PRESS RELEASE: Syriac Universal Alliance

DATE: 17 August 2010

CONTACT: Daniel Gabriel ( <mailto:daniel.gabriel@...>
daniel.gabriel@...)

MONASTERY BOUNDARY CASES DECLARED
NULL AND VOID IN ANKARA COURT BATTLE:
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR THE MONASTERY

Ankara, Turkey â€" The Syriac Universal Alliance (SUA), the recognised United
Nations NGO representing the Aramean (Syriac) people worldwide, reports that the
Supreme Court in Ankara handed down its long awaited decision regarding the St
Gabriel Monastery (“Monastery”) land boundary battle with neighbouring
villages of Yayvantepe (Qartmin) and EÄźlence (Zinol) in southeast Turkey. In a
shocking verdict, the Ankara court has decided against the Monastery, resulting
in its earlier victory on 22 May, 2009, becoming null and void.

The case dates back to an original decision by the Midyat Cadastre Directorate
in May 2008 to redraft the Monastery boundary lines and grant the neighbouring
villages 110 Hectares of land, all originally owned by the Monastery for over
1600 years. The Monastery disputed this decision at the Turkish Land
Registration court, but lost the case on 29 August 2008. The Monastery then
appealed the decision of the Registration court to the local Midyat court at
which point the surrounding villages claimed an additional 190 Hectares of
Monastery land. Following the Monastery victory in May 2009 at the local Midyat
court, the neigbouring villages appealed the decision to the Ankara court in
June 2009.

Since the Midyat court victory, the Monastery was confident that the Ankara
Supreme Court would uphold the original lower court decision. The Midyat Court
decision originally found that the neighboring villages of Yayvantepe and
EÄźlence had no basis on which to argue that the some 300 Hectares of land
belonged to them. This evidence presented by the Monastery, relating to land
title and financial/tax documents, undoubtedly showed ownership of the land by
the Monastery.

However, in a remarkable decision, the Ankara Court decided on 13 August 2010
that the Midyat Court, which officially began hearing the trial on 19 November
2008, never had jurisdiction to hear the case in the first instance. This means
that the boundary lines drafted by the Midyat Cadastre Directorate back in 2008
are back in effect and that the Midyat court case proclaiming victory for the
Monastery of its original Boundary lines is null and void.

The Monastery now has an urgent decision to make in response to Ankara’s
unjust decision. The options available to the Monastery are as follows:

Appeal the decision back to the Ankara Supreme Court, arguing that the judge is
wrong in law and that the Midyat court did have jurisdiction to make the
decision in favour of the Monastery. The SUA expects that the chance of victory
in this situation will be very small; or

Take the case to the local Mardin court to be heard instead, although this would
involve commencing the cases all over again, thus making all the hearings from
Midyat since December 2008 worthless.

Another option to be considered by the Monastery is to commence proceedings at
the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. This follows from a spate of
similar cases at the ECHR (almost 100 in 2009) which ruled that Turkey had
violated ones right to a fair and quick trial. Arguing unreasonable length in
proceedings by the Turkish Court system may be an avenue through which the trial
can be moved to Strasbourg. The Monastery could potentially take this path after
all domestic remedies have been exhausted, according to the generally recognised
rules of international law, and within a period of six months from the date on
which the final decision was taken. Additionally, there may be ground for
arguing violation of right to the protection of property, right to a fair trial
and right to freedom of religion.

Despite all the above options being available, inside sources inform the SUA
that the Monastery will appeal the decision back to the Ankara Supreme Court.

Mr Daniel Gabriel, the SUA Human Rights and UN NGO Director states that “I am
shocked by this decision. As a lawyer myself, it makes no logical sense at all.
But I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised given the history of Turkey’s
judicial system and constant abuse of human rights within the country. The court
case was heard for 18 months in Midyat with no one suggesting for a moment that
the court didn’t have jurisdiction. Now it goes to Ankara and they decide
after 14 months of consideration that the Midyat case is abrogated? This flies
in the face of all the fundamental principles of the European Union and the
Council of Europe. This is another shocking example of Turkey’s backward legal
system and its desire to acquire the land of the Aramean (Syriac) people and
diminish their rights once again.”

Mr Johny Messo, President of the Syriac Universal Alliance states that “to
argue that the Midyat Court does not have jurisdiction in such legal matters is
plain incorrect. Local courts in Turkey have legitimately held similar land
cases in the past. There is something else definitely going on here and we must
all begin to acknowledge that the justice system in Turkey is intentionally
taking aim at the Aramean (Syriac) people â€" causing delays, heartache,
insecurity, financial ruin and continued human rights abuse.”

The SUA urgently calls upon the general public, media outlets and all those
concerned with protecting human rights, to help the Aramean (Syriac) people. The
Monastery is now at a crossroads. It has until 5 September 2010 to appeal the
decision back to Ankara (which appears likely). As stated previously, the two
remaining options are to begin a trial in Mardin at huge legal expense again or
it can simply admit defeat in the Turkish legal system and go to Strasbourg as
the Syriac Universal Alliance recommends.

In addition to all this, there are still four (4) other land related cases
taking place in and around the Monastery. These cases are as follows:

1. Forestry Land Case 1: inside the outer wall â€" 20. Law Department
â€"2009/14177 basic;

2. Forestry Land Case 2: outside the outer wall â€" 20. Law Department
â€"2009/14178 basic;

3. State Treasury Land Case: 20. Law Department â€"2009/15267 basic; and

4. Kuryakos Foundation Case: Midyat Local Court (adjourned) â€" Postponed to 3
November 2010.

Throughout the southeast of Turkey, there are approximately 30 Aramean (Syriac)
populated villages which face similar issues of land theft, occupation and
judicial prejudice and unfairness.

Choice of God's Love

As the Holy Church continues in the festival remembrance of St Mary, Mother of
God, the lesson for today brings the Christian back to the basics of living the
Christian life and doing good in this world. It all comes down to a simple
choice. Then, as Fr John Brian asks, "when are we to do the good we are created
for?"

Using the reading from I Samuel a prophetic Old Testament reading as a backdrop
for the important lesson in Orthodoxy.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, August 22, 2010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/choice-of-god-love.html

Last Week:
Spiritual Refuge is in Mary
As the feast of the Assumption of Mary is about the St Mary, Mother of God, it
is also about her lasting place as a refuge in Holy Orthodoxy. Fr John Brian
preaches about the need for us to avoid fanaticism on one hand and secularism on
the other and how we find in St Mary and the story of her assumption at her
death clarity and comfort in our own spiritual development. This festival sermon
is takes inspiration from the Epistle reading from Hebrews Chapter 2:14-18. This
sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian
lectionary and was given on Sunday, August 15, 2010 LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-refuge-is-in-mary.html

Previously:
Spiritual Transfiguration in Mission and Practice
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-transfiguration-in-mission.html

Godward Hearts
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/godward-hearts.html

U A Good Judge?
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/07/u-good-judge.html

Communion Openly
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/07/communion-openly.html

Psalm 20 - Disciple's Psalm
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/07/psalm-20-disciple-psalm.html



Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT [check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Dear Brethren

Malankara Vision - teshbuhto- is broadcasting Ettu Noimbu Perunnal (The Feast of
Virgin Mary's birth) live from Marthamariam (St. Mary's) Cathedral, Manarcad
from 01 September 20109 – 08 September 2010.

Broadcast will start everyday 09:00 AM (IST)
URL http://www.malankaravision.com/ (Please refresh your browser)

Our regular programs can be viewed at following URL
http://www.malankaravision.com/index-mv.htm

Tuned in and be blessed
teshbuhto - Malankara Vision
http://www.malankaravision.com/

Bad Bosses and Burning Books

As the Holy Church anticipates in the festival of the Holy Cross, the
lessons for this Sunday deal with avoiding participation with evil by
changing "an eye for an eye" to "turn the other cheek." Fr John Brian brings the
Gospel (Matthew 5:38-48) into focus by talking about "Bad Bosses" and "Burning
Books" and the basics of living the Christian life and doing good in this world.

The other readings for the day are mentioned: 1 Peter 2:1-5; 1 Corinthians
3:16-23

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, September 12, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison,
Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/bad-bosses-and-burning-books.html


Last Week:
Our Human Problem
As the Holy Church continues in the festival of St Mary, Mother of God, the
lessons for today deals with our common human dilemma and the basics of living
the Christian life and doing good in this world. Using the reading from Ezekiel
18:21-24, a prophecy, as a backdrop for the important lesson in Orthodoxy. Then
explains St Paul's epistle lesson in light of this human problem (2 Corinthians
10:1-7). This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, September 5, 2010 LISTEN
ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-human-problem.html

Previously:
Who Is In Hell
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/who-is-in-hell.html

Choice of God's Love
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/choice-of-god-love.html

Spiritual Refuge is in Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-refuge-is-in-mary.html

Spiritual Transfiguration in Mission and Practice
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-transfiguration-in-mission.html

Godward Hearts
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/godward-hearts.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Program for 30th Enthronement anniversary celebrations of HH The Patriarch:
Venue: Monastery of St. Ephraim in Ma'arat Saydnaya, Damascus.

13/09/2010 Monday, 7:00pm - Performance by St. Ephrem Syriac Choir, followed by
Syriac Orthodox Scout March to Salute HH, Firework.

14/09/2010 - Tuesday - 10:00am:  Holy Qurbono - Feast of the Exaltation of the
Holy Cross, Enthronement day of HH the Patriarch - felicitations.

14/09/2010 - Tuesday - 6:00pm - Consecration of the new guest house building -
Saint Ignatius Patriarchal center  and also the consecration of the associated
chapel devoted to Saint Ignatius of Antioch.

19/09/2010 Sunday - 10:00am : Consecration of Holy Mooron (Chrism).

Who Is In Hell

A question of salvation? A question of justice and divine retribution? Or a
question of God's mercy? Do decisions of life over death become decisions of
heaven or hell? These and other questions are addressed in Fr John Brian's
sermon. The Sunday reading from Luke is alluded to as Fr John Brian begins with
Ecclesiastes 7:1 then moves to the reading from 2 Thessalonians chapter 5.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, August 29, 2010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/who-is-in-hell.html

Lat week:
Choice of God's Love
As the Holy Church continues in the festival remembrance of St Mary, Mother of
God, the lesson for today brings the Christian back to the basics of living the
Christian life and doing good in this world. It all comes down to a simple
choice. Then, as Fr John Brian asks, "when are we to do the good we are created
for?" Using the reading from I Samuel a prophetic Old Testament reading as a
backdrop for the important lesson in Orthodoxy. This sermon lesson uses the
readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was
given on Sunday, August 22, 2010  LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/choice-of-god-love.html

Previously:
Spiritual Refuge is in Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-refuge-is-in-mary.html

Spiritual Transfiguration in Mission and Practice
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-transfiguration-in-mission.html

Godward Hearts
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/godward-hearts.html

U A Good Judge?
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/07/u-good-judge.html

Communion Openly
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/07/communion-openly.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Our Human Problem

As the Holy Church continues in the festival of St Mary, Mother of God, the
lessons for today deals with our common human dilemma and the basics of living
the Christian life and doing good in this world.

Using the reading from Ezekiel 18:21-24, a prophecy, as a backdrop for the
important lesson in Orthodoxy. Then explains St Paul's epistle lesson in light
of this human problem (2 Corinthians 10:1-7).

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, September 5, 2010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-human-problem.html


Last Week:
Who Is In Hell
A question of salvation? A question of justice and divine retribution? Or a
question of God's mercy? Do decisions of life over death become decisions of
heaven or hell? These and other questions are addressed in Fr John Brian's
sermon. The Sunday reading from Luke is alluded to as Fr John Brian begins with
Ecclesiastes 7:1 then moves to the reading from 2 Thessalonians chapter 5. This
sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian
lectionary and was given on Sunday, August 29, 2010 LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/who-is-in-hell.html

Previously:
Choice of God's Love
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/choice-of-god-love.html

Spiritual Refuge is in Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-refuge-is-in-mary.html

Spiritual Transfiguration in Mission and Practice
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-transfiguration-in-mission.html

Godward Hearts
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/godward-hearts.html

Communion Openly
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/07/communion-openly.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT [check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

30th Enthronement anniversary celebrations live

Sadadna.com will be broadcasting 30th Enthronement anniversary celebrations of
His Holiness The Patriarch will be broadcasted through the following URL

http://www.sadadna.com/alhafer/30live/30live.htm

SOLNews 15.9.2010 - Long-time Reesh Dayroyo of Deir Za`faran (Kurkmo Dayro),
Rabban Abrohom Türker (74), died today in Midyat, Turkey, after a bout with
cancer. Dayroyo Abrohom was born in 1936 in Midyat. In 1958, late bishop  Mor
Philoxenos Hanna Dolabani of Mardin, tonsured him a monk at Deir Za'faran. He
assumed responsibilities at the monastic school which was closed in unfortunate
circumstances by the Turkish government in 1978. After H.E. Mor Philoxenos
Saliba Özman became bishop of Mardin in 2003, Rabban Abrohom was appointed abbot
of the monastery of Mor Abrohom and Mor Hobel in Midyat. He revived the
monastery which was abandoned since 1980, assisted by two nuns, and established
new buildings for guests; this encouraged the faithful from Europe to visit Tur
Abdin, their homeland.  He dedicated himself to the service of the church all
his life.

Gabriel Rabo

For news in German and photo of Rabban Abrohom, see
http://www.suryoyo.uni-goettingen.de/news/abrohomtuerker.html

The Cross Makes All Things New

During this festival of the Holy Cross, Fr John Brian emphasized the last verses
of the opening hymn from the Ma'de'dono (Book of the Church Festivals) in his
sermon:

+ + +
By Your Cross everything was made new;
By Your Cross everything was reconciled;
By Your Cross everything was confirmed;
By Your Cross everything was made perfect.

+ + +
Glory to You, O worshipped Son,
Praise be to Your invisible Father,
Thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit.
May Mercy and compassion be upon us
+ + +

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, September 19, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox
Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html


Last Week:
Bad Bosses and Burning Books
As the Holy Church anticipates in the festival of the Holy Cross, the
lessons for this Sunday deal with avoiding participation with evil by
changing "an eye for an eye" to "turn the other cheek." Fr John Brian brings the
Gospel (Matthew 5:38-48) into focus by talking about "Bad Bosses" and "Burning
Books" and the basics of living the Christian life and doing good in this world.
The other readings for the day are mentioned: 1 Peter 2:1-5; 1 Corinthians
3:16-23 This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, September 12, 2010 - LISTEN
ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/bad-bosses-and-burning-books.html

Previously:
Our Human Problem
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-human-problem.html

Who Is In Hell
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/who-is-in-hell.html

Choice of God's Love
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/choice-of-god-love.html

Spiritual Refuge is in Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-refuge-is-in-mary.html

Spiritual Transfiguration in Mission and Practice
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-transfiguration-in-mission.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr. Rowan Williams) opened an exhibition
of photographs of Tur Abdin by the Italian photo-journalist, Giulio Paletta On
Monday, 27 September.

Tur Abdin in south-east Turkey has been the home of Syriac Christians since the
ealy days of the church and these villages were once the flourishing centre of a
great Christian culture, which suffered during the unsettled years which marked
the fall of the Ottoman Empie and the persecution faced by ethnic minorities. In
more recent times the Syriac Christians were caught up in the violence of
Kurdish separatism and a population of some 20,00 had fallen to a mere 2,000 by
1995. Today the ancient monastery of Mor Gabriel stands as the centre of Syriac
culture in this area but is under threat from predators who lay claim to ancient
monastic lands.

This exhibition was organised by the Tur Abdin Focus Group to raise awareness of
the Christians of Tur Abdin and to show concern and support for the problems
they are facing. In welcoming the Archbishop, the Bishop of Woolwich (The Right
Rev'd Christopher Chessun), who is the chairman of the  Group, read out letters
of greeting and appreciation from Archbishop Samuel Aktas of Tur Abdin as well
as H.H. Mor Ignatius Zakka I, the Patriarch of Antioch. Dr. Williams spoke
movingly of the invaluable spiritual tradition embodied in the Tur Abdin
community and of its spiritual and cultural value to the wider community.

The opening was well supported and attended both by His Excellency the Syrian
Ambassador and representatives of the Turkish Embassy and covered by both
Turkish and Syriac media including Suroyo TV, Suroyo SAT and Hurriyet.
Metropolitan Mor Polycarpos Aydin, Patriarchal Vicar in the Netherlands,
represented the Patriarch of Antioch. Abba Seraphim, attended as a member of the
Tur Abdin Focus Group, and represents the Council of Oriental Orthodox Chuerches
in the United Kingdom.

The photographs are not merely of churches and liturgical ceremonies but contain
some very striking images of the simple rural life of the Suriani and personal
portraiture which highlight the vitality and uniqueness of this community. The
exhibition can be viewed at Southwark Cathedral until 18 October after which it
will be moved to Chichester Cathedral and travel to other centres.

Tur Abdin focus group website
http://www.focusmorgabriel.com

Source:
http://britishorthodox.org/1348/giulio-palettas-photographs-of-tur-abdin/

Oriental Orthodox Churches Joint Divine Liturgy

28 September 20101, Burbank, USA. On Tuesday, September 28th the annual Oriental
Orthodox clergy conference and joint Divine Liturgy was held at St. Ephraim
Cathedral. The Liturgy began at 10 am and was according to the Rite of Syriac
Orthodox Church. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Armenian
Church of Cilicia, H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Prelate of the
Syriac Orthodox Church of the Western US, and H.G. Bishop Serapion, head of the
Coptic Orthodox Church, presided over the Liturgy. There were also in attendance
many priests from all three Archdioceses. H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of
the Armenian Church of Etchmiadzin apologized for not being able to attend due
to meetings.

For more details and photos
http://socmnet.org/News_OOChurches_Joint_Divine_Liturgy_28Sept2010.htm

Translucent Transitions

During this season of the Holy Cross, the loss of a loved one can emphasize the
understanding of the divine and unique purose of each of us.  Fr John Brian used
a few verses from the Sunday readings and some quotes from St Ephrem the Syrian
(circa 4th Century) to aid and comfort those in mourning:

Here is one of the quotes from Sunday's sermon:
"For just as in the case of the limbs of the body, their individual needs are
fulfilled by one another, so too the inhabitants of the world fill  in the
common need from the common excess.  We should rejoice in this need on the part
of us all, for out of it is born harmony for us all; for in that people need one
another, those in high position stoop to the lowly and are not ashamed, and he
insignificant reach out to the powerful and are not afraid. Even in the case of
animals, seeing that we have a need for them, we take care of them.
Clearly our need for everything binds us with a love for everything."(from
Letter to Hypatius as found in The Luminous Eye - The Spiritual World Vision of
Saint Ephrem the Syrian, 1985 by Sebasatian Brock, page 167)

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, September 262010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox
Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html



Last Week:
The Cross Makes All Things New
During this festival of the Holy Cross, Fr John Brian emphasized the last verses
of the opening hymn from the Ma'de'dono (Book of the Church Festivals) in his
sermon:
+ + +
By Your Cross everything was made new;
By Your Cross everything was reconciled;
By Your Cross everything was confirmed;
By Your Cross everything was made perfect.
+ + +
This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, September 19, 2010 Listen on-line
here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html


Previously:
Bad Bosses and Burning Books
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/bad-bosses-and-burning-books.html

Our Human Problem
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-human-problem.html

Who Is In Hell
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/who-is-in-hell.html

Choice of God's Love
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/choice-of-god-love.html

Spiritual Refuge is in Mary
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-refuge-is-in-mary.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

H.H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas declared Karingachira Cathedral as the Georgian
Pilgrim Centre of India.

15 October 2010, Karingachira, Kerala: St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox
Cathedral, Karingachira was declared as the "Georgian Pilgrim Centre of India"
by His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch. The concluding ceremony of the
Centenary celebrations of Karingachira Cathedral deed submission and Platinum
Jubilee of the re-election of St. Athanasius Paulose Valiya Thirumeni as
Malankara metropolitan were held at the Cathedral premises on 16th October.

For more details and photos
http://www.socmnet.org/News00.htm

The Servant Chooses

How do we access the presence of God and show Him our love? In Luke 16, Jesus
Christ answers by saying "A servant cannot serve two masters."

Fr John Brian uses Psalm 42 and the Gospel appointed for this Sunday of the
Cross to discuss the choice of servants and how to move into the presence of
God, the good Master - if we choose to serve Him.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, October 10, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison,
Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html


Last time:
Translucent Transitions

During this season of the Holy Cross, the loss of a loved one can emphasize the
understanding of the divine and unique purpose of each of us.  Fr John Brian
used a few verses from the Sunday readings and some quotes from St Ephrem the
Syrian (circa 4th Century) to aid and comfort those in mourning. Here is one of
the quotes from Sunday's sermon:
"For just as in the case of the limbs of the body, their individual needs are
fulfilled by one another, so too the inhabitants of the world fill in the common
need from the common excess.  We should rejoice in this need on the part of us
all, for out of it is born harmony for us all; for in that people need one
another, those in high position stoop to the lowly and are not ashamed, and he
insignificant reach out to the powerful and are not afraid. Even in the case of
animals, seeing that we have a need for them, we
take care of them. Clearly our need for everything binds us with a love for
everything."(from Letter to Hypatius as found in The Luminous Eye - The
Spiritual World Vision of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, 1985 by Sebastian Brock, page
167)
This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, September 26,2010
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html


Previously:
The Cross Makes All Things New
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html

Bad Bosses and Burning Books
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/bad-bosses-and-burning-books.html

Our Human Problem
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-human-problem.html

Who Is In Hell
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/who-is-in-hell.html

Choice of God's Love
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/choice-of-god-love.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Final decree in Mary Roy case executed
By: George Jacob

Legal battle for equality in property rights for Syrian Christian women

KOTTAYAM, October 21, 201: More than a quarter of a century after Mary Roy began
her legal battle for equality in property rights for Syrian Christian women with
their male siblings of the family, the very property that is the basis of the
case has finally come into her hands as the principal sub-court here ordered
execution of the final decree in her property suit on Wednesday.

"It has been 26 years since I had started my fight for justice. I am happy that
our share of the property has finally come into our hands, mine and my sisters,"
said Ms. Roy from her residence on the Pallikkudom campus near here.

George Isaac, Ms. Roy's brother, against whom she had filed the property suit,
would now move to another house. In fact, he had already sold out his share of
the property in Kottayam town to a private chit company.

Landmark verdict

It was in 1986 that Ms. Roy had obtained a landmark judgment from the Supreme
Court entitling Syrian Christian women to an equal share in their father's
property. Till then, the Syrian Christian community followed the provisions of
the Travancore Succession Act, 1916 and Cochin Succession Act, 1921 even as
members of the community in other parts of the country were governed by the
provisions of the Indian Succession Act, 1925. As per the Travancore and the
Cochin Acts, daughters were eligible for one quarter of the sons' share or
Rs.5,000, which ever was less, if the father died intestate.

Another legal tangle

The Supreme Court judgment triggered another legal tangle to the whole story as
Ms. Roy approached the Kottayam sub-court in 1988 praying for her share of the
property left by her father, P.V. Isaac, who had died in 1960.

As per the provisions of the Indian Succession Act, her mother, Susie Isaac, was
entitled to enjoy one-third of the property until her death, but without the
right to alienate it. The remaining two-thirds were to be shared among her, her
sister, Molly Joseph, and two brothers, Ms. Roy said in her prayer.

Though the lower court rejected her prayer, accepting the contention of the
respondents, who maintained that they had transferred their shares in another
property, held by their father P.V. Isaac, in Ooty in lieu of her share in his
Kottayam property, which was spread over two locales, one in Kottayam town and
another at Nattakom grama panchayat.

However, Ms. Roy, approached the Kerala High Court in 1994 and got the judgment
of the lower court overruled.

Later, after her mother's death in 2000, she approached the Kottayam sub-court
praying for the final decree. The case went on for eight long years until the
final decree was pronounced in December 2008.

Following this, Ms. Roy filed the execution petition in January 2009, which was
finally ordered on Wednesday.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com

Another Burden to Carry, Then Discard

In Matthew 23, one of the last sermons of Jesus before His crucifixion, we are
to obey "those that sit on Moses' seat," but not act as they act.

This works well into the Epistle reading from 1 Timothy Chapter 6, where there
is a special challenge to Clergy and those that wish to serve God.

Fr John Brian uses the Gospel and Epistle appointed for this Sunday of the Cross
to discuss the burdens we must carry and then discard in order and how to move
into the presence of God, the good Master - if we choose to serve Him.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, October 17, 2010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/another-burden-to-carry-then-discard.html

Last Week:
The Servant Chooses
How do we access the presence of God and show Him our love? In Luke 16, Jesus
Christ answers by saying "A servant cannot serve two masters." Fr John Brian
uses Psalm 42 and the Gospel appointed for this Sunday of the Cross to discuss
the choice of servants and how to move into the presence of God, the good Master
- if we choose to serve Him. This sermon lesson uses the readings and services
appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, October
10, 2010 Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html

Previously:
Translucent Transitions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html

The Cross Makes All Things New
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html

Bad Bosses and Burning Books
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/bad-bosses-and-burning-books.html

Our Human Problem
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-human-problem.html

Who Is In Hell
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/who-is-in-hell.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT [check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

246th Dukhrono of Saint Baselios Sakralla Maphriono concluded at Kandanad Morth
Mariyam Cathedral.

23 October, 2010, Kandanad, Kerala: 246th Dukhrono of Saint Baselios Sakralla
Maphriono concluded at Morth Mariyam Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral here on
October 22, 2010, Friday. Metropolitan Mor Ivanios Mathews was the chief
celebrant for the Holy Penta Mass celebrated at the cathedral on Friday.
Thousands of faithful participated in the Holy Penta Mass, followed by Nercha
and Rassa.

On October 21, Thursday, His Beatitude Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I
offered Dhoopa Prarthana at the sacred tomb of Saint Baselios and led Evening
Prayer at the Cathedral. Metropolitans Their Eminence Mor Ivanios Mathews, Mor
Clemis Kuriakose, Mor Athanasius Elias, Mor Theodosius Mathews and Mor Anthonios
Ya`qub accompanied His Beatitude.

View Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/editor.msv/Kandanad#

Website of Morth Mariyam JSO Cathedral
http://www.stmaryschurchkandanad.org

Brief Biography of Saint Baselios Sakralla Maphriono
http://www.syrianchurch.org/bio/MorShakralla.htm

Role of Scholars in Controlling Religious Discourse and National Unity

24 October 2010; Damascus, Syria: His Holiness Morn Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas,
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox
Church stressed the necessity of facing the challenges created by the enemies of
the nation through belief in God and preserving the national unity, pointing out
that Muslims and Christians in Syria live as brothers and will work hand in hand
to protect their homeland.

To read more
http://www.socmnet.org/News_Religious_Discourse.htm

His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch on an Apostolic visit to the
Diocese of Euphrates & Jazeera.

QAMISHILI: His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch made a Apostolic
visit to the diocese of Euphrates & Jazeera from Oct 28th to 31st. The
Patriarchal entourage included, HG Mor Theophilose George Saliba - Metropolitan
of Mount Lebanon & Hon. Secretary of the Holy Synod, HG Mor Severios Malke
Mourad - Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan & Holy Land, HG Mor Silwanos
Petrus Isaa Al-Nemeh - Metropolitan of Homs & Hama, HG Mor Philaxinos Saliba
Ozmen - Metropolitan of Mardin & Abbot of Deir Za'faran Monastery, HG Mor
Justinos Paulose Yousef Safar - Metropolitan of Zahle & Bekaa, HG Mor Philaxinos
Mathias Nayis - Patriarchal Assistant & Director of St. Ephraim Theological
Seminary, HG Mor Clemis Daniel Korieh - Metropolitan of Beirut & Director of
Patriarchal institutions in Lebanon, HG Mor Dionysius Yuhanon Kawaq - Director
of the Patriarchal Curie, priests, monk and nuns.

His Holiness the Patriarch was accorded a rousing reception at the Qamishli
Airport by HG Mor Osthatheos Matta Roham - Metropolitan of Euphrates & Jazeera,
HG Mor Dionysius Behnam Jajawi, Gen. Mazy Najib Salloum - Governor of Hassakah
province, government officers, eminent priests from the diocese, representatives
of the different councils, Scouts and large crowd of faithful. From the airport,
the entourage was taken to the Monastery of Virgin Mary in Hassakah.

Later on His Holiness presided over a public meeting and inaugurated four
different projects that were built and completed by the Diocese of Euphrates &
Jazeera under the leadership of HG Mor Osthatheos in association with the
different councils of the diocese. On the 29th, His Holiness inaugurated the
Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Centre, a socio-cultural centre, built adjacent
to the St. George Cathedral and the headquarters of the Diocese. This Centre is
proposed to be a centre for civilization and cultural development. It has been
built as a three storied building. The ground floor comprises a large lounge
area, and the first and second floors consists of offices for different
religious commissions of the Church, six classrooms to teach the languages and a
digital library.

On 30th, His Holiness laid the foundation for the proposed school building
adjacent to the Church of Virgin Mary in the neighbourhood of Nazareth. The
President of Centre for religious education thanked His Holiness on behalf of
the inhabitants of Nazareth and wished a successful completion of the school
building project.

On 31st, His Holiness consecrated the newly built Morth Shmooni Church at
Maaliki. His Holiness, who arrived at the entrance of the town was carried over
their shoulders by the faithful to their church. His Holiness who celebrated the
Divine liturgy and consecrated the new church building, congratulated the
faithful of Maaliki for having built a beautiful place of worship.

On the same day evening, His Holiness and his entourage were taken in a
procession to Qamishli. The occasion was the inauguration of Liberty High School
built and donated by the senior & retired Metropolitan HG Mor Dionysius Behnam
Jajawi. The faithful lined up the roads leading to the venue to welcome His
Holiness.

On 1st morning, His Holiness and the entourage were given a warm farewell at the
Qamishli airport on their return to the Patriarchal Headquarters.

To view Photos
http://malankarasyriacvoice.com/Albums/HisHolinessatEuphratesOctober2010/index.h\
tml

seraphim encounters - Isaiah 6

At the beginning of the preparation for Holy Nativity, the incarnation of God in
the flesh, Fr John Brian's homiletic sermon examines the Gospel lesson from
Matthew 16 (about Peter as the rock of faith and as a stumbling block) through
the light of Isaiah 6 which is the prophecy reading appointed for the Foundation
or Sanctification of the Church.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, October 31, 2010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/seraphim-encounters-isaiah-6.html

Last week:
In Whose Heart are Thy Ways - Psalm 84
In the last Sunday of the Cross, Fr John Brian's sermon takes into the Gospel
lesson from Luke 18:18-27 through Psalm 84. He then gives us furtherance in
today's lesson by an encounter with the end of 1 Corinthians Chapter 5. All in
preparation for the Preparation, which is the next part of the Syrian calendar.
"Things impossible to men are possible to God." Luke 18:27 This sermon lesson
uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary
and was given on Sunday, October 24, 2010 Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-whose-heart-are-thy-ways-psalm-84.html


Previously:
Another Burden to Carry, Then Discard
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/another-burden-to-carry-then-discard.html

The Servant Chooses
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html

Translucent Transitions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html

The Cross Makes All Things New
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html

Bad Bosses and Burning Books
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/bad-bosses-and-burning-books.html

Our Human Problem
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-human-problem.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Holy Father meets the participants of " Orthodox Vision For Peace " Conference

19 October 2010, Ma'arat  Sayyidnaya, Damascus: His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius
Zakka I Iwas Patriarch met the participants of "Orthodox Vision for Peace"
conference in his private office in the Patriarchal Monastery of St. Ephraim.
His Eminence Mor Philaxinos Mathias Nayis,  the Patriarchal Assistant and
Director of the Faculty of Theology and Mor Dionysius Yuhanon Kawaq, Director of
the Patriarchal Curia were present along with His Holiness in welcoming the
delegates.

The "Orthodox Vision for Peace" conference is being held at Saint Christophorus
Monastery in Sayyidnaya near Damascus.

During the meeting, His Holiness reviewed his guests on the topics being
discussed by the Participants during the meetings and workshops. The
participants thanked His Holiness for having hosted them for the second time in
the Monastery of St. Ephraim and presented His Holiness with a commemorative
gift. The delegates then walked around the Monastery and the Patriarchal
Headquarters and visited the Library of the Patriarchate.

To view photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/editor.msv/SyrianOrthodoxConfrence#

In Whose Heart are Thy Ways - Psalm 84

In the last Sunday of the Cross, Fr John Brian's sermon takes into the
Gospel lesson from Luke 18:18-27 through Psalm 84. He then gives us
furtherance in today's lesson by an encounter with the end of 1 Corinthians
Chapter 5. All in preparation for the Preparation, which is the next part of the
Syrian Church calendar.

"Things impossible to men are possible to God." Luke 18:27

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the
Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, October 24, 2010 by Fr.
John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-whose-heart-are-thy-ways-psalm-84.html


Last Week:
Another Burden to Carry, Then Discard
In Matthew 23, one of the last sermons of Jesus before His crucifixion, we are
to obey "those that sit on Moses' seat," but not act as they act. This works
well into the Epistle reading from 1 Timothy Chapter 6, where there is a special
challenge to Clergy and those that wish to serve God. Fr John Brian uses the
Gospel and Epistle appointed for this Sunday of the Cross to discuss the burdens
we must carry and then discard in order and how to move into the presence of
God, the good Master - if we choose to serve Him. This
sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian
lectionary and was given on Sunday, October 17, 2010 by Fr. John Brian Paprock
at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin. Listen on-line
here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/another-burden-to-carry-then-discard.html

Previously:
The Servant Chooses
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html

Translucent Transitions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html

The Cross Makes All Things New
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html

Bad Bosses and Burning Books
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/bad-bosses-and-burning-books.html

Our Human Problem
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-human-problem.html

Who Is In Hell
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/08/who-is-in-hell.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

A Patriarchal Statement on Christians in Iraq

In a recent interview with news agencies, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka
I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal
Syriac Orthodox Church, gave the following comments:

During the hard times, our struggling Church and the faithful are passing
through, with other Christian brothers and sisters in our beloved East,
especially Iraq, we can only express our deep sorrow for all the bloody
massacres that took place, and are still going on, by the enemies of good and
righteousness, without any deterrent conscious or power of love for peace and
humanity.

While we feel very sad for these events, especially the brutal attack on our
sister Church of Our Lady of Deliverance, in Karada region of Bagdad, we lift
our prayers to the Lord Almighty, to accept the souls of our noble martyrs with
joy and pleasure, for sacrificing their blood for the name of Jesus Christ, thus
they deserve what Paul the Apostle said: " What shall separate us from the love
of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine or
nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all
the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these
things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us". Romans
8:35-37.That was what our Lord Jesus told us about: "The servant is not greater
than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you". John
15:20

Our condolence is; the grain of wheat which dies is the only one that gives
fruits abundantly.

In this occasion we suggested to our brothers, the Archbishops in Iraq, Syria
and Lebanon, to offer condolences to His Holiness, our honorable brother, Mor
Ignatius Yusef III Yunan , Patriarch of the Syriac Catholic Church and all his
Archbishops.

We firmly denounce all terroristic and criminal acts that spill the blood of
innocent Christians, and terrorize them to leave our beloved East, especially
Iraq. We denounce any opinion, or suggestion or encouragement to our peoples,
the children of the Holy Church, to leave Iraq for any other country: The East
is ours, and we are important partakers in its ancient civilizations, and no one
can steal this sacred right from us.

Let's all pray to the Holy Lord, to send His Holy Spirit to (check)? the face of
the earth, and spread His peace and concord in our beloved East and all over the
world. Let us have faith in the Lord's words: "I am with you always, even unto
the end of the world".
Matthew 28:20

May the Lord's name be glorified forever and ever. Amen
10, November, 2010

Copy of the Patriarchal Statement
http://socmnet.org/Bull_HH/Patriarchal_Statement_on_Christians_in_Iraq_Nov_2010.\
\
jpg

Demonstration against what is happening to the Christian people in Iraq.

Every person need to watch this video of demonstration against what is happening
to the Christian people in Iraq. The demonstration took place in Chicago on 7
November 2010.

To watch this video, visit:  http://vimeo.com/16732954

Everybody need to stand up for the human rights of every person on earth. The
right to live - the right to pray in a church without being murdered!

Proud to be a Christian.........

Energy of God's Presence - Psalm 82

On a Sunday of Dedication in the preparation for Holy Nativity, Fr John Brian's
homiletic sermon examines the scripture lessons (Acts 7:44-53; Hebrew 9:1-14 and
John 10:22-28) to discuss the reason for spiritual development and the energy of
coming into God's presence.

When Jesus quotes Psalm 82 to the Jewish leaders who were questioning His
divinity, only one verse is quoted but insight is gained when Fr John Brian uses
Psalm 82 as a focal point in our relationship with God and His church.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, November 7, 2010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission
Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/energy-of-god-presence-psalm-82.html


SPECIAL AUDIO RECORDING:
Fr John Brian gave a summary of interfaith relations as closing remarks at the
end of conference sessions of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship-North America
Conference 2010, "Interfaith Dialogue: Seeking the Peaceable Kingdom." The talk
includes an invitation to convene in Madison, Wisconsin for the 2011 Orthodox
Peace Conference. Listen on-line or podcast the short speech at the web pages
below. The recording was made on the evening of Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St
Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine, California
VISIT
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-closing.ht\
ml
OR
http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-clo\
sing.html


Last Week:
seraphim encounters - Isaiah 6

At the beginning of the preparation for Holy Nativity, the incarnation of God in
the flesh, Fr John Brian's homiletic sermon examines the Gospel lesson from
Matthew 16 (about Peter as the rock of faith and as a stumbling block) through
the light of Isaiah 6 which is the prophecy reading appointed for the Foundation
or Sanctification of the Church. This sermon lesson uses the readings and
services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday,
October 31, 2010 Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/seraphim-encounters-isaiah-6.html

Previously:
In Whose Heart are Thy Ways - Psalm 84
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-whose-heart-are-thy-ways-psalm-84.html

Another Burden to Carry, Then Discard
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/another-burden-to-carry-then-discard.html

The Servant Chooses
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html

Translucent Transitions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html

The Cross Makes All Things New
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html

Bad Bosses and Burning Books
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/bad-bosses-and-burning-books.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

A letter from Archbishop Eustathius Matta Roham to President of Iraq

A letter from Archbishop Eustathius Matta Roham of the Syrian Orthodox
Archdiocese of Jazirah and the Euphrates to His Excellency Mr Jalal Talabani.

His Excellency Mr Jalal Talabani
President of the Republic of Iraq

Greetings,

It is with deep sadness and pain that the entire world has received the news of
the criminal hostilities enacted against the Church of Our Lady of Salvation in
Baghdad.

These hostilities mark a new episode in the series of terrorist actions which
dear Iraq has witnessed over many years. Following this most awful crime which
targeted the innocent, it is essential to pause and reflect on it and its
results and how far they will reach.

The Christians of the East see this crime as a malevolent attempt to change the
demography of Iraq, an overt breach of the divine ordinance and natural law,
committed by those who belong to the ignorance and darkness of this world.

Our great confidence in Iraq, both government and people, pushes us to put the
responsibility on all to protect Iraqi Christians, and to make secure for them
all means of security and stability.

The continuation of this bloody chain of attacks, and the current political
strife, is weakening the very existence of the state and is rocking the
confidence of the citizens in it.

It is our duty to remind our Muslim brothers of their responsibility to protect
the souls, churches, and possessions of their Christian brothers; something that
Islam has practiced throughout history. The one who transgresses the honourable
hadeeth, "He who hurts a dhimmi has hurt me," transgresses his Islamic faith,
and becomes a stranger to good morals.

We call on you, Mr President, to take stern measures to combat those devils who
commit terrorism and those who support them, and to secure the protection of all
the citizens and especially the Christians and the other religious groups that
have become minorities within the fabric of Iraqi society, and are in fact an
essential component of it, and are indispensable in the beautiful picture of
Iraq.

We pray to God, glorified on high, to embrace the martyrs of the Church of Our
Lady of Salvation and all the martyrs of Iraq in His infinite mercy, and to give
them a place in His eternal Paradise of bliss, and to bestow His speedy healing
on the wounded, and to shower down his balm of consolation on the hearts of
their families, and to strengthen the national unity among the Iraqis, so that
they can move their wounded country forward into a brighter future.

May God grant you success, both government and people, so that you may fulfil
goodness and peace in all parts of our beloved Iraq.

Yours faithfully,

Eusthathius Matta Roham,
Syrian Orthodox Archbishop of Jazirah and the Euphrates.

Source: Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate

Inviting Angels Into Our Life

On the first Sunday of Annunciations in the preparation for Holy Nativity,
Zechariah has encounter of an angel. Fr John Brian uses the story from Luke
Chapter 1 to talk about how we invite angels into our lives. Even so, we can be
startled we there is a response to our prayers.

The angels say "Fear not." Fr John Brian then discusses Isaiah 41:8-15 appointed
for Sunday of Zechariah, where God speaks through the prophet three times,
saying "Fear not."

"Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I have
strengthened you and have helped you, yea, I will uphold you with the right hand
of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara
Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, November 14, 2010 by Fr. John Brian
Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the
power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/inviting-angels-into-our-life.html

SPECIAL AUDIO RECORDING:
Fr John Brian gave a summary of interfaith relations as closing remarks at the
end of conference sessions of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship-North America
Conference 2010, "Interfaith Dialogue: Seeking the Peaceable Kingdom." The talk
includes an invitation to convene in Madison, Wisconsin for the 2011 Orthodox
Peace Conference. Listen on-line or podcast the short speech at the web pages
below. The recording was made on the evening of Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St
Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine, California VISIT
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-closing.ht\
ml
OR
http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2010/10/interfaith-dialogue-conference-clo\
sing.html

Last week:
Energy of God's Presence - Psalm 82
On a Sunday of Dedication in the preparation for Holy Nativity, Fr John Brian's
homiletic sermon examines the scripture lessons (Acts 7:44-53; Hebrew 9:1-14 and
John 10:22-28) to discuss the reason for spiritual development and the energy of
coming into God's presence. When Jesus quotes Psalm 82 to the Jewish leaders who
were questioning His divinity, only one verse is quoted but insight is gained
when Fr John Brian uses Psalm 82 as a focal point in our relationship with God
and His church. This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from
the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, November 7, 2010 Listen
on-line here:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/energy-of-god-presence-psalm-82.html


Previously:
seraphim encounters - Isaiah 6
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/seraphim-encounters-isaiah-6.html

In Whose Heart are Thy Ways - Psalm 84
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-whose-heart-are-thy-ways-psalm-84.html

Another Burden to Carry, Then Discard
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/another-burden-to-carry-then-discard.html

The Servant Chooses
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/10/servant-chooses.html

Translucent Transitions
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/translucent-transitions.html

The Cross Makes All Things New
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2010/09/cross-makes-all-things-new.html


Top FIVE sermons with some Honorable Mentions (through May 2009)
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-five-audio-sermons-of-fr-john-brian.h\
tml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD all sermons: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml

For more articles and sermons, visit www.Frjohbrian.blogspot.com

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3
Madison, Wisconsin - Sundays 9:30am
608.242.4244 ~ transfiguration@...
www.maruroopa.blogspot.com
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT
[check out our mission pictures]
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
"Neighbors, Strangers, and Everyone Else"
Latest book by Fr John Brian - www.lulu.com/transfiguration
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Get "A Little Spiritual Help" twice a week
Subscribe: spiritualhelp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualhelp/
Also on Facebook

Christians appeal for canonization of the Martyrs of Baghdad
By Speroforum

"We ask that the martyrs of Iraq be canonized, because the example of their
lives and their sacrifice is an inspiration to us all as Christians, Arabs and
non alike, living in the Middle East."  These are words taken from an internet
petition that has been launched by a group of Arab Christians living in the Holy
Land.

In the massacre of October 31, in the Syriac Catholic Church of Our Lady of
Deliverance in Baghdad, over 40 faithful were killed, including two priests, Fr.
Thair Sad-alla Abd-al and Fr. Waseem Sabeeh Al-kas Butros, as they prayed with
their people: "Their names join the list of Christians who have died in Iraq for
their faith, as Christians of the region continue to face a serious threat,"
says the petition. Both the Catholic Church and the various Orthodox Christian
churches recognize as martyrs those who have died at the hands of those who hate
the Christian faith.

"As Arab Christians in the Holy Land, would like to reaffirm our desire to live
our Christian faith in the same land where Christ died and rose for our
salvation and where his apostles proclaimed the Good News to our ancestors,"
continues the text, recalling that the Middle East, birthplace of Christianity,
has borne fruit by the power of the Holy Spirit and now expresses a plurality of
believers: Greek-Catholics, Syrian Catholics, Copts, Maronites, Armenians,
Latins, Lutherans, Anglicans, and others.

Following the tradition of the Early Church, the Christian Arabs ask that those
who die as martyrs be recognized and honored as saints, in particular: Fr. Thair
Sad-alla Abd-al and Fr. Waseem Sabeeh Al-kas Butros and their companions, who
were murdered on October 31 by Islamist terrorists. Others mentioned are the
Chaldean Sisters Fawzeiyah and Margaret Naoum, killed March 26, 2007; the
Chaldean priest Fr. Raghid Aziz Ganni and sub-deacons Yousef Daoud, Wahid Hanna
Isho, and Gassan Issam Bidawid, killed June 3, 2007 in Mosul; Chaldean
Archbishop Paulos Faraj of Mosul, found dead March 13, 2008. The website also
recalls the murder of Syriac Orthodox Father Boulos Iskandar and Father Joseph
Petros, killed in Baghdad on October 9, 2006; Father Amer Iskander, Syriac
Orthodox, who was found beheaded on October 11, 2006; and Reverend Mundher
Aldayr, a Protestant minister who was killed in Mosul on November 26, 2006

Visitors to the Martyrs-Iraq.org website can add their names to the petition.
The website also lists the names of the Iraqi Christians murdered in Baghdad in
October. The website notes that it has been organized by a group of "anonymous
Christians."

The petition is available at http://www.martyrs-iraq.org