READ: Genesis 39:19-23

The Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy. —Genesis 39:21

Traveling by bus from Memphis, Tennessee, to St. Louis, Missouri, typically
takes about 6 hours—unless the bus driver leaves you stranded at a gas
station. This happened to 45 passengers aboard a bus who waited 8 hours
overnight for a replacement driver after the original driver abandoned
them. They must have felt frustrated by the delay, anxious about the
outcome, and impatient for rescue.
Joseph probably shared those feelings when he landed in prison for a crime he
didn’t commit (Gen. 39). Abandoned and forgotten by any human who might
help him, he was stranded. Still, “the Lord was with Joseph and showed him
mercy, and He gave him favor” (v.21).
Eventually, the prison warden promoted Joseph to oversee fellow inmates, and
whatever Joseph did, “the Lord made it prosper” (v.23). But despite God’s
presence and blessing, Joseph remained incarcerated for years.
You may be stranded in a hospital room, a jail cell, a country far from
home, or your own inner prison. No matter where you are, or how long
you’ve been there, God’s mercy and kindness can reach you. Because He is God
Almighty (Ex. 6:3) and present everywhere (Jer. 23:23-24), He can
protect, promote, and provide for you when it seems no one else can
help. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Dear God, help us to remember
Your presence and power even when
we are not where we want to be in life. Remind us
to reach for You when no one else can reach us.
God is present—even when we feel He is absent.

WHEN MORAN VISITED RANNI.

I belong to Ranni Valiyapally. The Holy Father on his apostolic visit to Ranni
St. Thomas Valiyapally told the monks that he would not get in to the church
through the street to the church.� The road was through the cemetery. H. H. said
there were five un-decayed
bodies in the cemetery sitting there for years. Anew path was constructed
through the property of the then vicar Rev.Fr. Purackel.� The vicar could be Fr.
Joseph or cor-episcopose Fr. Thomas. This incident was narrated to me by my
father who also helped for the
new road construction. The next morning Moran pointed to the people the location
of the five bodies and they were removed from the cemetery. The pre-existed road
through the cemetery was later closed and until last year the closing could be
noted on the compound wall separating the cemetery from the Ranni Ayroor road.
Recently a new path-way was constructed.

When Moran was about three kilometers away from the church H. H. found the
people were scattering because of the strong dark clouds and the imminent rain.
H. H. came down from the vehicle and made the sign of the cross to the four
sides of horizon. H. H. declared that the rain would not fall. My understanding
is that H. H. went to Kallissery and then to Omalloore. God did other signs also
during this apostolic visit which I do not wish to write at this time. H. H.
served God and God showed signs of it to the people. Hallowed be the name of our
Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Dn. Monsy Manimalethu Jacob

Dear friends and family:
The Opinion That 99% of Our Fellow-Believers Have About Us Can Be 100% Wrong In
Rev 3:1 we read; and to the angel of the church in Sardis write; He who has the
seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says this; I know your deeds, that you
have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
�
The opinion of 99% was a reputation that a man was alive and vibrant. But the
Lord said that he is dead. So do not go by the reputation, rather ask the Lord
to have wisdom to look at things and at people as God sees.

Thankful for your prayers,
Shibu L.Podiyan,
Washington D.C

READ: Matthew 1:18-25

And he called His name Jesus. —Matthew 1:25

I tend to get stuck in my ways, so anything that diverts me from my
routines and plans can be very annoying. Worse yet, life’s diversions
are sometimes unsettling and painful. But God, who said, “My thoughts
are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isa. 55:8), knows
that He often needs to divert us in order to make more of our lives than we
would have if we had stuck to our original plans.
Think of Joseph. God diverted him to Egypt to prepare him to rescue God’s
chosen people from starvation. Or of Moses, who was diverted from the
luxurious lifestyle of Pharaoh’s house to meet God in the wilderness in
preparation to lead God’s people toward the Promised Land. Or of Joseph
and Mary to whom the angel announced the most significant diversion of
all. Mary would be with child, and this child would be called “Jesus, for He
will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Joseph
believed in the bigger purpose that God had for him, surrendered to the
diversion, and obediently “called His name Jesus” (v.25). The rest is
wonderful history!
We can trust God’s greater plans as He does His far better work in the history
of our lives. —Joe Stowell
Lord, teach us to be willing to adjust our plans to
conform to Yours. You have greater things in store for
us than we could ever dream, so help us to patiently
wait for You to work in the circumstances of our lives.
Let God direct—or redirect—your steps.

Serve the Lord When We Serve Others

The Lord Jesus lived His life for others. He lived His life serving others. He
laid down His life for others. The last few hours on the eve of His death, Jesus
devoted His time to speak to His disciples, comfort them, and pray for them.
While He was preparing to die, His heart was for others, especially His
disciples. We need the mind of Christ to live for others and serve others.

When we serve others in love, we are serving Christ, Matt. 25:40: inasmuch as
you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.� Let us
note: to one of the least of these My brethren. Indeed, many such brethren are
in our life. Here are some suggestions:

Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be praying for this
moment, Lord?
Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be comforting this
moment, Lord?
Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be calling this moment,
Lord?
Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be visiting today,
Lord?
Is there one of the least of these My brethren� I should be helping in some way
today, Lord?

When our prayers are as above, the Spirit helps us to serve as Jesus did. Such
indeed are true servants of God.�

Please see the attached January Word of Grace 2013 from which the above excerpt
is taken.

Thankful for your prayers
Brother Shibu L. Podiyan
Washington D.C

Dear moderators,
This is a post on the Manjinikara festival.
http://jerryachensworld.blogspot.in/2013/02/manjinikara-festival-hope-and.html

Warm regards, Jerry achen.
(Fr. Jerry Kurian)
I.D. no. 4500

READ: James 3:1-12

The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our
members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of
nature; and it is set on fire by hell. —James 3:6

Greek fire was a chemical solution that was used in ancient warfare by the
Byzantine Empire against its enemies. According to one online source, it was
developed around ad 672 and was used with devastating effect, especially in sea
warfare because it
could burn on water. What was Greek fire? Its actual chemical
composition remains a mystery. It was such a valuable military weapon
that the formula was kept an absolute secret—and was lost to the ravages of
history. Today, researchers continue to try to replicate that
ancient formula, but without success.
One source of catastrophic destruction among believers in Christ, however,
is not a mystery. James tells us that the source of ruin in our
relationships is often a very different kind of fire. He wrote, “The
tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our
members that it defiles the whole body” (James 3:6). Those strong words
remind us how damaging unguarded words can be to those around us.
Instead of creating the kind of verbal “Greek fire” that can destroy
relationships, families, and churches, let’s yield our tongue to the
Holy Spirit’s control and allow our words to glorify the Lord. —Bill
Crowder
It seems, Father, that sometimes we are our own
worst enemies. Forgive us for speaking destructively
to fellow Christians, and teach us to use wise words
that can encourage and build their walk with You.
To bridle your tongue, give God the reins of your heart.

In this crazy world of difficulty and heartache,in this scary economy,in these
hard times, you do have a prayer.
Scientist found that from recent 3,000 studies have looked at whether religious
faith affects physical or mental health.People who pray daily and attend
services weekly tend to have lower blood pressure. On top of that ,people who
attend religious services are almost 50 percent less likely to have high
interleuken-6 levels ( which indicate poor immune system function) than are
people who don't attend services. In plain English, the more religious you are ,
less stressed out you tend to be, Which often means you're healthier.
�
.1 Timothy 5:23 - Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's
sake and thine often infirmities.

1 Corinthians 3:16 - Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the
Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Leviticus 17:11 - For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given
it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the
blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul.

1 Timothy 3:8 - Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not
given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled
with the Spirit;

1 Corinthians 3:17 - If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy;
for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.
�
�
Thankful for your prayers,
Shibu Podiyan
Washington D.C

Dear all,

Please find the advertisement for the TEMPORARY post at prestigious Indian
Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).

-----------------
Post: Senior Project Assistant

Duraction: Initially for a period of one year

Qualification: A Bachelor degree in Science/Humanities/Management or
related fields with 60% marks

Desirable: Typewriting - Higher (English)

Experience: 3 years experience of which at least 2 years in the field of
secretarial works such as drafting reports, maintaining project accounts,
etc. in a Regd. company/ Academic Institution/ Public & Private Sector.

Consolidated pay: Rs. 8,000/- - 25,000/-

Application on plain paper giving name, date of birth, age, address, full
details of educational qualifications (stating the marks, rank, year of
passing), community and experience etc. along with copies of certificates,
should reach the following address on or before 15-02-2013.

Prof. S. R. Gandhi
Project Co-Ordinator
Dept. of Civil Engineering
IIT Madras, Chennai - 36

Email: srgandhi@...
------------------------------



Kasheesho Bennet Kuriakose
Ph. D. Research Scholar, IIT Madras.

abdulmasih@...

#3281

READ: Psalm 90:7-17


Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. —Psalm 90:12

In the aftermath of a devastating tornado, a man stood outside what was
left of his home. Scattered somewhere among the rubble inside were his
wife’s jewelry and his own valuable collectibles. But the man had no
intention of going inside the unstable house to search for them. “It’s
not worth dying for,” he said.
In times of crisis, our sense of what is truly important in life often comes
into clearer focus.
In Psalm 90, “A Prayer of Moses,” this man of God looks at life from
beginning to end. In light of the brevity of life (vv.4-6) and the
realization of God’s righteous anger (vv.7-11), Moses makes a plea to
God for understanding: “Teach us to number our days and recognize how
few they are; help us to spend them as we should” (v.12 tlb).
Moses continues this psalm with an appeal to God’s love: “Have compassion on
Your servants. Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy” (vv.13-14). He
concludes with a prayer for the future: “Let the beauty of the Lord our
God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us” (v.17).
Our numbered days and the brevity of life call us to embrace God’s eternal
love and, like Moses, to focus on the most important things. —David
McCasland
What a God we have to worship!
What a Son we have to praise!
What a future lies before us—
Everlasting, love-filled days! —Maynard
Our numbered days point us to God’s eternal love.

Pope Benedict Resignation: Global Reaction�

Source:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pope-benedict-resignation-global-reaction-114350121.htm\
l


Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign as head of the Catholic Church has
shocked political leaders, religious figures and commentators alike.

Political reaction was led by Prime Minister David Cameron, who said: "I send my
best wishes to Pope Benedict following his announcement. He has worked
tirelessly to strengthen Britain's relations with the Holy See.

"His visit to Britain in 2010 is remembered with great respect and affection. He
will be missed as a spiritual leader to millions."

Conservative MP Mark Pritchard, who has met Pope Benedict several times, said he
would be a "sad loss" to the Catholic Church, while former MP Ann Widdecombe
added: "He's given the church stability. He was very much an authority figure
and he was very, very trusted by church."

Diarmaid MacCulloch, professor of the history of the church at Oxford
University, said the announcement had taken many people by surprise.

"What's very noticeable is the sheer disarray around the statement," he said.
"Clearly no one in the upper hierarchy in this country knew anything about it.

"Normally these things are very well prepared but this hasn't been. It may be
the result of an elderly man reflecting in private and coming to a sudden
decision."

Robin Gill, professor of applied theology at the University of Kent, described
Pope Benedict as a "very intelligent, very astute man", who had managed to "hold
Catholics together".

"I think he knew that if he continued, he would be unable to function properly,"
he said. "He saw his predecessor become increasingly frail and I think he has
made a very wise decision."

Meanwhile, Madeleine Teahan, associate editor of the Catholic Herald, who was
only 17 when Pope Benedict was elected, said: "Young people were so inspired and
so encouraged by him."

Elsewhere, Monsignor Andrew Faley, of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, told Sky
News: "He is extremely popular and is a Pope who will be remembered by ordinary
people, as well as by political leaders, as a man who appreciated the humanity
of everyone he met.

"He is someone who gives you his complete attention when you meet him and it's
that sense of humanity and openness that he gave to everyone that he will be
remembered for."

Father Christopher Jamison, a Benedictine monk, told Sky News: "My reaction is
one of great shock and surprise.

"He's reached out very strongly to non-believers and fully recognises that
people today won't necessarily join the Church.

"On his visit to the UK in 2010, people were surprised to discover that he
wasn't a terrible ogre of a man but someone of great wisdom."

John Arnold, Auxillary Bishop of the Diocese of Westminster, recalled the Pope's
trip to Britain with fondness.

"Those were four extraordinary days," he said. "He came as a friend and he came
to give us a very important message about the Church in our country and our
society."

The Most Reverend Justin Welby, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, added: "It was
with a heavy heart but complete understanding that we learned of Pope Benedict's
declaration of his decision to lay down the burden of ministry as Bishop of
Rome, an office which he has held with great dignity, insight and courage."

Further afield, the German government said it was "moved and touched" by the
surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who was born in the country.

Spokesman Steffen Seibert said: "The German government has the highest respect
for the Holy Father, for what he has done, for his contributions over the course
of his life to the Catholic Church.
"He has been at the head of the Catholic Church for nearly eight years. He has
left a very personal signature as a thinker and also as a shepherd."

In the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino said the country was grateful for
the "many prayers and comforting words Pope Benedict XVI dedicated to Filipinos
in times of calamity and challenge".

"All peoples and nations of goodwill are filled with great regret," his
spokesman said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the Pope's "courage", while
Rabbi Yona Metzger, the country's Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, said he had helped to
reduce anti-Semitism around the world.
Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande said the Pope's decision to resign
was "eminently respectable".

Dear friends,
�
It is very interesting to see the continuing diatribe of IOCeans and even their
priests�against the cross-jumbed KKJ achen in ICON Forum.� The plight of the
cross-jumper Bishops and Priests in IOC�are well written by Fr. KKJ.� However,
in his reply to one IOCean who is doubting about the real 'Patriarch of
Antioch', since there are 5 patriarchs in the same name, KKJ gives an example,
which I think is the befitting reply to those IOCean always having this
question.�
�
Let me quote his own words: ".....The problem is that the present generation is
born into and wired into schism. What you wrote is based on your reading of
post-schism authors and partial knowledge.  Your reading of SC verdict is not
complete or you depend on wrong commentators.  You wrote there are patriarchs
claiming 'Patriarch of Antioch'. Say,'Gopal' has a son named 'Krishna'. When
Krishna grew-up comes to know that there are 10 people with the name 'Gopal' in
his town. Does that mean Krishna does not know who is his father or some other
Gopal is his father? There are 5 patriarchs in the same name; which is not a
defense. Indian Orthodox should know which Patriarch of Antioch is mentioned the
1934 constitution, lack of that awareness is one of the root problems. ......."�
�
Yes, Achen correctly pointed out the root problem in IOC, the lack of awareness
of 'who is the father'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!� Well said Achen, congrats!!!� Hats off to
you!!! �If I send this reply to ICON, surely they will not publish it and hence
sending it to SOCM and hope they will publish it and you will read it.
�
Regards
�
Varkey Titus
ID # 1024

Matrimonial Digest / 0342-2013

Dear Members,
We do not take or assume any responsibility for the particulars
given by the advertiser. Concerned parties are encouraged to
verify the particulars. As per the request of some advertisers we
withheld the contact details and will forward any reply to the
advertiser for further personal contact. Further correspondence to be
done with the E-Mail address / Phone Number given against each
advertisement.
Please read the successful stories of the matrimonial advertisement
in the SOCM forum at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/6505
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/4384

----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDEGROOM
----------------------------------------------------------

Matrimonial; Code # 231/12
****************************
January 02, 2013
Orthodox parents settled in the US for the past 18 years seek suitable alliance
for their daughter 27 years, 5.5", slim, and fair. She is in the sector and also
studying for M.S. in Psychology. She is God fearing, very active in church, well
mannered and has a pleasing personality. She is a US citizen, migrated to the US
with her parents when she was 10 years of age. If interested, kindly respond
with brief personal and professional information and recent photograph to
susanjohn827@...
Matrimonial; Code # 230/12
****************************
November 20, 2012
Jacobite Syrian Christian parents from central Travancore, presently settled in
Kottayam invite suitable alliance for our God fearing daughter aged 24, height
162 cm. M.B.A (Marketing  HR) working with Confederation of Indian Industry in
Chennai. We prefer proposals from God fearing professionals of good families of
Jacobite Syrian Christian working in India or abroad. The groom should be within
the age group of 25 to 28 years and his height is 167 or above. If interested,
please contact my e-mail ID: thomasdanielreji@... or call: +91
9961984809.
Matrimonial; Code # 225/12
****************************
7th November 2012
"US settled Jacobite Christian parents  invite proposals for their daughter
(Engineer, BS-non IT, 25 years , 5'5", fair, family oriented and God-fearing),
well employed in Texas, from parents of God-fearing, professionally qualified
boys of Jacobite/Orthodox/Marthomite denomination working in USA. She was born
and bought up in Kottayam, Kerala, migrated to US with parents at the age of
twelve and now a US Citizen. Please respond with brief personal  professional
info, contact information and recent photograph to: "rsaproposals@...".
Matrimonial; Code # 224/12
****************************
31 October, 2012
Syrian orthodox parents settled in Ontario, Canada are looking for a suitable
match for their daughter 31, 5' 7" fair complexion.She born and brought up in
Ontario post graduate of Engineering currently empolyed in San-jose
California.Interested parties please contact ekurian.thomas@...
Matrimonial; Code # 218/12
****************************
22 February, 2012
Parents of a middle class Jacobite family from Kumarakom invite
suitablevalliance for our GOD FEARING daughter aged 27/167. She is only one for
us ; she finished M.B.B.S., and also passed USML exams. Now she is in Alleppey
Med. College  going to join MD at USA July 2012 onwards.
We prefer proposals from any Christian {Medical profession} denominations are
welcome ( except Pentacost ). The boy shouldbe within the age group 27 to 33
years  his height is 168 or above.
If interested ; please contact my e-mail ID:jeypekavalappara@...
Mob.09446455876, 09447420216. Res.0481 2525876.
Matrimonial; Code # 213/11
****************************
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 # 208/11
****************************
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 # 205/11
****************************
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

----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDE
----------------------------------------------------------

Matrimonial; Code # 223/12
****************************
11 June, 2012
Jacobite parents well-settled in United States for the past 35 years invite
suitable proposals for their son, 31 yrs/5'10. He has completed BS (Computer
Eng), MS (Electrical Eng), and MBA from distinguished American universities. He
is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Business Intelligence and working for a
major aerospace company in Los Angeles, California.
We seek a God-fearing, good-looking, well-educated professional girl born and
raised in the United States. Interested parents may send the details and recent
photograph to cgvarghese@... or call 562-673-3638.
Matrimonial; Code # 220/12
****************************
May 02, 2012
Proposals invited for Jacobite boy 29/180 cm, M.B.A from Kottayam, currently
working with a public sector banks, wealth management division (private sector)
as manager invite proposals from parents of professionally qualified and
employed girls in India or abroad. 0481 2505821, 9072780980.
Matrimonial; Code # 219/12
****************************
March 14, 2012
Roman Catholic parents settled in Trivandrum invites proposals for their
daughter 32 yrs. MCA., working as a Software Engineer in New Jersey, USA for the
last 2 years. Proposals are invited from professionaly qualified boys of any
Christian denomination. Interested parties please contact by e-mail
sonyrajsl2003@...
Matrimonial; Code # 216/11
****************************
October 11, 2011
Jacobite (Syrian Orthodox) parents invite a marriage proposal for our son 33
years old Settled in U S since 25 years. Computer Animator, 5'7"� height. If
interested, please contact at 847-699-7985 or 224-522-2653 E-mail:
venkadath@...
Matrimonial; Code # 215/11
****************************
October 04, 2011
Proposals are invited for a Jacobite Boy, M.Sc Chemistry 28'' / 173cm / 65kg.
Ernakulam Dt.CSIR doing Ph.D at Pune, middleclass, seeking alliance from
Jacobite or Orthodox families having Masters any preferring Chemistry with NET.
Interested may contact to mvkuriakose@..., 9656789434, 09947864849
Matrimonial; Code # 214/11
****************************
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
****************************
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
****************************
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 # 200/10
****************************
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.
------------------------------------------------------------
For the full list of the matrimonial advertisement, please
visit:http://www.socmnet.org/Matrimonial.htm

READ: John 1:35-42

[Andrew] first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found
the Messiah.” —John 1:41

A few months ago, I had to travel to Florida and back on business. On my
flight home, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had a seat with
lots of leg room. It felt so good not to be scrunched into a small area. Plus, I
had an empty seat beside me! The makings of a good nap.
Then I remembered those around me in their not-as-comfortable seats. I
invited several others I knew to join me in a better spot but was
surprised they all wanted to stay in their own seats for various
reasons: They didn’t want to be inconvenienced with a move or felt fine
where they were.
As believers in Christ, we have a much more significant invitation to
extend: We’ve received a new life of faith in Jesus and want others to
experience it too. Some will want to do so, and others won’t. In John
1:40 we read that Andrew had begun to follow Jesus. The first thing
Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and invite him to meet Jesus,
the Messiah, too (v.41). Jesus offered them a wonderful new way of life
of knowing Him and enjoying His promises: His forgiveness (Rom. 3:24),
continual presence (Heb. 13:5), hope (Rom. 15:13), peace (John 14:27),
and a forever future in His presence (1 Thess. 4:17).
Won’t you join in? Jesus gives the best life. —Anne Cetas
If we commit ourselves to Christ
And follow in His way,
He’ll give us life that satisfies
With purpose for each day. —Sper
If you want someone to know what Christ will do for him, let him see what Christ
has done for you.

Saint Cyril of Alexandria Orthodox Society
www.stcyrilsociety.org
Toll-Free: 1-855-STCYRIL
For Immediate Release:

ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN SOCIETY LAUNCHES
ONLINE MISSION MODULES

LOS ANGELES, CA (22 January 2013) – St. Cyril of Alexandria Orthodox Christian
Society (SCS) launches its online mission modules, building on the established
traditions and teachings of the Orthodox Christian Church. SCS seeks to work
alongside the existing ministry programs offered by local parishes to prepare
the next generation of Orthodox Christians to face the challenges of a new era.

SCS is providing quality education for a broad audience by leveraging modern
technology to offer online classes, thus introducing a contemporary method to
effectively share the Orthodox Christian faith in our ever-changing global
village.

The structure of the SCS program is intended to cover topics that discuss
various elements of the Orthodox Christian faith, along with their application
in the contemporary world. For the spring term, commencing February 11, 2013,
SCS will be offering three courses that cover Faith and Reason, Church History,
and Liturgical Theology.

Our mission is to establish a community of Orthodox Christian theological
fellowship whereby prospective and current young servants, scholars and
missionaries can utilize various resources for spiritual growth and leadership
development in present or future Christian ministry through affordable and
attainable education.

The true value of education starts with experience and praxis. Orthodox
Christian education is about actualizing theological dogmas into a lifestyle of
communal mission and service. We invite you to participate in our modules to
experience the depth, diversity and modernity of our Orthodox Christian faith
through the eyes of Church Fathers, History, Liturgical practice, and the
contemporary desire to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ (Matthew 28:16).

For more information visit our website at http://www.stcyrilsociety.org

###

St. Cyril of Alexandria Orthodox Christian Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization aimed at raising the awareness of Orthodox Christian teachings
through patristic living, research and education. Visit SCS at
www.stcyrilsociety.org

Dear Moderators
Can anyone tell me which is the oldest of the structures founded after Eldho
Baselious bava of Kothamangalam?

It is heard that there is a church in Kunnamkulam which is the first structure
founded in the name of Paruamla Thirumeni.

Manu Kuruvilla Kulangattil

Hello Team

St.Igantius JSO Church, KR Puram, Bangalore celebrates the 81st Dukhorono of
St.Ignatius Elias III (Manjanikkara Bava) on 14th,15th,16th & 17th February,
2013.

The Perunal marks it's beginning with Evening Prayer at 6:30 pm on the 14th of
Feb, 2013 followed by the Convention lead by Rev. Fr.Kurian Vadakeparambil.

The same program follows on the 15th as well. There would be Holy Qurbana by
Rev. Fr.Kurian Vadakeparambil on 16th Morning. In the evening, there would be
Raasa & welcoming the chief celebrant H.G. Dr. Abraham Mor Severios,
Metropolitan of the Angamali Diocese for this year's perunnal followed by
Evening Prayer.

Please refer the attached Perunal notice for more details. Requesting each of
you to be part of the Perunal with family...

Regards

Sujoy Varghese

SERMON OF THE WEEK
February� 17, 2013

 Next Sunday is the second Sunday of the Great Lent. On this day, Jesus heals a
man with leprosy. This is Jesus' second miracle. (The first one being, turning
water into wine at a wedding�in Cana).

Sunday's�gospel reading is from Luke 5:12-16.

Topic: "Jesus heals a man with leprosy."

Gospel Reading: (Luke 5:12-16)"12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man
came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his
face to the ground and begged him, Lord, if you are willing, you can make me
clean.
�
13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. I am willing,� he said. Be
clean!� And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 Then Jesus ordered him, Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the
priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a
testimony to them.
�
15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to
hear him and to be healed of sicknesses.

16. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places�and prayed.

Message:

In the gospel, we read about a story of how Jesus made an incredible difference
in a man's life.

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with
leprosy. Leprosy is a form of skin disease with symptoms of white patches of
running sores all over the body and is a serious illness. It made infected
persons ceremonially unclean and the disease could be transmitted to others who
come in contact with the infected. Because of this, leprosers were isolated from
the rest of the community so that other members would not become contaminated.

When no one would help, there was Jesus who was not concerned with what other
people may think or do. Jesus didn't discriminate anyone infested with this
disease. For Jesus, the outside appearance didn't make one unclean, rather what
is in one's heart determined his standing with God. Therefore, Jesus did not
hesitate to touch the leper he came in contact with.

When the man with leprosy saw Jesus, he fell with his face down to the ground
and begged Jesus, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus
reached out his hand and touched the man and said, "Yes, I am willing, be
clean." And immediately the leprosy left the man. When Jesus touched, he was
revived. He became active again. He was restored from the depressed state. He
was given life both physically and spiritually. Afterwards, Jesus sent the man
to the religious authorities to show himself what the Son of Man has done in
order to testify the miracle power of God.

After the healing, news about the healing abounded all the more. Besides the
multitudes who came to be healed, the Scribes and Pharisees came from Jerusalem,
Galilee, and Judea. Jesus' purpose of healing was to teach the people of Israel
about his divine authority.

Let's not forget that Jesus was preaching the good news of Israel's salvation
and the Kingdom of God. No healing had� taken place in Israel since Elijah.
Nothing like this had ever been witnessed in Israel since that time. Jesus was
showing his diving power and authority which� the Scribes and Pharisees
questioned. It was the thing they questioned about Jesus.

The leprous man went to Jesus empty handed. He had nothing to offer, no ability
to change his situation, lonely and isolated, full of shame and sickness. But he
did have faith that Jesus could rid him of his disease and change his life for
ever.

What relevance does the story of the leper have today? What does it tell us?
Yes, Jesus was fully aware of the suffering of the man. Jesus took time to see
the societal outcast as a human being. Just as Jesus did, we have also a duty to
develop a positive attitude towards sick people. In our high-tech age, health
care workers including doctors, nurses, technicians and others in the system
must look into each patients face and see the human being behind the disease.
When there is intimate contact, the potential exists for meaningful healing. At
that moment of naked truth, the Kingdom of God will become present. Our
sacraments are meeting places where the human beings taste the unlimited love of
God. Our approach must be a source of unlimited love and hope for everyone who
is being served in sickness.

When Jesus reached out and touched the leper, he challenged the laws of his
times. The leper begged him, "If you choose, you can make me clean." Jesus, in
effect, was challenging the system that isolates and excludes sick people. His
action tells us that in the quest to bring about the Kingdom of God, we must not
be afraid to challenge the status quo. We must be willing to call attention to
injustices and demand change.

In today's world, there are multitudes of people who suffer from life
threatening illness and are unable to seek medical help due to economic reasons.
The system fails to protect the needy. Most social activists and religious
leaders see the need for a comprehensive health care program guaranteed by the
government as�an answer for the millions of uninsured who can't afford a
doctor.They think this to be viewed a societal responsibility, not as�a
socialistic agenda. It is to ensure the basic rights and�the need�to protect
people's health.�One shouldn't�attach politics onto an humanitarian issue.

Prepared by: Rev. Dr. V Kurian Thomas, Valiyaparambil

Respected John;

The apostolic visit was towards the end.  Moran Mor Ignatius Elias III of
blessed memory stayed in Ranni for at least a week or may be two.   From Ranni
Moran went to Kallissery.  According to my dad one elavinamannil  achen and
people with him invited  H. H. to Omalloore from kallissery.  The dates of the
apostolic visit to Ranni should be  around January 15th of 1932.  (may be this
could be verified from Ranni).  The closure of the road to the church was
visible until some time in 2012 when they made a walk way through the closed
road.   My grand Father has also narrated me the incident of the dead bodies
which were removed and rocks tied to them and plunged in to the depth of river
Pamba which is at the east side of the church.  My dad passed away in 2005. 
Also Moran asked some who came for blessing after the Holy Mass to wait and
talked about their family problems and solved spiritually without any talks or
negotiations.  The abandoned wife was lovingly received by the husband etc.  I
was told all these things in the 1960s and early 70s during the time of
Manjanikkara festival.

I thought about all these things recently when someone sent me a picture of the
body of Bernadette who said about immaculate conception.  I do believe that her
body did not decay because the whole idea is satanic.  If Mary was immaculate;
then Jesus is not 100% Adam's son and humanity is not saved by his crucifixion
and resurrection.


With Love,
Dn. Monsy Manimalethu Jacob


Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 3:29 AM
Subject: Re: WHEN MORAN VISITED RANNI

My dear Rev Deacon,

In your message the full name of HH Moran Patriarch  is not specified. Nor have
you given the  date / year and month / year of occurrence of the happenings. so
as to enable the reader to find out who the Qumro is.

With respectful regards,
V T John

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, MONSY JACOB  wrote:
>
> WHEN MORAN VISITED RANNI.
>
> I belong to Ranni Valiyapally. The Holy Father on his apostolic visit to Ranni
St. Thomas Valiyapally told the monks that he would not get in to the church
through the street to the church.  The road was through the cemetery. H. H. said
there were five un-decayed
> bodies in the cemetery sitting there for years. Anew path was constructed
through the property of the then vicar Rev.Fr. Purackel.  The vicar could be Fr.
Joseph or cor-episcopose Fr. Thomas. This incident was narrated to me by my
father who also helped for the
> new road construction. The next morning Moran pointed to the people the
location of the five bodies and they were removed from the cemetery. The
pre-existed road through the cemetery was later closed and until last year the
closing could be noted on the compound wall separating the cemetery from the
Ranni Ayroor road. Recently a new path-way was constructed.
>
> When Moran was about three kilometers away from the church H. H. found the
people were scattering because of the strong dark clouds and the imminent rain.
H. H. came down from the vehicle and made the sign of the cross to the four
sides of horizon. H. H. declared that the rain would not fall. My understanding
is that H. H. went to Kallissery and then to Omalloore. God did other signs also
during this apostolic visit which I do not wish to write at this time. H. H.
served God and God showed signs of it to the people. Hallowed be the name of our
Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
>
> Dn. Monsy Manimalethu Jacob
>

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READ: Genesis 29:16-30

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8

Leah must have laid awake all night thinking of the moment when her new
husband would awaken. She knew that it was not her face he expected to
see, but Rachel’s. Jacob had been a victim of deception, and when he
realized that a “bait and switch” had occurred, he quickly made a new
deal with Laban to claim the woman he had been promised (Gen. 29:25-27).
Have you ever felt insignificant or second-best? Leah felt that way. It’s
seen in the names she chose for her first three sons (vv.31-35). Reuben means
“See, a Son”; Simeon means “Heard”; and Levi means “Attached.” Their
names were all plays on words that indicated
the lack of love she felt from Jacob. With each son’s birth, she
desperately hoped she would move up in Jacob’s affections and earn his
love. But slowly Leah’s attitude changed, and she named her fourth son Judah,
which means “Praise” (v.35). Though she felt unloved by her husband, perhaps
she now realized she was greatly loved by God.
We can never “earn” God’s love, because it’s not dependent on what we
do.
In truth, the Bible tells us that “while we were still sinners, Christ
died for us” (Rom. 5:8). In God’s eyes, we are worth the best that
heaven could offer—the gift of His precious Son. —Cindy Hess Kasper
Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.
Why should He love me so? —Harkness
Nothing speaks more clearly of God’s love than the cross.

The Malankara World Journal Issue 125 - Focus: Great Lent Week 2; Pope
Benedict XVI - (Feb 14, 2013) is available online at:

http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Newsletter/MWJ_125.htm

*TABLE OF CONTENTS Issue No: 125*
Focus: Great Lent Week 2; Pope Benedict XVI

1. Foreword

2. Bible Readings for This Sunday (Feb 17)

The Second Sunday of Great Lent - Garbo/ Leper Sunday

3. Sermons for This Sunday (Feb 17)

Sermons for the Second Sunday of Great Lent - Garbo/ Leper Sunday
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Sermon-of-the-week_2nd-sunday-in-Lent.htm


4. Reflection on Lent

The object of our prayer-life is to empty ourselves and be filled with
the Trinity. The first thing Jesus did when He became Man was to empty
Himself. ...

5. Today, We Begin A New Journey: Liturgically Speaking, Pope Benedict
XVI's Last Word

We begin our Lenten journey with trust and joy. May the invitation to
conversion , to "return to God with all our heart", resonate strongly in
us, accepting His grace that makes us new men and women, with the
surprising news that is participating in the very life of Jesus. ...

6. Jesus Touched Him (Based on Luke 5:12-16)

"Jesus reached out and touched him!" Think for a moment about the power
contained in that simple sentence. Jesus reached out and touched a man
who was unclean. Think about Jesus reaching out and touching you. The
Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus himself has pronounced us clean.
That's the Good News even we believers find so hard to accept. Just
about all of us are hard on ourselves. Sometimes those who speak with
the most self-confidence hurt the most inside...

7. Malankara World Great Lent Supplement

Great Lent is the time for personal reflection, meditation,
reconciliation, and prayer. Malankara World has a great resource that
helps you accomplish that. We provide you daily reflections,
meditations, prayer, bible readings etc. If you had been with us last
year, you will find that this year's offering has expanded. Read the
articles about how to practice lent. Then do the reading for the day
specified. We will guide you week by week. You can find the resources here.

Malankara World Great Lent Supplement
http://www.Malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Default.htm

Week 2 of Great Lent
http://www.Malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_week2.htm

8. Charity Can Never be Separated from Faith

Christian faith and an impulse to charity are "intimately linked" and
can never be in conflict, Pope Benedict XVI writes in his Lenten Message
for 2013. Faith, he writes, is a "personal adherence...to the revelation
of God's gratuitous and 'passionate' love for us, fully revealed in
Jesus Christ."

The Christian response to God's love, the Pope says, "is always
open-ended; love is never 'finished' or 'complete.'" Rather, Christians
find that their encounter with a loving God "awakens their love" and
stimulates their love for other people. The love of neighbor, the Pope
says, is no longer "a commandment imposed, so to speak, from without,
but a consequence deriving from their faith." ...

9. Preparing for Lent: Nine Liturgical Gems from the Byzantine East

Our brethren in the East call the period of Lent the "Great Fast," or
alternatively, "Great Lent." It is the most important of the four
fasting seasons in the Eastern churches, since it is the preparation for
the feast of feasts, namely Pascha, or Easter. ..The particulars of the
Great Fast are as ancient as they are fascinating. We will be focusing
on some of the more general virtues of Lent extolled in the East. In
particular, we will cover nine Byzantine liturgical gems of wisdom to
gaze upon, as we prepare to enter into the spiritual arena of the Fast...

10. Cardinal Bertone's Farewell Address to Pope Benedict XVI

A few days ago, you said that as Christians we know that the future is
ours, the future belongs to God, and that the tree of the Church grows
ever anew. The Church is always renewed, always reborn. Serving the
Church in the firm knowledge that it is not ours, but God's, that it is
not we who build it but He; being able to say in truth: "We are useless
servants. We have done no more than our duty " ...

11. Resignation Shows Pope's Servant Nature

Pope Benedict's decision to resign as Bishop of Rome shows how the
papacy is an office not of power but of service, reflected author and
professor Dr. Scott Hahn. "It seems to me this might be for him, the
most humble and obedient act of service that he can render in his own
conscience," Hahn said. ...

12. The Reluctant Pope

He entered the papacy humbly and now leaves it humbly. His resignation
is a great loss for the Church and the world. He represented the unity
of reason and faith at a moment when the world was fast losing both.
Between the West's culture of abortion and the East's culture of jihad,
he stood as the civilizational center for life. ...

13. Family Special: Just Because ... (I Love You)

This is a 'must read story.' Sometimes a short story illustrates a point
better than pages of instruction on how to have the perfect marriage.
This kind of love --- not flashy but forever; not commercial but
committed --- is truly honoring to the Lord and to your spouse. ...

14. About Malankara World

========================

Read all the articles and features in this week's Malankara World
Journal online at:

http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Newsletter/MWJ_125.htm

Thank you for your support and help.

In HIS Service

Dr. Jacob Mathew
Malankara World
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/

Malankara World Journal
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Newsletter/
Hudson, Ohio
ID No: 956

Noyambu Kala Chinthakal

Pulose Varkey

READ: Psalm 142

By prayer and supplication . . . let your requests be made known to God.
—Philippians 4:6

After all these years, I still don’t fully understand prayer. It’s something
of a mystery to me. But one thing I know: When we’re in desperate need,
prayer springs naturally from our lips and from the deepest level of our hearts.
When we’re frightened out of our wits, when we’re pushed beyond our limits,
when we’re pulled out of our comfort zones, when our well-being is
challenged and endangered, we reflexively and involuntarily resort to
prayer. “Help, Lord!” is our natural cry.
Author Eugene Peterson wrote: “The language of prayer is forged in the
crucible of trouble. When we can’t help ourselves and call for help,
when we don’t like where we are and want out, when we don’t like who we
are and want a change, we use primal language, and this language becomes the
root language of prayer.”
Prayer begins in trouble, and it continues because we’re always in trouble at
some level. It requires no special preparation, no precise vocabulary,
no appropriate posture. It springs from us in the face of necessity and, in
time, becomes our habitual response to every issue—good and bad—we
face in this life (Phil. 4:6). What a privilege it is to carry
everything to God in prayer! —David Roper
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer. —Scriven
God’s help is only a prayer away.

Why is it that no one is able to comment on the subject? It is understood that
and have records to say that Eldho Baselious Bava is declared a saint for the
first time in 1947 and H.H Patriarch declared Bava as a saint in 1987.

Manu
--------------------------------
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News
17 Feb'13
Tension prevails in Rajadhiraja St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral,
Piravom. Methran Kakshi priest who tried to intrude into the Church premises
along with around 30 goondas was refused entry into the Church premises by the
Church Managing Committee & the Parishioners.. Methran Kakshi goondas pelted
stones at the faithful and damaged the School bus which was parked in the Church
ground. Our faithful are flooding to the Church now. The Methran Kakshi strategy
is to create law & order issues and get the Piravom Church closed.

Mor Polycarpos Zecharias has reached Piravom Rajadhiraja St. Mary's Jacobite
Syrian Orthodox Cathedral. The Police are now escorting out the Metran Kakshi
goondas from the Church premises who had arrived with an agenda to create law &
order situation in the Church.

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READ: Romans 12:3-13

There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in
all. —1 Corinthians 12:6

It occurred to me one day that my right foot does all the pedal work when
I’m driving my automatic transmission car. It alone works the
accelerator and the brake. The left foot is idle. What happens if I
decide that to be equitable, my left foot ought to replace my right foot half
the time when I am driving? If you have never done so, please
don’t try it!
If we don’t require such equality of the members of our own body, why is
it that we sometimes expect it of people in the church? That seems to be an
issue that the first-century church at Rome faced. Some were
thinking more highly of themselves than they ought (Rom. 12:3) just
because they were doing some things others were not doing. But Paul
reminds us that “all members do not have the same function” (v.4). We’ve
been gifted according to God’s grace (v.6). He gave us those gifts to
serve others, not ourselves (vv.6-13). Our service is to be marked by
diligence and fervor, for we are serving the Lord, not man (v.11).
So, let’s not look over our shoulders to see what others are doing or not
doing. Look at how God may be able to use you in His kingdom today. He
has gifted you just as He has pleased (v.3). —C. P. Hia
Lord, lead me today as You see best. Use the gifts You
have given me to encourage others on their journey.
Help me not to compare myself with others
but to be content with who You have made me to be.
We can’t all play the same part in God’s band of service, but we should all
play in harmony.

ViswasaSamrakshakan February 2013 edition
Download and read it from http://socmnet.org/viswasasamrakshakan/Feb_2013.pdf

Much before the declaration of Sainthood to Yeldho Bawa Many churches had set up
kurishumthittichappel or Kalkurish in the name Yeldh Bawa, and has been
conducting perunnal related to that memory of Bawa on Oct-2. It will be
difficult find out which Kurishu was established first.

Joshy Paul
#1040

READ: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

The kingdom of God is not in word but in power. —1 Corinthians 4:20

For 2 decades, ecologist Mike Hands has worked to help farmers in Central
America adopt more effective methods of growing their crops. It’s
difficult, however, for them to abandon their long tradition of “slash
and burn” agriculture, even though they know it destroys the soil and
pollutes the air.
So instead of merely talking to them, Mike shows them a better way. In the
documentary film Up in Smoke, he says: “It has to be demonstrated. You cannot
preach it. You can’t
describe it. People have got to be able to get their hands on it and see it.”
Paul took a similar approach to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He wrote to
the believers in Corinth, “My speech and my preaching were not with
persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of
power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of
God” (1 Cor. 2:4-5). Later in his letter, Paul told them
again, “The kingdom of God is not in word but in power” (4:20).
As you live each day, ask God to help you accompany your words with
actions. When we allow God to show Himself through us, it’s a powerful
demonstration of His grace and love. —David McCasland
Allow us, Lord, to demonstrate
Our faith by what we do,
So that the gospel can be seen
By those who seek for You. —Sper
Our words need actions behind them.