New Rambans (Rabban- Monk) Ordained for Malankara

Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Abraham Thukalan and Rev. Fr. Paul (Ullas) Varkey
Vettikkunnel who were chosen as Metropolitan designates for the
dioceses of Idukki and Calicut recently, were elevated to the order
of Ramban (Rabban- Monk) by His Beatitude the Catholicos Mor Baselios
Thomas I at a solemn function held at the St. Athanasius Cathedral,
Puthencuriz today afternoon.

Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Thukalan will henceforth be known as 'Sthepahnos'
and Rev. Fr. Paul Varkey will be known by name 'Shemavun'.

Metropolitans Their Eminences, Mor Polycorpus Geevarghese
(Evangelical Association) , Mor Severios Geevarghese (Knanaya
Archbishop), Mor Athanasius Geevarghese (Bahrain & Qatar), Mor
Theophilos Kuriakose(Seminary), Mor Mathews Aphrem (Angamali High
Range), Mor Chrysistmos Markose (Evangelical Association), Mor
Theovodosius Kuriakose (Kollam), Mor Koorilose Geevarghese (Niranam),
Mor Athanasius Elias (Patriarchal Cathedral) and Mor Ivanios
Kuriakose (Kanaya) participated in the holy ceremony.

On Sunday 24th August, both the newly elevated Rambans will be
consecrated as Metropolitans for the dioceses of Idukki and Calicut
by the supreme head of the Church His Holiness the Patriarch of
Antioch & all the East at the St. Peter & St. Paul Cathedral, Mor
Aphrem Seminary, Damascus.

Photos of Ramban ordination
http://www.syrianchurch.org/Photos/RambanOrd11August08/index.html

SOCM News Bureau - Puthencuriz

The August 2008 edition of "Shroro " is now online.

Dear friends and brethren,

The August 2008 edition of "Shroro - The Syriac Orthodox Christian
digest" http://www.socdigest.org is now online.

Your dedication to the faith has given birth to Shroro, and your love
and interest has made the tremendous growth in this magazine leading
to its immediate success.

We ask that you pray for us, so that we may better serve
ourcommunity's interests in coming years.

Shroro Editorial Board
http://www.socdigest.org

Malankara Church is today blessed with two more Metropolitans as the
bishop-designates were consecrated as new shepherds.

His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas consecrated
Very Rev. Raban Sthepahnos ( Kuriakose Mor Clemis) and Very Rev. Raban
Shemavun (Palouse Mor Ireneous) as the metropolitans for the of
Idukki and Calicut of Malankara Church at the Monastery of St. Aphrem
the Syrian, in Ma`rrat Sayyidnaya, Damascus, Syria on 24 August 2008.

The Catholicos His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselious Thomas I, Mor
Timotheos Aphrem Aboodi (Former Patriarchal Vicar for Canada), Mor
Theophilos George Saliba (Secretary to the Holy Synod), Mor Gregorios
Joseph (Metropolitan of Kochi Diocese & Malankara Episcopal Synod
Secretary), Mor Selwanos Petros AL-nemeh ( Metropolitan of Homs &
Hama), Mor Philexinos Mathias Nayis (Patriarchal Assistant &
Metropolitan of St. Aphrem Theological Seminary, Ma'arrat Saidnaya,
Damascus) , Mor Severios Malke Mourad (Patriarchal-Vicar for
Jerusalem & Jordan), Mor Justinos Paulos Yousef Safar (Patriarchal-
Vicariate of Zahle & Beqa', Zahle, Lebanon.), Mor Aphrem Mathews
(Angamali Highrange Area ) assisted His Holiness in the consecration
ceremonies.

It was also attended by a large gathering of Rabans (Monks), Priests,
Deacons, Nuns, the Syrian Orthodox Faithful and other Distinguished
Guests from Syria, India and and 40 Syriac Orthodox Faithful from
Malankara.

Glory to God for granting our Holy Church another two more
Metropolitans.

Photos: http://www.socmnet.org/Aug242008.htm

SOCM News Bureau - Damascus, Syria

Nation pays homage to Colonel Jojan Thomas, son of the Syriac Orthodox
Church.

The mortal remains of the Colonel was laid to rest with full state
honours in the city on Monday, Aug 25. Earlier, hundreds of people
visit the colonel's home at Manekshaw Vihar in the city after his body
was flown in on Saturday, Aug 23. The 43-year-old Colonel was killed in
a fierce battle between a militants and the quick reaction team of 45
Rashtriya Rifles of which he was in the lead. His team killed six
militants but the officer was also fatally injured in the
encounter.

The body was taken for funeral service at St Geroge Kanaya Syrian
Church at Domlur in the city. H.E Kuriakose Mor Severios, the
Archbishop of Malankara Syrian Knanaya Jacobite Archdiocese led the
funeral servcie. Speaking to newspersons after paying his tribute, Mr
Yeddyurappa said has said that the Colonel had set an example for
bravery and the whole nation was indebted to him.

More details & photos: http://www.socmnet.org/Col_jojan_thomas.htm

Official inauguration of "shubho" - Radio Malankara

Dear All

By the grace of our Lord God, the supports of the SOCM members and
well-wishers, the team of "shubho"  - Radio Malankara
(http://radiomalankara.com/) is completed the works of the streaming
of Radio.

The official inauguration of the Radio will be done at Manarcad St.
Mary's Cathedral on 04 September 2008 at 2:00 PM by the Catholicose
H.B Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I.

Please keep support us by remembering this project in your prayers
and providing us more audio recordings of Syriac Orthodox worship,
songs of different occasions and spiritual talks of our prelates,
clergy and church recognized lay ministers.

We submit this project for the ultimate glory of our Lord Almighty
and for the Holy Church.

In Our Lord's Love
SOCM Forum Moderators.
http://www.socmnet.org

"Shubho" – Radio Malankara officially inaugurated

Sep 4, 2008, Manarcaud: Today at a grand function held in connection
with the famous Eight-day lent festival at the Manarcaud Morth Mariam
Jacobite Syrian Cathedral, the internet radio of the Syriac Orthodox
Church, "Shubho" – Radio Malankara (http://radiomalankara.com ),
promoted by http://SOCMNet.org was officially inaugurated by His
Beatitude the Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I, the head of the
Church in India.

Early in the morning itself the live broadcasting from Manarcaud
Cathedral was started with Morning Prayer followed by Holy Qurbono by
H.E. Mor Theophilos Kuriakose, the resident Metropolitan of Malankara
Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary. It was at 2.30 pm the RADIO
MALANKARA was officially inaugurated by H.B. the Catholicos. Their
Eminences Metropolitans, Mor Thimotheos Thomas of Kottayam &
Archdiocese of Greater India, Mor Gregorios Joseph of Kochi diocese &
Malankara Synod Secretary and Mor Dioscorous Kuriakose, Abbot of
Malecuriz Dayro & metropolitan of Simhasana churches, were present
during the occasion. Ministers of State, Sri. Mathew T Thomas and
Sri. Mons Joseph, Opposition leader of Kerala Legislative Assembly
Sri. Oommen Chandy, Kottayam M.L.A Sri. V Vasavan, local Panchayat
members and other dignitaries also attended the function.

For the last few weeks, the Radio Malankara was broadcasting programs
on a test basis and ever since was popular among the Christian
population around the world. Holy Qurbano of our Catholicos and
Bishops, Traditional & Liturgical songs, Christian Devotional Songs,
audio biography etc were broadcasted during these test period.

Those who are interested in supporting this unique project may kindly
do so by providing the promoters with more audio recordings of Syriac
Orthodox worship, songs of different occasions and spiritual talks of
our prelates, clergy and church recognized lay ministers.

Photos:
http://www.socmnet.org/shubho04_2008.htm
http://www.syrianchurch.org

Live broadcasting from Manarcaud Morth Mariam Jacobite Syrian Cathedral
will be starting tomorrow (07 September 2008) at 8.00 AM (IST), in
order to broadcast the services of saphro ( Morning Prayer) followed by
Holy Qurbono by Catholicose His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I,
phelgo d-yawmo (Noon Prayer) and the historic "Nada Thurakkal" in order
to give an opportunity for the public to venerate the portrait of St
Mary and Baby Jesus once a year.

The live audio broadcasting can be heard in "shubho" – Radio Malankara
at http://www.radiomalankara.com

Tuned in and be blessed

Beatification of three more departed Church fathers of Malankara.

Conferring to the wishes of the multitude of faithful, the Malankara
Episcopal Synod of today (09 September 2008) requested His Holiness
the Patriarch, to beatify Maphryono Mor Baselios Shakralla (Shukr
Allah)- Maphryono of the East (AD 1748-'64) - Entombed at the
Kandanad church, Mor Qurillos Yuyakim - Reesh Episcopa of Malankara -
Entombed on the north side of the Marthoman Church Mulanthuruthy, Mor
Koorilos Paulose Kochuparambuil - Malankara Metropolitan, 1911 - '17 -
entombed at Panampady St. Mary's Church near Kottayam).

Catholicose His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I, called all
faithful to be in prayer and fasting for this beatifications, which
will be held at Patriarchal Center Cathedral, Puthencurizu during the
apostolic visit to Malankara by the Supreme head of the Universal
Syriac Orthodox Church, H.H. Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas in
October 2008

The Supreme head of the Universal Syrian Church and the Patriarch of
the Apostolic see of Antioch & all the East, His Holiness Ignatius
Zakka I Iwas, is to visit India in the second week of October 2008 to
attend the concluding function of the sacerdotal Golden jubilee
celebrations of the regional head of the Church in India, His
Beatitude the Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I.  As per the
program schedule finalized by the Malankara Episcopal Synod, His
Holiness is expected to reach Cochin International Airport on October
17 and will proceed to the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church
headquarters at Puthencurizu. The Holy father will be accorded the
status of State Guest by the honourable Government of Kerala. This
will be His Holiness' fourth apostolic visit to India, the last visit
being in 2004.

On Sunday 19th October, the Sacerdotal Golden jubilee function of His
Beatitude the Catholicos will be held at Marine Drive grounds in
Cochin. His Holiness will Chair the jubilee function. Besides the
representatives of the State Government, the heads of the Episcopal
Churches in India and the other communities will be invited for the
function. A 501-member committee has been chosen by the Malankara
Association for making preparations for the grand jubilee function.
The Episcopal Synod Secretary and Metropolitan of Kochi diocese, His
Grace Mor Gregorios Joseph is the Chairman of the committee.

The Malankara Episcopal Synod and a meeting of the Jacobite Syrian
Christian Association will be convened under the president-ship of
His Holiness during this apostolic visit. After attending a few more
programs in Kerala, His Holiness will proceed to Banglore and will
leave for Damascus on October 27th. Hectic preparations has already
been started in Malankara to welcome the supreme head of the
Universal Syrian Christian community.

Biographies
http://www.syrianchurch.org/bio/MorShakralla.htm
http://www.syrianchurch.org/bio/MorKoorilosKochuparambil.htm

The 28th Anniversary of Patriarchal Enthronement

The 28th anniversary of Patriarchal enthronement of His Holiness
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East,
Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church was held at
Damascus, Syria on 14 September 2008.The thanksgiving Holy Qurbono
and other services were held at the St. Peter & St. Paul Cathedral in
the Mor Ephrem Monastery, Ma`arat Sayyidnaya, near Damascus. Mor
Severios Malke Mourad (Patriarchal-Vicar for Jerusalem & Jordan) and
Mor Julius Abdulahad G Shabo (Archbishop of Sweden)were the chief
celebrants and

Mor Severios Jamil Hawa (Baghdad, Iraq)
Mor Timotheos Mousa Al Shamani (Bartellah, Ninawa, Iraq)
Mor Gregorios Saliba Shamoun (Mosul, Iraq)
Mor Severius Ishak Zaka (Mosul, Iraq)
Mor Athanasius Aphrem Barsaum (Museitbeh, Beirut)
Mor Theophilos George (Bouchrieh Fardous St., Lebanon)
Mor Philexinos Matta Shamoun (Atshaneh, Bikfaya, Lebanon)
Mor Yusphinos Paulose (Zahle, Lebanon)
Mor Philexinos Mathias Nayis (Damascus, Syria)
Mor Dionysius Behnan Jajawi (Damascus, Syria)
Mor Clemis Daniel Malak Kourieh (Damascus, Syria)
Mor Osthatheos Matta Rohum (Hassakeh, Syria)
Mor Selwanos Petros AL-nemeh (Homs, Syria)
Mor Timotheos Samuel Aktas (Midyat-Mardin,S.E. Turkey)
Mor Filuksinos Yusuf Çetyn (Beyoglu,Istanbul, Turkey)
Mor Philoxenos Saliba Özmen (Mardin,S.E. Turkey)
Mor Gregorios Malke Ürek (TR - Adiyaman - Turkey)
Mor Nicholovos Matti Abd Alahad (La Plata, Argentina)
Mor Clemis E. Kaplan (Western - United States of America)
Mor Athanasius Elia Bahe (Canada)
Mor Timotheos Aphrem Aboodi(Former Patriarchal Vicar for Canada)
Mor Dionysius Geevarghese (Simhasana Churches of Kottayam & Environs,
India)
Mor Militheos Yuhanon (Thumpamon - India)
Mor Polycarpus Eugene Aydin (Netherlands)
Mor Dionysius Isa Gürbüz (Switzerlands & Austria)
Mor Severios Hazail Soumi ( Belgium and France)
Mor Julius Hanna Aydin (Northern Germany)
Mor Athanasius Touma Dakkama (Great Britain)
Mor Militius Malke Lahdo (Australia & New Zealand)

were the co-celebrants of the Holy Qurbono

Moran reserved his time exclusively for meeting of priests and
believers a group of 90 who came from India to attend the
celebrations.

His Holiness decorated Thomas Alexander of Muscut Church as Commander
and Abraham Joy of Victory House, Kudamalore, Kottayam as Chevalier.

Guests took part in the banquet hosted by Moran in one of the big
hotels in Ma`arat Saydnaya.

From 19.00 hrs onwards the concert by the different choirs of the
Syrian Orthodox parishes all over the world reasserted the beauty of
our church music.

SOCM News Bureau - Damascus, Syria.

Three priests of our Holy Church elevated to the order of Ramban
(Rabban- Monk)on yesterday 14 September 2008 by His Beatitude the
Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I at a solemn function held at St.
Athanasius Cathedral, Puthencuriz.

Fr. Scaria Alukkal, Fr. George Varghese and Fr. Wilson Varghese Puliyan
will henceforth be known as "Sakriya Ramban, Mekaeil Ramban and Gabrial
Ramban".

Metropolitans Their Eminences, Mor Gregorios Joseph, Mor Dioscoros
Kuriakose, Mor Severios Abraham, Mor Athanasius Geevarghese, Mor
Chrysistmos Markose, Mor Mathews Aphrem, Mor Theovodosius Kuriakose and
Mor Athanasius Elias participated in the holy ceremony.

His Holiness Aram I visited Patriarch His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I
Iwas in Damascus

On 09 September 2008 evening His Holiness Aram I and the delegation
visited Patriarch Zakka I Iwas in the Syrian Church's summer
residence. The Synod of Syrian Bishops is underway presently. Upon
his arrival, His Holiness was received by the Patriarch and the
Bishops.

Patriarch Zakka I warmly welcomed the Pontiff underlining the
friendly relations between the two churches. The Patriarch recalled
the Fellowship between the Coptic and Syrian Churches and the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, set up by the efforts of His Holiness Aram
I 12 years ago.

Making a brief overview of the relations between the Armenian and
Syrian Churches, His Holiness Aram I said: "Our two churches have had
the same theological approach and have together against all external
heretical movements. We must further strengthen our cooperation in a
world in which we are facing many challenges patching the daily life
of our communities. He called upon the Bishops to continue the strong
cooperation between the two churches with the same spirit
particularly at the level of the Dioceses."

The meeting was followed by a reception during which Syrian Bishops
asked His Holiness questions about theological and ecumenical issues.

To view the photos: http://socmnet.org/Aram_Zakka_09sept08.htm

Two churches attacked in Kerala

ANGAMALY (Kerala): Two churches, one of them among the oldest in
India, were vandalised by unidentified people in the early hours of
Sunday at Akapparambu in Nedumbassery panchayat, about 35 km from
Kochi city.

A seven-foot statue of Christ in the cemetery of the 467-year-old
Garvasis and Prothasis Church, belonging to the Syro-Malabar Church,
was broken and knocked off its pedestal. Next door, at the Mor Sabore
Afroth Jacobite Syrian Cathedral Church, the glass windows of a
chamber that houses the sandalwood cot used by St. Paulose Mor
Athanasius were smashed. The cathedral, said to have been built in
825 A.D., is one of the ancient churches of the Jacobites.

Fr. Paulose Arackaparambil, vicar at the cathedral church, toldnthat
the glass windows must have been smashed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
As  soon as a church employee informed him of the incident, he
reported it to the police and they arrived soon. At the Catholic
church, the destruction of the statue was noticed by early
worshippers and church staff.

While the police and church authorities suspect a deliberate attempt
to instigate communal ire, Nedumbassery and nearby panchayats, which
are home  to scores of churches of various denominations, remained
calm.

Coming in the wake of the violence against Christians in Orissa and
attacks  on churches in Karnataka, the Akapparambu attacks
immediately raised  concern across Kerala, but no related incident
was reported from anywhere.

Church leaders played down the incident, saying it could be an
isolated  attack, while the authorities set up a special team to
investigate the sacrilege.

In few hours after the incident, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan
and  Fisheries Minister S. Sarma visited the two churches that stand
on  adjoining compounds and spoke to the church functionaries and lay
people. Senior police officers, heads of government agencies, top
functionaries of  political parties and religious leaders also rushed
in.

The working committee of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church has
protested against the attack on the Jacobite Church, Akapparambu. The
State government must take action against those involved, the
committee said and called upon the people to maintain calm.

The police have set up a special investigation team to nab those
behind the vandalism of two churches at Akapparambu at Nedumbassery
grama panchayat on Sunday morning. Aluva Deputy Superintendent of
Police P.N. Unniraja is heading the team. The police are probing
various angles, including religious extremist groups. Inspector-
General of Police (Ernakulam range) Vinson Paul and Ernakulam Rural
SP P. Vijayan visited the churches within a few hours of the attack.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who visited the churches around
noon, said the government would take all efforts to nab the
culprits. "We will not allow any force to upset the communal harmony
of the State," he said.

In the evening, an all-party, all-community peace rally was taken out
in Nedumbassery. Senior functionaries of the Syro-Malabar Church and
Jacobite Church, leaders of Hindu and Muslim organisations as well as
politicians took part in the rally. The Jacobite Church's Catholicos
Baselios Thomas I and the Syro-Malabar Church's Bishop Thomas
Chakiath led the rally along with Fisheries Minister S. Sarma and
United Democratic Front (UDF) convener P.P. Thankachan. P.C. Thomas
and Lonappan Nambadan, MPs; the former Minister T.U. Kuruvilla; and
Collector M. Beena were also present.

Mr. Sarma was the first government leader to arrive at the church. He
held meetings with church functionaries and the police. At a meeting
held at the Mar Sabore Afroth Cathedral church hall, Mr. Sarma called
upon the people to be vigilant against any move to upset communal
harmony. The vicars of the two churches told the meeting that the
vandals could have struck between midnight and 5 a.m.

It was the cleaning employee at the cathedral who first noticed that
the holy chamber in which the sandalwood cot of St. Paulose Mar
Athanasius Valiya Thirumentni was kept was damaged.

The five window glasses of the chamber, which is located adjacent to
the `madbaha' (altar), were smashed, though the palanquin kept
outside the chamber was left untouched. A Christ statue in the
cemetery of the St. Gervasis and Prothasis Church has been damaged.

Attack condemned

The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) has termed the attack on
churches at Nedumbassery isolated acts of violence by anti-social
elements.

A spokesman for the KCBC condemned the attacks and described them as
unbecoming of people of India.

"These attacks do not suit the great culture of our country and the
great religious harmony in Kerala," said the spokesman.

He said that the church did not see in these incidents a continuation
of the violence against Christians in Orissa and Karnataka.

"These isolated acts are carried out by those trying to take
advantage of the particular situation," he added.

The UDF condemned the attacks on the churches. Convener P.P.
Thankachan said in a statement here that the attacks were carried out
by forces bent on creating communal disharmony.

State general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party A.N.
Radhakrishnan condemned the attacks. A statement from Mr.
Radhakrishnan said that the incidents were aimed at creating
disharmony.

Source: www.thehindu.com www.manoramaonline.com www.deepika.com
www.mangalam.com

Syriac Contributions to Italio-Byzantine Art
Fr. Dale Johnson

Often Syriac culture is undervalued for its wealth of contributions to
the Byzantine world. The dominance of Greek culture has often swallowed
up creative contributions of the Syriac world and claimed it for
themselves. The Gospel of Rabbula is a primary example of primal
creativity that has affected western art for centuries. Even in later
Syriac iconography where cross fertilization of ideas merge, Syriac
artists continue to make original contributions.

To read more: http://www.socdigest.org/articles/01sep08.html

Kurisummoode (shrine of cross) of St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral,
Karthigappally, one of the oldest church in Malankara, vandalized by
unidentified people in the early hours of Friday at Karthigappally
junction in Alappuzha district of Kerala.

While the police and church authorities suspect a deliberate attempt to
instigate communal ire, Karthikappally and nearby panchayats, which are
home to scores of churches of various denominations, remained calm.

The Catholicose designate of MOSC condemned the attack. The Malankara
Orthodox Syrian Church has termed the attack on churches isolated acts
of violence by anti-social elements.

SOCM News Bureau - Alappuzha

Dear All

Few photos of The 28th Anniversary of Patriarchal Enthronement (14
September 2008) of His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of
Antioch & all the East, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Syriac
Orthodox Church are uploaded in SOCMNet.org

Please visit:
http://www.socmnet.org/28th_Anniversary_Patriarcha_Enthronement.htm

Kurisummoode (shrine of cross) of St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church at
Illickel, near Kottayam, vandalized by unidentified people yesterday
(03 October 2008). The painted image of St. Gregorios of Parumala,
placed inside the shrine of cross, and the candle-holders were found
lying on the ground. However, the collapsible grills on three sides of
the shrine were intact. The police said the incident may have occurred
after midnight.

SOCM News Bureau - Kottayam

Eighth annual Orthodox Prayer Service & Reception For the United
Nations Community

THE STANDING CONFERENCE OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES &THE
STANDING CONFERENCE OF CANONICAL BISHOPS IN THE AMERICASCordially
invite the public to the eighth annual Orthodox Prayer Service &
Reception For the United Nations Community

Thursday, October 30, 2008 Six-thirty in the evening

GUEST SPEAKER
His Excellency Ambassador Negash Kebret Botora
Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia to the United Nations

HOMILIST
His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
Primate, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Mr. Raffi V. Balian
Legate's Committee, Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue (corner of 34th Street)
New York City

A reception will follow in the Haik & Alice Kavookjian Auditorium For
more information, please call Maral at the Diocesan Center -
212.686.0710

Syrian Christian Association - October 25, 2008

Kochi, October 24, 2008:  At the forthcoming 'Jacobite Syrian
Christian Association' meet at Kothamangalam on 25th of this month,
His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the prince Patriarch & the
Supreme head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch & all
the East, who is also the Chief Patron of the Association, will
preside. The arrangements for the Malankara Association has already
been started.

The Program committee is presently in the process of chalking out the
schedules and other details  of the 4th Apostolic Visit of the Holy
father.  As per the latest information, His Holiness will arrive at
Kochi International Airport (Nedumbasserry) at 9.20 AM on October
17th and will be received to the Church headquarters at Puthencuriz
near Kochi, by His Beatitude the Catholicos, the regional head of the
Syriac Church of India,  the Metropolitans and other office bearers
of the Church.

On October 19th at 4 pm, His Holiness will inaugurate the grand
public function to be held at the Marine Drive grounds in Kochi,
marking  the end of the year-long Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee
celebrations of His Beatitude Catholicos Baselios Thomas I.  Eminent
personalities from different walks of life are expected to
participate in that function.

On October 22, a special meeting of the Managing Committee and
Working Committee will be convened at the Patriarchal centre, the
Church headquarters in Puthencuriz, under the president ship of His
Holiness.

On October 23, His Holiness will offer prayers at the tomb of his
predecessor, Saint Ignatius Elias III at the Mor Ignatius Dayro,
Manjinikkara. Later the Holy father will visit the St. Mary's
Cathedral  in Pathanamthitta, which is the main church of the
Thumpamon diocese. From here His Holiness will proceed to Kavumbagam
near Thiruvalla to consecrate a new Syrian Orthodox Church there.

October 24th 2008 will be an important day for the Jacobite Syrian
Orthodox Christians when the Patriarch is expected to formally
announce the beatification of Mor Koorilose Paulose Kochuparambil,
the former Malankara Metropolitan and head of the Malankara Syrian
Church. The declaration will be held at the Panampady St. Mary's
Church near Kottayam, where the late Metropolitan is entombed.
Another major program of His Holiness for the day is the consecration
of the newly built Church of the Syrian Orthodox Christians at
Puthuppally.  His Holiness will also visit the 200 year-old
Attamangalam Church at Kumarakom on the same day. The evening will be
spend at the famous Marian Pilgrim Centre, the St. Mary's Cathedral,
Manarcaud. This will be the third visit of His Holiness to this
parish which has been declared a Cathedral by the holy father in
2004.  Way back in 1982, it was in this 1000 year-old church that the
Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I consecrated the Holy Moroon, which was
His Holiness' first Moroon consecration in India and the third Moroon
consecration ceremony ever held  by any Church head in the Indian
soil.

The very next day on October 25, the Holy father will visit the 'Mor
Athanasius College' at Kothamangalam which is one of the oldest
higher education centers of the Church and also the St. Gregorios
Dental College at Chelad near Kothamangalam.

On October 26, His Holiness will participate in the combined meeting
of all the spiritual organizations of the Church at the Church
headquarters in Puthencuriz and will also visit the sacred tomb of
late lamented Catholicos of the East,  Aboon Mor Baselios Paulos II
at Malecuriz Dayro.

During this Apostolic visit, His Holiness will also conduct the
Moroon consecration of the St. Athanasius Cathedral at Puthencuriz.
On October 27th, the holy father will return.

Program details from Mangalam daily:
http://mangalam.com/index.php?page=detail&nid=80861

For more details, visit Apostolic-Visit website:
http://www.syrianchurch.org/AV2008/index.htm

http://www.PatriarchofAntioch.org
http://www.SyrianChurch.org

Hi all,

     Again, Catholic Church quote St Paul, in Hebrew 1:14 "Are they not
all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be
heirs of salvation?"
     So what our church teaches? and Why?

regards
Varghese Chacko

-------- Original Message --------

Hi all monks & priests of the church,

I have a question regarding Guardian Angel.

As per Catholic belief, all people has a guardian angel, who always
guards them. There is "Feast of Guardian Angel" on Oct 2nd.
They teach that when children sin, the angel cries. The sin by adults
keeps angel away.
Also the angel protects us from all problems/troubles
They also teach that, for saints, their Guardian Angel will be called
back at some moment of time.
So saints need to face more problems/troubles on earth.

They quote Mathew 18:10 as the base for the belief. In KJV it says,
"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto
you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father
which is in heaven."


So the question is, Do we follow the same belief as catholics?
if yes, why our church is NOT teaching that concept to the children?

Regards
Varghese Chacko


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

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

Dear Members,

The selected attacks against Christians in Mosul, Iraq, is increasing
day by day displacing about 3000 families from the city and killing
christians including Syriac Orthodox church members living in the
city  Mosul. Attacks against christians is a growing concern in
entire Iraq, especially, in Mosul. About 10 christians have been killed
in the month of October. Suroyo members from the Mosul city reported to
us that the situation there is very pathetic. The christians there are
helpless with no help from government, military or other law
enforcement forces.

We request every one to pray for our brothers and sisters in our
faith who suffer in Iraq from the islamic extremists.

Related links:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27131493/

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_IRAQ?
SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Dear brethren,

The October 2008 edition of "Shroro - The Syriac Orthodox Christian
digest" http://www.socdigest.org is now online.

Your dedication to the faith has given birth to Shroro, and your love
and interest has made the tremendous growth in this magazine leading
to its immediate success.

We ask that you pray for us, so that we may better serve
ourcommunity's interests in coming years.

Shroro Editorial Board
http://www.socdigest.org

Muslim, Christian leaders take up global issues at high-level London
meeting
By Matthew Davies, October 15, 2008

[Episcopal News Service] A multi-national group of Christian and
Muslim leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Grand
Mufti of Egypt, concluded a three-day meeting at Lambeth Palace
October 15 with a firm recognition of the need for deeper
understanding and mutual respect as they increasingly find themselves
drawn together by globalization and interdependence.

During the meeting, titled "A Common Word and Future of Christian-
Muslim engagement," the leaders addressed issues such as the global
economic crisis and the persecution of minorities in Iraq, and
identified education as a priority for both faiths.
...........................................................
............................................................

Williams was joined at the briefing by the Grand Mufti of Egypt,
Sheik Ali Gomaa; Metropolitan Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syrian
Orthodox Church; Dr. Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society
of North America and professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-
Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut; and Professor
David Ford, Regius professor of divinity at the University of
Cambridge, England.
....................................................................
...................................................................

To read more on it: http://www.episcopal-
life.org/79901_101593_ENG_HTM.htm

THE FOURTH APOSTOLIC VISIT OF THE HOLY FATHER TO INDIA BEGINS

Friday, October 17, 2008: Today at 9.00 am, His Holiness Ignatius
Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of the Apostolic See of Antioch & all the
East and the Supreme head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church,
arrived at the Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery where the
Holy Father was given a rousing welcome by thousands of faithful from
different parts of Malankara. This is His Holiness' fourth visit to
the Church in India as the Patriarch of the Holy See.

At the Airport, His Holiness was received by the head of the Syriac
church in India, His Beatitude the Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios
Thomas I, all the Metropolitans from Malankara, the Rambans, Priests
and others official bearers of the church of India. The
representatives from the Kerala Government were also present during
the occasion to welcome the State Guest. Metropolitans their
Eminences, Mor Clemis Awgen, Mor Daniel Clemis, Mor Philoxenos
Mathias, Rambans & Sisters from Syria and Turkey are accompanying the
holy father during this visit.

The Patriarch later left for Puthencruz and reached the Patriarchal
Centre complex which is the headquarters of the Church in India at
10.30 am. On His Holiness' arrival, the Church bell of the nearby St.
Athanasius Cathedral rang continuously. Here also hundreds of
faithful were waiting to have a glimpse of their spiritual supreme
who is arriving after a gap of 4 years. The Patriarch after blessing
the faithful delivered a brief speech in which he applauded the great
services of His Beatitude the Catholicos and also mentioned about the
general development of the Church in India under him.

At 4.00 pm the Moroon consecration of the St. Athanasius Cathedral,
which is the first church established in the name of Saint Athanasius
of Alwaye, began under the leadership of His Beatitude the Catholicos
and assisted by Metropolitans their Eminences, Mor Severios Abraham,
Mor Gregorios Joseph, Mor Athanasius Geevarghese, Mor Theethoos
Yeldho, Mor Thevodosius Mathews, Mor Eusebious Kuriakose, Mor
Athanasius Elias, Mor Irenious Mathews and Mor Clemis Kuriakose. At
5.00 pm the Patriarch, due to certain knee problems, entered the
Cathedral in a wheel chair, along with the accompanying Metropolitans
and Rambans. The later services were held under the leadership of His
Holiness and His Beatitude. By around 6.30 pm the Mooron Consecration
services of the cathedral ended after which the Patriarch blessed the
new library and Syriac centre located at the headquarter complex.

The Patriarch who reached today will be in the state for 12 days.
The Holy Father will leave for Damascus on October 29th.

Photos to be added soon in
http://www.syrianchurch.org
http://www.socmnet.org

Dear All

Radio Malankara is broadcasting the live telecast of the Apostolic
visit, in coordination with Atheeva Technologies.

Telecasting schedules

19-10-08 Marine Drive, Cochin 4.00 pm (IST): 10/19/08 Eastern US time
6.30AM 21-10-08 Kandanadu 9.00 am (IST): 10/20/08 Eastern US time
11.30PM24-10-08 Pananampady 11.00 am (IST): 10/24/08 Eastern US time
1.30AM24-10-08 Puthupally 4.00 pm (IST): 10/24/08 Eastern US time
6.30AM24-10-08 Manarkadu 5.30 pm (IST): 10/24/08 Eastern US time
8.0AM25-10-08 Kothamangalam. 9.00 am (IST): 10/24/08 Eastern US time
11.30PM

Please visit http://www.atheeva.com and install the Atheeva Event
Viewer application, for viewing the live telecast.

As some finalization regarding the broadband is required at some of
the venues. We request the members to download Viewer application
only right before the event.

Let the whole world view the Apostolic visit of the Prince Patriarch
of Antioch & All the East and be got blessed !!!

In His Love

Radio Malankara Team

MALANKARA SYRIAN CHURCH GAVE GRAND RECEPTION TO THE SUPREME HEAD OF
THE CHURCH AND FELICITATED THE CATHOLICOS.

Kochi, Oct. 19 : The year-long sacerdotal Golden jubilee celebrations
of the Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I, the regional head of
the Syrian Christian Church of India, came to an end today with a
grand reception given to His Holiness the Patriarch and His Beatitude
the Catholicos at the Marine Drive grounds in Kochi. As many as
1,00,000 faithful attended the function held, to welcome His Holiness
the Patriarch on his 4th Apostolic visit to India and to facilitate
the Catholicos on his sacerdotal Golden jubilee.

The program started with the prayer song followed by the welcome
speech by H.G. Mor Gregorios Joseph, the Secretary of the Malankara
Synod and the Chairman of the celebration committee. Sr. V S.
Achuthanandan, the honourable Chief Minister of Kerala State
delivered the presidential address.

The grand meeting was inaugurated by the His Holiness Ignatius Zakka
I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East and the Supreme Head
of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, by lighting the ceremonial
lamp. The Patriarch, who profusely praised the contributions made by
the present Catholicos to the growth of the Malankara Syrian Church,
decorated him with icons and a ring as a mark of recognition and
affection.

Speaking on the occasion the Patriarch said that the growing
materialism and selfishness in the present world were destroying the
bonds of love and tolerance, which previously existed among different
nations and people. His Holiness added that ''some nations and people
were becoming richer and richer and some poorer and poorer, and this
had given rise to conflicts between nations and within a country.''
The world was changing very fast and the advancement in the field of
science had enabled people to communicate easily creating more
materialism and took people away from the path of God, he said.  "The
increased knowledge in science and technology should not take us away
from God, but rather, take us closer to God who blesses us with such
knowledge,'' he noted. The Patriarch exhorted the political and
religious leaders, social workers to play a positive role by
promoting and ensuring better understanding, better unity and co-
operation among all people.

Before addressing the faithful, the Patriarch moved through the
middle of the capacity gathering to give apostolic blessings to the
people on a vehicle. Slogans of "Long live the Malankara-Antioch
relation" rend the air as the Patriarch gave his blessings.

Shri. Shivraj Patil, the Union Home Minister, Government of India
delivered the key note Address. In his speech he said that the people
has recognized the great service rendered by the Christian Church. It
did the work of providing education and imparting fortitude to people
to face the ups and downs of life. He also added that India is the
land of philosophy of pluralism and Indians saw divinity in
everything in the universe. While religions should unite, in some
cases, it tended to divide people. These were occasions created by
people who did not understand the essence of religion.

Representing the sister Episcopal churches, H.E. Dr. Daniel
Acharuparambil, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of
Varapuzha and H.E. Dr. Thomas Samuel, the bishop of the Church of
South India spoke.

The other speakers were the honourable Ministers of State, Shri.
Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Shri. S Sarma, Shri. Mons Joseph, Shri. M A
Baby and Shri. Binoy Viswam, the Opposition leader & the former Chief
Minister of Kerala Shri. Oommen Chandy, KPCC President Shri. Ramesh
Chennithala, BJP leader and former Union Minister Shri. O. Rajagopal
and the honourable City Mayor Mrs. Mercy Williams.

At the end of the public function, His Beatitude the Catholicos Aboon
Mor Baselios Thomas Ist, delivered the reply speech in which he
thanked all for their love and sincerity to the Holy Church. The vote
of thanks was made by Shri. Thambu George Thukalan, the Church
secretary.

The function organized inside a massive 'pandal' and attended by
scores of faithful ended by around 8.00 pm.

For photos:
http://www.syrianchurch.org/ApostolicVisit2008/apostolic_visit_gallery
.htm

http://kandanaddiocese.org/Apostolic_Visit/main.php

SOCM News Bureau

Mor Coorilos Yuyakkim Beatified

Supreme head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, H.H. Patriarch
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas declared Mor Coorilos Yuyakkim ( the Patrirachal
delegate & Reesh Episcopa of Malankara)  as Saint and allowed to
remember the Saintly Metropolitan's name in the 5th TUBDEN (Diptych).

The declaration was done at Mulanthuruthy Mar Thoman Church Church.
His Holiness entered in Mulanthuruthy Mulanthuruthy Mar Thoman Church
along with Catholocose Basalious Thomas I and Holy Synod secretary Mor
Joseph Gregarious and offered prays at the tombs.

Rousing reception to Patriarch in southern diocese

Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, who arrived
Malankara on apostolic visit was accorded a warm welcome by the
leaders of Malankara Syrian Knanaya Archdiocese at its headquarters
at Chingavnom on Thursday.

The Patriarch who was accompanied by Catholicos Baselios Thomas I and
other bishops were received by Archbishop Kuriakose Mor Savarios and
other bishops of the Knanaya Archdiocese at the Mor Aprem Seminary.
After holding special prayers at the tomb of Abraham Mor Clemis, the
former head of the Archdiocese, the Pontiff spoke to the flock at the
public reception accorded to him and Catholicos Baselios Thomas I.

Speaking on the occasion, the Patriarch said the archdiocese with its
distinctive cultural moorings was an integral part of the universal
Syrian church and hoped that they would continue to contribute to the
society. He hoped the archdiocese would scale new heights under the
current leadership.

Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I, in his address referred to
the ongoing tussle with the Orthodox Church and challenged them to
produce any evidence regarding the ownership of the disputed
Thrikkunnathu Seminary. If they present legitimate evidence, he was
ready to give up the church's claim, he said.

The Patriarch later participated in the meeting of the Knanaya
Association and left to Manjinikkara.

The Patriarch of Antioch and head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox
Church, Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, was accorded a rousing
reception by the clergy and the laity at Manjanikkara here on
Thursday.

The Patriarch, accompanied by Catholicose Abbon Mor Baselios Thomas-
I, Mathyas Mor Peelexinos, Patriarchal Vicar; Augen Mor Cleemis,
California Archbishop; Daniel Mor Cleemis and Beirut Archbishop,
reached Manjanikkara, a major pilgrim centre of Syrian that houses
tomb of the Syrian Patriarch, St. Elias-III, in the afternoon.

Addressing the faithful, the Patriarch recalled the contributions of
St. Elias-III and other Church leaders to ensure peace and harmony in
the Church.

He was received by the Manjanikkara Dayaro chief, Geevarghese Mor
Divannasios, T.U. Kuruvila, MLA who is also the Dayaro secretary,
Kuriakose Mr Eulios Metropolitan and Geevarghese Mr Athanaseus
Metropolitan.

The Patriarch offered prayers at the tomb of St. Elias-III and at the
Dayaro Cathedral. He also blessed the believers who thronged the
Cathedral premises. Kuriakose Mor Eulios and Geevarghese Mor
Athanaseus presented a memento to the Patriarch.

His Holiness blessed the foundation stones of St. Elias III platinum
jubilee memorial building and Kayamkulam Kadisa Church.

(St. Elias III platinum jubilee memorial building
http://www.socmnet.org/Platinum_Jubilee_Memorial_Building.htm )

The Patriarch also elevated the St. Mary's Jacobite Church at Kundara
to the status of a cathedral on the occasion. The Patriarch has
conferred the `Chevalier' title to T.V. Thomson of Kottayam Simhasana
Church on the occasion.

Those who cannot attend the function of the Patriarch of Antioch &
All the East at Manjanikkara, Radio Malankara Team, in cooperation
with Atheeva Technologies, broadcasted the event live from
Manjinikkara Dayaro.

Latter His Holiness Consecrated the renovated St. George's Syrian
Orthodox Church at Kavumbhagom, near Thiruvalla. Thousand of the
faithful assembled at Kavumbhagom to receive the Syrian Orthodox
Church head.

The Patriarch had also elevated the St. George Syrian church,
Kavumbagam to the status of a cathedral on the occasion.

SOCM News Bureau - Thiruvalla

Patriarch canonises Maphriyano Sakkralla Mor Baselios

The Patriarch His Holiness Moran Mor Iganatius Zakka I Iwas, raised
Sakkralla Mor Baselios Maphriyano to sainthood at a ceremony
organized at the St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church, Kandanad, where
the saint is entombed. The Patriarch, accompanied by Catholicose and
metropolitans also raised the St. Mary's Church to the status of a
Cathedral.

Sakkralla Mor Baselios Maphriyano is the second of the holy fathers
of the Jacobite Church being canonised in a span of two days, taking
the total number of saints in the Church to eight.

The Patriarch will also beatify Paulose Mor Kurilose at a function
being organized at Panampady, Kottayam, on Friday.

The Patriarch who is on his 4th Apostolic visit to India had declared
Euyakim Mor Kurlios a saint at a ceremony organized on Monday at
Mulanthuruthy Mar Thoman Church.

BIOGRAPHY of Maphryono
http://www.syrianchurch.org/bio/MorShakralla.htm

SOCM News Bureau - Kochi