"...a single righteous man is worth more than the whole world."

St. Peter of Damaskos.

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

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How
unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!  Romans 11:33

Dear brothers in Abu Dhabi,

All of us are with you in prayers. Our God Almighty will surely give you land
for the church. Wish you all the best.
 
Anoop
#4037

We recite the Nicene Creeed (Vishwasa Pramanam) druing the Holy Qurbana and in
all our prayers.

This Creed which was prepared with great wisdom and prudence, as well as with
the guidance of the Holy Spirit, by the Church Fathers at the First Ecumenical
Council or Synod in the city of Nicea, in AD 325 and the last five articles
added to it by the Church Fathers at Second Ecumenical Council – Synod took
place in Constantinople, in AD 381.

I recently saw the following, where you can see the references from Holy Bible
to the Nicene-Creed, and wanted to share it with you all.

I believe in (Romans 10: 8-10; 1 John 4: 15)
One God (Deuteronomy 6: 4, Ephesians 4: 6)
Father (Matthew 6: 9)
Almighty, (Exodus 6: 3)
Creator of heaven and earth, (Genesis 1: 1)
and of all things visible and invisible; (Colossians 1: 15-16) and in one Lord,
Jesus Christ, (Acts 11: 17)
Son of God (Matthew 14: 33; 16: 16)
begotten (John 1: 18; 3: 16)
begotten of the Father before all ages; (John 1: 2)
Light of Light (Psalm 27: I; John 8: 12; Matthew 17: 2,5)
true God of true God, (John 17: 1-5)
of one essence with the Father, (John 10: 30)
through Whom all things were made; (Hebrews 1: 1-2)
Who for us and for our salvation (I Timothy 2: 4-5)
came down from the heavens ((John 6: 33,35)
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, (Luke 1: 35)
and became man. (John 1: 14)
Crucified for us (Mark 15: 25; I Corinthians 15: 3)
under Pontius Pilate, (John 1: 14)
He suffered, (Mark 8: 31)
and was buried; (Luke 23: 53; I Corinthians 15: 4)
Rising on the third day according to the Scriptures, (Luke 24: 1; 1 Cor. 15: 4)
And ascending into the heavens, (Luke 24: 51; Acts 1: 10)
He is seated at the right hand of the Father; (Mark 16: 19; Acts 7: 55)
And coming again in glory (Matthew 24: 27)
to judge the living and dead, (Acts 10: 42; 2 I Timothy 4: 1)
His kingodom shall have no end; (2 Peter 1: 11)
And in the holy Spirit, (John 14: 26)
Lord (Acts 5: 3-4)
the Giver of life, (Genesis 1: 2)
Who proceeds from the Father, (John 15: 26)
Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, (Matthew
3: 16-17)
Who spoke through the prophets; (I Samuel 19: 20; Ezekiel 11: 5, 13)
In one, (Matthew 16: 18)
holy, (I Peter 2: 5, 9)
catholic (Mark 16: 15)
and apostolic Church; (Acts 2: 42; Ephesians 2: 19-22)
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; (Ephesians 4: 5)
I expect the resurrection of the dead; (John 11: 24; I Cor. 15: 12-49)
And the life of the age to come. (Mark 10: 29-30)
Amen. (Psalm 106:48)

Reading and understanding this, gave an altogether new meaning to the Vishwasa
Pramanam for me.

In Christ,
Mathew G M
# 0929

Respected Gleeson Baby,
Thank you for your kind and prompt response. Your sharp,harsh and witty words
they deserve very much and I enjoyed it very much.

I could not see earlier the message of Shev.Adv P J Philip in these columns by
oversight and I looked back for the message as per your advice.I have now
downloaded the message in full of the able and  learned advocate son of our
Church(May God bless him aboundently ||) read it, re-read it and want to read it
again and again.How beautifully  has he prepared the affidavit on behalf of the
Malankara Jacobite Burdono||. With your reply and the affidavit my doubts are
all cleared and we must turn to the everlasting  King of the everlasting House
of Jacob (St.Luke 1:33)to shower his everlasting mercy on the persecuted
Jacobites.

With prayers good wishes and ofcourse  wishing you and every one of our
freternity A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PUROSEFUL & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

V T John
ID 3085

Dear All

Piravom Valiyapalli is planning to conduct its Idavaka Sanagamam on the coming
sunday (13-12-2004). We announced the same and arches were errected at various
place in the town. As usual, Fr. Joseph Mankidi and the Muvattupuzha Methran of
IOC has come out with their usaual tactics. Their help is thier god ,"money and
court". They have already filed 4 cases in the Pallikodathy against the
function. They have also planing to conduct an Idavaka Sangamam on 13-12
itself!! (The trick they played last year to include the revennue/Police 
officers into picture to prevent the function).


Joseph Mankidi is the man who proclaimed from the pulpit of Nechoor Jacobite
church (remember the  case IOC lost recently . But this man has managed to
maintain the status- quo on a temporary basis with the help of their god) that
he will close the Piravom Valiyapalli.

Piravom Valiyapalli is continously  fighting this satanic people for the last
few years. These people have managed to block the construction of a vault in the
church. Only a small percentage of IOC members are there in Piravom. But they
give us a heap of problems. How to overcome this evil clutch of IOC?. We are
actually fed up and earnestly request your prayer and valuable suggestions.

Sabu P Alias
3323

H.B Catholicose Dr. Baselios Thomas I visited H.H Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I at
St. Ephrem Monastery

MA`ARAT SAYYIDNAYA, DAMASCUS: H.B Catholicose Dr. Baselios Thomas I accompanied
by H.G Dr. Mor Gregorios Joseph & H.G Mor Aphrem Mathews visited H.H Patriarch
of Universal Syriac Orthodox Church at St. Ephrem Monastery here. H.B
Catholicose and delegates from India held meeting with H.H Patriarch to update
the status of the church in India. The delegation left to India after completing
a short visit of 2 days on Dec 06, 2009.

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

All U.A.E Gospel Meeting of Ethiopian Orthodox Church held at St. George JSO
Simhasana Church, Al Ain

AL - AIN, UAE: All UAE Gospel Meeting of Ethiopian Orthodox Church held at St.
George JSO Simhasana Church here on Dec 04, 2009, Friday. The Gospel meeting was
inaugurated by H.G Aboona Demetriov , Bishop of UAE of Ethiopian Orthodox
Church. Ethiopian Orthodox faithful from all over UAE attended.

Photos
http://malankarasyriacvoice.com/Albums/EthiopianConvention2009UAE/index.html

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

Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Mumbai Convention 2009 held

Photos
http://malankarasyriacvoice.com/Albums/MumbaiConvention2009/index.html

Matrimonial Digest / 0197-2009

Dear Members,

We do not take or assume any responsibility for the particulars
given by the advertiser. Concerned parties are encouraged to
verify the particulars. As per the request of some advertisers we
withheld the contact details and will forward any reply to the
advertiser for further personal contact. Further correspondence to be
done with the E-Mail address / Phone Number given against each
advertisement.

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

----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDEGROOM
----------------------------------------------------------
Matrimonial; Code # 173/09
****************************
November 21, 2009

Proposals are invited for my niece, 24 years, 5.5", slim, and fair. She is
studying for M.S. in Psychology and working part time. She is God fearing, very
active in church, well mannered and has a pleasing personality. She is a US
citizen, migrated to the US with her parents when she was 10 years of age. Her
parents are Syrian Orthodox Christians well settled in the US, originally from
Kottayam. If interested, kindly respond with brief personal and professional
information and recent photograph to susanjohn827@...

Matrimonial; Code # 172/09
****************************
October 23, 2009

Orthodox Christian parents settled in the USA invite proposals for their
daughter, born &brought up in USA, 31 years old, attractive, God fearing, and
family oriented. She has master's degree & now working in USA. We are seeking
proposals from well educated boys from any Christian denomination preferably
born & brought up in USA or outside kerala. If interested, please respond with
brief personal & professional info, contact information and recent photograph to
Eldhos09@...

Matrimonial; Code # 170/09
****************************
August 10, 2009

Jacobite Syrian Parents Ernakulam Seeks suitable match for their daughter 35
years, 169 cm, Fair, Post Graduate in Garment Designing. She is a divorcee with
no encumbrances.

Suitable Professional graduate individuals may get in touch with the following
phone numbers: 0484 2205247. or mail to: issacmathai@...

Matrimonial; Code # 167/09
****************************
July 30, 2009

Jacobite parents from Ernakulam District invites proposals for their daughter
25yrs. Working with Ministry Of Health, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. She is fair and
God fearing. If interested kindly Contact. 00966542757586, 00966504943034
(Jomon)

Matrimonial; Code # 165/09
****************************
July 21, 2009

Syrian Jacobite parents invite proposals for their daughter, an innocent
divorcee, age 29 yrs, 154 cms, God fearing. She has done her BE and MBA.
Currently she is persuing her MS in USA.We are looking for a God fearing, family
oriented and well placed boy. If interested kindly respond to
proposed12@... or 91 9020275063

Matrimonial; Code # 164/09
****************************
July 06, 2009

Jacobite Christian parents settled in Canada invite proposals for their daughter
born and brought up in Canada. She is 32 years old 5'5"in height attractive, God
fearing and family oriented. She graduated with Master's degree in Bio-Material
Engineering currently doing MBA full time ,hopefully finish in May 2010. WE are
seeking proposals from Christian grooms with professional backgrounds. Contact
with details and a recent photograph E-mail sangamto@...

----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDE
----------------------------------------------------------
Matrimonial; Code # 171/09
****************************

Jacobite Syrian Orthodox boy 30 years 175 cm, fair from an ancient family
Kunnamkulam, now settled in Trichur, seeks a suitable bride preferably an
engineer or professionally qualified girl. The boy is a post graduate mechanical
engineer with MSc from Bristol University UK. He is working for Rolls-Royce PLc
Derby UK. His father (diseased) was a retired Executive Engineer and mother is a
retired HOD in English from a college in Trichur. Please contact phone 0487
2334608 or Email mi.molly@...

Matrimonial; Code # 169/09
****************************
August 04, 2009

Jacobite parent's invites suitable proposals for their son, 25yrs (DEC 1983)/188
cms, completed his BTech (Mech) from MG University Kottayam in a merit seat
thereafter MBA from XIIME Bangalore and currently working with Tata Consultancy
Bangalore in Pre Sales. The proposed boy is the elder one of 2 sons. The second
son is also a BTech Mechanical Engineer (Fresh and appointed in SPIL)Father is a
Graduate Electrical Engineer and mother an administration Manager in UAE. We
belong to an ancient Jacobite family, well to do, from Kottayam. We are looking
for a well educated Professional (Architect, Engineer, CA Dental', Btech+MBA
etc), God fearing and good looking girl from an educated and good family. Girls
with post graduation or PG aspiration preferred.

Interested parents may send the details and photograph to ajithmat@... .
Contact # 00971502601190; Contact person: Ajith Mathews.

Matrimonial; Code # 168/09
****************************
July 30, 2009

Jacobite parents from Ernakulam District invites proposals for their son 28yrs.
175 BDS. He is very handsome. Contact-9495220574, 0484-2612804

Matrimonial; Code # 166/09
****************************
July 22, 2009

Proposals invited for a Syrian orthodox  Medical Doctor (27 yrs, fair ,tall) 
from Canada. Seeking suitable alliance from God- fearing, professionally
qualified girls (fair, tall, age 22 -25)/Doctor, Dentist, pharmacist, Engineer
(ME,MS)) with good Christian family background from Canada.

If interested please respond with full details (phone number/photograph )- mail
- matj82@...

-------------------------------------------------------------
For the full list of the matrimonial advertisement, please
visit:http://www.socmnet.org/Matrimonial.htm

"Do not look for a throne of human glory, that God may shelter you against winds
you do not know and set you up in His metropolis, the heavenly Jerusalem. 'Try
everything and keep what is good' (1 Thes.. 5:21). Likewise, do not be
overbearing towards the image of God. Watch also over your youth so that you may
be able to watch over your old age, lest you have shame and regret in the valley
of Josaphat, where all the creatures of God will see you and reproach you
saying, 'We thought all along you were a sheep, and here we see you are a wolf!'
"

St. Pachomius.

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

"Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering
and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."  Ephesians 5:2

Creating Theosis

[Also check out our mission chapel pictures
at http://www.maruroopa.blogspot.com ]


"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it..." Psalm
127:1

"...whereby we shall be visited by a ray from above. To give light to those who
sit in darkness and in the shadow of death..." Luke 1:78-79

"Let everyone who has hope in God purify himself, even as He is pure." 1 John
3:3

"...the human life reaches its fulfillment only when it becomes divine." Rev Fr
Demetrios Vakarios of Thessaloniki, Greece 1985

This sermon examines how we arrive at theosis as the fulfillment of the
incarnation of Christ, how we can create the circumstances of theosis in our
lives now. Psalm 127, the very end of Luke Chapter 1, first verses of Chapter 3
of John's first epistle and a passage from a Greek priest of St. Demetrios
Church in Greece are used to assist in our spiritual development. The scripture
readings are from the Malankara lectionary.

This sermon given on Sunday, December 6, 2009 by Fr John Brian Paprock at Holy
Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/12/creating-theosis.html

*Christmas & New Year Greetings > From Georgian Voice Team - St. George
Cathedral, Karingachira !!!

*Dear All,

Please find the attached file containing the Georgian Voice  Magazine a monthly
publication of *St. George Youth Association, Karingachira* for the month of
*December 2009.*

Please write to us your valuable suggestions & complaints to the following mail
ID *georgianvoices@...* so that it will help us to improve the Magazine in
the future editions.
The Georgian Voice is also available online @ *
http://www.malankarasyriacvoice.com*, official site of Malankara Syrian
Churches & also @ our Cathedral Website *http://**www.st.georgechurch.org.*

*WISHING U & UR FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR.*

Best Regards

RENJI PAUL

Georgian Voice Team
Mob - +91 98951 03440

Dear Mathew,
Marvelous research! Thank You for sharing the valued info. Please come up with
new findings in the future also.
 
Thanks and regards
Cecil.K.Varghese
ID#890
Houston

You are my God, and most of all, am I, a creature, longing
to be created anew? You are my God, You are my creator. You created me through
Your Word, and recreated me through Your Word. You created me through the Word
abiding in yourself, and you recreated me through the Word who was made flesh
for us.

Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 142

Dear Sabu P Alias.

From your message, I can understand the difficulty you all are facing.
I do not know , whether my letter below give any relief to you all. But I
believe in something , which I would like to narrate below.

Please let us meditate the verses from PSALMS 106 - 13/15

  13 They soon forgot His works;
          They did not wait for His counsel,
  14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness,
          And tested God in the desert.
  15 And He gave them their request,
          But sent leanness into their soul.

The above narrates what had happened while bringing the Jews from
slavery, they lusted exceedingly and tested God and God gave them their request.
But, the end is tragedy to them.  God's plans are different from our's . So no
trick, money can achieve result irrespective of IOC or even us.  At last , the
end will be the plan of God only.

Sorry to say that, Bible based preaches are minimal in our churches(my
opinion only) (both IOC & US ) and due to this, people believe to fight each
other for something ( ?) and at last the moment of death, we all may lose the
chances to be children of God (Ref John 1.9 ).

In the Christmas time, just imagine....God the father selected the place of
birth of his only son , the savior. ( Not at all in any Kings palace ), the good
news to the world given not to any think tanks at that time, only shepherds. God
always happy to those who are humble ( ref Michai 6).

Jesus Christ taught us to forgive only .  He who taught only to love not to hate
anybody but to hate sin.  In other words , if we are Christian we will not have
any enemy anywhere till we die.  Yes , Our lord Jesus Christ forgiven even to
those Roman Soldiers who driven nails in his palms& feet.

May God find a peaceful solution to all of our problem.

Thanks
Benny
4190

Hello,
I had seen a painting/photo of Eldo Mor Baselious Bava(Kothamangalam) once in
the socm. I am currently looking for that photo as we would like to keep it in
our new built church at alain.It would be a great help if any one could forward
the same to sinupv@....

Regards

Sinu Philip Varghese
3098
-------------------------
From the desk of moderators
Referred photo is available on following link
http://socmnet.org/photos01/Yeldho_Mor_Baselios.jpg

Dear All,

The malayalam full reference of Vishwasa pramanam is available in the book
'Rakshikkappeduvan njan Enthu Cheyyaanam?' by our Malphono and Syriac poet of
India Very Rev. Kaniamparambil achen.

This english version can be circulated among our faithful so that they can come
closer to the Word of GOD.

In His name,

Johnson Mannathoor
#2335


--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Cecil.K.Varghese wrote:
>
> Dear Mathew,
> Marvelous research! Thank You for sharing the valued info. Please come up with
new findings in the future also.
>  
> Thanks and regards
> Cecil.K.Varghese
> ID#890
> Houston
>

Dear All,

Please pray for the soul of Mr. Philip Varghese, Athanickal puthenpurayil
(njattuvettiyil, Mannathoor who died in an accident yesterday.

He along with family used to attend the Holy Mass on every Sunday and his son is
an Altar boy in our St.George's JSOC Mannathoor. He had served our Nation as an
army man also.

Yesterday while on the job of cleaning the Gober gas pot in his compound, he
accidently slipped in and died. He was an expert in the architecture of gober
gas plants.

His funeral will be done today in the cemetry of St.George JSOC Mannathoor.

Please pray for his soul as well for his family to come out of this turbulence.

In His Name,

Johnson Mannathoor,
#2335.

Dear Readers,

MGJSM Thumpamon diocesan unit inauguration is to be held on 13th, December, 2009
in Thumpamon diocesan Cathedral (St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral) ,
Pathanamthitta.

The formal inauguration is at 3.30 pm. Thumpamon diocese Metropolitan His Grace
Mor Milethios Yuhanon will lead the function . Very Rev Geevarghese
Thengumtharayil  Remban  and other priests will also be present in the function.
The meeting is organized by Rev Dn Thomas K Poothiote and other MGJSM Central
Committee members.

All Jacobite students are kindly requested to attend the meeting.
In the intercession of Mother of God ,St Gregorios , our patron and St
Athanasius, our guiding light.

Apu Jose
Coimbatore
4096

Thumpamon Diocese Clergy Meeting held

PATHANAMTHITTA: Clergy Meeting of Thumpamon Diocese held at St. Mary's JSO
Cathedral, here on 07 Dec 2009, Mon. Diocesan Metropolitan His Grace Mor
Milithose Yuhanon inaugurated the meeting. All priests from the diocese
participated
---------------------------------

7th Anniversary of the ordination of H.G Mor Milithose Yuhanon

PATHANAMTHITTA: 7th Anniversary of Metropolitan ordination of His Grace Mor
Milithose Yuhanon celebrated at St. Mary's JSO Cathedral, here on Dec 07, 2009.
The celebration started with the thanksgiving Holy Qurbono celebrated by the
Metropolitan in the morning. Thumpamon Diocese Clergy Association distributed
sewing machine to the needy on this occasion.

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

St. Mary's JSO Church, Mulakkulam Golden Jubilee: Free Medical Camp at
Mulakkulam

PIRAVOM: As part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Mulakkulam St. Mary's JSO
Church, Youth association is organizing a free medical camp on 11th December.
Block Panchayath President C. K Prakash will inaugurate the function. More
Details Contact : 9895510093

------------------------------------
Family units started under Kadamattom St. Mary's JSO Church

KADAMATTOM: Fr. George Kalappurackkal inaugurated the St. Mary's family unit
under St. George JSO Church. Fr. Eldhose Pothanikkadu lead the retreat. Unit
Vice President K. K Bose, Trustee Baby Abraham, Prof. N. P Varghese, George
Thevarpoonthurayil & Manoj Mathews spoke at the occasion.

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

Syriac Orthodox Church honoured in Switzerland

SWITZERLAND: Mr. Kakkattu Varghese Thomas (Benny Kakkattu), a member of the
Switzerland St. Mary's Syriac Orthodox Church and lively in ecumenical arenas,
has been elected as the treasurer of Arbeits Gemeinschaft der orthodoxen Kirchen
in der Schwiez (AGOK), an ecumenical gathering comprises of all the Orthodox
Churches in Switzerland (11 Orthodox Churches). He is an active member from the
beginning of our church in Switzerland, serves in the altar, served in various
capacities as Vice-president and in other key positions. Now he serves as the
PRO of the newly formed MSOC Middle Europe Council. He, the son of late Mr.
Varghese Kakkattu and Mrs. Shoshamma Varghese Kakkattu, hails from Palakkuzha,
Koothattukulam, belongs to St. Johns Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church,
Palakkuzha. He lives in Zurich with his wife Mrs. Suma Kakkattu and two kids
Bibiya Kakkattu, Nimisha Kakkattu both doing schooling

Malankara Syriac Voice
http://malankarasyriacvoice.com/

"It goes without saying that neither merciful men nor angels need to inform God
of what is happening in the world, that God should know in this way, for the
most high God is all-knowing and all-seeing. All that they see and understand
they do by God's help. Why, then, does it say that the servants saw what was
done by their merciless fellow-servant and told their lord? In order to show the
compassion of good men and angels. Because it is the will of God Himself that
all His faithful servants rejoice in good and grieve at sin. God's sorrowful
servants, then came and informed their lord of what was happening. (Mt. 18:31) "

St. Nikolai Velimirovic.

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

"For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."  2
Corinthians 10:18

Dear All,

Requesting the members to post good, easy to follow and meaningful Carol songs
in the forum so that they can be shared.

In His Love,

Johnson
#2335

It is wonderful.
I encourage you to read two books written by our beloved Kaniyamparampil Achen.
1. Rakshikappeduvan Njana Enthu Cheyyanam
2. Puthiya Niyama Vyakhyanam.
 
these two books will give you a lot of information.
Regards
Georgey
3084

One of my friend(I Should say my Tutor, my Best friend, etc etc), who is a
priest asked me the titled question. I thought i will give him a small answer.
But when i finished writing it came like a blog. I am posting the same. Would
like to know your suggestions. So that i can also learn.

I consider there are different types of call from God. Each and every man is
called for something in this world. Some people works as Doctors, some as
lawyers. Each and every one is asked to do his duty for the betterment of life
assigned here. So that everyone can lead a good life. We are supposed to keep
our block of brick in the building so that for the coming generation can reach a
shelter.

But i feel "A CALL for priesthood" is entirely different from everything. First
he should have a sense to hear about the call. He should decipher it properly.
It is a gift from God himself. He wont give this call to everyone. But to
someone, whom he thinks will be good enough to spend the entire life time with
him.

A man who is waiting for a call or himself is a priest should take care of 3
things.

1. A mind prepared for the certain duties and liabilities which he is going to
do at his priesthood.
2. He should have a special sense to hear the Call from God.
3. He should be accepted by the church and vise versa.


Our Forefathers teach us that, we the mankind is created by LORD to replace one
set of angels who were thrown out from heaven. So Priest should be a person who
lives a lifetime, as an example for others. He should have mindset prepared for
that. Once he enters the missionary he is considered as dead to this world. To
be more clear, even though he live in this world, he should be with God, praying
for the children of God, like angels do. More over its a martyrdom for Lord. He
should live like as a versatile who is always there to help others in any other
field and to uplift them in the name of Lord.

A Dayaroyo is someone who plays more important job than any other priests. He
should always consider 3 things in his life.

1. Celibacy.
2. Obidence.
3. Bravery.

I don't think, i have to explain the first topic. Next point is, He should be
obident to God himself, and to the church. Noah and his family were the only
loyal and obedient subjects to the legal power: they alone were saved.

He should be brave: Holy Confession is one the most important sacrament. A
priest should be brave enough to teach the confessor about his sins and ask him
to leave evil deeds. If he is a coward to ask the confessor about the same, then
the priest himself is doing a Sin.

Most important thing a priest should practice in his life is to be humble.
"Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you.."

Thanks and Regards
Vineeth John Abraham
4187

Dear Joy,
Please verify the Dates of the holy Qurbano celibrated by H B at Al Ain. Is it
Nov.29th and Nov.. 30th 2009 insted of Dec.29 & 30th.

Joseph Malloossery
(973-663-0735)

The Federal Council of Switzerland has adopted a motion in support of the
legally embattled St. Gabriel Syriac Orthodox  Monastery in Turkey. The motion
states "The Federal Council is to be asked to intervene with the Turkish
government to ensure that the ownership of the Syriac Monasteries in southeast
of Turkey continue to be guaranteed, and that the minority rights of Assyrians
is respected according to the Copenhagen criteria."

The Monastery of St. Gabriel was founded in 397 A.D. and is a great and
historically important Christian symbol in the middle of Turkey; it is for the
Syriac-orthodox faith what St. Peter's in Rome is for the Catholics.

The legal issues are:

Boundary Lines Case -- This Court appeal proceeding was initiated by the
Monastery against the villages of Yayvantape and Eglence and dealt with
determining the boundary lines between the Monastery and the villages.

Forestry Land Case 1 -- This Court appeal proceeding was initiated by the
Monastery against the Forestry Department in order to restore Monastery land
located in, and outside, the outer wall of the Monastery.

State Treasury Land Case -- This Court proceeding was initiated by the State
Treasury Department against the Monastery. This case relates to 12 parcels of
land, inside and outside the outer wall of the Monastery, being confiscated by
the State Treasury.

Forestry Land Case 2 -- This Court proceeding involves the State making an
allegation against the Monastery for violation of the Forestry law. The State is
alleging that the Monastery has intentionally violated the Forestry law by
building the outer wall around the Monastery.

The Monastery won its first legal (Boundary Lines Case) battle and lost a second
one (Forestry Land Case 2). The case is still in the courts.

Here's the transcript of the Federal Council of Switzerland session:

Translation by Miryam and Abdulmesih BarAbraham

Federal Council of Switzerland
2nd Meeting, Session on November 24, 2009
Motion APK-NR (09.2004).
Syriac Monasteries in Turkey.
Recognition of Minority Rights of Syriacs

Reymond André (V, GE), for the Commission: I want to deal with the support of
the Syrian Orthodox monastery St.-Gabriel in Tur Abdin in Turkey.

The European Parliament examines Tukey's progress with regards of freedom of
religion and the guaranties, which it concedes to the ancient Christian
community.

Considering the Syriac Orthodox monastery in Tur Abdin, the European Parliament
regrets the intended expropriation and the charges pressed against the
representatives of the monastery. Turkey has never constituted a judicial
framework in accordance with the jurisdiction of the European Court of human
rights regarding the liberty of all religious communities. The decisions of the
supreme Turkish authority were reversed and the judgment of expropriation was
annulled. Turkey can resort to the European Court of human rights, but this
(way) seems improbable since normally it is criticized for inappropriate
regulations.

Sending a Swiss delegation on location doesn't seem necessary, since the
attendance of the European diplomatic association is a sufficiently efficient
guaranty. The Court has decided in favor of the monastery and against the
Turkish state. It is true that the area around the monastery is hardly
cultivatable. But for the expropriation of the forest areas belonging to the
monastery, however, the Turkish state has won. The representatives of the
monastery have naturally appealed against the judgment.

Before being able to take legal action before the European Court of human
rights, the monastery has to call on all national authorities, which need to
speak out.

Our committee has had to comment on two proposals which are contrary to one
another. The proposition Sommaruga Carlo to comply with the petition and
secondly, the proposition Schlüer to file a motion of the committee to request
of the Federal Council to intervene to the Turkish government, so that it,
firstly, respects the rights of ownership of the Syriac monasteries in the
South-East of Turkey, and that it, secondly, accepts the rights of the Syriac
minority according to the criteria of Copenhagen.

The committee has decided, with 12 votes against 9 and with 1 abstention to
support the proposition Schlüer and I encourage you to accept the proposal of
the committee.

Wehrli Reto (CEg, SZ), for the Commission: What does the motion of the
Commission requires? The Federal Council is to be asked to intervene with the
Turkish government to ensure that the ownership of the Syriac Monasteries in
southeast of Turkey continue to be guaranteed, and that the minority rights of
Assyrians is respected according to the Copenhagen criteria. What is context in
which the demands of this motion are to be viewed? We have had this year and
last year a number of political activities that deal with the fate of Christian
minorities in Turkey, their symbols and their property rights.

Two issues were at the forefront: First, the fate of Syriac (so-called Suryoye)
people generally is taken into view. "Suryoyo" is the native Syriac
self-designation for members of the Syriac Church of West and East Syrian
tradition. By this, Arameans, Assyrians, but also Chaldeans are known. The name
of the modern state of Syria derives from Assyria as the ancient name of the
region. The Syriac people were in the course of the past decades and centuries
victims of pogroms from the hands of Kurds, the Turkish, Iranian or Iraqi
military. It is assumed that up to half a million Syriacs have been driven from
their homes and killed. We are dealing with abuse, the continued killing and
other human rights violations, perpetrated mainly because of the religion of the
victims.

In the following, the attention especially geared toward the fate of the
monastery of Mor Gabriel. This is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the
world. It is in the Tur Abdin, a mountainous region at the headwaters of the
Tigris River in Turkey. Still, it is still one of the most important monasteries
of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and the seat of the metropolitans of
the Tur Abdin.

The monastery being a spiritual and cultural centre is massively pressured by
the heads of the adjacent Muslim villages, including by means of continued
by-fence-breaking boundary disputes. The Muslim village chief aim is to make it
impossible for the monastery to perform its central role as a reference point of
the Assyrian Diaspora. Concretely, property rights, minority rights and
religious freedom are threatened, if not already injured. Mid-December 2008 a
lawsuit has commenced against the convent, based on accusations of three Kurdish
neighbouring village chiefs, claiming that the monastery has more land than the
faithful need for prayer. Turkish officials had previously declared that a
majority of the estates of the monastery is designated as state-owned forest
land.

In June this year, the monastery of Mor Gabriel has been unsuccessful in the
land dispute, at least temporarily. Representatives of the monastery stated that
if necessary, they will bring up their complains against the decree to the
European Court of Human Rights. Several European countries have raised their
voice for the protection of the monastery. The question now is whether
Switzerland is doing something, and if so, what.

How did the Federal Assembly and the National Council dealt with this issue? On
December 9th, 2009 a petition was submitted to our Parliament by the Archdiocese
of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, where the following was requested:

Respecting property rights of the monastery Mor Gabriel;
Recognition of minority rights of Assyrians (Suryoye) according to the
Copenhagen criteria by Turkey;
Dispatch of a parliamentary delegation to the observe court trial.

The APK of Council of States has not given any result to the petition in its
meeting of March 21, 2009. The Council of States on June 11, 2009 has adopted
this attitude. In context of the Question Time to our Council in March 2009 two
questions on the topic were raised. Finally, the APK of the National Council
dealt with the case on August 25, 2009. At the end of the debate the request of
the Commission to submit a motion prevailed with 12 votes to 9, with 1
abstention, over which we have to take decision. With the motion, the Federal
Council should be mandated to intervene with the Turkish government to ensure
that the ownership of the Syriac monasteries in the southeast of Turkey continue
to be guaranteed, and that minority rights are recognized in accordance with the
Copenhagen criteria.

The Commission's motion is its content is a reduction of the mentioned petition.
A minority of APK argued among other aspects, that the presence of European
diplomats on the ground make corresponding Swiss efforts obsolete. They did not
want to deny the problems of the Christian minority in Turkey, but saw the
required action as requested by the motion from Switzerland in conflict with its
institutional processes. The majority however regards right to life, culture,
and especially religious freedom, and liberty of property of the Christian
minority are at risk in a manner and to such an extent to justify the action of
our country.

On behalf of the Commission, I request you to join the majority and thus make
possible a wider contribution to protect the Christian minority in Turkey.

Calmy- Rey Micheline, Federal adviser: Within the framework of its foreign
policy, Switzerland attaches great importance to the protection of the rights of
minorities and the fundamental rights of being human. To support and protect
freedom of religion, but also to prevent any form religious intolerance,
Switzerland actively participates in the activities of competent authorities in
the UN and the OSCE. Within this framework, we are engaged in enhancing a
respectful dialogue between cultures and religions with the concern of
supporting communication and mutual respect. This attention and commitment
applies for the case of the Syriac minority in Turkey, as well as for that of
the other minorities which live in this country. The very good political
dialogue Switzerland and Turkey are holding additionally offers the possibility
to discuss all kinds of questions in a very open way, including those alluding
to human rights and the rights of minorities.

The proposition of the Federal Council aimed at rejecting the proposal explains
itself through the fact that Switzerland is by now already actively committed at
the Turk government. Thus, we try to take care that the independence of the Turk
judicial system is respected, as well as we expect from Turkey to respect our
own judicial system. As a matter of course, the federal department of foreign
affairs will continue to follow this affair up, as it has done until today.

Vote
For the motion: 101
Against the motion: 54

"What then do we say about our admiration of the life of the Saints when the
Ancient Fathers themselves, considering the life of the preachers of Holy
Church, admired them exceedingly? And did not the Psalmist admire their lives
when he said: 'But to me, exceedingly honorable are Thy friends, O Lord; their
principalities are made exceeding strong' (Ps. 138:17)? Ask what it says about
His friends in the Gospel in which Truth says to the preachers: 'Ye are My
friends' (Jn. 15:14)."

Saint Gregory the Great.

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

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with
indignation?  2 Corinthians 11:29

IN THE NAME OF THE SELF – EXISTANT
SEMPITERNAL OF NECESSARY EXISTENCE THE ALMIGHTY
IGNATIUS PATRIARCH OF THE HOLY SEE OF ANTIOCH AND ALL THE EAST
SUPREME HEAD OF THE UNIVERSAL SYRIAC ORTHODOX CHURCH
ZAKKA 1ST , IWAS

We offer apostolic benediction and benevolent prayers and peace in the Lord to
our brethren, their eminence the Metropolitans, our spiritual children, priests,
monks, nuns, deacons, and our blessed Syriac Orthodox people worldwide. May the
divine providence embrace them through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,
Mother of God, and St. Peter the head of the Apostles, and the rest of the
martyrs and saints, Amen.

After asking for your well being we are pleased to inform you that our Holy
Synod was held under our leadership on 1st , 2nd & 3rd of December 2009 at St.
Ephraim the Syriac monastery, Ma'arrat Saidnaya. It was attended by most members
of the Holy Synod and we discussed church matters from every angel: Spiritual,
moral, and administrative as well as the problems facing our church worldwide
especially the suffering that our people are enduring in some areas such as Iraq
and Palestine and the agony of their calamities, needs, and difficulties for
which we ask God the Almighty to eliminate.

We discussed the subjects of some Archdioceses where church service is stumbling
directly or indirectly, especially matters related to the management of these
Archdioceses.

We thank God and we applaud the efforts of the members of the Holy Synod who did
not pause in facilitating our duty in the missions we delegated to some of them
particularly in Germany, and we thank God that it ended in peace with an
appropriate solution.

Regarding the Patriarchal Vicariate in Belgium, France, and Luxemburg which is
also facing administrative problems, we also reached positive resolution that
will limit its problems.

We also discussed the problems of the Patriarchal Vicariate of Argentine. We
studied the matter and we are in the process of solving it.

We also discussed the role of our church in the ecumenical movement related to
the Eastern Orthodox churches and our relationship with the Catholic Church and
the Universal Council of Churches and the Council of the Middle Eastern
Churches, and others. We applaud the
leading role of our church in this regard.

We studied the situation of the patriarchal magazine and we thank those in
charge of its administration, writings, publishing, and distributing with
valuable efforts. We listened to the positive reports and the message that it
conveys since its inception in 1962. We urge you to encourage this magazine in
all aspects whether by reading it or by writing in it or by directing the good
writers to participate in articles and publishing the news of the archdioceses
and the activities of their institutions, in being members, in distributing, and
supporting both morally and financially. This is a church shining spot and it
expresses her life and her message which is
required from us all. We thank their eminence for their response and for their
utter readiness to fulfill duties related to the magazine because the media is
the best tool to preach the word of God and boost up our holy church.

We studied the situation of our monasteries and our children, the monks, nuns,
and St. Ephraim the Syriac clergy school (theology college is the beating heart
of the church) appreciating the efforts and loyalty of those serving at the
patriarchate, monasteries, and
archdioceses in the fields of religious education and command while continuing
their scientific studies with awareness to support the word of God and the
position of the church. In mid 2010 God willing, we will meet with them all at
St. Ephraim the Syriac monastery in Ma'arrat Saidnaya in spiritual and
theological sessions which are also included in their holy service.

About the laity and according to requests we received regarding their role in
the church, we studied the matter during the Holy Synod sessions, knowing that
our holy Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch is among the churches that encourage
laity and offers them participation
and decision making as members of the parish councils or in organizations or in
institutions or in cultural, educational and financial committees. We are
pleased to add to their responsibilities according to a study prepared by the
Holy Synod. This study is now in the hands of every archbishop who will make it
known to you, hoping to have more positivity and interaction leading to the
success of the church work on both sides : clergy and laity. And we seize the
opportunity of the upcoming Christmas fast, Christmas, new year, and Epiphany to
convey to you our apostolic blessing and heartedly congratulations praying for
you, your children, and your beloved delightful feasts with the best of health,
joy, success, and happiness. May the grace of the Lord be with you, ...
W'ABOON DBASHMAYO WSHARKHO. . .

Issued at our patriarchal house in Damascus – Syria
On the fourth day of December, in the year Two Thousand and Nine of our Lord,
Which is the 30th year of our patriarchal reign.

Dear Joseph,
You are right.Thanks for correcting me.
Regards,
Joy Thanangadan


--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Joseph M Abraham wrote:
>
> Dear Joy,
> Please verify the Dates of the holy Qurbano celibrated by H B at Al Ain. Is it
Nov.29th and Nov.. 30th 2009 insted of Dec.29 & 30th.
>
> Joseph Malloossery
> (973-663-0735)
>

Brothers in Christ.

Thanks for all your prayers for my Mom till date. Today they started the next
stage of treatment. 1st Course of Chemotherapy is done today.

Doctor today told, even though the lump was small, its growth is fast. 90% of
the disease is curable which is in Level 1. My mom is in Level 3. There are 60 %
of coming back again. So they are giving the most aggressive medicine. I need
all your prayers for her so that she can with stand during the entire treatment.

I have full faith in our Lord, that he will do miracles by prayers. So please
remember her in ur prayers for atleast coming few weeks.

Thanks and Regards

Vineeth, Abraham
4187

Dear List

I am the member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (here after, EOC).  According
to the EOC Tradition and Church Scholars teaching Judah had partaken the Holy
Eucharist at the Last Supper. According to the  teaching  of  EOC Tradition and
the Church Scholars  ,The Holy Eucharist is a  fire that has two duties , for
those  who confessed their sins and faithful ,it is  a fire that saves life . It
is a fir teaching e that destroys life for those who violates the will of God. 
The EOC shares the same teaching  with  Syriac Orthodox Church, while the Coptic
Orthodox Church rejects it. Some Scholars of EOC, shared the teaching Coptic
Church by citing some scriptures as a reference.  The faithful that participate
in the Holy Communion but with sinful thoughts in the mind and therefore  will
have to endure death and condemnation.

For further information regarding this issue, I am ready to respond.

Solomon Wondimu
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa


--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Vatachal Thomas John wrote:
>
> I am obliged to draw your kind attention to I Corinthians 11:17—34, Saul
(Hebrew name used in Acts up to Ch13:9), which name is the same as .Paul (Greek
name used in Acts from Ch13:9) who became a Christian after the ascension of our
Lord, got first hand information (directly) from our Lord after his conversion,
about the celebration of the first Holy Qurbono by our Lord Himself. (I Cor.
11:23).  St.Paul says with authority that      "…if anyone eats the Lord's Bread
or drinks from His Cup in a way that dishonours Him, he is guilty of sin against
the Lord's Body and Blood "

"If we want to fare well in this life and go to Paradise, and to call our God
love and father, we must have two loves: the love for God and the love for our
neighbor. It is natural for us to have these two loves, and contrary to nature
not to have them. Just as a swallow needs two wings in order to fly in the air,
so we need these two loves, because without them we cannot be saved."

St. Cosmas Aitolos.

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

"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in
Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the
courts of our God."  Psalms 92:12-13