I was so sad to see the posting by Chev. Dr. Mathews Abraham.  How  can he pray
for  Sheikh Zayed's soul  with our Martyrs ...St. George, St.Ignatius.

Dear Chevlear you should know who is Martyrs and Saints. Our SOC pray for whole
universe and each and every creaters, but we don't compare a non believer with
our Martyrs and Saints.  I used to work in the Persian Gulf, most of these
Muslims call any one other than Muslims  a non believer.

Before you compare sheik with Martyrs and Saints try to consider  Sree Narayana
Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.

Best regards,
Babu Vadakedath
St. Mary's Church, Manarcad
Member ID # 0920

The Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church is celebrating its ‘Youth Week’ during the
next week.  Fr. Rijo Nirappukandam, the Working President of the Church’s Youth
Association, informed that the Vicars, Managing Committee and Youth Association
members would lead the ‘Youth Week’ in each parish.

As an inauguration of the celebration, Youth Association flags will be hosted in
all parishes of the Church.

“During this week, the Youth Association will focus more on social and
charitable projects”, Fr. Rijo informed.

“The Youth Association members will actively involve in cleaning and service
oriented projects.  In consideration of the environmental protection concept,
trees will be planted in the premises of the Church.”  Fr. Rijo added.

14th November will be celebrated as “Youth Sunday” and the offertory on that day
will be given to the Youth Association Central Committee.

"What is the purpose of the incarnation of the Divine Logos which is proclaimed
throughout the Scriptures, about which we read and which yet we do not
recognize? Surely it is that He has shared in what is ours so as to make us
participants in what is His. For the Son of God became the Son of man in order
to make us human beings sons of God, raising us up by grace to what He is by
nature, giving us a new birth in the Holy Spirit and leading us directly into
the kingdom of heaven. Or, rather, He gives us the grace to possess this kingdom
within ourselves (cf. Luke 17:21), so that not merely do we hope to enter it
but, being in full possession of it, we can affirm: 'Our life is hid with Christ
in God' (Col. 3:3)."
St. Symeon the New Theologian.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, That I may not be ashamed."
Psalm 119:80

My suggestion for the title of the magazine is Nuhro (meaning "Light"). You can
add an appropriate subtitle such as "Syriac Orthodox Digest". The complete title
would then be "Nuhro: Syriac Orthodox Digest."

Nuhro is the Syriac word used in its different forms in the hymn "velivu
niranjon yeshu nin velival" and many other hymns of the Syriac Orthodox liturgy.
The name should be appropriate for the magazine since it seeks to enlighten.

b-nuh-rokh Ho-zey-nan nuh-ro yeshu‛ mlé nuhro
datoo nu-hro sha-ree-ro d-man-har l-khul beryon
an-har lan b-nuh-rokh gayo
SemHé dabo shma-yono

With Thy light we see light, O Jesus, full of light
Thou art true light that enlightens all creation
O heavenly Father’s radiance,
light us with Thy glorious light.

(My translation set to the Syriac meter.)

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/ ]
Member ID: 0202

Chapter 4 ;  Lesson 8
======================

Andrew :

Apart from the areas mentioned in gospels, he traveled to Scythia, Asia-minor,
Cappadocia, Bithynia, Galatia, Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, and Achaia and
Patrae and Byzantium (Constantinople). The Roman Governor, Aegeas or Aegeates,
at Patrae in Achaia, crucified him for converting many to Christians in Patrae.
His martyrdom took place during the reign of Nero, on 30 November, A.D. 60);
Seeing the miracles at the time of his death, the governor's wife, Maximilla,
became a believer and she helped to bury the body with all of the
honor befitting the Apostle. James (James The son of Zebedee and Salomee (she
was related to St.Mary) is from Zebulun tribe and is from Bethsaida. He is known
as James the Great to distinguish him from James the Less, or James the
brother of the Lord (also called by Eusebius James the Just). He worked in
Judea, Samaria, Spain and back to Judea.   There he was put to death by the
order of Agrippa I, who ruled between AD 41 to AD 44. He was a grandson of Herod
and  Mariamne, and son of Aristobulus. The guard who was with him believed his
witness and St. Clement of Alexandria says that both the guard and the apostles
were killed together. Encyclopedia Britannica says he was buried at Compostela
in Spain (9th Ed vol 13 Page 32). Another tradition, the
relics of the Apostle are kept in the church of St- Saturnin at Toulouse
(France).
==============================================================================
From the Desk of the Moderators

This is based on the interpretation of Kaniyamparmabil achan. We withheld the
name of the member who posts this message as per his request.

Church history:

Parumala kochu' thirumeni.  Isn't he a great saint that we all repect and bow
to? He has submitted an oath ( SHALMOOTHO) in which "Angadi Muttathottil  Paulo
varid" - who is the great grand father" of Mr.  MT  Paul - former church
secretory of indian orthodox church - was a witness.  This oath was  witnessed
by the "pauo varid" and registered in  parur  regstrar office.  This great saint
has written

1st para

"Before the Almighty Living God, before His holy angels, and before this
altar—the Holy of Holies of God's Mysteries, and before the holiness of the
primal head of Syrians in the four quarters of East India and Malayalam reigning
on the Apostolic Throne of Antioch, Patros the Third, our blessed father and
God's High Priest Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius, I pledge thus"

Again the saint father in 6th para

" It is just that I abide in obedience at all times, as I am indebted, to the
high priesthood of the Honorable Patros the Third, Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatios,
who is firmly seated in Apostolic faith on the Apostolic Throne of Antioch, as
the primordial Patriarch of the Syrians of Antioch and all the East including
India and Malayalam. At all times I will abide in obedience to you accepting
your commandments. I will never ever deviate, less or more, left or right, from
your words, canonical decisions, firm commandments and ways. I fully agree that
this pledge of mine is true to the pledges of our father Abraham, Is-haaq, and
Yaqob"

Again in the  8th paragraph

"My weak selves will never, at any day, violate the decisions, rules, and canon
laws particularly noted in this declaration as well as those omitted from this
declaration for brevity but stated here as the many other canon laws, decisions,
rules, practices, and customs of the Jacobite Syrians, any commandments of Your
Holiness or those of the Patriarchs who will be in this position over the times
publicly or in private, and conduct or encourage, do or persuade to do, speak or
incite speech, help or promote, agree or persuade any conduct, deeds or speech,
in opposition to or disapproval to such commandments, and never detract from or
depart from these commandments or oppose or be silent and never join other ways
opposed to the faith of the Jacobite Syrians or do anything or accept anything
opposed to the customs of our Syrian Church, or ever believe in any doctrine
contrary to those of the three Holy Synods. If indeed I do, as were Satan and
Cain cursed by God, I will be accursed and execrated from the mouths of God, the
head of the Apostles, Apostle Patros, and his eleven brothers"

Paragraph  9

"if I modify or alter this document that I have written myself of my own
volition or any of the pledges stated above, it is just that Your Holiness
proclaim that I am fraudulent, so that no one trusts my word. "

[ Read full here
http://sor.cua.edu/Personage/MGregoriusGChathuruthil/18761216shalmootho.html]

Paul Philipose
St. Ignatious SOC
Dallas
Member ID # 0901
============================================================================
Author: Rev. Dr. Curian Kaniyamparabil achan
Taken from : Sunday vision , Puthupady, Muvattupuzha
              Or  sunday_vision@...

Aramaic - the language of Jesus
Carina Hägg, Sweden, SOC, den 30 oktober 2004

Motion for a resolution presented by Mrs Carina Hägg and others

Aramaic is best known as the language Jesus spoke. It is a Semitic language
originating in the middle Eufrates. In 800-600 BC it spread from there to Syria
and Mesopotamia. The oldest preserved inscriptions are from this period and
written in Old Aramaic. In the Persian Empire, Aramaic became one of the
official languages, today known as Biblical Aramaic. The Arabic texts in the Old
Testament are in Biblical Aramaic. And Peshitta is a Bible translation from ca
100-200 AD.

After the birth of Christ, Aramaic dialects were used as a literary language by
Jews, Christians and Gnostic groups. These dialects are still used as a
liturgical language by Jews, by Christians who refer to themselves as Assyrians,
Syrians, Chaldeans and Nestorians, and by Mandeans. The dialects are grouped in
West Aramaic and East Aramaic branches.

After the Muslim conquest Aramaic declined as a spoken language and was replaced
by Arabic. Today, four versions of Aramaic are spoken by some 3,000,000
speakers: Turabdinic, Urmic and Neo-Mandean, based on East Aramaic dialects, and
the language of Maaloula in Syria, which has its roots in a West Aramaic
dialect. Only Urmic and Assyrian are written languages. The Aramaic script is
based on a version of the Phoenician alphabet. Both Hebrew and Arabic scripts
are developments of the Aramaic script.

Studies of Aramaic are important in linguistics and philosophy, but are also
relevant to other disciplines in the humanities such as history, cultural
studies, comparative religion and comparative literature. But in its regions of
origin the language is currently facing the threat of extinction. An enquiry is
urgently needed into the status and condition of the language and the support it
requires in order to develop and survive.

In recent decades, immigrant communities have taken the Aramaic language and its
traditions with them to a number of countries, but at the same time the original
language groups have been thinned out and the transmission of these traditions
to new generations has been made more difficult. The language is important both
as a form of communication and as a tradition for those groups whose native
tongue it is. In addition, the language is of great significance for theological
studies in the fields of Judaism, the early Christian Church and Islam.
Currently, however, Aramaic has no "home", there is no centre with
responsibility for the language. It requires responsibility and cooperation
between countries and seats of learning, and a dialogue with the language groups
concerned to be able to develop the written language and ensure that the!
language survives.

Source:
http://www.noturo.com/default.aspx?node=&modID=readnews&aid=260&katid=12&cat=new\
s

Rousing welcome was given to the visiting Catholicos of India, H.B. Baselious
Thomas I, at Vienna, the capital of Austria.  The Catholicos, who arrived at
Vienna on Wednesday, 10th November, was received at the airport V.I.P. Lounge by
H.G. Julius Yeshu Cicek, the European Diocesan Metropolitan of the Syrian
Orthodox Church, Vienna St. Ephraim Church Vicar Prof. Dr. Iydne Cor Episcopa,
St. Mary’s Church Vicar Fr. Dr. Biji Markose, St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s Church
vicar Fr. Sami and the parishioners. Later the Catholicos and the accompanying
delegation were taken to the palace of Vienna Archbishop, where His Beatitude
will be staying during the visit period.

The Catholicos will be delivering a speech at Hoffburg on 11th November, where
H.B. is attending a felicitation meeting arranged in H.B.’s honour by the
Pro-Oriente.  Later, His Beatitude will be visiting the Nazi concentration camp
at ‘Mouth House’ and will offer prayers for the dead.

On 12th November, the Catholicos will attend as the chief guest at the fund
raising programme for the refurbishment of the Vienna Central Cathedral Stephens
Dome Church.  Vienna Arch Bishop Dr. Christopher Shernbroon is arranging a
dinner reception to the Catholicos on the same day.

The Catholicos and the accompanying Bishop H.G. Dr. Kuriakose Mor Theophilos
will deliver speeches at the ecumenical retreat, organized by the St. Mary’s
Church on Saturday, 13th November.  All parishioners and vicars of the nearby
churches in Vienna will attend the retreat.  On Sunday, 14th November, the
Catholicos will celebrate the Holy Qurbono at St. Mary’s Church and later will
attend the reception meeting arranged in H.B.’s honour.  Pro-Oriente President
Dr. Johan Marte will be the chief guest for this meeting and WCC Austrian
Chapter President Prof. Glexnor, The Austrian Social & Cultural Affairs Ministry
representative Dr. Vernor and Catholic Community Vicar Fr. Dr. Thomas
Thandappali will deliver felicitation messages.

His Beatitude will return to Germany on Monday, 15th November.  During the
European visit of the Catholicos, the European Diocesan Bishop of Malankara
Jacobite Syrian Church H.G. Dr. Kuriakose Mor Theophilos will be accompanying
His Beatitude.

Source:
Johnson Vazhalanickal
St.Mary's Syrian Orthodox Congregation Vienna
http://www.stmarysvienna.org/

The Church is an earthly heaven in which the super-celestial God dwells and
walks about. It represents the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ:
it is glorified more than the tabernacle of the witness of Moses, in which are
the mercy-seat and the Holy of Holies. It is prefigured in the patriarchs,
foretold by the prophets, founded in the apostles, adorned by the hierarchies,
and fulfilled in the martyrs."

St. Germanus of Constantinople.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be
filled." Matt. 5:6

Dear Moderators

Now H.G.Julius Cicek, Archbishop of middle Europe is also here with Bava. He has
asked me to let u know his high appreciations of the Forum. He reads it everyday
at 6.30 am.!! He says that it is really spiritual and informative. He asks me to
send his apostolic blessings to the Forum.

H.G. prays that your service to the church in this way may flourish more.

With Love and Prayers
Fr.Dr.Biji Chirathilattu , Vicar
St.Mary's Syrian Orthodox Congregation
Vienna, Austria
Web:http://www.stmarysvienna.org
Member ID # 0925

Dear Moderators

Here is one sugestion for the Universal Syriac Orthodox e-Magazine - "THE ROCK"

With prayers.

Shaji Peter
St. George Syrian Orthodox Church Spring Valley, New York
St.Ignatious Jacobite Syrian Church, Vazhamuttom East. Pathanamthitta
Member ID # 0926

Dear Moderator,

I suggest a name for our E-Magazine namely "E-SYRIAN KUDUMBA VISION"

With best wishes,

Saju Varghese
St.Peters, New Delhi (Eastern Cathedral of the Patriarch of Antioch)
St.Thomas Church, N.Parur
Member ID # 0895

Dear All Members,

Please find the attached link is the Encyclopedia of the Antiochan Throne.
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Ignatius%20of%20Antioch
Please click the link above and learn

Regards
Prakash George
St.Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Chruch
Thiruvanchoor, Kottayam Diocese
SAMAJAM (St.Mary’s Jacobite Movement)
Eastern Province
Member ID # 0923

Mor Adai study centre is now promoting the readers to join the book club in
which a member is entitled to get books worth Rs.300/- by post in India every
year provided he deposits Rs.1000/- with the centre. As long as he keeps this
deposit he continues this privilege.

At present the following books are available in this scheme,

1. Perumpilly Thirumeni, Malankara Sabhayude Kal Noottandu, Kuriakose
Corepiscopa Moolayil pp.315,Rs.150/-
2. Jeevante Appam,A Study on the Holy Eucharist, Kriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil,
pp.120 Rs.15/-
3. Four Historic Documents, Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil, Ed.pp.192 Rs.150/-
4. The Indian Church of St.Thomas by E.M.Philip pp.396,Rs.200/-
5. Sathya Viswasa padanangal, Kuriakose Corepiscopa and Rev.Dr.George Mathew
Nalunnakkal, pp116, Rs.40/-
6. Kazchapadukal, Rev.Dr.George Mathew Nalunnakkal pp106, Rs.40/-
7. Suriyani Sabha, Malayalam translation of the book by H.H.Ignatius Yacoob 111
pp. 394, Rs 200.00/-
8. Eucharistic Service of the Jacobites , Kadavil Poulose Mor Athanasius
Metropolitan.
9. English translation and Malayalam Text of the Common Prayers of the Jacobites
for ordinary days and lent days. Rs.25/- Pages 176
10. English translation of Morning prayers for Sundays in the Syriac tunes by
Kurian Corepiscopa Kanianparampil , Pages 38. Rs.10/-
11. Malayalathulla Suriyani Christianikalude Sabah charithram.By Pukadiyil Itoop
Writer.3rd Edition Edited by Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil  Price Rs.200($20)
12.Slaiheeka Sandarsanam: Vivadangalum Visadeekarangalum by Kuriakose
Corepiscopa Moolayil Price. 25/-

This offer is valid only for orders in India. For overseas rates  for Book club
Membership and Director Board Membership please contact by email. Please send
orders with DD payable at Changanaserry in favour of or by M.O.to

MOR ADAI STUDY CENTRE BOOK CLUB
CHEERANCHIRA
CHANGANASERRY
KERALA 686 106
INDIA

Please add Rs.50/- for cheques.

Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil
moolelachen@...
Director, Mor Adai Study Centre &
Vicar, St.George J.S.O.Church, Chicago
Member ID 0175

Chapter 4 ;  Lesson 9
=======================

St. John

Son of  Zebedee and Salome and brother of James. He was also a disciple of John
the Baptist. When St. John said,  "Look, the Lamb of God, it is believed that
John is the one who went St. Andrew following Jesus. The two brothers received
from Christ the honorable title of Boanerges, i.e. "sons of thunder" (Mark3:
17).  There are numerous references about him in the epistles. Apart form that
he went to Ephesus (Asia Minor) exercised his apostolic office in various
provinces there. He appointed Paulose Thimothious (Paul Timothy) as the
episcopes of  Ephesus.

He established churches in Pargamos, Philadelphia, Lavodesia, and Smyrna.

Mor Jacob of  Sroog says that he ministered in  Antioch too.  During the
prosecution of Emperor   Dalmatian (AD 81-96) the Apostle's  banishment to Rome
and after a lot of persecution to Patmos Islands next. He came back up Ephesus
in AD 96. By that time Timothy had died when John was evidently an old man in
Ephesus, he had to be carried to the church in the arms of his disciples.

At these meetings, he was accustomed to say no more than, "Little children, love
one another!"   After a time, the disciples wearied at always hearing the same
words, asked, "Master, why do you always say this?"
"It is the Lord's command," was his reply.  "And if this alone be done, it is
enough!" [While John was living in Ephesus, John had with him Mary, the mother
of Jesus]

He wrote his epistle in Greek in AD 98-99 against heretics who denied the
Godhood of Jesus Christ.

New Testament books accredited to John are the Gospel of John, along with 1st,
2nd and 3rd John and revelations.
==============================================================================
From the Desk of the Moderators

This is based on the interpretation of Kaniyamparmabil achan. We withheld the
name of the member who posts this message as per his request.

Isn't this  oath history?  Isn't this saint saying "syrian church all over the
world?".  Isn't he saying Patirarch of  Antioch is the authority of that church?

( So the managing commitee members and the bishops should know the history ?)

kochu thirumeni writes
"primordial Patriarch of the Syrians of Antioch and all the East including India
and Malayalam."

AND

"primal head of Syrians in the four quarters of East India and Malayalam".

Doesn't this mean  universal syrain church?

Again ... ( see next posting)

Paul Philipose
St. Ignatious SOC
Dallas
Member ID # 0901
============================================================================
Author: Rev. Dr. Curian Kaniyamparabil achan
Taken from : Sunday vision , Puthupady, Muvattupuzha
              Or  sunday_vision@...

Mrs. Aeliyamma Chandy(95), wife of late Mr. Chandy Koduvasseril and the sister
of our late Mannakkuzhiyil Cor Episcopa, left for the heavenly abode on Friday,
12th November 2004 at 4.30 AM.

Funeral services will commence at home around 8:00 AM on Saturday 13 th November
2004 and the funeral will be at St George Jacobite Church,Kidangannur
(Mezhuveli) at 9:00 AM

She is the grand mother of my friend and our forum member Mr. Jojo Thiruvalla.

May her soul rest on heavenly abode & we request to pray for her eternal rest in
the Almighty Lord.

In HIS Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Kerala, India.
Member ID # 0001

"If a man does not carry out the will and law of God 'in his inward parts', that
is, in his heart, he will not be able to carry them out easily in the outward
sphere of the senses either."

St. Hesychios the Priest.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's
sake." Psalms 23:3

Dear all,
sub: suggesting a name

I would like to suggest the name "Jacobite Voice' for the proposed e-magazine.

Regards

V.M.Thomas
St.Mary's J.S.O Church,Panambady,Kottayam
St Mary's Cathedral,Bangalore
Member ID # 0907

Few more pictures of the visit of H.B. Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselious Thomas I
in Göppingen, Germany is uploaded in our MSN photo gallery.
Please visit http://groups.msn.com/SOCM-FORUM/photosofcatholicabavasgerma.msnw

Source: Aslan Robert, Germany

Dear Moderators

Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping christian thoughts and syrian
traditions flourishing.

Mathen Abraham Kalukadavil
Secretary
St. Mary's Cathedral Manarcadu Kottayam
Member ID # 0924

Chapter 4 ;  Lesson 10

Looking at the call of the Lord for ministry

1. In Old Testament God called Jacob, Moses, David etc were shepherds. In NT
Peter etc were fisherman.  The commonalty was that in both cases just ordinary
people were selected.   The shepherds look after just one type of animal.  But
fisherman catches many types of fish.  In OT times were only for Jews but in NT
all types of people.

2. One who were called followed immediately eg: apart form the list above,
Mathew, John, Zakkai, Paul

3. But they had different personalities

4. They were also called for different reasons

a. God called Adam to remorse about his sins
b. God called Noah to be saved and to save others

c. God called Abraham
i. to separate ( Gen 12:1)
ii. submit to
iii. inherit ( Heb 11:8; Isa 51:2)

d. Called Moses to lead His people  ( Acts 7:34)
e. God called Prophets to convey the prophecy to people

f. Lord called Apostles
i. to be with
ii.to spread His words ( Mat 4:18)
iii. to serve Him (Mat 4:18-22; 9:9; Mark 1:16,17; 2:14; 3:13-19; Luke
5:27; 6:13-15; John 15:16)

g. Lord called Martha and Marcum to comfort
h. Lord called Jerusalem for repent.
i. Lord calls even today.  But no one hears. There is music and speech, but no
one hears

St. Christotom says " Those who come to Lord should  discard  three things 1)
worldly acts  ( the net )  2) worldly things  ( the boat )  3) The family (
father ).  They  discarded their  boat to  lead the church    To become every
ones spiritual fathers, they left their own father too.

==============================================================================
From the Desk of the Moderators

This is based on the interpretation of Kaniyamparmabil achan. We withheld the
name of the member who posts this message as per his request.

There is a book in  Koratti seminary which is used in the ordination of priests.
This book was hand written by Kochu thirument and presented to "Valiya
Thirumeni" while he was  Rabban and helped "Kochu Thirumeni" in building
"Parumala" seminary. Later this was with  Mor Paulose Sevarious.  It is written
in Aramiach- hand written by  Parumala Thiurmeni.  Any one knowledgeable of
Syriac can read it.

" ( name of the church ) thhos  oosanthiyod  koors  yo  sleehayo  dandthukya" ( 
for the ____ church under the apostolic See of Antioch ).

So didn't the holy father believe that Malankara was under See of Antioch?

They ( IO Managing commitee) might be thinking that church history means the
only one writeen by Z M Parettu!  That might be the reason why they had to say
such mistakes that "there is nothing like universal syrian church"

Next ...
What does the three "Padiyolas" saying?

Paul Philipose
St. Ignatious SOC
Dallas
Member ID # 0901
============================================================================
Author: Rev. Dr. Curian Kaniyamparabil achan
Taken from : Sunday vision , Puthupady, Muvattupuzha
              Or  sunday_vision@...

Commander T.O. Aleyas Trustee to the Knanaya Community based in India issued
Legal Notice to the Government of India demanding to prohibit the Film -'Passion
of Christ ' in India. An International conspiracy prima-facie seems in this
Film.

The persecution of Jesus shown in this Film as disproportionably high and the
resurrection is shown only in symbolically and the hidden message is
resurrection is only a myth.

The disproportional suffering and persecution of Jesus Christ as shown in the
film could not be tolerated more than two hours by a human body. It is
exorbitantly enlarged to make an animosity against Jews as a conspiracy with
Arabs.

According to the traditional belief the thief crucified in the right side of the
Jesus a good man, but in the Film it is shown opposite and this attempt is to
attack the traditional belief of the Church.

According to the Bible Judas attempted for suicide and miserably failed by the
breakage of rope in which he hang and he fell down. His stomach busted and died
only after the death of Jesus. It is a matter of deep theology connected with
the salvation of dead before Christ. Here it is shown the attempt of Judas as a
direct suicide and immediate death. This is against Bible.

But many words seen spoken by Jesus and other Jews shown in the films Persian
language. But Jesus spoke only Aramaic. We seriously doubt this is for
sanctifying the Arabic to show that Jesus also use to spoke Persian and Arabic.

Most of the Arab countries especially Turkey totally banned showing Christian
films. But all these countries are giving much reception for this film and it
may also by a conspiracy.

The Producer of Film claims that this is the story of last 24 hours of Jesus.
However the flash back shown in the Film about Carpentry work of Jesus for a
table etc. does not have any biblical references and it is shown purposely to
establish that Jesus was a mere Carpenter. Deliberately Mel Gibson avoided any
flash back about the wonder works done by Jesus to establish that there was no
supernatural powers exercised in his Preaching Ministry. The message of the film
is a pathetic assassination of a poor carpenter.

The producers further claims that several people got repentance by viewing this
film . It is totally unsustainable statements . Jesus clearly state on the way
to the Golgotha '' Jerusalem daughters why you cry? Don't cry for me. You cry
for yourselves and your children " It means Jesus does not like sympathy towards
his sufferings. Sympathetical tears will not sustain longer and it has no use.
Jesus deserves only the tears of repentence about the sins of the people. So any
sympathetical tears in respect of the persecution of Jesus in this Film has no
relevance and it is not worthy and not longstanding.

This Film contribute only denigration to the traditional belief, litergy, and
biblical facts as well as historical facts and hence I here by protest.

With Regards,

Commander T. O. Aleyas
TRUSTEE, KNANAYA COMMUNITY, INDIA
Member ID # 0922

Vigils and fasts and acts of mercy are the methods advocated by the saints to
attain the spiritual life... But they must not stand alone, nor must the
Christian put his trust in them. Humility must have faith for its principle, and
fasting be combined with charity, that is, feed the hungry, give water to the
thirsty, clothe the naked ... etc."

St. Basil the Great.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary
edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."  Ephesians 4:29

Shlom lekh bthoolto Mariam (Hail O Virgin Mary)
Maliath taibootho (full of grace,)
moran a'amekh (the Lord is with thee)
mbarakhto at bneshey (blessed art thou among women,)
wambarakhoo feero dabkharsekh yeshue(and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus)
O qadeeshto Mariam (Holy Mary,)
yoldath aloho (Mother of God,)
saloy hlofain hatoyeh (pray for us sinners,)
hosho wabsho'ath mawtan (now and at the hour of our death.)

Amin.(Amen.)

Dear Patrons, Members, Readers and Well-wishers,

By the extreme Grace of God; Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church Forum
(SOCM-FORUM) is 4 years old today, November 15th. We place our heart-felt thanks
at HIS Feet.

This forum, started by two firm believers from Malankara Jacobite Syriac
Orthodox Church;  from the land where Holy Gospel is totally prohibited, to
defend the church and its faith against the intensive efforts by false words and
wrong allegations made by some who wanted to spread confusion among the
Malankara Syrian Orthodox faithful and others.

Though started with a humble five; it has grown and reached around 1,700+
members; from all over the world. There are children, youth, laity, clergy and
bishops from almost all Oriental Orthodox Churches in the SOCM Forum.

People from all walks of life viz. the members of our church and the members of
sister churches also actively participate in it. The Forum is now moderated by
six (6) faithful from different parts of the world.

May our efforts and works be blessed and be fruitful to bring peace within our
Church and be helpful to prevail the Truth.

The mission of our Forum is to educate the young and old to live in the true
faith of Syrian Orthodox Church, as handed over to us by our forefathers. As
part of it, we encourage our members to express their doubts, views etc. in
Church affairs and faith, which will eventually lead to healthy discussions
among our members.

It is our vision that the Forum will eventually become an integral tool for
dispersing Syriac Orthodox Church’s true faith and will contribute to the spread
of the Gospel among unheard.  In order to achieve this goal, as informed earlier
through the Forum, we intend to publish an e-magazine in the near future.  It is
also our ambition to promote an e-learning course in Bible Study, Church history
and Orthodox faith, starting from an authenticated source, which will lead the
participants to obtain a diploma/degree, upon its completion.

Let HIS name be glorified through all these collective efforts, let us now
re-submit and re-dedicate ourselves at HIS Feet.

Again, we thank you for your continued co-operation, patronage, support and
participation.

Please remember and keep all of us in your prayers.

Be with us and be part of us.

In Our Lord’s Love
Owners & Moderators
SOCM-FORUM

Dearly Beloved,

Congratulations to the Moderators of SOCM- Forum on the occasion of celebrating
the 4th Anniversary of the Forum. They have done a wonderful job these years by
organizing a common platform for our people to share their views and concerns
about the Church and its traditions. May God bless them and keep them encouraged
in keeping our faithful people all over the world, connected.

On this happy occasion I should thank all the participants who has been writing
valuable and informative articles in the Forum and engaged others in sharing
their Faith and Spiritual Thirst. Of course the personal views may change from
person to person. But this Forum prepares a platform to share those different
views and ideas which may produce good fruits, not only for the individual
persons but also for the whole Church.

Though I am not a regular writer in the Forum, I use to read most of the
articles in it. I  have saved many informative articles for the future use. I am
delighted to see our people becoming more and more engaged in the discussion and
getting more enriched. Our Church is badly in need of such people. So I would
request and encourage all to participate actively in the future discussions.

May God Bless You All,

In the service of our Lord,
Archbishop Mor Theethose Yeldho

Chapter 4 ;  Lesson 11

V24- 25 -fame spread through all Syria…. And there followed him great multitudes
from Galilee, and from the Ten Cities, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, and from
Judaea,  and from beyond the Jordan"

The cities like Syria, Galilee and Judea which are west of Jordan and Decapolis
and from beyond the Jordan" (ten cities) means all cities to the east of Jordan
also. Out of the ten Greek cities, expect for Damascus, all other cities were in
the east of Sea of Galilee. People here were not Jews. The width and length of
our Lords ministry is notable.

Synagogue.
=========

Synagogues were started as prayer houses during the time of exile. From
Babylonia this national system of synagogue worship was brought to Jerusalem
when Jews returned from Babylonian exile and it became a dominant organization
in Jewish society.  During the time of our Lord, it was in all cities and even
in the villages, which had at least 10 adult people.  It was mainly a liturgical
institution but it had judicial powers also. Elders administered it and chief
among them called `ruler of the synagogue' presided over the synagogue and its
services. (Luke 13; 14). It is this him who decided who should officiate the
services (Acts 13; 15). Another important person was `servant of the synagogue",
(hazzan) (Luke 4; 16;Acts 13:15) His responsibility was hand out the scrolls to
the readers and taught the children, enforce the decision of the elders. There
was another position called methúrgeman. He was responsible for translating the
scripture in Hebrew into Aramaic, which was the common language of the Jews.

The elders administered the spiritual and temporal matters of a region. They had
the power to  `cast out ` a person. (Luke 6:22) and flag a person (Matthew
10:17; 2 Cori 4:24).  The priests administered the Jerusalem temple while in
local synagogues it was by the layman. There were five parts in the synagogue
service.

1. The Shema' is made up of Deut., 6:, 4-9; 11 13-21; Num.,15:, 37-41 -- two
opening blessings for morning and evening, one closing blessing for morning and
two for evening
2. Reading from the books of Moses (Torah)
3. The reading from the Prophets (The Prophets)
4. Scripture lesson
5. The Prayer.  The "ruler of the synagogue" will decide on the people to speak.
That is how our Lord and Apostle Paul spoke in the synagogue. (Luke 4:16; Acts
13:15).

There is also another type of liturgy.
1) every one will stand up and recite the versus ( Duet 6:4-9; 11:13-20; Numbers
15:3-11)
2) Then  praising the Lord
3) One person will pray loud for all the people
4) One will read the book of  laws
5) One person will speak sitting
6) Last a priest ( if absent one person ) will recite the blessing  which Moses
said ( Numbers 6:24-26)[ translator: more reading on liturgy of
http://www.philthompson.net/pages/library/synagogueliturgy.html
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14379b.htm]
==============================================================================
From the Desk of the Moderators

This is based on the interpretation of Kaniyamparmabil achan. We withheld the
name of the member who posts this message as per his request.

Reading: From the Gospel according to St. Luke 1: 5-25.

Dear and Respected Brethren,

The Holy Church has named this Sunday as the Parents’ day, the day specially
dedicated to honor our parents and elders. This Biblical portion is quite
familiar to all. Still let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to grant us
something fresh for our spiritual nourishment. Verse 5 gives us detailed
information of the family background, especially about the roots of the father
and mother of St. John the Baptist. They both belonged to noble families. In
verse 6 we listen that they both were righteous before God. Let us try to divide
verse 6 into three parts for our study. 1) They both were righteous before God.
What is meant by righteousness? It literally means morally good or virtuous. The
Holy Bible gives the following answer for the above question.  In I Kings 9:4 we
read, “And if you will walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity
of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee,
and will keep my statutes and my judgments.” God tells King Solomon to follow
the paths adopted by his father King David in the matter of righteousness and
obedience. Genesis 5:22 introduce ‘Enoch’ who walked with God. In Genesis 6:9 we
read, “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his
generations and Noah walked with God.” In Genesis 17:1 we read, “And when Abram
was ninety nine the Lord appeared to Abram and said unto him, I am the Almighty
God: walk before me, and be perfect.” (For more references, kindly read I Kings
2:4, 3:6, 2 Kings 20:3, Psalms 16:8, 128:1, Micah 6:8, Malachi 2:6) From these
examples we come to the conclusion that walking with God or walking before God
is the real ighteousness. Now let us think what is the instruction given by our
Lord to keep up the righteousness. Our Lord offered his flesh and blood and
said, “Come and partake from this, if so you will have everlasting life”. We all
are called for the everlasting life in God and with God. The old Testament
Fathers were blessed to walk with or before God, whereas He has granted us a
very great opportunity of being in Him and living in Him. Now let us think how
many of us are really making use of it. Many of us might be regular churchgoers
and participants of the Holy Eucharist. How many of us could witness that we are
living in Lord Jesus or in other words Lord Jesus is living in me. We could and
we have to try hard for not losing the blessing granted to us free. When we
accept the Holy Eucharist, we must feel that Lord is coming to our lives and
from the very moment, we must submit ourselves for the complete disposal of God
Almighty.

I am not accusing anyone particularly or I am not claiming that I am perfect.
God alone knows my personal weaknesses. Kindly pray for me too. In fact are we
good enough to spell the very name of Lord Jesus? Still God is merciful to each
and every one of us. We live as we like and we do what we like and we speak what
we like. Where we are giving the utmost importance for God in our lives? We all
must think seriously and correct ourselves.

Secondly Zechariah and Elizabeth were walking in the commandments and ordinances
of the Lord. We all have been taught by the Holy Church to follow the Ten
Commandments, as well as the commandments of the Holy Church and the Church
Fathers. Blindly we might say we do follow them, but in reality how many of us
are doing justice to them. Let us all check us and do the needful for the
correction. In the modern world we are losing many of our good practices and
rituals. We lose them for ourselves as well as our young generations. When we
were in the joint family systems, grand parents of those days were keen in
teaching them to our growing ones. As we live separated from our Parents we must
take the responsibility of teaching our younger ones. Let our young ones be
trained in the prayer and righteous lives. Let them be associated with the
sacramental life. We should not avoid the chances available.

Thirdly they both were blameless. We might claim that we are the most decent
people on the earth. But God alone watches our thoughts, deeds and words. The
certificate (like he/she is pious and very Godly etc) of others might not be
cent percent correct. God’s certificate only could be considered in this aspect.
Let us try to be blameless before God. And if one feels that he or she is away
from God let him or her go to the priest with true repentance for a meaningful
confession. The Holy Bible projects Zechariah and Elizabeth as ideal couple. Let
our youngsters desire to be like them in their lives. In Verse 8 and 9 we read
about the appointment/selection of Zechariah as the one to execute the duty of
burning incense in the morning and evening. It is said that there were more than
3000 priests in the tribe of Levites in those days and all cannot go to execute
the duty at a time. 2 Chronicle 8:14 says about the system introduced by King
Solomon the wise. Kindly read Exodus 30:7-8, and I Samuel 2:28 to see the
instructions for burning the incense. It is true that we are taught to offer
incense during our morning and evening prayers, based on this practice. Verses
10-13 describes about the arrival of the angel from God. The angel said, “Your
prayer is heard”. We all do pray for different needs. Do we get a positive reply
like this? Why the prayer of old aged priest was heard? The answer is very
clear. He was righteous and blameless. The angel informed about the birth of a
son to Zechariah and said, “you shall have joy and gladness; and many shall
rejoice at his birth”. The young couple must desire for such a blessing. They
must long for it and pray for it. In vs. 18 Zechariah says, “Whereby shall I
know this? For I am an old man and my wife well stricken in years”.

We must note that his response was not at all in the negative sense. He was
blessed enough to handle the matter positively and patiently. We could also
follow his manner and attitude in our lives. In verse we find the thanksgiving
of Elizabeth. Likewise we must praise our Lord God who grants us plenty of
blessings and graces everyday.

May God bless us all.

Jose Kurian Puliyeril
St. George Orthodox Church
Abu Dhabi
Member ID # 0905

"The demons very much fear six virtues: 1) hunger, 2) thirst, 3) the Prayer of
Jesus, 4) the sign of the Cross, that is, he who makes the sign of the Cross
correctly upon himself, 5) frequent Communnion of the Most Pure Mysteries of
Christ, if one worthily communes, and 6) undoubting hope in God. There is
nothing more frightful than this weapon against the demons."
St. Paisius Velichkovsky.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this
bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which
I shall give for the life of the world." John 6:51