"It is true, therefore, that a man's life is not from his possessions, by reason
of his having a superfluity; but very blessed, and of glorious hope is he who is
rich towards God. And who is he? Evidently one who loveth not wealth, but virtue
rather, and to whom few things are sufficient; one whose hand is open to the
necessities of the indigent, comforting the sorrows of those in poverty,
according to his means, and the utmost of his power. It is he who gathers in the
storehouses that are above, and lays up treasures in heaven."

St. Cyril of Alexandria.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Be a father to orphans, and be like a husband to their mother; you will then be
like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother." 
Sirach 4:10

Beginning of the 8-day lent (Ettunoyambu)

The eight day lent period is not a canonical one for the Church but is observed
by the Syrian Christians in India and also in the Arabian countries. In our
“Thubden” we read that Mar Athanasius the great, in the synod of Ephesus in AD
341, pronounced Mother Mary, as the ‘Mother of God’, Virgin Mother etc. This
shows how much importance our Church bestows upon Mother Mary. We believe in her
intercessory prayers as well. All over the world we have so many churches
consecrated in her name.

There are different versions about the origin of the lent. -Ettunoyambu- as it
is called in Malayalam – on eight day lent from the 1st to the 8th of September.
The narration given below is by Bar Ebroyo, which seems more convincing.

In the sixth century, there was a town called Heera near Bazra, which was
predominantly a Christian township. The Caliph of Baghdad captured this town and
appointed a fanatic Muslim governor, who implemented the Caliph’s every dictum
with fervour. The Caliph was known to be cruel and had a weakness for beautiful
women. He was enamoured by the beauty and charm of the womenfolk of Heera and
decided to reach there in three days. The whole town was in agony. The chastity
and modesty of the womenfolk of Heera were at stake. The helpless and hapless
menfolk were in bewilderment as to how to tide over this fiery test.

At last they found refuge in Mother Mary and rushed to the church of St. Mary.
The priest declared an uncompromising lent for 3 days invoking the intercession
of Mother Mary. On the 3rd day, in the middle of the Holy Qurbono, a golden beam
of light flashed down from above, illuminated the sanctum sanctorum and then
spread to the whole church.

It is said that the priest had a vision of Mother Mary and also heard her
saying, “Do not be afraid; peace be to you – Rejoice. The Caliph is no more.
Tribulations are over”.

The priest then turned to the people and they could see an aura around the
priests face as he pronounced the message of the Mother. The whole congregation
praised the Lord and thanked Mother for her intercessory prayers.

The womenfolk then decided to observe a lent for 8 days i.e from the 1st to the
8th of September in commemoration of this event. They believed that Mother Mary
helped safeguard their chastity, modesty and dignity.

She is our Mother, who cares, helps and loves us and intercedes for us at all
times.

article by: Corepisopo Joseph Karippayil (Editorial, Vision, 2004)
-------------------------------------------
Posted by
John Philip K
St. Josephs Cathedral
Kottayam
# 0898

Solitude

Taken aside by Jesus,
To feel the touch of His hand;
To rest for a while in the shadow
Of the Rock in a weary land.

Taken aside by Jesus,
In the loneliness dark and drear,
Where no other comfort may reach me,
Than His voice to my heart so dear.

Taken aside by Jesus,
To be quite alone with Him,
To hear His wonderful tones of love

'Mid the silence and shadows dim.

Taken aside by Jesus,
Shall I shrink from the desert place;
When I hear as I never heard before,
And see Him 'face to face'?

May the grace of God be with you in everything you do.

Servant of Christ,
Ray Abdelmalek

Dear Moderators,

I had sent the following mail to IOC Forum, as a reply to a posting appeared
therein.  However, they didn't approved it for posting and hence request you to
kindly put it in your fourm, so that many members who read both forum postings
will get the message.

"This refers to Bro. Georgy's detailed description on the Syrian Patriarchates
in your forum, and the content in its footnote, wherein he quoted an article
from the Constitution of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

I have a doubt cropped up now on our election process for Catholicose and
Malankara Metropolitan. A few weeks ago there was a hue and cry in Mar
Macarios's pronouncement for the position of Catholicose & Malankara
Metropolitan designate's position. If all our Metropolitans are eligible for
this position, the hue and cry against Mar Macarios's announcement is
unwarranted. You can frame very good clauses in our Constitution, but always we
have seen some undercurrents while electing not only the Catholicose & Malankara
Metropolitan, but even a Metropolitan also. The most deserved will not find a
place in the final election. One thing we should remember, always the elected
one's have to keep the interest of their electorates, not to use their conscious
and conscience mind, and our late catholicose Ougen had to act against his will
and dishonoured the great position of Catholicose of the East. Unless and until
our Church is not guided by the Holy Spirit, whatsoever we outnumber any other
Church in head count or parish count, the final verdict is not in human hand,
but somewhere beyond his reach (One do not have surf anywhere in the internet
for better example for this, it is therein in the Holy Scripture - the Making of
Babel - and the pathetic end of that greatest human plan to reach high and his
quest to become EQUAL). Remember, one can belittle anybody by his speech, action
- but the truth will prevail till last.

In earlier times Mother's abandon their children, but in 20th and 21st century
it is children abandoning their Mother. I request learned Bro. Georgy to
understand that there is no doubt about the Mother Church in Malankara Church,
but a very few have it in their mind, and they are the trouble makers and
responsible for the current unrest in our ancient Church, planted by the Apostle
of India. It is my earnest request to the learned contributors not to confuse
the faithfuls, but to pray for enlightenment, and for guidance of the Holy
Spirit.

With prayers,
C.J Varughese
St. Mary's SO Church, Ahmedabad

Dear moderator,

Mr.J.Kurian has very well explained the hollowness of the said constitution.It
is only a weapon to be used against the  poor jacobites who did not draft a
consitution for them at that time for various reasons.

As rightly said the name of our savior is not mentioned as it is made" for the
mamon by mamon" - to grab church properties.

Many families in IOC, has grabed church properties care of the above set up.

Regards
V.M.Thomas
Member no.906
St Marys Jacobite church
Panambady
Kottayam.

Directory of SOC Clergy

Dear All in Christ
Barekmore / Shlomo

We, Malankara Jacobite Internet Platform (http://www.socmnet.org), Syriac
Orthodox Resources (http://www.sor.cua.edu) and Malankara Syriac Christian
Resource (http://www.syrianchurch.org/) together are compiling the following
informations to publish an online directory of Syriac orthodox Clergy.

Please note that this project is not based on any official church directives.

We request each and every one of our forum members to request all clergy you
know, to provide the informations on the following format along with a
photograph of the clergy, to soc.clergylist@... . If you are a third party
providing these informations, then you must have clear consent from clergy.

First Name:-
Middle Name:-
Last Name:-
Family Name:-

Nationality:-
Place of Birth:-
Date of Birth & Age:-
Present Diocese:-
Home parish:-
Present parish:-

Ordination date:
Ordained by:
Present Clergy Status:-
(Mzamrono / Qoruyo / Apodiakno / Mshamshono / Archdeacon/ Qashisho /
Sharwoyo  /Dayroyo / Rabban / Cor episcopos)

Do you have Professional and/or Decorative titles? Yes or No:-
If yes, what is the Profession? (Dr. / Eng. / Prof. etc):-

Email Id:-
Contact Tel. number:-
Postal address:-

Any additional information to be published on line:-

Be with us and be part of us

In HIS Love
Webmasters & Moderators

"Take courage my children, and cry out to God for help. He will rescue
you from oppression, from the power of your enemies" Baruch 4:21

A Discourse On The Annunciation Of The Most Holy Theotokos
By Saint Basil Of Seleucla
Translated by Fr. George Dion Dragas, Protopresbyter

Our difficulty in attempting to praise the Theotokos. i) Whosoever wishes to
praise the Holy Virgin, the Theotokos, will find great reasons for constructing
his praises. As for my part, however, being fully aware of my weakness, which is
insufficient for a proper response to the magnitude of the events, I remained
captive to my astonishment for a long time. I was like a man, weighed down with
a heavy load, who had been commanded to immerse himself into a vast ocean and
was in agony as to how he would afterwards get out of it. Being laden with my
sins, I am hesitant to attempt to speak about this matter, realizing that it is
a most crucial task, which only those purified in body and soul, i.e. those who
have been enriched with the dazzling light of the divine grace, can undertake.
I, however, am destitute of such boldness. My lips have not been cleansed with
the divine coal, as Isaiah did, who saw the Seraphim. Nor have I loosened the
sandals from the feet of my soul, as the divine Moses did.

To read more, please visit socmnet.org :
http://www.socmnet.org/Resource_Discourse_On_The_Annunciation%20.htm

Dear All,

   Few learned IOC veterans always redicule the Jacobite Church branding it as a
newly created one in 2002 at public meeting in Puthencruz. Rediculing an ancient
Church with such cheap allegations will not make any difference in  faithfuls
mind, they allegators themselves will fall from grace of being a members of this
ancient and Holy Church.  For educating such people may I seek permission of all
the Jacobite faithfuls to put forth the following extract from  a Judgment on
Case No.Civil Appeal No.267 of 1958, which will show some light on the subject.

   Para5: On March 4, 1879 on Mr. Joseph Dionysius claiming to be the properly
consecreated Metropolitan of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church and the
President of the Malankara Association filed a suit (OS No.439 of 1054) in the
Zill Court of Alleppey against one Mar Thomas Athanasius who claimed to have
been orained................  The conclusions arrived at by the majority of
Judges, as set forth in paragraph 347 of that judgment, were amongst others,
that the ecclesiastical supremacy of the See of Antioch over Jacobite Syrian
Christian Community and their Metropolitans; that the exercise of the supreme
power consisted in ordaining either directly or by duly authorised Delegates,
Metropolitans from time to time to manage the spiritual matters of the local
Church, in sending Morone to be used in the churches for baptismal and other
puroses and in general supervision over the spiritual government of the Church;
that the authority of the Patriarch had never extended to the government of
temporalities of the Church which, in this respect had been an idependent
Church; that the Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Church in Travancore should
be a native of Malabar consecreated by the Patriarch or by his duly authorised
Delegate and accepted by the people as their Metropolitan".

   Thanks and with prayers,
   CJ. Varughese
   Member ID 1012
   St. Mary's SO Church, Ahmedabad

Dear All,

It is indeed incorrect to interpret in wrong way about the Church's tradition of
respecting Yeldod Aloho. None of the orthodox christian would dare to utter a
half word against the mother of God. The greatness of St.Mary is that  mother
continues to pray to all in the universe including those who abuse her. I still
remember the sermon my father once made in our church in fiftees . "those who
deny Holy Mother Virgin Mary will cry from their tombs to Her Son for
forgiveness".

Late lamneted Mor Clemis thirumeni once spoke in manarcad pally "mathavu
dhaivalayam athre, mathavu manarcadu palliyum athre".

The holy sleehas dedicated the churches and thronos to Yeldod Aloho. I believe
the church continues that tradition even today. Any praise given to Mother will
not be enough if one carefully meditates her life. It is unfortunate that we
criticise St.Mary to attack denominations. Those who disagree with certain
administrative procedures of certain denominations shall not in any way throw
mud to Holy Mother. Because her prayer is the only refuge for us even at the
time of our departure from this earth's life.

Yeldod Aloho Pray for us sinners.

Dr.GeorgeK John, Sharjah
ID 0204

Dear Mike,

A word not spoken at the right time, is not a word at all. So reluctantly I am
forced to respond to you.  Blindly I can say that most people we are
e-accuainted with, follow both forums quite regularly. So the advise to check
the archives is really not necessary.

Dn Joel in the midst of a otherwise very good post, injected a bit of polemic.
Thinking objectively that was really not necessary. Anyway it is his call and
perhaps that was aimed at a specific audience.

Phil whom you call a known buttress, responded by asking him his sources. What
is so specifically wrong. It is perhaps only for the general edification of all.
I have had a chance to follow certain discussions on OC.net and Phil has behaved
more objectively and courteously than many others. perhaps some of the members
of this forum will acknowledge it when in a more generous state of mind.

I assure you that your  sarcasm has come across well. In the interests of
general peace and since my own intention is not to start bickering which you
seem to enjoy, I will not state certain elements in the praxis of the JSC which
seem to have been influenced by another church.

Orthodox praxis keeps evolving, our hierarchial robes, our liturgical books etc,
for ex surely St Iraenios and St Polycarpos surely did not dress like bishops
now a  days. I am sure the Syriac church has borrowed a lot from other churches,
Fr Dale Johnson has shown how Syriac monasticism was partly influenced by the
Rule of St Benedict of Nursia, would you then pay a copyright fee to the Pope
Bendict 16. Orthodox monasticism has been influenced greatly by St Makarios, St
Pachomios and St Anthony, do we then submit to the Pope in Alexandria. The
Armenian Church and the Ethiopian Church have benefited from the Syriac Church,
why dont you ask them to submit to Antioch. Frankly I dont think your claims of
rip-off etc have a point. They surely dont stand up to honest inquiry

Well if polemics is what you want then it is another story.

Similarly I dont get your fixation with Islam, perhaps because Islam is the no 1
enemy in the west, so you want to compare the MOSC to Islam.Well good then.

Again if you really want to make a point, you might have to study the Donatists
etc. But then that would not really assure best returns
would it.

If you feel we are in error, put in prayer or two, perhaps some good to both of
us will come out. As I said earlier sarcasm and hatred(even well disguised) will
get us nowhere.

Warmest regards,
C. Suraj Iype
#1208

Devotional thoughts for 3rd Sunday after the Assumption of St. Mary, Mother of
God. 03 Sept 06.

Reading: From the Gospel according to St. Matthew 17: 22-27

Dear and Respected Brethren,

We find a great mystery as revealed by Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior in the
first verse of today’s reading. Our Lord was in fact a truth which was hidden in
His mind till then. Two things are the important theme of today’s reading.
1) Revelation of our Lord about His betrayal, passion, death and the
resurrection.
2) Children are exempted from tax, still to be paid lest we should offend them.

In the Holy Gospels we find at many occasions our Lord was trying to reveal
about His passion, death and resurrection to his beloved disciples, but at many
of such occasions they could not grasp what their master meant. (See St. Matthew
16:21, St. Mark 8:31, 9:30, St. Luke 9:22) In verse 23 we read “And they were
exceeding sorry”. From this we could assume that they had attained something,
though not full, of the saying of their Master, as against the other occasions.

When our Lord and the disciples came to Capernaum, the tax (tribute money)
collectors came to St. Peter and asked “does not your master pay tribute? He
immediately replied, ‘yes’. (Verse 24-25) And when he came to the house, Lord
prevented him and taught a big lesson by asking a question, “What do you think,
Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute; of their own
children or strangers? In Exodus 30:13, we read about the tribute money. Half a
shekel was to be offered to the Sanctuary of the Lord by each and every
faithful. So also Exodus 38:26 also gives us idea of the tribute money. All the
faithful above the age of twenty years were supposed to offer half a shekel for
the expenses of the Sanctuary of the Lord. St. Peter only confessed the faith
that Lord Jesus is the son of living God. As sanctuary is the dwelling place of
God the Father, son of God is not supposed to bear the expenses of the
sanctuary. Here our Lord is establishing the truth of the Holy Trinity. When our
Lord asked the question to St. Peter ‘of whom do the kings of the earth take
tribute, of their own children or strangers, St. Peter answered soon, ‘from
strangers’. He answered in the same way our Lord wished and wanted. So our Lord
is saying, “Then the children are free.” Our Lord asked St. Peter to go to the
sea, and cast a hook and take up the fish that first comes up. Instead of
sending St. Peter for fishing, our Lord could have gained a coin by a miracle.
But still St. Peter was asked to do what he had practiced. In our daily lives
too, our Lord wants our own effort of our routine and usual practice prior to
granting our dreams true. Did St. Peter doubt our Lord’s command? No. That is
what we have to appreciate and highlight. If we were in his place, we would have
retorted, “Lord, are you going to teach me a new thing. Don’t you know for how
many years I have close connection with the sea and the fishes there?” St. Peter
cast the hook and caught the fish and found the coin inside the mouth of that
particular fish. (In the Sea of Galilee there are about twenty two types of
fishes now and the fish named after St. Peter is one among them. It is believed
that St. Peter had caught a fish of this type and from it he had achieved the
coin and hence that type of fish is called St. Peter’s fish. For more details of
this fish await for my travelogue in Orthodox Herald)

In verse 27 we read, “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, you go to the
sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish” We find almost a similar approach
of our Lord in St. Mark 12:17, when the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to catch
him in words. The incident of taking a coin from the mouth of a fish is really a
miracle. This is actually to teach us all that nothing is impossible to God
Almighty. St. Paul exhorts us not to offend. In I Corinthians 10:32 we read,
“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the gentiles, nor to the Church
of God.”

Let us try to avoid offending others.
May God bless us all.
Jose Kurian Puliyeril

Give Me Strength

If Satan's way I seek to go,
Lord, give me courage to tell him, "No."
Don't let my soul be led astray.
Please, give me strength for one more day.

And if I fall along the way,
Then lift me up, Oh Lord, I pray.
For, Satan's strong and I am weak.
Your tender mercies I will seek.

Your love is strong, your grace I need
When Satan makes my spirit bleed.
Give me strength, Oh Lord, I pray -
To fight this demon, day by day.

Satan's working overtime,
Trying his best to change my mind.
But if you'll help me, Lord, I know
His evil seeds will never grow.

For, you are mightier than the sword.
I've chosen you to be my Lord.
So give me strength, Oh God, I pray;
By standing in the devils way.

May the grace of God be with you in everything you do.

Servant of Christ,
Ray Abdelmalek

I earnestly desire to briefly ponder over and share with you the different
characters that played important roles in the first Christmas excluding Holy
Spirit. They are (1) Gabriel, the angel who unravels God’s plan of Incarnation,
Lk 1: 28. (2) Virgin Mary who receives and accepts God’s redemptive plan, Lk,
1:27. (3) Elizabeth, Virgin Mary’s relative who salutes and proclaims Mary as
“Mother of my Lord,” Lk 1:43. (4) Joseph, the just, betrothed husband of Mary,
Mat 1: 24. (5) Augustus Caesar, Emperor of Rome who decrees census, Lk 2:1-5.
(6) The Angels, Mat 1:20, Lk 2:10, Lk 2:13-14, Mat 2:13 Mat 2:19-20. (7)
Shepherds, who first witness the Divine Birth, Lk 2:15. (8) Star, which guided
wise men from the East, Mat 2:2. (9) Wise men from the East who worship the
Child Jesus and abide by the divine message, Mat 2:12. (10) Simeon, the just and
devout old man who takes up infant Jesus in his arms testifies that he saw the
salvation of the Lord and predicts that the child will be the light to the
gentiles and glory of Israel, Lk 2: 29-32. (11) Anna, the old prophetess who
upon seeing the infant Jesus glorifies God and speaks of Him to those looked for
the redemption of Jerusalem, Lk 2: 32-38. (12) Herod, the King who out of fear
and conceit shows interest to see the child and later orders infanticide, Mat
2:16. (13) Infants who are put to death by the royal decree, Mat 2:16. The
infants do not directly share in the process of incarnation. According to
venerable Church fathers, they are the first martyrs who inherited heaven for
the cause of Christ.

To read the rest of the article, please visit URL:
http://www.socmnet.org/Resource_About_StMary_and_the_1st_Xmas%20.htm

Fr John K K
# 0003

DEAR MEMBERS,

1. THE APPEALS FILED BY THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA HAS
BEEN ADJOURNED TO 20TH OF SEPTEMBER FROM 6TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2006.

2. THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IS GIVEN IN THE FOLLOWING SITE AND IT MAKES
COMPELLING READING.

http://www.srite.de/index?id=2&cikk=84

CHEV; P J PHILIP/ADVOCATE
MEMBERSHIP NO-E203

RE: Philip Oommen...

Personally, I like the idea that others are allowed to post in the forum--even
challenging the Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.  As the moderators noted,
challenges can be used to generate interesting and/or educational discussions.

BUT...

This guy had his chance.  Long ago when Philip Oommen started posting his drama
here in the forum, several of us gave him a spiritual body slam, compliments of
the power of the Holy Spirit.  As a result, Philip Oommen evaded responding to
our emails (I'm still awaiting replies from him!) and ran away, crying from
fright, only to surface weeks later making alternative claims.  His tactics are
not to dialogue, but to attack and run.

In the mean time, this guy has managed to bring up the same claims over and over
again.  This only serves to incite anger and frustration among many.  We'd be
better served directing our attention to more productive things besides this
sort of anger.

I stopped reading his messages a while ago; I think his time here on the forum
has come to an end.  Philoom... You're fired buddy.  Pack up your desk and get
out son.

Mike Wingert
0902

A well-known evangelist from Kerala, Rev. Fr Eldho Joseph Palakkunneel, is in
Bahrain to lead a Bible convention.

The event, organised by St Peter's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Salmaniyah,
began on Friday and will continue till Thursday. The convention starts at 7pm
every day.

Father Eldho is one of the directors of the Jacobite Church's retreat centre at
Keezhillam, Kerala.

SOCM News Bureau - Bahrain

"He who call you will do it, because he is faithful." 1 Thessalonians
5:24

"Having Christ in your heart, fear that you may lose Him, and with Him the peace
of your heart. It is hard to begin again; efforts to attach oneself afresh to
Him after falling away will be very grievous, and in many cases will cause
bitter tears. Cling to Christ with all your might, hold fast to Him, and do not
lose boldness in approaching Him."

St. John of Kronstadt.

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

"The glory of one's father is one's own glory, and it is a disgrace for children
not to respect their mother."  Sirach 3:11

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

This year's United Nations Day of Prayer is being led by the Coptic Orthodox
Church so please come out and support this day of fellowship and unity in our
Lord.

Tuesday, October 10th at 6:30pm
St. Vartan's Armenian Cathedral - NY
(630 Second Ave. - corner of 34th St. & 2nd Ave)

Among His Grace Bishop David, there will be ecclesiastical hierarchy from other
Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches, Ambassadors, Media and YOU!

Please pray for this event. We hope to see you there.

Apologetic on the Orthodox belief in intercession.
by H.H. Pope Shenouda III
(117th Pope of Alexandria, and successor of the see of St. Mark)

Our Church believes in the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the Angels and the
Saints. Those who don't share our view regarding the intercession of the saints,
usually cite 1Jn 2:1: "We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous". They also cite St. Paul: "For there is one God, and one mediator
between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1Ti 2:5)

In support of this important dogma, our church emphasizes the following:

1) There is a major and essential difference between the Advocacy of our Lord
and that of the Saints: the Advocacy of Christ is a propitiatory one...

This means that our Lord is our advocate when we sin having made Himself the
propitiation of our sins, who paid the wages of sin on our behalf. Christ's
advocacy with the Father is based on the fact that He has carried _instead of
us_ the iniquity of us all (Is 53:6).

In this capacity He stands as a mediator between God and men. As a matter of
fact, He is the only mediator between God and men; having satisfied the Divine
justice required by the Father, and granting men the forgiveness of their sins
by dying on their behalf as a propitiation for their sins.

This is the meaning of the words of St. John the Apostle for he says: "If any
man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He
is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our sins only, but also for the
sins of the whole world". 1Jn 2:1,2)

To read more, please visit URL:
http://www.socmnet.org/Resource_Apologetic_on_the_Orthodox_belief_in_intercessio\
n.htm

Brethren

St. Mary mother of God, Pray for us, we sinners.

I am concerned about the all this NON-CANONICAL lent.  Just because I was
talking to a friend of mine and he said he is going to the church for 8 days
observing the Lent.

I asked him, "Did you observe the 15 day lent?"
No, He had not.

So (some) people disobey the church in NOT observing the canonical lents and
observe something which is NOT canonical.

Lord Jesus Christ criticized the   "traditions" of the Jews. Lord God gave many
commandments to Moses.  But by the time of Lord Jesus, many "commandments" were
added by men and enforced them On the faithful. (Especially after the great
exile in Babylon) Ordinary laymen were burdened with of all this added
"traditions". Lord criticized all these customs.

So Looking at the Lord's teachings in `letter and spirit', I feel We should not
add or take away   anything Lord and apostles taught us.

Church reduced the 15 day lent to 5 for people to observe lent at least that 5
days.  But now we are increasing the lent-days virtually.

One thing we have to remember here.  Our salvation is through LORD JESUS Christ,
which is offered to us through His Church. And all glory is to the LORD GOD. By
not obeying the  Lord and not His church how can be expect to please  Lord?

Everything that is required for our salvation is given through the church. So we
should not make any changes to it.

Every Friday is Lent. I assume Friday because of Lords suffering for us.  It is
a day in which Satan was defeated and great day for the man kind.  By observing
Friday we give glory (thanks) to our Lord.

What is the point if every one observes the 8-day lent without observing Friday
lent?

When I was a child, 60's or 70's there was no "prayer of intercession" in
between Holy Qurbana in many churches. But was only in "St. Mary" Churches.  But
now it is every where.

Any lent is good.  You can observe lent for favors from  God at any time.  But
if you are observing  8 day lent, but did not observe other church lents,
probably you are not  obeying the  Lord. That is my humble opinion.

Somehow people do and our church follows

Church should be led of  Holy Spirit, not men.

Again I could be wrong. Forgive me Lord if I am wrong.  Correct me brothers if 
i am wrong.

Love
Paul
# 901

Dear John Philip,

You mention in your posting about the Ettunoyambu, that:  "In our "Thubden" we
read that Mar Athanasius the great, in the synod of Ephesus in AD 341,
pronounced Mother Mary, as the `Mother of God', Virgin Mother etc."

It is true that Mar Athanasius the Great, as well as the Synod held at Ephesus
both confirmed that Mary is the Yoldath Aloho (Bearer of God); however, Mar
Athanasius wrote his works circa 330s AD, and the holy synod held at Ephesus was
in 431 AD.

This is just to clarify so people don't confuse the two.

Mike Wingert
0902

Dear All,

Through the legend of Onam, the harvest festival of Keralites all over the
world, which is bringing us the memmory of a lost period of 'equality and
prosperity' existed in our Kerala. We Christians see this concept in the 'world
to come' and hope to be there with HIM.

While the resident Keralites celebrate this with enthusiasm, the memmory of Onam
is bringing the non-resident Keralites a nostaligic feeling of his home village
or town. Where ever Malayalees are there, he celebrates this Onam, irrespective
of cast and creed.

We the moderators of SOCM Forum, wish you all a HAPPY ONAM.

Be with us and be part of us.

In Our Lord's Love
SOCM Forum Moderators

Matrimonial Digest / 0035-2006

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

For the full list of the matrimonial advertisement, please visit:
http://www.socmnet.org/Matrimonial.htm

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

Matrimonial; Code # 065/06
***************************
Invite proposals for a Jacobite B.Tech girl 25years 170cms height
working as a software engineer in a reputed firm in Trivandrum. Girl
is smart and good looking and brought up in very religious priestly
family. Contact on 093429-71427 or sasi-47@...

Matrimonial; Code # 064/06
***************************
Jacobite parents invite proposal for their daughter. She is 29 years
old 5'5" tall slim and fair.She is Working in her field after
finishing M.Sc in Enginnering. We settled in Canada.
Please contact with photo and details.E-mail thomekurian@...

Matrimonial; Code # 061/06
***************************
A middle class Kottayam District Jacobite syrian parents seeking
alliance for their beautiful daughter 25yrs, height 5.4'', Fair /
Wheatish, B'Pharm. currently working in a Pharmaceutical company in
Calcutta.

Brought up outside Kerala. Fluent in Malayalam (speak /read).Parents
currently working in Calcutta. She is God-fearing, Religious, Fun-
loving, Easy going, honest, sincere, simple and  down to earth girl
having a  blend of modern & traditional outlook towards life.

The boy  should be God fearing educated & employed. Please respond
if interested with full details johnmancha_kolkata@... OR
contact 033 - 2329 9197 (7.00 p.m. –10.00 a.m.)

Matrimonial; Code # 060/06
***************************
Jacobite parents from Pathanamthitta Dist  presently living in USA
invite suitable marriage proposals for their daughter, 23 years,
fair, 165 cm, Engineer (Electrical & Telecommunication) presently
doing her Masters Degree course in USA, green card holder born and
brought up in Kuwait graduated from India.

Proposals are invited from God fearing, family oriented boys having
similiar or equal educational background who would like to migrate
or continue his studies in USA.  Interested parties may contact with
full details on email  gjacobjohn@...

Matrimonial; Code # 059/06
***************************
Proposals invited for a Jacobite Christian girl from Ernakulam
district, 24 years/155cms/Wheatish colour/Msc and currently doing
BEd,financially sound from professionals preferably of Ernakulam
district.Father a retired teacher,Mother a Housewife,only sister
married and well settled. If interested please do contact
georgecissac@ yahoo.co.in

Matrimonial; Code # 051/06
***************************
Jacobite Christian girl from Ernakulam District, 27 yrs,Diploma
in Nursing (GNM), very spiritual  and employed as staff nurse in
UK. White complexion,157cm. Looking for qualified, God fearing boy
(Professional degree holders/ Nurses/preferred). Father expired,
mom house wife ,one brother working as a Software consultant and
younger brother in Kerala. Please respond if interested with full
details and recent photographs to propose_2006@...  or
contact on  0485 3297772/ 91 9840119568

Matrimonial; Code # 049/06
***************************
Suitable alliance invited for a Jacobite girl MS (Dual certification
in Education), 25 years, 5.4", fair, slim, simple and beautiful.
She is the eldest of the two children of her parents and her brother
is in college. Born in India, she is raised in Middle-east and US.
She  hails from a well respected Orthodox family settled in US. She
is a  Sunday School Teacher and family is actively involved in
Church and public life.  Father is in business and mother is a RN.
Interested parties may please contact at bharanimol@...
preferably with detailed bio-data and the picture of the boy

Matrimonial; Code # 048/06
***************************
Orthodox parents from Ernakulam dist invite proposals for their
daughter, widow 39 yrs.5'3", Home Science diploma,fair, very Home
loving and God fearing, from Orthodox/Jacobite Widowers 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 anupal23@...

Matrimonial; Code # 045/06
***************************
Proposals invited for a god fearing girl 28years 28/163 cm
preparing  for MFDS and working in Chennai, from a middle class
Jacobite family  from Perumbavoor. Her parents working  in Kuwait.
Sister, BDS and  doing internship & brother final year ECE student.

Proposals are invited from god fearing, well placed professionals
from India/abroad, with good moral values and clean habits.
Interested parties may please respond to sheelagk@... with
full details and recent full size photograph of the boy.

Matrimonial; Code # 044/06
***************************
Orthodox parents living in US for 32 years invite marriage
proposals  for their daughter,31 Years old,5'6'' fair, beautiful,
intelligent,  very family oriented & God fearing. Born and brought
up in US with  traditional Indian cultures & Christian values. She
is doing her  Family Medicine Residency in New York. All her
siblings are in the
Medical profession. We are looking for professionals preferably
Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, CPAs from any Christian denomination.
Please respond with bio-data and a returnable photograph to
vjacob02@... or call 201-921-7815

Matrimonial; Code # 043/06
***************************
Proposals invited for a god fearing girl 23years 5-4" BDS and doing
intern, from a nationally reputed dental college - completing June
2006 , slim, fair and beautiful, from a middle class orthodox
family.  Her father (late) was an Advocate and Mother working in
Govt. service  (Associate Professor). Only brother studying for
Degree Course.

Proposals are invited from god fearing, well placed professionals
from India/abroad, with good moral values and clean habits.
Interested parties may please respond to mathewabru@... /
cvjacob@...  or davischerian@...

Matrimonial; Code # 041/06
***************************
Jacobite Christian girl, 29 yrs old, 5'3", very fair,  USA citizen,
registered nurse, divorced after 6 months  of marriage. No issues.
Looking for qualified boys with clean habits.  e-mail address
ph476@...

Matrimonial; Code # 040/06
***************************
Proposals invited for a 25year old Jacobite girl presently working
as a software engineer in Bangalore. Parents retired teachers
presently settled in Perumbavoor.Only brother married and working
as an engineer in Citibank Singapore. If interested please contact
0484-2523269 or kurianyeldho@...

Matrimonial; Code # 039/06
***************************
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 # 038/06
***************************
Suitable alliance invited for a God-fearing Jacobite girl 28years,
Height : 181cms, Complexsion : Fair, BTech in EEE Working with an
indian MNC in Bangalore.
Parish : Simhasana Church, Kottayam  Father : Advocate, practising
at Kottayam
Mother : Retired Professor.  Siblings : Two.   The proposed girl has
two elder broters, both married and settled.  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 roni.simon@...

Matrimonial; Code # 037/06
***************************
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 # 036/06
***************************
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 # 035/06
***************************
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 # 034/06
***************************
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 # 027/05
***************************
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 # 026/05
***************************
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 # 023/05
***************************
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 # 021/05
***************************
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.

Matrimonial; Code # 020/05
***************************
Jacobite Christian 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 # 019/05
***************************
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.

Matrimonial; Code # 013/05
***************************
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@...

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@...

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDE
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Matrimonial; Code # 063/06
***************************
Orthodox Christian boy from Kottayam District, 28 yrs, Polytechnic
Diploma (Automobiles), very spiritual with clean habits and employed
as Technical Consultant in Dubai based company with family status.
White complexion, 181 cm. looking for qualified, God fearing
girl (Nurses/ Graduates preferred) from middle class families.
Father expired, mom house wife, sister working in RML New Delhi.

Please respond if interested with full details and recent
photographs to bjkuriakose@... or contact on 0481-2462502
(KTM) / 050-3538208 (DXB) or 04-2224051 between 5.30 to 10.30 pm.

Matrimonial; Code # 062/06
***************************
Jacobite retired middle class parents from Kottayam invites
proposals for their elder son, 30years(July 1976), 175cms,God-
fearing, teetotaler, MCom, Completed CA Aticleship, passed one group
of CA Inter, working in Dubai as accountant, coming on leave in
August, from parents of God-fearing Jacobite/ Orthodox/Marthoma /
Syrian CSI girls preferably MCom/ MBA/ Bcom + CA Articleship.
Contact: 0481-2518151, 2518161 or mail to alexthomasp@...

Matrimonial; Code # 058/06
***************************
Middle Class Jacobite parents from Kothamangalam seeking proposals
from Jacobite families only for their son, MCA graduate, 25 years
(DOB-19/10/81, Height: 161 cm) working as a software engineer in an
MNC (Satyam Computer Services). Parents are retired teachers and the
only sister is married and settled. Girls must be God fearing,
loyalty towards the Church and who are graduates or doing above
degree 2nd year.  Interested parties may contact Mr. Abin George
Kuriakose on 0091-9949496760 or e-mail: usocsecure@...

Matrimonial; Code # 057/06
***************************
Jacobite Parents from Kottayam Diocese invites proposals for their
son aged 30yrs, 173 cm height, white, working as Spares-in-charge in
leading private Firm in  Kottayam.  Father Pharmacist. Mother house
wife . One younger brother  working as System Administrator
(Computer). Interested parties Please respond to email:
philiperuthical@... or by phone : 0481 – 2371822 (R)".

Matrimonial; Code # 056/06
***************************
Proposals invited for a god fearing Boy 26yrs/186 cm , from a middle
class Jacobite family  from Muvattupuzha. He is a B-Tech graduate in
Computer Science and Engg. Now working as GM in a US based company
at Infopark, Kochi. His parents were  in Bhilai and now settled in
Muvattupuzha. Sister, BSc Nurse married and settled in Florida (US).

Proposals are invited from god fearing, well placed professionals
preferrably from US, with god fearing girls with similar backgrounds
(nurses please excuse).  Interested parties may please respond to
seemasijin@... with  full details and recent full size
photograph of the Girl

Matrimonial; Code # 055/06
***************************
Jacobite parents from Mumbai invite proposals for their son 40,
medium complexion, divorcee, B.Sc. working in an MNC Pharmaceutical
company. Interested parties may please reply to rcmemts@...

Matrimonial; Code # 054/06
***************************
Mumbai based Jacobite parents invite proposals for their son, 35 yrs,
165 cms, B.Com., Inter CA, working in Mumbai as Project Manager for
USA/UK based MNC, from parents of BSc Nurses working in USA/UK or
CGFNS passed nurses working in India/Gulf. Interested parties may
please reply to rcmemts@...

Matrimonial; Code # 052/06
**************************
Religious Jacobite Syrian Orthodox parents hailing from Kothamangalam
[Angamally Diocese] invite marriage proposals for their son, 29
Years, Height: 180 Inches, Wheatish complexion, handsome and God
fearing[Serve the Holy Altar] with clean habits. He has his PG
Diploma in Business Mgmt and works for a leading International Denim
Casual Apparel Brand,handling its Retail Operations in Bangalore. He
has one younger brother who has just completed his Graduation in
Commerce.

We are looking for a God-fearing, caring, family oriented, pleasant
girl from a good Jacobite family with high moral and ethical values,
preferably working.  Those interested, you may please contact
joyvalethu@... or paul.live@...  Res:0485-2571060

Matrimonial; Code # 050/06
***************************
Jacobite Christian boy from Ernakulam District, 30 yrs, M. Tech(
Software Systems ) , very spiritual with clean habits and employed
as Techcnical Consultant having a gross salary of 10.5 lakhs per
annum . Medium complexion,160cm.Looking for qualified, God fearing
girl (Nurses/Software professionals preferred) from middle class
families. Father expired, mom house wife ,one sister working in
UK and younger brother in Kerala. Please respond if interested with
full details and recent photographs to rajesh_s_george@...
or contact on  0485 3297772/ 91 9840119568

Matrimonial; Code # 046/06
***************************
NRI Syrian Orthodox parents from a reputed family invite proposal
for a Smart, Very Loving & Caring Son, 27, 179cm, athletic,
healthy,  broad-minded, medium complexion, Hotel Management Degree,
Immigrated to Canada and decently employed.

Need a Very Loving and Fair girl of any denominations, above 165
cm,  has interest in Nature & Pets and has Professional
Qualifications - preferably Medical/Teaching field- and caliber to
adjust to life in  Canada. Tel: 0481-2582025//2518569/ 2517056/+9663-
5331674 pulickaparamb@... / pulickaparamb@...

Matrimonial; Code # 042/06
***************************
Jacobite Christian boy 29 yrs, MCA ( Master of Computer
Application) ,very spiritual with clean habits and employed in
Kuwait as Product Manager for Microsoft products.Fair,170cm.Looking
for qualified, God fearing girls from middle class families. Parents
in Qatar with one sister married and settled in Bangalore. Please
respond if interested with full details and recent photographs to
jacobp@... or parayiljacob@...   or contact on  +974
4326859 or +974 5412443

Matrimonial; Code # 030/06
***************************
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 Mor
Athanasius College, Kothamangalam.  Interested parents may contact
paul.live@...

Matrimonial; Code # 029/05
***************************
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 # 024/05
***************************
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 # 017/05
***************************
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@...

Matrimonial; Code # 016/05
***************************
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@...

Matrimonial; Code # 014/05
***************************
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@...

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@...

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

"God's grace is preserved through the practice of the commandments, while the
practice is as it were the foundation for the divine gift. the grace of the
Spirit will not remain with us without the practice of the commandments, nor
will the practice of the commandments serve any useful purpose without the grace
of God."

St. Symeon the New Theologian.

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

"He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully
will also reap bountifully."  2 Corinthians 9:6

Thankyou  for the Greetings.

I WISH  ALL  SOCM FAMILY  A HAPPY ONAM.

Cecil.K. Varghese
Id #890

Happy thiruvonam to all malayalees, and we jacobites are glad to hear
that our former sabha secretary is going to be our new minister in
the expense of P.J Joseph.

Alex John
Member id #

"ASWASA BHAVAN" (place for destitutes) at Kadakkanad under the Kandanad diocese
consecrated by Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I, Metropolitans Mor
Gregorios Joseph, Mor Ivanios Mathews, Mor Militheos Yuhanon, Mor Severios
Abraham, Mor Aphrem Mathews have assisted him. Catholicos, Metropolitans and
socio-political leaders Dr. Thomas Vargehese, M.M Monayee M.L.A, E.M John, K.A.
Thomas attended the public meeting held after the consecration ceremony.

Aswasbhavan can accomodate 100 old aged as well as orphan boys.The construction
of the first floor is almost completed. A large number of devoties from India
and abroad are generously helping Ivanios thirumeni for the construction of
Aswasbhavan.  Please visit the following link for the photos of consecration :

http://kandanaddiocese.org/gallery

Happy Onam to all SOCM members.....

Anoop K Baby
Member ID # 1003
http://nellikkunnelpally.org

Generally speaking, Mr. Iype's reply to Mike Wingert is not worthy
of unnecessary and pointless comment. Most school boys can perceive
that Mr. Iype chastises Mike for the use of sarcasm and then appeals
to the very same in an attempt to ridicule Mike - a person quite
capable of vigorously defending himself against the "big words"
attack placed upon him.

While the details of Mr. Iype's response may be discarded, the
primary thesis is somewhat interesting. Mr. Iype suggests that the
Orthodox Church is not quite mature and undergoes change. Completing
the thought for him, I assume that since the Orthodox Church
undergoes change, the present situation of half the church following
a so-called "indigenous hierarchy" is justifiable, maybe even
inevitable.

What is left out (of course) is that change in the Church is brought
about by the Holy Spirit. YES, IT IS GOD THAT MAKES (PROPER)
CHANGES, UTILIZING THE FAITHFUL.

Please point out to me where the Holy Spirit is in the power
struggling/church splitting/family breaking/mafiaistic/ridiculous
mess-making situation we have? Only the hierarchy is different,
right? Why not stick with what is the safest bet? No one disputes
the claims of the Syrian Church outside of India. What new
perspective on FAITH has the "autocephalous" Indian Orthodox
hierarchy brought to us? ("Be ye therefore wise as serpents" - Math
10:16, maybe?)

The church is evolving and will continue to evolve until Christ
returns, but the devolution of the Indian Church brought about by
man seeking to break fraternal bonds by hook or crook is simply
pathetic. The recent court verdicts regarding the IOC hierarchy
prove how bleak their house of sand really is!!

Now is the time to rebuild the old alliances and renew the fabric of
the Universal Church. Now is the time for those that have remained
faithful to kill the fatted calf with the Father, awaiting the
return of all prodigals. They have spent their goods on the harlotry
of a "non-foreign" church as they purport to worship a "foreigner"
(Yeshu the Jew from Palestine). Now let us welcome those who will
listen into the bosom of the Holy Body of Christ, one body in which
all people may find rest.

Come home and bring about Spirit led change - reconciliation,
rebuilding, restoring!

Sincerely,
Dn. Zach Varghese
ID 0970

Dear  Suraj

I think you are offended by  Mike?  I am sorry for that.

I like to address one issue.

You asked "Similarly I dont get your fixation with Islam, perhaps because Islam
is the no 1 enemy in the west"

I know Mike.  There is no one here who is  more knowledgeable than Mike in
Islamic teachings. He is a person who considers Islam is another form of
`Christianity'. They are heretics to Orthodox teachings just as MOC and other so
called `churches'

Now you might be offended by me.  Sorry,but think, in spirit.

MOC considers  St. Gregorious as a saint! There are churches named after him. 
Every one respects him.  BUT  MOC is not willing to obey his advices.  He said
that those who discard the SOC is  inviting the wrath of  God.  Why ?  SOC is 
God's church.

Almost same thing was written by  Vattaserril thirumeni.

But out of rebellious mind, no MOC member listens.  Do they? They spend a lot of
time  to criticize the SOC. The same church from which ALL their leaders
received priesthood.  Why did not they go  to 'OTHER  ORTHODOX  CHURCHES?".

Because  SOC is  the  God's  church.

I just pity  any one who works against it.  I pray for them.

In Lord
Paul
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