The 3rd Apostolic visit of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I
Iwas the Patriarch of Antioch & All the East to INDIA

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

September 20,
9.45 am  Arrival of the HOLY PATRIARCH at Nedumbassery International
Airport, Cochin
The Government of Kerala receives the Holy Patriarch of Antioch & all
the East as the State Guest
Leave for Cochin escorted by the Catholicose of India Aboon Mor
Baselios Thomas I and the Metropolitans of Malankara

September 21,
5.00 pm  Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to inaugurate the silver
jubilee fete of the Patriarchal  consecration at the "Catholicos
Baselios Paulose II Nagar" (Marine Drive, Ernakulam)

September 22,
11.00 am  Visits the tomb of Mor Clemis Abraham, the L.L. Chief
Metropolitan of the East at Chingavanam
5.00 pm Visits the tombs of Patriarch St. Elias III, Mor Binyamin
Joseph Mor Osthatheos and other Metropolitans at Majanikkara

September 23,
10.00 am  Holy Episcopal Synod
4.00 pm Patriarch to inaugurate the Golden Jubilee celebrations of
Mar Athanasius College,at Kothamangalam

September 24,
9.30 am  Consecration of the Church head quarters at Puthencuriz
11.00 am  Addresses the Jacobite Syrian Church Managing Committee at
Puthencuriz
4.00 pm    Addresses the other church Committees like Sunday School
association, EAE etc.
5.30 pm    Visits the tomb of L.L Catholicos of the East Mor Baselios
Paulose II at Malecuriz Dayro
7.00 pm    Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary at Udayagiri

September 25,
8.00 am  Consecration of Holy Mooron
1.00 pm    Catholicate Cathedral at Kothamangalam
4.00 pm    Inauguration of the Church Dental College at Chelad
5.30 pm    Visits the institutions under the Mar Athanasius College
Association

September 26,
9.00 am  Holy Qurbono at Kottayam
5.30 pm  St. Mary's Soonoro Church, Ernakulam

September 27,
11.00 am  'Jacobite Syrian Christian Association' meet at
Mulanthuruthy

September 28 - 29
Leave for New Delhi
Visits Raj Ghat to pay homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma
Gandhi
Meets the Political leaders of India

September 30
Leave for Damascus

*** There may be a few changes to this program which will be
announced in due course

"Praise The Lord"

By the Grace of our Lord, H.H. the Patriarch of Antioch, and the 122nd successor
of  Shem`un Pathrose and the Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox
Chruch, our His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatios Zakka Iwas the First, is celebrating
his 24th enthronement anniversary as the Patriarch on September 14th.

As an obedient and true servant of the Church, I am congratulating His Holiness
and pray to God to give him strength and health to lead our church.

The Syrian Orthodox Church, especially "The Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox
Church" cannot forget the gifts that we have received from the 122nd successor
of St. Peter.

His Holiness Ignatios Zakka the First had two apostolic visits to India, and His
Holiness is getting ready for his Third Apostolic Visit. I think he is the only
patriarch who has visited or is going to visit Kerala 3 times. His name will
never be forgotten by the faithful in Kerala.  The state of Kerala is getting
ready to receive the Successor of St. Peter.

On September 14, 1980, Mor Severius Zakah was consecrated the Patriarch of
Antioch by name Ignatius Zakka I, in a rite officiated by Catholicos of the
East, Mor Baselious Pawlos the Second along with the archbishops of the Holy
Synod.

Now his holiness is completing his 24th year as a Patriarch.  On this memorable
occasion, let us pray to God to give more and more courage and health and faith
to our His Holiness.

With Lots of Prayers

Lovingly Yours



Prakash George

St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Chruch
Thiruvanchoor. P.O.
Kottayam Diocese
SAMAJAM (St. Mary's Jacobite Movement)
Al-Khobar Unit, Saudi Arabia

MR. PRAKASH GEORGE
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KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
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RESIDENCE TEL. NO. - 00966 (0)3 865 6511
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Dear Brothers in Jesus Christ

On this Holy day of Sleeba Perunnaal (Exaltation of the Cross -14th
Sept 2004) we and our Church (Universal Syriac Orthodox Church) is
preparing ourselves to enter the Silver Jubilee Year of the
consecration and coronation of our most beloved Baawa as the Prince
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and also the Supreme Head of
the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church. And we are all so happy that
His Holiness will be with us in Malankara for the inauguration
ceremonies for the year long festivities.

At this auspicious land mark juncture, our main duty is to pray for
his good health and long life. This is well in accordance with the
teachings and instructions of the Holy Church and hence our
responsibility.

May God the Almighty be kind enough to keep our Moran in Good health
to rule and lead us wisely in the years to come, guide the Church
and it's children in the right path, the path shown to us by Our
Lord Jesus Christ and His Disciples and Apostles.

We thank God from the bottom of our heart for giving us this most
Noble Moran, who has always exhibited his class, character, ability,
power of understanding and love to his children.

On September 20, His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch & all the
East and head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, Moran Mor
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, will arrive at Cochin as the official guest
of the State Government. His Holiness will be in the state for 8
days.

The program of H.H's 3rd Apostolic visit and other details are
available at:

http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or
http://syriacchristianity.com/visit2004/Home_Page.htm

Long Live Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka First Iwas

In HIS Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy (Dist), Kerala, India.

Dear Davide
	 As far as I know it is not a sin to have idols but idol worship is sin.

Regards
George
-----Original Message-----
From: Dŕvide Sivčro [mailto:davidetamara@...]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 10:46 PM
To: Rajesh George
Subject: idols

Dear friend,
I am from the SORForum and am writing to you, hoping not to bother
you too much, because I would need know whether, according to
Oriental Orthodox theology, it is sin to have and use idols (for non-
idolatrous purposes)...
Hoping that you can help me I thank you with all my heart.
May God reward and bless you.
BaMshiho,
Davide

Dear Davide

What about this Bible passage:

Deuteronomy 7:25 The engraved images of their gods shall you burn
with fire: you shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on
them, nor take it to you, lest you be snared therein; for it is an
abomination to the LORD your God. 7:26 You shall not bring an
abomination into your house, and become a devoted thing like it: you
shall utterly detest it, and you shall utterly abhor it; for it is a
devoted thing.

The BIBLE is clear concerning Idols.

Shalom

Patriarch of the Antioch and all the East H.H Moran Mor Ignatius
Zakka-I Iwas arrived here on Monday on a seven-day visit to Kerala.

Amid high security, thousands of devotees thronged the Kochi
international airport to accord a tumultuous welcome to the supreme
head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church.

Fisheries Minister Dominic Presentation received the visiting
dignitary on behalf of the state government.

Catholicos Baselious Thomas I and other bishops of the Jacobite
Syrian Church received their religious head.

Synod secretary Mor Gregorius Joseph, Patriarchal Assistant to
Malankara Mor Julius Kuriakose, Mor Philoxenos Yuhanon, Mor
Thimotheos Thomas, Mor Ivanios Mathews, Mor Theophilos Kuriakose,
Mor Miltheos Yuhanon, Mor Polycarpus Geevarghese, Mor Athanasius
Geevarghese, Mor Dioscorus Kuriakose, Mor Dionysius Geevarghese ,
Church trusty George Mathew Theketalackal, secretary Thambu George
Thukalan,Kozhiparambathu Aliyas Ramban were came to receive H.H.

Member of Parliament Lonappan Nambadan, Member of Legislatives, T.M.
Jacob, K. Babu, P.G Joy, T.H Mustafa, Saju Paul, M.A
Chandrasekharan, V.J Paulose, U.D.F convener P.P. Thankachan, other
public dignitaries were also came to receive His Holiness.

Though tired after a long journey, His Holiness Zakka greeted the
people at the airport and extended blessings to the people of Kerala.

The Patriarch arrived by an Emirates flight EK- 350 from Damascus
via Dubai to attend a host of religious and public functions during
his third visit to the Malankara Church. H.H is accompanied by 12
member delegation, including Mor Athanatius Elia Bahi (Patriarchal
Assistant), Pathros Mor Silvanos (Homs), Malki Mor Militius
(Australia).

He will be accorded a public reception at Ernakulam on Tuesday
marking the beginning of year-long silver jubilee celebrations of
his enthronement as the 122nd successor to St Peter.

The Patriarch, later, proceeded to Le-Meridian hotel in Ernakulam.
He will have no major functions today.

Tight security had been thrown in and around the airport in view of
the prolonged dispute between the two factions of the Church and the
strong reservation of rival faction to the visit of the Patriarch
and his proposed visits to some of the disputed churches in Kerala.

In HIS Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodx Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy (dist), Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

All arrangements are completed for the Jacobite Episcopal synod
meeting on 23rd at Karingachira St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox
Church, which will be presided by the visiting Patriarch H.H.
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. 18 Bishops, including the 3 visiting Bishops
from Syria, Mor Athanatius Elia Bahi (Patriarchal Assistant), Pathros
Mor Silvanos (Homs), Malki Mor Militius (Australia) will take part in
the historical synod meeting. The synod will decide on various
spiritual and administrative issues.

30,000 people, through closed circuit TVs arranged, can view the
Patriarch's Holy Qurbana and other services in the Church.

"The Patriarchal visit and the Episcopal Synod at Karingachira are
historical ones", said Catholicos H.B. Baselius Thomas I, in a press
conference. "The Malankara Association meeting at Mulanthuruthy
Church on 27th September will be the repetition of such an
Association meeting held 126 years ago", the Catholicos added.

"The Patriarchal visit is coinciding with the historical changes
happened in the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church and hence
the Episcopal synod convening at Karingachira, after the formation of
the new Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Association, will have
several implications", said the Episcopal Synod Secretary H. G.
Joseph Mor Gregorios.

The Patriarch will arrive at Nedumbasseri Airport on 20th morning,
and will attend the silver jubilee celebration of the Patriarchal
consecration on 21st at Ernakulam Marine Drive. The Chief Minister
Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the meeting and the keynote address
will be given by Major Archbishop Mor Varkey Vithayathil.

On 23rd at Karingachira Church, the Catholicos H.B. Baselius Thomas
I, Kochi Diocesan Bishop Joseph Mor Gregorius, other Bishops, Priests
and lay leaders will receive the Patriarch. After the morning prayers
and Holy Qurbana, the Patriarch will give the key message to the
people attending the service.

After completing the visit in Kerala, the Patriarch will leave for
Delhi on 28th. His Holiness will be given public reception there
under the leadership of National Christian Council of India. The
Patriarch will meet the President of India, the Prime Minister,
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the Opposition leader.

Fr. P. P. Joseph Nadappuzha, Fr. Shammy John Eramangalath, Fr. Mathai
Kulachir, Fr. Sabu Paul Vendrappalli, Publicity Co-ordinator C. M.
Kurian etc also attended the press conference.

SOCM-Press Bureau
Source: Deepika Daily (Internet edition) 18-09-2004
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/4948

In HIS Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodx Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy (dist), Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

KOCHI, SEPT. 21. The scenic Marine Drive and an enthusiastic
gathering of more than 50,000 people provided the perfect ambience to
the beginning of the silver jubilee celebrations of the ordination of
the head of the Universal Syrian
Orthodox Church, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East,Ignatius
Zakka I
Iwas.

Huge gathering

The faithful had begun to converge on the Marine Drive early in the
afternoon
for the programme that began after 4 p. m. The huge canopy that was
erected on
the Marine Drive ground was overflowing with people eager to have a
glimpse of
the spiritual head of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Dignitaries were taken to the dais, 10 feet high, with the help of an
elevator
even as the Patriarch arrived on a motorised chariot to spirited
greetings from
the faithful.

The meeting was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, who
said that he was happy and proud to be part of the celebrations. He
recalled that the
previous two visits of the Patriarch had raised a lot of heat and
dust but after
the visits they had died down.

Welcomed

Earlier, Joseph Gregorios, Metropolitan welcomed the gathering.
Baseliose Thomas I, Catholicos, said in his presidential address that
it was not to raise
controversies or to make quarrels that such occasions should be used.

Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, head of the Syro-Malabar Church conveyed
his
greetings on behalf of the Catholic community in the State.

The Industries Minister, P. K. Kunhalikutty, the Minister for
Fisheries, Dominic
Presentation, Sebastian Paul, MP; K. V. Thomas, T. M. Jacob and Saju
Paul, MLAs; O. Rajagopal, former Union Minister of State for
Railways; the UDF convener, P. P. Thankachan; the SNDP Yogam General
Secretary Vellappally Natesan; Philip Mathew, chairman of the Press
Trust of India and businessman, Yusuf Ali, were among those who
participated in the public meeting.

http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/22/stories/2004092214550300.htm

In HIS Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy (dist), Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

Rousing reception to Patriarch at Manjanikara

By Our Staff Reporter

PATHANAMTHITTA, SEPT. 22. The head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox
Church and Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, Ignatius Zakka-I
Iwas, has said that those who criticise the Holy Throne of Antioch
are ``ignorant of their sins and follies and may God Almighty
forgive them''.

The Patriarch was delivering the blessing speech at a public meeting
held at the Manjanikara School grounds during his visit to the
Manjanikkara Diara near here this afternoon.

He said the mission of the Church was service to humanity. The
believers accorded a rousing reception to the Patriarch at the St.
George Jacobite Church in Thiruvalla.

He was received at the Omalloor Cross when he, escorted by a
motorcade, reached there around 5-30 p.m. Kaniyamparampil Kurien Cor-
Episcopa garlanded the Patriarch and he was escorted to the
Manjanikkara Diara by the Metropolitans, Markose Mar Koorilos and
Youhanon Mar Militheos, later.

At the Manjanikkara Diara Church, he was received by Kuriakose Mar
Eulios and Geevarghese Mar Divanaseus.

The Patriarch offered prayers at the tomb of St. Elias-III, Yakoob
Mar Eulios and Benyamin Joseph Mar Osththeos.

A public meeting held at the Manjanikara school grounds was presided
by the Catholicos Baselius Thomas-I.

The Metropolitans of the Church, Youhanon Mor Peelexinos, Joseph Mor
Gregorios, Mathews Mor Ivaneos, Kuriakose Mor Eulios, Geevarghese
Mor Athanaseus, Markose Mor Koorilos, Kuriakos Mor Diascorus,
Geevarghese Mor Divannaseus, Kuriakose Mor Theophilus, and Kuriakose
Mor Savarius were among the speakers.

http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/23/stories/2004092304440300.htm

For more updated details http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or
http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

Kochi: Visiting Patriarch of Antioch and All the East H.H. Moran Mor
Ignatius Zakka I, the supreme head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox
Church, began the silver jubilee celebrations of his enthronement,
flanked by thousands of his followers in India.

Marked with religious fervour and enthusiasm, tens of thousands of
devotees thronged the Marine Drive here this evening, to greet their
supreme pontiff on the occasion of his jubilee.

The celebrations were formally inaugurated at a public meeting
attended by religious and political leaders. Kerala Chief Minister
Oommen Chandy inaugurated the celebrations. Union Minister for Power
P M Sayeed, former Union Minister and senior BJP leader O Rajagopal,
head of Syro-Malabar Church Cardinal Varkey Mar Vithayathil and
Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan were among those who attended the
meeting.

Visit http://syriacchristianity.com/visit2004/Home_Page.htm for
detailed news on the third Apostolic Visit of His Holiness to India.

=============
The transcript of Patriarch's Speech at the celebration is below
(Source: John Philip K.):

Patriarchal address at the public meeting in Ernakulam

We are extremely delighted to be here this evening with you all. It
is always a great joy to visit India, the great nation of sages and
saints, this beautiful state Kerala, "Gods own country", and
particularly our church here in India.

We remember with much gratitude, the warm reception we received from
the general public, the previous times we visited India. We still
cherish the fond memories of those visits. We wish to once again
thank the honourable governments, both at the centre and here in
Kerala for their kind hospitality. We are happy that the same spirit
has been shown to us even this time.

When we see this great crowd here, we marvel at the love that you
show to the Holy throne of Antioch. We can only talk about our church
in India with mixed feelings. On the one hand, we are extremely happy
to see the progress our church has made under the efficient
leadership of our spiritual brother in Christ His Beatitude Baselios
Thomas 1st, the Catholicos and Metropolitan Trustee. His Beatitude is
a born leader. God has bestowed many good qualities upon him. In
times of crises he will never waiver. His loyalty to the Holy throne
of Antioch is unflinching. He will never compromise aspects of true
faith and traditions. He will always walk ahead and with his people.
In His Beatitude you have a great leader whom you can always trust
and look upon. He will stay like a rock when it comes to matters of
faith. We remember with gratitude the great sacrifices of Late
Lamented His Beatitude Mor Baselios Paulose IInd along with the late
Lamented Mor Gregorios Geevarghese made for this church. We want to
appreciate the leadership of His Beatitude Baselios Thomas 1st at
this time and thank him for the same. May God grand him good health
and long life. We also would like to acknowledge the services of all
our Archbishops who stood with His Beatitude and the faithful,
especially during the time of crisis. We urge all of you to continue
to extend your prayerful support to His Beatitude Baselios Thomas 1st
and to the Holy Episcopal Synod.

Christianity in India is as old as the beginning of the Christian
Church. India had the great fortune of having received the gospel of
Christ in the first century itself through Apostle St. Thomas. The
relationship with the Syrian Orthodox Church in India and the
Patriarchate of Antioch started in the first Christian century, was
confirmed in the council of Nicea in AD 325. We are glad to note that
this ancient tradition is still kept alive. While we rejoice in this,
as the spiritual head of the church, we are equally saddened that a
group has gone astride from the mother church. Unfortunately, this
rift has lead to many court cases in India, which has become a
disgrace to the entire Christian community in India. As the Supreme
head of the church, we have always stood for making peace in the
church. In fact, the 1995 verdict of the Honourable Supreme Court of
India provided us with an excellent opportunity for peace and unity
in the both fractions here. However, we missed the opportunity
because the other faction was not willing to accept the challenge. We
tried our level best to make an amicable settlement on the basis of
the honourable Supreme Court Judgment and waited seven years for
unity and peace in the church. That was not to be. It was in this
context and on the request of our faithful here that we decided to
consecrate His Beatitude Baselios Thomas 1st as the Catholicos of our
church here. Today when I see this crowd, I am more than convinced
that we made a correct decision and a correct choice. May our church
continue to prosper under the spiritual leadership of His Beatitude
Baselios Thomas 1st and our Holy Episcopal Synod in India.

At this time, we also would like to appreciate the Government of
Kerala of its positive role and approach in our church affairs. The
state government knew that our cause was just. We wish to record our
gratitude and thanks for the Honourable Government for their care.
Our particular thanks to the former Chief Ministers Mr. K.
Karunakaran, late Mr. E.K. Nayanar, Mr. A.K. Antony and his council
of ministers and his successor Mr. Oommen Chandy for their constant
support and cooperation. Our sister churches and their leaders also
expressed their concerns and extended their help in hands for
reconciliation through mediation. Also the contributions of the
cultural leaders of Kerala are worthy to be mentioned.

Once again we are so glad we could come to India, which is the
largest democracy in the world. You have yet again proved through the
recent elections that the roots of democracy here are, indeed,
strong. Everyone can be proud of these traditions of democracy and
secularism in India. We remember with great respect Mahatma Gandhi,
the father of the Nation. This land is the cradle of the rich and
ancient culture and civilization. Kerala has been home to people of
all faiths and nationalities. When religious fundamentalism and
conflicts are destroying nations, Kerala has stood as a model for all
nations to learn from. Here, people of all religion live in harmony.
We have experienced this during all our visits to India. Minority
religions such as Christianity have received royal patronage from the
Hindu rulers in the past. Our own church, the Syrian Orthodox Church,
has been a beneficiary of this generous attitude of Hindu brothers
and sisters. Our Syrian community, in turn has accommodated many
aspects of Hindu culture in their social and religious life. We are
happy to note that our church has been able to maintain a cordial
relationship with all religions here. It is our responsibility to be
faithful to our own religious traditions and to be open to others and
to respect the faith of the brothers and sisters of other religious
traditions. We urge to continue this spirit of cooperation and to
take a stronger role in nation building. The church is the extension
of God's incarnation in Jesus Christ. Our mission in India is to
share the immense joy of Gospel, not forceful conversion. Gospel is
to be shared not to be imposed and our challenge is to witness the
love of God through our lives. It is our calling to be the voice of
the voiceless, the poor and marginalized. We should never entertain a
minority complex; rather we should continue to be part and parcel of
the national life in India.

We take this opportunity to thank you all for the preparation of the
Patriarchal Silver Jubilee celebrations of enthronement to the Holy
Throne of St. Peter and for the good words. Let me thank Oommen
Chandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala and his cabinet ministers for
making my visit possible and all the facilities provided as a state
guest and for his personal presence here. I thank Cardinal Varkey
Vithayathil and all the leaders of the sister churches who were here
and the social, cultural and political dignitaries present here.

We expect that you all pray for us to continue our efforts to glorify
our Lord Jesus Christ through the years to come.

We wish you all the best and thank you. May God Bless you.

H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I consecrated the Jacobite Church
Head-quarters complex at Puthenkurishu in Ernakulam District, Kerala.
His
Holiness named the complex Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas Center

Due to the trials and tribulations of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox
Church
in the past century, the Church lacked a central facility to oversee
the
administration of its spiritual and temporal affairs. It became an
absolute
necessity for the Church in India to have a Headquarters Complex to
fulfill
the various and manifold services and also for the effective and
prompt
functioning of its administrative system. For the hundreds of parish
churches
and about more than one million faithful, the head-quarters complex at
Puthenkurishu in Ernakulam District, Kerala, is a long cherished
dream.

H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I has blessed the site of the
headquarters on
April 9, 2000, during his second apostolic visit to Malankara. Now on
His
Holiness' third apostolic visit, the first phase of the complex will
be
consecrated. The Syrian Orthodox Church in India is greatly indebted
to His
Holiness for the Apostolic blessings and whole hearted support to
construct
this dream project. We continue to beseech His Holiness's prayers and
Apostolic blessings.

The first block of the Patriarchal Centre was consecrated on
September 14,
2001, the Feast Day of the Holy Cross, by H.B. Catholicos Aboon Mor
Baselios
Thomas I (who was then the Catholicos-Designate), assisted by
metropolitans
Mor Philexinos Yuhanon, Mor Themotheos Thomas, Mor Polycarpos
Geevarghese,
Mor Gregorios Joseph, and Mor Ivanius Matthews

Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/5013

For update details of the Apostolic Visit, please visit
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

The full-fledged Episcopal synod of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian
church was
held here on Thursday in the presence of the Patriarch of Antioch,
H.H Moran Mor
Ignatius Zakka Iwas, after nearly 186 years.

The synod, held at St George Jacobite church at nearby Karingachira,
was
attended by Catholicos Baselious Thomas I and 18 metropolitans. This
was the
first time in the recent history of the Malankara Church that the
Synod was
meeting in the presence of the Patriarch.

Briefing reporters on the synod deliberations in the presence of the
Patriarch,
synod secretary Joseph Mor Gregorius said that the Church would
carry out its
expansion with special emphasis on indigenization. ``The Church is
already on
the path of Indianisation. But we want to accelerate the pace,'' he
said.

As part of the Church's ``expansion project'', the synod also
decided to set up
more dioceses, consecrate additional bishops and new churches would
be set up
outside Kerala and efforts would be made to translate the liturgical
texts and
rites in regional languages of other states. He said the church had
lots of
followers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and north India.

Another major decision was the declaration of the St Mary's Church
at Mannarcadu
as a pilgrim centre.

The synod also permitted the parishioners of St Thomas Jacobite
Syrian Church,
North Paravoor, and St George Church, Arthattu in Kunnamkulam to
remember Abdul
Jaleel Mor Gregorius and Sleeba Mor Osthathios respectively in their
prayers.
The names of both the departed spiritual heads were included in the
`Thubdeen'(the episodes in the prayer which remembers the
forefathers and the
rich heritage of the Malankara Church) of the Jacobite Church.

On the disputed closed churches, the Patriarch said churches are for
worship.
Churches should be opened and followers of both the Orthodox and
Jacobite
factions should be allowed to worship, he said. The court cases with
regard to the disputes between the two factions should be freezed,
he said.

The synod assumes importance in the light of the ongoing factional
feud between
the Jacobite and Orthodox factions of the Malankara church over
several issues,
including distribution of church properties.

In the morning, Patriarch declared the ancient St George Jacobite
Syrian church
at Karingachira near Tripunithura here as Cathedral of the Jacobite
Church.
Established in AD 722, the St George church has witnessed several
historic
events in the history of the Malankara Church. The late Geevarghese
Mor
Gregorius Metropolitan, popularly known as `Parumala Thirumeni'
ascended the
first step of ordination at this church. The church structure is a
perfect blend
of Persian and Indian traditional architecture.

In the press conference the Patriarch said that his decision to
declare St
George Jacobite Church as a cathedral would not amount to violation
of the
Supreme Court judgment. ``It is a spiritual matter. My act cannot be
dubbed as a
violation of the Supreme Court directives,'' His Holiness said.

Source
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/5011

In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

The late Malankara Metropolitan Paulose Mor Koorilos will be
canonised as Saint
by the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. The Synod convened at
Karingachira
Church in the presence of the Patriarch H.H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas,
ordered to
start the process for this declaration.

The declaration is based on the believers' witnessing of the miracles
happened
through the intercession of Mor Coorilos, who is entombed in
Panampadi Martha
Mariam Church. A special commission will study the witnesses and will
give a
report to the Episcopal Synod, who in turn will finally decide on the
declaration.

Mor Koorilos, who born on 20th Vrichikam 1852, as the son of
Mulanthuruthy
Kandanad Thozhuppadan Kochuparambil Thomas, received his ordination
as a deacon at the age of nine, from the then Antiochian
representative Mor Euyakim
Koorilos. He continued his syriac education under the Malpans
Pallithitta
Geevarghese Kathanar and Koonappillil Geevarghese Kathanar.

Becoming a priest at the age of 16, his first Holy Qurbano was
celebrated at the
Kandanad Church. He became a Ramban at the age of 25 and given charge
of the Vettikkal Dayara. He traveled to the Holy Lands along with
Parumala Kochu
Thirumeni and after his return, joined at the Old Seminary at
Kottayam, when he
was deputed to oversee the construction of Trivandrum St.George
Church, by the then Malankara Metropolitan.

On 31st May 1908, Ramban Paulose was ordained as Bishop Paulose Mor
Coorilose, along with Vattasseril Geevarghese Malapan, at Sehion
malika in Jerusalem by the then Patriarch Abdoloho (Abdulla II). He
continued the Church service along with the Late Michael Dionasius
Metropolitan.

Mor Koorilose was commented for his simplicity and meekness as well
as for his
observance of lent, prayer and holding the true belief of the Syrian
Church. In
1911, Mor Koorilos was selected as the Malankara Metropolitan at the
Jacobite
Association held at Aluva Thrukkunnathu Seminary, which was presided
by the then Patriarch Abdoloho. On 14th December 1917, Mor Koorilose
went to his heavenly abode and was entombed at Panampadi Church at
Kottayam.

For biography & photos
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud/morkoorilos
epaulose.m\
snw
http://sor.cua.edu/Personage/Malankara/MKoorilosPKochuparambil.html

In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

KOCHI: In an atmosphere charged with prayers and hymns, the
consecration of myron (holy oil) was held at the ancient St Thomas
Church (Marthoma Cheria Palli) at Kothamangalam on Saturday.

Tens of thousands of Jacobite Church members thronged the church
premises to witness the rare ritual.

Myron, the holy oil, is used to anoint persons receiving baptism by
water. It represents the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The ritual, described as ``a great mystery'' in theological circles
and among the Fathers of Churches, was led by Patriarch of Antioch
Mar Ignatius Zakka I. The five-hour-long ritual was also a
proclamation by the Syrian Jacobite Church reaffirming its faith on
the tradition of Antioch.

The consecration of myron was held in two phases. In the first, the
`preparations' prior to the consecration was held. Recalling how John
the Baptist prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the
deacons and the priests took out a procession around the church.

The second procession consisted of deacons, priests, 12 metropolitans
of the Church and the high priest (the Patriarch) with the holy oil
in his hand.

The second stage of the ritual was the sanctification of the holy oil
by offering special prayers. According to belief, the high priest,
through his prayers, is expected to bring in all the dynamism of the
Holy Spirit to the oil.

After the sanctification of the holy oil, the Patriarch blessed the
world by spraying it in four directions. As a fulfillment of the
sacrament, Holy Qurbana by 13 celebrants was said at a specially set
up 'madbaha' on the church premises.

It is after an interval of 22 years that consecration of Holy Myron
is held in the Malankara Church. The ritual was last performed at
Manarcaud St Mary's church in 1982.

Catholicos Baselios Thomas I assisted the Patriarch in leading the
ritual.

Joseph Mar Gregorios, Yoohanon Mar Philexinos, Geevarghese Mar
Policarpus, Thomas Mar Thimotheos, Kuriakose Mar Euliyos, Marcose Mar
Coorilos, Mathews Mar Evanios, Gheevarghese Mar Dionysius, Kuirakose
Mar Deoscorus, Geevarghese Mar Athanasius, Yoohanon Mar Milithios,
Kuriakose Mar Theophilos and Kuriakose Mar Sevarios were the
metropolitans who participated in the consecration.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?
ID=IER20040925124139&Page=R&Title=Kerala&Topic=0&

For an Eyewitness report from a young Lady, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/5025

Apostolic Visit updates and photos
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

KOTTAYAM: Echoing the views of the Pope of the Catholic Church,
Patriarch of
Antioch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas on Sunday came down heavily on
abortion saying it was a crime committed by men and women.

In his speech declaring St Mary's Church at Manarcaud near here as a
universal
pilgrim centre and elevating it to the status of a cathedral, the
Patriarch said
mothers had a duty of offering babies to the world and grooming them
in a good
way and recalled that Virgin Mary was a role model for married and
unmarried men and women.

Addressing followers on the church premises after the Sunday Holy
Mass, the
Patriarch said that the Syrian Church attached much importance to
Virgin Mary
and her intercession between God and believers.

The Manarcaud St Mary's Church had become a great pilgrim centre
where thousands became blessed through prayers, the Patriarch said
and added that the miracles performed by Virgin Mary here were
uncountable. She was keeping the word of God and her life was a model
for married and unmarried people, he added.

The Patriarch then declared the Manarcaud church as a universal
pilgrim centre
and elevated it as a cathedral amid chants of `let Antioch-Malankara
ties last
for ever' by thousands of church followers.

The Patriarch's speech was conspicuous by the absence of any
reference to the
ongoing feud in the Malankara Church, in spite of the fact that the
headquarters
of the Orthodox Syrian Church is here.

Thanking the declaration on the Manarcaud church, Catholicos Baselius
Thomas I said that the Jacobite Church submitted itself to the Throne
of Antioch with
respect, obedience and allegiance of faith.

The criticism by the Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews II of the
Orthodox
Church against the Patriarch was like asking the latter to move from
the seat of
God to that of Satan, he said. The Catholicos was speaking as if some
evil
spirit had entered him, he said, but cautioned church followers not
to ridicule
the Orthodox faction under any provocation.

Earlier in the day, the Patriarch offered the Holy Mass with the
assistance of
Baselius Thomas I, other bishops of the Jacobite Church and the
Knanaya
Metropolitan. Mar Athanasios Eliya Bahi, secretary to the Patriarch,
Pathros Mar
Silvianos (Holms) and Malki Mar Milithios (Australia) also
participated.

This was the second time the Patriarch was visiting the Manarcaud
church. The
last one was during his India visit in 1982.

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?
ID=IER20040926101851&Page=R&Title=Keral\
a&Topic=0&

Apostolic Visit updates and photos
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

MANARCADU, SEPT. 26. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch
and all the East, now on a visit here, has called against the medical
termination of pregnancy.
He was addressing the flock after prayers at the St. Mary's Jacobite
Syrian church here this morning.
Terming abortion a sin, the Patriarch said the killing of unborn
children was on the increase. He called upon all those who have been
party to medical termination of pregnancy to repent and receive
Eucharist as a means to cleanse themselves of the sin.
http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/27/stories/2004092702690500.htm

Apostolic Visit updates and photos
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

Jacobite faction severs all ties with Orthodox Church
Tuesday September 28 2004 10:37 IST

KOCHI: Leaving a historic stamp on the visit of Patriarch of Antioch
Mar
Ignatius Zakka I, the Mulanthuruthy Synod today officially declared
the total
severing of ties with the Orthodox Church, thus completing the
division of the
Malankara Syrian Church.

The Jacobite Syrian Christian Association meeting held at
Mulanthuruthy also
decided to recover all properties and churches from the Metropolitans
who had
left the Patriarch faction to join the Orthodox Church.

The meeting declared that those who had raised allegations against
the visit of
the Patriarch of Antioch would be treated as having left the
Malankara Church.

The Synod urged the Government to convene a meeting of the diocese
members of the disputed churches and to hold a plebiscite after which
these churches should be handed over to the majority faction. Or
else, the Government should make alternative arrangements for the
devotees to conduct religious rites, it said.

The meeting also declared that the Metropolitans or Catholicos did
not have any
claim over the properties of these churches and that they belonged to
the
members of those churches. The administration of these churches
should be
conducted according to the Constitution of the Jacobite Church,
prepared in
2002.

It also said the Government should take the initiative to remove the
priests
from some of the churches, which are still loyal to the Metropolitans
who left
the Syrian Churches. The Aluva Thrikunnathu Church, where Paulose Mor
Athanasious was buried, should be opened to the devotees.

Patriarch of Antioch Mar Iganathios Zakka I, who delivered the
presidential
address, said that the Mulanthuruthy church should be called as the
Jerusalem of
India in view of the church becoming a holy place with the second
synod also
being held at that place. The Malankara Syrian Church had proved that
it could
continue its democracy and tradition.

The Patriarch urged the devotees to continue the tradition of the
church and
become a role model for other churches. All the Metropolitans and
clergy should
abide by the Constitution on all church matters, he said.

The resolution of faith and allegiance was delivered by Paulose
Corepiscopa
Parathuvayalil; Jacobite Syrian Christian Church - 1876 to 2004 - a
Review by
Joseph Mor Gregoriose Metropolitan, submission of letter of tribute
by Youhanon
Mor Milithiose Metropolitan and key note address by Baseliose Thomas I
Catholicose. Thampu George Thuakalan was conferred the `Baretho
Maheero' title for his service to the Malankara Church.

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?
ID=IER20040928011030&Page=R&Title=Keral\a&Topic=0&

Orthodox faction a breakaway group'
By Our Staff Reporter
KOCHI, SEPT. 27. A meeting of the Church Association of the Jacobite
Syrian Church held at the Marthoman church, Mulanthuruthy, on Monday
declared that the Orthodox group of the Malankara Church was a
breakaway faction without any claim to Apostolic succession or
tradition.
The declaration formalises a split in the Malankara Church that has
seen faction feuds for over a century on questions of supremacy and
inheritance of the apostolic traditions.
The meeting took place at Mulanthuruthy, near here, which also hosted
the first Malankara Association in 1876. It was attended by 3,582
representatives from the Jacobite Church. The Patriarch of Antioch
and all the East and head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church,
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, presided.
The 18 resolutions adopted by the Association were read out by Joseph
Mar Gregorios.
Hand of friendship
While formally bidding goodbye to the Orthodox faction, the
Association also extended a hand of friendship in Resolution 16. It
said that the See of Antioch was ready to recognise the Orthodox
faction as a sister Church if the latter relinquished its claims to
churches now under the Patriarchal faction and, in the spirit of
Christian charity, gave up pursuing court cases to create an
atmosphere of friendship.
Resolution 10 claimed that the Supreme Court had rejected the
Orthodox faction's claim that it was autocephalous - a Church on its
own. However, the faction continued to stick to its claim to being an
independent Church and hence, it is declared that the Orthodox group
is a breakaway faction.
Resolution 11 appealed to the State Government for help in creating
an atmosphere in which priests loyal to the See of Antioch could be
appointed in churches which were currently under priests owing
allegiance to metropolitans of the Orthodox faction.
Resolution 13 reiterated that the group led by Baselius Mar Thoma
Mathews II, which had questioned the visit of the Patriarch of
Antioch and continued to reject the supremacy of the Patriarch was
just a faction that had broken away from the mother Church.
The synod also reiterated that neither the Catholicos nor the
metropolitans had any right over the property of the parish churches.
The right over them rested with the public committees formed as per
the laws governing the parishes.
Resolution 14 said that churches that were now closed owing to the
faction feud should be opened for worship to both the groups. In case
of a dispute over this or church property, mediation of the
Government should be sought to hand over the administration to the
group enjoying the majority support in the church.
http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/28/stories/2004092808630500.htm

Apostolic Visit updates and photos
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

OPEN INVITATION.


I am writing to invite you to celebrate with us the completion of the
digitization of Syriac books (Phase 1) for eBethArké: The Syriac Digital
Library. The celebration will take place on October 7 (Thursday) at 4:00
P.M. at The Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. Please RSVP by
October 5 so we know how many people will be there.

Last January our Institute was informed by The Catholic University of
America (CUA) that we can now go ahead and digitize from their collection
books related to Syriac studies for inclusion in our Syriac Digital Library
Project. We were given a window of 5 months to complete this task as the
library is under major renovation. Within a short period of time, we had to
come up with the money to purchase expensive equipment, hire staff, and
carry out the digitization task. Through your generous contributions we
managed to collect the necessary funds and we executed the plan most
efficiently. 511 materials have been scanned which are about 53,745 images
making up nearly 100,000 pages. These scanned materials consist of many
books and reading material.

In addition to the operation at CUA, we also managed to digitize 110 books
from my own library. We have plans to digitize many number of books and
manuscripts from private sources.

Our current challenge is to process all the scanned images and fashion from
them an online digital library. As this is a rather demanding task on its
own, we plan to devote the rest of this year and first half of next year to
it. Despite these challenges on the horizon, we are certain to attain a
fruitful outcome which will result in the largest digital collection of all
printed matter in and of Syriac, in addition to many manuscripts.

The Syriac Institute thanks sincerely all those who contributed to turn this
project into a reality.

Please RSVP by October 5.


George Kiraz




  <http://www.bethmardutho.org/sponsors/ebetharke/> Support The Syriac
Digital Library

You can find more information regarding The Syriac Digital Library Project
and Beth Mardutho's efforts in preserving Syriac heritage in our "Appeal
Newsletter". Read it in HTML <http://www.bethmardutho.org/appeal2004.php>
or PDF <http://www.bethmardutho.org/files/appeal2004.pdf> .


_____________________________________________

George A. Kiraz, M.St. (Oxon), M.Phil., Ph.D. (Cantab)

Director

Beth Mardutho: The Syriac Institute

46 Orris Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA

Tel. +1 732-699-0343.     Fax. +1 732-699-0342



Fellow of the Institute of Christian Oriental Research, The Catholic
University of America

The book titled 'The Syrian Orthodox Church Calendar' released His
Holiness the Patriarch on September 22nd released the book
titled  "The Syrian Orthodox Church Calendar" by accepting the first
copy from His Beatitude the Catholicos at the public meeting held at
Manjanikkara.

This book compiled and edited by Fr. (Dr.) Mani Rajan, contains the
dates of feasts of the saints,fasts and festivals of the Church,
dates of movable feats for the 21st century as per Julian and
Gregorian Calendars and articles related to the origin and evolution
of the Church Calendar.

The Church Calendar published in the 14th century by the monk-priest
Saliba bar Khayrun of Hah, made available to the publishers by His
Eminence Mor Julius Kuriakose Metropolitan, the first secretary to
His Holiness the Patriarch, is the main source of this work. The
feast date of saints has been updated as of today.

Pages 128 (English)
Publishers: Travancore Syriac Orthodox Publishers, Kottayam – 686004,
Kerala,India. email: tsop@..., Tel: 0481-3100179,
9447315914

For Copies of the book, contact:-
1. Mor Ignathios Dayro, Manjanikkara
2. Mor Julius Book Centre, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Kottayam
3. Rev. Fr. Thomas, Vicar, Mulanthuruthy Marthoman Church
4. M.S.O.T. Seminary Book Stall, Udayagiri
5. M.G.O.C.S.M. Book Stall, near CMS College, Kottayam
6. Orthodox Book Centre, 1st floor, M.D. Commercial Centre, Kottayam

To view the pictures of the said function and the cover page of the
calendar please visit News section of Apostolic Visit -2004
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net
or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

Source
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/5106

Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

The Patriarch of Antioch & All the East and Supreme Head of the
Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, H.H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas were
accorded a royal welcome at the Indian Capital Delhi. After
completing H.H.'s visit to Kerala, the Patriarch arrived at Delhi,
along with the Catholicose H.B. Baselious Thomas I.

The Church leaders received the Patriarch and the accompanying
delegation at Delhi airport. In the evening, a public reception
meeting was held at Thalkatora indoor stadium and the Patriarch was
taken there in an open vehicle in a traditional procession,
accompanied by people carrying Muthukuda, music bands etc. Thousands
of people thronged the sides of the route to see a glimpse of the
visiting dignitary. Upon arrival at the indoor stadium, a
traditional Kerala style welcome with `Thalappoli' was accorded to
the Patriarch.

The choir group of St. Peter's Cathedral Church leads the welcome
song in Syriac. It was the third visit of His Holiness to India,
after consecrated as the Patriarch of the Universal Syrian Orthodox
Church.

In his opening felicitation address the Union Minister H.E. P.M.
Sayed noted that each visit of the spiritual leader would strengthen
the ties with his people in India. He also praised the assistance of
different Christian Churches in India's development endeavors.

"Peace is the essence of all religion. Those who propagate violence
and hatred among people are destroying the religion and the
society", the minister pointed out. He also wished that the visit of
the Patriarch would strengthen the peace and spirit of co-existence
in the society.

The meeting was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio Pedro Loppus
Quintana, Syrian Ambassador H.E. Shaad Salem, Armenian Ambassador
H.E. Armanbal Burton, Lebnon Ambassador Waleeda Naser, Church Ex-
Secretary Rajan Scaria, Metropolitans Thomas Mor Themotheos,
Kuriakose Mor Julius, Joseph Mor Gregorious, Kuriakose Mor
Theophilos, Pathros Mor Silvanos and Mor Anthanasius Elia Bahi.

Today morning the Patriarch will celebrate the Holy Qurbono and
Mooron
consecration of St. Peter's Cathedral Church. Tomorrow after
visiting the Raj Ghat, the eternal rest place of Mahatma Gandhi, the
Patriarch will plant a tree there.

Tomorrow the Indian President H.E. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Vice
President H.E. Bhairon Singh Shekhavat, Prime Minister H.E. Dr.
Manmohan Singh, UPA Convener Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, The Ex-Prime
Minister Vajpaee and the Opposition leader L. K. Advani will receive
the Patriarch. His Holiness will leave for Damascus in the early
morning flight on Friday

Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/5056

Apostolic Visit updates and photos
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

Fourth Annual Orthodox Prayer Service for the United Nations Community

October 15, 2004

New York, NY - The fourth annual Orthodox Prayer Service and
Reception for the United Nations Community was celebrated on Tuesday,
October 12, 2004 at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, at 6:30pm. This
year, the service, jointly sponsored by the Standing Conference of
Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, (SCOBA) and the Standing
Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches in America, (SCOOCH) was
presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of
the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese for the eastern United States. Under
the theme of overcoming violence in the world, suggested by the World
Council of Churches' program of the "Decade to Overcome Violence",
the service focused on the verse from the Gospel of St. Matthew
5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of
God."

The distinguished speakers at this year's service were His Excellency
Kaha Chitaia, Deputy Permanent Representative of Georgia to the
United Nations, His Excellency Ambassador Teruneh Zenna, Deputy
Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia to the United Nations, Mr. Giandomenico Picco, Under
Secretary-General of the United Nations and Personal Representative
of His Excellency Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United
Nations, and His Eminence Archbishop Karim.

His Excellency Chitaia spoke of the need for the Church to speak out
when there is "even the slightest evidence of violence, whether it be
of moral, ethical or criminal character..." The Church must "manifest
clearly its position in regards to such violations. This
manifestation should be motivated only by the moral principles of the
Church, and not other motivations." The position of the Church, he
said, "would not only serve as a strong message for political leaders
and public figures, but also strengthen the faith of the believers."

In his remarks, Ambassador Zenna noted several causes of violence,
such as the increase of poverty in a "rapidly globalizing
world." "There is," he said, "an absolute necessity for all of us to
speak loudly and in unison against oppression and the exclusion of
one by the other." We "Orthodox Christians," he noted, "must
emphasize service for the disadvantaged and oppressed as a necessary
consequence of our recognition of all humanity bearing the image of
God." His Excellency also addressed the violence of terrorists, "who
for their own perceived reasons hate and fear other people, their
values, culture and civilizations."

In the message of the UN Secretary General, His Excellency Kofi Annan
wrote, "At a time when some would seek to divide the human family by
exploiting differences among peoples, we need more than ever the
contribution of men and women of faith who defend and promote the
practice of dialogue. That is why I am pleased to extend my best
wishes to this prayer service for the United Nations Orthodox
community. It is reassuring to know that you have gathered to
celebrate your commitment to overcoming violence in our world and to
reaffirm your rejection of intolerance and hatred. As you pray for
the United Nations, I hope you will pray that whatever the challenges
and crises that confront us, we may make this indispensable
instrument as effective as it can be. Pray that world leaders find
the wisdom and the will to use this tool to its full capacity, in the
interest of the people it exists to serve. Pray for peace in the
family of nations."

Archbishop Karim, presiding hierarch at the service, spoke of the
place of the human being in creation, the role of the Holy Church in
promoting peace and harmony among all people and the role of the
United Nations in establishing peace among nations. Concerning the
United Nations, His Eminence stated: "Peace is only possible when it
is built on justice. As long as I am not able to identify with my
neighbor's pain and suffering, we will not have peace. The United
Nations, therefore, is called upon to supercede the narrow political
interests of its member nations and truly help to establish a world
based on true human values which form the basis of all human rights
and the dignity of humankind. Among other things, this requires the
U.N. to be as even-handed as possible in implementing its
resolutions. Eradication of violence and true peace will never arrive
by the dictates of the so-called world powers but rather the
recognition of the dignity of each human being as a child of God,
created in God's image and likeness."

Approximately 200 persons were in attendance, including Ambassadors,
Mission heads and personnel from the United Nations, as well as many
area clergy and laity. Among the church dignitaries present were
Metropolitan Herman of the Orthodox Church in America, Archbishop
Vsevolod of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of
the USA, Bishop Antoun Khouri of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Archdiocese of North America, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos of the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian of
the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Archbishop
Abune Matthias of the Archdiocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in
the USA, Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara Archdiocese of
the Syrian Orthodox Church of North America, Archbishop Mor Gregorios
Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Syria,
Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, and
Bishop Vicken Aykazian, of the Armenian Church of America.

Liturgical music offerings were made by the St. Vladimir Orthodox
Theological Seminary Octet, the Yared Ethiopian Choir, the St. Mark's
Syrian Orthodox Cathedral Choir and Florence Avakian, organist of the
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral Choir. Following services, a reception
was held in the Kavookjian Auditiorium.

The Fifth Annual Orthodox Prayer Service for the United Nations
community will be held in October 2005, at the Greek Orthodox
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
http://www.goarch.org/en/news/NewsDetail.asp?id=1217

Posted by
In His Love
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

Muslims on the west side of Baghdad also expressed shock at another
attack which targeted the Saint Thomas Syrian Orthodox church in the
affluent Mansour area.

"I do not think an Iraqi who would do this," said Ahmed Nazem,with
his wife stood nearby still in her slippers and night gown.

"If it was an Iraqi then he must be completely brainwashed because I
see no
reason or purpose for such a horrible act."

The facade of Saint Thomas was completely blown away in what
appeared to be
a drop-and-run attack similar to the one that targeted the four
other churches.

Scraps of red velvet drapes that used to adorn the front windows lay
under heaps of concrete.

"People, it is only stone, we will rebuild it again," said an
elderly man who identified himself as Milad while labourers around
him carried out pews and rolled-up carpets from inside the church.

Grief-stricken parishioners gathered in the courtyard, where a woman
crossed herself before rushing in tears towards Dina Khalil, the
priest's wife. "I am fine, fine," said a tearful Khalil, who was
with her husband at their home next to the church at the time of the
blast.

She said she felt the whole house shake from the power of the blast
which shattered all the windows.

A few blocks another church, Saint Joseph, was hit with a home-made
bomb that caused minor damage to the facade.

"Muslims and Christians have been living here in harmony for
hundreds of years," said Father Gabriel Shamami.

"I don't think Iraqis would do this especially during Ramadan."

Two other churches in the southern Doura district were also targeted
with homemade bombs that caused some damage, according to Father
Faris Toma of Saint Paul and Peter church in the same area.

Source: http://www.turkishpress.com/sections/world/ October 17 2004-
10-17

Posted By
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud
http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net

B"H

Shalom to all

I have a question. What is the original order of the peshitta. I'm
editing a New Covenant on the web, and I want to present it with the
ancient order of the peshitta.

Please help me

Karl
mevaser@...

Dear brothers in Christ,
I have been raised as a Latin and told that souls having committed
minor sins are purified in Purgatory before going to Paradise. For
this reason, Latin theology distinguishes between venial sins, which
cause to go to Purgatory, and mortal sins, which cause to go to
eternal Hell.
I know this is a peculiar Latin view of afterlife.
Are minor and major sins distinguished in (Oriental) Orthodoxy?
If they are, what happens, according to (Oriental) Orthodoxy, to
people having committed minor sins? Are they temporarily purified in
Hell?
Hoping you can help me I thank you with all my heart.
BaMshiho,
Davide

David -

I am not an expert in the Syriac Orthodox view of the state of the
soul after separation from body until the day of judgement. My
understanding is that there is a separation of the wicked into
Gehenna (Hades) and the righteous into Paradise where they await the
day of judgement (cf. parable of the wealthy man and La`zar in ); on
the last day the soul is united again with the body in the general
ressurection and appear before the seat of judgement where some will
inherit eternal life in heaven while others will be condemned to
eternal suffering in Hell.

Both eastern and western churches have long acknowledged the
intermediate state and the efficacy of prayers for the dead (in the
West at least until the Reformation). Eastern churches have
refrained from defining this intermediate state whereas in the West
there was much more curiosity about this intermediate state. The
visions of Dionacrates in the 'Passion of Sts Perpetua and Felicity'
(AD 203) give expression to the belief that sins can be purged by
suffering an afterlife and that the process can be accelerated by
prayer. St Augustine's comments on the purifying fire after death
and the value of prayers for those who died in communion with the
Church inspired further thoughts on this matter by St Gregory the
Great, Thomas Aquinas and Dante among others. 1 Cor 3:11-15 was
invoked to support the notion of the purifying fire. However, it was
only in the Councils of Lyon (1274) and Florence (1439) that the
purgatory became part of the official dogma of the Roman Catholic
Church. (see Oxford Dictionary of Christian Church, 1997).

The concept of Purgatory continues to divide the Roman Catholic
Church from the Eastern Churches. The Syriac Orthodox church offers
prayers for its faithful departed which she believes finds favor in
the eyes of G-d and in the remission of sins at the day of
judgement; however, the Church takes the attitude that these are
mysteries that are not for mortals to inquire and define.

Thomas Joseph
Moderator, SOR-Forum

PS: I welcome scholars of the Syriac Orthodox theology to correct me
if I have erred in my understanding of the Church's teaching.


--- In SOR-Forum@yahoogroups.com, Dŕvide Sivčro <davidetamara@t...>
wrote:
>
> Dear brothers in Christ,
> I have been raised as a Latin and told that souls having committed
> minor sins are purified in Purgatory before going to Paradise. For
> this reason, Latin theology distinguishes between venial sins,
which
> cause to go to Purgatory, and mortal sins, which cause to go to
> eternal Hell.
> I know this is a peculiar Latin view of afterlife.
> Are minor and major sins distinguished in (Oriental) Orthodoxy?
> If they are, what happens, according to (Oriental) Orthodoxy, to
> people having committed minor sins? Are they temporarily purified
in
> Hell?
> Hoping you can help me I thank you with all my heart.
> BaMshiho,
> Davide

Just noted the omission of the reference for the parable that I
quoted in para 1 - Luke 16:19-31.

Thomas Joseph

--- In SOR-Forum@yahoogroups.com, "drthomas_joseph"
<thomas_joseph@h...> wrote:
>
> David -
>
> I am not an expert in the Syriac Orthodox view of the state of the
> soul after separation from body until the day of judgement. My
> understanding is that there is a separation of the wicked into
> Gehenna (Hades) and the righteous into Paradise where they await
the
> day of judgement (cf. parable of the wealthy man and La`zar in );
on
> the last day the soul is united again with the body in the general
> ressurection and appear before the seat of judgement where some
will
> inherit eternal life in heaven while others will be condemned to
> eternal suffering in Hell.
>
> Both eastern and western churches have long acknowledged the
> intermediate state and the efficacy of prayers for the dead (in
the
> West at least until the Reformation). Eastern churches have
> refrained from defining this intermediate state whereas in the
West
> there was much more curiosity about this intermediate state. The
> visions of Dionacrates in the 'Passion of Sts Perpetua and
Felicity'
> (AD 203) give expression to the belief that sins can be purged by
> suffering an afterlife and that the process can be accelerated by
> prayer. St Augustine's comments on the purifying fire after death
> and the value of prayers for those who died in communion with the
> Church inspired further thoughts on this matter by St Gregory the
> Great, Thomas Aquinas and Dante among others. 1 Cor 3:11-15 was
> invoked to support the notion of the purifying fire. However, it
was
> only in the Councils of Lyon (1274) and Florence (1439) that the
> purgatory became part of the official dogma of the Roman Catholic
> Church. (see Oxford Dictionary of Christian Church, 1997).
>
> The concept of Purgatory continues to divide the Roman Catholic
> Church from the Eastern Churches. The Syriac Orthodox church
offers
> prayers for its faithful departed which she believes finds favor
in
> the eyes of G-d and in the remission of sins at the day of
> judgement; however, the Church takes the attitude that these are
> mysteries that are not for mortals to inquire and define.
>
> Thomas Joseph
> Moderator, SOR-Forum
>
> PS: I welcome scholars of the Syriac Orthodox theology to correct
me
> if I have erred in my understanding of the Church's teaching.
>
>
> --- In SOR-Forum@yahoogroups.com, Dŕvide Sivčro
<davidetamara@t...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Dear brothers in Christ,
> > I have been raised as a Latin and told that souls having
committed
> > minor sins are purified in Purgatory before going to Paradise.
For
> > this reason, Latin theology distinguishes between venial sins,
> which
> > cause to go to Purgatory, and mortal sins, which cause to go to
> > eternal Hell.
> > I know this is a peculiar Latin view of afterlife.
> > Are minor and major sins distinguished in (Oriental) Orthodoxy?
> > If they are, what happens, according to (Oriental) Orthodoxy, to
> > people having committed minor sins? Are they temporarily
purified
> in
> > Hell?
> > Hoping you can help me I thank you with all my heart.
> > BaMshiho,
> > Davide

A related and interesting book is called "On the Soul and
Resurrection" by St. Gregory of Nyssa.

Another book which may help is "St. Ephraim the Syrian: Hymns on
Paradise," by Prof. Sebastian Brock.

MikeWingert
St. Mary's Syrian Orthodox Church,
Los Angeles, CA

--- In SOR-Forum@yahoogroups.com, Dŕvide Sivčro <davidetamara@t...> wrote:
>
> Dear brothers in Christ,
> I have been raised as a Latin and told that souls having committed
> minor sins are purified in Purgatory before going to Paradise. For
> this reason, Latin theology distinguishes between venial sins, which
> cause to go to Purgatory, and mortal sins, which cause to go to
> eternal Hell.
> I know this is a peculiar Latin view of afterlife.
> Are minor and major sins distinguished in (Oriental) Orthodoxy?
> If they are, what happens, according to (Oriental) Orthodoxy, to
> people having committed minor sins? Are they temporarily purified in
> Hell?
> Hoping you can help me I thank you with all my heart.
> BaMshiho,
> Davide

H.B.Baselius Thomas I given a rousing welcome in Germany

The Catholicose of India of the Syrian Orthodox Church has started
his Apostolic Visit to the european parishes on 23.10.04.

He was welcomed at the Apron of the Munich Airport by the Mayor of
the city of Munich himself and was escorted through the VVIP exit.
He was driven to the City of Göppingen with ecsort of hundreds of
cars and police vehicles. There he was accorded a state of hounour
welcome by the city authorities. Thousands of Syrian Orthodox
beleivers from the different parishes sorroundings of Göppingen
attented the Hoy Qurabana clebrated by the Maphrian on 24.10. Today
the Catholicose is meeting different state authoriites in Berlin.
There will be a Holy mass as well in Berlin today. The coming days
the Catholicose will be welcomed in different cities by the
believers coming together from the 52 Syrian Orthodox parishes in
Germany.

The catholicose will inaugurate the aniversary celebrations of the
St.Mary's Malankara Syrian Orthodox Congregaion in Zurich and Basel
on 07.11.04 and attend many programmes there. 10-15 he will be in
Vienna as the guest of the Vienna Archbishop and Pro-Oriente. on
11.11.04 He will address Pro-Oriente and on 12.11. he will attend a
mass in the central cathedral of vienna "Stephansdom" and following
that participate in the lunch arranged by the Vienna Archbishop to
honour the catholicose. on 13.11 he will lead the Ecumenical
Convention conducted at the St.Mary's Malankara Syr.Orth. Church. on
14.11.04 he will celebrate the holy mass in the church and many
Social and Religious dignitaries will speak in the receptin
following the meeting to falicitate the catholicose.

On 20.11.04, 17hr H.B. will inaugurate a Malankara Syrian Orhtodox
parish in Germany at Herne and celebrate the mass in the Syrian
Orhodox Church at Herne.

In his european visit H.B is being escorted by H.G. Dr. Kuriakose
Mor Theophileos, the Metropolitan of the Malankara Syrain Orthodox
European Diocese and V.Rev.Dr. Adai Jacob Corepiscopa, the principal
of the M.S.O.T. Seminary.

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

Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/5251

Posted By
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

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