The Holy Virgin Mary in the Syrian Orthodox Church - Part VI
Written by
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas

The Virgin Gives Birth to the Incarnated God

The Virgin was espoused to Joseph, took residence in his house in Nazareth. They
went together to Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-20) to be taxed according to the decree
from Ceasar Augustus.

In Bethlehem Mary gave birth to her first born son in a stable annexed to the
inn. She remained virgin during conception and until after birth. Due to the
greatness of the Incarnation of God, the word, Mary remained a virgin before
birth, at birth and until after the birth of Jesus. The miraculous virgin birth
of the Lord was similar to the penetration of sun's rays through glass without
fracturing or breaking it. Just as the Lord entered the upper room and appeared
to his disciples while the doors were shut; and as he rose from the grave while
still sealed, He was born and the seal was intact. No wonder, therefore, that
the virgin kept her virginity after the birth of her first son, Lord Jesus. It
was she who said of herself: "For he that is mighty hath done to me great
things". She was to behold these miracles that almighty God made in her and for
her. For this reason she was called the ever virgin and the mother of God
because she gave birth to the incarnated God (Luke 1:49, Gal. 4: 4 Is 7:14).

The prayer of the first office said on Monday night reads:

"I know not what attribute to give you, oh, daughter of David. I know not what
name to give you, oh, Mary. Shall I call you the virgin? And behold a son is
suckling from you! Shall I call you a mother! And your virginity is confirmed! I
shall call you the Mother of God and let contenders, who dare argue and
investigate about the mystery of your son, hallelujah, be ashamed and let the
one who attempts to fathom this mystery be Anathema".

The prayer of the first office said on Wednesday night reads:

"The virgin gave birth to a miraculous child. Let's go and behold the swaddled
baby, who is older than ages. Behold the man of old being born of a virgin. The
mighty, the great and steady as mountains held in (Mary's arm). Behold the
suckling infant giving bread to the poor. The eternal son with no beginning,
willed that he, the eternal, have a beginning. A beginning he had and was born.
He, the eternal, who is infinite".

The prayer said on Wednesday evening reads:

"Confiding to her son Mary said: you strengthened me to bear you, and when I
gave birth to you in a manger in the stable you revealed your glory to me.
Behold the fire embracing the little manger and the Seraphim with their six
wings fluttering over it. May you command them to stop fluttering so that I may
be able to enter, kneel in adoration before you and suckle you, giving you the
pure milk you favor… Mary said, I am poor; I own no house on earth, no resting
place and no bed. I wrapped him, He, the oldest of all, and in a manger I placed
the Lord of creation, the son whose father in heaven is one, and his mother is
peerless on earth. He is the Lord betrothed to church and I am his maidservant".

The prayer of the first office said on Thursday night reads:
"When the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, she addressed him saying: I know not,
son, what to call you! Shall I call you a child and you are older than ages? Or
shall I call you an old man and you are a child? I shall call you a ray, shining
forth from the Father, illuminating all creations, Hallelujah. Blessed be your
light, blessed be your brightness, and adoration be to your Father, who sent you
for our salvation.

Mary said to her virgin friends:

"I am rejoiced and joyful because I bear the bearer of mankind, who is served by
the angels. I coo to Him, who taught melodies to mankind. Ranks of illuminators
surround His glory, Hallelujah, and hail Him saying, Holy, Holy is the Lord and
blessed is His Sanctity".

The prayer said on Monday morning reads:

"The Lord shone forth from the Father and the daughter of David (gave birth) to
the Savior and Bethlehem (granted) the bread of life to the peoples who had
faith in Him. Adoration be to the Father, who sent His son, and Blessed be Mary,
who gave birth to Him, Blessed be the church that embraced him, singing (hymns)
of glorification to Him…

I was going through Bethlehem when I heard the voice of Mary in the stable
cooing to her son and saying:

Blessed me, oh, son, because I became your mother and suckled you… Never shall I
approach you unless you permit me".

To be continued....

http://sites.google.com/site/syrianorthodox/home/transfiguration

Mathew George
0929

Etymologically the word Euthanasia is derived from latin word ε�
(meaning well/easy/good) and θάνατ (meaning death). Therefore
etymologically it connotes easy death. But this meaning has practically passed
into desuetude.

Now it refers to the practice of ending a life in a manner which relieves
intractable suffering.

Procedurally euthanasia can be divided into two; Active Euthanasia and Passive
Euthanasia. Active euthanasia resorts to the use of lethal injection to end the
patients life. It is usually performed on
patients who has no chance of recovery and may live in a vegetative state for
the remainder of the life either with or without the help of a life support
machine. Active euthanasia has been the most debated one for obvious reasons.

Passive euthanasia involves withholding of life supporting drugs,
such as antibiotics, or life support machines, such heart-lung machine, which
are necessary for the continuance of life. It is usually done on patients who
has no chance of recovery and cannot survive without a life support system. This
type of euthanasia is
legal in a handful of countries including India, where the Supreme Court in a
verdict legalised passive euthanasia subject to certain conditions.

Major Christian denominations condemn Euthanasia though they are
not clear on placing the guilt, if it exists and hence unsure who is committing
the sin; the patient or the one performing euthanasia.
Christians who oppose the practice of euthanasia equate euthanasia
to suicide or murder. They argue that if suicide and murder can be counted as a
sin, then euthanasia must certainly be condemned as it is not dissimilar to
suicide or murder. The first objection to euthanasia is the result it produces
viz. ending a life. Christians believe that God commands the ownership of one's
life. As it is God who gave life, only God can take it back. [The Catechism of
the Catholic Church para 2280] and death is seen as evil in itself, and symbolic
of all those forces which, oppose God-given life and its fulfilment.

Therefore one can assume that, according to traditional Christian views on
morality and theology , active euthanasia is diametrically opposite to what is
considered good and pro-life and hence not acceptable.

While it is clear that the traditional Christian churches view active euthanasia
as evil� its position on passive euthanasia has not always been clear.For
getting a clearer perspective on passive euthanasia we need to know whether or
not it is right to prolong a life through modern life-support systems; a life in
its natural state would have died.

The Catholic Church in various statements has said that insisting on heroic
(exceptional) medical treatment when death is imminently inevitable. The Greek
Orthodox also maintain that the Church does not expect that excessive and heroic
means must be used at all costs to prolong dying, as has now become possible
through technical medical advances. The stand of Coptic Orthodox Church on
active euthanasia is well documented, but its views on passive euthanasia are
not known.

One of the reasons for not advocating exceptional medical treatment is the
understanding that it is not the “natural� thing to do. Hence one is safe to
assume that the traditional churches are not closed to the option of passive
euthanasia.

Euthanasia is mentioned twice in the Bible Judges 9:52-55 and 2 Samuel 1:9-10.
The Bible doesn't pass any judgement on both the instances. The traditional
views on suicide and euthanasia have been developed from the writings of St.
Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.

But more than what Church or its canons say, it is the people who has a direct
bearing on this condition who has to take the decision. If ones conscience
permits it and the intention is good it is better to
take the decision to refuse treatment that would only result in a precarious and
burdensome prolongation of life.

See:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/topic/euthanasia_and_assisted_suicide/
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-08/india/28667713_1_passive-\
euthanasia-patient-doctors
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1516973.ece

References:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Stand of the
Orthodox Church on Controversial Issues-Rev. Dr. Stanley S. Harakas
 
Submitted by
Zach George Arapura
Member# 3083

05 Auguest 2011, Maarat Sednayya: H.E. Joseph Mor Gregorios , Secretary to the
Regional Holy Episcopal Synod in India visiting the Patriarch, His Holiness
Moran Mor Ignathios Zakka Iwas from 3rd August in Maarat Sednayya. His Eminence
will be in Sednayya till 6th August. There was detailed discussions about the
malankara affairs (the affairs of our church in India)on His Eminence's 2 days
meeting with H.h. His Eminence Mor Phelexinos Mathias Nayis,the Patriarchal
Assistant, Bar Itho Ardeklo commander Santhosh John and Raban Matthew
Karimpanackal, secretary to His Holiness for Indian affairs were participated in
the discussions.

Email ID <moolelachen@...> of Very Rev. Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil's
is hacked and the following email is sending to his contacts by the hackers.

Please ignore the following email form his email ID.

SOCM Moderators

------------------------------------------------------------
Hope you get this on time, I made a trip to Aberdeen, Scotland and had my bag
stolen from me with my passport and credit cards in it. The embassy is willing
to help by letting me fly without my passport, I just have to pay for a ticket
and settle Hotel bills. Unfortunately for me, I can't have access to funds
without my credit card, I've made contact with my bank but they need more time
to come up with a new one. I was thinking of asking you to lend me some quick
funds that I can give back as soon as I get in. I really need to be on the next
available flight. Western Union transfer is the best option to send money to me.
Let me know if you need my details(Full names/location) to make the transfer.
You can reach me via email or the hotel's desk phone the numbers are,
+447031804805 or +447031804806.
I await your response.... Dr.Kuriakose

"Unless humility and love, simplicity and goodness regulate our prayer, this
prayer - or, rather, the pretence of prayer - cannot profit us at all. And this
applies not only to prayer, but to every labour and hardship undertaken for the
sake of virtue, whether this be virginity, fasting, vigil, psalmody, service or
any other work. If we do not see in ourselves the fruits of love, peace, joy,
simplicity, humility, gentleness, guilelessness, faith, forbearance and
kindliness, then we endure our hardship to no purpose."

St. Symeon Metaphrastis.

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"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:8

The Holy Virgin Mary in the Syrian Orthodox Church - Part VII
Written by
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas

Ever Virgin

Behold the virgin, the Mother of God, with everlasting virginity. The first born
of first borns and the virgin of virgins, who gave birth to the Incarnated Lord.
She remained virgin until after the birth of Jesus as stated before. When
Mathew, the Evangelist, referred to the Virgin saying " And knew her not till
she had brought forth her first born son (Matt. 1:25), he meant to confirm to us
that she was a virgin before the birth of Jesus, remained a virgin during
childbirth and until after the birth of Lord Jesus and that she conceived her
son of the Holy Spirit without the seed of a man.

Mathew did not refer to Mary's virginity after Jesus' birth and the affirmation
that Joseph did not know Mary physically and that they did not consummate their
union before the birth of Jesus, does not imply the confirmation that he knew
her after Jesus' birth. The term (unto) is not always used to denote
inapplicability to what follows afterwards. This can be clearly understood,
based on the use of the term in other contexts in the Holy Book such as:
"Therefore Michal, the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death"
(2 Sam (6:23). Who would ever infer that she gave birth to children after her
death?

The phrase "did not know her "might have meant Joseph did not know how venerable
she was and how great her spiritual status in the eyes of God was until she gave
birth to her first born son, and he beheld the miraculous virgin birth and the
angels surrounding the manger. To sum up, Joseph did not consummate their union
and Mary is ever virgin.

The First Born Son

"Her first born", the phrase stated also in the Gospel of (Luke 2: 6-7) does not
mean that the virgin gave birth to other children after Jesus, and consequently,
she was not ever virgin. This expression "the first born" is, however, an
appellation usually given to the first child whether he had brothers after him
or not. This is the concept conveyed in the Holy Book where the commandment
instituted that the first born be the redeemer, and he was not expected to have
had other brothers to be confirmed as the first born. It goes without saying
that had Jesus had brethren he would have handed his mother over to them and
would not have entrusted her to John, the disciple he loved.
Many are the connotations of the phrase "the first born" used as a descriptive
term of Jesus. He is the first born of the heavenly Father, the first born of
Mary, and the first born of the departed…. Etc…

The Lord's Brethren

Those, Who were called the Lord's brethren in the Holy Gospel (Matt 13:55) were
his relatives, that is his cousins on both mother's and father's side, because
this term "brethren" is used in the divine inspiration to denote relatives and
members of one tribe (Gen. 31:37, Ex. 2:11). For that reason, Abraham called
Lot, who was his nephew, his brother.

To be continued....

Dear moderators

[1]   Most of the preachers of our church as also of other churches and
congregations refer to the following books of the Holy Bible in a most
unbearable manner:-
 
I   Samuel
II  Samuel
I   King
II  King
I   Chronicles
II  Chronicles
I   Corinthians
II  Corinthians
I   Thessalonians
II  Thessalonians
I   Timothy
II  Timothy
I   Peter
II  Peter
I   John
II  John
III  John
 
[ 2] They  refer to III John with the words: MoonnuYohannante Lekhanam (the
Epistle      of  three John).  Similarly Rantu raajaakkanmaarute pusthkam (the
Book of two Kings),  Onnu Sammuve-linte pusthakam (the Book of one Samuel), 
Rantu Corinthyarute lekhanam (not as conrinthyarkulla lekhanam), Rantu
theemotheosinte lekhanam (not as theemotheosinulla lekhanam) etc., etc.
 
[3] My humble submission is that the above references should be Yohannante
moonnam lekhanam, raajaakkanmarute rantaam pusthakam,  Samuvelinte onnaam
pusthakam, corinthiarkulla rantaam lekhanam,  theemotheosinulla rantaam lekhanam
etc., etc.
 
[4] In English they are at liberty to refer these books, for short. as
indicated in para [1] But they should refrain from hurting Malayalam resorting
to the ugly usage as in para [2].

I am at a loss to understand why they resort to this practice and I am unhappy
that  the senior listeners of the sermons do not correct the speakers privately
talking to them after the function is over.
 
[5]   In fact it is a TASK MOST ADVERTUREOUS AND PERILESS  to correct others. If
a celebrant of the Holy Qurbono address our Lord and  prays to Him "Nammute
rekshakkayi vannavanum" instead of " Njangalute rekshakkayi vannavanum" what
remedy is there for a discerning layman among the congregtion ?. Similarly what
could be done if a celebrant says preliminary to reading from the Holy
Gospel:  Slomo lakulhoon (peace be to all of THEM) instead of Slomo lakulkoon
(peace be to all of YOU)?  If a prelate says vaaninnutayo-n  kayyaal [by the
hand of the Lord OF Heaven] instead of vaaneennutayon kayyal [by the hand of
(our) Lord FROM Heaven = Me-n  s'maayo  b'e-de d'mo-raan] should we bow our
heads in shame and keep quiet?.   
 
[5] In this context I may state that the St Paul is the author of 14 out of
27  Books of the New Testament and his name does not appear even once in the
top-line of the Holy Bible. We ignore him mentioning his epistles as
rommaleghanam, theemothiyosinte leghanam etc. My humble suggestion is that
always his august name should be there in the reference as visudha paulosinte
rommarkkulla lekhanam etc.
 
V T John
ID 3085

Chennai: St. Thomas Home for Aged Destiitutes (Shanthibhavan) of St. Thomas
Charitable Trust which is under the patronage of St. Thomas JSO Church
Annanagar, was completely renovated. The house blessing was done by Fr. Aby
Alias , Vicar of the Church assisted by Fr. Aby Paul ,Vicar St George JSO
Church, Avadi on 31 July2011.

Photos
https://picasaweb.google.com/kalthomas44/20110806?feat=email#

07 August 2011; Kochi: Former head of the Varappuzha Arch Diocese Arch Bishop
Dr. Cornelius Elanjikkal (93) has passed away here Sunday. He died at 7.30 a.m.
Sunday.

The Bishop was undergoing treatment in the last few days after detecting an
infection in his lungs.

After serving the head of the Vijayapuram Diocese for 15 years, the Bishop took
charge as the head of the Varappuzha Arch Diocese in 1987 as the successor to
Dr. Joseph Kelanthara.

After retiring from the post in 1996, the Bishop was leading a retired life at
Chembumukku, Kakkanad, near here.

The Bishop had waged wars against several social injustices and initiated
several projects for the dalits and the downtrodden people.

The Bishop had also penned several songs to be sung during holy rites.

May his soul rest in peace.

"Your Lord is Love: love Him and in Him all men, as His children in Christ. Your
Lord is a fire: do not let your heart be cold, but burn with faith and love.
Your Lord is light: do not walk in darkness of mind, without reasoning or
understanding, or without faith. Your Lord is a God of mercy and bountifulness:
be a source of mercy and bountifulness to your neighbours. If you will be such,
you will find salvation yourself with everlasting glory."

St. John of Kronstadt.

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"For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed For He who is
mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name." Luke 1:48-49

The Holy Virgin Mary in the Syrian Orthodox Church - Part VIII
Written by
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas

The Mother of God (Theotokos)

The Holy Church called the Holy Virgin Mary "The Mother of God" as stated
before, because she gave birth to the Lord in the flesh. However, in the fifth
century, Nestorius, the patriarch of Constantinople, denounced this appellation
given to the Virgin. He was declared anathema in the third ecumenical council
convened in Ephesus 431 in the presence of 200 bishops, who declared that Jesus
had one hypostasis, one nature after the union without confusion, without
commixtion, without division. They also put down the introduction to the creed,
which confirmed that the Holy Virgin Mary was the Mother of God stating:

"We venerate you, oh, Mother of true light and glorify you, oh, Holy Virgin,
Mother of God, because you gave birth to the Savior of the whole universe".

No wonder that the title " The Mother of God" summarizes the magnanimous
doctrine of Incarnation. This title has been used by the Holy Church ever since
the early ages of Christianity and was mentioned in the writings of early
fathers. It was approved and confirmed by the council of Ephesus in 431. St.
Cyril the Great said:

"This is the teaching carefully instituted by Orthodoxy everywhere. Our holy
fathers adhered to it. They were so confident about giving this title, (the
Mother of God) (Theotokos) to the Holy Virgin Mary not because the nature of the
word (the physis), or divinity, was first derived from the Holy Virgin, but
because His Holy body with rational soul was born of her and His flesh was
united with the prosopon of God, the Word, and for this reason it was said that
he was born of her in the flesh".

The title (Theotokos), the Mother of God, given to the virgin is not meant for
honoring the virgin, but for instituting a theological doctrine confirming that
Jesus, who was born of the Virgin, made His Humanity one with His divinity- one
physis, one hypostasis, one prosopon. We are entitled, therefore, to call the
Virgin, (the Mother of God), because she gave birth to the flesh and because
this flesh has a rational soul and is united in His Divinity by one Nature, one
Hypostasis and one Prosopon. Mary is called the Mother of God in the same way
any woman is called the mother of someone – composed of body and soul- which are
created by God and not given birth by that woman. We call her, however, the
mother of this person because his soul and body are united in one nature and one
person, hence she is called his mother. The Virgin Mary is, likewise, called.

The prayer said on Wednesday morning reads:

"Let everyone, who does not believe that Mary gave birth to God, be anathema.
And everyone who does not confess that the one born is God and the Son of God
shall be deemed as Godless and a blasphemer."

He was eternally born of the Father and shone forth of Mary at the end of ages.
He, who was born of the Father and of Mary, is one and the same, to whom
glorification and adoration be due. Let whoever contends otherwise, and tries to
fathom his mystery be anathema". St. Gregory of Nazianzus (329-389+) said:
"Whoever does not believe that Holy Mary is the Mother of God (Theotokos) shall
be a stranger in God's eyes".

To be continued....

Thiruvalla: Delegates meeting of Niranam diocese Youth Association was held at
Theeram Bishop's House, Mazhuvangadu on Sunday, August 7th. Elected
representatives from various churches attended the meeting and planned programs
for the next twelve months. It was decide to extend all support for the success
of the first ever Family Conference of Niranam Diocese, to be held at St. George
Jacobite Cathedral on September 10. The meeting also urged the State Government
to take measures that would enable the State to move towards an Alchohol-free
society and to revisit the declared Ploicy with this perspective in mind. Fr.
Mathew Philip, Diocesan Secretary, Fr. Scaria Kochillam, Vice president of Youth
Association, Mr. Mathew Kavumbhagam etc spoke on the occasion.

Photo
https://picasaweb.google.com/editor.msv/Niranam_Youth_2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCMPS6om\
4_-7Lcg#

Bangalore, Madiwala : St. Gregorious Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Hosa Road,
Bangalore getting ready for consecration. Various committees under the
leadership of Very . Rev. Roy Kochatt Corepiscopa & Church Managing committees
are functioning for the planned consecration of church on October 31st &
November 1st. Catholicose Aboon Mor Baselious Thomas I & Metropolitans of the
church will lead the consecration ceremony.

Photos
https://picasaweb.google.com/Ajijohnjoseph/August72011ChurchPhotos?authkey=Gv1sR\
gCITSiNKYrLuKag&feat=email#

"Humility is total perfection, so that when man first beholds God, then he
behaves humbly. For Moses was humble, a great one among all men; God went down
to him on the mountain in revelation. Again humility is seen in Abraham, for
although he was just, he called himself dust and ashes. Again also John was
humble because he was proclaiming that he was not worthy to loose the sandals of
the Bridegroom, his Lord. By humility, the heroic in every generation have been
pleasing, because it is the great way by which one draws near to God. But no one
on earth was brought low like Mary, and from this it is manifest that no one was
exalted like her."

Jacob of Serug.

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

Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see
the glory of God?" John 11:40

The Holy Virgin Mary in the Syrian Orthodox Church - Part IX
Written by
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas

Mary Raises her Son Jesus

So many events took place after Jesus' birth during which we beheld the Virgin
Mary, the Mother of God, bringing up her son according to God's law, in
fulfillment of the Lord's will. Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in
favor with God, and man.

He was circumcised on the eighth day of his birth. And forty days after his
birth He was presented in the temple and Mary accomplished her days of
purification according to the Law of Moses (Luke 2-22:39). Simon took him up in
his arms saying to Mary, his mother " yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own
soul". This prophecy was fulfilled to the letter during the life of Mary, the
grieved mother.

The Magi came and visited the newly born child, they fell down, worshiped him
and they presented unto him gold, and frankincense and myrrh. The vicious
intentions of Herod, who wanted to kill the child, were unveiled.

The Flight into Egypt

The angel of the Lord ordered Joseph to take the young child and his mother and
flee into Egypt.

One of the interesting narratives related about the Virgin while fleeing with
her child into Egypt with Joseph the righteous, was that they went past a
peasant who was sowing, and the virgin blessed the land, and the plants grew
taller. After their departure a squad of Herod's soldiers arrived aiming at
arresting them, but they could not find them and when the soldiers inquired of
the peasant whether a man and a woman with a child, had passed by, the peasant
answered yes, they did. When the soldiers asked him when was that? The peasant
answered: that was on the day I was sowing seeds. When the soldiers saw the
crops had grown to a full height they thought the family had gone past the place
a few months earlier so they were disappointed and relinquished their pursuit.

It is also reported that before entering into Egypt the Holy family was attacked
by thieves who tried to assault the Virgin, her son and Joseph and rob them. The
chief of the gang prevented them; God, therefore, rewarded him by allowing him
to be crucified to the right of the redeemer and in repentance have faith in
him. He became worthy of hearing the Lord's promise to him "verily I say unto
thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise".

Some fathers report that Egyptian idols fell whenever child Jesus' procession
went by their temples. The Lord entered into Egypt, lifted the curse under which
Egypt was; and thus the Lord's words " blessed be my people in Egypt" were
fulfilled.

Residence in Nazereth

When Herod was dead one year after the Virgin Mary's flight with her son to
Egypt, the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, and ordered him to go back to
Palestine. Joseph returned to Nazareth so that the prophecy " I called my son
out of Egypt" (Hos. 11:1) be fulfilled and the Holy family took residence in
Nazareth

To be continued....

Thiruvalla: The diocese of Niranam will organize a Family Conference on
September 10 at St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral, Kavumbhagam,
Thiruvalla. This will be the first ever family conference of the diocese.
Perhaps, this is the first time, a diocese within Kerala is organizing a
diocesan family conference.

Preparations are going on under the leadership the diocesan Metropolitan Mor
Coorilos Geevarghese and Rev. Fr. Matthew Philip, the diocesan Secretary, for
the successful organization of the family get together and retreat.

Catholicos His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselius Thomas I, will formally inaugurate
the family conference at 10 am on September 10, 2011. The retreat  and
counseling  sessions will be led by the well known "Dhyana Guru" of our Church,
Mor Philexinos Zacharias, Metropolitan of Malabar diocese and His Eminence's
team.

The registration for the conference has already commenced and some 300 families
have already registered. Please do pray for the Family Conference.

JAIPUR: Enshrinement of the Holy Relics of St. Gregorious of
Malankara (Parumala Thirumeni) was held at Mor Gregorious JSOC, Jaipur. H.G
Poulose Mor Irenious & H.G Issac Mor Osthathiose lead the prayers assisted by
lots of Priests. Vicar of the church Rev. Fr. C. George Elluvila, Diocean
secretary Rev. Fr. Issac Mathew, Rev. Fr. Philipose Abraham, Rev. Fr. Paulson
Edakkattil, Rev. Fr. Shiju George, Rev. Fr. Cheriyan, St. Mary's Malankara
Catholic Church Vicar Rev. Fr. Viju Mathew & hundreds of faithful participated.

Photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/editor.msv/Jaipur?authkey=Gv1sRgCIeEjoDQmLao9wE#

THAILAND: Combined conference organized by WCC & Christian Conference of Asia on
the subject "Safety & Peace in Asian Continent" concluded here. H.E Dr.
Kuriakose Mor Theophilose & Secratry of NCCI Dr. Roger Gaikward were the
representatives from India. Various papers were presented and plan has been made
to work towards peace and safety in Asian continent. 32 representatives from
different countries participated.

Michayel Voice August 2011

Matrimonial Digest / 0272-2011

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

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SEEKING BRIDEGROOM
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Matrimonial; Code # 213/11
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August 02, 2011

Jacobite Christian parents from Kottayam invite suitable alliance for our God
fearing daughter aged 23, height 163 cm. B.Sc Nurse working in Madras Medical
Mission Hospital, Chennai. We prefer proposals from God fearing professionals of
good families working abroad.  The groom should be within the age group of 25 to
28 years and his hight is 167 or above.  If interested, please contact my e-mail
ID: sajanm2011@... or call: (0481)9447163635.

Matrimonial; Code # 211/11
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June 28, 2011

Parents of a middle class Jacobite family from Kottayam is looking for a Bride
groom for their daughter of 31 years, Diploma in Nursing, 165 cm Height, working
as a Staff nurse in Saudi MOH. Look forward to get proposals from Jacobite/
Orthodox/ Marthoma boys. Contact Phone 0481 2599355 - Email:
jinupcherian@...

Matrimonial; Code # 210/11
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June 22, 2011

Jacobite NRI proffesional parents from Central Travancore invites  suitable
alliance for their daughter, MD (Radiology) student, 25/165/Slim/Fair, from the
parents of godfearing PG Doctors or PG Medical students. email:  rengy@...

Matrimonial; Code # 208/11
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May 02, 2011

Mumbai settled Jacobite Parents of middle class Jacobite family from Mumbai
(Originally from Pathanamthitta) is looking for a Bride groom for their daughter
of 25 years, Staff Nurse, Born and bought up in Mumbai, Slim 164 cm Height,
working in Mumbai.  Look forward to get proposals from Jacobite (only Jacobite)
boys who are well-placed in Outside Kerala or Kerala. Contact Phone +91
9987100218

Matrimonial; Code # 206/11
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February 22, 2011

US settled Jacobite Christian parents originally from Kottayam, invite proposals
for their daughter (Engineer, BS in Elec. Engg, 27 years , 5'6", fair, family
oriented and God-fearing), working in an MNC in Texas, from parents of
God-fearing, professionally qualified boys of Jacobite/Orthodox/Marthomite
denomination preferably working in USA. She was born and bought up in Kerala,
migrated to US with parents after her High school and now a US Citizen. Please
respond with brief personal & professional info, contact information and recent
photograph to: proposal4r@....

Matrimonial; Code # 205/11
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February 06, 2011

Parents of a well known middle class Orthodox family from Kottayam is looking
for a Bride groom for their daughter of 25 years, 163 cm Height, Fair
complexion, working in Bangalore as a nurse, would like to get proposals from
Jacobite/ Orthodox/ Marthoma  boys  who are working  abroad between age 26-29
years. Phone 0481 -2507486, cell   9447567610

Matrimonial; Code # 202/10
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December 16, 2010

Jacobite Christian parents settled in US (originally from Ernakulam) invite
proposals for their daughter - Medical Doctor(Pediatrician working in a hospital
setting), born &brought up in USA, 30 years old,God fearing,attractive with
pleasing personality and very family oriented.  We are seeking proposals from
God- fearing, professionally qualified boys  from  Orthodox/Jacobite/ Catholic
denominations  born & brought up in USA,Canada or outside Kerala.If interested,
please respond with brief personal & professional info, contact information and
recent photograph to ttm2002@...

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SEEKING BRIDE
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Matrimonial; Code # 214/11
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August 09, 2011

Jacobite parents from kottayam invite proposals for their son 28 yrs, 180 cm,
slim, MBA,  presently working as Bancassurance Manager related to a public
sector bank in cochin.We are seeking suitable alliance from  parents of bsc/msc
nurses preferably.  If feels interested repond with details and photograph to:
marrybib@... or call @ 0481 3264055, 9495684640.

Matrimonial; Code # 212/11
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July 12, 2011

Suitable alliance invited for a respectable middle class boy, 36 years,  5'10"
height doing business successfully.  We prefer a girl working in and around
Kottayam under the age group of 30-36 years with humble, simple and God fearing.
We also welcome girls without any job but who is willing to help her husband for
the mutual benefit of the family as a whole.  Any Christian denominations are
welcome except penticost.  Interested person may kindly contact with full
details to : e-mail: zestmatrim@... or Mobile: (0481) 9745449970 or
(0481)9847915570


Matrimonial; Code # 209/11
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June 08, 2011

Jacobite parents from a middle class ancient family, Kottayam, settled in Qatar
inviting suitable proposals for our son, 26 yrs/6'3",medium complexion, heavy
weight.  He has completed  MBA in HR and currently working as a Recruitment
Consultant in a Multinational Company in Qatar and staying with us.

We are looking for a God fearing, Good looking, Caring,Home Loving, Graduate or
Post Graduate (BCom, BA, BBA,MBA, ) girl( 5'5"to 5'9") as our daughter from a
Good family (Jacobites/ Marthomites/ Malankara reeth/ Orthodox). Interested
parents may send the details and photograph to zachariahmani@... or call 
00974 55863034.

Matrimonial; Code # 203/11
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January 16, 2011

Parents of a well known middle class Jacobite family from Angamaly is looking
for a Bride for their son of 26 years, M.com, 184 CM
Height, Fair complexion ,working in Qatar as an Accounts Executive, would like
to get proposals from Jacobite/ Orthodox/Marthoma girls who are working in 
Qatar/India between age 22-26 years. Phone 0484-2694861/9847599012

Matrimonial; Code # 200/10
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November 13, 2010

Parents from a well known middle class Orthodox family from
Kottayam is looking for a girl for their son of 34 years, 169 CM Height, 68 Kg
,slim ,medium complexion ,working in Dubai, would like to get proposals from
Jacobite/ Orthodox girls who are educated /Employed between age 27-33 years.
Contact Mr.Vinu, Mob-9847825983, Res. 0481 2464186.
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For the full list of the matrimonial advertisement, please
visit:http://www.socmnet.org/Matrimonial.htm

"I do not disregard the grace which I receive from Thee, Master. I do not
discount the value which I attained when I gave birth to Thee; For I rule over
the world, Since bearing Thy power in my womb, I am sovereign of all. Thou hast
transformed my worthlessness by The condescension; Thou hast humbled Thyself and
exalted my race. Now rejoice with me Heaven and earth, For I carry your Creator
in my arms. Earthborn, lay aside sadness as you behold the joy Which I brought
forth from my immaculate womb as I heard myself called: Mary, full of grace."

The Kontakia of Romanos.

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"Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for
by the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20

The Holy Virgin Mary in the Syrian Orthodox Church - Part X
Written by
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas

The Virgin, The Virtuous Woman and Loving Mother

In her daily life, the Virgin Mary lived the life that good, virtuous women
usually led. In her life Solomon's verse was fulfilled "who can find a virtuous
woman? For her price is far above rubies" (Prov. 31:10).

Joseph, who was betrothed to Mary was a carpenter for his livelihood "and Jesus
increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."

Jesus might have studied the law and the prophecies with the children of his
hometown and practiced carpentry in the workshop of Joseph, who was legally but
not physically his father.

We have known that the Virgin Mary kept religious offices according to the Law
of Moses. She went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover (Luke
2:41). When child Jesus was twelve years old they took him to the temple where
all males were to appear before the Lord God. According to Jewish customs, he
was considered at this age, " The son of the Pentateuch", which means being
committed to all commandments of the Law which include prayers, fasting and
appearance before the Lord (Deut. 16:16). When the eight days of festivities
were over they returned to Nazareth with their friends who accompanied them to
Jerusalem and the two male and female groups walked separately. At sunset they
used to meet at a site agreed upon for staying the night. In the evening, the
caravan arrived in a town called "Al-beereh" to stay the night there. Joseph and
Mary, supposing Jesus to have been in the company, sought him among their
kinsfolk and acquaintance but they did not find him. So they turned back again
to Jerusalem seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting
in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. His
mother said unto him, "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father
and I have sought thee sorrowing" (Luke 2:48) and he said unto them: "Wist ye
not that I must be about my father's business?" (Luke 2:49)

The Virgin Mary, The Patron Saint in Cana of Galilee

When Jesus was thirty and he started His divine ministry in public, the Virgin
Mary's responsibilities became greater, We heard her saying to him at the
marriage ceremony in Cana of Galilee:"they have no wine". Jesus said unto her
"woman what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come". Mary saith unto
the servants " whatsoever he saith unto you, do it", knowing that he never
refuses a request of hers. So at Cana Jesus performed his first miracle changing
water into wine before his disciples at the request of His mother.
So clear was Mary's attitude towards Lord Jesus' message. She had faith in her
son. Could she ever be doubtful or skeptic, having had the angel annunciating
His divine status? " He shall be great and shall be called the son of the
highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and
He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever". When we read in the Holy
Gospel that "His friends went out to lay hold on him, for they said He is beside
himself" (Mark 3:21) we should not be misled into thinking that His mother
agreed with them and disavowed her son. We also read what Mark put down: "There
came then his brethren and his mother, and standing without, sent unto him,
calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold thy
mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, who
is my mother or my brethren? And he looked round about on them, which sat about
him, and said, behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will
of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother" (Mark 3: 31-35).

With such a statement Lord Jesus does not mean to undervalue his mother's
dignity; on the contrary he aims at elevating the believers in him, his
disciples in particular, whom he had just chosen, to her most sublime spiritual
rank. What the Holy Gospel said about his mother asserts this.

"Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart". Every disciple
therefore, and every faithful of both sexes who keeps God's word and acts
according to His will as Mary did shall have the same grace bestowed on them.

In the Holy Gospel we also read in (Luke 11:27-28) that a certain woman of the
company lifted up her voice and said unto him "Blessed is the womb that bare
thee.and the paps which thou hast sucked". But he said, " yea, rather blessed
are they that hear the word of God, and keep it". This verse includes a praise
of the virgin as well.

To be continued....

On the Fruit of Transfiguration

The day of the celebration of the festival day of the mission - Holy
Transfiguration (Koodaara or Maruroopa - Debre Tabor or Buhe) - our local
congregation has a picnic with a procession and the blessing of fruit.

Fr John Brian summarizes the lessons of the last few weeks and talks about the
Holy Transfiguration and the meaning, symbols and spiritual benefit of the
blessing of grapes and other fruit at this feast day of Christ's Transfiguration
on Mount Tabor

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, August 7, 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/2011/08/on-fruit-of-transfiguration.html

Dear All,

Recently I was reading the book'History of syrian church in India" by Late HH
Ignatius Yacoob 3rd,the malayalam translation made by Mr.Jacob Varghese and
published by Mor Adai study centre. First, let me thank Adai study centre and
Moolayil achen for printing this book in Malayalam,so that we all got an
opputunity to read an authetic history of our church,written by our own
Patriarch,who have seen many of the correspondece and records of that period.
Bava has given a detailed study of the contribution made by Mor Evanios
Hidayathulla Bava including the  Chenunuur meeting conducted in1686 by Mor
Hithaythulla Bava,which reinforced the othodox believes and practices among us.
HH in the book quotes from some old syriac  book  in which Hidayathulla bava is
described as Second Mar Thoma Sleeha. Seeing this details, I started getting a
doubt whether our Malankara church has  given deserving importance to this great
soul.

Regards
V.M.Thomas
Membership no.906
St.Marys Jacobite Church
Panambady
Kottayam.

Thanking the moderators for publishing the article on St. Mary, in this very
important "Nombu". Many of our people does not recognize the significance of
this "Nombu"  over the "Ettu Nombu", which our Church does not insist for and
reason behind it. It is the Catholic Church believe in "Amarothbhavam" & hence
"Ettu Nombu" is important for them.

Although, "Ettu Nombu" can be taken by our people, not to forget about the
present Nombu & Vangippu Perunnal. I hope, moderators will give more insight
into these matters also.
--
Bijoy A.V.,
ID 4549

Dear moderators
Very interesting article published in Hindu almost three years back (Monday,Aug
11, 2008)

http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/11/stories/2008081164350500.htm

Jomon
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KOCHI: Did you know that the Malayalam words ‘maalaakha’ (angel) and
‘koodaasa’ (sacrament) are not Malayalam, but Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic which
Jesus Christ spoke 2000 years ago?

And that qurbana, mishiha, mammodisa, methrapoleetha and easo, which
Malayali Christians use on a day-to-day basis, are all Syriac? And that
Suriyani-Malayalam (or Karshoni), which used the Syriac script to write
Malayalam, was a popular medium of written communication among Christians until
the 19th century, like Arabi-Malayalam used by Muslims in Malabar?

Well, these show the profound impact of this Semitic language, which is supposed
to have arrived on the Kerala shore along with St. Thomas in 52 AD, on
Malayalam. The arrival of Thomas of Cana, a Palestinian, in 345 AD, along with
70 families, boosted Syriac’s use and popularity in Kerala. But the language,
which thrived in Kerala for so many centuries as the sacred language of Syrian
Christians, is now facing extinction.

To read more, click on belo link of Hindu news papper
http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/11/stories/2008081164350500.htm

10 August 2011; Chennai: Former governor of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu and
senior diplomat Dr. P.C. Alexander (93) passed away here.

Alexander, who hails from Mavelikkara, was undergoing treatment for various
ailments at a private hospital here for the past two weeks. His death came at
around 8.30 a.m Wednesday.

He had served as the Maharashtra governor for nine years. He held the post of
the principal secretary when Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were prime
ministers.

May his soul rest in peace.

Abba John, who was in prison, said that there was a man sitting in his cell who
always made mention of God, and in this was fulfilled that which is written, I
was in prison, and you came unto Me (Matthew 25:36).�

From the Paradise of the Holy Fathers, Volume 2

The Holy Virgin Mary in the Syrian Orthodox Church - Part XI
Written by
His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas

The Virgin Entrusted to John, The Beloved Disciple at The Cross

The Virgin Mary followed her son Jesus to the Golgotha and it was at the cross
that the prophecy of Simeon was fulfilled " a sword shall pierce through thy own
soul"; for she saw her Holy son crucified on the Cross. She beheld him dead, and
participated in burying him. She beheld him afterwards rising from the dead. She
must have been with the disciples on the Mount of Olives and must have seen him
ascending to heaven.

In the Acts of the Apostles (1:14), it is reported that the Virgin Mary with the
disciples and the brethren of the Lord continued with one accord in prayer and
supplication. She was with them at Pentecost in the upper room where they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost.The day of Pentecost marks the birthday of the
church, when three thousand persons believed following the address of Peter, the
chief of the Apostles. They were also baptized due to the importance of baptism
for salvation according to God's words.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not
shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Some might ask whether the virgin did receive the
sacrament of baptism. The Holy Book is silent in relevance to this and there is
no mention, whatsoever, of having the Apostles baptized or not. In the Syrian
Church, in his treaties on the Apostles' sanctification of chrism, Mar Iwannis
of Dara (860+) mentions, in passing that the Virgin was baptized with the aim of
giving the issue of baptism and Chrism great significance. No where else in our
tradition have we ever come across a text that supports Iwannis of Dara's view.
This is not, however, a doctrine of the church, but just a view of one of the
church fathers. We have no idea where the virgin dwelled after being accompanied
by John, the beloved disciple. Most probably she stayed in Jerusalem.

Some historians suggested that she visited Ephesus with John and stayed there
for a while and returned to Jerusalem afterwards.

To be continued....