Dear honorable members

Greetings in HIS name

To keep the forum debate's authenticity, we the moderators of this forum, have
decided to implement a new guideline.

As per the new guideline from 26th of October 2004, we will not publish any
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where we can verify the genuineness of the e mails.

After the verification of your identity, we will provide a member ID Number
which can be used as your signature for future postings and by member ID numbers
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These personal contact details will be stored in our database and will not be
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However, if you are hesitant to reveal the name and identity, you can still be a
member of the forum and get the daily digests in your e-mail id supplied, if you
wish so.

This new guideline is applicable to all members, regardless of their Christian
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We hope our members will appreciate it and cooperate with us.

Be with us and be part of us.

In Our Lords Love
For & on behalf of
SOCM-FORUM Moderators

Chev. Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St.George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://www.stgeorgecheppaud.org
http://www.socmnet.org

Christ is Risen! + Indeed He is Risen!

He sent the creative Word, who, coming to save us, was in the same place and
situation in which we were when we lost life, breaking the bonds of the prison;
and His light appeared and dispelled the darkness of the prison, and sanctified
our birth and abolished death, loosening the same bonds by which we were
trapped. And He  demonstrated the resurrection, becoming Himself "the first-born
from the dead," and raising in Himself fallen.

Irenaeus, On the Apostolic Preaching

READ: 1 John 1:5-10

O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You. —Psalm
69:5
Chuck had slowed to a stop when his car was hit from behind and was pushed into
the vehicle ahead of him. A sickening, crunching sound indicated that additional
vehicles had collided behind them.
As Chuck sat quietly for a moment, he observed that the vehicle directly behind
him was pulling out into traffic. Obviously hoping to avoid an encounter with
police, the escaping driver neglected to notice he had left something behind.
When the police arrived, an officer picked up the hit-and-run driver’s license
plate from the ground and said to Chuck, “Someone will be waiting for him when
he arrives home. He won’t get away with this.”
Scripture tells us: “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23), as
this
man who fled the accident discovered. We may sometimes be able to hide our sin
from the people around us, but nothing is ever “hidden from [God’s] sight”
(Heb.
4:13). He sees each of our failures, thoughts, and motivations (1 Sam. 16:7;
Luke 12:2-3).
Believers are given a wonderful promise: “If we confess our sins, [God] is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So don’t let unconfessed, so-called
“hidden” sins
come between you and God (vv.6-7). —Cindy Hess Kasper
We cannot hide from God
No matter how we try;
For He knows all we think and do—
We can’t escape His eye. —Hess
Sin may be hidden from others, but never from God.

Today's Bible verse

"For where  2 or 3 gather together in my name, I�m there among them.� (Mathew
18:20)

If you are failing constantly, why not  try  to work as a team  and  have the
blessings and success  in Jesus - (Jesus and your team)

Our DNA system  is designed by God  to work as a team, not as an island.  Life
is designed for companionship, not isolation, for intimacy, not loneliness. Some
people prefer isolation, thinking they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on
earth to serve ourselves, however, but to serve God and others. Don�t isolate
yourself and try to go it alone. Seek companions, be  a team member. Here the
children  are  trained to live  with the attitude of   �I�, �Mine�, �Me�, 
instead of �We�,  �Ours� and �Us�.  Of course the God of unity is out of their
universe by glorifying  the �I� and �Me� world.  Jesus is in the midst of 2 or 3
in unity of mind  to bless.  Jesus with your team is the formula to  live a
blessed happy life. Genesis 2:18 - �It�s  not good for a man to be alone.� 
Don�t worry about  your difficulties and sufferings that you have to endure for 
the team play you do both in the family and at work. The ultimate blessings is
reserved for you today. Jesus  has assured it so  and not failed, but  be
answered from heaven.

Oprah Winfrey is the famous American television  host, actress, producer, and
philanthropist and best known  for her talk show viewed by more than 60 million
viewers and one of the richest American. She was born in poverty, to a  teenage
single  African American mother, raped at age 9, was pregnant at 14, son died in
infancy but  found faith In Jesus and is the most eloquent proponent of Jesus, 
and his love and team play. When people ask her the secret of her �Show�s
success, her answer, �My team� and Jesus.�  She spoke about a higher being,
saying you can  "acknowledge it or ignore it�.  I listen for the guidance that
is greater than my meagre mind. God is love and God is life, and your life is
always speaking to you. First in whispers, then it�s like getting a brick inside
the head. What are the whispers in your life? "I had a �one time encounter�  in
Mississippi - know  what a miracle that is.�

Ecclesiastes 4:10 - �But pity (or woe) the person who falls down and has no one
to help him up.�

Prayer :  Jesus, we pray for all those who are  alone and  have no companions.
Let us get good workable team to live and progress. Let us pray and work with
the unity of minds and goals. Let team attitude work in our houses, churches,
offices, factories, hospitals and all other institutions.  Let the poor and
abused find solace, success and peace in you. All we ask in the name of Jesus.
Amen.

Paulose Achen
Toronto
Thursday, 2nd June 2011
www.jerusalemchristianmission.com

Before Ascending

Christ is Risen!

Before the Ascension, there are a few more lessons and a few things we need to
understand.

Fr John Brian explores another part of the mysterious time - when Christ walked
alive among us after rising from the dead.

Reflecting on 1 Peter 3:17 - "It is better, if it is the will of God, that you
suffer for good deeds, rather than evil doing." - Fr John Brian reminds us that
the power of the ascension rest squarely upon the power of the cross.

This sermon uses the English translation of the Aramaic by Lamsa. The
Aramaic Bible, also called the Peshitta, was written in the original
language of Jesus and his apostles.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, May 29, 2011 by Fr. John
Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2011/05/before-ascending.html

A Special Edition of Malankara World Journal to commemorate Ascension
Feast is now available online.

You can access it by the following link (If the link does not work,
please copy and paste the link on your browser):

http://www.malankaraworld.com/Newsletter/MWNews_7-June-1-2011.htm

*Highlights of the Current Issue
*
This issue is dedicated to Ascension Feast

Bible Readings for Ascension Thursday (Lectionary)

*Sermons for Ascension*
Bible Commentaries and sermons based on the prescribed reading for
Ascension Feast is covered in depth. We have provided a well balanced
coverage including classical sermons and commentary combined with more
contemporary work. This will be a valuable resource to our clergy as
well as to our laity as a bible study/meditation tool.

*What is Ascension Feast?*
The fortieth day after Easter Sunday, commemorates the Ascension of
Christ into heaven, according to Mark:16:19, Luke:23:51, and Acts:1:2.
In the Eastern Church this feast was known as analepsis (the taking up) and as
the episozomene (the salvation). The terms used in the West, ascensio and
ascensa, signify that Christ was raised up by His own powers. Mount Olivet, near
Bethany, is designated as the place where Christ left the earth. The feast falls
on Thursday, and it is one of the most solemn in the calendar, ranking with the
feasts of the Passion, Easter and Pentecost.

*I am the Alpha and the Omega*
"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one
for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the
beginning and the end." Bible Passage to reflect on.

*God Has Gone Up with a Shout*
The icon of the Ascension feast notes the mystery of the event by
placing Christ within a circle, known as a Mandorla, the traditional way to
denote that something is beyond or normal vision or understanding.

The Scriptures say that among the disciples who were present at His
ascension, there were some "who doubted." A fascinating look at icon making.

*In the Beginning - A Prayer Meditation*
A poignat prayer for meditation

*Who Am I?*
In US, this is also the time for the graduation ceremonies. This article
combines the Ascension feast with an introspection. We will bring a companion
"Who am I" article from an Orthodox perspective in a future edition of the
Journal.

One of the most important teaching of Jesus is what I call "Servant
Leadership." Jesus has told his disciples that whoever want to be a
leader must serve others. Jesus demonstrated that by washing the legs of the
disciples. Somehow or other this concept has lost on our leadership and laity.
We are all fighting for important positions in church while forgetting the sick
and downtrodden. You can read more about Servant Leadership in Malankara World:
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/General/General_servant-leadership.htm

*Continuing the Work of the Master*
A captivating sermon on Ascension with two stories that brings out what the
disciples went through emotionally when Jesus bid them Good Bye on Ascension
day.

*On Ascension Day*
A Russian Orthodox perspective on ascension: Ascension marks the last
day of Christ's physical presence on Earth. This marks the fulfillment
of all things, since His Conception at the Annunciation to the Holy
Virgin, His Birth and all the events of His earthly life, recorded for
us in the Gospels.

*About Malankara World*
Malankara World has over 2700 articles covering all aspects of Syriac
Orthodoxy that are of interest to Family. In addition to articles on
spirituality, faith, sacraments, sermons, devotionals, etc. Malankara
World also has general articles of interest, health tips, Food and
Cooking, Virtual Travel, and Family Specific articles. Please visit
Malankara World and experience the difference. New articles and
devotionals are added daily.
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/default.htm

We thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Please tell
your friends about Malankara World. A vibrant church requires a vibrant and well
connected community. That is the mission of Malankara World.

Dr. Jacob Mathew
Malankara World
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/
ID no (956)

The under-used Dr. Babu Paul

When I was a young boy I had to hear about one achen from north (kuruppumpady?);
each time I was listening to late lamented Mor Clemis Thirumeny's sermon.
Thirumeny would talk about this achen buying books for his children to read
etc.� At first Thirumeny said about one of this achen's sons getting IAS; then
two.

When my beloved Thekkattil achen (corespicopose) was serving Trivandrum church;
his eyes always brightened talking about how proud and blessed he felt when he
said to others that he is the achen of Dr. Babu Paul's church.�

In the early 70s Dr. Babu Paul was a regular speaker in knanaya meetings. In his
speech at Aythala (Ranni) he talked about his encounter with a tribal woman.
After pleading her case she said to him "swamy ngan oru kristyaniya enikku
kallam parayathilla� (swamy; I am a Christian, I can't lie)" This young district
magistrate was addressed as swamy because most of the collectors were Brahmins
in those days. He urged the youth to be different. If you are a Syrian Christian
you should uphold your faith before others and be honest to yourself so that you
would tell anyone that I am a Syrian Christian, I will do only Syrian
Christian-ish. His messages carried me a long way. It still does.

I have to sadly admit that we failed as a church and community to use him
enough. I wish he is heard by the youth of this church at least once a week in
different locations. Let us tap out knowledge, information and wisdom out of
him.

Happy 70th to Dr. Babu Paul from some one un-noticeable.

Dn. Monsy Jacob,
Boston

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

"A person is perfect in this life when as a pledge of what is to come he
receives the grace to assimilate himself to the various stages of Christ's life.
In the life to come perfection is made manifest through the power of
deification."

St. Gregory of Sinai.

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

"Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them
up forever." Psalms 28:9

SERMON OF THE WEEK
June 5, 2011

Next Sunday is the first Sunday after Ascension. The gospel reading is from John
6:35-46.

Theme: "I am the Bread of Life."

Gospel Reading: (John 6:35-46)
"35 Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never
go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told
you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father
gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38
For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who
sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of
all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father's
will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have
eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.  41 At this the Jews
there began to grumble about him because he said, I am the bread that came down
from heaven. 42 They said, Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father
and mother we know? How can he now say, I came down from heaven?� 43 Stop
grumbling among yourselves,� Jesus answered. 44 No one can come to me unless the
Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It
is written in the Prophets: They will all be taught by God. [a] Everyone who has
heard the Father and learned from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father
except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. "


Message: There are several "I AM" statements of Jesus that are found in the
gospel of St. John. They include:
1. I am the bread of Life which came down from heaven (6:35,41,51)
2. I am the light of the world (8:12; 9:5)
3. I am the door of the sheep (10:7,9)
4. I am the good shepherd (10:11,14)
5. I am the son of God (10:36)
6. I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
7. I am the way, the truth, and the life (14:6)
8. I am the (true) vine (15:1,5)

Each one of the "I AM" statements represents a particular relationship of Jesus
to the SPIRITUAL needs of men and women. Jesus is the LIGHT in the darkness, the
GATE to security, and the SHEPPERD that guides. He is the WAY, the TRUTH and the
LIFE. In every one of these we see that Jesus wants us to receive him, not for
the gifts he can give us, but for what he can be to us. Right after the feeding
of the 5 thousand, Jesus made the first of the recorded I AM statements.

This week we witness an important revelation of Jesus, "I am the Bread of Life.
He who believes in me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your
forefathers ate manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that
comes from Heaven which a man can eat and not die. I am the living bread that
comes down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread will live forever. This bread
is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world."

Jesus says the words he speaks of is about the spirit. It is the spirit that
gives us the life, not the flesh. By faith we partake in Christ. Eating and
drinking is the reception of God's grace by believing in Christ. Seeing and
believing in Christ is equivalent to eating and drinking his flesh and body.
Jesus underlines  the necessity of feeding on him by faith to have eternal life.
The Eucharist (Holy Qurbono) represents the communion of the believers in his
body and blood. The Lord's supper signifies our participation in Christ by faith
and the benefits of eternal life through him. Eucharist is the fulfillment of
Jesus' sacrifice. Receving his body and blood through Eucharist is absolutely
necessary of salvation.

In this context, Jesus is referring to the spiritual needs of the people. It is
the spiritual food that Jesus is offering instead of the physical food. The
physical food will not satisfy our spiritual hunger. We need the spiritual food
for eternity.

Jesus' words that he is the bread of life and the way to eternal life were not
what the crowd that followed him wanted to hear. They wanted Jesus to provide
them food the way Moses had provided manna. They wanted more of the feeding of
the 5,000 type miracles. They wanted to satisfy their physical hunger. So they
rebelled against him.

The reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus' claim made them also hostile to
Jesus. These leaders were waiting for Jesus to say or do something they could
jump on and ridicule him.

The Jewish leaders saw Jesus as a carpenter from Nazareth. They refused to
listen to him with an open heart.

Jesus emphatically said, "He who believes in me will have everlasting life."
Again Jesus said, "I am the bread of life," linking this statement with meeting
man's everyday basic needs, hunger and thirst. Jesus said this could be
permanently cured. When their forefathers ate manna in the wilderness, only
their physical hunger was met. Jesus said the bread of life he provides is the
spiritual food which is the word of God. Jesus offers himself as the bread of
eternal life from heaven.

There are many people around us who are hungry for Jesus' words of hope and
comfort. When we  develop such a hunger, it would be satisfied. If we take the
Bread of Life into our life, our lives can be restored to the true way of
Christian spirit. Without the spiritual food, our soul will wither and die. In
the satisfaction of that spiritual food,  we will discover it is not "eternal
youth" but "eternal life" that we are searching for. That moment will bring
perfect contentment in our life.

Prepared by Rev. Dr. V KurianThomas Valiyaparambil

Today's Bible verse

"He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them
the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of
Babylon.� (Daniel 2:18)

Share your needs with trusted friends in prayer when  you are in a tight spot.

Earthly life is  not  a  bed of  roses.   It�s with  challenges and  troubles,
storms  and tornadoes even  in  the  life of

the  most faithful and clean.  But  the God of  heaven  saves and  rescues  them
from all evils till the end of time.

Daniel:6:27 - �He rescues and saves  his people. He performs miraculous signs
and wonders in heaven and on earth.�  Daniel was in a tight spot. The king of
Babylon wanted  know  the dream he had  dreamt and its interpretation, otherwise
Daniel  and his friends would be executed. The most ridiculous and  unwise
demand. So  Daniel was at a crisis point. When  the king gave  Daniel time to
find an answer, he found his 3 friends and they prayed. When you find yourself
in a dangerous dilemma,  share your needs with trusted friends. Jesus will come
to you as a saviour  to rescue you from the immediate threat.  So trust him and
share your  apprehensions with your friends for prayer and counselling.

Sara is  in her 80�s  and  has been married for 60 years with an unpleasant
mis-matched partner.  She has gone through a lot in life, emotionally and the
incurable chronic sickness of her husband, and  her own health problems.  But
she  is  always  open-minded. She never hides her troubles and challenges from
her faithful prayer partners. Even at  midnight,  if anything is troubling her 
or  the troubles of others are bothering  her,  it is shared and prayed  with
others.   She is an inspiration  to her friends and acquaintances,  church
members and even to the priests  who have  come to serve  in her church.  She
laughs and smiles like  a child and age has not yet made any marks on her face.
One day at 12 midnight, she had called me to pray   for  her nephew who was in 
critical  condition in the hospital.  That helped her to sleep well with
confidence in the Divine Providence  to  rescue her nephew.

2 Corinthians 4:8,10 - �We  have troubles  all around us. But we are not
defeated.� So we don�t give up.�

Prayer :  Jesus, let us share our immediate troubles and panics with our  prayer
partners. We pray for all those who are in perils of life  and don�t know whom
to share and unburden their  apprehensions. Let them have  the prayer partners
to intercede for them.. Let your hand be on them.  Let people like Sara  emerge 
for an inspiration to others.  All we ask in eth name of Jesus. Amen.

Paulose Achen
Friday, 3rd June 2011
www.jerusalemchristianmission.com

Ps. 119:164-165: Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous
judgments. Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to
stumble.� [seven times� may mean� frequently; nothing causes them to stumble� =
nothing shall injure them or offend them]

Isa. 26:3-4: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,�
because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is
everlasting strength.� May my heart frequently turn to you and your Word, Lord.

Jesus words give us peace, John16:33: These things I have spoken to you, that in
Me you may have peace...

Our heart to turn to God's Word constantly; not to be offended by anything or
anyone; to abide in God's peace.
�
Thankful your prayers,
�
Shibu Podiyan
Washington D.C

The Annual Feast of St.Jacob(the Apostole) , the Patron Saint of St.James Syrian
Orthodox Church in Livingston, NewJersey(Malankara Archdiocese in USA)�is
scheduled to be held on Sunday, June 5th��. His Eminence Archbishop Mor Titus
Yeldho, the Patriarchal Vicar and�Metropolitan of Malankara Archdiocese will be
the chief celebrant of the occasion. Mr.Simi Joseph and Mr.Jimmy Varghese ,both
are members of the parish are the main sponsors of this years perunnal.
Arrangements are being done under the leadership of Rev.Fr.Geevarghese Jacob
Chalissery(Vicar) ,Mr.Yeldho Varghese(Perunnal Convenor),Mr.Bishu
Paul(Secretary),Mr.Biju Kurian Mathews(Treasurer) and board of trustee members.
A large crowd of faithfuls and wellwishers from sister parishes in
NewYork,NewJersey and Pennsylvania area are expected to attend�.For more
informations,please contact:
�
Rev.Fr.Geevarghese Jacob Chalissery(Vicar):(732)505-8339
Yeldho Varghese(Convenor):
(973)287-7992
�
News by:
Biju Cherian
(Publicity & Public Relations �Coordinator, Malankara Archdiocese)
�

Rev. Fr. Reji Mathew was awarded the Best Outgoing Student at The Kerala United
Theological Seminary, Kannamoola, Trivandrum for the year 2010-11. Fr. Reji also
won Dr. David Bhanu memorial prize of Academic Proficiency (B.Th III), Joseph
Jayaputhran Prize of History of Christianity-BTh III First, Bishop William
Memorial Old Testament Prize for BTh III First and Joshua Sarasam Memorial Prize
for worshio and Preaching for BTh III Second. Gold Medal was presented at the
Commisioning Service held at KUTS by Right Rev. G. Devakadaksham, Bishop of
Kanyakumari Diocese and Deputy Moderator CSI Church.

Fr. Reji belongs to St Mary�s JSC Anjilithanam, Niranom Diocese. And currently
serves at St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church,Puramattom and St George
Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Cheppaud. He has also secured admission for BD
course at KUTS.

This is the first time a member of Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church receives Best
Outgoing Student at KUTS, Trivandrum.

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

"Divine Scripture often repeats the same words, yet this is not to be regarded
as verbosity. On the contrary, by means of this frequent repetition it
unexpectedly and compassionately draws even those who are very slow in grasping
things to an awareness and understanding of what is being said; and it ensures
that a particular saying does not escape notice because of its fleetingness and
brevity."

St. Peter of Damaskos.

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

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of
peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Today's Bible verse

"The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to
health." (Psalm 41:3)

The turbulent mental health of today�s children is a major concern.

Mental health from anxiety and depression is  the  number one issue facing
schools today but the least attended to problem. It�s a sleeping giant. We
wouldn�t let a child walk around with a broken arm, but kids with mental illness
suffer just the same. One  in five children in Canada suffers from a mental
health problem, especially anxiety,  mood problems, low esteem and thoughts of
suicide. Here we need compassionate, loving and understanding counsellors,
parents and teachers. The church  has a major role to play to mitigate and
harness this giant elephant in the minds and heads  of children.  A spiritual
atmosphere of love and concern will bring peace  in the  boiling minds of
children. The God of love and healing can bring them back to the mainstream.
Jeremiah 33:6 - �Behold, I will bring you health and cure, and will cure you and
will revive unto you the abundance of peace and safety.� God sees the mind and 
heart  before the body. Treatment is for the wellness of  wholeness of human 
soul, mind and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Now may the God of peace himself
sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept
blameless (sound, complete and intact) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  
Let  us bring our children in front of Jesus with hope and faith. Trust in him.
He will revive  your children from the present mental disturbance with peace and
hope.

Ayesha Jabbar was then a grade 9 at Scarborough R.H. King Academy when  her
parents� marriage broke up and she was diagnosed with clinical depression. She
tried to kill herself twice in the following years.  �My family is from South
Asia, where depression is seen as something you should just snap out of,� said
Jabbar, now 21, a social work student at Ryerson University, who now feels she
is on a solid treatment plan. �But  the great part was, I had a guidance
counsellor who reached out to me when I wasn�t coming to class, otherwise they
would have  suspended me,� said Jabbar.  She arranged accommodations for me 
when I was on an emotional roller coaster.  It�s a stressful world.  Kids need a
lot of support.

Prayer :  Jesus, we are in a stressful world and we need your peace and solace.
We pray for all the children who are  in the depression of life's challenges. 
Save them from  the pits of mental illness. We pray for the care givers,
parents, teachers and immediate handlers of children. Let our church be an
asylum and hospital for the  children of mental health.  We pray for Jabbar  and
others like her.  All we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Paulose Achen
Toronto
Saturday, 4th June 2011
www.jerusalemchristianmission.com

Respected Members,

My understanding is we do not do genuflection in our Common Prayers during the
period after Easter.

Can someone shed light on why it is so? Also when should the genuflection to be
started in Common Prayers? Is that to be after\from the feast of Ascension or
Pentecost?

In HIS Love,
Thomas Mann
# 972

Rev. Dn. Moncy and all,

I fully agree with the views expressed by Rev. Dn. Moncy in this forum regarding
Dr. D. Babu Paul.  It is very sad on the part of our Church leadership that a
person like Dr. D  Babu Paul, IAS is being ignored.  This may be due to some
complex or ego problems of few individuals.  We know some of the people even do
not know the name of the Church or they have never attended Sunday school
classes or participated in any of the church activities in their childhood. The
Church constitution must be amended with a clause saying that any person holding
the office of any Parish, Diocese or Sabha Managing Committee, etc. should have
passed atleast 10th class of Sunday school.  Or else, they should have minimum
basic knowledge about the faith and traditions of the Church.

Dr. Babu Paul's calibre, knowledge and experience could be used by the Church in
many ways - Translation of Sunday School Text Books in to English, Counselling
and guidance to Sunday School, Youth Association, Vanitha Samajam and Prayer
Groups, etc. are some of them.  He should be a permanent invitee to the Sabha
Working Committee, Managing Committee and Malankara Syrian Christian
Association.  He could be a valuable asset to our Theological Seminary.

I write these lines fully knowing that some people will laugh on my suggestions
and opinion. I request the leadership of the Church to wake up and treat and
care every goats according to the talents given to them by the Almighty God for
creation of His kingdom on earth.

With prayers,
Jacob V Joshua, Delhi
Mem.No.911

Dear Rejiachen,

On behalf of St.George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Cheppad hearty
congratulations on your grand success!!Wishing you all the best in your future
endeavors.

Love in Christ,

Jai Abe Cheriyan
Karimpanackal.
Id# 0914

Dear moderators,

It is indeed joyful to note that Rev. Fr. Reji Mathew is the best outgoing
student of KUTS, Kannamoola. He has been a sincere student and has showed the
will to continue his theological studies even after being ordained as priest.
Credit also goes to Coorilose thirumeni for encouraging his priests to do their
theological education. I congratulate Fr. Reji Mathew and wish that he will
continue his theological journey and that this will lead him to contribute in a
meaningful manner to the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox church and to the society at
large in India.

Thanks to the moderators for sharing this news.
Prayerful regards,
Jerry achen.
--------------------------
Fr. Jerry Kurian Kodiattu
(I.D. no. 4500)

Solidarity with  Baba Ramdev

�And fire shall consume the tents of bribery.�(Job 15:34)

I express my solidarity and prayer for the success of the fasting of Yoga Guru
Baba Ramdev against corruption and bribery in New Delhi. At Ram Leela ground,
India.

Corruption is the No 1 enemy of all the institutions. It�s the high time to
clean the Aegean stable of corruption from the   Christian churches starting
from our church. A mass movement is highly warranted

Hope and love

Paulose Achen

Congratulating Rev. Fr. Reji Mathew for the great achievement of being the Best
Outgoing Student of Kerala United Theological Seminary, Kannamoola,
Thiruvananthapuram for the year 2010-2011.  Also admiring him concerning the
reception of various academic proficiencies.  It is a moment of extreme delight
that, this is the first time a member of Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
receiving Best Outgoing Student award at KUT Seminary. These achievements are
solely because of his hard work during the academic period. I remember him
spending a lot of time alone in the seminary library reading many curricular and
extra-curricular materials. He has also served seminary in many prosperous way
as an efficient Seminary Leader, virtuous Magazine Editor *etc*. May God bless
him abundantly in the higher studies and help in serving the church more
fruitfully! Also complementing Mrs. Iby Reji for supporting him.

Dn. Bennet Kuriakose
3281

Congratulation to our dear Rev. Fr. Reji Achan.
May God bless you with more such credits and credentials.

P. Abraham Paul, Karottuveetil,
St. Peter's & St. Mary's JSO Simhasana Churches, Trivandrum,
Member SOCM # 3321

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

"The beginning of every action pleasing to God is calling with faith on the
life-saving name of our Lord Jesus Christ, as He Himself said: 'Without me ye
can do nothing' (Jn. 15:5), together with the peace and love which accompany
this calling."

Monks Callistus and Ignatius.

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

"Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt;" Isaiah 19:1

Today's Bible verse

"Remove from me falsehood and lying; give me  neither poverty or richness, feed
me  with the food that is needful for me.� (Proverbs 30:8)

Be blessed by learning to live with reality. Don�t run away from it.

The fitness industry is a multimillion business. People are ready to do anything
to lose weight which is conditioned by the make-believe world of advertisement
and herein lies their gold mine.  Weight loss and Anorexia are   the two sides
of the same coin.   Forgetting genetic factors and food required for the body to
live, people are in  war with the reality of their body  needs.  If we are fat,
we should accept it and love it - we shouldn�t judge the genetic driven obesity.
Judging attitudes are destructive, cruel, and scientifically wrong. Moderate
weight loss can be maintained through determined monitoring of food intake and
exercise, and dramatic weight loss can be achieved only temporarily but not long
term because of Leptin (evolutionary hormone).  Learn to live with the food 
grown luxuriously  at your vicinity. Eat and live sensibly  with food and water 
at our hand  and worship God. Be moderate in our food intake.  Proverbs 23:3 -
�Don�t be greedy for his fine foods, because that food might be a trick.�  God 
has created human beings with variety: lean, fat, short, tall, white,  black
etc.  We  are not  destined for cloning. Jesus loves  you as you are.

People  were stunned  in 1988 when a downright thin Oprah Winfrey wheeled a
wagon loaded with animal fat on the Talk Show.  She wanted to show that she had
shed 67 lbs in less than 5 months by running 6.5 miles a day and consuming
nothing but liquids. But within weeks of returning to solid food, she had gained
back 10 lbs  and later more that she had before the struggle for weight loss.  
She says, "I thought I was  cured.  And is just not true. You have to find a way
to live in the world with food.�

Genesis 1:29 - �Look, I have given you all the plants that  have grain for seeds
and all the trees whose fruits have seeds in them. They will be food for you.�

Prayer : Jesus, let your children be saved from the false notion of  escaping
life's realities.  Let us accept who and what we are. Give us all  the  healthy
body, mind, and spirit to  work for you and for  your people. Let the obese
people be saved from the judgement of others. We pray for all  those who are
struggling with weight loss. All we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Paulose Aachen
Toronto
Sunday, 5th June 2011
www. jerusalemchristianmission.com

June 2, 2011 Edition of the Malankara World Journal (Volume: 1, No: 8)
is now available online. You can access it by the following link (If the
link does not work, please copy and paste the link on your browser):
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Newsletter/MWNews_8-June-3-2011.htm

This is the period the Holy Church is awaiting anxiously with the
Disciples for the arrival of the Holy Spirit. So, this is between the
Ascension and the Pentecost. Next edition of Malankara World will be a
special on Pentecost Feast and Trinity.

The prescribed Gospel reading this week is John 6:35-46. It is one of
the "I am" Statements of our Lord Jesus Christ, "I am the bread of
life." Bible commentaries and sermons are given to study this scripture.
Hopefully you will get a different perspective after the in-depth study.

We also have a bonus text covering John 17: 20-26. This is often called
Lord's Prayer (We often associate Lord's Prayer with the prayer Jesus
taught the disciples - a prayer that should be rightly called Disciple's
Prayer. John 17 should be the genuine Lord's Prayer. It is a high
Priestly prayer. Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples, and for the
world. It is a fine example of how we should pray. It is one of the most
beautiful prayers in the bible. Our 5 commentaries and over a dozen
sermons/articles describes this prayer in depth. It is a real treat!

With the theme of prayer, we have an article by Bishop George V Murray
about prayer. He describes prayer as 'Passing over and coming back.' He
says "prayer is the way we speak with God and listen to God as he speaks
with us.' St. Therese of the Child Jesus explains prayer this way. �For
me, prayer is an uplifting of the heart, a glance toward heaven, a cry
of gratitude and of love in times of sorrow as well as of joy.� We get
transformed while praying experiencing God's presence and have to "come
back" to the world at the end of prayer. I have never seen prayer
described this way. Absolutely beautiful.

To Mother M. Angelica, "Prayer is the Union of Love: God's Love and your
love; it is an awareness of God's love for you�His personal love." She
has amble scripture lessons to reflect on the Journey to prayer.

Do we need a visa to go to heaven? Which path do we take from the
myriads available. John Kunnath's article makes fascinating reading.

We will complete this edition with an article titled, "Grace, not the
Place." Who has shown the greatest faith to Jesus? Disciples? Which one?
The answer may surprise you. Also, we often hear Jesus saying, "He who
has ears to hear, let him hear!" That is strange, isn't it. Why did
Jesus say that?

About Malankara World

Malankara World has thousands of articles covering all aspects of Syriac
Orthodoxy that are of interest to Family. In addition to articles on
spirituality, faith, sacraments, sermons, devotionals, etc. Malankara
World also has general articles of interest, health tips, Food and
Cooking, Virtual Travel, and Family Specific articles. Please visit
Malankara World and experience the difference. New articles and
devotionals are added daily.
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/default.htm

We thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Please tell
your friends about Malankara World. A vibrant church requires a vibrant
and well connected community. That is the mission of Malankara World.

Dr. Jacob Mathew
Malankara World
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/
Hudson, Ohio
ID No: 956

Valamboor St. Mary's JSOC issue settled
Read report in Malayalam
http://malankarasyriacvoice.com/2011/News/valamboor_June.JPG

H.B Catholicose Baselious Thomas I will lead the foundation stone laying
ceremony of the rennovation of Valamboor, Kolencherry St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian
Orthodox Church tomorrow. H.G Mathews Mor Evanious will Preside over the
function which will be held there after

http://malankarasyriacvoice.com/2011/News/Valamboor_June%20(2).JPG

LAHORE, Pakistan (Agenzia Fides) - In Pakistan forced conversions to Islam,
rapes and forced marriages are on the rise. The victims are mostly Hindu and
Christian girls, belonging to religious minorities, complain Fides local
sources. This has been a worrying phenomenon for the Church in Pakistan for some
time and that the Church is trying to address, looking for the cooperation of
institutions but it is an uphill battle.

"The Christian girls are the weakest and most vulnerable, because their
communities are poor, defenceless and marginalized, therefore easily exposed to
harassment and threats. Often they do not even have the courage to denounce the
violence," says a sister to Fides.

The sister hides and assists the girls who have managed to escape. "But the
trend is worrying: There are hundreds of cases a year registered and those that
come to light are only a fraction," she says. In a society that tolerates
discrimination of religious minorities, especially of women, the dominant
religion and related social position are used to impose tyranny.

To read full report
http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=41046

The Centre Of The Bible
�
Collected by:
C.Kurian
# 4544

"By faith the intellect is confirmed in pondering God. The way of salvation is
that of the constant remembrance of God. The intellect separated from
remembrance of God is like a fish out of water. The freedom of a true man
consists in his freedom from the passions, in his resurrection with Christ, and
in a joyous soul."

Fr Justin Popovich.

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

"Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and
carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with
great joy," Luke 24:51-52

Dear All,

Please remember our Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakkah I Iwas in your prayer.
His Holiness is in Germany for treatment.

May the intercession of St. Mary and all other saints be with the Holy Father.

In our Lord's Love
SOCM Moderators