Dear Moderator / Members

Could you please explain:
1.  Importance of "nalpatham velliyazhcha"
2.  As per church regulations "Valiyanombu" observed
for 40 days or 50days?

Thank you.
Babu Thomas

Hi,

I believe this relation between RCC is a result of
the Dialogue and Joint Declarations with the Roman
Catholic Church of 1971 and the Ecumenical Summit
at Rome in 1984.

During the reign of Patriarch Mor Ya`qub III an
attempt was made to narrow down the differences
in explaining Christology between the Syriac Orthodox
Church and the Roman Catholic Church. This resulted
in a joint declaration issued in Vatican on 27 October,
1971 signed by Patriarch Ya`qub and Pope Paul Vl.It is
in this background that the dialogue initiated by their
predecessors were continued by His Holinesses Patriarch
Mor Ignatius Zakka and Pope John Paul II. The preliminary
work for the ecumenical summit of the Pope and the
Patriarch was undertaken in Damascus and Rome with
consultations among the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitans on
the one hand and between Damascus and Rome on the other.
By the middle of June 1984 the stage was set for a summit
at the Vatican.The Patriarchal delegation consisted of
His Beatitude Mor Baselius Paulos II, Catholicos of the
East and local head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in India,
Archbishops Mor Gregorios Yohanna, Mor Yulius Yeshu`
Çiçek and Mor Severios Isahaq, Rabban Benyamin Joseph,
Mr. John Glore and Dr. Daniel Babu Paul.

The relevent part ofteh declaration says the following

"9.Our identity in faith, though not yet complete,
entitles us to envisage collaboration between our
Churches in pastoral care, in situations which nowadays
are frequent both because of the dispersion of our
faithful throughout the world and because of the
precarious conditions of these difficult times. It is
not rare, in fact, for our faithful to find access to
a priest of their own Church materially or morally
impossible. Anxious to meet their needs and with their
spiritual benefit in mind, we authorize them in such
cases to ask for the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist
and Anointing of the Sick from lawful priests of either
of our two sister Churches, when they need them. It
would be a logical corollary of collaboration in pastoral
care to cooperate in priestly formation and theological
education. Bishops are encouraged to promote sharing
of facilities for theological education where they judge
it to be advisable. While doing this we do not forget
that we must still do all in our power to achieve the
full visible communion between the Catholic Church and
the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and ceaselessly
implore our Lord to grant us that unity which alone
will enable us to give to the world a fully unanimous
Gospel witness."

Regards
Jojo
St Mary's JSO Cathedral. Bangalore
St. George JSO Chapel, Thiruvalla

Dear Achen,
Thanks very much for your detailed explanation. In
fact Konattu Mathen Corepiscopa, his son and
Kaniamparambil Achen deserves the maximum credit for
most of the translations done in Malayalam. As you
said the uniqueness of Syriac liturgy is its simplicity
and its easy understandability. And this simplicity
is transferred to Malayalam text by our most respected
Kaniamparambil Achen beautifully. Many of his works
are now used by both the Jacobite as well as others.
The complete Holy Bible consisting of Old and New
teastments and Apocrypha, translated by him by name
‘Vissudha Grandam’ is one of the greatest assets for
not only our Church, but the entire Malayalee Christians.
Some of the words used in this Bible version are very
simple to understand as well as give us an insight
into the actual meaning of each and every word. The
Roman Catholics has also published a Bible based on t
his same peshitto text a few years later. They have
also worked so hard in their own ways.

Now there is news that the Malankara Orthodox Church
is also preparing the Holy Bible under the name
‘Orthodox Bible’ based on the same text. With the basic
structure made available by both the Jacobite and
Catholic Churches in the last decades, it will be very
easier for future publishers. Now their Job is simply
to publish it in a colorful way to make it attractive.
Let’s hope that they too will be successful.

My humble greetings to Kaniamparambil Achen for his
great works. Try to buy a copy of the Holy Bible
published by the Syrian Orthodox Bible Society,
Tiruvalla.

T.M Chacko
St. Mary's Church
Manarkad
Kottayam

Subject:
Re: New concepts spreading against the Jacobite Church
by IOC

Dear Moolelachen,

You have once again exposed the hollowness in the
arguments of Thomas P. Let our Lord Jesus Christ guide
him in this Lenten period to make him understand the
facts.

Jacob George
Arthat St.Mary’s Church
Kunnamkulam

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Forum Owner / Moderators

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In our Lords Love
Forum Moderators.

"The forgetting of wrongs is a sign of true repentance. But
he who dwells on them and thinks that he is repenting is
like a man who thinks he is running while he is really asleep."

St. John Climacus.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Help me, O Lord my God! Oh, save me according to Your mercy."
Psalm 109:26

Dear and Respected Brethren,

This is in response to the posting of Mr. Babu.V. Thomas
in Digest No- 864. In our Lenten prayers (especially of
the Great Lent) we recite, “Moses and Elijah, fasted for
40 days,our Lord also fasted, and won the Satan.
(Mosayum Eliyaum, Nalpathu Divasam Nombeduthu, Nammude
Karthavum nottu, Aakalkausaye jaiyichu) Our Lord’s fasting
lasted for 40 days. So when the early Church finally
accepted the Great Lent, decided to observe the fasting
for 40 days and in addition to it they added 10 more days
to remember the passion of our Lord. Even though we say
Passion Week, it is not exactly a week but ten days. When
our Lord completed the 40 days fasting, the Holy Spirit
guided him to the desert (wilderness), the dwelling place
of Satan (Please see St. Matthew 4: 1-11) Our Lord faced
the three temptations of Satan successfully and He
defeated Satan with the words of God itself. Satan was
trying to take a victory over the Son of God by submitting
the verses from the Holy Scriptures. But our Lord faced
them with verses from the Holy Scriptures itself. Lord
Jesus taught the Holy Church that her children could have
victory over Satan and the evil powers, with the blessed
lent, fasting and the verses of the Holy Scriptures. Our
Lord’s fasting ended on the 40th day and in our system,
it falls on a Friday every year. The victory over the
Satan is the significance of the 40th day. After the
fasting of 40 days a faithful gets chance to participate
in the passion of our Lord to redeem us from the bondage
of sins. The days of Passion starts with the memory of
Lazarus, the triumphant entry of Our Lord to the Jerusalem
temple, persecutions, judgments, Crucifixion, sufferings,
death, entrance to hell and finally the blessed
Resurrection. God Almighty has kindly granted us a chance
once again to participate the Passion Week. Let us make
use of these days for the transformation of our souls and
the real repentance. May God be pleased in our services
and prayers and let Him bless us all. May God enable us
all to enjoy the happiness and peace of Easter fully,
as desired by God.

Jose Kurian Puliyeril
St. George Orthodox Church
Abu Dhabi

Thomas Pal in one of his recent articles had quoted the
so called old song, “Katholikka  (Catholicos) arulale
(with the blessings/word/kalpana) Kappal (ship)
puukinthu (boarded) ...", to claim that the Knanaites
was under the Catholicos of Malankara Orthodox Church
and not under the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East.

Thomas P later continued :-   “Currently this Eastern
Church is divided  - Knanaya constitution, Orthodox
constitution, Jacobite constitution, diocese of greater-
India const, simhasana const , Evangelical Assoc. const,
Malankara Archdiocese of America const. and so on. As
a result of these divisions based on different constitution,
Indian bishops of this ancient church are unable to sit
in the same Holy Synod”.  Thomas P then ends the article
with a request.-“Pray for the unity of this Eastern Church
of St. Thomas Apostle!”
----------------

Dear Friends,

Though there are repeated claims from some quarters that
the above said songs like “Katholikka  arulale  Kappal
puukinthu..." are ‘old songs’ which were originated in
the 4th century at the time of migration of Knanaites,
actually these are not the facts. In reality these songs
were originated only around 15th or 16th centuries when
the Nestorians were controlling the Malankara Jacobite
Syrian Church.  What these Nestorians wanted was to
establish that it was their Catholicos who gave permission
for the Knanaiates to migrate to Malabar, and hence the
whole Malankara Church are part of the Nestorian
Catholicate. Now some others are also going after this
theory to establish their view points.

Let me provide some evidences against the antiquity of
the said song from the Church history by Very Rev. Kurian
Corepiscopa. According to Kaniamparambil Corpesicopa achen,
some of the portions in the same song itself, smashes its
so called antiquity. Here let me quote from Corepiscopa
Achen’s Church history.

---- For example there is another portion in the same song
which says “When they sighted port of Cochin, they fired
18 guns of salute”.

To a student of Kerala History it is crystal clear that
there had been no port at Cochin in the 4th century and
that a fissure opened at Cochin in 1341 as the result of
a huge flood, closing the port at Crangannoor by gushing
sands. It would be quite absurd to say that the 4th century
immigrants sighted the Cochin Port which had its origin
only in on the 14th century (Dr.D Babu Paul. A Queen’s
story Five centuries of Cochin Port ). Again during the
4th century, gun powder was not in use. 18 round of gunfire
(?) in the 4th century is yet another silly statement.
Both ‘Port’ and ‘gunpowder’ betray the song as one,
composed in the 15th or 16th century- that is during the
period of Nestorian ecclesiastical administration in
Kerala. They had to trace their connection with Kerala,
even from the 4th century.

There are also other portions in the songs, contrary to
historical facts. Eg. When Thomas was received by the
Ruler Cheraman Perumal, in 345 AD it is mentioned in the
song that the ruler of Chempakassery was also present.
The present Ambalapuzha was, in early times known as
Chempakassery and the royal house there, had its roots
the 12th Century. It is really interesting to read that
the 4th century immigrants were received by a Rajah,
whose dynasty originated in the 12th century ! -------
(Syrian Church History by Very Rev.Kurian Corepiscopa)

This type of contradictions proves that the said songs
are not as old as claimed by some. As mentioned earlier
these songs were originated much later, but later claimed
to be that of 4th century to prove its antiquity. This
is what happened. Again if one goes through the History
of the Catholicate of the East, it can be seen that the
office of the Catholicate of the East originated only
in 410 AD. For a brief history of the Catholicate of
the East,
visit, http://catholicose.org/PauloseII/Catholicate.htm

John Philip
Kallumkathra St.George Church/
St.Joseph's Cathedral, Kottayam

My dear Moolayil Achen.

I saw your response to Mr. Thomas regarding our liturgy
and prayers. What we have now is all from the Syrian
Orthodox Church and regrettably we have produced nothing
original. We have made only translations. The Malankara
Church should be eternally grateful for this extremely
valuable gift. No need to quarrel about this matter.
This is an open Acknowledgement.
Thanks
ChorEpiscopos Dr. P.S.Samuel. N.Y.



































































































































I saw Moolayil Achen's response to Mr. Thomas on liturgy and Prayers. We in
Malankara are eternally indebted to the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
for our liturgy and all the prayers. We have produced very little (almost
none) original malankara material. So why quarrel about it. Sri. C.P. Chandy
has only translated the matter from Syriac and as far as possible kept the
tune,keeping very much to the original. No matter what we say about any
thing else, our present liturgical tradtion is in toto from the Antiochene
Church. We should be grateful for such a wonderful tradition and faith. This
is an open acknowledgement. With Love and regards. Chor Episcopos Dr. P.S.
Samuel. N.Y.















>From: SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com
>Reply-To: SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com
>To: SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [SOCM-FORUM] Digest Number 863
>Date: 31 Mar 2004 09:50:58 -0000
>
>
>There are 7 messages in this issue.
>
>Topics in this digest:
>
>       1. What do I Possess? ...
>            From: Rev. Fr. Antonious Henein
>       2. Annunciation of/to St. Mary
>            From: Jacob George Jacob
>       3. New Testament translated into sign language
>            From: Rajan Mathew
>       4. The Girdle of our Lady Virgin Mary - Chapter Five
>            From: Thomas Daniel
>       5. Re: Uniqueness of the Orthodox Church
>            From: George Aramath
>       6. Re: Uniqueness of the Orthodox Church
>            From: Thomas P
>       7. Re: New concepts spreading against the Jacobite Church by IOC
>            From: Very Rev. Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 1
>    Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 20:39:19 -0000
>    From: Rev. Fr. Antonious Henein
>Subject: What do I Possess? ...
>
>Dear beloved,
>
>Blessing in the name of our Lord, God and Savior
>Jesus Christ.
>
>Please let me share with you what I have read today:
>
>"I do not possess anything! Do I possess even this
>body that you see? No, it was lent to me by God when
>I was born, and He will take it back when I die."
>
>--Saint John Chrysostom
>
>Pray for me as I pray for you all.
>
>Fr. Antonious Henein
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 2
>    Date: 29 Mar 2004 14:54:27 -0000
>    From: Jacob George Jacob
>Subject: Annunciation of/to St. Mary
>
>Dear memebers,
>
>Can anyone explain which of the following phrase
>is correct.
>
>'Annunciation of St. Mary'
>            or
>'Annunciation to St. Mary'
>
>Jacob George
>Arthat St.Mary’s Church
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 3
>    Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 06:52:41 +0000
>    From: Rajan Mathew
>Subject: New Testament translated into sign language
>
>New Testament translated into sign language
>Saturday, March 20, 2004 Posted: 6:39 PM EST (2339 GMT)
>
>COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) -- After 23 years of work by
>some 60 people, a ministry group for the deaf has finished
>translating the entire New Testament into American Sign
>Language.
>http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Midwest/03/20/deaf.bible.ap/index.html
>
>In Christ
>Rajan Mathew
>Mor Ignatius Jacobite Syrian Orthodox
>Church Vazhamuttam (E) P.O. Mallaseri
>Pathanamthitta
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 4
>    Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 11:21:47 -0000
>    From: Thomas Daniel
>Subject: The Girdle of our Lady Virgin Mary - Chapter Five
>
>The slab found in the Church:
>
>When the Syrian people of Homs found the girdle of
>our Lady the Virgin in the consecration table in Homs
>Church, and they greatly rejoiced and received blessings
>from it, they did not open its vessel, but returned it
>to the table in the new alter in the same condition, and
>put over it a big slab after engraving on it in
>Garshunian the date of the renewal of the Church in
>1852 A.D. in the days of Mor Julius Peter the archbishop
>of this archdiocese and the contributors. They mentioned
>in the beginning the date of the construction of the
>Church in the year 59 in the days of mala'a Elija, the
>preacher. We therefore say: there is no connection
>between the slab and the girdle because the aim of this
>slab was to show the date of the renewal of the Church.
>As we assert the old tradition which indicates that the
>Churches that were built in the name of the Virgin were
>some of the oldest, we notice that the Church of the Lady
>of the girdle is of this category. It was erected a small
>and simple Church as a cellar under the ground because
>of the violence of paganism on Christianity in the first
>three centuries, and some of our pious forefathers
>consigned in it the valuable girdle of St. Mary as a
>precious treasure to the remains of St. Thomas the
>apostle who possessed the girdle were moved from India
>to Raha, or shortly after that. This is not unbelievable
>if you know that the ancient Christian narrators agreed
>upon that the head of St. John the Baptist and some
>of his remains were moved to the Churches of Damascus,
>Homs, and Aleppo within the fourth century.
>
>The thorough investigator whose aim is the positive
>evidence, has decided that anybody who tries to date
>the construction of the Churches will be surely failing.
>It is known to us from the historical point of view that
>the Church in question was in existence in 478 A.D. This
>is clearly mentioned in the story of St. Basos and
>companions the Persians who were martyred in May 11.
>388 that when Father David, one of the monks of Mar Basos
>monastery arrived in Homs on his way to Jerusalem around
>that year, he stopped in this Church while going and
>returning back. The preacher Mala'a or Eilija, is one
>of the seventy Preachers. The Patriarch Michael the Great
>mentioned him in two places in his history, saying in
>one of them according to the bishop Jacob the son of
>Slaibi, that he preached Christianity in Homs, Balback,
>Rastan and Hamat, and died in Sheezar.
>
>Source: Book “The Girdle of our Lady Virgin Mary”
>
>In His Love
>Thomas Daniel (Reji)
>St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
>Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India
>http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 5
>    Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 10:05:41 -0600
>    From: George Aramath
>Subject: Re: Uniqueness of the Orthodox Church
>
>In the latest posting regarding this topic, it was
>mentioned by Moolayil Achen that the "Eastern Orthodox
>Churches and Oriental Orthodox Churches are not having
>intercommunion".
>
>I was under the understanding that members from our
>church can take communion from the Roman Catholic Church
>if our church is not near.  Is this true and if so, does
>this allowance contradict the fact that the churches
>have many differences in faith based on the four councils
>not accepted by the Oriental Orthodox Churches?
>
>Please clarify this confusion.
>
>George Aramath
>St. Ignatius, Dallas, TX
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 6
>    Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 17:00:46 -0000
>    From: Thomas P
>Subject: Re: Uniqueness of the Orthodox Church
>
>This message is a response to a recent message posted
>by an Achen from the Jacobite Church. Fr. Kuriakose
>Moolayil wrote in SOC-M forum producing the following
>list of churches. Fr. Kuriakose wrote: "the True faith
>Churches are the Churches that share the same faith and
>doctrines of the three Holy Synods and the fathers who
>handed over to us the faith of the apostles. They are
>known as the family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
>They are (were) the Churches under the Patriarchates of
>Antioch and Alexandria.
>
>1.Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch
>(Malankara included)
>2.Alexandrian (Coptic)Orthodox Church
>3.Armenean Orthodox Church
>4.Ethiopean and Erethrean Orthodox Churches. "
>[Source: SOC-M forum, message dated Wed Mar 24,
>2004  8:19 pm]
>--------------------------------------------------
>Response to Fr. Kuriakose:
>
>It is always beneficial to help our younger generation
>to understand about our identity. But in doing so we
>need to keep the spirit of peace and unity, which binds
>us in one faith. Thus we encourage youth to continue
>the faith without divisive thinking.
>
>Very clearly Fr. Kuriakose is trying to exclude the
>Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of the East, discarding
>official statements.
>
>If we abstain from politics during this lenten season and
>depend on what is accepted officially within the Oriental
>Orthodox communion.
>
>We have the following list of Churches.
>
>1. The Coptic Orthodox Church - The Patriarch of
>Alexandria
>2. The Antiochian Syrian Orthodox Church - The
>Patriarch of Antioch.
>3. The Armenian Apostolic Church - The Catholicos
>of all Armenians and the brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.
>4. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of the East -
>The Catholicos of the East and the Malankara Metropolitan.
>5. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church - The Patriarch
>of Ethiopia and the Echege of the See of St. Tekle Haimanot
>of Debre Libanos.
>6. The Eritrean Orthodox Church - The Patriarch of Eritrea.
>-----------------------------------------------------
>It is very clearly stated in the protocol between Coptic
>and Eritrean churches that the Eritrean Church is
>autocephalous. The protocol between Coptic and Eritrean
>churches can be read here (at a Coptic site):
>http://www.lacopts.org/general.php?id=P950
>
>"Article 1: The Church of Alexandria recognizes the
>autocephally (independence) of the EOC"
>
>EOC -> Eritrean Orthodox Church.
>Hence the Eritrean Church cannot be combined with Ethiopian
>Church, as in the list of Fr. Kuriakose. The list thus
>inconsistent in many ways.
>
>In he official minutes of the January, 1965 ecumenical
>council of OO (held in Addis Abbaba, and described in the
>official minutes itself as the Ecumenical council after
>Ephesus AD 431), the Catholicos of the East is described
>as "Catholicos of the Ancient See of St. Thomas since its
>restoration in Malankara (in India)"  (exact statement
>from the official minutes)
>
>Sources for the canonical list:
>1. Minutes of OO-EO joint committee meetings:
>http://pharos.bu.edu/cn/articles/OrthodoxUnityDialog.txt
>2. Minutes of Official dialogue between Oriental orthodox
>and ROman Catholic Church, January 2004, Cairo. From the
>minutes:"The meeting took place in Cairo, Egypt, at the
>Saint Mark Center, hosted by His Holiness Shenouda III,
>Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint
>Mark. Invited to participate in this meeting were: the
>Coptic Orthodox Church, Syrian Orthodox Church, Armenian
>Apostolic Church (Catholicate of All Armenians and Catholicate of Cilicia),
>Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
>and Eritrean Orthodox Church. The same invitation was sent
>to the Catholic members through the Pontifical Council for
>Promoting Christian Unity."
>[Official Minutes by H.B. Bishoy,
>3. Official minutes of the Ecumenical Council of the
>Oriental Orthodox Church, January 1965, Addis Ababa.
>-----------------------------------------------------
>PS: Debre Libanos is a monastery. Before Ethiopian Church
>got a Patriarch, the church administration was carried out
>by the Abbot of Debre Libanos Monastery, also known as "See
>of St. Tekle Haimanot". Now the Patriarch is also the Abbot
>(Reesh Dayara) of Debre Libanos.
>
>Catholicos of Armenian Church is also the Abbot of the
>brotherhood of St. Etchmiadzin, a monastic community
>associated with the Catholicate in Etchmiadzin.
>
>Thomas P
>St. Mary Church/ St. George Church combined, Thumpamon
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 7
>    Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 05:14:27 -0000
>    From: Very Rev. Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil
>Subject: Re: New concepts spreading against the Jacobite Church by IOC
>
>Dear all,
>
>The posting by Thomas on liturgical translations again
>shows Mr.Thomas's hate and parochialism. The fact is
>that the first ever translation of the Sunday Morning
>prayers were done by Malankara Malpan V.Rev. Kurian
>Corepiscopa, Kaniamparampil. This transalation is simple,
>clear,lucid and faithful. The comphrehensibility of the
>two versions can be compared by just an example.
>
>Kartheve Prabhayude Udayathil
>Antdhakaram Mayunnu
>Vanam Bhoomi Sodarikal
>Anisam Ninne Pranamikkum... (V.Rev.Kaniamparampil)
>
>See how clear and simple to all!
>
>Now sing the following Sanscritized version of
>Mr.C.P.Chandy.
>
>Dyuthiudayam Cheithen Karthave
>Koorirul Neengumpol Ninne
>Kooppunnu Gaganam Dharayennee
>Druthamundayoru Sodarimar....
>
>Here all devottees need a dictionary to get the meanings
>or all should undergo an M.A. in Malayalam. The Syriac
>words are much simpler!The basic purpose of translation
>seems to be the 'understandability' and here I fear the
>only purposeof that is lost. I intent here nothing to
>discredit the very unique talent of the venerable
>Mr.C.P. Chandy. He is really a genius and deserves
>special comment. But the hate mission of Mr. Thomas
>finds only the specks in spite of the planks in the
>eyes! He laments that a minor change is made and the
>Jacobites uses their's. But the fact is the opposite!
>Refer to the new text added to Sunday Prayers for the
>3rd hour on St,Mary! This is a very new translation and
>only a few words are interchanged there. I don't find
>fault with this because the same text is presented in
>two translations! This is why we see the juxtaposition
>of the words in the liturgical translations of the
>Marthoma, Malankara Catholic, Jacobite and Methran
>Kakshi Translations!
>
>The Jacobites had the first printed full text translation
>of even the Good Friday services. But the printing,
>popularisation and MARKETING were promoted during the
>peace periods and they got the upper hand in promotional
>tactics! Even now many of the Jacobite churches uses
>this version.
>
>I am also not sidelining the use of translations made
>by Mr.C.P.Chandy in the liturgies for the Feasts and
>the sacraments. Again It is not because of the lack of
>other translations but because of the familiarity and
>the availability.
>
>The most indebted name in the popularising of the
>liturgical and prayer texts is that of the Konattu
>Mathen Malpan,followed by his son. Then only comes
>the name of any other. Lastly, none should forget the
>original Syriac texts of the liturgy and prayers. These
>are all the rendering of the Spirit filled Syriac Fathers.
>The Malankara Rite is the reference to the Malankara
>Catholics who uses the 'Antiochean liturgy'. As a whole
>there is no liturgical tradition as the Malankara liturgy,
>it is only known to others as the Antiochean liturgy.
>
>Thomas P. cannot blanket cover this tradition with a
>popularised translation of a latented poet like
>Mr. C.P. Chandy and a dignified publisher, Catholicose
>Mor Mathews 1  who had the authority of the Church to
>popularise it. Till his last years of life all these
>publications were done on a personnal level.
>
>Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil
>moolelachen@...
>Director, Mor Adai Study Centre &
>Vicar, St.George J.S.O.Church, Chicago.
>
>--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Aji Thomas David wrote:
> > Dear members
> >
> > The following text is a part of the posting from Indian
> > Orthodox Church Forum by one Mr. Thomas. Very well
> > prepared brain washing and new concepts spreading against
> > the True Holy Syrian Orthodox Church in Malankara.
> >
> > Could anyone explain about it or give a truth on this
> > subject.
> >
> > In Christ
> > Aji Thomas David
> > Kayamkulam Kadissa Church
> >
> > Quote:
> > Our church fathers did not hesitate to seek the help of
> > Hindu poets in translating the liturgy (e.g. the help of
> > Mahakavi Vallathol). Another poet is Shri C.P. Chandy.
> > Most of the translation was done by Shri C.P. Chandy.
> > In a sense his works were not mere translation, but
> > new creation as he used his poetical and language skills
> > in Malayalam/Sanskrit etc. As a result we got a liturgy
> > which is widely known as the "Malankara Rite Liturgy".
> > Later the Malankara Catholic and Jacobite Churches
> > started using the work with minor modifications here
> > and there. While we had several liturgies in place, the
> > credit for standardizing the liturgy goes to
> > H.H. Catholicos Mathews 1(Eucharistic liturgy)
> > and H.H. Catholicos Ougen (common prayers).
> > Unquote:
>
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>
>Oh.. Morth Mariam Yoldath Aloho (Mother Of God)Pray For Us
>
>To reply to any of the following subject,
>please send it to
>SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com
>
>You comments & suggestions
>SOCM-FORUM-owner@yahoogroups.com
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

_________________________________________________________________
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Dear Achan

You are blessing to this form.

It is a great reply. But reply to Thomas P is waste.
You dont have to be theologician to see that Thomas is
on the wrong side. Because
1) What spirit is the one closing the churches ?
2) What spirit is lieing all the time?
    a) They claim to have  89th Catholicose . When concept
       of Throne of apostle only started in  1960's. and
       there is no record of histoy of these 89 people on
       that throne.
    b) They teach Apostle lived in Thumbamon chruch

    c) IOC do not have litergy or prayer or vertment or
       tradtion of their own.  Even coptic chruch who is
       in communion with SOC  have their on version.

and so on ... They seems to be beleving that " a lie
repeated 1000 times make it a truth".

3) What spirit is deceving the faithful? Just because
some body have Jesus Christ , he will not be our Lord.
That is what they are doing.Just use  SOC litergy, wear
their dress. Recite prayers written by SOC fathers at
the same time curse them... I dont know what else.

Mr. Thomas has only one intention. How can I get few
people from JSC to IOC. Not from Muslims, not from
Hindus or  not from  Protestants !!!. Just think of it.

I try to ignore him. I am not sure why SOCM editors
still publishing his posting. There is a popular saying
in Mal which is translated like this " dont beat me
uncle I will never be good'. Same on him.

We have a great mission here.  So many  youth are looking
at achan and many other here with hope that faith will
be taught to them.  So many books are in Syriac which
needs to be translated. So many litergy needs english
version.  This week  almost 125 kids in my chruch will
be doing a great sacrifice. Attend the  chruch and be
there in a service with out understanding a word !.
imagine 30 chruches in US, 10 in Gulf and may be  20
outside  Kerala. So dont waste time.!

SOCM  editors - please refrain from posting things that
have been discussed and addresed before to waste our
time and other reader's time.

regards
Paul  Philipose
St. Ignatious  Church
Dallas
-------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. Paul

Thanks for the comments. These particular postings and
other related postings from our member Mr. Thomas P was
appeared in an Indian Orthodox Forum without questioning
or further clarification.

Many of the JSO members are also the members of the IOC
Forum. We thought it would be better to bring the subject
in our forum and the learned members clarify our Church
positions regarding the subject before IOC members mislead
our faithfuls.

In this way the clouds and misunderstanding created within
our faithful can be removed or cleared.

Be with us and be part of us.

Reading: Gospel according to St. John 12: 12-19

Dear and Respected Brethren,

We might have heard this Biblical portion several
times in our lives and hence it must be so familiar
to all of us. The Scripture accounts that when people
got the information that Lord will reach the city,
they took branches of palm trees and went forth to
meet him and cried, “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of
Israel that comes in the name of the Lord” (Verse 13)
They had the faith that our Lord is their King and he
would be able to save them. So they were so particular
to declare their faith in the high pitch of their voice.
Hosanna literally means ‘save us’. We use hosanna as
a term of praise also. St. Mathew is giving a different
account of this great event in chapter 21.

When the High Priests and the scribes objected the
praising of the children, our Lord answered them
“Have you never read out of the mouth of babes and
sucklings you have perfected praise?”  Vs – 16.  In
verse 14 we read, ‘And Jesus, when he saw a young ass.
sat thereon as it is  written.” Why our Lord selected
the ass for his triumphant entry to the temple. Many
of us might doubt like this. Some might say that our
Lord wanted to show his modesty and simplicity. It is
true to a certain extent. But the reality is that the
ass is the companion of the Shepherd. Our Lord says,
“I am the real shepherd” (St. John 10:14) Kindly also
refer Psalms 23:1, Psalms 80:1 Isaiah 40:11, I Peter 5:4.
By traveling on the ass, our Lord showed the world that
he is the shepherd who has come in search of the lost
sheep of Israel. When the shepherd will move around in
search of his sheep, only the ass will be the companion
in difficulties and problems of whatever nature.

When the procession of the faithful accompanying our
Lord is moving ahead, we could find another procession
against our Lord, who shouts, “crucify”. We must decide
in which procession we would take part. In verse 16 we
find “when Jesus was glorified, the disciples remembered
that these things were written of him”. Our Lord was
glorified as the savior and redeemer of the mankind.
Those who were in the procession accompanying our Lord
remembered what all they had seen and heard, including
the re-birth of Lazarus. Can we imagine what a pleasant
blessing they had.? Let us try to accept Lord Jesus as
our savior and Lord for ever and let us cry aloud,
“Hosanna” with a pure and innocent mind.. Let us beseech
sincerely Hosanna in the meaning to save us Lord.
May God bless us

Jose Kurian Puliyeril
St. George Orthodox Church
Abu Dhabi

Dear All,

I am happy that many of our readers informed me that
the posting on the signs and symbols of the Holy
Eucharist benefited them in understanding and
participating in the  Holy Eucharist better.
I received a few mails seeking clarifications also.
I am trying to clarify a point which was asked. The
components of the host or the bread  are the leavened
wheat flour, water,salt, oil and fire. Thus the basic
elements are five in number. Rev.Fr.John Brian wrote
to me that Eastern Orthodox Churches consider three
elements as the components.They are the Flour, water
and leaven(Yeast).

I guess they make the number three to signify the Holy
Trinity. I am of the opinion that the Syrian Orthodox
Church says the elements to be five because of the use
of the the five  elements of the earth, natural as well
as the product of man's labour. This combined presentation
is the 'fruit of the earth' just us our Lord took flesh
of man, again created from the earth. The earthly elements
are used to be  the vehicle for the real presence of our
Lord. God was incarnated to be with us in the human flesh.

Mr.Eldo Shimmy from Perumbavoor asked me to write in
detail the importance of the elements used in the making
of the Eucharist bread.

1.Leavened wheat Flour is selected because of its
universal availability and because it was  used by our
Lord in the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the
upper room. Some Syrian Orthodox authors are of the
opinion that the wheat is best of the grains that is
used to make flour. St. Ignatius of Antioch compares
his martyrdom of gnashing in the teeth of lions to the
crushing of the wheat in the stone grinder and the
making of the bread. Many churches uses  yeast to make
the leavened bread. The SOC uses the part of the dough
that was made for the prior use and is also a continuation
from the apostolic times. It is in way a connection to
the apostolic times as well as the sharing of the oneness
and the universality of the church.

2.Water is the basic element that sustains life. Life
is again symbolised in water.

3.Oil is the symbol of anointment. The word Christ or
Messiah itself means 'the anointed'. The King and the
prophet were aninted by oil. Our Lord, Christ the King
is the anointed one is reminded by the oil that is used
to make the host.

4.Salt. Jesus said that the community of the faithful
are the salts of the earth. Again salt was used as the
element used to cleanse the bitter water of Marah. Salt
adds flavour, it is the best preservative, it absorves
well into the medium to which it is added, it never
keeps its own flavour but adds to the flavour of the
medium. These are all the qualities expected  of the
offerers.

5.Fire is the symbol of the presence of God. Moses
experienced the presence of God by the glowing fire,
the presence of God was experienced by the Israel in
the wilderness in the symbol of the pillar of fire.
IN the day of Pentacost we see the indwelling of the
Holy Spirit in the symbol of the fiery tongue. All
these reminders are worthy to be remembered in the
use of fire in the making of the host.

Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil
moolelachen@...
Director, Mor Adai Study Centre &
Vicar, St.George J.S.O.Church, Chicago.

From 1 to 6 August, the Eighteenth Congress of the
International Organization for the Study of the Old
Testament will be held in Leiden, The Netherlands. In
conjunction with this congress, there will be additional
meetings for scholars specializing in Targum, Septuagint
and Hexapla, and Masoretic studies.

Those interested in the Peshitta will be pleased to hear
that one of the seminars within the IOSOT conference
itself will be dedicated to the New English Annotated
Translation of the Syriac Bible. The programme is as
follows:

Seminar The Bible of Edessa, IOSOT Conference, Monday,
2 August 2004

2.30     Bas ter Haar Romeny (Leiden),
"The New English Annotated Translation of the Syriac
Bible and its Textual Basis"

3.00     Wido van Peursen (Leiden),
"Linguistic Aspects of NEATSB: Clause Combining,
Translation, and Transmission"

3.30     David Taylor (Oxford),
"Biblical Commentaries in NEATSB: The Example of
Daniel of Salah on the Psalms"

4.00     Tea break

4.30     David Shepherd
(Briercrest College and Seminary, Caronport, SK)
          and Heidi Szpek
(Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA),
"Rendering `Flesh and Bones': The Peshitta of Job
and its Translation"

5.00     Gillian Greenberg (UCL, London),
"Pride or Precision? Translating the Peshitta of Jeremiah"

5.30     General discussion on the papers of the seminar
and on the NEATSB presentation in Aramaic Studies 2 (2004),
pp. 85–106.

Full information on the IOSOT Congress, as well as the
IOTS, IOSCS, and IOMS Congresses, can be found on the
Conference website: http://www.leidenuniv.nl/gg/iosot2004/

Please note that proposals for papers for IOSOT should be
in before the end of March, and that the special fee for
those registering early (80 euros) is valid until the end
of April only. After 30 April the IOSOT registration fee
will be 115 euros. Student prices are 50 and 85 euros
respectively.
-------------------------------------------------------
In HIS Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy (Dist), Kerala, India

Prayer Reveals the Mystery of Hidden Things:
Mor Jacob On Prayer

The blessed teacher Mor Jacob says:

Prayer reveals the profundities of the Divine,
by it one enters to behold the mystery of hidden
things.

It is the key able to open all doors.
From it one can clearly espy what is hidden,
by it the soul can approach to speak with God,
it raises up the mind so that it reaches the
Majesty.

It is easy for prayer to learn the mysteries of
the divinity, for it can go in and out unhindered
by the angelic powers: no angel is as swift-winged
as prayer, nor do the seraphim fly up with it as
it ascends; it whispers its words in the ears of the Lord,
without any intermediary,it murmurs in the heart,
and God hears it in his exalted place.

Where it ascends not even the Watchers have ever
reached, for it is capable of approaching the very
Divinity.

The seraph hides its face from the divine Being
with its wings, but prayer stands there unveiled
before the Majesty:
nothing at all stands in the way between it and
the Lord, for it converses with him and he hears
it gladly.

The Watchers tremble and the heavenly hosts in their
modesty are held back, whereas prayer goes in and
relates its affairs before God.

The cherubim are harnessed and cannot see him whom
they bear, but prayer goes up and speaks with him
lovingly.

In its love prayer speedily attains the exalted place,
in its love prayer advances to be raised up above the
heavenly orders.

The cherub is afraid to raise its eyes to the Majesty,
being harnessed in its modesty with the pure yoke of
flame; the ranks of fire do not approach the Hidden One,
whereas prayer has authority to speak with him.

Prayer enters closer in than they and speaks unashamed;
above the myriads of heavenly hosts does it pass in flight,
unhindered by their ranks.

As though to a close relation prayer reveals its secret
to the Lord of the Watchers,asking of him what is appropriate
in all sorts of activities.

Prayer does not bend down to the angels to speak with them,
for it asks God himself, and he bids the angels attend to
its affairs.

For this reason, seeing that such advantage comes to us
from prayer, these being the kinds of fruits we can gather
from it, we urge you, beloved brethren, let us be eager to
perform it with constancy and without any slackening, as
we meditate and occupy ourselves with it continually, day
and night. When we arise from our beds let our mouths not
utter anything else before we have given praise and thanks
to God.

-- Mor Jacob,
"The Syriac Fathers on Prayer and the Spiritual Life"

Dear Jose Kurian Puliyeril

Thank you for the clarification.  May Lord bless you.
But could you or any one else indicate the specific
importance of 40th Friday, I mean,  any special prayer
made for a particular cause or person or event on
that day?

With prayers
Babu Thomas

The St. Peter's JS Church (MALAD SOONORO CHURCH) is
the only church in Mumbai where the Holy Soonoro has
been interred. Hundreds of people, irrespective of
their caste and creed visit this church and receive
blessings through the intercession of Mother Mary.
The Soonoro casket is unveiled for public veneration
once a year on Sept. 1 and kept open till Sept. 8th,
during the feast of `Ettunombu'. On Sept. 8th at the
time of intercessory prayers during Holy Qurbono,
the casket containing the Soonoro is ceremoniously
taken out of the shrine, giving devotees an opportunity
for viewing and veneration and to seek blessings, after
which it is closed again.

Due to the wide coverage given by leading English
newspapers of Mumbai last year, a large number of people
including Catholics and non-christians visited the church
during Ettunombu, especially on Sept. 8, when they had
the opportunity to kiss the casket containing the
Soonoro. During this period, innumerable blessings through
the intercession of Mother Mary was reported.

The number of visitors are expected to be much more this
year. Already, people from sister parishes in Mumbai have
expressed their desire to come on foot as pilgrims from
their parishes to the Malad Soonoro parish on Sept. 8th.

Construction work is going on in full swing for renovation
and extension of the church, so that more number of people
can be accomodated.

We need your prayers and support in it. We would be
grateful to you if you could support us.

Fr. Wilson Jacob Philip,
Vicar, St. Peter's Jacobite Syrian Church
(Malad Soonoro Church)
Mith Chowk, Marve Road, Malad (West)
Mumbai - 400 064
Tel. : 28612121, Mobile : 55425436
http://www.maladsoonorochurch.com

Can someone tell me where I can obtain a copy of
the Book : "The Girdle of our Lady Virgin Mary"
referred by Thomas Daniel in his posting?

Also I would like to know if there is an English
translation of the intercessory prayers to St. Mary.

Mathew Thomas
St. Peter's JS Church, Mumbai
(Malad Soonoro Church)

Beloved in Christ,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

During the Holy Pascha week the Spiritual Words list
will not be sending it's daily e-mails.

Please remember me in your prayers.

May the Blessings of the Lord and this Holy Pascha be
with us all.

Mark.

"Let us beseech God to have mercy and compassion on us,
to hear us and support us, and to accept the supplications
of His saints for us at all times, and forgive our sins."
Daytime Litanies of the Holy Pascha.

Brothers

I think it is a good time to remeber. The list is not
complete. This is just to remind you how much planning
God took for this great even to take place. ! But how
many people are taking it easy and rejecting the great
salvation given to us? If it were not for it we would
have been thrown into fire after our death . Glory to
you our Lord. I have  quoted the prophesy from OT. Its
fulfillement is also given.

1. He would be born of a Virgin (Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew
1:18).

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you  a sign: The
virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and  will call him Immanuel".

2. He would be of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10 and
Luke 3:23, 33).

"The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's
staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it
belongs  and the obedience of the nations is his"

3. He would be of King David's seed (Jeremiah 23:5 and
Luke 3:23, 31, Isaiah 11:1-5).

"The days are coming," declares the LORD , when I will
raise up to David  a righteous Branch, a King who will
reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land"

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his
roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD
will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and of
understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the
Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD - and he
will delight in the fear of the LORD

4)  He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2 and
Matthew 2:1).

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among
the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who
will be ruler over Israel, whose origins  are from of old,
from ancient times."

5) One would precede Him who would announce His coming
(Isaiah 40:3, 5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3).

A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for
the LORD  ; make straight in the wilderness a highway for
our God.[Septuagint:make straight the paths of our God]

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way
before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will
come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom
you desire,will come," says the LORD Almighty"

(Cont'd )

In Our Lord
Paul Philip
St. Ignatious Church ;Dallas

Jacob -

I believe that "Annunciation _to_ the Mother of God"
would be the appropriate English usage. Annunciation
is a noun form that means "the act of announcing or
of being announced" (Webster's). The feast commemorates
the announcement of the Incarnation _to_ the Virgin Mary.
Hence the preposition "to" would be most appropriate.

In Syriac, the feast name is "suboro d-yoldath aloho."
suboro means annunciation (from the root "sbr" which
has many meanings such as to think, believe, suppose,
hope, trust, etc., from which many words are derived. e.g.
sbartho - tidings, Gospel, sabarono - the writer of the
good tidings, a title used for St. Mark and St. Luke).

The feast day commemorated on March 25 (9 months preceding
Dec 25) is the most important of all feasts on the Church
Calendar being the central event in man's salvation when
the good news of the Incarnation of the Word God for the
salvation of mankind was announced to Mary. Even in the
event that Good Friday falls on Mar 25th, the Holy Qurbono
is to be offered to commemorate the annunciation. The
event is also commemorated in the advent cycle preceding
Christmas.

Thomas Joseph, Ph.D.
Web Master, Syriac Orthodox Resources
[ http://sor.cua.edu/]
Tech. Editor, Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies
[ http://syrcom.cua.edu/Hugoye/]
Kottayam Cheriapally / St. Mary's, Los Angeles

Matrimonial Digest / 0008-04

Dear members

We Moderators 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 a some dvertiser we withheld the contact
details and will forwarded any reply to the advertiser
for further personal contact

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Matrimonial; Code # 006/04
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jacobite Parents from Kottayam Diocese invites proposals
for their second son PDC/30/168 working in MRF kottayam.
Father doing business in Kottayam.Mother Gazzetted officer
in govt.One elder brother married(Working) and younger
sister studying.Graduates in any discipline or diploma
holders in Nursing(GNM)prefered

Please respond to moderator_socm@...
(moderator_socm @hotmail.com)with code # MP-006/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Matrimonial; Code # 005/04
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JACOBITE YOUTH, FAIR,HANDSOME,CLEAN HABBITS, 28/180 FROM
AN ANCIANT JACOBITE FAMILY.WORKING AS AN ELECTRICAL
DESIGN ENGINEER IN RIYADH,SAUDI ARABIA.PLANING TO RELOCATE
TO OTHER COUNTRIES LIKE AUSTRALIA OR NEW ZEALAND.ONE AND
ONLY SISTER MARRIED AND SETTLED.INVITES PROPOSALS FROM
GIRLS WORKING IN INDIA OR ABROAD(NURSES / PHARMACISTS
PREFERED)PHOTOGRAPH AND MORE DETAILS WILL BE GIVEN ON
REQUEST.

Please respond to moderator_socm@...
(moderator_socm @hotmail.com)with code # MP-005/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Matrimonial; Code # 004/04
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jacobite parents from Ernakulam Dt.invites proposals
to their son. The boy is 30 yrs.old 5' 8". He is very
handsome, brilliant(MA Rank Holder), God fearing
(Altar Boy), presently working with a leading news
daily at Ernakulam Dt.

Proposals to be from Middle Class family. The girl
should be God fearing and fair. Nurses working abroad
are prefered.

Please respond to moderator_socm@...
(moderator_socm @hotmail.com)with code # MP-004/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Matrimonial; Code # 003/04
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jacobite parents from Kottayam invite proposals for
their daughter, divorcee (with one girl child,)
39 yrs.5'3", Home Science Graduate, medium complexion,
very Home loving and God fearing, from JACOBITE
Widowers/ Divorcees of 40 to 45 age group, well settled
in life in India or abroad, with clean habits, positive
attitude towards life and home loving.

Please respond to moderator_socm@...
(moderator_socm @hotmail.com)with code # MP-003/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Matrimonial; Code # 002/04
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Parents (Father - retired Civil Engineer and Mother
School Teacher) from Upper Middle Class Ancient Jacobite
Family in Kayamkulam invite proposals for their daughter
(DIVORCED),Age 29, fair complexion, Height: 5'2".

Got married on 1995, it lasted for just 5 days – The boy
was a drug addict – obtained divorce both from family
court and Church.

She is B.Com graduate – underwent diploma in travel
management – presently working in an MNC as Front office /
Admin / Travel Coordinator / Customer Care Executive /
Course Coordinator.

We invite proposals from parents of God fearing JACOBITE
BOYS OF MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES ONLY.

Groom should be God – fearing – non –smoker – non –
alcoholic – with clean habits well mannered – loving
and caring; should be broad minded and understanding

Photographs can be given to the parents who make genuine
proposals to her father on phone.

Please correspond to moderator_socm@...
(moderator_socm @hotmail.com) with code # MP-002/04

Dear all,

Vadakara Syrian church (near Koothatukulam) have come
under full control of Jacobites. This church which is
one of the oldest churches in Kandanad diocese was
under court appointed receivership for the past 30
years. The pallikodathi (Church Court)at ernakulam
had decided 3 months back to give control of the church
to the elected representatives of the parish. even
though IOC & Mor Athanasious of IOC combine tried to
avert elections to the maximum, elections were conducted
by the court yesterday (04-04-04)and counting was done
today (05-04-04).

Jacobites have won in all the posts to the Managing
commitee, Trustees, Secretary, and The Manager to the
School/ITC etc with massive majority. IOC even after
pumping in money etc was able to get only below 15% of
the votes for the Jacobite panel.

Elections were conducted as per 34 constitution ((Since
that was the status quo in 74 when the church came
under receivership)). The new managing commitee can
call fresh podhuyogam to decide wheather to pull out
of the so called malankara association or the 34
constitution.

rgds

Baby Gleeson Zachariah
St George Jacobite Syrian Church
Arakunnam

Dear respected members.

Due to the Internet traffic conjunctions, two messages
originally belonging to yesterday's Digest # 869 has been
accidentally combined with today's digest # 870.

We regret for the inconvenience, which was beyond
our control.

Be with us and be part of us.

In Our Lords love
Forum Moderators

6). He would be a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:18-19 and Matthew 21:11).

"I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their
brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them
everything I command him.

If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my
name, I myself will call him to account"
( Big  warning here!)

7). He would teach with parables (Psalms 78:2 and Matthew 13:34).

"I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things from of old"


8. He would enter Jerusalem on a colt (Zechariah 9:9 and Luke 19:35-
37).

The Coming of Zion's King:
"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king  comes to you, righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey"

9. He would be betrayed by a friend (Psalms 41:9 and Matthew 26:47-
50).

"Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread,
has lifted up his heel against me"

10. He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12 and
Matthew 26:15).

"I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep
it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver."

In our  Lord

Paul Philip
St. Ignatious  Syrian Orthodox Church
Dallas

He carried the curse on this earth by the crown they
put on His head.

He carried the weight of the whole world like a
mighty one.

The sins, the offenses, the aches, the pains, the
beatings were braided with the crown and put on His
head to for Him to carry.

He became a curse so that the heirs who return would
be blessed through Him.

By His crown He yanked out the cursed plant of life.

By the crown of thorns, He destroyed the crown of the
devil who wanted to be god of the creation.

By His crown of thorns, He braided a crown for the
daughter of the nations. He betrothed a bride from
among the idols and wrote her in His name.

- Jacob of Serugh

Easter Sunday is the date of the annual celebration of
Christ's resurrection. Easter is celebrated on the first
Sunday following the first full moon after the equinox
in March. This is called "vernal Equinox" and is fixed
as 21st March. This is an ancient rule decided at the
Council of Nicea held at 325 A.D., which was followed
by all the churches around the globe. The aim of the
Easter Dating Method is to maintain for each Easter
Sunday, the same season of the year and the same
relationship to the preceding astronomical full moon that
occurred at the time of Christ's resurrection in 30 A.D.
From 31 A.D. to 325 A.D., Easter day was celebrated on
a Sunday either on or just after the first day of the
Jewish Passover. Easter Sunday from 326 A.D. was always
one of the 35 dates from March 22 to April 25. From
326 A.D.to 1582 A.D. Easter Sunday was based on the
Julian Calendar in use at that time named after Julius
Caesar. The Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian
Calendar in October 1582 to re align March 21 ( Vernal
Equinox ) and therefore Easter with the seasons by
removing 10 dates October 5 to 14,1582. This calendar
is named after Pope Gregory XIII who promulgated it. This
was soon accepted by the Roman Catholic Church and the
Protestants in western world whereas the oriental Orthodox
Churches  including our Syrian Orthodox Church in the
eastern world maintained the old Julian calendar. That
is why we have 2 different dates for Easter around the
world. The difference between these two calendars arises
from the fact that the astronomical year, the time it
takes for the earth to move around the sun once, is not
exactly 365 days. In order to divide the year into equal
parts the calendar must find ways to correct the
difference, which is normally done by means of leap years.
Although not absolutely correct, the Gregorian calendar
is astronomically more exact than the Julian. The year
according to the Gregorian calendar is 26 seconds longer
than the time the earth needs to go around the sun, while
according to the Julian calendar there is a difference
of 11 minutes and 14 seconds. At present the Julian
calendar differs from the Gregorian by 13 days; in the
year 2100 it will be 14 days.  This year(2004), the
Eastern and Western dates for the Easter coincide and
the Christian world has the opportunity for common
celebration of Easter.

If Christians are united in their belief of the
Resurrection, why then do we celebrate Easter on different
dates? Especially in regions where Christians of the
Western and Eastern traditions live closely together and
may even constitute a minority, as for example in the
Middle East, and in India, this situation is extremely
painful. This situation in Malankara was remedied by
H.H. Moran Mor Aphrem I the late lamented Patriarch of
Antioch and All the East by his bull dated 2nd November,
1952, whereby we in Malankara were allowed to use the
Gregorian calendar so that we were able to celebrate
Easter with our Roman Catholic brothers from that time
onwards..

One milestone in the efforts to establish a common date
for Easter was the March 1997 consultation held in Aleppo,
Syria, and jointly sponsored by the WCC and the Middle
East Council of Churches. Of great importance was the
recognition that differences in calculating the date of
Easter do not depend on basic theological disagreements.
The consultation recommended that the principle of
calculation recognised by both Eastern and Western
churches and established by the Council of Nicea in the
year 325 should be retained. According to this principle,
Easter falls on the Sunday which follows the first full
moon of spring. The Aleppo participants also recommended
that the spring equinox be calculated "by the most
accurate possible scientific means". Moreover, the basis
for reckoning should be "the meridian of Jerusalem, the
place of Christ's death and resurrection". The Syrian
Orthodox Church would like to see the Aleppo proposal
realized as soon as possible. The coming twenty years
provide a special opportunity to further work on this
question, since during that period the coincidence of
the two dates will happen several times (in 2004, 2007,
2010, 2011, 2014, 2017).

With regards
In our Lord's service

Chev. Dr. Mathews Abraham
Sr. Mary;s  Jacobite Syrian Church, Sharjah
St.John, the Baptist Attamangalam Church, Kumarakom

Dear Forum Members in Saudi Arabia

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May God Bless Us
With lots of Prayer
Prakash George
St.Thomas Jacobite Syrian Chruch
Thiruvanchoor, Kottayam Diocese.

Jesus says, "follow me, fulfil my will
and not your own or that of others" [Acts 5:29].
Whoever follows Jesus, his wishes and
commandments, here on earth,
will one day walk at his side in heaven.


[Taken from the book of "The Joy of My Heart -
M.Basilea Schlink ]

Above based on the bible, simply expressed but rich
in content, they are the ideal guide for everyday
living, bringing us into a closer walk with JESUS.

Saju Varghese
St.Peter's Cathedral, New Delhi

Dear and Respected Brethren,

The literal meaning of the word Pesaha is  “pass over.”
Originally the term is Hebrew. In Syriac also the term
is same. In Malankara the term ‘Pesaha’ must have come
through the Syriac link. This is the importance of
pesaha in the Old Testament context.  The Israelites
used to celebrate the feast of their pass over from
the bondage of Egyptians and it was known since as the
Pesaha. The celebration of Pesaha reminded them that
they were the chosen people of Jehovah. In Exodus 13:14,
we read about the celebration of this festival. But one
thing is clear that they had celebrated the festival of
Pesaha every year, not only as an observation of the
ritual, but it was an expression of their earnest desire
to live as their fathers lived. The celebration of the
festival was of course in the family circles and at the
same time it was celebrated as the national feast. All
the Israelites longed every year to assemble in Jerusalem
temple for the celebration of the feast. It is estimated
that several lakhs of Jews used to assemble the premises
of Jerusalem temple during the feast season. There are
three references of the feast during the public mission
of our Lord. Kindly read St. John 213, 6:4 and 12:12.

Now let us see the importance for the Pesaha in the
New Testament context.

Our Lord instituted the Holy Sacrament of Holy Eucharist
on the feast day of Pesaha of that year. (Refer St.
Mark 14:12-25) The Pesaha of the New Testament stands
for the freedom from sins and satanic powers. The blessed
Church Fathers insist that the new covenant of the New
Testament is granted to the Christian Church when our
Lord liberated the mankind by offering his own blood as
the ransom. Kindly refer Jeremiah 31: 31.   We know
about the covenant of Mount Sinai after the old liberation
from the bondage and captivity of Egypt. St. Paul has
considered the New Testament Pesaha as the death and
resurrection of our Lord. (Kindly read I Corinthians
5:6-8, 15: 20, 23. The Israelites never consumed the
soured bread on the Pesaha. So we also consume the
Pesaha Appam, which is free from sour contents.

Jose Kurian Puliyeril
St. George Orthodox Church
Abu Dhabi