Dear Brothers,



Am a Jacobite follower from Kootthattukulam. The incident which happened last

day at Piravom chruch was really sad. In my previous mails also i mentioned that

Dr.Thomas Athanasiuos is creating trouble in Kandanad Dioceses. Am frankly

asking u brothers that is he a Methran or Bishop. Do that Bishop have any right

to enter that chruch? U just think about that. previously i also thought that

this bishop is a good person,day by day he s loosing his value among christians.

This bishop only for power sake shifted to orthodox faction. So he s telling

that no Jacobite believer has the right to stay under the Holy Throne of

Antioch. Wher ever he goes we have to follow him, thats what he is telling. Its

really cheap."Ente avasana raktham vare njjan thettinethire pooradum".



I suggest a clear clarification from SOCM moderators and our Kandanad Bishop

about this issue.



Regards,

Alex

# 2321

Regarding the Patriarchial Bull,We,the spiritual children are really blessed to

hear the exhotation about the birth of the Son of God from our Supreme Head of

Our Church



During the X mas period I was in Kerala, where most of the Syrian Christians

live But in my parish church the above bull was not read,probably because it

wasnot sent or received there.I am of the opinion that the Messages from the

Holy See on auspicious ocassions should be sent and read in all the churches

under him. This wiil help to have a very close relation with our head of Church

One reason to  keep away the folk from the main stream of the the Holy See was

the absence of such interaction ,which the Catholicose faction took advantage to

secure his position.



May through this column,invite the attention of HE Mor Athanasius, Patriarchal

Vicar For Indian Affairs,to permeate the blessings and the wise words of our

Moran to the laity for their wisdm and knoledge   With prayers on the Day of

Dhanha Perunnal



K K Abraham

Kottalil,Kottappady Kothamangalam

P O Box 2626 Doha Qatar

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

From the desk of the Moderator:



Please sign your messages with member ID. If not having a member ID, please send

your details including contact number to

moderators(SOCM-FORUM-owner@yahoogroups.com) and obtain a member ID before

posting any more messages in SOCM. Thank you for your cooperation.

Reading: From the Gospel of St. Matthew 4:12-22



Dear and Respected Brethren,



As far as we are concerned 6th, 7th and 8th of Jan are important days. The

Holy Church celebrated the feast of Denaha on 6th, 7th is the memorial day

of beheading of St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord, 8th is the

feast of the St. Stephen, the first martyr and first Deacon of the Holy

Apostolic Church, in addition to being the first Sunday after Denaha.. The

reading arranged by our Church Fathers for today’s meditation and study

after the observation of these important and significant feasts, is equally

important. For the feast to remember our Lord’s baptism we name them as

Denaha and Epiphany, either meaning ‘to shine’ or ‘the dawn’. But the

Orthodox Church Fathers prefer to name the feast as Theophany meaning the

manifestation of the Holy Trinity. The teaching seems to be more relevant

and impressive.



We all might think the reason why our Lord took baptism, as it is a process

to clean us from the sins. We all know that our Lord was sinless and in this

aspect we all do raise this doubt. Let us listen to the Holy Church. It

teaches 2-3 reasons why our Lord took baptism. 1) It was to purify all water

sources of this universe. During the prayers of the day we listen “thou have

come down to purify the water sources of the entire world by your

holiness..” The Holy Church believes and teaches that the whole water

sources of the world was purified and blessed when the blessed legs of our

Lord touched the water of river Jordan. 2) As our Lord was the Lamb of God

who bore the sins of the entire world,  it necessitated him to wash away the

sins of the world. 3) Lord acted as a role model for the entire humanity. It

is believed that the Baptism helps one to identify himself or herself with

the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. (Kindly refer Romans

chapter-6) The Holy Church offers prayers for the removal of darkness from

the faithful and the entire world and to install His divine, holy and

blessed brightness. We celebrate this feast as the feast of shining or

brightness since long, by generations after generations. Our customs

connected with the feast also reveal this truth. In Malankara, this feast is

known as ‘Rakkuli Perunnal’ and our elders used to take bath in rivers or

ponds in the night of the Perunnal day and hence it was called Rakkuli

Perunnal . (Meaning the feast of the bath at night) Another name given to

this feast in Kerala is Pindi Perunnal. Our faithful used to send lighted

candles or small lights on the stem of Banana plant, which would float on

water. The number of lights used to shine the water in the night.



Verse 15 of today’s reading says that the people in the darkness saw a great

light and the light provided hope to the ones who were in the shadow of

death and despair. St. Matthew establishes that the prophecy to the effect

have come true. If we do not accept the light in its uniqueness, we cannot

remove the darkness from our inner personality. Otherwise we would

deteriorate as symbols of darkness. Let us think since when we hear about

this divine light and we have experienced it several times. Let us make sure

that this divine light has entered into us and has occupied its place in us.

If not let us find the reason. It is needless to look for the reason. We are

responsible for it,  as we have closed the doors permanently against the

light from entering our inner part. Are we not singing the hymn ‘Velivu

Niranjoreesho nin velivaal… every week, systematically and in melodious

tunes? Are we able to store the message of the hymn in us? When we sing “Oh

Lord Jesus full of brightness, we see with your brightness, we must open our

inner doors and receive Him in us. Let Him stay in us and lead us, guide us

and bless us. Let us make a decision to make our worships, rituals,

traditions and faith more and more meaningful in our lives itself. Today’s

reading reminds us that our Lord started His public mission by addressing

the public and exhorting them to repent as the Kingdom of God is at hand.

(17th Verse) Unless and until we allow the real light to enter in us and in

our hearts, we will not be in a position to see our inside. When we would

look what are inside, we would come to know the sins which are deep rooted

in us. Let us not forget the fact that only through real repentance, we

could have the complete forgiveness of our sins.



In the following sentences of today’s reading, we find how our Lord called

St. Peter and

his brother St. Andrews and how they responded to the call. After a little

while when our Lord called St. James and his brother St. John, we find them

following our Lord, even after leaving away their father and all the worldly

riches. Our Lord is calling me and you too. Today He is calling for only one

thing. He wants to abide in us and wants us to open our hearts for Him. Are

we ready to accept His call? Kindly think and take a decision. May God bless

us all.



Jose Kurian Puliyeril.

Papal Message for the Feast of the Nativity

January 7, 2006



Peace on the Feast of the Nativity



We congratulate you my brethren on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, to Him

be all Glory.  We hope for you all on this Feast a joyous year, blessed by

God,and that He may bless the whole world.



And on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, we remember among its many meanings

that the angels sang saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and

goodwill towards men.” (Lk 2:14) Today, we hope that our contemplation will be

on peace, which God wills for Earth, especially as the world and every person

needs peace.



There are three types of peace which each person needs:  peace with God, peace

with people, and peace of heart.



Peace with God is that a person lives a life of righteousness and stays far from

all sin and evil.  Therefore sin is distance from God, and enmity from God and

disobedience of His commandments.  If man disobeys his God, man looses his

peace.



He who lives in peace with God has a pure heart.  And when we speak of peace

with God and of purity of heart, we do not imply that man should live in

righteousness against his will, but rather, true goodness is what the heart

seeks willingly, not that which is imposed on him.



He who lives in peace with God will naturally live in peace with others, as he

does not struggle with others, nor do others struggle with him, he will not fear

others, but love them.



We pray that peace will spread among people and that they may live far from

aggression, not encroaching on or abusing others.  The peaceful person does not

encroach on others, and if he is abused by another, bears with patience, and

pardons and forgives.  The Lord Jesus commands peace and tolerance, and the Holy

Bible says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” and also

“if your enemy is hungry, feed him; and if he is thirsty, give him a drink.”

(Rom. 12:20-21).



When your relationship with God is shaken, you lose your inner peace, and if

lusts and desires overcome you, you also lose your inner peace.  Thus to live in

peace, do not worry about tomorrow.



If you place your life in your own hands, you will be troubled; and if you place

your life in the hands of others, you will be troubled even more; but if you

believe that it is in the hands of God, you will find rest.



Those who believe in God’s planning for their lives, are not troubled, but live

continually with inner peace, which fills their hearts.  The person with peace

of heart, does not fear evil, for he says to the Lord as David the Prophet says,

“If I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (Ps 23:4)



The faithful person lives in peace, for God exists and acts and manages all, and

is the protector and the helper.  However, the one who has lost peace, even

imagines difficulties when they do not exist, and even though there is Divine

power surrounding him, he does not recognize it, and that is his great crisis.



If you have an accepted prayer, you shall live in peace, and you will feel that

since you have placed your troubles in prayer before God, and that He has

received your case and surrounds it with His abundant mercies, He will lift your

sufferings.



And in the beginning of this new year, we pray that God intervenes and solves

the problems of individuals and nations, even if they seem complicated and

unsolvable.  “For that which is impossible with men, is possible with God.”



May this year be a blessed one,



Pope Shenouda III

Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark

Coptic Orthodox Church

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

From the Desk of the Moderators



We wish all our Coptic brethren a very blessed holy feast and Merry Christmas

Dear members



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President

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Email: orders@...

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Dear all in Christ



The prayer subjects for the first Chain Prayer of this year (2nd Wednesday of

January 2006) is posted at the group file section.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/socmprayercell/files/. Please down load it.



God is miraculously answering our prayers.



Keep up the prayers earnest in faith.



He will bless you more when you pray for others.



Let us Pray together



Regards

SOCM PRAYER CELL

Mr. Saju Paulose,



Your message has hit a point in regards to accepting former bishops to the

mother church.  I was one of those who desired for Bishop Athanasius

(Moovattupuzha) to return back to our church, but after reading this recent

incident, I too wonder.  The picture of a bishop being led from a church by

police is disheartening.  My impressions of Mor Athanasius when he was with our

church was commendable.  He was seen as a pious man with little regard for

things of this world.  How this image has changed!



The Indian Orthodox Church must remember that this is one of their bishops. He

has been excommunicated by our Patriarch.  The actions of Mor Athanasius is a

reflection of the IOC.  If no action is taken, then they silently support him

and his ways.



But what I do not understand is how the Metran Kashi's of this church do not see

first-hand these actions of Mor Athansius and not think for a second, am I

taking the right stand?  Should I be associated with a church that has bishops

who force their way into parishes?



As the saying goes, action speaks louder than words.  And this action of Mor

Athanasius says much about this bishop and the faction he represents.



George Aramath

#0892

"Fortunate is the man who has these two loves in his heart, that for God and

that for his brethren. He surely has God; and whoever has God has every blessing

and does not bear to commit sin. Again, wretched is the man who does not have

these two loves. surely he has the devil and evil, and always sins. God, my

brethren, asks us to have these two loves. As He Himself says in His Holy

Gospel: `On these two commandments hang all the law and the Prophets.' Through

these two loves all the Saints of our Church, men and women, attained sainthood

and won Paradise."



St. Cosmas Aitolos.



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



"His glory is great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon

him." Psalms 21:5



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



Prayer Requests:

If you have an update on a prayer request, please let me know.



Please remember the following in your prayers:



M.E. and Family - Extreme Hardship.

Fr. Abraam.

S.Henin - Autoimmune Disease.

Megan - Hodgkins Lyphoma

Abouna A - Prostate Cancer

Judi & John - Son with Severe Developmental Disabilities

Anthony - Autism

Christina - Chronic Pain

Karen & Tony - Infertility

Steve - Cancer (fighting it for 10 years +)

Samiha - Dementia

Adly - Parkinson's Disease

Adly - Chronic Illness (paralyzed and bed-ridden for over 10 years)

The Christian Minority in Noshara, Pakistan.

Nancy - Glass went into her right eye.

R. Morgan - Heart surgery. Mr. Morgan is recovering nicely.

K. Hood - Cancer. Kerri had a successful surgery.

D. Arteaga - Surgery

Fadia - Breast Cancer.

Merna - 9 yrs old girl with brain hemorrhage - multiple skull fractures. Merna

is conscious and talking but apparently she  had lost hearing in one ear. She is

doing better overall.

Tara - Systematic Lupus and financial and family problems

J.David - Depression,School,Drug problems, needs God's Guidance.

George k - Cancer

Frances - Brain Tumor

Delaney - 8 mon. old baby, hospitalized with severe burns and possible limb

amputation.

Peter, Bishoy and Neveen - healing from the loss of both their parents.

Alber - Cancer

K - Depression, anxiety, addiction, pride and spiritual estrangement

E. Tawadros - Guide her to the right path and grant her wish.

Andrew Eskander - car accident. Andrew is out of the hospital and is doing great

E. Sidhom - Cancer.

Adel Gendy - 10 years old with kidney failure, needs a kidney transplant.

Bernard - Various drug addiction problems

Joseph - Prostrate Cancer

Mary - Breast cancer

A.K Matthew - Colon Cancer

Enyat - severe diabetes.

Safwat - Kidney problems and Anxiety.

Samy - Bone cancer.

MS - Mercy, Comfort, Strength, Healing and Protection

AAM -- Love, Healing, Comfort, Strength, Support and Guidance

MM -- Love, Healing, Comfort, Strength, Support and Guidance

SE -- Love, Healing

GE -- Love, Comfort, Strength, Support, Guidance

Helen - severe epileptic seizures.

Stephan - 48 years old, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, stroke.

Scott - 4 months old baby desperately in need of a bone marrow donor.

Douglas McLead - Cancer and kidney failure.

Mrs. McLead - Parkinson disease.

Fr Benjamin, Photini, Marina, Miriam, Moses.

Nicholas - constant back pain.

Michael - 9 years old boy with a progressive brain tumor.

Sarah - Back problems and might need an operation soon.

Mayrvat and her 3 kids. She has been separated from her kids.

Elizabeth - bi-polar disease and other problems.

Fr. Constantine S. Palassis - suffers from symptoms of dementia.

Heidy - Depression and other problems.

Esther - Intestinal problems.

Nick - chemotherapy.

Sue S. - Advanced Cancer.

Helen P. - severe depression and diabetes.

Pamela P. - chronic depression and financial difficulties.

Shafika - kidney failure.

Mary Beth - Obesity & Diabetes.

Jean - Neurological back problems.

Therese - Emotional problems.

Reggie - Cancer.

Detra - Stress related health problems.

Walter Sr. - Depression.

Denise I. - Breast Cancer.

Cuba Plain - cancer that is high up in the breast.

Zouhair - stomach cancer.

Magdy - brain tumor.

John Rittel - cancer of the lymph node and voice box.

Eugene - completion of immigration procedures and securing a job.

H. Adel - finish the immigration papers and preparation successfully.

E.Tawadros - Strength, Support, Guidance, wisdom and success.

Shareen - Stays out of trouble, gets closer to God, and Leads a pure life.

Madlen - Lost her husband in an accident. She has 2 children.

Mark H - MS

Mamdooh, Nahed, Marina and Cyril - May the will of The Lord be done.

M. Michael, C. Michael, M. Michael, R. Michael and family and friends.

M. M. Fayez.

R. Farouk's Family

The families and friends of the 3 teenage Christian Girls beheaded in Indonesia.

The mission of the Coptic Church in Africa and throughout the world.

ERA: The mission of the EgyptiansRelief.org in Egypt may God prosper all the

work done everywhere the service is.



The Christians in Egypt. "Blessed is Egypt My people." Isaiah 19:25



The Safety of our Beloved Patriarch, H.H. Pope Shenouda III.



Please remember me in your prayers.



Please pray for the peace of the world.



"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Bahrain St. Peter's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church witnessed an emotional

farewell to its outgoing Vicar Fr. Shyjan Kuriakose, who left Bahrain on 8th

January, after a three year period in Bahrain.  Fr. Shyjan, who is from Nenmeni

near Sultan Batheri, belongs to Malabar Diocese and  took charge of Bahrain

parish on 1st January 2003.  He was fortunate to receive the Patriarch of

Antioch & All the East H H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas in the same year, when HH

arrived in Bahrain to attend the Church's Silver Jubilee celebrations.  In

December 2005 he led a group of parishioners on a pilgrimage trip to Damascus

and Holy Land; and in Jerusalem, he was fortunate to celebrate the Holy Mass at

St. Mark's House, also known as the "Upper House", where the Apostles received

the Holy Spirit.



A farewell for Fr. Shyjan Kuriakose and reception to the new vicar Fr. Rijo

Joseph Kochukunnel, was held at the Church on 1st January 2006, which was

attended by the former Undersecretary at Ministry of Islamic Affairs Sh. Khalifa

Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Bahraini Arab Christian Community leader Mr. Yousuf Haider

and a prominent Syrian Orthodox Christian Dr. Fawaz Is-haq.  Sh. Khalifa

recalled the brotherly relationship he maintained with Fr. Shyjan Kuriakose and

extended such relationship to the new Vicar Fr. Rijo Joseph.



The Kerala Christian Ecumenical Council (K.C.E.C) and YMCA Bahrain Chapter also

bid farewell to Fr. Shyjan Kuriakose.



The new Vicar Fr. Rijo Joseph is from Mulleringad, in Idukki district and

belongs to Ankamali diocese.  He was the Vicar of St. Thomas Jacobite Church at

Mazhuvannor, when he left for Bahrain to tak up the new position.



Chev. Thomas Abraham - Bahrain

Member Id No: 879

http://groups.msn.com/BahrainSt-PetersJacobiteSyrianOrthodoxChurch

http://www.socdigest.org/

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF ECUMENICAL COLLABORATION AND

INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE IN THE MIDDLE EAST



After the meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in Damascus on

10th of December 2005, in the context of an interview, His Holiness Aram I

underscored the importance of giving a new push to the ecumenical action and

Christian-Muslim collaboration in the Middle East.



Here are excerpts from the interview:



Question:

This is the 8th time that the three spiritual Heads of the Oriental Orthodox

Churches meet. How you describe the importance of these meetings at these

critical times of the history of the Middle East?



Answer:

This is the annual regular meeting of the spiritual leaders of the three

Churches. We started this process in 1996 at the Armenian Catholicosate of

Cilicia, in Antelias, Lebanon, and since then we meet every year to pray, to

reflect and act together. As churches, confessing the same faith, having the

same doctrinal position, sharing common traditions and values, it is important

that we reaffirm our unity and together explore the best ways of articulating it

vis-à-vis the new challenges and concerns facing our churches. If you look at

the Common Declaration that we just issued, you will certainly realize this

concern of making our unity of faith as a source of joint action and growing

engagement in the service of our people.



Question:

As your Holiness said, the Christian unity must become a source of joint action;

how you see that in a practical way?



Answer:

Unity is not a conceptual notion. As a gift of God it must become a living

reality in the life of the Church. Unity is not an end. The Church is a

missionary reality, the goal of the Church is to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ

to the world. Therefore, unity must be seen in a missionary perspective. Our

Churches are called to translate unity into missionary involvement through their

evangelistic, educational and pastoral work. These are vital for the witness of

the Church. Our Churches, irrespective of the cultural diversities, are

developing close collaboration in these areas.



Question:

How you evaluate the present state of ecumenism in general and in the Middle

East in particular?



Answer:

I consider the present juncture of ecumenical history as one of transition.

Transitional periods may be full of hopes and uncertainties. This is also true

for the ecumenical movement as it tries to respond to new challenges of the

present day world. The “reconfiguration process” that the World Council of

Churches started, will, with the participation of the Roman Catholic Church and

regional councils and ecumenical partners, address the imperatives of new times

by re-articulating the ecumenical vision and discerning the path which the

ecumenical movement must follow. As for the Middle East, I want to emphasize

that more than at any time, at this critical moment of the history of this

region, we need ecumenism like our daily bread. Ecumenism for the churches in

the Middle East is basically being together, praying and working together. The

sense of togetherness, irrespective our ecclesiological and theological

differences, must be given tangible expression. Unity is a source of strength.

The churches in the Middle East, empowered by the Holy Spirit, must continue

their common witness. The very purpose of our gathering as Head of Churches is

precisely to make unity a living reality in the life of our people.



Question:

Your Holiness, you have always emphasized the importance of Christian-Muslim

dialogue. In your Common Declaration you refer to the dialogue as a priority.



Answer:

I consider inter-religious dialogue a vital priority for all churches and the

ecumenical movement at large. In order to face responsibly the problems and the

challenges of the world, religions must work together. The religions must

provide moral and spiritual values and guidance to societies. In order to combat

terrorism and overcome violence in its various forms, as well as racism and

injustice, religions must act together. Indeed, the role of religion is crucial;

it is also ambiguous. The misuse of religions may generate violence and

conflict. Religion is a source of peace with justice. It is a source of hope and

reconciliation. We must deepen and strengthen the true vocation of religion.



Question:

You frequently refer in your interventions and speeches to “peace with justice.”

What do you understand by this expression?



Answer:

Peace is an essential element of Christian faith. The incarnation of God is

described by the Gospel as the coming of peace to the earth. Our Lord Jesus

Christ laid a particular emphasize on peace. Being Christian means being

peacemaker. Justice is inseparable from peace. Justice and peace are

inter-connected; they condition each other. Justice was dominant in the

teachings of Christ. Therefore, doing justice is also integral to Christian

faith and vocation. I believe that working for peace with justice must become a

top and urgent priority for all religions. The inter-religious dialogue must

help and challenge all religions to embark on this important process.

Suryoyo Satellite Television to Begin Broadcast in March

Reported by Afram Barryakoub, Zinda correspondent in Sweden



(ZNDA: Stockholm)  A new satellite TV channel is planning to broadcast test

images as early as March 2006.  “Bahro Suryoyo TV” will be financially supported

by various Syriac organizations in Europe.  These include the Syriac federations

in represented by the Syriac Universal Alliance. The Syrian Orthodox Church will

also be producing programs and support the programming of the Bahro Suryoyo TV.



Headquartered in Södertälje, Sweden, Bahro Suryoyo TV is most likely launched

via the Hotbird satellite.



According to Mr Fuat Demir, a member of the preparatory committee, Bahro Suryoyo

TV is not aiming to compete with the other Suryoyo satellite television - Suroyo

TV: "We have nothing against Suroyo TV; in fact we will have some cooperation

with Suroyo TV. We believe that this will lead only to constructive competition,

since both channels will have to sharpen up in order to attract viewers."

Intensive work is currently underway and there are many meetings and

preparations.



When the Syriac Federation of Sweden placed an advertisement on their homepage

asking people who have media skills to apply, more than forty persons called in,

of which 25 turned out to have media related studies at the university level.



At a preparatory meeting in Germany on 10 December it was unanimously decided

that Bahro Suryoyo channel will “ build on the legitimate base of the Syriac

language, that is Aramaic, the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Syriac culture and

its traditions”.



Bahro Suryoyo TV will broadcast worldwide, 7 days-24 hours a day. Fuat Demir

acknowledges the difficulty to fill all available time with programs: "We will

concentrate on drama shows since our people are longing for such kind of

entertainment in our own language. The hours we can’t fill with programs will be

filled with music, but our Assyrian and Chaldean brothers are welcome to use the

time we can’t fill with programs."

"Don''t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think.

Then you will always be able to determine what God really wats - what is good,

pleasing, and perfect" [Rom. 12:2].



This is what I read today. A thought provoking verse from the Apostle of

Gentiles, written to the Church in the mighty empire of Rome. Today around us,

we can seen people preach to change the faith of the masses with beautiful

oratory skills, offer of worldy pleasure and fame, freedom from slavery etc. We

are trying to be too good and lenient towards the people who put all these

offers, and allow our children to get along with them. These youngsters would

not see any difference in their prayers, their practices and attracted towards

the organised and systematic way of an orchestrated dragon net. If you resist to

their designs you will be termed as heretic. It is better to realize that if any

new found dogma outlived two generations atleast, it will be difficult to put

out the same, and that is how new groups among the Christians are flourishing in

thousands, the latest may be the one we see amongst us in Malankara.



Even before the dawn of the 3rd millennium people thought the other way. It is

not like that they want to practice what they think fit, but drag others

forcefully towards the ideology they believed better suited to get sympathy and

support from the earthly rulers. Here it would be nice to remember why

Israelites have been asked to kill all the gentiles in Canan. All knowing God

realised that it will be easy to become prey to the gentile thoughts and

practices of the people who were in Canan, if the Isralites occupy the land, and

hence they have been commanded to act accordingly. If the Good Samaritan thought

like the parisee and the priest, he would not have been lucky to be called as a

Good neighbour.



But todays world is different. Those who stick on to their belief will be mocked

and stamped like heretics. We should realise that the way the world thinks and

acts is contrary to the Word of God. It is destroying you, me and our children.

Do not let the wrld dictate your life anymore. As a faithful we should learn to

think for ourself and for our children and family. Let the Word of God guide and

mould our thinking in the ordinary ways of life. The Holy Bible is not just a

spiritual guide to heaven, it is a light to your path and a lamp to your feet on

the dusty roads of this world.



I am not forgeting the word of our Lord "to love your enemy", but to point out a

danger the next generation of ours will face, and equest

all to keep a vigil against the people who are around us not to drag our younger

generation towards their ideas.



With best wishes,

Yours in His Love,

CJ Varughese

Member ID# 1012

Matrimonial Digest / 0002-06



Dear members



We do not take or assume any responsibility for the particulars

given by the advertiser. Concerned parties are encouraged to verify

the particulars. As per the request of some advertisers we withheld

the contact details and will forward any reply to the advertiser for

further personal contact.



Please read the successful stories of the matrimonial advertisement

in the SOCM forum at



http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/6505

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/4384



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 037/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Orthodox parents residing in USA invite proposals for their daughter

who is 31 Years old; green card holder from professionally qualified

boys from any Christian denomination who would like to immigrate to

USA. She is born & brought up in kerala, very pretty, goodlooking,

5’7” tall & slightly disabled. Interested parties please respond

with your details & a recent photograph to this address vivaham06@...



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 036/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Proposals invited for orthodox girl,24yrs,164 cms,MBBS.Father

working

abroad,but legally separated since 8 yrs.Mother working in Govt

service.Only brother studying for BTech.Proposals invited from

doctors

only.If interested contact at ashbluelark05@...



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 035/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Suitable alliance invited for a God-fearing orthodox girl

26years, Height : 153, Complexsion : Fair, M B A in HR & Marketing

(dual specialization) Languages Known: Malayalam, Hindi& English.

Working in a stock & share broking company.

Parish : St. Mary's Orthodox Church ( Kottayam Cheriyapally )

Father : Mr Bose Punnathra, Business man

Mother : Ms.Susan Bose,Rtd. Deputy DEMO.

Siblings : Two



The proposed girl is the one among twins the elder one married and

working as a teacher in a CBSE school Kottayam and younger sister is

persuing engineering in Calicut government college.



our prefferance for goom - should well qualified and employed, have

good moral values.



If interested please respond with your son's details with recent

photo to bosepunnathra@...



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 035/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Suitable proposals invited from parents of boys between

26 & 30 for a fair, thin, humble and God fearing girl,

M.P.E., MPhill., (Rank holder)



She is 172 Cms., DOB March 1981 & She is working in a

Kuwait Private School. Proposed girl is very soft spoken,

modest and is a Sunday School Teacher. Father a Jacobite

Priest, Mother a Housewife, Only younger sister studying

for B.Sc., Nursing.



Prefer boys to be qualified, well behaved and with clean habits,

from middle class Jacobite families, working in India or abroad.

Preference is for boys working in Kuwait



Please send proposals with maximum details in first e-mail to

raajuissac@...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 034/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jacobite parents, middle class family, invite proposals for their

daughter, B. Pharm, MBA, 26/158, medium complexion, God fearing,

employed in a multinational pharmaceutical company in Chennai,

from parents of professionally qualified or postgraduates well

employed Jacobite/Orthodox boys.



Interested may contact on Email: johnmercy@...



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 032/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Suitable alliance invited for a God fearing orthodox girl MBA

(HR&Marketing)25/153/fair. Now working in a leading stock and share

company.The girl belongs from an ancient orthodox family at Kottayam.



Her father is a business man and mother Rtd Deputy DEMO and two

sisters.Elder sister got married and younger is perusing engineering.



The boy should be god fearing,loving,caring,good mannered and

professionally qualified(Engineering/MBA/any)working in India/abroad.

If interested please contact the girl's father by

bosepunnathra@...



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 030/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Suitable alliance invited for a God-fearing Jacobite boy from Chelad

Kothamangalam], working with a leading Fashion brand, managing

Retail Operations in Mumbai. Age:28y Complexion:Wheatish

Height:180cms or 5ft 11inches Weight:73kgs Family:Moderate. His

father is working as a Dy.Manager with a MNC in Cochin. Mother, a

house-wife. Younger brother pursuing his graduation from Mar

Athanasius College, Kothamangalam.



Interested parents may contact paul.live@...



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 029/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Proposals invited for a well settled Jacobite boy belonging to an

ancient family. The proposed boy is a Mechanical Engineer working in

a leading Multinational trading company. The boy is 27years,175cms,

fair,God- fearing and with clean habits.



We are looking for a fair, good looking, homely God-fearing girl

from a good Jacobite family.



If interested please contact : email : tioman_78@...



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 027/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jacobite parents invite remarriage proposals for their

daughter/white&fair/28/152cm/M.com, DCA. Recordical proof only

existed for the first marriage and the court declared the same as

null and void. Please contact by e-mail with details at at

simiraj@...



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 026/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Suitable alliance invited for a God fearing Jacobite Girl, Working

in UK, as staff nurse she is in25, 5.4?, 59 KG, will be coming by

middle of April. Her father is a retired teacher; an active member

of church, Mother is housewife and one brother, working in Delhi.

The boy should be God fearing, fair, caring, having good manners and

preferably from the medical background (BPT or any other).



Interested parents may please contact at basilpaul@...;

basilpaulk@... , 9818730557 04842678110 (K.K Paulose)



+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 024/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Suitable alliance invited for a God fearing Jacobite boy, B.Sc

Computer Science, 29,5'8",63 kg, fair,working in Riyadh, Saudi

Arabia. The boy hails from a well-known family at Kundara, Kollam.

His father is a retired Supt. in Court, mother Rtd. State

Coordinator in Rural Dept. One elder brother doing Business and one

elder sister got married. Interested parents may contact

joby007in@... or Thomas Abraham, +966 1 4885339 or

+9660507432962



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 023/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Suitable alliance invited for a jacobite Girl, 22 years, 164cm,slim,

M.com final. Parents in Saudi Arabia. Family belongs to Angamally

Diocese. Interested parents may contact vvmvvm2003@...



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 021/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Looking for a good boy computer professional/engineer from a middle

class family from kerala preferably cochin orthodox/jacobite aged

over 28 for our second daughter aged 27 MCA slim good looking.

interested persons may wish to contact at george_kunju@...

giving the details with code # MP-021/04.



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 020/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++



JacobiteChristian parents settled in Canada invite proposals for

their daughter, 28 years old, fair, slim 5;5''tall with very high

moral value. she is working after finishing masters in chemical

engineering. Proposals are invited from parents of well educated

boys from any christian denomination in North America. Please e-mail

thomekurian@... giving the details with code # MP-020/04.



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 019/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Jacobite parents seeking alliance for their beautiful daughter

31yrs, height 5.6'' postgraduate teacher in a public school. Born

and brought up outside kerala. Parents settled in Angamally. The boy

should be God fearing educated & employed. Preferance will be given

to boys working outside Kerala. Please contact on

mcsm53@... giving the details.



Please contact on mcsm53@... giving the details with code # MP-

019/04.



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 017/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Suitable alliance is invited for a jacobite deacon,age 31, 5ft 5inch

B.A.,B.Ed.,B.D., M.Th., at present doing research work in university

of Toronto, canada)teaching in the seminary. family background:

father, senior corepiscopa in the church.mother house wife. one

elder sister, lecturer, got married and one younger brother

advocate. for more information, mail to me

kjpunnachalil@... or moderator_socm@... with code

# MP-017/04



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 016/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Suitable alliance invited for a God fearing Jacobite boy, B.E.

(Electrical & Electronics), 26, presently employed in Bangalore as

Electrical Engineer in a Consultancy firm. The boy hails from a well-

Known family at Kumarakom, Kottayam.



His father is a retired KSEB Sub Engineer, mother is Govt. UP school

headmistress and got one younger sister, who is married. The girl

should be God fearing, caring, having good manners and preferably

with B.Sc Nursing, employed (In India or abroad). Interested parties

may please contact the boy's uncle at monthiruvanchoor@...

or moderator_socm@... with code # MP-016/04



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 014/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Retired PWD Contractor's family (Jacobite, Middle Class, Ernakulam

District)invites suitable proposal from middle class Jacobite

parents of God fearing girls under 28, 5'1', 48 Kg, employed or

qualified to be employed (prefer teachers or lecturers) in or around

Ernakulam Dist. She has to look after home affairs as the brother

and sister of the boy to be working overseas.



Their son (32, 5'3" 55 Kg) is a Vet. surgeon in Kerala Government

Service, posted within few kilometers from home, fair, clean habits,

soft spoken, thin built and God fearing.



His has an elder brother and younger sister, both married.



Genuine enquiries may be posted to varkod@... or

moderator_socm@... with code # MP-014/04



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 013/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Jacobite parents from Ernakulam Dt.invites proposals to her

daughter, who is presently working at Bangalore. Educated and

employed Jacobite youths working at Bangalore are preferred. The

proposals to be made from middle class family. The boy should be God

fearing. The girl is 25 yrs of old, 5.3". She had Completed

B.Sc.maths and have GNIIT, (3 yr computer diploma)course

Certificate) please respond to eldhoshimmy@...> or

moderator_socm@... with code # MP-013/04



+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; code # 012/04

+++++++++++++++++++++++++



Proposals invited from parents of god fearing BSc nurses for a

handsome Jacobite boy, hailing from Kolencherry, 29/168 Graduate,

only son, working as Marketing Executive for a reputed Co. in

Kuwait, active in church matters and having family visa status. He

has two sisters and both of them are well settled. The girl will

have good job prospects in Kuwait.



Interested please respond to: yeljoseph@... or

moderator_socm@... with code # MP-012/04



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Matrimonial; Code # 011/04

++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Suitable alliance invited from Jacobite parents for a Jacobite girl

24 years/161 cm),fair,smart and God-fearing,B-tech with MBA,working

in a leading firm in Techno-Park,Trivandrum.



Please respond to thomasvt@... or moderator_socm@...

with code # MP-011/04



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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@... with code # MP-006/04



++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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,

mediumcomplexion, 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@... with code # MP-003/04

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!



"It is not free will but `it is the Lord Who sets the captives free' (Ps.

145:7). It is not our own virtue but `it is the Lord Who lifts up those who were

laid low' (Ps. 145:8). It is not application to reading but `it is the Lord Who

gives wisdom to the blind.' It is not our cautiousness but 'it is the Lord Who

protects the stranger' (Ps. 145:9). It is not our endurance  but 'it is the Lord

Who raises or gives support to the fallen' (Ps. 144:14)."



St. John Cassian.



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



"Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I

will show the salvation of God." Psalms 50:23



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



Prayer Requests:



M.E. and Family - Extreme Hardship.



The Christians in Egypt. "Blessed is Egypt My people." Isaiah 19:25



The Safety of our Beloved Patriarch, H.H. Pope Shenouda III.



Please remember me in your prayers.



Please pray for the peace of the world.



"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

http://groups.msn.com/SOCM-FORUM/newsamparticles.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1\

62



Mangalam supremo M.C.Varghese is Pasess Away

Tuesday January 10 2006 00:00 IST

(New Indian Express)



KOTTAYAM: M.C.Varghese, 73, founder of Mangalam Group of Publications and chief

editor of Managalam daily passed away on Monday morning following a heart

attack.



The funeral will be held at Lourdes Forane Church cemetery at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

The body will be brought to the Mangalam headquarters at Choottuveli on Tuesday

at 1 p.m. from his house at Annankunnu, near here.



Varghese, who was suffering with multiple ailments for the past few months,

breathed his last at a private hospital by 8.30 am.



Varghese, who literally fought to carve a name in the Malayalam print media

using the language and thoughts of the masses, satiated the desire with a host

of products based on the highly successful Mangalam weekly.



Born to Chacko and Annamma of Mangalappally house, Iranjaal, near here, Varghese

was forced to stop his schooling after primary education but later got himself

trained in binding works from the Catholic Mission Press. He had worked for some

time in `Deepika' daily before launching the Mangalam monthly in 1969. In ten

years time, the magazine grew in popularity and attained a weekly format.



The amazing growth of Mangalam weekly, despite criticism that it pepped up the

sensuous cravings of the common readers, was such that it sent shivers down the

spine of acclaimed publishing houses with renowned traditions and reader

loyalty.



The circulation of Mangalam weekly touched 16 lakh in June, 1985 - a national

record which is unbroken even now.



Balamangalam and Kanyaka, children's and women's magazines respectively were

added to the Mangalam group in 1981 and 1983. Varghese's long-cherished dream to

launch a daily was realised on March 16, 1989. Maintaining his link with

commoners and the poor, the daily was rolled out at a price less than the

prevailing rates of other established vernacular dailies.



Even today, Mangalam is the low-priced among the Malayalam dailies and is being

published from four centres.



Cinema Mangalam, Muthu, Chithrakatha and Mangalam.com are the other publications

launched by the far-sighted printer and publisher.



His humble beginnings prompted him to organise mass weddings sans dowry for the

poor across the state, using the goodwill and contributions earned through his

publications. He also used the same strategy to build a cancer ward in the

Medical College hospital here.



Even while making rapid strides as a media giant, Varghese leapt into the field

of education. He set up educational institutions ranging from engineering

college, BEd and MEd colleges, higher secondary and residential schools within a

short span of time.



Several awards came his way for his notable contributions and unmatched

entrepreneurship. Fellow of the Association of Business Executives, England,

membership in the Kerala Press Academy, Muttathu Varkey Foundation were some of

the honours. He was also honoured with the Renuka Basava Prasasthi (2002),

Biotic award (2002), Rashtriya Vikas Rattan Gold Award (2003) and Madhyama

Ratnam (2003).



He is survived by wife Claramma, sons Sabu Varghese (managing editor, Mangalam

daily and Mangalam Group of Publications), Sajan Varghese (deputy managing

editor, Mangalam daily and Mangalam Group of Publications), Dr Saji Varghese

(director, Mangalam Hospital) and Biju Varghese (director, operations, Mangalam

Group of Publications). Mini Sabu Varghese, Sojo Sajan Varghese, Priya Saji

Varghese and Toshma Biju Varghese are his daughters-in-law.

Dear Bobby -



a) It is important to go back to the source in Syriac when such

doubts arise. The Syriac text of this hymn included in the Quqalya

of the departed is:



‛abdayk dashkheb ‛al sabrokh.

w-‛al tukhloneh daHnonokh.

qolok Hayo n‛eer enoon.

men qabré l-gaw fardayso



This is translated conforming to the Syriac meter below:

May Thy living voice awake

Thy servants, at rest in hope

and with trust in Thy mercy,

from the tombs to paradise.



It is the "fardayso" that has been translated as "udhyanam" in the

Malayalam translation. It is not ressurection/"udhanam".



In order to fit the Malayalam translation to the Syriac

meter, "udhyanam" has been used in other places as well. e.g.

"shuchiyotu shudhya besqudisha sparshichulla padangal

pookkudyana dwarangal vanavaroththu vasikkenam"



I wonder how "pookkudyana dwaram" is interpreted by those who sing

this every Sunday. The Syriac is very straightforward - "tar‛ay

fardayso" - which simply means "doors of paradise". The stanza would

be translated:

May the feet that stepped on the sanctuary,

with purity and sanctity,

step on the doors of paradise

and dwell among the angels.



b) I am not sure whether the translation "swargasthanaya pithave"

precedes "aakashangalil irikkunna ..." I understood the latter to be

the earlier translation which was improved upon for the reasons you

mention. I think though that while "aakasham" is literally "sky", it

also suggests "heaven" in some contexts. You are right

about "appam" - the term is "laHmo" - "bread".



c) Until recently, all Malayalam translations of the Nicene Creed

read "mamodisa onnu mathram". Recent translations as well as

practice has modified this to "orikkal mathram". I am not sure what

triggered this change. I hope somebody in Malankara can enlighten us

on the reason. Our congregation had requested a direction from our

Catholicate which however did not come; rather we got the impression

that either usage is fine. I think this is an issue of Malayalam

grammar. The translation should mean "one baptism for the remission

of sins". Here "baptism" is a noun and "one" is an adjective that

modifies the noun. "mamodisa onnu mathram" is gramatically

equivalent. "Orikkal" is an adverb. It would be appropriate as a

modifier for the verb form of "baptism" - "baptise". If the Nicene

creed stated, "baptise once for the remission of sins", this would

have been appropriate; but that is not the case. I may be flawed in

my thinking here and would love to hear of alternate opinions. Such

arguments not withstanding, if the Church hierarchy has concluded

that the long-standing translation "mamodisa onnu mathram" is

inaccurate, the laity should be directed properly through

encyclicals to effect the change across all Malankara parishes.



This brings up a related issue - the proliferation of inconsistent

liturgy translations. It appears that every parish of note has a

qurbono translation published. Some of the changes are well-

intentioned--to correct or improve upon the translation from the

early decades of the last century. But many of these editions are

carelessly compiled with several copyediting errors. More troubling

are the publications that mix Pentecostal style material with

liturgical texts of the Church. I think it is important that the

Church form a dedicated body for review and approval of liturgical

texts and prohibit the use of texts that do not meet standards.



Regards,

Thomas Joseph, Ph.D.

Web Master, Syriac Orthodox Resources [ http://sor.cua.edu/ ]

Tech. Editor, Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies [

http://bethmardutho.cua.edu/Hugoye/ ]

ID: 0202

Dear All,



The following is a prayer by a modern Pharisee during the Tuyobe Prayer in the

Altar:



"Almighty God, I am powerful enough to rule the people here. I have

knowledge to judge them. I am having great resources to spend for court

cases. Even if the people, who do not obey my commands have a will to

abandon me and my faithful flock of IOC, I will not let them go as was

done to the Isralites by the then Pharoh of Egypt. All the politicians

in this country are backing me. The bureaucrates, who really rule this

country obey me. I give them lavishly. I want all the Churches becaring

the name Syrian under my authority. I have got intelligent people to

spread the words and phrases which will suit us. Even I have bishops who

dare not to say anything, which was a taboo in the past. Even the

teaching of our Saint Gregorious, his Salmoosa and his obedience to the

Patriarch and Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church is becoming a taboo to

us. One day will change it as we wish. Even the "Mathasangathikal"

written by the founding father of this Church, we changed accordingly,

which will suit us. We even will try to change the Canons. Even the

first clause in our Constitution of 1934 is a hindrance to us. We want

to prove that we were not part of the Universal Syrian Church. We are in

the process of working on The Syrian Migration in AD 345 proving a

taboo. The Nicean Synod decision of puting all the Churches in the East

should be governed by the the Patriarch of Antioch is not acceptable to

us. Since we are St. Thomas Christians, we do not want to submit to the

any other authority. We do not need any Syrian tag, we are Indian

Orthodox. Even we are planning to change the name of our Church from

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church to Indian Orthodox Church. Now we feel

that convening of the first Malankara Syrian Christian Association by

the Patriarchese in AD 1875, and subsequent devision  of the Malankara

Church by the Patriarchese and also ordination of six or seven

Metropolitans for these dioceses are is not acceptable to me. We are not

like the other Jacobites. We will obstruct functioning of their

Churches. My Bishops will gate-crash into the Churches they own and

manage. It is not a sin, because all the Churches and other holdings are

owned by myself. I do not like anybody else to rule or govern. It is my

privilege. Even I will not allow anybody among my own people to question

me. I am the third successor who overthrew the predecessor. The Synod,

which I preside over will obey my orders. I want to be called as His

Holiness, I do not want anybody above me. I am Supreme, and I do not

like anybody to decide on my jurisdictional powers. As I wish anywhere

in world  I can  use my jurisdictional powers. I will order closure of

Churches, closure of room in Aramana, order Bishops to create problems

in the peaceful congregations. I can raise crores of not only Indian

rupees, even $. We pretend to stand for democracy, but do not want to

practice the rule by majority. Majority decisions even by the Supreme

Court of this nation was not acceptable. I just want obedience from all

my subordinates, because I am powerful, and am the High Priest sitting

in a throne. Accept my Tuyobo prayers. Even if you do not accept my

prayers, do not care. We do not like to this as Tuyobo, but in future we

will find a Malayalam or Sanskrit word of such prayers. Sanskrit being

an ancient Hindu Language, I prefer to get the naming done in Sanskrit.

Syriac starts with "S" and so also Sanskrit. Whether you like it or not

we will change it". Amen. "Oh!  I think "Amen" is also in Syriac"

"Kshama Karo".



Thank you,



CJ Varughese

Member ID# 1012

I thought about posting this entry.  Arguments similar to this have

been used before, so the truth must be known.



In the Indian Orthodox forum (#11860), Dr. M.S. Alexander wrote the following

about H.H.Moran Mar Baseliose Geevarughese 2nd (former Catholicos of Metran

Kashi), "His position in the Church is similar to that of Mahatma Gandhi in

India. Gandhigi is the father of India, and this Bava Thirumeny is the

Father of our Church. Both of them fought against foreign domination -

Gandhi against British, and Bava against the Patriarch of Antioch".



He later writes of H.H.Moran Mar Mathews 1st, "His position in the church

today is similar to that of Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru in India. Nehru had to

fight against the invasions from China and Pakistan to maintain the freedom

of India. This Bava had to fight against the Patriarch from Damascus, Syria,

and from his supporters inside India, the enemy within".



Now, come on, has history been tainted to this extent!  How can people

compare the Patriarch to the British?  In my memory, I never recall

Keralites by the hundreds of thousands protesting the Patriarch and his

actions?  I never recalled the Patriarch enslaving and murdering Keralites?

Even today, the FAR MAJORITY of people on both sides want peace within the

Church and continue its relations with the Patriarch.  Do we hear of India

wanting to rejoin with the British?



We must not forget the Syriac bishops and Patriarchs who have literally

given their lives to India.  This is a fact that NO ONE can deny.

Have there been any Catholicos of the Indian Orthodox Church who have died

for this independence movement?  No, because there was no reason for

it.  Persecution was not involved, only sinful desire for power and

authority.  The ones who have caused the united Syriac Orthodox Church to

divide should never be compared to Gandhi or Nehru.



How history gets twisted.  When we try to look at ecclesiastical matters in

the same light as politics, we have all failed.  Christianity crosses all

man-made barriers, no matter race or culture.  The Jacobite Syriac Orthodox

Church is a testament of how these barriers are forgotten because of the

commonality and unity that Jesus Christ brings.



George Aramath

# 0892

Dearly Esteemed Members,



I hope all are having a happy new year. As promised, the newsletter

and Bible Study for the Mor Gregorios Syrian Orthodox Student

Association of North America has been launched across the entire

Archdiocese and the world.



This web based platform is called RUHO ("spirit" or "wind" in

Syriac). All may access the content at http://ruho.org

Vol 2 # 1 is dated Jan 8th, 2006.



Throughout the year we will be conducting a Bible study on the Gospel

of Mathew written by scholars from our church. Via the "BLOG" link,

readers are encouraged to log their questions concerning the study

material. These questions will be answered by learned scholars and

then posted on the website for the everyone's benefit.



Please note that we are offering a $10,000 scholarship program in

conjuction with this study. Visit ruho.org for more details.



Other important sections of the website include an in depth study on

Christian disciplines, stories regarding present days martyrs for

Christ, a commentary on the Holy Qurbono, etc.



A new edition will be issued every two weeks. This edition focuses on

Mathew Ch. 1.



Your feedback is appreciated!



For the Ruho.org deployment committee,

Dn. Zach Varghese

ID 0970

New webpage of Piravom ValiyaPally:

http://www.syrianchurch.org/ch/PiravomChurch.htm



John Philip Kottapparambil

St. Joseph's Cathedral / Kallumkathra St. George Church

Kottayam

Member ID: 0898

Dear Abraham,



I really hope that the hierarchy of the Malankara Church pays

attention to this issue. From what I understand, the problem is the

timely translation of such encyclicals into Malayalam. In the past

when such encyclicals to Malankara were written in Syriac this was a

more significant issue. However, the Patriarchate now routinely

translates encyclicals intended for Malankara and diaspora into

English. I have no doubt that Malankara has no dearth of people who

can translate Patriarchal encyclicals from English to Malayalam.



Patriarchs have a long-standing tradition of sending an encylical to

parishes to be read on the Sunday of Cana before the Great Lent

begins. These tend to be lengthy but are very significant writings

calling the faithful to a proper observance of the lent. A

collection of lent encyclicals from our present Patriarch can be

found at http://sor.cua.edu/Personage/PZakka1/Encyclicals.html and

the Festschrift published by the Chicago St George Church on the

occasion of the consecration Jubilee last year. None of these were

read in any Malankara parish; the loss is ours, as anyone will

realize when they read these encyclicals.



In late 2005, His Holiness issued an encyclical admonishing Chor

Episcopos in Malankara and diaspora on the proper use of liturgical

vestments. It was read in the North American Malankara parishes, but

not in most Malankara parishes. However, it was expressly intended

to correct improper practices in Malankara; it is disappointing that

even such encyclicals from His Holiness are ignored.



I hope that volunteers from clergy or laity will come forth in

Malankara and offer services to the office of the Catholicos to do

timely translations of encyclicals which can be distributed through

regular channels as well as published on web sites. They will indeed

be doing a great service for the Church.



Thomas Joseph, Ph.D.

Web Master, Syriac Orthodox Resources [ http://sor.cua.edu/ ]

Tech. Editor, Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies [

http://bethmardutho.cua.edu/Hugoye/ ]

ID: 0202

"A man cannot receive spiritual knowledge except he be converted, and become as

a little child. For only then does he experience that delight which belongs to

the Kingdom of the Heavens. By `Kingdom of the Heavens' the Scriptures mean

spiritual divine vision. This cannot be found through the workings  of our

deliberations, but by grace it can be tasted. Until a man has been purified, he

is not even capable of hearing of it, for no one is able to acquire it by

instruction."



St. Isaac the Syrian.



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



"Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord From this time forth and forevermore!." Psalms

113:1-2



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



Prayer Requests:

If you have an update on a prayer request, please let me know.



Please remember the following in your prayers:



M.E. and Family - Extreme Hardship.

Kirollos - A baby hospitalized with possible meningitis.

Fr. Abraam.

S.Henin - Autoimmune Disease.

Megan - Hodgkins Lyphoma

Abouna A - Prostate Cancer

Judi & John - Son with Severe Developmental Disabilities

Anthony - Autism

Christina - Chronic Pain

Karen & Tony - Infertility

Steve - Cancer (fighting it for 10 years +)

Samiha - Dementia

Adly - Parkinson's Disease

Adly - Chronic Illness (paralyzed and bed-ridden for over 10 years)

The Christian Minority in Noshara, Pakistan.

Nancy - Glass went into her right eye.

R. Morgan - Heart surgery. Mr. Morgan is recovering nicely.

K. Hood - Cancer. Kerri had a successful surgery.

D. Arteaga - Surgery

Fadia - Breast Cancer.

Merna - 9 yrs old girl with brain hemorrhage - multiple skull fractures. Merna

is conscious and talking but apparently she  had lost hearing in one ear. She is

doing better overall.

Tara - Systematic Lupus and financial and family problems

J.David - Depression,School,Drug problems, needs God's Guidance.

George k - Cancer

Frances - Brain Tumor

Delaney - 8 mon. old baby, hospitalized with severe burns and possible limb

amputation.

Peter, Bishoy and Neveen - healing from the loss of both their parents.

Alber - Cancer

K - Depression, anxiety, addiction, pride and spiritual estrangement

E. Tawadros - Guide her to the right path and grant her wish.

Andrew Eskander - car accident. Andrew is out of the hospital and is doing great

E. Sidhom - Cancer.

Adel Gendy - 10 years old with kidney failure, needs a kidney transplant.

Bernard - Various drug addiction problems

Joseph - Prostrate Cancer

Mary - Breast cancer

A.K Matthew - Colon Cancer

Enyat - severe diabetes.

Safwat - Kidney problems and Anxiety.

Samy - Bone cancer.

MS - Mercy, Comfort, Strength, Healing and Protection

AAM -- Love, Healing, Comfort, Strength, Support and Guidance

MM -- Love, Healing, Comfort, Strength, Support and Guidance

SE -- Love, Healing

GE -- Love, Comfort, Strength, Support, Guidance

Helen - severe epileptic seizures.

Stephan - 48 years old, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, stroke.

Scott - 4 months old baby desperately in need of a bone marrow donor.

Douglas McLead - Cancer and kidney failure.

Mrs. McLead - Parkinson disease.

Fr Benjamin, Photini, Marina, Miriam, Moses.

Nicholas - constant back pain.

Michael - 9 years old boy with a progressive brain tumor.

Sarah - Back problems and might need an operation soon.

Mayrvat and her 3 kids. She has been separated from her kids.

Elizabeth - bi-polar disease and other problems.

Fr. Constantine S. Palassis - suffers from symptoms of dementia.

Heidy - Depression and other problems.

Esther - Intestinal problems.

Nick - chemotherapy.

Sue S. - Advanced Cancer.

Helen P. - severe depression and diabetes.

Pamela P. - chronic depression and financial difficulties.

Shafika - kidney failure.

Mary Beth - Obesity & Diabetes.

Jean - Neurological back problems.

Therese - Emotional problems.

Reggie - Cancer.

Detra - Stress related health problems.

Walter Sr. - Depression.

Denise I. - Breast Cancer.

Cuba Plain - cancer that is high up in the breast.

Zouhair - stomach cancer.

Magdy - brain tumor.

John Rittel - cancer of the lymph node and voice box.

Eugene - completion of immigration procedures and securing a job.

H. Adel - finish the immigration papers and preparation successfully.

E.Tawadros - Strength, Support, Guidance, wisdom and success.

Shareen - Stays out of trouble, gets closer to God, and Leads a pure life.

Madlen - Lost her husband in an accident. She has 2 children.

Mark H - MS

Mamdooh, Nahed, Marina and Cyril - May the will of The Lord be done.

M. Michael, C. Michael, M. Michael, R. Michael and family and friends.

M. M. Fayez.

R. Farouk's Family

The mission of the Coptic Church in Africa and throughout the world.

ERA: The mission of the EgyptiansRelief.org in Egypt may God prosper all the

work done everywhere the service is.



The Christians in Egypt. "Blessed is Egypt My people." Isaiah 19:25



Please remember me in your prayers.



Please pray for the peace of the world.



"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Consecration of the new ARAMANA of Kandanad Diocese  and the 5 th

Anniversery of H.G. Mor Ivanios Mathews's ( Metropolitan of Kandanad

Diocese) enthronement  will be celeberated on 15th January 2006 at

Baselios Paulose II Center, Kadakkanad ( Near Kadamattam Church ),

Muvattupuzha.

Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I and other Metropolitans of

church will attend this consecration ceremony. Catholicos,

Metropolitans and various other Religious and socio-political

leaders will also attend the public meeting held after the

consecration ceremony.

    This  aramana is a result of decation and hardwork of  Ivanios

thirumeni. Currently  he is concentrating on the construction of

the proposed 'Aswasbhavan', a retirement home for the aged, which is

coming up near the completed Aramana. Once completed, the

Aswasbhavan can accomodate 100 old aged people .The  First

floor of the Aswasbhavan is getting comleted soon. A large number of

devoties from india and abroad are generously helping thirumeni

acheiving his goal.

    I am happy to inform you all on this occassion that i  registered

new three domain names namely;

1)  http://bishopmathewsmorivanios.net

2)  http://kandanaddioces.org

3) http://aswasbhavan.org

    All the pages of these sites are under construction now. I hope

to make it online in a month. I invite everyone to help me with

sugestions and textual matters  so as to make these sites a fruitful

one.

    "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them

likewise." -- Luke 6:31



Anoop K Baby

Member ID # 1003

http://nellikkunnelpally.org

GREETINGS TO ALL,



"Let no opportunity pass by to break your pride. Humble yourself before God and

men, whenever the Spirit of God moves you to do so. For God grants grace to the

humble." 12/1



Saju C.Varghese

St.Peter's Cathedral, New Delhi

St.Thomas Church, N.Parur

Member ID: 0895

 

Dear  Mr Thomas,

   MayIappreciate the scholarly way you have expained the the genuine doubts of

the laity and agree with a common form and standard in the liturgical texts. I

prefer the the authorised version to be published by the seminaryand approved 

at least by H B the Catholicose

   Regarding the  PAPAMOCHANATHINU MAMODISA ONNU MATHRAM,This doubt was raised by

me about 40 years back to my Grand Father,Advocate (Late )Mr  K P Abraham

,Kottalil,who represented the Church cases in the 1940-58 period in the High

Court. , My question was then What about KUMBASSARAM. for the PAPAPARIHARAM

.Then he corrected me that ONNU is  ambigous ,the correct term should be

ORIKKALto make the idea clear.From that day onwards I use to  say ORIKKAL

MATHRAM.Now the church hasto officially make a Kalpana to this effect.Let our

REV Adai Achan study the point and recommed to our Bava for the orders



   Praise the LORD

   K K Abraham Kottalil,Kottappady Kothamangalam

...........................................................

From the desk of the Moderators:



Please sign your messages with member ID. If not having a member ID, please send

your details including contact number to

moderators(SOCM-FORUM-owner@yahoogroups.com) and obtain a member ID before

posting any more messages in SOCM. Thank you for your cooperation.

"Let us toil, carrying each other`s burdens, as Christ carried our diseases in

His body without flinching. If Christ is our master, then let us imitate Him and

bear His injuries, lest in the age to come we be separated from our brothers who

suffered afflictions. Such was also the fate of others because they wanted to

give themselves not to virtues but rather to vices."



St. Pachomius the Great.



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



"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand." Psalms

139:17-18



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



Prayer Requests:

If you have an update on a prayer request, please let me know.



Please remember the following in your prayers:



M.E. and Family - Extreme Hardship.

Kirollos - A baby hospitalized with possible meningitis.

Fr. Abraam.

S.Henin - Autoimmune Disease.

Magdy B - Cancer.



The Christians in Egypt. "Blessed is Egypt My people." Isaiah 19:25



Please remember me in your prayers.



Please pray for the peace of the world.



"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

   Dr Thomas Joseph's letter on 'Our Service Books' was interesting and

thoughtful.

   May I point out the following-

   1. In the hymn "Sthuthiyodu shudhya---" etc the third line is "Pukkudyana

Dwarangal" and not "Pookkudyana Dwarangal"  'Pukku' verb in Malayalam means

'reach'.

   2. About the usage  "mamodeesa onnumaatram" in the Nicea Creed, it seems to go

well with Ephesians 4-4/5 which is most often part of Sleeho reading in the holy

Qurbana. It says we have " one body, one soul, one Lord, one faith and one

baptism" etc ("oru mamodeesa") and one Father.

   Peace of the Lord be with us all.



By

Oommen Thomas,

Member id # 0994

As I was browsing the Parumala Church website

(http://www.parumalachurch.com/), I had this random thought.

Remember, this is the most famous church in the Metran Kashi.  It is

their jewel of churches mainly because our beloved thirumeni, Mor

Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil (Parumala Kochu Thirumeni), is

buried there.



Here's a very brief history on the church:

"On 13th Karkadakom 1047 the generous Arikupurath Mathen of Parumala

donated a plot of land of 30 Dandu to the Patriarch of Antioch. An

ordinary building was erected there for instructing deacons,

Chalapurath Yakob Kathanar (Remban) being the first Malpan. With the

taking charge of Mor Gregorios, its progress was beyond bounds."

(Source: http://www.syrianorthodoxarchdiocese.com/parumalach.html)



Now my interesting point...did you know to whom this church is

actually dedicated?  It's called St. Peter & St. Paul's Church.  How

coincidental?  Isn't it odd that many of us aren't aware of this?  Now

it's conveniently called "Parumala Church".  You will see no mention

of it's actual name.



Just a thought,

George Aramath

# 0892

The first issue for the year 2006 of Shroro - The Syriac Orthodox

Christian Digest is now online:



http://www.SocDigest.org



Your dedication to the faith has given birth to Shroro, and your love

and interest has made the tremendous growth in this magazine leading

to its immediate success.



We ask that you pray for us, so that we may better serve our

community's interests in coming years.



For & on behalf of

Shroro Editorial Board

 

1.  Indefinite fasting to begin on 22nd at Aluva, demanding the reopening of

Thrikkunnathu church and the tombs prior to the feast day of St. Athansius

Paulose (Valya Thirumeni).

http://www.geocities.com/malankaravoice11/20060113ThrikkDeep.htm



2.  The Episcopal Synod held at North Paravur St. Thomas church decided to

reorganize the various spiritual organizations in the Church at the parish

level.  -----  The H.Synod requested H.H. Patriarch, to give permission to

recite the name of St. Gregorios Abdul' Jaleel Bava (Paravur) in the 5th Tubden,

in all the Malankara churches.

http://www.geocities.com/malankaravoice11/20060113Mangal.htm



3.  The Church to form a 'Dalit forum';  To be named after St. Gregorios

(Parumala Thirumeni. ----- Pre-marriage counselling to be made compulsory in all

the dioceses.

http://www.geocities.com/malankaravoice11/20060113dalitMangal.htm



4.  Consecration of the new Kandand diocesan headquarters and the 130th

anniversary of the diocesan formation on 15th January.

http://www.geocities.com/malankaravoice11/20060113kandHQDee.htm



5. The annual Church youth festival starts on 14th at the St. John's church,

South Paravur.

http://www.geocities.com/malankaravoice11/20060113YouthFesDeep.htm







For more Links, visit:

http://www.geocities.com/malankaravoice11/news_section.htm

http://www.geocities.com/malankaravoice11