Hello Joshua,

I remember getting my hands on a book titled:

"Christians Of Kerala - History Belief & Ritual Among The Yakoba" by
Susan Visvanathan.

Unfortunately never got the chance to read it so cant say much about it.  The
author is a sociologist, who seemed to be making a personal journey of
exploration (identity initiated I suppose) through the research she has reported
in the book. My dad didnt think it did a lot of justice to the historical aspect
per se.  I am sure it will be an interesting starting point though!

Hope this helps.  If you do eventually get a detailed historical account please
do let me know too.  I have been told so many stories (home-taught faith
education).  Word of mouth accounts passed through generations about the arrival
of the Syrian Orthodox faith in AD 52 and of the struggles between the SO
christians against the Portuguese who tried to enforce the Catholic faith when
they set about annexing S. India.  Will be great to actually associate these to
referenced, researched accounts :-).

Regards,
Susan
#0878

My heart felt condolances to Very Rev Kurian
Kaniparmbil cor episcopa, the Malankara Malpan &
Preist trstee of Syrian orthdox chruch for departure of
his wife to her heavenly father. Let us pray to almighty for her soul.

Vinup Pathrose Vendrapillil

Dearly Beloved,

Although Kaniamparampil Ammayi(Kochamma) was 91 years old, we are
saddened to learn about her departure who was always our Malankara
Malpan's wings in Achen's spiritually victorious life journey. We can
repeat this saying: "there is always a woman behind the victories of a
man", this saying is absolutely apt to apply to Kaniamparampil Ammayi.
May the Lord receive the departed soul.

Our condolences to Malankara Malpan Korooso Desroro Sofar Very Rev.(Dr.)
Curien Corepiscopos Kaniamparampil and to the entire berieving family.

Babu Jacob Nadayil & Family
#0983

Shlomo

By the grace of God,we have successfully defeated Portuguese Colonial Forces'
persecution as early as 1653 AD,we have successfully defeated the great English
Empire's subversion against Holy church as early as 1876 AD.And we have
successfully overcome the coup detat of false prophets within church promoted by
one of the big regional Press(Malayala Manorama) of India.So far nothing has
stopped the Holy Church from its functiong in India,even the great Press have
failed. This is beacause 'truth will prevail' and the words of Jesus Christ
entrusting Peter to be head of church will be fulfilled,it may not be in
numbers,but in substance.

The services of Holy Throne of Antioch and its delegates in India are
great.There is no other church in the world like us whose prophets came empty
handed to India,guided by spirit of God and preserved us on our request.Being
the first community or organisation of India to resist colonial forces for right
to worship,we are no small people,even Indian freedom struggle started only in
1870s(I presume). But we started our personal struggle as early as 1653, this
shows our great vision and strength.

Regarding Manorama,late Varghese Mapillai was a good man who honoured the Holy
Throne of Antioch and has written,in praise of services of Holy Throne of
Antioch in India. But after his death when Mammen Mapillai took control of
Manorama, policy changed and supported schism in holy church. Gone are their
days of media monopoly, as today there are many malayalam media to report
matters in truth.

What ever it is 'the Plan God has purposed nobody can thwart.

Rgds,
Bibu Philip Matthew
0074

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Dear George Mathew,

You wrote: "It's a shame that such un-Christian, un-Orthodox rhetoric
continually comes from this deacon."

Could you please elaborate on this.  What specifically was
un-Christian or un-Orthodox coming from the deacon?  I happen to know
him personally, and I would be very surprised if he said anything of
the sort.  Perhaps you misunderstood something he wrote or attributed
something falsely to him and that has led you to this conclusion.

Do you honestly believe in taking a road away from legalism?  If so,
I'm greatly encouraged.  Certainly the fruits of the legalism have led
to a generation of apostasy both in an exodus from the Syriac Orthodox
Church in India, but also to an apostasy within the Syriac Orthodox
Church in India.  You can agree then that the 1934 Constitution of the
IOC is Satanic in nature (even if it was not intended to be an
exaltation of the unholy one), for the fruits of this has led many
away from the Church into the arms of apathy, atheism, agnosticism, or
at times other religions/denominations, in addition to creating a
fissure in the Syriac Orthodox Church in India that has resulted in
one camp remaining with the Church and another camp that is
essentially a copy of the Syriac Orthodox Church in India.  We will
know a tree by its fruit, Christ has taught.  Surely, you will agree
that the fruits of this fighting are difficult to find.

Let me be clear though, I think there are some young people in the USA
who are affiliated with the IO who are trying to bear good fruit.
They are trying to work hard with their youth and find creative ways
to reach the younger generations.  Generally speaking, this is good
fruit (though I would argue, it is not yet ripe!), and we should see
the trees that produce good fruit and recognize them.

You see, this is not about teams and each thinking he is right and
stubborn as you say.  This is about holiness.  Just as it is unholy to
raise one's voice at the wrong time, so too is it unholy to stay quiet
at other times.  Christ was VERY stern, especially when it came to
truth and address those who would misrepresent it.  Though not
necessarily violent, He was certainly no pacifist.

"Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad,
and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of
vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good
treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure
brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render
account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will
be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:33-37)

In all honesty, I'm very happy that Dn. Joel Jacob is very open about
the reality of the situation that originated in India and has spilled
over into the United States and other nations.  Malayalees have a
tendency not to rock the boat.  Generally speaking, this is a good
practice, but when something is wrong, this practice becomes very
problematic as it tolerates many things which should not be tolerated.
  I have seen an entire parish community paralyzed because each person
was too afraid to rebuke an inappropriate practice introduced among
them--nearly every person opted to keep quiet and not address the
problem.  "What will people say?" they'd say, afraid to speak up.
Problems grow by not being addressed, and a new series of troubles
await.  Such is the fruit of keeping quiet when unholiness threatens
the salvation of the flock.

I wish you would look at the reality of this situation and embrace a
change of heart.  You needn't do so by answering any email, but
contemplate the way of Christ and see what is congruent in the
movement you've affiliated yourself with.  I approach you with sincere
love, as a human being, as an offspring of our common father Adam.  I
beseech you to look beyond the shadow cast by the movement you're
affiliated with, and come home.  If you do, great!  The angels indeed
will rejoice on high!  If not, that would be unfortunate.

I suppose I could pick apart every portion of your email, but that
wouldn't do you and I much good right now.  Instead, I will get to a
comment you made that really shocked me, and is thus my entire reason
for responding!  You wrote:  " Many churches have gone through this
and have come out strong (e.g., Ethiopian/Eritrean)."

The Ethiopian/Eritrean example is perhaps the WORST one could think of
if you're suggestion is that they've come out strong.

Here is a short summary:
During a time of nationalistic uproar, the Coptic Orthodox Church in
Ethiopia waited until a very difficult time for the Coptic Orthodox
Church in Egypt to break away; they did this amidst a warning from
Dayroyo Abdel-MasiH, who was a Ethiopian monk and warned those behind
this endeavor that splitting would cause a great curse of catastrophic
proportions.  Soon thereafter, the dynasty of King Solomon fell,
Ethiopia was taken over by communists, and the country fell into
severe famine.  Not long after, the Ethiopian Patriarch was imprisoned
and a parallel patriarch was consecrated, creating TWO ETHIOPIAN
PATRIARCHATES.  These rival Ethiopian churches last to this day and
only one is recognized universally among the Oriental Orthodox.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Eritreans fought a WAR with
Ethiopia for independence.  How many Orthodox Christians died in this
conflict?!  In creating their own Catholicate/Patriarchate, the
DIOCESE of Eritrea, then part of the Ethiopian Patriarchate, did not
go to their Patriarch, rather, they went to Alexandria to their
universal Patriarch, the Coptic Orthodox Pope.  The Coptic Orthodox
Church of Alexandria Egypt consecrated the Eritrean Orthodox
Patriarch.  Recently (nearly a year ago), a rival patriarch was
appointed for the Eritrean Church.  There are now two Eritrean
Patriarchates.

What are the fruits?  There are many wonderful, saintly, Ethiopian and
Eritreans of the Orthodox Christian Church.  They are shining examples
and should be venerated.  Nonetheless, a culture of booze and
extramarital sex (and thus, the MAJOR problem of AIDS) has emerged as
fruit of their nationalism and inner-conflicts.  Sadly, this is but
the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dealing with this issue.  Much
like India, many are fleeing to non-Orthodox denominations, leaving
many in their rival Orthodox communities to those who focus on the
culture and pomp of the Orthodox tradition rather than the living
legacy of Christ.  (Again, there are many shining examples of saints
still within this community as I've previously stated)

Before addressing those outside of truth as a Brood of Vipers, Christ
told us to pay attention to the fruits trees produce.  For me, it has
been a journey working on who I am as an adopted child of God.  I am
not perfect, and I struggle.  But with the hope of Christ, I hope to
produce good fruit.

I hope you will see that the IO tree is indeed a poisonous plant.  You
needn't be in such a grove.  Produce good fruit, and try to understand
where the good deacon is coming from when he, in true Christian love,
calls you and those you've chosen to currently affiliate with home to
repentance.

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Mike Wingert
0902

The annual syrian Knanaya meet and family get-together will be held at
Thengeli St.Mary's Kananya Church from 16th May to 18th May 2008.

The meet will be attended by Central and State Ministers and religious
heads of other denominations.

More news can be had from:

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentVie\
w.do?contentType=EDITORIAL&programId=1073753765&articleType=Malayalam%20News&con\
tentId=3927531&BV_ID=@@@

SOCM News Bureau - Kottayam

Matrimonial Digest / 0121-2008

Dear Members,

We do not take or assume any responsibility for the particulars
given by the advertiser. Concerned parties are encouraged to
verifythe particulars. As per the request of some advertisers we
withheld the contact details and will forward any reply to the
advertiser forfurther personal contact. Further correspondence to be
done with the E-Mail address / Phone Number given against each
advertisment. Please note, no space needed after or beofre '@'sign
in the given E-Mail ID.

Please read the successful stories of the matrimonial advertisement
in the SOCM forum at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/6505
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/4384
For the full list of the matrimonial advertisement, please
visit:http://www.socmnet.org/Matrimonial.htm
----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDEGROOM
----------------------------------------------------------

Matrimonial; Code # 114/08
***************************
May 04, 2008

NRI Syrian Orthodox Doctor parents, hailing from a reputed family in
Central Travancore invites proposal for their daughter studying for
MD (Dermatology) in a leading Government Medical College in Kerala,
26/160, fair, beautiful, god fearing.

We are looking for a Post Graduate Doctor / studying for Post
Graduation from any Christian denomination, preferably Orthodox, who
is god fearing, well behaved and with clean habits.

Please respond with detailed profile and a photo to: kadavilc@....

Matrimonial; Code # 105/08
***************************
January 30, 2008

NRI Syrian Orthodox Doctor parents, hailing from a reputed
family in Central Travancore invites proposal for their daughter,
MBBS, 26/160, fair, beautiful, god fearing, studied in Trivandrum
Medical College.

We are looking for a Post Graduate Doctor / studying for Post
Graduation from any Christian denomination, preferably Orthodox,
who is God fearing, well behaved and with clean habits.

Please respond with detailed profile and a photo to: kadavilc@...

Matrimonial; Code # 104/08
***************************
January 30, 2008

Jacobite parents from Kottayam now settled in Bangalore invite
proposals for their daughter, fair,28 yrs, 165 Cm, PhD in S/W
Engineering, presently employed in in UK, but can be relocated
depending upon the situation. Parents of well educated and
professionally settled boys from godfearing Jacobite / Orthodox
families may please contact with biodata and recent photo.
kurianisro@... 09448842614 or 080 26668644

Matrimonial; Code # 097/07
***************************
November 24, 2007

Suitable alliance invited from Jacobite parents of well qualified
boys, for the daughter of parents (Father a school teacher and
Mother is the proprietor of a tailoring shop) from a middle class
family. The girl is 25yrs / 151cms / M.Sc. Bio-technology working in
Bangalore. Her only younger sister is doing her B.Sc. Nursing. Boys
employed in Bangalore are preferred. May contact 0481-2591312or e-
mail kmrjrkr@...

Matrimonial; Code # 095/07
***************************
November 17, 2007

Suitable proposals are invited from Jacobite/Orthodox parents of
well qualified and employed professionals working abroad preferably
USA/Canada/Australia/Europe for a God fearing Jacobite girl born on
19-3-1979, height 165 weight 64 kg; post graduate (MPT) in Physical
Therapy presently working as a faculty member at the
M.G.University,Kottayam. She is from a respectable upper middle
class family in Kottayam. She is the youngest and her elders are all
married and well settled. If interested Please contact: K.Jacob
Thomas at zestmatrim@... or kummelil@... My
Telephone Nos. are +0481-2362264 or +0481-9447707264 with full
details and recent full size photograph of the groom.

Matrimonial; Code # 094/07
***************************
November 14, 2007

Suitable alliance invited from parents of well qualified boys, for
the daughter of a professional Jacobite, NRI parents, from a
reputable family in Central Travancore. The girl is 23yrs /
159cms /B.Arch, working with an International Architectural
Consultancy as Interior Architect in U.A.E. Respond
torengy@... orsinupv@...

Matrimonial; Code # 092/07
***************************
October 06, 2007

Suitable alliance invited for my niece, who is a doctor working in
Houston, Texas. She is a Marthomite, 30 years old, 5.4" tall,
smart,athletic, fair, God fearing, good looking and with a very
pleasing personality. She is born and brought up in USA. If you are
interested please reply with full details and recent photograph
tosusanjohn827@... or call 732-591-9642

Matrimonial; Code # 089/07
***************************
August 01, 2007

Bombay settled Kerala Orthodox parents invite proposal for their
daughter, B Tech in Computer Science & Technology from Bombay
University. She is 24 years , 5.6 " tall ,God fearing , fair, smart
& good looking, born and brought up in Bombay.She is working with
TCS-Mumbai as Assistant Systems Engineer. We are looking for a God
fearing, professionally qualified& well placed boy. If interested,
please respond with full details and recent photograph to
susanjohn827@... or call 732-591-9642

Matrimonial; Code # 087/07
***************************
May 31, 2007

Orthodox parents settled in Kochi(orginaly from Mavelikara)invite
perposal for their daughter 29 years 170cm white slim,born and
brought up outside Kerala,B.Tech from Govt Engg College,
Trichur,Kerala MS from USA and Currently working for Satyam
Computers as Consultant in Atlanta USA. We are looking for a God
fearing moral back ground with equally or highly qulified and well
placed boy ofup to 33years of age. Intersted parties may contact
mathews1941@... with biodata and recent photograph.

----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDE
----------------------------------------------------------
Matrimonial; Code # 115/08
***************************
April 28, 2008

Jacobite Boy (Kothamangalam), Now working in Italy.5'8", 31 year Age,
Degree completed. Seeking suitable Jacobite Bride (Nurse preferable)

yeldho77@..., 00393294965950

Matrimonial; Code # 113/08
***************************
April 28, 2008

Proposals are invited for an Orthodox Christian Boy (29), Height:
5.3"; Wheatish Medium Complexion: Average Body Type: Graduate; working as an
Accountant with a prominent firm in Abu Dhabi, UAE. With Family Status from
parents of God fearing Christian girls, preferably B. Sc Nurse/ Graduates /PGs
in Science or Commerce.

Contact: tharakan_sjt@...  or telephone: 00971 50 2367640

Matrimonial; Code # 112/08
***************************
April 23, 2008

Orthodox parents from central Travancore, residing in New York for
about three decades, invite suitable proposal for their elder son
aged 25. He is doing his final MD in a very prestegious Medical
School in the inited strate. His only brother is doing final
JD( law). Intrested parties please contact with details
including a recent photograph to sue.rajan@....


Matrimonial; Code # 111/08
***************************
April 19, 2008

Jacobite Syrian Orthodox parents (Father - Retired high school
teacher) from Kottayam invite proposals for their son, 30/170,
B Tech, ME, working as design engineer in a reputed company in USA
on deputation, medium-fair complexion and religious. We are looking
for a God-fearing, family oriented and pleasant girl from a good
Jacobite/Orthodox family. Boy will be in India for vacation from May
end. If interested, please contact with details and photograph to
proposal374@...,               1-508 904 5674       , 0481-
2524374, 09895797598.

Matrimonial; Code # 110/08
***************************
April 16, 2008

Jacobite parents from Thiruvaniyoor (Ernakulam district) invite
proposals for their son, 27/ 5.9, Engneering Diploma.Working in
Public Limited Company. Proposals inviting from parents of God-
fearing, qualified girls from Jacobite/Cathloc. Please contact
with details to :-  Ph:0484-2712132 (M)+91-9447432661,
sherinmonhappy@...

Matrimonial; Code # 109/08
***************************
April 14, 2008

Jacobite boy from (middle class) Mulanthuruthy (Near to M.S.O.T
Seminary), 27 Years, 5.9" Ht, White, interested in Church
activities. Eng. Diploma working as Supervisor in Nest Technology.
Seeking suitable alliance from God fearing girl's parents. Alliance
interested from Jacobite family only Contact No. : +91-9447432661,
9744050523, Res. 0484-2712132 Email: paulskariak@...

Matrimonial; Code # 108/08
***************************
April 08, 2008

Jacobite boy (02/05/1980), 173 cm, MCA software engineer, team lead
MNC Bangalore. Seek professionally qualified, fair and good looking
bride. Interested parties may please contact: 0481-2370911 /
9895732790 / sa.proposals@... / captabraham@...

Matrimonial; Code # 107/08
***************************
March 05, 2008

Marthomite NRI Parents settled at Dubai (UAE) invite marriage
proposal for their son, (27) BE Engineer in Electronics and
Communications, working in a good private company at Dubai as
Technical Consultant. He has a younger sister (student) The boy is
God fearing, handsome and with clean habits. Proposals of Christian
girls, good looking, God fearing and home loving, with good family
backgrounds and of similar qualifications / employed preferably in
UAE may please be forwarded to: jans.thomas@... or telephone
00971 50 7758247

Matrimonial; Code # 106/08
***************************
March 01, 2008

Jacobite boy from Perumbavoor, 31 Years, 175 Ht, MA, BEd working
as Plus Two Lecturer(Permanent). Seeking suitable alliance from
God fearing girl's parents. Alliance interested from Jacobite
family only Contact No. : +91-9847313013 Email :
anoopkbaby@... or manukpaul@...

Matrimonial; Code # 103/08
***************************
January 30, 2008
Jacobite parents from Kottayam , invites proposal for their son
(30 - 171), System-in-charge , handsome, spiritual, employed in
a private firm. Father pharmacist, Mother house wife, Elder
brother married. Interested parents may send the details and
photograph to jpe2501@... or contact Tel: 0481-2371822.

Matrimonial; Code # 102/08
***************************
January 04, 2008
Jacobite Syrian Christian parents from Kottayam invite proposals
from parents of suitably qualified girls for their son, 27 yrs,
170 cm, B.Com, M.B.A, presently employed in Bangalore as Oracle
Finance Consultant. E-mail ID - johnmercy@... , Contact
No. 0481 2373169, Mobile 9447660049 "

Matrimonial; Code # 101/08
***************************
January 02, 2008

Proposals are invited from Orthodox / Jocobites for a 36-year-old
youth, 166 cm, who works with Kuwait Oil Company as Electrician in
Kuwait, preferably from girls who work in the Gulf, especially
Kuwait, as B.Sc. Nurse or General Nurse. Parents are settled in
hometown Mavelikara after serving Indian Railways in Jabalpur for
long years. Second of three sons. Youth on leave till February 2nd.
Contact No 0479 2309681 or 0479 2303919 or 0471 2741836; address:
George Varghese, Palathinkal, Cherukunnam, Kurathikadu PO,
Mavelikara 690107.

Matrimonial; Code # 100/07
***************************
December 31, 2007

Jacobite employed parents from Kottayam district invite proposals
for their son, 27/172, MCA, working as a Senior Software Engineer
with a reputed US MNC in Bangalore Proposals inviting from parents
of God-fearing,good looking and qualified girls from Jacobite /
Orthodox / Marthoma family. Please contact with details and
photographs to georgethomasin@... Ph:0481-2517003 (M)9446509003

Matrimonial Code# 093/07
**************************
October 10, 2007
Proposals are invited for a 26-year-old Christian boy,5".11"
tall,handsome, spiritual and hailing from a traditional Christian
family originally from Central Travancore. He was born and raised in
the Middle East and moved to Canada during college years. He has
both a Computer Engineering and an MBA from a reputable University
in Canada. He is currently working as a Consultant with a well-known
Corporate Company in Canada. His parents are also settled in Canada.
Proposals are invited from good looking, spiritual,
smart,efficient,caring, family-oriented, professional girls (age 24-
26) with comparative educational and family background preferably
settled in North America. Interested parents may send the details
and photograph by email to<mapleleaf007@...>

Matrimonial Code# 090/07
**************************
August 09, 2007

Orthodox Christian parents working in Kuwait for the last 30 yearsis
soliciting marriage alliance for their elder son, 29, 170 cm working
in Toronto, for Canadian Television. The boy has completed his GCE A
levels in Kuwait under British Educational System,graduated with BFA
degree from University of Denver and undergoing MFA degree from
Academy of Arts University, San Francisco (graduating spring 2008)
while also working. He holds Canadian Citizenship and looking for a
life partner, 24-28, minimum 166 cmheight, fair complexion, well
educated, has good command of English and is working in the Gulf or
the West. If interested, please contact
(bridegroom.kuwait@...) with details of the proposed girl.

Matrimonial; Code # 088/07
***************************
July 03, 2007

Suitable proposals are invited for a Jacobite boy from
Areepparambu,Kottayam a Diploma Engineer in Electronics,
(31/174/Average/ Fair)working as a Network Engineer (IT) in a
reputed Hospital in Sharjah , UAE. Father was passed away 5 Years
ago and mother is a house wife. Brother is married and settled in
Kottayam and sister is married and settled in Mavelikkara.Interested
parents may send the details and photograph to Mr. Anil Mani
Muriyankal House, Lakkattoor P.O, Kottayam Ph. 0481- 2700804 / 0481-
2703073

Matrimonial; Code # 086/07
***************************
May 30, 2007

Jacobite Syrian Orthodox NRI parents settled in Chennai (originally
from Ernakulam dist) invite proposals for their son, 26/172, MBA,
executive in a reputed company in Chennai,medium-fair complexion and
religious, from parents of good looking and qualified girls below 24
years old.We are looking for a God-fearing, efficient, caring,
family oriented and pleasant girl from a good
Jacobite/Orthodox/Marthoma family.
Please contact with details and photograph to email varghese321 @
yahoo.com
===================================================================
Matrimonial Advertisements NOTIFICATIONThe SOCM-Forum is keeping a
free matrimonial advertisement section,which will be published on
every Tuesdays.

This service can beavailed by any Malankara Christians. However,
recently we havenoticed that many esteemed members, after sending
the matrimonialadvertisements to us, are not informing us whether
the ad is to becontinued for longer periods or not. Some times we
face embarrasing situations when the advertised party got married
and still themarriage ads in the forum are repeated.Hence, as on 17
April 2007, we have decided to keep any matrimonialadvertisements
initially for a period of THREE MONTHS only. If any advertisers
would like to extent this period after its initialperiod, they have
to send us a written request to extent the period.In such cases, we
will continue the publication of the advertisement for a further
peiod of one or two months, as per their request. However, we will
not be continuing the ads thereafter.

We request every advertisers of today's matrimonial section, to
cooperate with us in informing whether the marriage is over or you
want to continue the ad for another period. We will only continue
with the advertisements of such confirmed advertisers.

Hope everybody will understand and cooperate with us.

Be with us and be part of us.
In Our Lord's Love,
SOCM Forum Moderators.
http://SOCMNet.org

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

"Those who are hard of heart...are led to repentance, led to a holy life, less
by the lure of blessings promised than by fearful warnings that inspire dread."

Theophanis the Monk.

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

"Jesus Christ gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless
deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." 
Titus 2:14

Condolence

Dear and Respected Brethren,

"Parting is painful". Let it be at any age and circumstances. It is a
paining experience to the concerned. God Almighty blessed Sosamma Kochamma wife
of Respected Malankara Malpan, Kaniyamparampil Curian Corepiscopa to have a
witnessing life of 91 years. It is a rare blessing. Let us praise God Almighty
for the gifts and blessings showered to the Church and society through her.
Prayers are offered for her eternal stay in the laps of Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob.  Her demise is sincerely regretted and our sincere condolence and prayers
are offered to the bereaved family, especially to most Respected Corepiscopa
Achen.

May God bless us all
Jose Kurian Puliyeril.

Dear Respected All:

It was so sad to hear that the Very Respected Kaniyamparampil Cor-Epicapa
Achen's Ammai, was taken away by our Lord's hand and entered in her Eternal
life. Indeed, Ammai will stay in Heaven at His right hand, because of her loving
nature kind hearted to the humen being, as He told to the right hand thief,
during the crucification of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ammai and Achen have been very good to me since 1968, while I was a secretary of
the Late Catholicose H.H. Basalious Ougen Mar Themothios. I went to his
residence many times during the printing of the Prayer  Book for the Passion
Week. Achan was a well known scholar and Bava Thirumeni, who was the translator
of that book, told me to discuss with Achen for any corrections that were
needed. Bava Thirumeni was the Syriac Language Teacher and Kaniyamparampil
Cor-Epicapa Achen and was thrilled to help me. It was in 1973 that the Book was
published with the help of Kaniyamparambil Achen. Still they treat me always as
their Sptiritual Son and we will always go to see them, during our visit to
Kerala and they are glad to see us. While I was at their residence Ammai was
hosting me with good food and hospitality. She was a well known host and treated
everybody with kindness because of her loving nature. Ammai was the best right
hand for Achen.  I hope God will give him courage for the rest of Achen's life.
Now Achen needs our Prayers so his future work for the Church to continue, which
was helped by Ammai.

May her soul rest in peace at the Bosom of our Father's Abraham, Issac and Jacob
and our Lord's Right Hand side. I express our deepest Condolences from me and my
family and from the members of our Church, St. George's MSO Church in Carteret,
NJ. May God Bless and take care of the Bereved Achen and his rest of the family.

Fr. David Cheruthottil
St. George's MSO Church
Carteret, NJ

Our heartfelt condolences to Very Rev. Curien  Kaniamparambil Cor Episcopa on
the passing away of his beloved wife Saramma at the age of 91. We pray to
Almigty God to give him strength to overcome the grief.Let the Almighty and all
blessed Saints help him and his daughters and their families to bridge the
vaccum and sorrow. And we join in the prayers for the departed soul.

With Prayers,
Cherian Thomas.
# 3324

To Kaniamparambil Achen and Family:

Please accept my sincere condolences for your profound loss.  My
prayers are with you.

sincerely,

SJT
St. Mary's, Whittier, CA
Member Id: #3095

*Why Is Manorama Against the Holy Syrian Church? *

Dear J Kurien,

Thanks for your vivid picture about Manorama's "contibution" to the growth of
Holy Syrian Church in Malankara. May I ask one doubt about why was Manorama
turned against Holy Syrian Church that during my child hood I happened to hear
that then Pathriyarkeese Bawa (either H H Pathrose III or H H Abdulla) had given
*500 pawan gold *  to Mamman Mappila of manorama for strengthening Syrian Church
in Kerala and to increase the circulation of Manorama, at that time manorama was
just a local newspaper based in Thiruvalla and Kottayam, and HH Bawa thought
that increased circulation of manorama will help in countering CMS missionaries
influence in the Holy Church. And Mamman Mappila bought a piece of land using
this money in Kottayam (the current headquarters of Manorama at Kottayam) in the
guise of for the promotion of the Holy church. But instead of using this
financial assistance for the promotion of the Holy Church , he used this money
only for increasing circulation of manorama and  turned against Patriarkeese
Bawa, an ego out of a guilty conscious, and joined with rebellious group headed
by Vattasseril Methran, and since then Manorama has been vigorously against Holy
Syrian Church.

By

JM Paul
ID 4030

Dear Isaac,

As far as I know, the practices of Great (good) Friday have slight
differences in Middle East and in India. In SOC in Middle East and
also in coptic church, the burial services are conducted with the
curtain open. The crucifixion and death of Christ is done with
curtain closed in all parts of our church, remembering the darkeness
came on earth unusually for that hour, during his crucifixion.

I dont think it is appropriate to criticize slight differences in
practices in different regions of the church.

Remember that church in India have even adopted Hindu
traditions/practices in wedding and in Church festivals, which are
not seen in other parts of the churches or anywhere in Bible.

Sinu Punnasseril John, PhD
Boston, MA

ID: 0076

Sri K P Thomas Kadavumbhagom Pampady, Kottayam passed away on 4th May, Sunday
after completing a glorious carrier of 105 years. The funeral took place at Mar
Ignatius Jacobite Church, Pothenpuram, and Pampady. His Graces Geevarghese Mor
Dionysius, Mathews Mor Thevodosios led the funeral rites. His wife Sosamma had
passed away two years back aged 101 years. Both of them had enjoyed a fruitful
married life for eighty eight years. They were joined together in holy matrimony
on Feb 17th 1918. At Velloor St. Simons Jacobite Syrian Church. When the
marriage took place Thomas was thirteen and Sosamma was just Nine Years old.
Their married life lasted five years longer than the Japanese couple recorded in
the guineas book. However the records concerning their age were missing and
could not be traced. Hence they have not found their way to the guineas book.

Late Sri. K P Thomas in survived by his children Smt. Alice Kunju, Smt. Annamma
Thomas, Smt. Rachel Thomas, Smt Sosamma Thomas, Sri. Philiphose Thomas, Sri.
Abraham Thomas and Sri. Mathew Thomas (Saudi Arabia) and several grand children.

Late Sri. K P Thomas was by profession an agriculturist and actively engaged in
several social activities.

He was actively engaged in cases for establishing the legitimate rites of
Jacobite faction at St. John’s Cathedral Pampady. He played a leading role in
the construction of Mar Ignatius Jacobite Church Pothenpuram Twenty Five Years
back.

Late Sri. K P Thomas was born in the (erstwhile) ancient Kadavumbhagom family in
which several priests had served the Jacobite Church meticulously for decades.

May the Lord receive the departed soul.

Raichu Peter Abraham

Dear Brother in Christ,

I am sorry you feel that way.  I would hope you would "see beyond the words."  I
have no ulterior motive than to expect Christian leaders to be Christian.  I
have never even met Dn. Joel, so only know of him from his writings.  However,
we are in the time waiting for the Holy Spirit. If that means anything, we all
would watch what we say and how we conduct ourselves, especially clergy. 
Instead of breeding hatred, we should be instilling love and tolerance in our
people.

Dn George Mathew
Baltimore, MD
# 0967

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Issac K. Joseph wrote:
>
> Dear Dn. George,
>
> It is nice to read always the advices decorated with spiritual words
> and the Christian spirits. When Syrian Orthodox Church and its
> prelates were ridiculed by the fanatic laymen and even clergy in other IOC
forums, where was your Christian spirit and the crocodile tears are pouring now
only?? Dear deacon, if your so called Christian spirit is genuine, please
intervene in the other forums also and ask the IOC fanatics to stop ridiculing
the Holy Syrian orthodox Church and its prelates. Then there is a sense to your
words.
>
> If you American deacons of different faith have any sort of ego
> clashes, please do not use these forums for the word of exchanges.
>
> In Christ
> Issac K Joseph
> Member Id No: 0917

Dear Mr.Varky Titus,

You are badly mistaken by reading in between the lines of the Constitution of
1934 of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Chuch. Please take note that HH Ignatios Zacha
Ivas I is a patriarch not yet officially  recognised by the Malankara Sabha.
Hence his holiness is a spiritual leader to us as the Queen of Britain is what
to  the people of India Republic which forms part of the Common Wealth of
Nations headed by the British monarch. People of  India do not recognise the
British queen as their  ruler but recognise the  President of India  only as the
head of the state. Similarly, we -the people of Malankara Sabha have  our own
head of the church-the Catholicos of the East and the Malankara Metropolitan
with head quarters at Devalokam,Kottayam. We form part of the syrian tradition
as in the case of India being part of the common weath of nations.

Infact, patriarch bava stands for Peace and Unity in Malankara Sabha. And  his
holiness had expressed his wish of having  a unified church in Malankara  to
many dignitaries in  our  holy  church like H H. Baselios Marthomas Mathews II
of blessed memory, Rev.Fr.Dr.K.M.George, Dr.D.Babu Paul so on and so forth. But
certain extremists in the  church sabotaged his   dream of 'Unity and Peace in
Malankara'. I leave it for your  research to find the fanatic extremists behind
that sabotage. Seek and ye shall find the Truth.

Our Lord Jesus has  said," Happy are those who work for peace; God will call
them his children."(Mat 5:9). If  HH Ignatios Zacha Ivas I  Bava   stands   for
peace instead of  division in the holy church,  we can be sure that he is a man
of God.

With love and prayers,
Yours in Christ,
George achen,Ireland.

Grace, Mercy and Peace of our Lord Jesus be with you and your loved ones!

"I have committed a terrible sin in doing this! Please forgive me. I have acted
foolishly." 2 Samuel 24:10

Assuring you our prayers
Vachanam Team

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

"Earthly wisdom must be conjoined with heavenly wisdom. Or, to speak more aptly,
heavenly wisdom, which is reverence for God, must be the starting point and
foundation of education, for 'the feart of the Lord is the beginning of
wisdom.'"

St. Nikephoros of Chios.

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

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your
neighbor as yourself."  Galatians 5:14

To Kaniamparambil Achen and Family:

Please accept my sincere condolences for your profound loss. My
prayers are with you.

sincerely,
Regds,
Jithu Jacob

Part of the problem in resolving the issues between the two churches is that
their is alot of lost trust between the two sides.  There has been alot of
political moves on both sides.  I have spoke to people on both sides.  I was
hoping that the Armenian Catholicos would be able to at least get the two sides
to sit and discuss rationally.

We need people from both sides that want reconcilation to come together and work
as a cooperative effort to diagnose the problems and seek resolution.  If the
Byzantine and Oriental Churches can sit together and come up with a joint
resolution (that was never signed), why can't two churches that are in communion
do so?  We have to start with what ended the peace in the 70's and work forward.
There is no point rehashing issues prior to that because the peace initiative
already settled some of that.

If we are to continue as two separate churches, then let a reconciliation
commission meet and discuss the terms of this. The point is - we have to stop
the bickering and badmouthing of each other.  We can agree to disagree, and
still love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.  If we can't do even
that, then again, we have to wonder what kind of Christianity we are practicing.
If you are truly praying for peace and reconciliation, then the first step is to
stop the ridiculing and turn the other cheek.  If you want to put the fire out,
then we have to stop fueling the fire.  I guess it's easier to point fingers at
other than realize our own problems.

Praying that the Holy Spirit will renew all our minds and hearts and transform
us as we await our Lord's imminent Second Coming.

Dn George Mathew
Baltimore, MD
# 0967

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Varkey Titus wrote:
>
  Thank you for your words of wisdom!!!! I think now you should TEACH THIS WISDOM
OF WORDS to your Church leadership first and persuade them to follow it.  As you
are aware, this offer of 'being living as TWO SISTER CHURCHES' was offered to
your leadership long time back by the Patriarch of Antioch, who is the spiritual
father of YOUR CHURCH by your "beloved" constitution. But as mentioned in Bible,
"their hearts were hardened" and doesn't listened to Him. As you mentioned
correctly, "IT REQUIRES PRAYER AND DEEP HUMILITY", which is now lacking in your
Church leadership.  So kindly do your part to educate them and pray for it.  We
are praying for it.
>
> Regards
>
> Varkey Titus
> Member Id # 1024

Could anyone shed light to the relationship between SOC Patriarch &
Jerusalem Patriarch as mentioned in this message

Sajy Thannikkottu, Kathmandu
# 2912


--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Paul  Joshy wrote:
>
> Dear CJ
>
>
> In fact, this kind of "selective" attack does not deserve any kind of
> attention as they have simply negated the heroic work of Abdul
Jaleel Bawa for concretising Malankara church with the Holy church who
came to Malankara 200 years before Mavelikara Padiyola was written.
Instead, now Orthodox group says that Abdul Jaleel Bawa had no
relationship with Holy Syrian Church and he was just a patriarch of
Jerusalem ( poor orthodox group doesn't know the relationship between
Jerusalem patriarch and Patriarch of the Holy Syrian church)
>
>
>
> By
> J M. Paul
> ID  4030
>

Dear All,

The observation and true suggestion of Reji is indeed laudable. If we
look back to our olden times the usage of loud speakers for holy
querbono was objected. Today we see  a person holding the microphone
while HH Moran ordains bishops by invoking Holy Ghost. The same is
available in the web. If we brouse the You Tube we find holy
querbono, sacraments, gospels, intercessions and every thing.
Recently one of my friends commented that he saw the picture of a
holy father on a paper lying in a dirty place. It was not done
intentionally by any one. The person who threw that paper never knew
the holy father.

The faith is more than any thing. If the above telecast helps any one
to meditate, the blessing of Our Lord will certainly be showered upon
him. If any one misuses it, he will reap the curses.

Of course, making money out of such a spiritual activity is not
acceptable. When I could view the ordination of Saji Achan by HH
Moran I could feel the divine atmosphere. I remembered then the
casset of the ordination of HH Moran by our late lamented HB Aboon
Poulose that was shown to me my the vicar of Sydney Mor Aphrem Syrian
church in Sydney.

One of my friends in Kuwait sent to me the DVD of HH Moran Mathews II
celeberating holy querbono. I shall be most grateful if any one can
sent me a DVD of holy querbono celeberated by HH Moran. I will keep
it with respects as i keep the DVD of 101 holy mass with me.

May our selfless efforts to glorify the name of Our Lord be increased
day by day.

with humble prayers

Dr.George Kunju John
ID 0209


--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Chev. Thomas Daniel wrote:
>
> Dear respected members of clegy and laymen,
>
> I do agree with all those who object the live telecast of the Holy
Qurbono or even the video. It is a Mystery which was done by our LORD
GOD JESUS CHRIST did in HIS Last Supper. Also it is the duty of the
faithful to take part in it with full heart, soul and body. (How many
of us practice it? It is another subject)
>
> Yes this is applicable to the countries where these sacraments are
celebrated without fear and freely.
>
> What about those who are in a such a place where they are not even
allowed to dream about it? Please do not forget there are such places
exist in this modern free 21st century. There are faithfuls not
hundreds but thousands in number, facing it. These faithful are not
getting a chance to go out of these places for years and do not have
a chance to take part in any of the sacraments. For those poor souls,
these sorts of live telecast and video clipping will heal their
spiritual wounds.
>

Dear All,

This is not at all to blame anyone from either Churches - SOC or IOC, but I had
to keep quite on questioning by two of my Hindu friends, who visited me last
week. When they came, I was reading an article titled "Malankara Cheppedukal"
authored by Fr. Joseph Cheeran. After seeing Malankara they questioned me to
which Church I belong, and what is the difference between these two churches.
The reason they cited was they had seen quite unpleasant uproars, and
desecration of dead bodies in cemetaries or in the church compounds, which was
flashed in few news channels sometime back, and thus they overheard about the 
existence of two warring groups in Malankara church. They also told me that they
know the Catholic, Jacobite, Marthomites, CSI, Petecost, Latin Catholic churches
in Kerala, and asked me what is this Orthodox Church is (One of them even asked
me: Are this Orthodox preach anything NEW, are they not preaching JESUS or are
they not believe in his teaching). They even cited that you all preach and pray
to the Messiha of Love - Jesus, and then why these divisions, and the latest
fights in streets, inside the churches, church compounds, war of words between
priests - not only by priest but also by Bishops, who are supposed to preach the
LOVE. They both asked me is this the way you are all taught to preach the LOVE,
and the gospel of PEACE. How can you stand at the time of trial at the end?

I did not have any answer to their queries; but only told them that the
Jacobites never wanted to have a fight, but are ready to part with the holding
or ownership of a church, where disputes are prevailing, upon the majority
decision of that particular Church. Both of them agreed to it that this is a
genuine proposal to resolve things; and asked me why the other party is not
agreeing to it. I did not have an answer to this. If any IOC brotheren have an
answer to this, please do not hesitate to put it in this FORUM or the other
FORUM where lakhs of faithfuls will be benefitted with.

May God Almighty give wisdom to all of US (SOC and IOC) to resolve this shameful
act of street fightings, war or words, and unchristian way to dealing with the
Church matters. It would be nice to remember here that the words "If you two
brothers have any matter of disputes on faith matters, call the elders of CHURCH
to resolve, but not to go to a gentile (secular Judge) for resolution". (I
couldn't remember the exact versus from the Holy Bible, and hence it is
reproduced like this).

With HIS LOVE to all my Brothers,
CJ Varughese
Mem ID 1012

Dear Joshua Mathew,

In Digest No 2594 you had asked about the Church History books. If you
contact Mor Adai Study centre, Cheeranchira, Changanacherry, you will get a
number of Church History books including the Church History of Syrian Christians
in the land of Malayalam ( Malayaalathulla Suriyani
Christianikalude Sabha Charithram) autored by Mr. Pukadiyil Ittoop
Writer, Indian Orthodox Church of St. Thomas authored by Mr. E.M. Philip, and
Syrian Church History by L.L H.H. Moran Mar Ignatius Yacub III, Patriarch.

Thanks and regards
Jose Kurian Puliyeril.

Grace, Mercy and Peace of our Lord Jesus be with you and your loved ones!

'Mary said, "My heart praises the Lord; my soul is glad because of God my
Savior"' Luke 1:46-47

Assuring you our prayers

Vachanam Team

Christ is Risen! + Truly, He is Risen!

Labor together with one another; strive in company together; run together;
suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and
associates, and servants of God. Please Him under whom you fight, and from whom
you receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism
endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your
patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge assigned to you,
that you may receive a worthy recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one
another, in meekness, as God is towards you.

Ignatius of Antioch – Epistle to Polycarp, Chapter 6

Dear Brothers,

Does any one of you have Holy Qurbana (audio) for our Late Parumbilly Thirumeny?
Or anyone knows were I can download it.

Thanks
Bother in Jesus
Jobi
New Delhi

The real and depth/sense or meaning of  our liturgies and customs are not being
taught by the clergy. Our church services are coducted in accordance with the
"Nadapadikramam" and canon. Although Joseph of Aremathia and Nicodemus did the
burial/funeral at the new tomb in the Garden for our lord Jesus, as per
tradition The Angels Came down and sang Holy art thou God, Holy art thou
Mighty..... and  they completed the whole ceremoney of burial.

If you read  Deuteronomy chapt 34 the Death and burialof Moses are described
there. Whare is his Grave? Nonoe knows however nobody knows what happened to
Mosed body but read New Testament Jude 1:9 The explanations based on church
tradition and teachings  must be followed by the clergy before conducting the
ceremoney or service.

It should be noted that only that" Minnukettu"/Thalikettu adopted from Hindu
tradition.

Rinu Sam
ID4038

George achen of Ireland is making a good point

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Rev. Fr. George Thankachan wrote:
>
> Dear Mr.Varky Titus,
>
> Please take note that HH Ignatios Zacha Ivas I is a patriarch not
>yet officially recognised by the Malankara Sabha.

Did you recognise H. H. Abded Aloho? (who ordained Vattasseril Thirumeni) Why?
Did you recognise St. Elias III?  Did you recognise H. H. Aphrem I?  Did you
recognise H.H. Yacoub III? Was there a constitution then? I challenge you to
submit an affidavit to the court of law stating the above fact. You deny that
Patriarch is not the head of the Church, not in media, but in the court of law.

What is the observation of the Supreme Court in its finding in 1995? You people
are "cheat" and do it in a legally valid manner, that is the difference. 
Vattakkunnel Bava planned the Church case in 1974 to take custody of every
church.  Where are you now? Stop these propositions. We don't recognise your
catholicos Didymos (name selected by Milithiose of Trichur), so what? You have
your primates and we have ours - that is all. Your recognition is not like the
Edict of Milan, those days are gone!

Another good point

>
>Infact, patriarch bava stands for Peace and Unity in Malankara
>Sabha. And  his holiness had expressed his wish of having  a unified
>church in Malankara  to many dignitaries in  our  holy  church like
>H H. Baselios Marthomas Mathews II of blessed memory,
>Rev.Fr.Dr.K.M.George, Dr.D.Babu Paul so on and so forth.

It is easy to cheat H. H. as in 1958 by giving a letter "SUBJECT TO 1934
CONSTITUTION,"  in the making of which H. H. was not a party. These are all
history.  You cannot cheat the Church for a second time.  Time will show the
fate of IOC.  Why are you eager to peace now?  What is the hidden agenda now?

>Our Lord Jesus has said," Happy are those who work for peace; God
>will call them his children."(Mat 5:9).

This true. But not about those who make peace with ulterior motives.

We have built more then 300 churches since 1974, now you want to get at these
churches.  Not a chance.  Better be contented with where you are and what you
are!

In Christ
Issac K Joseph
Member Id No: 0917