Dear All

Are you a Christian?
 
All
glittering are not gold”, many years before I heard a story from one of our
priests
that was a story of a young man who failed to get a job for many years and
finally he reached in a zoo. The zoo authorities also can’t give him a job
what
he deserves, but they offer a temporary position because of a VIP visit in the
coming week. The zoo authorities lost their gorilla due to a sudden illness and
they did not publish the news of its death.  All he has to do is dress like a
gorilla for
few days and stay in the cage for eight hours and entertain the visitors. He
agreed to do this job and started working from the very next day.
One
day the zoo was full of visitors he try to use the swing and started to move
backward and forward, suddenly his hands slipped, he fell down to the nearby
cage which is belongs to a lion. The poor man cried loudly for help then the
lion came near to the gorilla and said “fool, stop yelling, otherwise both of
us will be fired”. This story tells us all glittering are not gold what we are
seeing is not the reality.
If
anyone ask ‘are you a Christian’ what is our reply?  Yes I am, is it true?
 Let us go through this subject. Every Sunday
going to church, every day reading bible, every day praying is this the symbol
of a Christian? I believe our life should be a measuring rod of Christianity.
The fundamental of Christianity is "For
there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
"Christian" was a name that was given to the disciples (followers) of
Christ in Antioch in Syria (Acts
11:26)“and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year
Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The
disciples were called Christians first at Antioch”.In his letter to the
Corinthians, Paul states clearly
that, "No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which
is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11) therefore we have to build
our lives on the foundation of Jesus. Let us examine how to become a Christian,
traditionally we Orthodox Christians receive baptism and becomes member of our
church. This is the beginning of our journey; from grandparents and parents, we
are learning the prayer, good manners and importance of prayer, and the need to
attend Holy Qurbana and receive Holy Communion. Moreover,
from the Sunday school we learn more about Christian life, after the Sunday
school our real time begins, this is the time to find the answer of the above
question “are you a Christian”.
Who
is a real Christian? Now I am going to explain some myths about Christian first
one ‘I was born in a Christian country so I am a real Christian’ is this
true?
Not at all, if you born in a famous family such as Kalliyankal you could be a
son or grandson of that family, remember
God has no grand children. Secondly, there is a belief that Christians are
positive thinkers, so all positive thinkers are Christians. I cannot agree with
this statement,thinking
positively about life in broad-spectrum and about yourself in particular
doesn't mechanically make you a Christian. However I agree that optimism is a
good quality of a Christian.
 Thirdly, living a
Good Life Makes You a Christian, we can see many people around us believing in
other religion also living good life so this statement also cannot be true.
Living a clean and moral life doesn't make anyone a Christian. Many atheists
live a decent, straight life.Myth number four ‘Going to Church Makes You a
Christian’ last week 8 out
of 10people in my locality   went to
church, but this does not mean they all are Christians. Even some people
breaking others house also going to church, someone going to church because
they like social gathering. Others going to church because family members are
going, another group is going to attend the general body after the Holy
Qurbana, yet another group is going to display their ornaments and dress. So we
cannot say all people attending the church are a real Christian.
 Myth six, ‘Receiving a
Sacrament Makes You a Christian’ I interviewed many offenders in the prison
most of them had a
baptism, many of them attended church service, many of them donated for charity
and received sacraments. Most of the prison inmates I saw had a prison term
from 9 years to 99 years depends on the seriousness of their crime who can
believe them as true Christians? In short both
baptism and Communion are biblical. God commands Christians to observe these
ordinances. But receiving either one won't make you a Christian. Another myth
believing in God makes us Christian.
Believes in God makes us Christian? One of my friends told me that when he
worked in a Muslim country, one of his co –workers asked him you are talking
too much about God are you Muslim? So a Muslim or Hindu can also talk about
God. I believe in exercise, but I don’t do any exercise, I am overweight, that
is why belief, by itself, doesn't make someone a Christian.
Another myth ‘Praying Makes You a Christian’ definitely Christians pray. But
someone
can pray and still not be a Christian. Hindus pray all the time. Muslims pray
five times a day. I read about former president of Egypt Anwar Sadat, when he
travelling out of the country carried a little prayer rug on which to kneel
five times daily. But he was a Muslim, not a Christian. So praying in itself
doesn't make someone a Christian.
Now we can examine what makes us a Christian
Golden Rule #1 Walking in the way of
life
What Bible says, a Christian is a person who has found
the way of life instead of the way of death where we can find the way of life?
In Jesus, son of God I found my way of life, Jesus said to us in John
14:6."I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me”. Please read Mathew 7:13 we can see the two ways one is
wide
and the other narrow we have to choose the narrow one which leads to life and
the wide one to death.
Golden
rule #2 Enjoying Eternal life
Our Jesus said "I have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full" (John 10:10).  It is true that eternal life
never ends. It goes beyond our death--forever and ever .A true Christian is a
person who enjoys the eternal life; he is the person waiting to enter the
eternal life with Lord Jesus.
Goldern Rule #3  Becoming
God’s child
 To become a child of the heavenly Father, a person
must have a spiritual birth. This happens when we repent of our sins and put
our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, I would like to say we are not becoming
Christian by receiving our baptism but, we should lead a Christian life to stay
in the spiritual blessings we received at the time of baptism. For the
reconciliation of life our church designed Lents, fasting prayers retreat, and
confession make use of these and review and renew Christian life with a
practice of receiving Holy Qurbana.
Thank You,
Cecil Varghese
ID#890

"Fasting varies greatly. For a person brought up in luxury fasting can be one
thing, while for a person brought up in simple and rough conditions it is
another thing. Therefore for one person it is nothing to use the roughest food
and be healthy, or to live without food for a number of days; whereas for
another a big change of food can be very noticeable, and even harmful. But for
everyone in general fasting is above all temperance and strict moderation in the
use of food. Consequently you should use food in moderation and try especially
to bridle the desires of the body, and not satisfy its lusts at all, for they
are unnecessary for the preservation of health and the prolongation of life and
then your fast will be true."

St. Innocent of Alaska.

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

"Your years are throughout all generations. Of old You laid the foundation of
the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You
will endure." Psalms 102:24-26

READ: Mark 4:26-32

For the earth yields crops by itself. —Mark 4:28
During my seminary years, I directed a summer day camp for boys and girls at
the YMCA. Each morning, I began the day with a brief story in which I
tried to incorporate an element of the gospel.
To help illustrate that becoming a Christian means to become a new
creation in Christ, I told a story about a moose that wanted to be a
horse. The moose had seen a herd of wild horses, thought them elegant
creatures, and wanted to be like them. So he taught himself to act like a horse.
However, he was never accepted as a horse because he was . . .
well, a moose. How can a moose become a horse? Only by being born a
horse, of course. And then I would explain how we can all be born again
by believing in Jesus.
One summer I had a staff counselor named Henry who was very hostile to the
faith. I could do nothing but love him and pray for him, but he left at
the end of the summer hardened in unbelief. That was more than 50 years
ago. A few years ago I received a letter from Henry. The first sentence
said: “I write to tell that I have been born again and now, at last, I
am a ‘horse.’ ” This confirmed to me that we need to keep praying and
planting the seed of the Word (Mark 4:26) so that it may bear fruit one
day. —David Roper
You think your word or deed is very small,
That what you say will hardly count at all;
But God can take the
seed that you have sown
And nourish it until it’s fully grown. —Hess
We sow the seed—God produces the harvest.

Hi Cecil,
The entire aspects of your article are contained in our prayer song
"Rekshakan Ura Cheythu En Mey Rekthangal, Ulkollunnoril Chernnu vasikkum njan"
"Enne Viswasal Shuchiyodu Kaikkondu, Kalpana Palichor avaren Snehitharam" and so
on, the Manifesto of Christ and the basis of Christian philosophy in His own
words.

Christianity is more a way of life than a religion.
The true Christians are those, and only those, who have faith in Christ's
teachings, and tread the path he had shown, whichever their traditional castings
in this world may be.
It is not necessary for one to change his tradition to follow a way of life of
his choice. One would not become a true Christian by changing his name or
getting dipped in water by other mortals.

Millions in India became the followers of Christ, not by the type evangelism
seen around now. They were attracted by experiencing the way of life of those
early ones here who happened to practice Christianity in its real meaning and
spirit.
Prayer/worship and Compassion /Kindness / Love and Forgiveness are like two
sides of the coin and that is the `Essence of Christianity' and one without the
other it has no value.

Alas we spent Crores to construct, upkeep and protect our places of worship but
seldom set aside even hundredth of it for works of compassion and charity.

Abraham Paul,
Trivandrum
SOCM # 3321

10 September 2011, Kavumbhagom, Thiruvalla: Niranam diocese of the Jacobite
Syrian Christian Church organized it's first ever family conference in
Kavumbhagom St. George Cathedral. The Conference was formally inaugurated by the
Yakob Burdana of Malankara, Catholicos His Beatitude Baselius Thomas I. His
Eminence Zacharias Mor Philexinos, Metropolitan of Malabar Diocese and the
renowned Dhyana Guru led the retreat and delivered the main talk. Mor Coorilos
Geevarghese, the Diocesan Metropolitan presided over the conference. Fr. Mathew
Philip, the diocesan secretary welcomed the gathering and Fr. M.J. Daniel
proposed vote of thanks. About 800 people participated in the conference. His
Beatitude and the metropolitans were given a rousing reception in the morning.
The conference, perhaps the first ever family conference to be held by a diocese
within Kerala, was a huge success and truly a divine blessing for every one who
participated. The talks on family life by Mor Philexinos thirumeni were a rare
spiritual experience for the participants. The spiritual organizations of the
diocese under the leadership of it's committed clergy have been working hard for
several weeks for the successful organization of the conference. The "Sathya
viswasa samrakshna samithi unit of Kavumbhagam cathedral" also distributed
freely seven sewing machines for the needy.

Photos
https://plus.google.com/photos/101516922506806046586/album/5650707627806382561?g\
pinv=AGXbFGxupe5dahDjD61xTIatCTlwe3fAOtbkVyHWocnRBag8oC5AaEJlhV1y8xzK7NxpGKr-1yO\
zFjtANaRg76X7Y0gtdNMCG0A3iXoNHlPRypmzvvutrm4&hl=en#photos/101516922506806046586/\
albums/5650707627806382561

Souvenir published in 1982 in commemoration of the First Apostolic visit of
Patriarch H.H. Ignatius Zakka-I to India

Part - 1......
http://www.syrianchurch.org/pdf/ApostlicVisit1982-Sovnr/Part_1.pdf

Part - 2......
http://www.syrianchurch.org/pdf/ApostlicVisit1982-Sovnr/Part_2.pdf

Part - 3......
http://www.syrianchurch.org/pdf/ApostlicVisit1982-Sovnr/Part_3.pdf

Part - 4......
http://www.syrianchurch.org/pdf/ApostlicVisit1982-Sovnr/Part_4.pdf

SyrianChurch.org

Dear all,

Harvest Festival 2011 - Raffle Coupons Released
 
Raffle Coupons for Harvest Festival 2011 to be conducted by St. George Universal
Syrian Orthodox Reesh Church was released by the Parish Vicar Rev. Fr. Sajan T.
John in the presence of Mr. Johnson Varghese (Parish Secretary), Mr. Jacob John
(Parish Trustee), and Mr. Varghese Chacko (General Convener-HF 2011) in a public
function held at NECK after the Holy Qurbana on Friday, September 2, 2011.

The Parish Vicar inaugurated the coupon sale by handing over the first coupon to
the Coupon Convener Mr. Sephy Alex.
 
Harvest Festival 2011 will be held at Integrated Indian School on Friday October
28, 2011. It will be a day long program with variety entertainment programs,
food stalls, game stalls, etc.  Leading play back singers and comedians from
Kerala will be entertaining the audience along with other artists. Thousands of
people from all walks of life are expected to attend the event.
 
Regards,
Johnson Varghese
Member ID 924

Dearest Moderators,

Kindly pass this update to our people, at the earliest....
We need to motivate our people... At this night itself, if possible......


"ALL ROUTES TO KOLENCHERY- H.B.LEADING THE STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE"

It's 00:00 hours now on SUNDAY, over four hours have been completed
since our Catholicose, H.B. Baselious Thomas-I Bava and the beloved
Metropolitans of our Church have started their efforts for justice,infront of
the Kottoor Chapel of St Peter's & St Paul's Jacobite Syrian Church, Kolenchery.
Presently, H.G. Gregorious Joseph, H.G. Iwanious Mathews,H.G.Athanasius Elias
are along with Bava in the indefinite fast. Our dearest Church Secretary Thampu
George Thukalan is a tireless presence at the venue, being the biggest source of
energy for our people. The respected priests, deacons and nuns of our Church
have also gathered at the venue, neglecting the very heavy rains in the area.
More and more people,the real stalwarts of our Church are pouring to Kolenchery,
at a rate even faster than the pouring rains.....

The fasting started by 8PM on Saturday, after our march seeking justice was
obstructed with barricades, by police officials, a few metres infront of the
Kottoor Chapel, belonging to the St Peter's & St Paul's Jacobite Syrian Church,
Kolenchery. Ever since then, scores of our people have joined Bava and others,
in the indefinite fast seeking justice. It's definitely our turn at the Kottoor
Church tomorrow and presently, we are being denied that....

Let all routes lead to Kolenchery. As soon as this mail reaches you,
please join our Bava and others at Kolenchery, to attain justice.

Let's remain in Prayers for our Church....


In Prayers,

Dawn Baby Varghese,
PUTHENCRUZ

Tension prevailing at Kollenchery St. Peter's & St. Paul's JSOC. Discussions
going on with government authorities. About 3000 faithful along with
metropolitans sitting infront of the church in prayers. H.B Bava leading the
struggle for justice....

http://malankarasyriacvoice.com/2011/News/kottoor-pblm.jpg

KOLENCHERY UPDATE

SECTION-144 has been declared, as Devalokam Catholicose has started fasting.....

DAWN BABY  VARGHESE

FLASH - Catholicose Basalious Thomas I is leading the struggle for justice at
Kollenchery

Tension prevailing at Kollenchery St. Peter's & St. Paul's JSOC. About 2000
faithful along with Metropolitans sitting infront of the 'Kurishumthotti"
(shrine) near NH  in prayers. Catholicose Basalious Thomas I is leading the
struggle for justice. Short while His Beatitude  address the faithful and
declared that the strugle will continue until the justice is done. More and more
faithfuls are arriving from the different parts of Malankara.

SOCM News Bureau - Kollenchery

The fathers stress that salvation does not result automatically from Orthodox
doctrine alone. Doctrine is not what saves people. It simply opens the pathway
for man to reach purification and illumination.

Patristic Theology - The University Lectures of Father John Romanides

READ: Hebrews 13:1-6

Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. —Luke 6:36
When US airspace was closed after the September 11, 2001, attacks, planes
had to land at the closest airport available. Nearly 40 planes landed in Gander,
Newfoundland. Suddenly this small Canadian community almost
doubled in size when thousands of frightened passengers arrived. People
opened their homes, and officials converted high schools, lodges,
churches, and meeting halls into places to stay. Stranded passengers
were overwhelmed with neighborly generosity and kindness.
The people of Gander showed the kind of love described in Hebrews 13: “Do
not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly
entertained angels” (v.2). This is probably
referring to Abraham when he entertained three men who came to tell him
that he would soon have a son (Gen. 18:1-16). Two of the “men” were
angels, and one was the Angel of the Lord. Bible commentator F. F. Bruce says
about Abraham, “Among the Jews, Abraham was regarded as
outstanding for his hospitality as [he was] for his other virtues; a
true son of Abraham must be hospitable too.”
God calls believers to show their love and gratefulness for Him in their good
works of hospitality and compassion.
How will you answer His call today? —Anne Cetas
How
many lives shall I touch today?
How many neighbors will pass my way?
I can bless so many and help so much,
If I meet each one with a Christlike touch. —Jones
Christlike love is seen in good works.

What is the Oriental Orthodox position on the fate of the soul after death prior
to the last judgement? Roman Catholics believe - and it has been defined in one
the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church - that the soul goes immediately to a
particular judgement. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Each man
receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his
death, in a particular judgment that refers his life to Christ: either entrance
into the blessedness of heaven-through a purification or immediately, -- or
immediate and everlasting damnation". At the last judgement, the Catechism
states, after the resurrection of the dead, the Father "through his Son Jesus
Christ will pronounce the final word on all history. We shall know the ultimate
meaning of the whole work of creation and of the entire economy of salvation and
understand the marvelous ways by which his Providence led everything towards its
final end and the body will be restored to the soul."

In HIS Love
Chev. Thomas Daniel (Reji)
#0001

Our young beleivers,will be the leading light for our sabha in coming years.One
happy fact is that our youngsters are prayful,blended well with our saints,our
sabha and our lord Jesus. They work harder for the betterment of our church. Its
the duty of jacobites and our leadership to give them avenues to grow.

The excellent services of KEFA and Jacobite youth associations are highly
praiseworthy.These are the only organisations,those against our  faith, not able
to copy.Otherwise they should have similar named organisations with 80% matching
logo & name.

All of us defenitely want KEFA/Youth associations to spread to all churches.
This will help our borthers and sisters get close to the church , help them in
personality development, and assist them to lead a good family life.This also
gives an oppertunity for our parish members to get better bonding. We must have
good funds to award our youngsters.Acknowledging them through magazines gives
them pride.
Many thanks to 'Viswasasamrakshakan/gregorian voice' for publishing photos of
brilliant students who scored high in exams.

Same way, Let us also encourage our interested & needy youth members to get
registered to professional courses. We may need to have a better mechanism for
scholarship and educational support.Would be greatful setting up Endowment
Awards/Rolling Trophies to cheer our youngsters.

Our respected vicars/trustees are already doing this,But if we increase support
made available to deserving members,that will help. We all know many spiritual
organisations in Kerala are having a say in todays media enterprises.

Why can't we have our Youth members,who can complete Journalism courses -
employed there ?

Why can't we have our interested  youngsters as lawyers - who may later bring
good news to us?

The way 'Catholic Church'made influence in Kerala is with the support of
numerous educational institutions.Consider the number of
engineering/medical/management colleges in area where we are majority. Just a
few belongs to us.Now if we do a proper check, can see someone else is copying
the same acts especially in our majority areas.Never be surprised if we see
scholarship offered to our Jacobite members.

Also, We need to be ultra vigilant to use best legal firms and resources
available.The case of back-to-back appeals & stay happening on Kolencherry
Church case is interesting.

For us, it is a matter of faith,fear of god and protecting those assets which
our forefathers 'earned' and guarded. For some, it will be a 'Kittiyal Kitti'.

We have our Jacobite brothers as proud lawyers in many firms. As may be
happening already,Can they help our Sabha to protect our faith by forming a 24/7
legal cell and assist all the churches facing these troubles to carve out a
workable strategy before being pulled into cases at higher courts.If not,its
commensense to assume that one can link the Kolencherry case  to other church
cases.

This hit video continue to entertain ->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_PqQeOksZM

Should we attend to the rumors about someone planning to have many more churches
in Eranakulam district ?
A medical college equivalent in EKM District ?
A Powervision type TV Channel ?
Look like they have lot of money.Let god bless them.

I am proud and happy looking at the growth we had in last 2-3 years.
We understood the necessity to face head on when dealing with court cases by
appointing the best and expert lawyers.We must now focus on planning for more
churches where we have our beleivers but no church present,making our youth
involved in decision processes,planning for more professional colleges -which is
defintely need of the hour. Koothattukulam engineering college is an encouraging
start.

Thank You my church.

By the blessing of  St:Ignatius and St:Gregorios,Our sabha will keep prospering
more and more.

Amen,

Abraham
3567

Dear Nebu.

Noted your message on the Idea of bringing back Roman Church followers
to our Syrian church.. It is a good Idea, provided if it brings any new
spiritual light into these followers. Prima facie, Roman Church is
powerful in terms of their assets and its administration.    As per
Bible, ones a person is in Jesus Christ he is in the state of freedom (H/ever
worldly freedom provided to the followers in Roman church &
Syrian church are different)

Any ways, let us study  the condition of the followers in both  churches in
Kerala.( A state sinking in Liquor)

Irinjalakkuda consists of majority Roman Catholic and they are first in the
Beverage co operation's consumption list and Ankamali (mix of Roman
catholic/Jacobite) + Kothamangalam( majority -Jacobites) area are not far behind
liquor consumption.  All these areas +other areas ( which I do not have info),
followers are trying to satisfy their flesh(body) the maximum + all the other
worldly lusts like Power / Money  & Assets etc . Spiritual enhancement is
reduced to 1 Sunday visit.  Some Christian's owned Bar Hotel  and they are
keeping Jesus Christ's illuminated photo( ?) in the reception(Intention is
unknown).   Minority in both churches +other churches are true in following
Jesus Christ's verses thus they are enhancing in their spiritual life day to day
basis.

Everyone is aware of  the  "Swasraya institutions" .  Earlier Chrisitian
institutions were with a mind of service to mankind which is not visible in the
modern time Kerala.  Lakhs slowly giving way to Crores for admissions. In brief,
all of us are money/asset centered and not GOD centered.. Spiritually , we are
moving weaker and weaker.

Jumping in to any fold is fruitless, since God is ready to give Holy
spirit to gentiles as per Holy Bible.  What else we need ? The religion of Right
side thief who was with Jesus Christ in Paradise is still un known.  Also, Jesus
Christ came to the world not only for Christians ( some Christians wrongly
believed) but for all mankind ( Refer the angels song ,once Jesus Christ born in
Bethlehem).      Jesus Christ is only way , truth & Life and there is no other
name given to the mankind for salvation.

People are ready to kneel down any where to enhance their worldly needs.

This we can easily see anywhere.. All the saints shown us the way of
Jesus Christ only and they taught us how to prolong life basis on Jesus Christ
teachings.

In brief, there is no point in jumping into any fold. But to refresh
ourselves with God's verses everyday and should seek for God's wisdom
rather cling in the basics.(as per St.Paul).

Pls feel free to correct, if am wrong

Thanks
Benny
ID 4190

Dear all,
IOC is upto the usual mischief once UDF is back in power. Obviously, the status
quo is usually maintained till the appeal in the higher court is disposed off.
They have managed to crate a situation where they might have total control over
the parish while the case goes on. It is sad, considering that the majority of
the parish members belong to SOC. But the minority of IOC are very rich and
influential. May God help SOC and its faithful.
Prayers,
Varghese Abraham

....................................
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Catholicose Aboon Mor Baselious Thomas-I, leading the struggle for justice, at
Kolenchery along with Mor Savarious, Mor Evanious, priests, nuns and thousands
of faithful. Another sleepless night for His Beattitude. Please pray for our
beloved spiritual father. Jacobite Syrian Christian Church is fighting for
justice. Come together and fight together for our Holy Church.

*"Another Sleepless Night for H.B; Struggle for justice continuing"*

It's 00:30 on MONDAY now and the update from Kolenchery is that,
the struggle for justice is still continuing. Since Sunday evening, our beloved
Catholicose H.B. Baselious Thomas-I and Metropolitans are continuing the
"Fasting Prayer"(Upawasa Prardhana-yajnam) in the compounds of the cross near
NH-49, At Kolenchery. H.G. Iwanios Mathews, H.G. Severios Abraham and H.G.
Athanasius Elias are along with H.B., at the moment. Our blessed priests,
deacons and nuns are also participating in the prayers. As always, our
charismatic Church secretary Thampu George Thukalan and other top delegation,
chevaliers,commanders and other blessed leaders of our Church are actively
present at the venue. Scores of people are flooding to the area, as the news of
our struggle for justice have hit the news desks too. Luckily, the rain has gone
at the moment.

Earlier, Bava had addressed the gathering and each of H.B's words were
motivating the faithful to great extents. H.B. has called remaining calm and
disciplined,  whatever the temptation maybe. H.B. also warned the faithful to
remain vigilant, as the Orthodox faction have "imported" people from other
districts to tarnish the peaceful atmosphere.

In the meantime, the Kottayam Catholicose and their so-called Metropolitans have
clearly violated the eviction order issued by the Dist. Collector under Section
144 and have started a hunger-strike(strike until they feel hungry) in the
compounds of another cross, hardly 50 metres away from ours.

The Honorable District Collector has scheduled a compromise talk at the District
Collectorate on MONDAY, 10 AM IST. But, unfortunately, the Orthodox Catholicose
has informed the media that he won't be attending the talks(making clear, what
his intentions are)

Anyways, It's another sleepless night for the Yackoob Burdano of Malankara and
the faithful, in the struggle for justice. Let's continuously remain in prayers,
even if we are not able to reach
Kolenchery.

As H.B. has said, there's only one "Truth" and one day, it'l be
implemented.....

Let's remain in prayers.....

Long Live Patriarchal Throne....!

In Prayers,

Dawn Baby Varghese
Puthencruz

FLASH NEWS: Government dialog on  Kollenchery church issue failed due to
arrogant attitude of IO Church.

Photos by Mr. Shibin Paul

*"The Wait for Justice Continues"*

It's 3:30PM, MONDAY and the fasting is still continuing at Kolenchery.
H.G. Aphrem Mathews and H.G. Barnabas Geevarghese have joined H.B. in the
fasting.

Talks and compromise efforts are still continuing, but not conclusive yet...

As we are approaching the evening hours, more faithful are flowing to
Kolenchery.

In the neighborhood cross, the Kottayam Catholicose & friends are also
sitting, (still wondering, for what) Not many people are seen there....

May Justice be implemented soon.....

*Kindly reach Kolenchery at the earliest......*

Let's Remain in Prayers......

In Prayers,
Dawn Baby Varghese
Puthencruz

Dear Dawn
Thanks a lot for the livey updates
it is helpful for the believers far away
let's a pray for the good health of bava and for the success of HB'S mission

Jinesh John
id 4003

"If you cannot be merciful, at least speak as though you are a sinner. If you
are not a peacemaker, at least do not be a troublemaker. If you cannot be
assiduous, at least in your thought be like a sluggard. If you are not
victorious, do not exalt yourself over the vanquished. If you cannot close the
mouth of a man who disparages his companion,m at least refrain from joining him
in this."

St. Isaac the Syrian.

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

"You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance."
Psalms 65:11

Dear brother Benny

I am sorry to correct you. Have you ever thought how you become in Jesus Christ;
it's the effort of Apostles and saints who had been beheaded for the church. You
should remember one thing that all the apostles except St John (He was asked to
look after the mother of Lord.) were killed for spreading Jesus Christ and
keeping people in one faith and folder.Please see the history.

• Andrew:
  Martyrdom by crucifixion (bound, not nailed, to a cross).
• Bartholomew (Often identified with Nathaniel in the New Testament):
  Martyrdom by being either  Beheaded,  Flayed alive and crucified, head
downward.
• James the Greater:
Martyrdom by being beheaded or stabbed with a sword.
• James the Lesser:
  Martyrdom by being thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple at Jerusalem , then
stoned and beaten with clubs.
• John:
Died of old age.
• Jude (Often identified with Thaddeus in the New Testament): Martyrdom by being
beaten to death with a club.
• Matthew:
  Martyrdom by being burned, stoned, or beheaded.
• Peter:
  Martyrdom by crucifixion at Rome with his head downwards.
• Philip:
  Martyrdom.
• Simon:
  Martyrdom by crucifixion. or being sawn in half.
• Thomas:
  Martyrdom by being stabbed with a spear

These saints wouldn't have been killed if they kneel down prayed for themselves
rather Saints and apostles were not only kneeling down and praying for the
church, they spread the Jesus to all the people and tried to bring them under an
umbrella of real faith.

Now days in Middle East, Christianity is being vanished   and Muslim thoughts
are being spread very fast. Did you ever think why this happens, People doesn't 
want to spread Jesus Christ, as you told they kneels down and prays very hard
for their needs and their wealth.

So I strongly suggest people should be in real faith and should be under in one
fold of real Christianity otherwise Apostles and Saint`s hard work will be in
vain. Rather than stoning and judging people, try to add them to Jesus Christs
folder.

Look at John 7:24. There, Jesus tells us to judge, but to do so righteously.
Righteously means to use the Truth of the Word to discern sins and not by
appearances only. In 1Cor. 6:2-3 Jesus authorizes us to judge. Judge we must
else we could not discern good from bad, proper from improper, righteousness
from evil. But judge behaviour, not the individual; the deed not the doer; the
choice not the chooser.
Jesus could see a king in a shepherd boy. And an Apostle in a murderer. So while
we must judge one's behaviour we must we try to nurture the goodness in an
individual: to separate the deed from the doer.

Nebu Jacob
ID 3144

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Benny wrote:
>
> Dear Nebu.
>
> Noted your message on the Idea of bringing back Roman Church followers
> to our Syrian church.. It is a good Idea, provided if it brings any new
spiritual light into these followers. Prima facie, Roman Church is
> powerful in terms of their assets and its administration.    As per
> Bible, ones a person is in Jesus Christ he is in the state of freedom (H/ever
worldly freedom provided to the followers in Roman church &
> Syrian church are different)
>

Dear Sir,

There aren't any Oriental Orthodox Church. Oriental  Orthodox clergy might visit
Finland occasionally but there  aren't any actual Oriental Orthodox Church
buildings with regular or  even irregular  services. Many Oriental Orthodox
immigrants attend services of Eastern  Orthodox church  of Finland so you might
want to contact local Eastern Orthodox  parish.  Maybe they know  whether there
are other Oriental Orthodox in your area.

Contact  information of the EO parish of Vaasa:

Koulukatu 45
65100  VAASA
Telephone 0206 100495
Fax (06) 312 4063
vaasa @ ort.fi

The  office is open on wednesdays during 01.00pm-04.00pm except on great feasts.

Father Matti Wallgrén
Telephone 0206 100499
matti.wallgren  @ ort.fi

Sir,as far as i know there is an Ethiopian Orthodox  church in Finaland. Among
Oriental Orthodox, there are mainly  Ethiopians and Armenians. Syrian Orthodox
Church, I guess do not have a Service in Finland . Please check out in the the 2
bishopic in Sweden, they may have infomation.

Apu Jose
4096

M.A. in Christian Studies

Mor Adai Study Centre is happy to announce the launching of Christian
Studies leading to M.A. Degree from Madras University Distance Education Scheme.

The University will provide Study materials.
University charges will be approximately Rs.7000/- including study materials.

MASC will conduct coaching classes at different places and provide other
supports.

There will be 5 papers each year.
There will be 1 MASC paper each year on Syriac Literature and Syriac Orthodox
Faith and History.
All Graduates are eligible.
Undergraduates cannot be registered for M.A. degree program but can be admitted
as listeners.

Medium will be in English.

Please be kind enough to contact me at the earliest.

Provide your Postal Address and Mobile number in all correspondence.

All those who have registered are requested to send your contact address again
to my email.

Recent hacking to my account destroyed all my folders and saved messages.

Please send your details.
It is time for university registrations.
 
Dr.Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil     
Cheeranchira, Changanaserry,
Kerala, Pin: 686 106  India 
Tel. +91 481 272 4353

Cell: +91 944 620 3002
Director: Theeram, India Center for Social Change http://www.icsctheeram.org
Director, Mor Adai Study Centre   http://www.moradaistudycenter.org

12 September 2011; Damascus: Sharja St.Marys Soonoro Church Vicar, Rev.Fr.Joshi
A Mathew and Secretary Mr.C.A.Kurian visited Holy Father on 12th Sept 2011. They
discussed ecclesiastical and administrative matters regarding Sharja Parish.
They shared to His Holiness about the miracles happening through the
intercession of the Mother of God at Sharja church

Chennithala: H.E. Geevarghese Mor Coorilose Inaugurated the unit of "Shlomo"
(Ecological commission of JSOC) at St.George Horeb Jacobite Syrian Church
Chennithala. Unit Secretary Jithin A. Steephen delivered the welcome speech.
While inaugurating the function H.G talk about the importance of planting the
tree and protecting the environment.Rev. Fr. Joykutty Varghese preside over the
meeting. Felicitation speeches were delivered Rev.Fr. M.J. Daniel,
K.G.Kuruvilla, K.K.Kunjumman, M.G. George, M.Joshuva, Mariamma Joseph. Varghese
Chacko delivered the vote of thanks.

Photos
https://picasaweb.google.com/101516922506806046586/HorebChurchShlomoInagurationO\
namCelebration2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLPU2qDktq3O_wE

“The message of the Cross is foolishness to those are perishing but  to us who
are saved it is the power of God.”(Galatians 6:14)

Festival of Cross

We celebrate the “ FESTIVAL Of CROSS” with the Holy  Mass (Qurbana )  at the
evening  of  Tuesday September 13, 2011 In between 7.30 P.M. and 8.30 P.M.

All the faithful are welcome. Vicar Fr. V.V.Paulose

Yours in Christ
Fr.V.V. Paulose
Jerusalem Syriac  Orthodox Church
72, Birch mount Rd, Scarborough On Canada M1N3J6
Phone 9055672639,4165050107
www.jerusalemchristianmission.com

12 September 2011; Kolencherry: Kolencherry issue is becoming more emotional
than legal.

My comments,

1. A judgement on appeal cannot be implemented until finally disposed. to
implement a judgement we need court decree. In this case both the above never
happened.

2. There is a finally decreed judgement of the supreme court regarding the
parish churches. It says that the Patriarch is the spiritual supreme of the
Malankara Church and the Patriarch is spiritually superior to the Catholicose.

3. The SC declined to allow any findings that affects the right of the parish
churches. All the parish churches were established to worship God in allegiance
with the Patriarch of Antioch.

4. The Orthodox faction is openly pressurizing the authorities to implement a
judgement subject to appeal and at the same time openly acting against
prevailing decreed judgement of the supreme court of India.

5. If both factions are willing to accept and declare the SC decree in to to all
the issues can be settled.

6. My appeal to both factions is to come together directly with a mutually
accepting and respecting attitude to settle these issues locally.

7. I hope all are watching TV channels to assess public and societal responses
to our 'STRUGGLES FOR JUSTICES'.

Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil