beloved members of the malankara orthodox syrian
church,

we share with you the tragic news of the passing away
of the Wife of Fr. T. J. Joshua in a ghastly
accident which occurred this (Saturday) evening
somewhere betwen kanakkary and Ettumanoor in Kottayam
district.


Joice Thottackad
Kottayam, Kerala


      
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Previous weeks sermons: 

<+> Angels Incense Rise To Get Our Attention: Sunday November 18, 2007

<+> Every Place You Are The Temple: Sunday November 11, 2007

Focusing on Hebrews 9, Acts 7, and Isaiah 55 - inspired (as always) by the Gospel: John 10:22-28 - this sermon deals the physical temple and our spiritual transformation. 40 minutes, 38 seconds

<+>  Baptism of Lydia: Saturday November 10, 2007

<+> Man Building God Building : Sunday November 4, 2007

<+> Our Altar-native Opportunity : Sunday October 28, 2007

<+> technical problem - no audio for sermon : Sunday October 21, 2007

<+> A Charge Account With Interest : Sunday October 14, 2007

Focusing on beginning of Matthew 23 and the end of 1 Timothy (which reflects the entire epistle teaching) which is a charge of great
interest to Orthodox Christians. Readings are appointed for the 5th Sunday of the Holy Cross.  39 minutes, 40 seconds

 http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2007/10/charge-account-with-interest-october.html

<+> God Knows Hearts God Loves : Sunday October 7, 2007

God bless and keep you according to His mercy and lovingkindness. 
May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and all your loved ones. 

Pray for us.

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish

P. O. Box 5207, Madison, Wisconsin 53705

Sundays 10 am ~ 608.236.9622 ~ transfiguration@...

www.maruroopa.blogspot.com

www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads/transfig.html

o HEAL YOUR LIFE o DEEPEN YOUR FAITH

o ENRICH YOUR PRACTICE o REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT

Listen to Paulos Mar Gregorios Memorial Lecture

Topic: India's  Religious Heritage and Secular Future

Nov. 9, 2007, Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam

by Asghar Ali Engineer

Pl. Visit
http://www.paulosmargregorios.info/Memorial%20Lecture/Memorial%20Lectures.htm


Joice Thottackad
Kottayam, Kerala


      
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Rejoice in Prayer
(A collection of Orthodox Church Prayers)

Edited by Rev. Fr. Biju P. Thomas, Vice President of
MGOCSM Delhi Diocese and Vicar of St. Mary's Orthodox
Church, Faridabad.

Pl. Visit
http://www.malankaraorthodox.tv/

Joice Thottackad
Kottayam, Kerala


      
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11 th Memorial Service of Late H.G. Dr. Paulose Mar
Gregorios & 191 th Memorial Service of Late H.G.
Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius I to be held at
Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam on 24th Nov.

Memorial Address by Fr. Dr. B. Varghese

Pl. Visit
http://www.malankaraorthodox.tv/

Joice Thottackad
Kottayam, Kerala


      
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3 ex-Suryoyo rambans ordination issue - An Apology  & Updated News

In my last mail regarding the ordination attempt of 3 Suryoyo rambans
by the opposite faction, I have mistakenly mentioned towards the end
`What funny Church is this'. This was while trying to question the
simultaneous attempts of some in that faction to ordain 3 Suroyo
bishops and at the same time of conducting parallel peace meetings by
them. Actually the `funny Church' phrase was a typo error which I made
while writing (sorry for not rechecking my writings before posting),
What i was trying to say was - `What a funny SITUATION is this'. It
was indeed a great mistake made by me. So let me apologize for the
wrong usage of words.

Now the latest on the ordination attempt of 3 Suryoyo rambans

It was heard that day before yesterday there was a core-committee
sitting of the Methran Kakshi in which 4 bishops met to decide on
these Ramban ordination issue; but since they could not reach a
consensus, the meeting ended with no decision. It is heard that it was
the two of our former bishops who wanted them to be ordained at any
cost to teach our Patriarch and the Church in Kerala a lesson or two.
But the other two bishops opposed this. The reasons for their
opposition is said to be the following.

1. The two bishops who opposed the ordination were dead against the
actions of the former Jacobite bishops, as they believe that the
ex-Jacobite bishops are doing many foolish things which are unethical
and unacceptable. They say that what these ex-Jacobite bishops are
doing are just out of their blind enmity to His Holiness and the
Church in Kerala and so they cannot be believed at many of their
actions. (The news that is spread is that unlike in the past these
ex-Jacobite bishops doesn't get support from the new Methran kakshi
leadership who doubts their real intentions.)

2. Earlier when the core-committees of IOC decided in favour of
accepting or ordaining any new bishops from Suryoye, they were
dreaming of Suroyo bishops who have mass support in their community so
that they can be used as a tool against our Church under H.H.. But
with the solving of problems in Germany and the isolation of persons
like Fr. Tarzi, their imaginations regarding the division in the
Syrian Orthodox Church got a beating. It was at this point of time the
ex-Jacobite bishops who felt that their extreme ideas are not working,
approached these 3 ex-Suryoyo rambans and promised them to be ordained
bishops. But when the main group in IOC understood that these are
ex-Rambans who have no mass support, they wanted to refrain from any
actions as they feared that by ordaining them who have no base of
their own, they (IOC) themselves may fell into a trap in future. So
they wisely said NO to the ordinations.

3. Above all those in the IOC who oppose the ordination fear of a
greater backlash if these three ex-Rambans are ordained. The original
idea was to ordain them as bishops of an `Independent Syrian Orthodox
Church' in Europe and consider them as SISTER CHURCH, so that they
will not be a problem for them, but at the same time can be used as
stick to beat our Church whenever required. But then some key
advisor's of the faction warned them of a different situation that may
arouse. They feared that if such a thing like bishop ordination
happens, there is a much greater possibility for our Jacobite Church
to also ordain persons as bishops who come and seek asylum from the
Indian Orthodox faction. Imagine the situation where we also call them
'bishops of Sister Church of Ours!! If that happens, the result will
be a continuous spate of bishop ordinations from the opposite sides
just like the Roman Catholic and Byzantine Churches in the 11th
century started declaring saints to overpower the opposite side.

In anyway I think it is the right time for having a one to one
discussion between both the Churches to find out a long standing
solution to the Church disputes in Kerala. If what I heard from the
inner circles of IOC is correct, at least some of the key leaders of
the Indian Orthodox Church wanted to solve the century old issues by
considering us as a Sister Church, in line with the declaration of our
Patriarch, when HH visited Kerala. With the latest sidelining of the
people who are remaining obstacles for an amicable solution to Church
disputes, there is a greater possibility for peace, accepting each
other as Sister Churches. Let us hope for a brighter future of the two
Sister Orthodox Churches in Malankara.

T M Chacko,
Kottayam.

(From SOCM Forum)

Three ex-Suryoyo rambans in kerala & parallel Peace moves !!!

The attempts of a few Methran kakshi bishops to ordain 3 ex-Suryoyo
rambans here in kerala is entering a flashy and funny situation. On
the one side stand the ex-jacobite Metropolitans who demands an
immediate ordination of these three in Kerala inorder to teach the
Patriarch and his church in Kerala a lesson, while on the opposite
side stands the majority of Methran Kakshi bishops who are wary in
doing such a thing particularly considering the very weak base of
these three rambans, anywhere in Europe. But the ex-jacobite bishops
does not seems to yield to the majority's wishes and they are working
over time for the ordination of these three at the earliest.

Now the background of these three ex-suryoyo rambans who have been
bought to Kerala recently by two metrans-- They are young guys who
became monks during late Mor Yulius Cicek thirumeni's time. They later
quarreled with Mor Cicek Thirumeni and hence thirumeni was forced to
remove them because of their peculiar behaviors. They later tried to
join Catholic church, but since that attempt also did not materialize,
they were remaining independent trying to woo the suryoyo community.
Being a new generation suryoyo in Europe their approach to the Church
and community was very different and hence nobody encouraged them
much. Being a good orator one of them has been trying to develop an
independent neo-charismatic type organization. But even after some
years they could not find a base in their own community itself. So
they may have a thought that if they get some bishop's vestments it
will be helpful for them to impress someone. Again in my opinion it
may be one of our ex-bishops who have instilled such evil ideas into
them. Any way they are now here in kerala , but the main and old group
of bishops in Methran Kaskhi is yet to yield to their pressures to
ordain them bishops. This group that consists of senior bishops in
that Church believes that by ordaining some persons, who have no base,
will be a huge blunder for them in future also. However the pressuring
tactics of Thrissur and Muvatupuzha group are continuing unabated and
these 3 suryoyo rambans are staying under their guardianship.

There is also a rumour that if the main Church body does not yield to
their pressure, three of them together may take initiative to ordain
these three ex-suryoyo rambans at some church under them in kerala
(with some form of consent from the main stream). So let's wait and see.

Meanwhile the funny part is that the same Muvattupuzha Bishop who is
believed to be part of this ploy, is arranging a grand meeting at his
place early next month to spread his idea of unity between Jacobite
and Methran Kakshi churches on the basis of 1934 constitution of
Methran Kakshi. With this in mind he has already published a special
colourful issue of diocesan bulletin with articles written by Kottayam
IOC seminary principal Fr. K M George, Prof Cyriac Thomas, Prof M P
Mathai, himself etc. It was first made available at Parumala perunnal
and he is circulating it to as many as people. He is also trying very
hard to rope in as many social activists to pull his ideas and he is
still contacting many.

However the most funny part of all this is the parallel attempt to
defame the Universal Syriac Church to the extent possible by ordaining
persons like these three ex-suryoyo rambans. And still unity is being
preached!! What a funny Church is this?

T M Chacko,
Kottayam.

(From SOCM Forum)

Previous weeks sermons: 

<+> Every Place You Are The Temple: Sunday November 11, 2007

Focusing on Hebrews 9, Acts 7, and Isaiah 55 - inspired (as always) by the Gospel: John 10:22-28 - this sermon deals the physical temple and our spiritual transformation. 40 minutes, 38 seconds

<+>  Baptism of Lydia: Saturday November 10, 2007

<+> Man Building God Building : Sunday November 4, 2007

<+> Our Altar-native Opportunity : Sunday October 28, 2007

<+> technical problem - no audio for sermon : Sunday October 21, 2007

<+> A Charge Account With Interest : Sunday October 14, 2007

Focusing on beginning of Matthew 23 and the end of 1 Timothy (which reflects the entire epistle teaching) which is a charge of great
interest to Orthodox Christians. Readings are appointed for the 5th Sunday of the Holy Cross.  39 minutes, 40 seconds

 http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2007/10/charge-account-with-interest-october.html

<+> God Knows Hearts God Loves : Sunday October 7, 2007

God bless and keep you according to His mercy and lovingkindness. 
May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and all your loved ones. 

Pray for us.

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish

P. O. Box 5207, Madison, Wisconsin 53705

Sundays 10 am ~ 608.236.9622 ~ transfiguration@...

www.maruroopa.blogspot.com

www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads/transfig.html

o HEAL YOUR LIFE o DEEPEN YOUR FAITH

o ENRICH YOUR PRACTICE o REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT

Viswa Sneha Darsanam
October - December  07
Pl. Visit
http://www.malankaraorthodox.tv/Sneha%20Darsanam/Index.html

Joice Thottackad
Kottayam, Kerala


      
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Previous weeks sermons: 

<+> Man Building God Building : Sunday November 4, 2007

<+> Our Altar-native Opportunity : Sunday October 28, 2007

<+> technical problem - no audio for sermon : Sunday October 21, 2007

<+> A Charge Account With Interest : Sunday October 14, 2007

Focusing on beginning of Matthew 23 and the end of 1 Timothy (which reflects the entire epistle teaching) which is a charge of great
interest to Orthodox Christians. Readings are appointed for the 5th Sunday of the Holy Cross.  39 minutes, 40 seconds

 http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2007/10/charge-account-with-interest-october.html

<+> God Knows Hearts God Loves : Sunday October 7, 2007

God bless and keep you according to His mercy and lovingkindness. 
May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and all your loved ones. 

Pray for us.

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish

P. O. Box 5207, Madison, Wisconsin 53705

Sundays 10 am ~ 608.236.9622 ~ transfiguration@...

www.maruroopa.blogspot.com

www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads/transfig.html

o HEAL YOUR LIFE o DEEPEN YOUR FAITH

o ENRICH YOUR PRACTICE o REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT

Respectful homage to Dr.Stephanose Mar Theodosiose Metropolitan of
Calcutta  Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church
Pls click here to view the pictures

 
http://picasaweb.google.com/punchakonam/RespectfulHomageToHisGraceDrStephanoseMa\
rTheodosiusMetropolitan

http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq

Fr. Johnson Punchakkonam

Heavenly Feast (Swargeeya Virunnu)

By E.S.John, Australia

  Heavenly Feast is a radical Christian group or musical band that
took its birth in Kottayam and finds exhilaration in biblical
exhortations, with the aid of many musical instruments that fuels the
fire of high voltage emotional exuberance and nostalgic
extravagances.
Music, music everywhere music of the terrestrial dilemma of the
modernity that resembles the period conversely of the Lucifer music
which resonated the entire celestial universe which stretching the
antiquity of timelessness is something that our forefathers couldn't
afford to dream of. While the Lucifer melody and harmony once
saturated the glorification of God of the limitless ocean of the
entire celestial universe before the disgrace of the later predator,
the sub-cultural rock music of the high-flying, high-tech music
industries that horde billions and billions focus on the
unfathomable, glaring darkness of the fallen legions.  The creation
of man from the essence of all the universes is a highly tuned music
that synchronize the microcosm and macrocosm, which declare the glory
and omnipotence of the Holy One of the Infinite heights, Ps.19.
Everything that belong to the entire universe moves silently on a
rhythmic order, magnitude and scale. Music really is the language of
the devas, angels and not of asuras, who sing perpetually thundering
the superlative and sublime greatnesses of the Almighty. Both a
musical instrument and the player that go together in synchronizing
order only can play a melodious music of great sublimity. If the
instrument is not in the right notation, vibration and tune, the
resultant music of the instrument will be of a sourly taste.
Man is a musical instrument of the Creator who created him in a
certain varying rhythm, harmony, melody and pattern that is a
resemblance of the Creator, so that he is expected to sing the glory
of God perpetually in Eternity. Singing, therefore, is an inevitable
food ingredient for man to survive and grow and mature here and
hereafter. When man goes out of the tune of that rhythmic life,
thalam thettiya jeevitham, in the adoration of the Almighty who
created him in His image and likeness, he is forced to sing in tune
to the lifestyle of God's enemy, the Devil. Good music that is
harnessed in the exhortation of God within a musical instrument
apparently is the sensor or receiver side of a remote-controlled
music of the angels who glorify God in Eternity, whereas the music
that venerates the Devil is a chorus that emanates from a `thalam
thettiya jeevitham'. Man who is created within the strings of musical
melody, however, has to sing out either the glory of God or the
rebelliousness of the fallen angels who fell to the abyss for their
disobedience.
Pop Music
A time has dawned now for the evaluation of the pop culture and its
music, the bible of a second tier lifestyle that has conquered the
modern world. Samuel Butler once said that man has been trying to
defeat the devil because there was no book written by the dark forces
as our saviour, and the bible of the Christians is a formidable
fortress against the evil angels, despite the inferno has been waging
a `cold war' for them since the Eden tragedy, basing the flesh as his
foothold and stronghold. The messiahs of the modern music of the sub-
cultural planes are the main seeming proponents that are being adored
under the influence of hard drugs and erotic perpetrations. This wild
music of the sub-terrestrial orchestra that has electrified the
global inhabitants as a single unit, making billions and billions of
dollars for the global wandering bands that instigate most of the
teenagers and young adults to be the participants of this brutal saga
of metallic delirium. Their albums, CDs, autographs and their hand-
touched artefacts are sold in record prices, just like the large
scale distributions of bibles in the bygone days, of course not for
making money and earthly status.
While the classical songs have the slow-appealing effect on the inner
being, the drug-addicted hysterical songs and show and stage-pulling
performances trigger the emotional passions that are deep rooted in
the flesh. The irreligious young blood that precipitate in the lust
of the flesh get a thrill to sing and perform the jungle theatrical
shows with deep passions and commitments. The classical, passionless
music, kirthangals, that touch the heart fibres restore the
vibrations of the Spirit of God in our nerve cells, whereas the wild,
ferocious and metallic music that breaks the nerves tends to be a
worship of the prince of perdition, ultimately bartering our soul and
body for the devil.  So far the religion that used to dictate the
virtuous lifestyle to its followers had a strong influence, but the
secularism, technology and atheism of the materialistic impact on
people has imperiled the human animals of today to cultivate a wild
taste of arts and music and every other thing in a different plane of
emotionalism, the bubble of our flesh. The burning passion of the
flesh that precipitates the sex impulse is the root of every modern
art and music of the post-religious period of nerve imperialism.  It
is a proven fact that the product of celestial experience is
fragrance smell around, and the outcome of the presence of Satan is
the erotic feeling of sexual impulses. Read `Soul after Death' for
proof. While the scriptural products and writings are of the
influence of the finger of the Holy Spirit, the modern or even the
pornographic art contributions are the outcome of Buccaneer lifestyle
that plunder into the arena of god Eros.
Corporate Faith
It is the responsibility of each individual to help other fellow
beings in cultivating their own salvation by association and
socialization. Just like the marriage of two individuals is the
contract between two families, salvation of an individual also comes
under the periphery of mutual co-operation with the brethren and
helping them. This is the reason for starting the Nicene Creed like
this: `we believe in one true God, not `I believe in one God, as the
practice of few churches.  The use of `I' is personal and `we'
impersonal. Each individual is only a link connecting the chain of
eternal life. All the departed individuals are also waiting for us to
be joined together for the journey to New Jerusalem, Heb.11: 9-10,
40. It was the practice of the OT father to bless his son at their
deathbed, so also it was considered as a blessing to be buried in his
father's grave. Now the teenagers are plucked from the dear ones for
adding numbers to their cults that try to endanger the true
worshippers of apostolic Christianity. The bait of hooking the
immature and vulnerable children and womenfolk into the net of the
cult worshippers by grabbing them from the armpit of their fathers is
a great sin that may require accountability at the judgement seat.
Instead of rupturing the family web these cultic worshippers should
have concentrated preaching the Kingdom of God to the non-Christians.
This style of salvation offering to the genuine Christians by
spiritual charlatans by acrimonious way of splitting the family unit,
making enmity within the same household members with derelict faith,
is like the family feuding on any reasons that destroy and divide for
further depredation.  Shame and woe to such religious fanatics who
rupture the family serenity by injecting with heresies that are
replete with infernal poison.
Just as there have been legions of Heavenly host who sing the glory
of God continually, Lucifer who was in charge of melodious worship of
God became a rebel, prompting for an epic war, the aftermath of which
is the genesis of all our sufferings. Wherever there is true worship
of God, there will be one or more troubleshooters. Rebellion that we
inherited from Lucifer is a common denominator for all, particularly
in the religious field that is closer to God, which boils down to
internal feuding and division in the religious worshipping places.
Judas' betrayal is a salient example. Egoism that is the nucleus of
all divisions is the wealth of the fallen angels and has been rampant
in all the religious venues. The inherent pride of the clergy,
whether young or old, has a touch of Lucifer's magna carta of the
over- ruling mentality and supremacy. Even the mantle of the same
falls on the altar assistants and the Church Managing Committee
members.
No wonder the preying of this rebellious trait upon the heretical
religious ministers who by hook or by crook are wandering around to
multiply their sect members by trapping the believers from Christian
brethren; if they haul their net in the non-Christian waters, they
fear that they lose their heads. Destroying the basic family unit, by
creating disharmony among the family members on the basis of
misinterpreting the Bible and faith, is the work of Satan that
accomplish their mission through the self-conceited ministers who
grab money and wealth for their adulterated evangelism. I challenge
their veracity if they have the courage to gospelise among the non-
Christian strongholds. As they don't do such mission, it can be
easily concluded that the `swargeeya Virunnu' carnival is the
standing monument of naked hypocrisy and self-deceit of wolf
ministers.
Swargeyya Virunnu
Swargeeya Virunnu or Sadya is a term used for the `vachana shusrusha
charismatic group', is nothing but the luxuriant feat with the word
of God, the bible. The formation of this sadya by evangelical
Sadducees, as reported by a reliable source is in Kottayam, the nerve
centre of the clergy of the Kerala Christians. While the holy Liturgy
is the queen of all the sacraments for the Catholic and the Orthodox
Christians, the undue importance given to the bible by the Protestant
Christians is a sign of a `cold war' between these two warlords of
the modern `Christendom'.  As these derelict groups have deserted the
main stream Christianity, their main thrust to eliminate the Bride is
by focusing by giving over importance to the biblical verses that
have multifarious layers of mystical meanings in particular contexts
and situations. The Orthodox churches regard the church, the body of
Christ that formed first, as the main focal center which hold the
head, the Christ, whereas the right wing Protestants attribute
heavyweight to the word of God, so that their aim of caricaturing the
church is achieved. While the mainstream churches find their solace
in the participation in the Eucharist, the fundamental Christian
groups consolidate their supremacy by giving importance to the
perverted biblical interpretations that give license to an easy-going
superficial life of emotions and exuberance of outbursts. While they
scoff off at the sacraments of the mainstream churches, they live in
a mechanical life of emotional explosions; one is esoteric and the
other is exoteric. Swargeeya virunne that is embedded in `vachana
shushrusha' is a tool of the charismatic branches that win the hearts
and minds of the pseudo Christians of the high-tech age.
The one third of the world's Christian population is under the brand
of this charismatic group now. If the present trend continues at this
rate, we have been warned that the entire Christian community will be
gulped into this current by the year 2030, if at all leaving behind a
copycat small main stream church followers at the mercy of the
Herculean `swargeeya virunnu' group. Smelling this tempestuous trend,
the mainstream churches that borrow the techniques of the firebrand
churches to block the exodus of believers into other Machiavellian
faith adventurism is apparently the overt techniques of today's faith
adulterants. The borrowed `swargeeya Sadya' of the traditional
churches is seemingly the gala, ` mela', of the carnivorous
exhibition of emotional hysteria. Despite the Roman church has
neither banned nor given approval for the `Potta convention center,
what happens there is a copycat culture of pop music emotionalism,
the lifeblood of the charismatic upheavals. The `swargeeya sadya'
likely organized under a metropolitan in the Orthodox Church also is
under this fervour of stopping the sheep to shift sides that diminish
the membership of the mainstream churches. My observations with
regards to these ultra modern trends may be depicted by as mere
skepticism.
1. The term `Swargeya Sadyakal or virunnu' is a misnomer that
doesn't go in par with dining with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in
Paradise, so also it is an insult to the Orthodox sacraments,
particularly the queen of the sacraments, the Holy Qurbana, because
they are meant to be the chanting glorifications of the Creator,
whereas the musical concerts or musical carnivals with the aid of pop
music instruments end up in the glorification of God's enemy,
Lucifer, whose musical worship was the paragon of melodious music
before his fall.  I can also misquote so many biblical verses that
are given figuratively and symbolically for twisting the age-old
truth and faith. There is no other sadya like the Holy Liturgy while
we are on earth. The Devine liturgy is a mystical mantra, not like
black magic or necromancy, but is the chanting of God's mysterious
and exalting ways of redeeming the lost race of mankind. The hand and
mouth that is used for glorifying God in the sacraments is not meant
for any other purpose of belligerent outbursts, also not for abusing
others by hurting the feelings and inflicting the bodily tortures.
The clergy that plays the God's ambassadorial role hasn't played any
such roles so far for the last 2000 years, but the pop culture that
touched all our modern lives implicitly or explicitly has sent heat
waves which overturned our spiritual arenas as pagan worshipping
places by borrowing irreligious elements from outside. Mantras are
chanted in a silently audible ways, not like musical concerts and
carnivals that is stringed with high-tech musical instruments which
add fuel for further pandemonium for pop musical carnivals.
2. What happens in the revival centers is run in the same tune.
There are good sermons, counseling and education and the ingenious
ways of robbing the sheep from the true fold, but when it comes to
the worship it is a pop culture pattern of soul-crippling emotional
nervous thunders that knowingly or unknowingly please Lucifer and his
legions. When one goes to the King of kings, he whispers by sobbing
and kneeling at His feet. If we are borrowing a copycat culture that
has ruined the churches in many parts of the world, it is nothing but
another ingredient for our self-annihilation. I was taken aghast at
the sight of the Orthodox Church's orchestra that is protagonized and
propagandized by the clergy, making an impression that they are the
rock and roll stars of the religious arena.
3. Instead of using the word church our forefathers used the
word `Natakashala', it might have been apparently done deliberately
for appeasing the majority Hindus. Had we used the proper
word `church', the religious fanaticism that boils down to martyrdom
would have multiplied the numbers of our flock for wider
evangelization of the sub-continent. We didn't have any hesitation in
copying the convention geethangals that are from abroad; most of them
are personal pleas for earthly gains and also for cultivating the
heretical faiths. We all love those convention songs that are sung in
cinema and TV tunes that again dynamited our ways of worship. These
are sung for the farewell songs after the Holy sacrament in `adipoly
tunes'.  We shouldn't follow this pattern of mad and drug-addicted
music of the pop music that breaks our nerves and souls.
The classical music, kirthanangal, is the food of love, where as the
lunatic music that thunders our inner being by the bang of banal
musical instruments and the stamping on the stage is the product of
hatred towards anything that is holy and sanguine. The pop culture
and its wild music replaced altogether the white-cladding style of
Nazrani dress and appearance, the symbol of white angels, just like
the Holy liturgy is a sort of the vibrating history of the Holy
Trinity.  The evangelization of the dark dress, the opaque colour of
the dark infernal forces, of this bizarre culture of the pop
mobocracy that highlighting jeans and lose, trendy shabby dress, long
hair and long beard are the codes that is synchronized with the pop
music which uphold the role of Satan who demolish anything that is
kept as sacred.  Has the church any obligation in embracing a culture
that works against the Bride and the Groom? The validation of the
church choir, to a certain extent of matchmaking place for the
teenagers and young adults, has augmented the turmoil of
authenticating both sexes in the decision-making venues in the
religious places. While complementarities reign in the predating
world of food chains after the epic fall, the equality of sexes is
also an invention of pop culture that is to shatter if there is
anything left Heavenly.  The cult of feminism that is a hermaphrodite
edition of a virago breed of the modern Eves is an outcome of the sub-
culture that has to predate the species of the vanishing race.
Electricity that is the mother of all the modern inventions is
responsible for the doom of our natural life and culture and
spirituality by the sound pollutions of modern musical instruments
and carnivals. One has to experience that music as the language of
the devas, unfortunately not anymore because it is being harnessed by
the dark forces of the nether world forces.
4. To move with the filthy current of the secular or social
world is not the aim of the church in winning the souls for the Lord;
go against the current where the hands of God surely help the
battler. The ecumenism that knocked off the barriers between the
churches has encroached into the stage of paganism that surely will
devastate the church, which will go under ground at the end of the
day. I never cherish the view of the present Roman pope that the
Protestant churches are not Christians; there are very many gem like
spiritual warriors there, only difficulty is that they threw away
some of the imperatives that are needed here and in afterlife also.
There is nothing wrong in copying anything from anywhere that doesn't
pollute Orthodox mysticism. Keralites may think that all these
bohemian sounds of emotional music and electric decorations are the
storming signs of a spiritual revival, but those who have seen the
suicidal churches abroad understand them as the death knell of chaste
spirituality. Just as the fan doesn't need fanning, God the source of
all music, tunes, tones and sounds don't need the unity of music;
what He wants is the unity of minds of the worshippers. When that
unity that is lost from the devotees, we over impose the unity of
empty sounds that we feel will please the God of love. Love is the
only tonic among the believers that can hammer the warring forces to
come into Christian cohesion.
Orthodox Mysticism
Some people feel that the word mysticism that seemingly is aligned
with Gnosticism, which is linked with parapsychology, is to be
treated as heresy, thinking that mysticism is an obsolete phenomenon
of the NT period because to them Christ has already revealed all the
hidden paths.  Really Christ revealed Himself, yet He remains to be
obscure to our naked eyes and everyday life; this is why we have to
practice mysticism that opens our inner eyes, which only can
participate with the celestial hosts. Only a yogi who cultivates the
yogic therapy of adoring the Lord and meditating for inner
cleanliness experience the metaphysical ecstasy of exhilarating the
bliss of the unknown planes. The modern theological pedantry that
cannot unfold the true theological exigencies is only rainless clouds
that bring spiritual droughts to the sycophants. Today's theologies
that generate numberless cults and denominations are nothing but
personal idiosyncrasies of religious nomads who are self-seekers of
stereotyped materialism.  Some of them also may nod that the Lord's
resurrection or consubstantiation or transubstantiation is a mystery,
but can they penetrate into the mystery of the Lord's second coming?
They even reckon that the word mystical connotes to heresy because it
finger point to the Gnostic initiation rituals and ceremonies.
  Jews crucified Jesus because of the absence of religious mysticism
in their daily life, paving the way for not understanding the core
teachings of the religion, resulting in forming the Jewish sects
of `Phariseeism and sadducceism'. "For you have taken away the key of
knowledge; you did not enter yourselves and you hindered those who
were entering, Lk.11: 52. The life that originates from microcosm and
spiral through the wind of microcosm is a gigantic mystery. Brood
over silently the mysteries that surround our existence here and in
afterlife. There is the touch of mysticism in everything that we see
and touch because everything is shrouded in the fog of mysteries. We
see but we don't see; we hear but we don't hear is the state of
affairs of the superfluous religions that mislead the blind and
vulnerable. There is nothing outside of mysticism in this world; man,
the unknown to himself is a passing shadow of this ephemeral
world. "For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesy is imperfect;
but when the perfect comes, imperfect will pass away…..now we see in
a mirror dimly, but then face to face", 1.Cor.13; Rom.8: 23-25.
Unless an inner eye that spin the garment of incorruption is
accomplished, we can't mingle with the celestial beings that reveal
the unfathomable mysteries of the microcosm that spin within the
macrocosm. Only New Jerusalem is the culmination of perfection.
Mysteries, mysteries everywhere mysteries, even within us. The
Orthodox mysticism that only can open our heart's eyes and visualize
the hidden realities only for a short glimpse of occasional
supernatural travels is the only reality in the shoreless ocean of
multifarious ripples. All our prayers focus on the brightening of the
heart's eye or the third eye that goes in tune with Indian yogic
therapy.
  The churches that are celebrating the worship in tune with the pop
cultural music are certainly devoid of the monastic wealth of
Orthodox mysticism. The Gnostic worship that concentrate on the
science of the spirit, such as intuition, clairvoyance,
clairaudience, telepathy, etc. are both common denominators for
Gnostics and Orthodox worshippers because God and the devil use the
same media for their communication and transportation, just like the
wealth of Nature is given to both good and bad. Despite the Orthodox
mysticism is the only way of worship; salvation is offered to
everyone, as God knows the frailties of our flesh.  `Many are called,
but only few are chosen". This could be the reason for great and
small positions in the land of New Jerusalem. It is natural to
conclude that those who lead the life of a recluse may enjoy the
highest position in the Kingdom of God, mt.19: 12. The one, the
Mother of God, who carried the Mystery of mysteries, and bore the
yoke of sufferings for that purpose is certainly to get the highest
honour in that planet of luminosity. Who is this solitary embodiment
of humility that is discarded by the majority Christian denominations
and cults worshippers? This is why there are deficiencies and
excesses of Christian worshipping ingredients in all other
denominations other than the only Bride, the Orthodox Church.
The devil also believes in the existence and omnipotence of God; does
it mean that the predator also is getting salvation by offering
melodious music? Dear believers, don't follow the crowd that sang
hosanna on Palm Sunday and the chorus of death on Friday. The worship
in exalting the flesh is detrimental, whereas worshipping in the
spirit is far richer than anything else. Though many of us can't lead
a life of the Spirit in this day of religious epilepsy, they try to
glimpse the Promised Land in their weaknesses, just as Moses saw it
at a distance by climbing on the mountain.  The orthodox mysticism is
the method of killing the body by rigorous ways of spiritual
gymnastics that liberate the soul from the bondage of the flesh, the
gymnasium for all our transient pleasure, and weave the garb for
immortality, 1.Cor.9: 27. All the biblical prophets, Christ's 12
disciples and other apostles could make travels and communications in
the inter-celestial planes and carry out the Lord's work. These extra
sensory abilities are psychic ones that are given to every
individual; meditation and concentration of the mind can develop
these innate faculties that can either help one to serve God or the
Devil. Alas the Christian religious ministers who don't know the abc
of such endowed powers use their limited knowledge in the
constructions of jungles of cement buildings, the towers of the
powers of Death, and mislead the ignorant and vulnerable followers to
their doom. If they have a limited knowledge of the basics of human
spirit and its ability of metaphysical traffic and communication they
could have at least quenched the thirst of the intellectual elites of
the hybrid technological era. As the ministers are ignorant to these
unearthly phenomena, they condemn the Gnostic wisdom and their
domain. Unless our these spiritual senses develop by prayer and
meditation of Jesus, let the hybrid Christian ministers read the
classical literatures, particularly Indian and Greek, and develop
their knowledge that allows them not to betray the Lord of Heaven.
Only when we understand the Everest height of the Son of Man either
by Christian practice or by bookish knowledge, we fall at the feet of
the Incarnate God. Listen to Jesus and perceive that the blind lead
the blind in our everyday life of religious ceremonies and carnivals.
The Son of Man has no place to hide His face in our today's religious
festivities and celebrations; it has become the den of robbers.
The origin of monasticism is a way of life of praising God by
shutting ourselves from the banalities of the day-to-day life of the
flesh. The Orthodox mysticism, the nerve center of spirituality, has
been the lifeblood of Christianity till the dawning days of the
Renaissance and Industrial Revolution that shattered the Body of
Christ, despite all the dissenting tendencies have been there since
the beginning of the Eden drama. Jesus began His public ministry only
after the mystic life of 40 days of fasting, so also John the Baptist
leading a reclusive life all along. This was the reason for them to
abdicate the self-conceited lifestyle of the Jewish religious sects
that led the life that the blind lead the blind. We can't follow the
strenuous lifestyle of the pillar saints, but try to emulate them,
without discarding them into the waste bin, and follow the world of
Christian mysticism, not Christian charlatanism. If Christ has earned
everything for us, why do we linger on this plane and become a burden
here? If we are the saved ones, go right now to the plane where the
Saviour is. St.Paul shunned Gnosticism because there is no Christ
there. Gnosticism that belongs to the astrals indirectly worships the
astrals, asuranmars, of the oyar plane, aerial realm. Just like the
Indian literatures are full of aphorisms of our daily life,
Gnosticism also entails the truths of various magnitudes of life.
Christianity has reached to its nadir because of importing of the
materialistic life by exporting all the Christian values that derived
from a life of mysticism, the means of austerity and frugality.
5. The fossil money has emptied our souls that to be revitalized
with the wealth of the seven legions of the diabolical forces. The
offshoot of liberal theology that emanates from materialism has
blinded us totally. If we don't worship God in truth and spirit, we
will be forced to glorify Satan in all his omnivorous tastes. All
these changes of damnation are sure to take place, but vindicating
them as genuine due to deep-rooted ignorance and selfishness is my
concern. Though I speak of Christian mysticism, don't think that I am
following the trail zealously; it is impossible in this high-flying
buccaneer life of secularization and socialization. But self-
complacency is suicidal; accept that we are off the road into the
muddy ground. Thinking that we are giving a royal and loyal service
to our followers, particularly the budding generations, we shouldn't
live in a false paradise because such venues are the best training
grounds for our members who don't know the difference between the
left and right hands to switch over to the tentacles of pseudo
Christianity that is a clear sign of self-worship.
Count how many daily are flowing away from our church into the other
sects and never to return. If we break the hedge that the monastic
Fathers have made, sure that the serpent will swallow us.
An `aviyal', heterogeneous, worship that borrows from left and right
is a lukewarm self-conceited religiosity; either be warm or cold.
Many such revival centres can do this sort of changes as they are in
the heretical line, but we can't do such things because it is the
vanishing point of the true Christian faith from the face of the
earth. However, this tragedy of faith bashing has to take place one
day, Lk.18: 8. Realizing from the scriptural evidences, obvious
cataclysmic changes due to climate changes, blood bath due to
terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, cult worship, etc, I write
this because the cataclysmic signs that finger point that the Lord
standing at the gate already to steal off His flock is coming clearer
and closer every moment. I have lot more to write, but the paradox of
life is that everything has to come to an end whether either good or
bad.
My own personal observations may not hold valid because the clergy
and church hierarchies borrow these changing trends for keeping the
flock under their iron claws. I am utterly confused and bewildered; I
am only a man of straw. Therefore, I don't make any judgement with
regards to the techniques of changing the doctrinal policies and
dynamiting the faith ingredients. "For I am a passing guest, a
sojourner, like all my fathers. Look away from me that I may know
gladness, before I depart and be no more, Ps.39: 13.

The November 2007 edition of "Shroro" is now online

Dear friends and brethren,

The November 2007 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

Hello everyone,
I have recently been elected to represent my parish at the American
Diocesan Assembly. I am not a candidate for any election at the
Diocesan Assembly.

However as the new Diocesan Assembly prepares to meet for the first
time, I wanted to take a few minutes to communicate 10 things that I
wish for the American Diocese. These are just a few personal
thoughts of mine and I am hoping and praying that this would
generate some discussion and decision-making over the next five
years. I do not pretend to monopolize all the ideas or have all the
answers.

I hope and pray that God Almighty continues to inspire everyone in
our parishes, our diocese, our diocesan bodies and the Malankara
Orthodox Church to work together and selflessly to recognize and
address our needs and concerns in a timely, effective and
Christ-like manner.

I look forward to any and all discussions, comments or feedback.

Thanks and God Bless.
Manoj Thomas
Houston

10 THINGS I WISH FOR THE AMERICAN DIOCESE

1. FOCUSED LEADERSHIP AND EQUITABLE ATTENTION BY DIOCESAN
METROPOLITANS.
a. Prioritize needs of Diocese.
b. Define opportunities for improvement and lead improvement.
c. Establish regional centers in Mid-West, West, South and South-
East.
d. Spend time equitably between major cities.
e. Have regular regional meetings with all parish priests and parish
executives (trustees and secretaries).
f. Hold parishes and priests accountable for financial and temporal
support of diocese.
g. Establish structure to ensure that ideas and concerns from all
parts of diocese are considered at Diocesan level.

2. VISION FOR YOUTH
a. Establish mission statement and direction for FOCUS.
b. Lead development of OCYM units in all major cities.
c. Establish active and committed diocesan-level leadership
hierarchy for OCYM.
d. Build relationships and bridge gaps between FOCUS and OCYM.
e. Appoint youth ministers in all major cities who will be
responsible for working with MGOCSM, FOCUS and OCYM units in the
area.
f. Develop community service projects in major cities for MGOCSM,
FOCUS and OCYM.

3. RE-ENERGIZING THE TEACHING MISSION – FOR ADULTS AND FOR CHILDREN
a. Establish and formalize Divyabodhanam programs in all major
cities.
b. Institute Divyabodhanam or similar program as required training
for all Sunday School teachers.
c. Energize area adult prayer groups and bible studies by
establishing active and committed diocesan level hierarchy
for "Prarthana Yogam".
d. Have talented and inspired speakers travel and lead conventions
in all major cities.
e. Improve study material for Sunday School children.
f. Publish official theological and pastoral positions on social
issues of the diocese.

4. PROMOTE GREATER USE OF ENGLISH IN ALL LITURGICAL SERVICES
a. Lead development of official English translations of all
Sacramental Services – including daily prayers, wedding, baptism and
chrismation, Holy Week, funeral etc.
b. Print and publish official English service books for all
liturgical services.
c. Establish system for all parishes to only use official
translations.
d. Train priests and deacons in English prayers and services.
e. Encourage/require all parishes to have periodic/regular English
services.

5. SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE FOR THEOLOGICAL TRAINING AND PRIESTHOOD
a. Establish formal process for theological training and priesthood
for laypersons in Diocese.
b. Establish system of 6 month – 1 year training at Kottayam/Nagpur
for all diocesan seminarians.
c. Appoint diocesan deacons as youth ministers in major cities (see
above).
d. Develop Indian Orthodox Theological program in the U.S. for all
Malankara Orthodox students outside India.
e. Provide training in Malayalam for diocesan seminarians and
training in English for priests from India.

6. CENTRALIZED AMERICAN DIOCESE ORTHODOX CHARITY FUND
a. Objective of fund is to provide financial assistance to Malankara
Orthodox needs worldwide.
b. All parishes and parishioners to contribute to fund.
c. Any need from India (including projects of Bishops, priests or
nuns) will be helped from this diocesan fund.
d. Discourage/prohibit any parish level collections for such needs.
e. Bishops/priests/nuns are free to obtain permission from Diocesan
Metropolitan and visit Parishes and provide spiritual nourishment
but project assistance is available only from diocesan fund.

7. YOUTH AND FAMILY COUNSELING CENTERS IN MAJOR CITIES
a. Employ trained priests/laypersons to provide counseling services.
b. Provide pre-marital counseling.
c. Provide family counseling.
d. Provide drug & alcohol counseling.
e. Require counseling prior to any marriage.
f. Encourage/Require counseling prior to any divorce.
g. Require counseling prior to re-marriage of divorcees.

8. IMPROVE COMMUNICATION OF IDEAS/POLICIES
a. Use current technology (tele-conferencing, video-conferencing
etc.) to include representatives from all parts of diocese in
decision-making process in a timely manner.
b. Maintain (create new if needed) relevant and significant website
for diocese.
c. Improve editorial content, function and regularity of Diocesan
Voice monthly/quarterly magazine.
d. Seek diocesan-wide involvement in website and Diocesan Voice.
e. Create system for timely communication of kalpanas from Diocese
and Kottayam.
f. Create online forum for submitting issues, concerns and ideas
from entire diocese.
g. Translate "Orthodox Herald" and other worthy news magazines into
English.

9. CENTRALIZED FINANCIAL STRUCTURE FOR PRIESTS
a. Establish and enforce centralized salary scale for all priests.
b. Establish retirement/pension plans for priests.
c. Study feasibility of intra-city priest transfers.

10. MONASTERY/CONVENT
a.  Establish a monastery and a convent in the Diocese for unmarried
priests/nuns to live, pray and provide ongoing spiritual service for
diocese.
b.  Establish family retreat facilities within monastery/convent for
families to spend time in prayer and spiritual re-generation.
c.  Monastery/convent could lead translation efforts.

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Dear All,

It is pity that the eternal Journey of H G Dr. Stephanos Mar Theodosius
has not been telecasted yesterday by the Major Telvision Channels from
Kerala.A great personality who have contibuted his life to the society
and the poor in particular has been ignored or not been made to the
notice of media.
Is there media cell existing for Malankara Sabha? We have channels
telecasting budgets of church, worthless comments of our leaders on
issues or non issues but when it came to the sad demise of good shepard
of poor people it has gone unnoticed.

It is matter of serious concern and the church officials have to raise
to the occasion not to repeat the same mistake in an era where
channels / radio will even broadcast the deaths of a grand grand uncle
of a booth President

Bino V John
Abu Dhabi

Previous weeks sermons: 

<+> Our Altar-native Opportunity : Sunday October 28, 2007

<+> technical problem - no audio for sermon : Sunday October 21, 2007

<+> A Charge Account With Interest : Sunday October 14, 2007

Focusing on beginning of Matthew 23 and the end of 1 Timothy (which reflects the entire epistle teaching) which is a charge of great
interest to Orthodox Christians. Readings are appointed for the 5th Sunday of the Holy Cross.  39 minutes, 40 seconds

 http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2007/10/charge-account-with-interest-october.html

<+> God Knows Hearts God Loves : Sunday October 7, 2007

<+> Light Crosses Dark, Life Crosses Death : Sunday September 30, 2007

Romans Chapter 8 and a passage from Matthew Chapter 5 and other scriptures appointed for the 3rd Sunday of the Holy Cross. 26 minutes, 21 seconds

http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2007/10/light-crosses-dark-life-crosses-death.html

God bless and keep you according to His mercy and lovingkindness. 
May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and all your loved ones. 

Pray for us.

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish

P. O. Box 5207, Madison, Wisconsin 53705

Sundays 10 am ~ 608.236.9622 ~ transfiguration@...

www.maruroopa.blogspot.com

www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads/transfig.html

o HEAL YOUR LIFE o DEEPEN YOUR FAITH

o ENRICH YOUR PRACTICE o REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT

the long serving  metropolitan of the kolkata diocese passed away
while touring the middle-east. thirumeni blazed a trail in charity, social
service and the educational fields in northern india for many decades. the st
thomas orthodox theological seminary in nagpur is the fruit of his labour. more
details awaited.

moderators

shudhiyodu shuddhya beskudhishaa....

Paulose Mar Gregorios Memorial Lecture 2007

by
Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer

Topic: India's Religious Heritage and Secular Future

Inauguration: Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan

Moderator: Dr. A. K. ramakrishnan (Prof. School of
International Relations, M. G. University, Kottayam)

Response: Prof. Mammen Varkey

Book Release
Science, Technology and the Future of Humanity
(Post homous publications of Dr. Paulose Mar
Gregorios)
Published by ISPCK & MGF

Nov. 9, Smrithi Auditorium, Orthodox Seminary,
Chungam, Kottayam

Joice Thottackad
Kottayam, Kerala


__________________________________________________
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Dear All

    Kandanadu diocese has recently released a special
edition bullettin on possibility of unity in Malankara
church. H. G .Dr. Thomas Mor Athanasius,Fr. Dr. K. M.
George,Dr.Babu paul IAS ,Prof. Dr. M. P. Mathai are
some of the writers in this special edition. Some of
the articles are avialble in
http://malankaraorthodox.tv in PDF format.
Hope some body will take an effort to publish it fully
in the web.

I request all of you to please give full support and
prayers to  HG Athanasius thirumeni for the efforts he
is taking for the unity of the two factions.
  Thirumenis previous article in the same subject is
available in http://kandanad.blogspot.com.

Some of the members of Jacobite faction also should
come forward and we should make a common platform for
this.

Thanking you

Shaju Joseph
Doha


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New HQ for Niranam consecrated

The consecration ceremony of the new headquarters of the Niranam
diocese at Mazhuvangad, Thiruvalla, named after Chathuruthil St.
Gregorios Bava (Parumala Thirumeni), was held on the saints 105th
memorial Day on 2nd November 2007. His Beatitude Catholicos Mor
Baselios Thomas I led the services assisted by a number
of Metropolitans of the Malankara Church.

Prior to the consecration ceremony, a grand rally was held welcoming
Catholicos and all the metropolitans. The rally started from Cross
junction in Thiruvalla and reached the diocesan centre at 3.30 pm.
At 4.00 pm , the consecration ceremony of St. Gregorios Centre of
Niranam began. H.B. Baselios Thomas I Catholicos led the services
assisted by Metropolitans Their Graces Abraham Mor Severios of
Angamaly, Geevarghese Mor Polycarpus of E.A.E., Thomas Mor
Thimotheos of Kottayam and Greater India Archdiocese, Malankara
Synod secretary Joseph Mor Gregorios of Kochi, Kuriakose Mor Julius
of Simhasana churches, Mathews Mor Ivanios of Kandanad, Yuhanon Mor
Milithios of Thumpamon, Mathews Mor Aphrem of High Range area of
Angamali and Markose Mor Chrysostomos of EAE.

His Grace the Most Rev Dr Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, supreme
head of the Marthoma Syrian Church, and H.E. Thomas Mar Koorilose,
Archbishop of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church participated in
the consecration ceremony of the St. Gregorios Centre and also
during the public function held soon after at the nearby St. Mary's
church., Mr. Mathew T Thomas, Minister of State and Mr. Jayakumar,
Chairman,Thiruvalla, were also present during the occasion.

After the consecration ceremony, the public meeting started inside
the church at 5.30 pm. The meeting began with the welcome speech by
the diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Geevarghese Mor Koorilos. Immediately
thereafter the Patriarchal blessings from the Holy Father H.H.
Ignatius Zakka I was read out by H.G. Thomas Mor Thimotheos,
Metropolitan of Kottayam and Greater India Archdiocese. Later
Catholicos H.B. Baselios Thomas I delivered the speech followed by
Minister of State, Mr. Mathew T Thomas, His Grace the Most Rev Dr
Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, H.E. Thomas Mar Koorilose, Archbishop
of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Mr. Jayakumar,
Chairman,Thiruvalla, etc. etc.....

Official website website of the diocese,
http://www.Niranamdiocese.org was inaugurated by Catholicos during
the function.

The photos of the consecration ceremony
http://www.syrianchurch.org/Photos/NiranamHq2Nov07/index.html

Kadavil Paulose Mor Athanasius Thirumeni (1833-1907)

On Nov. 2nd 2007 the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church remembers
Paulose Mor
Athanasius thirumeni (Kadavil Thirumeni I) along with St. Gregorios (
www.ParumalaThirumeni.org /.com), who passed away 100 years ago on
Saturday 2nd
Nov. 1907. Kadavil thirumeni who was installed as Metropolitan by late
Patriarch
of Antioch Mor Peter IV at Vadakken Paravur Church, was the first
metropolitan
ordained for the diocese of Kottayam after its formation in 1876 as
per the
decision of the historic Mulanthuruthy Synod.

From 1891 onwards he assumed the additional responsibility of
Ankamali, the
largest diocese in the Malankara church. He was the senior most of the six
Metropolitans ordained for the Malankara Archdiocese by the Patriarch
Moran Mor
Ignatius Pathros IV during his Apostolic journey to India from 1875 to
'77.

Mor Athanasius, a profound Syriac scholar, had translated many
religious books
from Syriac to Malayalam including some chapters from the New
Testament. His
ardent efforts to uphold the faith and traditions of the church is
applauded by
all. It was the vision and the collective efforts of the three
Metropolitans;
Pulikottil Mor Dionysius, Chathuruthil Mor Gregorios and Kadavil Mor
Athanasius,
that helped in revamping the church in Malankara during a troublesome
period.

On Saturday, 2 November 1907, Kadavil Thirumeni I passed away at the
age of 74.
His mortal remains were interred in the northern side of the St.
Mary's church
at Thrikkunnathu, Aluva. Malankara Metropolitan Pulikottil Mor
Dionysius Joseph
led the last rites of the late Metropolitan.

A detailed biography of the Kadavil Thirumeni I can be accessed via link
http://www.syrianchurch.org/bio/KadavilThirumeniI.htm

John Philip
Kottayam

Dear Mr. E. S. John,

Well, I agree with your views on clergy  transfer; but the issue here appears to
be more than the issue of change of the Vicar. The issue is of very poor
conflict management.

If you research the history of most of the parish splits in the US, you can see
that our people will find one or other reason to split up as soon as the
membership level reaches the magic figure of  100. It is a question of
affordability. It is similar to the adult children wanting to move out of their
parents home as soon as they can afford to live on their own. Houston church
could put up with their  priest for 12 long years probably because they had no
choice other than sticking together for financial reasons.

  Maybe the Church is also  seeing it as an opportunity  to expand in America.
Otherwise I see no reason why the memorandum sent by the
committee members fall into the hands of the accused. It looks like an indirect
order to the Vicar to organize his soldiers to fight. I think  Church supports
more smaller parishes which are easy to administer and  people need  not drive
long distance to attend a service. We have 75 parishes and according to the
latest tally we have 100 priests. In the consumer industry when supply is more
than demand it is good time for credit card companies as consumers are forced to
spend the money they don't have for buying things they don't need.  Similarly
when the supply of Priests is more than  demand, people will engineer messy
split  and spend the money on lawyers which they  otherwise should have spent on
charity. In the Bible it says "the fruit of their labor will be enjoyed by
others".  This is what is happening in Kerala; how can you expect something
different in Toronto or Houston??

The damage is already done and whatever patch up including the
transfer of the Vicar will have only temporary effect. The positive
thing out of this whole episode is that others reading this story
can at least learn  to keep away from these kind of conflicts.


Rgds
ronnie

St. Dionysius of Malankara (Great Vattaseril Thiruemeni)


SAINT DIONYSIUS OF MALANKARA ( VATTASSERIL THIRUMENI)
H.G. Dr. Yakob Mar Iraneus Metropolitan

Saint Dionysius of Malnkara (Great Vattasseril Thirumeni) is the
renowned
Defender of Faith and Doctor of the Malankara Orthodox Church. He was
acknowledged as the best theologian in India during his time. The
life of St.
Dionysius was a saga of sacrifices for the Church. Even his life was
in danger
during those days. It seems God has chosen him to lead the Church of
St.Thomas
in India during one of the most turbulent times in its history, and
he
discharged his God –assigned responsibilities with utmost sincerity,
fortitude
and dedication. The Church has rightly given him the title" The
Illuminator " of
the Church. We know that no title is enough to adorn and
substantiate the great
contributions he made to the Malankara Church.

The Institution of the Catholicate in India was established due to
the
foresight and iron will of this Mahatma. Catholicate is the living
symbol of the
autocephaly and independence of the Malankara Church. Again, St.
Dionysius is
the architect of the Constitution of the Church, which gave a system
and order
to the governance of this ancient church. These two fitting
monuments to the
holy memory of the saint.

The personal life of Saint Dionysius was marked by the imprint of
impeccable
holiness, and none other than Late Catholicos H.H.Moran Mar Baselius
Geevarghese2nd vouchsafes to the unblemished life of Saint
Dionysius.. His
holiness was acknowledged and appreciated even during his life time.
Many could provide testimony to the effect from their own experiences
May the life of this Heroic Saint inspire us all in our mission to
protect and
give a new life to this ancient Church. May The prayers and
blessings of St
Dionysius be with us all!

Forwarded by Binu Varghese, Dubai

New HQ for Niranam Diocese of Jacobite Syrian Christian Church to be
consecrated on 2nd November 2, 2007.

A New headquarters for the Niranam Diocese of Jacobite Syrian
Christian Church, named after Chathuruthil Saint Gregorios Bava, will
be conscerated at Thiruvalla by Catholicos H.B. Baselios Thomas I on
November 2, 2007.

The Bishop's House is located beside Mazhuvangad St. Mary's Jacobite
Syrian Church on MC road (Thiruvalla – Chengannoor).
http://www.syrianchurch.org/ch/ThiruvallaMazChurch.htm

Invitaion letter --
http://www.syrianchurch.org/news/NiranamHQConsecration.pdf

Posted By
Thomas Daniel (Reji)
http://www.socmnet.org

Previous weeks sermons: 

<+> technical problem - no audio for sermon : Sunday October 21, 2007

<+> A Charge Account With Interest : Sunday October 14, 2007

Focusing on beginning of Matthew 23 and the end of 1 Timothy (which reflects the entire epistle teaching) which is a charge of great
interest to Orthodox Christians. Readings are appointed for the 5th Sunday of the Holy Cross.  39 minutes, 40 seconds

 http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2007/10/charge-account-with-interest-october.html

<+> God Knows Hearts God Loves : Sunday October 7, 2007

<+> Light Crosses Dark, Life Crosses Death : Sunday September 30, 2007

Romans Chapter 8 and a passage from Matthew Chapter 5 and other scriptures appointed for the 3rd Sunday of the Holy Cross. 26 minutes, 21 seconds

http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2007/10/light-crosses-dark-life-crosses-death.html

<+> Together With God : Sunday September 23, 2007

2nd Sunday of the Holy Cross: 1 Kings 3:5-9, Isaiah 48:12-16, Act 5:17-32, I Corinthians 2: 14-3:9 and St. Matthew 16-5-12. 27 minutes, 45 seconds

http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2007/09/together-with-god-september-2007.html

God bless and keep you according to His mercy and lovingkindness. 
May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and all your loved ones. 

Pray for us.

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish

P. O. Box 5207, Madison, Wisconsin 53705

Sundays 10 am ~ 608.236.9622 ~ transfiguration@...

www.maruroopa.blogspot.com

www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads/transfig.html

o HEAL YOUR LIFE o DEEPEN YOUR FAITH

o ENRICH YOUR PRACTICE o REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT

Monthly Reminder


  Dear friend,
       Thanks for being a member of the Malankara Orthodox Renaissance Movement. 
We are a support group of those people who earnestly wish for a renewal in our
church, and together, let us strive to make a renaissance in our church and in
our world.

      You may contact us at  almayavedi@..., and send a message to the
group at MORM@... .You may also post a message directly on the the
site of the group by going to http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/MORM/.  Feel free
to write to us anything you want to tell us. However, everything you write may
not be posted in the group. We are trying to have a focused discussion and
research of the issues in our church.

       If you have a friend who might like to join us, please encourage and help
him/her to join, or send that person's email address to us, and we will be happy
to send an invitation.

      We are looking for volunteers to do researches on specific topics and
issues related to the church. If you like to participate, please let us know.

Regards,

         Moderators

Dear Members,

I am of the view that there should be a centralised
system in our church for bishop tranfer, clergy
transfer like we have specific term for managing
committee, association secretary, vaideeka trustee.

But i have also some worries for the priest.

We take it for granted with the word VOCATION etc and
want to see the priests only in that perpsctive. But
we too are called for vocation, if a christian. When i
see campus placements in IIT the expectations of the
students with regard to their salary is at par any
international standards. If we take our achans salary
it is just not sufficient to have a decent living like
most of us do....many parish doesnt have parsonages
attached to the church, family of achan with children
studying just like ours we can imagine how expensive
it is!!!before we delibrate upon our leadership should
ensure that achans slary and other allowances should
be at par with the best standards.

When we compare with marthomites with tranfers we need
to also remember that most of the parish has
parsonages and relocating for them is not a big
problem.......and when we all get transfered form one
place to the another in our jobs, we are willing to go
coz the new post is granted with promotion and
additional perks...thats not the case with priests.

But it is need of the hour to have a specific term 3
yrs or 5 yrs for every one in the system....

Chikku Abraham

Dear All


    The complete text of H. G. Thomas Mor Athanasius
Thirumeni's Unity Chances in Malankara Church is
available in
http://kandanad.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post.html.

FR. DR. K. M. George's view point in the same subject
is available in
http://malankaraorthodox.tv/images/vattaseril.pdf


Thanking you

Shaju Joseph
Doha

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