied from Govt. service, Mother housewife,
Two sisters both married and settled in Delhi. If
interested please contact with details at
v_leo99@ yahoo.com.

********************
REF NO: MTM 1182B2
********************

Lookout for suitable proposals for my daughters. We hail from
ancient aristocratic Orthodox families of Central Travancore. I
belong to the Amboleth family and my wife is from the Plavilayil family.
The girls are well educated and well employed in UAE.  Elder
are twins, Medium Complexion, 155 cm height  and their date of birth
is 17 May 1968. Youngest is Fair, 164 cm height and her date of birth is 2
October 1971. All of them are slim and looks much younger in appearance. I was
working as financial controller in Bahrain and my children had their schooling
there. Now we are settled down in Kowdiar, Trivandrum. We are looking for well
placed well employed boys with good family background preferably employed
abroad.
Contact ID: princi85@ yahoo.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 1181B4
********************
Professional Syrian Orthodox Christian parents belonging to
respectable families, seek professionally qualified (B.E/M.E/CA)
groom brought up outside Kerala for their daughter (25 years,151 cm)
brought up in Bangalore who is good looking, friendly, God fearing,
qualified (B.E) and well-employed with a leading MNC in Bangalore
as senior software Engineer. We are looking for a Christian groom
employed in Bangalore.

Please respond to le_alliance@ yahoo.co.in

********************
REF NO: MTM 1180B5
********************
NRI parents invites proposals for their daughter 22years/162cm,
MBBS, about to enter into house surgency, seeks alliance from
parents of boys MD/FRCS  or any other medical postgraduation.
e-mail: s_g_v8@ hotmail.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 1179B6
********************

Well settled professional orthodox parents inviting
proposals for their daughter 25 years old, second year
medical student in U.S,5'3",goodlooking,religious and
family oriented from parents of christian
boys of any denomination,born and brought up U.S,
and of similar background and values If interested,
please contact at aluminadi@ aol.com.

********************
REF NO: MTM 1178B7
********************
Syrian Christian parents settled in U.S.seeking marriage
proposal to their daughter 35 years old,5'5'' tall,silm
and medium complexion.She has a MBA and has an executive
position in a reputable saftware company in SanFrancisco.
We are  looking for a christian boy with a professional
background. If interested,please  call us for more
details 301-983-8674 or contact us through e-mail
(kunjujohn @aol.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 1177B6
********************

Proposals invited for their daughter(26years, 150cms)
MSc B.ed, born and brought up in Jamnagar(Gujarat)working
as a high school teacher in St.Gregorious High School,
Jamnagar,from parents of well educated/well settled orthodox
christian boys,Preferably settled outside Kerala.
Girl's family particulars are as follows.
Father was an central govt. employee who left
for his heavenly abode 10 years back.
Mother is  central govt. employee.
The girl has three brothers. Two elder to
her and one younger.Elder brothers are both
married and well settled.Eldest brother is
working in a reputed MNC in Al-Khobar Saudi
Arabia(Saudi contact # 0506843829),the second
one is a registered Govt defence contractor and
the youngest brother is final year M.Tech studying in B,lore.
Interested please contact us with details on
0288-2712472/09825781030 or
e-mail binudaniel109@ yahoo.com /
danielfly2005@ yahoo.co.in

********************
REF NO: MTM 1176B6
********************
Ancient orthodox family invites proposals for
their daughter 23/157,B/B outside Kerala, Fair,
Slim, God fearing, Family oriented, Post
Graduate Diploma in Dietetics (Mumbai University),
working as a Consultant Dietician, from parents
of well educated and settled boys.
Phone No. 0253:2463765.
Email : babu_kallarackal @yahoo.co.in

********************
REF NO: MTM 1175B7
********************
Surat (Gujarat) based Orthodox parents invite
proposals for their 24 year old daughter, MCA,
employed in software firm at Mumbai. Girl born and
brought up in Gujarat.  Actively involved in student's
movement of church; willing to relocate as required.
Please respond to : tel- 09825147685,
e-mail: daniel_ts @kribhcosurat.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 1174B8
********************
Marthomite parents  settled in usa invite marriage
proposal from Doctors,Engineers or highly qualified
professionals  from Marthomites/Jacobites/Csi for
their Daughter Doctor 32 years 5'-3" fair and
beautiful, God fearing and family oriented,
waiting for residential program.
Interested parties may  Contact by E mail
aiswarsh2003@ yahoo.com or
telephone # 315 656 8661.

********************
REF NO: MTM 1173B8
********************

Well placed ancient Orthodox parents invite proposals for
their academically brilliant post-graduate (MSc Human Genetics)
daughter, God fearing, fair, slim, 24 years, 5'6", working
as a Research Asst. with Kuwait University-Kuwait from well
employed boys preferablly engineers in India/abroad with
clean habits from ancient orthodox/jacobite/marthomite families.
Interested may kindly respond with recent photograph
jms136@ hotmail.com or jms136@ yahoo.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 1172B9
********************
Proposals are invited for a 41 year old, 115 lbs, slim
good looking and beautiful RC woman, divorced from an
abused husband, have a daughter of 13 years old, is a
Registered Nurse working in USA willing to relocate
anywhere in USA. Any one interested (any christian
denomination) under 50 year old and healthy may
contact Joycejohn2002@ yahoo.com with details.


********************
REF NO: MTM 1171B10
********************
Parents of an Ancient and Aristocratic Orthodox Family
invite proposals for their Daughter,  26/164, slim, fair,
good looking and God fearing, employed in a C.A. Firm
at Bangalore and appearing for C.A. Final exam in November,
2005,  from parents of professionally qualified and well
employed Boys with similar background.  C.A./P.G. in
Engineering/Business Administration or
Similar Qualification preferred.  Respond
to K.M. CHACKO, CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANT, KALEEKAL, MAVELIKARA.
Mobile No.  094470 38333 .  Email: kmcmp@ rediffmail.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 1170B11
********************

Professional Parents invite proposal for a 28-year-old
girl from a good Orthodox Christian family. She is
divorced due to an abusive husband. She has a 5-year-old
son. The girl is an Electronics Engineer working in a
prestigious company in India, but willing to relocate.
She is 5';4"; (165cm) tall, 115 lbs weight,
slim & attractive. She is smart, nice, religious &
caring. We are looking for an educated, smart, caring
person of any Christian denomination and between the
ages of 29 to 36. Her two brothers are professionals,
married and well settled. Serious enquiries only.

Reply to gikk2@ netscape.net or phone 570-297-4575


============================
II) SEEKING BRIDE:
============================
********************
REF NO: MTM 2114A1
********************
Retired Jacobite parents invite proposals for their son B-tech.Aged
30,Height 180cms,medium complexion working in a British company in
Dubai,having family status,coming on leave in September.From parents
of
equally qualified girls.Preference to B-tech civil/Electrical.

Contact No :0481-2571575
Mobile:9447053879

E-mail:kkzachariah@ hotmail.com


********************
REF NO: MTM 2113A2
********************
Ancient  Orthodox   Christian  Parents    Invite   Alliance  for
Son,  B-TECH(IIT), MBA (US).  Age  29 years and a month. Height
167cms.
Prefer well educated, syrian  christian girl  born  and brought
up in INDIA.  with  good family back ground.
Boy is well employed in NY on H1 Visa.Perference is for girl who
is emloyed in and aruond NY .
Contact -E-mail" achammak@... "


********************
REF NO: MTM 2112A4
********************

US settled Indian orthodox parents invites proposals
for their son, US citizen, 27/169, fair, hansome,Godfearing
with exemplary character; BS degree in Computer science,
working as software Engineer and also studying for
MS computer science, from parents of fair, beatiful,
Godfearing, girls with exemplary character.
write to: geo248@ hotmail.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 2111A6
********************
Mumbai based Orthodox Christian parents are looking out for a
suitable match for their elder son. The boy is a Computer Engineer
with MBA from Mumbai University and working for a leading Software
Company in Mumbai. He is 27 years old, fair, handsome and 5' 10"
tall with clean habits. We are looking for a suitable, educated,
tall girl. Interested parties may respond to: a.easo@ sbi.co.in

********************
REF NO: MTM 2110A6
********************
Brother in law invites proposals for a Marthomite Boy
(29 years, fair,159cm) hailing from Chengannur (Alappuzha Dist.)
and now working in Bahrain since last 4 years as a Sales Professional,
from parents of god fearing, smart, (Preferably Marthomite) girls
working/not working (preference for Nurse).
He is the only son and both sisters are married and
well settled.His father is a  retired Central Govt. Employee.

Please respond with details and a recent photograph by
e-mail:  kadampathundilsanthoshthomas@ yahoo.co.in


********************
REF NO: MTM 2109A6
********************
Parents invite mariage proposal for their eldest son
Doctor (M.B.B.S) from parents from any christian denomination
like Jacobite, Marthomite or C.S.I.settled in U.S.A .Bride
should be a Doctor who wish to pursue higher studies of both
of them in States. Brief particulars are
furnished below:

Age - 26 (24.06.1978), brought up in Gulf (Bahrain)
Height 172 cms., fair complexioned.
Christian Denomination : Syrian Orthodox from Kerala
settled in Gulf (Bahrain) for more than 27 years

For further information please contact K. J. Mathew,Bahrian
Res.Tele: 00973 17243512 or Mob 00973 39286169
e-mail moorthitta@ yahoo.com,
India Res. No. 0091 479 2314217


********************
REF NO: MTM 2108A8
********************

Proposals invited for a well settled Jacobite
boy belonging to an ancient family. The proposed
boy is a Mechanical Engineer (B. E.from MIT, Manipal,
Mechanical Engineering) working in a leading
Multinational trading company. The boy is 27years,
175cms, fair,God-fearing and with clean habits.

Both parents working as teachers and father is
a priest. Has one brother doing his graduation.

We are looking for a fair,good looking,
homely God-fearing girl from a good Orthodox/Jacobite family.

If interested please contact: email:tioman_78 @yahoo.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 2107A9
********************
Proposals invited for an Orthodox God fearing youth
(28, 165cm, Journalism Diploma, MA, SET, M.Phil
& doing PhD). Presently working as a teacher in HSC, TVM.
Parents were teachers in MD management.
Father died 13 yrs ago. Mother retired from service.
Two elder sisters are married and settled.
Invite suitable alliance from parents of God fearing,
well qualified girls, medium family and interested
to work in Kerala.

Interested parties please contact :
lejupthomas@ hotmail.com  / leenaanna@ hotmail.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 2106A11
********************
A well wisher invites matrimonial proposals for an Orthodox
divorcee (not because of his own mistakes/interests) 50, working
as an Electrical Supervisor in UAE, having one son studying
for Engg course, from Christian ladies (preferably Orthodox),
around or below 45. She must be caring, loving and co-operative.
Widows/divorcees also will be considered. Write with full
details to: watchmanonwall@ hotmail.com.
********************
REF NO: MTM 2105A13
********************
Parents invite  marriage proposal for their  eldest son,
Date of Birth 29.10.1973 .He had his
schooling in Bahrain from 1983, and taken his B.Tech. (Mach)
from M. A. College, Kothamangalm, and passed a certificate
course in Autocad from  Cochin Uty. After his initial training
in The Switchgear Factory of Alind he came back in Bahrain
and worked for 4 yrs. `in various Governmental Projects
executed by 1) A.A. Nass Contracting, 2)Sasakura
– Kowasaki-Sumitomo  Consortium 3) BFG Bahrain . Currently
he is working in Ras Al Khaima, U. A. E.  as Enviornmental Engineer.

We are Orthodox  Syrian Christians and belongs to Kallupurakkal
family of Kottayam.  Since 1980 we are in Bahrain. My  wife is
a teacher in Indian School, Bahrain.  I am running  business
with own sponsership in Bahrain.  My second son is a Civil Engineer,
who is also working in Bahrain and third is a daughter studying
in Cochin Uty. for B. Tech.  Our postal address is
K. Philipose Joseph , P.O. Box 21740, Kingdom of Bahrain.
E- mail address: princediamonds@ hotmail.com.  Tele: +(973) 17250419

********************
REF NO: MTM 2104A14
********************

Proposals invited for well settled Bangalore Orthodox boy belonging to
an ancient family. The proposed boy is a Software Engineer (M.S. from
BITS Pilani, B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering) working in a
leading MNC at Bangalore. The boy is 28years, 175cms, fair, well-
built,
God-fearing and with clean habits. We are looking for a fair, good
looking, homely God-fearing, Software Engineer from a good Orthodox,
Jacobite or Marthomite family.

If interested please contact Ph: +91 80 23535886

email : mercy_james_lf@ yahoo.co.in

********************
REF NO: MTM 2103A14
********************

ORTHODOX Parents belonging to a reputable family in Central
travancore and highly qualified, invite proposals for their son who
is B.Com, MBA, broughtup and studied outside Kerala and is well
employed in the Gulf (middle Managemnt level).The boy is 27,slim
and handsome. Parents of God fearing,good looking and professionally
qualified girls, if interested may please respond with details
by Email: lxkurian@ hotmail.com

********************
REF NO: MTM 2102A14
********************
Orthodox parents in Delhi seek suitable alliance for their
son 27/170 B.E, M.B.A, employed in a large telecom group as
manager in Delhi.Professionally qualified /employed preferred.
Contact : e.mail : gichooo@ yahoo.co.in,
Ph: 9810404340, 011-22710295


*******************
REF NO: MTM 2101A15
*******************

Proposals are invited for Marthomite boy, M.Tech., M.S., 40,
5' 7", very fair and handsome, currently working as a senior
executive in USA from God-fearing, fair, slim, pretty postgraduate/
professionals. He had his education in prestigious institutions in
India, Canada and USA. He is an accomlished artist; has several
exhibitions to his credit. He publishes a professional journal
dealing with museum (scientific, technical, art) designing and
management. He is a Canadian citizen. If interested, please contact
with the necessary details and a recent photograph at
< ktm_kunjumon@ sancharnet.in > "

*******************
REF NO: MTM 2100A16
*******************
Proposals invited for an Orthodox Engineer
(28 years, fair, 165cm)hailing from an ancient
family (Kalathil Medayil, Thalavady) and now working
as a consultant Mechanical Engineer in Kuwait, from
parents of god fearing, smart, Orthodox Engineer girls.
Please respond with details and a recent
photograph by e-mail: jo_kalathil @ yahoo.com

*******************
REF NO: MTM 2099A16
*******************
Orthodox parents in Delhi seek suitable alliance for their
son 27/170 B.E, M.B.A, employed in a large telecom group
as manager in Delhi.Professionally qualified /employed
preferred. Contact : e.mail : gichooo@ yahoo.co.in
(no space required after @),Ph: 9810404340, 011-22710295.


*******************

 
Dear Moderators

I am extremely happy to read the posting of Mr. Kuriakose Mathew, Muscat on the
present grave situation our Church faces. His analysis is correct.
Unfortunately, there are few like him in our Church, people who really love the
Church. If we had, we would not have been in for this sort of situations. The
Government and media are against us. Why? because of the lukewarm approach of
some of us. Take the example of Manorama, Pailipillai, C. V. Jacob and even some
of the members of the Managing Committee. At a time when we all have to stand
and fight against the enemy, it is highly deplorable that the Managing members
forgot themselves and created scenes which the shameless media used to serve the
purpose it wanted. This is a time we all stand together behind our Bawa
Thirumeni instead of finding fault with the leadership. Now, there is much talk
and less action. Was this the situation of the Church a few years ago? It was
the laity, especially the Managing Committe that was giving help and support to
then Catholicoses and that was the reason for the glory of the Church in those
days.

Mar Philoxenos
Delhi.

CHURCHES ARE OPENING
From Deepika News, it is very happy news that I could understand about the
opening of Churches. It is very sad to note that since last many years the
Churches are kept as closed. Now my question is that, are these Churches build
by any Bishops or Priests? It was build by the lay- people for the very purpose
of conducting the H. Qurbana, Prayers etc. and get blessings from our God. The
money for to make a Church building done by the lay people with their hard work
earnings. The Bishops and the priests have the opportunity to conduct the H.
Qurbana any- where; where as the poor people, who made the Church building are
suffering to not able to attend the H. Qurbana.
Even-if, I do not pray, I shall not allow you to pray and get blessings is not
Christian way of behavior.  Some-times, the Church building may be built by the
minority of the people of the present time or major or either. But, the Church
building must keep open at all times for the worship.
Even-if, one Bishop or one Priest may not come to conduct the H. Qurbana, let
any of our either Bishops or Priests may come and conduct the H. Qurbana and let
the people of any side or both side must go and attend the H. Qurbana. The H.
Qurbana, which is conducted by any Bishops or Priests shall be accepted by our
Lord. According to my best knowledge the lay-people does not have to
fight each other for this purpose, where-as the leaders, with vested interests
are encouraging them to fight for it. Let us stop this fighting.
May God Bless You,
With Prayers and Love
Joykutty, Detroit

Agree with you in total Ronnie!!!

In the first issue of 'Malankara Nazrani' there were a few things
mentioned about H G Dr.Yakob Mar Irenaios.  Since I know Thirumeni
in person for a few years, I don't believe what were said about
him.  Thirumeni has been doing some commendable work in translating
our liturgy into English.  He works well with youth group everywhere
regardless whether in India or abroad.  Also he is a scholar and a
very good orator in both Malayalam and English.  Then who was
against him moving to Trivandrum Diocese?  Youth and MGOCSM members
were very supportive of that.  Only some of those regular bunch of
people stuck to the helm of affairs for their life time and so
called 'king makers' both among clergy and laymen were against this.

Same thing happening in the case of our seminary principal Dr.K. M.
George Achen too.  People like Dr. M. O. John Achen of 'Malankara
Sabha Deepam' are bad mouthing against him since they have some
issues against him.  Their argument is that the Principal of the
seminary should be a bishop.  Where did that come from?  It is a
mistake on our part as a Church if we sideline able and
knowledgeable individuals if they are not bishops.  It will be so
great if our Church will declare late Chandi Sir as a saint for his
life and work for Church.  Since I know some of the individuals who
make so much hue and cry in the Managing Committee on so many things
personally, I am doubtful about their intentions.  What are these
people doing for our church.  They are only helping to tarnish the
image of our church further.

I have a humble request to all the respected thirumenis who are
members of this forum.  Please, come down into the middle of
people.  Make them feel the sense of belonging.  As a good shepherd,
try to call each one of them by name.  That will solve more than
half of our problems.

With prayers,

Ashok D. Johnson
Calgary, Canada

Mr. John Kunnath’s posting -  A Sacrifice of
Thanksgiving - Psalms 50- was an excellent one.  Even
though we know “More expectation causes more
complaint, but less expectation causes more
Thankfulness”, all the time we forget this law because
of our human nature.  Praying to Lord Almighty to fill
our hearts with His natures.

Praying for Koshy achen for his recovery.

With prayers,


Mrs. Sabu George,
Mumbai

A TALK ON “THE HINDU VIEW ON RELIGIOUS CONVERSIONS”, FOLLOWED BY AN INTERACTIVE
SESSION

BANGALORE INITIATIVE FOR RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE (BIRD) & THE CAREY SOCIETY (United
Theological College), BANGALORE,
cordially invite you to a talk by Mr. Ashok Chowgule, president, Maharashtra
unit of the VHP, on “The Hindu view on Religious Conversions”, followed by an
interactive session, at 5.30 p.m., Friday, 5 August 2005, at the United
Theological College, 63 Millers Road.

Mr. Chowgule will be touching on the theoretical-cum-theological aspects of
conversions. He would like to present that conversions create social tensions –
a phenomenon that exists in all societies, and at all times.

P.N.BENJAMIN
Coordinator
Bangalore Initiative for Religious Dialogue (BIRD)
186 Wheeler Road Extension
Bangalore 560 084
Tel. 2580 0647

A study on possible names given to our Bishops (not exclusive):

----------------------------------------------------------------
ATHANASIOS: Meaning "immortal". Origin is Greek.
Church Father: St. Athanasius of Alexandria.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DIOSCORUS: Greek Diaskoros. Child of God (in Greek Mythology of Zeus),
Man of God.
Church Father: St. Diascoros of Alexandria.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
THEODOSIUS: From the Greek, meaning 'given by God'
Church Father: St. Theododius of Alexandria.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

GHEEVARGHESE: Syriac form of the Greek name Georgios (different from
Gregorios) which was derived from the Greek word georgos

meaning "farmer, earthworker", itself derived from the elements ge
"earth" and ergon "work".

Saint: Mar Gheevarghese Sahada (St. George).
-----------------------------------------------------------------

SINUTHIUS: From Coptic name 'Shenouda', Schenute, SCHENUDI, SCHNUDI,

Church Father: St. Shenouda of Atripe, Egyptian monk who accompanied
St. Cyril in the council of Ephesus (AD 431). St. Shenouda

encouraged Coptic language and discouraged the use of Greek.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

EUSTATHIOS (Osthathios): Derived from Greek eustathes meaning
"well-built, stable".
Church Father: St. Eusthathius of Antioch.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

MAKARIOS: Meaning is "blessed", "beatitudes" etc.

Church fathers: St. Makarios was monk in Egypt. There were two monks,
Makarios of Egypt and Makarios of Alexandria.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

NICHOLAOS:
From the Greek name Nikolaos which meant "victory of the people" from
Greek nike "victory" and laos "people".

Church Father: St. Nicholas was a 4th-century bishop of Myra.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

EPIPHANIUS: From the Christian festival of Epiphany. Epiphany means
'manifestation'.

Church Father: St. Epiphanius of Salamis, Cyprus
-----------------------------------------------------------------

THEOPHILUS: The meaning is friend of God. The origin is Greek.
church Fathers: Theophilus, disciple of Apostle Paul.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

KURILOSE (Cyril): The meaning of the name cyril is "Lordly". The
origin is Greek.
Church Fathers: St. Cyril of Alexandria.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

THIMOTHEOS: The meaning is "To Honor God". The origin is Greek.
Church Father: Thimotheos, the disciple of Apostle Paul. St.
Thimotheos of Alexandria, successor of St. Diascoros.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

PHILOXENOS: A Greek poet died in 380 BC. Meaning 'lover of
hospitality'. PHILOXENUS, of Cythera (435-380 B.C.),
Church Father: St. Philoxenos (Syriac: Aksenaya) of Mabbog, one of the
best of Syriac prose writers, and a vehement champion of Orthodox
doctrine in the end of the 5th and beginning of the 6th centuries. He
was born, probably in the third quarter of the  5th  century, at Tahal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

SEVERIOS (Severus): Severus is a latin name. Severus was the name of
several ancient Roman emperors and later, early saints.

Severios from the Latin word for "strict" or "severe".
Church Father: St. Severios of Antioch.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Milithos: From Latin word Mellitus meaning "sweet as honey".
Church Father: St. Meletius of Antioch, Bishop, born in Melitene in
Lesser Armenia. Before occupying the see of Antioch he had been Bishop
of Sebaste, capital of Armenia Prima. He was the teacher of St. John
Chrysostom.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dionysius: Ancient Latin form of Greek Dionysios, 'Dias' meaning "of
Zeus" combined with Nysa, the name of a legendary mountain. Dionysos -
Son of Zeus and Semele.  Zeus then ordered Mercury to transport the
baby to the mountain of Nysa and entrust him to the mountain nymphs to
raise. In Greek mythology Dionysos was the god of wine, revelry,
fertility and dance.

Church Fathers: St. Dionysius the Areopagite (AD 95), the first bishop
of Athens and disciple of Apostle Paul, St. Dionysius the Bishop of
Corinth (2nd century), St. Dionysius, Pope of Rome (AD 268), St.
Dionysius of Tell-mehre (Dionysius Telmaharensis), St. Dionysius the
Metropolitan of Malankara (India).
-----------------------------------------------------------------

EUSEBIUS: Greek Variant of Eusebois, meaning Worships well, pious.

Church Fathers: St. Eusebius, the Church Historian.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

AUGEN: From Greek 'Eugenios' meaning 'well-born' or 'noble birth'.
Church Fathers: Mar Augen, monk of Mount Izla.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

STEPHANOS:From the Greek name Stephanos which means "crown".
Church Father: St. Stephen is believed to be the first among deacons
and the first martyr.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

THEODOROS: From the Greek name Theodoros, which meant "gift of god"
from Greek theos "god" and doron "gift".
-----------------------------------------------------------------

BASELIUS: Derived from Greek basileus meaning "king".
Church Father: Saint Basil the Great was a 4th-century bishop of
Caesarea and the founder of service oriented monasticism.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

PACHOMIOS: From Coptic word for eagle. 'Pachom' in Coptic means Eagle.

Church Father: St. Pachomius of Egypt (AD 346) introduced the
cenobitical order of monasticism.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

CHRYSOSTOMOS: Greek word Chrysostomos means 'golden mouthed'.

Church Father: St. John Chrysostom (Ioannis Chrysostomos), the
Patriarch of Constantinople (AD 398-404).
-----------------------------------------------------------------

IVANIOS: From Greek Ioannis meaning 'God is Gracious'

Church Fathers: St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist, St.
John Chrysostom (Mar Ivanios).
-----------------------------------------------------------------

APREM:  From Hebrew Ephraim meaning 'very fruitful'

Church Father: St. Ephraim of Edessa.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PAULOSE: From the Roman family name Paulus, which meant "small" or
"humble" in Latin.
Church father: Apostle St. Paul.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
GREGORIOS: Greek name Gregorios, which was derived from gregoros
meaning "watchful, alert".
Church Father: St. Gregorios of Nyssa, St. Gregorios of Nazianzen, St.
Gregorios of Malankara.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

BARNABAS: Meaning son of prophecy. The origin is Greek.
Church Father: St. Barnabas, disciple of Apostle Paul.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

ANTHONIOS:  The meaning of the name is: Worthy of Praise. The origin
is Greek.
Church Father: St. Antony of Egypt, the founder of monasticism.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas P,
Dallas, TX

"Often, doubtless, when we have not the Lord's passion in mind and see the image
of Christ's crucifixion, His saving passion is brought back to remembrance, and
we fall down and worship not the material but that which is imaged: just as we
do not worship the material of which the Gospels are made, nor the material of
the Cross, but that which these typify. For wherein does the cross, that
typifies the Lord, differ from a cross that does not do so? It is just the same
also in the case of the Mother of the Lord. For the honour which we give to her
is referred to Him Who was made of her incarnate. And similarly also the brave
acts of holy men stir us up to be brave and to emulate and imitate their valour
and to glorify God. For as we said, the honour that is given to the best of
fellow-servants is a proof of good-will towards our common Lady, and the honour
rendered to the image passes over to the prototype. But this is an unwritten
tradition, just as is also the worshipping towards the

East and the worship of the Cross, and very many other similar things."

St. John of Damascus.

--------------------------------------------------------------

"Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice
in the Lord, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy
name." Psalms 97:11-12

---------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Joykutty,

What a great thought -  Churches must remain open  for worshipping by
poor lay people.
You sounds very sympathetic to   " Poor lay people " like the
Pylipilla  of Kolencheri who move to where the crowed is.
You know what ?? You got the whole story wrong.
There is no restriction in our churches on worshipping believers.
But, there is restriction on  those who come to grab property.
I don't think any Bishop or priest will refuse to open a church if
these poor lay people decide to obey the rules of the Church.

I think you should correct your sentence by saying " Churches must
remain open  for worshipping  believers ".
Our problem is that we have a lot of lay people in our church, but
not many believers. A believer will not  fight for church property.
A believer will not hold a claim on the money  he already donated. A
believer will not abuse a Chosen person,  a Bishop or a Priest  of
either  side. A believer will reconcile with his brother before
giving his offering to God.

Your next question – Are these churches built by Bishops or Priests??
The church was built  by God and he is the head of it.
If you are talking about the Church building, it was built by Masons
and Carpenters. May be the lay people donated money. But, there is
another big donor who provide money to lay people. Actually, " HE "
is the one who is owning everything and building everything.
  " HE " is the owner of everything especially the church which is his
house. It is not my house or your house or any other lay peoples
house. He is the owner of his house, same way you are the owner of
your house. Building or Opening a few houses in Kerala is not a big
task for him.
But, he wont do it unless the people decides to come there to worship
rather than for grabing property.
What right you have on something you have already donated to a Church
or a Bishop or a Priest.
May be in future these people  will  lay their claim on the house of
their Priest as well because they paid him a salary.

Rgds
Ronnie Daniel
Toronto, Canada

CHURCHES UNDER LOCK
It is very shameful to notice that the Churches kept under lock. While keeping a
Church under lock any benefit any one is going to get?
     We are the Christians, mean the followers of Christ. While Jesus was
aware that Judas Iscariot is to going to show Him, He washes his legs and given
him first Qurbana. During our H. Qurbana as it says that it is given to the holy
people; while he took the first time the H. Qurbana, he was not holy; and as
a result we know that what happened to him.
     Therefore, let us open all closed Churches, and any unholy things
happened shall get its reward. We should not give any revenge to any one; and
that is
not the teachings of Christianity. God is there to judge that who is
doing wrong and correct and we must believe it; and do it as in practical.
     Let us pray each for others. Let us make opportunity to pray by others.

May God Bless You,
With Pray and Love
Joykutty, Detroit

dear brother,

i didnt intend to say that we should wage a holy war against
rebels,but instead we should try to protect our churches and not
just allow rebels to capture them with the help of UDF and Reeth.

We claim that we form 70% of Malankara Sabha and have Supreme court
orders supporting us.

But will any govt in Kerala implement them?
What is the opinion of Kerala Council Of Churches? will they support
us?eventhough we are giving too much importance to ecumenism which
will drag many Orthodox to protestant groups.

we lack support of politicians.this is a fact.because our Church
fathers are not attending any group meetings conducted at the houses
of congress group leaders.even our church is not demanding  any
political parties to nominate our church members as candidates in
constituencies where we are in majority.

ABOVE ALL WHAT WERE WE DOING WHEN REBELS WERE CAPTURING OUR CHURCHES
IN 1974?

WE SHOULD FORM AN ORGANISATION SIMILAR TO SNDP OR NSS TO PROTECT OUR
COMMUNITY'S INTERESTS.

George T.

Kuwait

--- In IndianOrthodox@yahoogroups.com, Alex Vilanilam Koshy wrote:
> Cool down brother. Let us not take sword against sword. That is
not
> the Christian way. That is what is happening in the world of Islam
> Fundamentalists for which the whole world is suffering.
> Please do not provocate the sentiments of
> brothers and sisters by our words and actions. Christ did not have
any
> earthly Church building or assets and His disciples too. All our
curse
> and crisis are around this material possession and earthly thrones.
> Let our Spiritual Leaders help us to bring the 'KINGDOM OF GOD on
> EARTH'. Then only the real peace will come on Earth.
>
> Alex Vilanilam
> New Jersey,USA
>
> --- In IndianOrthodox@yahoogroups.com, George C Thomas, Kuwait
wrote:
> > Why govt is hesitating to implement supreme court order? We
> > have many politicians in our church.but none of these fellows
> > are doing some thing constructive for our church.
> > we should try to protect our churches by forming our own CHURCH
> > PROTECTION FORCE since so far no govts are honest in
implementing
> court order.
> > If some body tries to create problem during Holy Qurbana
> > he/she  should be kicked out of the building.
>
> > George T
> > Kuwait

Dear Moderator,

I refer to Mr. Kuriakose Mathew's (Muscat) msg in digest No: 1619. I
appreciate your concern about the Jacobite Vs IOC Church's fighting
for property, but disagree in your comparison of the Church Vs.
Political Party.  First of all we have to understand that Churches
should function as the 'Body of Christ' and not as the political
party. If we consider it in that way, the property matters can be
resolved in a spirit of Christian love. Fr. M.K.K. Achen wrote about
it in a thought provoking manner, but how many of us (from both
factions) would seriously think about it???

Dear Kuraikose, I remember Mr. Junas from Bombay compared your Muscat
Church as an example of the faction fued!!! I think no other Gulf
Churches may be having such zealots in both factions. In Bahrain, we
both conduct many ecumenical activities together, irrespective of our
divisions. Here, the Jacobites left the original Church in 1977, which
was made by both faction members together, when they were one and
eventhough the place was donated to the Patriarch of Antioch by the
ruling family. Jacobites made a separate Church and both Church's now
co-exist here without any factional fights or personal envy.  I
personaly have many friends in that Church. In a nut shell, I come to
state that we can co-exist, eventhough we cannot continue as one
church. If there is a will, there is a way.

Dear Kuriakose, when you write "At present there is no faction in the
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, as per the judgement of the Apex
court,  as also in the parish churches of Malankara Orthodox Syrian
Church. Some of the former patriarch group members under the
leadership of, H.B.  Thomas Dionysius left Malankara Orthodox
Syrian Church, after He [H.B. Thomas Dionysius] agreed before the
Hon'ble Supreme Court to conduct election to the managing committee of
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church by convening the Malankara
Association" I feel sorry for you for two reasons.  One is because of
your ignorance of the Hon. Supreme Court and High Court verdicts
on "Parish Churches" (Idavaka)position, and the second one due to your
addressing of the prelate of Jacobite Church.  Showing respect even to
an opposition member is the norm of a decent personality.  When you or
anybody in IOC call the Jacobite Catholicos H.B. Baselius Thomas I
as "H.B. Thomas Dionysius" or "Mor Dionasios" or "Thomas Pradhaman" it
shows their indecency only.  I think even at the high tide of faction
fued, none of the Jacobites called IOC Catholicos as "Mor Coorilos"
only and if somebody says like that I will be first one to protest
against it.  Unfortunately, I hadn't seen anyone in IOC correcting
this mistake. I feel sorry for them. Give respect and take respect.

Regarding the parish churches, the prevailing court order is that "any
parish churches can leave an association and form another one at their
own will".  Nobody can stop them.  The court here upheld the authority
of the parish members on their Church property. Hence the formation of
the Jacobite Syrian Christian Association is legally correct and its
member Churches are legally protected.

In digest No:1618 Varghese Plammottil wrote "Some of our parishes have
become huge coporations, for example:Manarcad Church." Dear Mathews,
when you point your one finger to accuse 'Manarcad Church" as a
corporation, please note that your four other fingers are pointing to
yourself or to your own Church, who also run like a corporate business
group,as rightly pointed out by your own members and your various
publications at different times. See the fight in Kolenchery Church
matter and think aloud why is it? You will get the correct answer.

With Prayers & Best Regards

Thomas Abraham
St. Peter's J.S.O. Church - Bahrain
St. Mary's Cathedral - Manarcad

Following is an informative article. It mentions the works of Apostle
Thomas in Persia enroute India. Gives a clear picture for the
enquiring mind.

While reading this we need to keep in mind the important point that
early Church history is common to Indian, Assyrian and Chaldean
sections of the Eastern Church (or Syriac Church). In history, the
Eastern Syriac Church of Apostle Thomas branched in to three major
sections - Orthodox, Nestorian and Chaldean (RC).  With this in mind
please read the below material by a Syriac author.

Thomas P.
Dallas, TX
-------------------------
THE CHALDEAN CHRISTIANS: THEIR HISTORY, LITURGY AND STATUS UP TO THE
PRESENT DAY by Subhi Zora

"According to tradition, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia adopted
Christianity at first from the Magi-Kings who, on their return from
Beth Lehem, started preaching and spreading the faith in both
Mesopotamia and Persia, and afterwards from St. Thomas the Apostle on
his journey from the land of Palestine to India. Some of the
references available at present (see, for example, Abouna 1973; Dahan
1939) mention that St. Thomas remained six years in the land of
Mesopotamia before departing to India. His apostolate was taken over
by his immediate disciples Addai (Thaddeus), assisted by Mari, Aggai
and Ahhai. The work of these Saints has been reported in the writings
of some of the famous Arab writers and historians (e.g. Sulaiman ibn
Al-Basry and Marie Bin Sulaiman, both of whom lived in the Thirteenth
Century, quoted in Abouna, op.cit.:8). Those works clearly indicate
that Christianity spread in Mesopotamia sometime during the first
century A.D. Some of the most famous places in Mesopotamia which are
connected to the first years of Christianity include
Seleucia-Ctesiphon, or Al-Madain, situated on the Tigris south
of Baghdad, Beth Arabai, Beth Aramai, beth Slokh on the northern parts
of the river, Edessa in Syria, and Nisibis in Southern Turkey."

"As the numbers of Christians increased in Mesopotamia, the bishops
heading the various Christian communities, had to nominate one of them
to lead the whole of the Church towards some form of unity. So the
idea of "JATHALEEQUE" (Catholicos) came into practice. A main bishop
was to be elected for this dignified authority whose job was to lead
his bishoprics and faithful. His influence started to grow and
increase gradually, and this led eventually the Church of the East to
have some form of unity and independence. At the beginning of the
fifth century at two Councils held at Seleucia-Ctesiphon, the first
one was held at A.D. 410, and the second at A.D. 424, the authority of
the Jathalieeque was confirmed over his parishes and Christian
communities."
------------------------------------------------------

PS: The councils mentioned in the above article are the councils of
Church of the East when it was Orthodox in faith. It happened much
before a section of Eastern church adopting Nestorian faith.

AD 410: First General Synod of the Persian Church (Synod of Isaac)
confirms the  primacy of the bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon as
"Catholicos of all the Orient"

AD 420: Second General Synod of the Persian Church (Synod of
Yaballaha
  I)

AD 424: Third General Synod of the Persian Church (Synod of Dadyeshu)
confirms Catholicos of the Church of the East as "Patriarch of the
East"

Abouna, A. (1973) History of the Eastern Church, Part One, From the
Spread of Christianity to the Coming of Islam, Al-Fikr Al-Masihi
Publications, Mosul, Iraq.

"It often happens that saints born of a saint retain from him birth both
according to the flesh and according to the soul. In this way Abraham became the
father of Isaac, Isaac of Jacob, and Jacob of Joseph; for they are descended
from them in a human sense and also imitators of their virtue. Esau was begotten
of Isaac only according to the flesh, since he was a stranger to him in
intentions, for he became worthless. Seth, then, born to replace a just man,
generates Enos: the just engendering one who is just; and the latter, instead of
having a proper name of his own, is called `man.' Such a naming demonstrates the
virtue of his soul which preserved that which was "in the image," and the truly
real state of man, for in Hebrew Enos signifies `man.'"

St. Didymus the Blind.

--------------------------------------------------------------

"Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, With Your glory and Your
majesty. And in Your majesty ride prosperously." Psalms 45:3-4

---------------------------------------------------------------

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD.

                (AUG:6) (GOSPEL St.Luke 9:28-36)

When we read the Bible we notice how  often it brings us into
mountain scenary.It was on the mountain Abraham prepared to offer
his only son Isaac.It was from a mountain top that men received the
Law of Moses.And from the mountain side the law of Christ (sermon on
the Mount) was received.The bitterest conflict between Prophet
Elijah and prophets of Baal was on the mount Carmel.It was again on
the Mount that the Supreme Sacrifice that removed the course of all
sacrifices took place----Mount Calvary.It was on the Mount of of
Hermon (Tabor) that Jesus' transfiguration took place.For always in
the serinity of the mountain tops that men have peceived God's
Gracious presence  , indescribable  glory and eternal providence.

Jesus took His three beloved desciples Peter , James and John and
went upto the mountain top to pray.As he prayed , the fashion of His
countenance was altered.His garments were luminous.His face shone
like the sun.He prayed itensely,passionately and resolutely.His
prayer was as powerful as the prayerHe prayed in Gathsemene.The
thought of His suffering filled him.It was the vision of his death
that bowed him down.Eight days before, He had told His desciples how
he should suffer and die.It was about His death that Moses and
Elijah spoke.May be His hands were trembling as they grasped the cup
of bitterness,sorrow and death.The shadow of his cross was on His
Heart.He went to the mountain top to agonise with God.The answer
was Transfiguration.

Transfiguration gave Jesus a fresh assurance of His Father's Love
and the purpose of His coming.Because though he was fully God He
was  fully man .From the very beginning itself the priests,the
rulers, the leaders and elders were finding fault with Him and He
escaped death atleast for three times.Because His time was not at
come.We can believe that until Transfiguration , Christ was climbing
upwards.From then onwards ,He was to journey downwards to Mount
Calvary and to the grave and Hades.Jesus clearly understood His
death.

At this point, Jesus was assured that His agony and death was fully
understood in Heaven though it was not understood on earth.In His
suffering and death , Jesus was never undrstood on earth.Men
understood the wisdom in His speech.They witnessed the power of His
healing.But His suferings they could not understand.The thought of
crucifixion was intolerable to His own Disciples. But Moses and
Elijah understood what the desciples failed to see.Moses the
greatest law-giver and Elijah the greatest prophet of the Old
Testament had come down from HEAVEN to console and strengthen
Jesus.At this crucial moment , all the laws of Moses and the
prophecy of the prophets fulfilled in our Lord.

Transfiguration made Jesus strong.It gave him the perfect forcast of
His coming glory.He knew that His sufferings were near.He also knew
that the Heaven is nearer still , for the dazzling glory of heaven
was on His face and the saints of glory were standing by His side.As
His Father's sweet music came "This is my beloved Son Hear Him" He
moved with untoldable joy.

The inner circle of desciples whom Jesus wanted to bless with
Heavenly unique scene were asleep.So they could not see the Gloy in
its perfection .But suddenly they  woke up and saw the beautiful
vision and marvelled at it.Infact they did not want to go from that
place.The brilliant light coming from Jesus , Moses and Elijah
dazzled their eyes.They were filled with fear and exitement.They
heard the voice from heaven .Peter said "Lord we shall build three
shelters . one for you , one for Moses and one for Elijah."He did
not know what he was telling.Immediately they saw  the saints
disappeared leaving Jesus alone.Jesus asked His disciples to keep
this a secret till His resurrection.

What does this great event in the life of our Lord teach us ?

1) This is said to be the Exhibition of the Kingdom of God.And Jesus
is teaching his desciples about the Kingdom of God through a
vision.He taught the subject through parables and examples and now
shows a small glimpse of it to be seen by their own eyes.

2) Many times we ask the question ? Is there an other world ? If
there is , how will that be ?Jesus' disciples perhaps had this
doubt.And our Lord shows that there is an other world.How will it
be ? Oh wonderful ! even the garments we wear shinesforth like
dazzling light.And what more the body and face ?

3) Where are the departed ? They are in heaven.Gloriously living and
their presence and intercession  are  available  at the time of our
trials and tribulations  as our Lord himself is strengthened by The
Father , Moses and Elijah.

4) As we say "No cross , No Crown ," Jesus' glory is always
shouldered  with His sufferingsThey are inseperable .Our sufferings
has  a purpose , though it is sometimes a mystery.Our sufferings
will take us to glory and perfection.

5)         The Holy Father from  proclaimed from heaven" This is my
beloved son " This is how our Lord wants to see each one of us!!!

Are we His beloved sons and daughters ?

May Almighty God bless each one of us to be seen as blessed children
of His Kingdom through the guidance and abundance of Holy
Spirit...Amen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Fr.V.C.Jose Chemmanam
St.Thomas Orthodox Cathedral
Singapore.

Yeldho Peter
Houston

All churches should be opened to the true believers. They should obey the rules
of the church ie once the church is built by local people but it should belong
to the malankara church.It should be administered by its constitution and rules.
But right now HB Thomas 1 Bava and his followers try to encroach our church
poperties and talk about christian love etc. That should not be allowed at any
cost.

Yeldho Peter, Houston

Dear Moderators,
We,  the Orthodox church gone maximum to the rock bottom for  peace and
patience.  Just go thro the below link.
For peace and christianity our church stand.  We accepted the Apex Court
orders every time and every where. It means we are the losers ????????

I attach here with two links from the internet. ( cut and paste in the
browser).

1.                 http://www.geocities.com/ti2002in/Deepika_29_C_Nov_01.htm

It is the clear detail of the acceptance of Supreme Court order by H.B.
Thomas Dionysius for  peace settlement of the
century old court cases and fighting of the faction.  Both factions have
agreed for the election of Malankara Methrapolithan,
who is supreme authority of all Malankara Churches & properties. (Pls see
separately the duties of Malankara Methapolithan- or some can write in
detail). Supreme Court arranged a Honarable Retd.High Court Judge to conduct
the election peacefully and properly and then report to the Supreme Court.
These are accepted by both factions although Apex court denied Orthodox
Churchs demand to other nominee, but we accepted all for peace and
christianity.

2.                 http://www.geocities.com/malankarav/Mat_21_Mar_02.htm

After the fair and  peacful election the Hon.Retd Chief Justice Malimatt
(the Supreme Court appointed election commissioner as accepted by both
faction)   declaring who is the elected Malankara Methrapolithan.


Also the Apex court ordered,  these order cannot be challenged or questioned
in any other courts.  but these are only challenged by our Anthony
Government due to some pressure from the minority community as he declared
later and  H.B.Dionysius new Group.  If  Malankara Methrapolithan enter into
the church - Malankara Methrapolithan will be killed.  Flesh will be sold
for Rs.10/= Every body know what was written in every post at Manarcad in
September 2002.  There also our church stand for peace and avoided blood
shed . H.B. Dionysius know very well what is the Authority of Malankara
Methrapolthan in India.  After March 21st 2002 , All churchs either it
parish or chapel, it belongs under the Original elected Malankara
Methrapolithan as per the Apex Court Verdict..

So how can a group gone from the church can claim the church & its property.
How can the group turn around and accuse and abuse the Malankra
Metrapolitian. who is coming to claim propery of the church.  It belongs to
the MM.   Let the people of Kerala think and boycott  the poblem makers in
the country.  Every where fighting - in the cemetry with dead boady, in the
chruch, in the tomb, in the street, even in front of secretriat. All dirty
dramas.   If  H.B. was looking for peace,  a golden opportunity is twisted
around for self making Catholicose and let the people go on street to fight.
Who is loosing,  the poor christian friends.

It seems  that there is no law in the land to implement the court orders and
the duty of Malankara Metropolitan.
   Let us ask the UDF convenor -  if the previous  great congress leader or
the old KPCC president who made  the new faction of congress now comes to
the KPCC office to participate their activities,  will he or his followers
allow ?  Only this question to the Government or the present peace committee
members nominated by the Government or    like these songs - "Iiswaranoodu
oru chodiam -  enthinu nammale srishtichu"

with love and prayers.

Kuriakose Mathew,
Muscat.

Very impressed with the work of BIRD in Bangalore. I hope Benjamin
will post a brief summary of the talk that Mr. Chowgule gives at the
UTC.
C. Alex Alexander
-----------------------------
Please sign your messages properly with place info along with name - Moderator.

Thank you.
However, What is the point?. Isn't it not more important to realize the
fact that the Catholicate at Kottayam is as equal to any Patriachate be
they of Syria or in Egypt and more significant is our Orthodox
Christian Faith and how we live it in our lives as together as Church

George Varghese
Calgary,Canada

I do agree with Mr. Ronnie Daniel - Toronto, Canada's comments.

Mary Koshy.
------------------------
Please sign your messages properly - Moderator.

(This is a free translation of my book: CATHOLICATE
HISTORY AT A GLANCE” I published in 1963, in
Malayalam, hoping that the general public will
understand the true nature and history of the
CATHOLICATE).

1. ESTABISHMENT OF THE CATHOLICATE AND THE NICEAN
SYNOD:

Jesus Christ, our Savior and Master, said to His
disciples: “Assuredly I say to you, that in the
regeneration, when the Son of man sits on the throne
of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit
on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of
Israel.” (St. Matthew 19:28). Thus with these words,
our Lord established the throne and gave authority to
all the Apostles to rule over. The general
understanding is that the Oriental Orthodox
Catholicate is the throne of St. Thomas, the Apostle.

After our Lord’s resurrection, per the commandment:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am
with you always, even to the end of the age” (St.
Matthew 28:19), St. Thomas, the Apostle, turned
towards the East to preach the Gospel and witnessed
Christ in Parthia, Media, Persia, and finally arrived
in Malankara (Kerala, India) in A.D. 52, and then went
all the way to China and on his return was martyred at
Mylapore near Madras.

Edessa became the first Christian Center because of
the works of the Apostle. There after Nissimus and
Selucia also became Christian centers. From there, the
Christian message was spread to Persia, Central Asia,
Turkey, Mangolia, China, Japan, India, Ceylon, Burma,
Malacca and such other oriental places. There were
Christians in all parts of Central Asia in the first
century. In the 7th century, there were Christian
rulers and kings in China and neighboring countries.
Christianity was spread to Japan in the 8th century.

The Apostle established the Catholicate in Selucia,
the capital of Persia in the first century, on the
bank of the river Euphratese. There were several
churches and monastries near and around Persian and
Arabian Gulfs in memory of St. Thomas.

(TO BE CONTINUED....)

Very Rev Thomas P Mundukuzhy, CorEpiscopa
Albany, NY

Dear  Mr. Thomas Abraham

Let us be realistic. I know Kuriackose Mathew for a long time and he
won't address a clergy disrespectfully.  He gave all the respect to
your Catholicos by addressing  as HB Thomas Dionysius. It may not be
always possible to remember surnames and alias. But, he has shown the
courtesy to address as HB and that shows the amount of respect
Kuriackose has for your Catholicos.
Compare this with the name calling your people are doing to H.H.
Mathews II  whom they were addressing with full respect till the
formation of the Puthencruez association.

I would suggest that you put a search for " H.B.THOMAS "  in other forums and
you will find a whole lot of your own members
including some of your Very Rev. Cor episcopos  addressing your
catholicos as HB Thomas 1. Do you think adding Dionysius was the
disrepectful thing which Kuriackose did ??

Anyway that is not my issue with you today. My issue is about your
statement that "any parish churches can leave an association and form
another one at their own will". I do not wish to get into the legal
aspect of it as what you said is only part of the story.

What I wish to know from you is, which other Heirarchial church in
Kerala or India or Outside INdia operates this way giving freedom to
the parish church to join or leave an association whenever they wish
and take their property along with them.
Will H.H. The Patriarch apply this rule in  your Simhasana churches,
or the Knanaya Churches or in the Syrian Orthodox Church Dioceses in
the Middle East or America.

The only reason why the Syrians wants this new rule in Malankara
Orthodox church is to split it as many times  as they can and swallow
it piece by piece. This is what the other Christians denominations in
Kerala wants too. They know that they cannot touch us if we stay as
one piece. Now they are using the  disgruntled individuals  on both
sides to create splits.

WE must agree that the  Malankara  church is more or less split into
two. Do you think it is going to be peace hereafter and  no
disgruntled people will be born again.
There are more of them just sitting on the fence. As soon as the
current split issue is resolved and the seats for those jockeying for
positions are confirmed, people on both sides who did not benefit
from the split will run to Syria and engage in further split again.
The peace and prosperity you find in your church today is your
honeymoon with the Syrians and because your faction is fighting for
its survival. You will split again as soon as you survive this split
and our side will split again as soon as we overcome the current
split.
Do you think the Syrians care how many times Malankara church is
split. The more it is  split, the more it benefits them.

The same old divide and rule policy of the British. They took
advantage when India was split as various princely states,  and we
got freedom when the Indians formed a union. It is as simple as that.
It will be too late when our people realize this. And it is a pity
that some leaders fall prey to this game plan of the Syrians and they
don't even think a minute about the thousands of innocent faithfuls
falling  from the Christian grace. Is there anyone who cares about
the thousands of souls we are loosing to Satan because of this fight
and arguments. What about the blood of Malankara Varughese and the
other person from your side who was killed before him. Do you think
their blood will not ask God for justice. Do you think  these people
inciting violence will go unpunished. Do you think these Holy people
who are using the media  to incite violence will go unpunished.

Bye the bye, I have nothing against you Thomas. In fact I appreciate
your kindness to reply to a mail in the  ICON forum. It is people
like you who work as a bridge between these two factions and keeps
this dialogue going.

Prayerfully
Ronnie Daniel
Toronto, Canada

Dear Ronnie,
Your response to Mr Joykutty's e-mail is disrespectful
to say the least .
While I was able to get the big picture as to the
message he was trying to convey,be it "lay people" or
"true believers" does not resolve the issue,as we all
suffer.By the way,Thanks for creating this new
divison.

Whether he got the story right , wrong or needs
correction  is not for you to decide.
There was absolutely no mention of donation or
anything related to that effect.
By the way if one has the ability or free will to help
the church,I would consider the same as a church
offering that god has bestowed on him.

I respect your opinion but for it to come as a
response to  somebody who may have no agenda in it or
if he may have asked a rhetorical question is highly
inappropriate.Atleast he has not named any names.like
so many others on the forum.
We should be above this.
Let your message  be independent and see how the
members respond to the same.

Best Regards
Benny Job,
South Riding,VA
St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church.

In some disputed churches even jacobite ladies and
children (recently at kanjiramattom) are disrupting our qurbono
which was as per the turn.

So history has proved that its not possible to share churches with
jacobites since they may disrupt our prayers at any time
so churches can be opened only according to supreme court orders and
church constitution

George T.
Kuwait

"The soul has followed Moses and the cloud, both of these serving as guides for
those who would advance in virtue; Moses her represents the commandments of the
Law; and the cloud that leads the way, its spiritual meaning. The soul has been
purified by crossing the Sea; it has removed from itself and destroyed the enemy
army. It has tasted of the waters of Marah, that is, of life deprived of all
sinful pleasure; and this at first had seemed bitter and unpleasant to the taste
but offered a sensation of sweetness to those who accepted the wood. Next it
enjoyed the beauty of the palm trees of the gospel and the springs; it filled
itself with the living water, that is, the rock. It took within itself the bread
of heaven. It overwhelmed the foreign host - a victory due to the extended arms
of the Lawgiver, which thus foreshadowed the mystery of the Cross. Only then can
the soul go on to the contemplation of transcendent Being."

St. Gregory of Nyssa.
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"We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich
fulfillment." Psalms 66:12