Dear All

Barakmore / Shlomo

"All the Glory and Praises to HIM only"

St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Singapore welcome you to
The Holy Qurbono by Rev Fr Kuriakose Kadavumbhagam at St. Gregory
Armenian Orthodox Church, Hill Street on Sundays, Starting from 9th
March 2008.

Morning Prayer: 8:00 AM
Holy Qurbana: 9:00 AM

Location:
St. Gregory Armenian Orthodox Church,
60, Hill Street,
Singapore - 179366

To get there by MRT or Bus:

By MRT:
Take MRT to City Hall / Clarke Quay and walk in direction of Hill
Street.

By Bus: 2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 63, 80, 147, 197 and get down at
Armenian Church Bus Stop.

For more details please contact

Paul +65 96245472
Anoop +65 96314253
George +65 82005811
Benny +65 91521619

In HIS Love
Chev. Thomas Daniel (Reji)
http://www.socmnet.org

Living Through Death on Both Sides

Homiletic and memorial sermon delivered Sunday March 2, 2008 by Fr John
Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Based on readings of the Sunday of the Departed as we continue to honor the
memory of our beloved Bishop Thomas Mar Makarios who died February 23, 2008

Eternal memory!

29 minutes, 50 seconds

LISTEN ONLINE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2008/03/living-through-death-on-both-sides.ht
ml

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xm
l

The Lord assign the soul of our beloved bishop to where the just repose in a
place of light
whence all suffering, sorrow, and sighing have fled away - life everlasting!


Thirumeni pray for us!


+*+*+*+*+*+ Previous Sermons +*+*+*+*+*+

Bishop Among the Departed Clergy - February 24, 2008
Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison,
Wisconsin.
Based on readings of the Sunday of Departed Clergy and the memory of our
beloved Bishop Thomas Mar Makarios who died February 23, 2008 - 30 minutes,
45 seconds

LISTEN ONLINE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2008/02/bishop-among-departed-clergy.html


Please pray for our mission efforts.

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish (Maruroopa Palli)
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3, Madison, Wisconsin
Sundays 9:30 am ~ 608.242-4244
http://maruroopa.blogspot.com/
www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads/transfig.html
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT

Dr. Thomas Mar Macarios Last Journey: Photos From
Cochin Air Port.

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

Joice Thottackad
Kottayam, Kerala


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. 
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of
Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be
revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care,
serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are
willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to
serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being
examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you
will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. I pet.
5:1-4


Peter's appeal the shepherds is much more relevant in today's world
than in his own world.

There are three "not...but"s in this appeal.

1. not because you must, but because you are willing

2. not greedy for money, but eager to serve

3. not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to
the flock

I wish our shepherds were willing to listen to Peter's appeal!

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

Daughter of Abraham

         The Gospel text appointed for reading and meditation for the
fifth Sunday of the Great Lent is Luke 13: 10- 17, the healing of
the crippled woman. Three of the thirty seven miracles of Jesus
Christ happened to be performed on the Sabbath days and the Jews
were very critical about it. The fist was Jesus healing the man with
crippled hand (Luke 6: 6-11, Mark 3: 1-5 and Matt. 12: 10-13), the
second was healing the crippled woman (Luke 13: 10-17) and the third
was healing the dropsy patient (Luke 14: 1-6).


The message of salvation and the lessons of faith contained in this
miracle are concealed in the following statement of Jesus Christ.


"So ought not this woman being a daughter of Abraham be loosed from
this bound on the Sabbath" (v.17)


The crippled woman was a daughter of Abraham Zacchaeus, the chief
tax collector of Jericho was also called a son of Abraham while
Jesus called on him and his house hold. (Luke 19: 9) While the
entire Israel claim to be the sons of Abraham, what was the special
position attributed to these two, the least? It was their faith by
which they have been called the son and daughter of Abraham who is
the father of all the faithful (Rom. 4: 11; Gal. 3: 7) The woman,
though crippled, unable to walk freely and straight, could meet
Jesus only because she attended the synagogue worship in faith with
her physical infirmity. If she had remained idle at home, murmuring
and quarreling about her fate, she could never meet the Lord.
Similarly, the tax collector was able to receive Jesus in his home,
because he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed the tree in the hope
of seeing Jesus. All those who claimed themselves to be the sons of
Abraham heard the bitter words from John the Baptist and Jesus
Christ: "Brood of Vipers" (Matt.3: 7) .and "Hypocrites" (Matt. 23)
and (Like 13: 15)


Lord sees the silent sufferings of His faithful.

A unique feature of all these three miracles is that there has been
no intercession, no direct appeal or no initiative on the part of
the affected persons. All in all the initiative was from Jesus
Christ who called them to His side and healed them. He sees the
silent sufferings of His faithful.


Observing the Sabbath

"There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and
healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day."(v.14)


This was the warning of the ruler of the synagogue to the people and
apparently to Jesus who healed the woman. In the other two miracles
on the Sabbath, the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely
whether He would heal on the Sabbath to find fault with Him.  Jesus
opened dialogue with them to defend His actions and to teach them
how to observe the Sabbath. His teaching is that good deeds done on
Sabbath are not considered breach of Sabbath and mere ritualistic
observation is not blessed.


In the given context of lent and fasting, it is a pointer to us to
look in to the various needs of the community at large during our
lent and fasting. The prayer of fasting exhorts us: "Naalpathu naal
upavasikka visakkunnava-nappam kodukka".

             Let us, therefore give up hypocrisy, if any, and worship
God in spirit and truth


Yesudasan Nedumoncave

Thirumeni's mortal remains will be brought to the London St. Gregorios
Parish at 16:00 hrs GMT. The service will continue until 23:00 Hrs.
From 18:00- 19: 30 there will be a formal service of tribute. All the
Oriental Orthodox Churches will be represented by Bishops and clergy
of the respective Churches. Bishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Church
who is also the President of the Council of the Oriental Orthodox
Churches in the UK and Ireland, Bishop Nathan of the Oriental Orthodox
Church, Bishop Antonious of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Bishop Abba
Seraphim of the British Orthodox Church and Bishop Christopher Chessun
representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury are the  esteemed
dignitaries who will attend the Funeral Services.

HG Geevarghese Mar Coorilos is the chief celebrant.

God Bless.

Abraham Thomas Achan
London

Bishop Among the Departed Clergy

Homiletic and memorial sermon delivered Sunday February 24, 2008 by Fr John
Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Based on readings of the Sunday of Departed Clergy and the memory of our
beloved Bishop Thomas Mar Makarios who died February 23, 2008

Eternal memory!
The Lord assign his soul to where the just repose in a place of light whence
all suffering, sorrow, and sighing have fled away - life everlasting!
Thirumeni pray for us!

30 minutes, 45 seconds

LISTEN ONLINE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2008/02/bishop-among-departed-clergy.html

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xm
l


Pray for our mission efforts.

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish (Maruroopa Palli)
621 N. Sherman Avenue, Suite B3, Madison, Wisconsin
Sundays 9:30 am ~ 608.242-4244
http://maruroopa.blogspot.com/
www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads/transfig.html
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT

Go in Peace God's blessed high priest and pray for us sinners you
left behind.

Quote

God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked
down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put His arms around
you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful. He only
takes the best. He knew that you were suffering. He knew you were in
pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw
the troubles you are going through in the middle of us sinners. He
saw the road getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So He
closed your weary eyelids and whispered, "Peace be thine". It broke
our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone. Part of us went with
you the day God took you home.

Author Unknown

unquote

Your children in Toronto, Canada.

Preparations are in the final stages for the eagerly awaited
Ecumenical Christian Youth Camp scheduled to be conducted at
Bhairahawa, Nepal on 7th & 8th March 2008.  The 2 day camp is the
first of its kind ever held in the Himalayan country with a Hindu
majority. The indigenous Catholic Bishop H.E. Antony Sharma S.J.
(First Bishop in the Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in
Nepal) and the various Catholic parishes and congregations  in Nepal
have extended enormous support for the conference. Rev Fr. John
Kulathinkal, parish priest of the Catholic Mission in Bhairahawa has
been in the forefront giving guidance and advices to the organizing
committee supported by the sisters of Amar Jyothi Mission in
Bhairahawa. Moreover, as Bhairahawa is a boarder town, many of the
Catholic priests, nuns and students in and around UP have shown keen
interest to attend the conference.


H.G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan (Former National President
of the Non Catholic Christian Umbrella Association in India – NCCI)
will be delivering the key note address. HG will be celebrating the
Holy Qurbana on 8th March.  We are deeply grateful to H.G. Mar
Coorilose for the  special interest shown in the pastoral needs of the
students here. A similar conference involving the Medical students of
Universal College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) had been held last year
in connection with H.G's first visit. The vigor and enthusiasm  of the
participants, coupled with the urge to get united with the Christian
brothren, has actually prompted  the organizing committee to plan an
All Nepal Christian Youth Conference this time.

We are obliged to the Management of UCMS for the patronage extended to
us in this regard. A number of Professionals from UCMS will be
attending  the conference as delegates as well as resource persons. As
pointed out, the conference has already triggered interest amongst the
Catholic Communities in Nepal, U.P and other neighboring areas.
However, it is a pity that there is hardly any response from our
church, especially the parishes in and around UP bordering Nepal.
Bhairahawa, the town where the conference is to be held is only 5
minutes drive from Sounali, the border town in UP, which is only 70
Kms from Ghorakhpur. There is no visa required and if informed
earlier, there is a possibility that arrangements can be done to pick
up delegates from Gorakhpur. Kindly consider this as a personal
invitation to attend the conference.  Interested persons may kindly
contact the Organizing Committee Convener  Dr Nigel Kuriakose at the
following:
drnigelkuriakose@... / 00977 9804418188


Thanks and regards

Vinay Babu Kurian
UCMS, Bhairahawa, Nepal

Crowns are plaited, closely placed,

On the holy altar there;

Crowns will thus be set on head

of Mar Makarious who've served Thee well

  .............. Our Beloved Father depart in peace to the place
where no human eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, no heart
has ever imagined and heed to the call of our Master in heaven. "O
righteous servant, come and take the place where I have reserved for
you on my right side."


Our beloved Thirumeni, please intercede for our Church.

  Philip Ayyamplackal, Auckland

“O woman, great is your faith” (Matt.15 28)

Every Sunday of the Great Lent is the commemoration of one of the miracles of Jesus Christ. The fourth Sunday of this year lent falls on 24^th of February. The miracle traditionally focused is the healing the demon possessed daughter of the Canaanite women. A controversial dialogue between the Lord and the gentile women is the main attraction of the episode rather than the description of a miracle or the victim who does not come in the scene at all.

I. A dialogue of dilemma and confusion

 This dialogue has been a dilemma and confusion for both theologians and laymen alike to conceive the thought of Jesus Christ. Prima-facie, it seems, Jesus’ treating of the gentile women was contrary to the later teachings of Jesus Christ, apostolic traditions and mission of the church.

In the first place, Jesus did not mind the request of the woman or answered her cry. Even when the disciples reminded Him of her persistent cry for help, Jesus did not give a favorable reply.

Secondly, her continued begging is met with contempt and scornful refusal.

Conclusively, Jesus praised her faith and let it happen what she wanted.

II. What is the lesson it gives to us? This is an incident that discloses the universal salvation of Jesus Christ. To understand this point, we have to consider the following important facts within.

The salutation of the woman:

“O Lord the Son of David”. This is the acceptance of Jesus as Christ and God. The gentile woman confesses that what is denied by the Jews in Jesus

Who was this woman? St Mark introduces her as “A Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth” (Mark 7: 26). This is to be understood from the history of the Old Testament back ground. A descendent of the aborigines of Canaan that God asked Israelite to eliminate from the Promised Land, later became a mixed race living in the Greek culture. A personification of all the sins and a representative of the sinners out side of the chosen nation of Israel, she was. It is she who accept Jesus as Christ and God

Why Jesus continued His journey without answering to her cry? Lord’s burden of thought at that time was about His own people.

“I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (V.24)

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Is.53:6)

The gospels ascribe Jesus’ mission exclusively among Jews, and it is particularly true of the Gospel of St Matthew written for the Jews by a Jew. While sending the twelve for preaching, Jesus’ instructions to them, “Do not go into the way of the gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matt. 10: 5, 6) is seen only in Matthew. What is the reason for this partial treatment? In the scheme of God’s great salvation of the world, Israel had a special call, mission and role to play.

“And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12: 3; 26:4; 28: 14).

Mission of Christ was fore told:

“I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the gentiles” (Is.42: 6)

“I will also give You a light to the gentiles that You should be my salvation to the end of the earth” (Is.49: 6)

Jesus had also accepted this claim when He says, “For salvation is of the Jews” (John 4: 22).

But Israel, they refused this special position and got rejected from it. Paul says:

“It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold we turn to the gentiles” (Acts 13:  46)

The Canaanite women now here represents the gentiles ready themselves to receive Jesus Christ. Jesus was caught silent and thoughtful because of this.

The cry of the woman, “O Lord, Son of David” is the main thought of this section. 

It was to the Jews Jesus said that He had come to call sinners to repentance. His universal mission was to be accomplished through them, was His thought about them when He said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

III. Dialogue with the Canaanite woman

“And behold a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him saying, have mercy on me, O Lord, My daughter is severely demon possessed.”

What follows this is an intellectual, knowledgeable and humorous dialogue.

Jesus hold on to His stand point and to emphasize it He quotes an old saying, a proverb;.

“It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs”

The women, without taking into heart the contempt and scorn in Jesus reply, pursues her cause with convincing arguments.

 “True Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the curbs which fall from their masters table:”

This constitute the composition of the New Israel, the church of Jesus Christ,  Jesus who distribute the Bread of Life, and those who are worthy of sharing it -  the children and the little dogs, Jews and the gentiles who believe in Him-  eating from the same table.

Unfortunately, for the folly and selfishness of men, Lords table still remains divided among denominations.

IV. Trial of faith: It was the trial of faith of the gentile that refusing the bread of the children to the little. She won the trial by persistent supplication with vision, conviction and unfailing faith.  

The dialogue between Jesus and the woman comes to the conclusion with Jesus commenting upon her faith, thus: “O WOMAN GREAT IS YOUR FAITH; LET IT BE TO YOU AS YOU DESIRE”

Bible critics and theologians express their opinion that no greater discrimination is shown to the Canaanite woman than that shown to Virgin Mother at the wedding in Cana. 

We see the result of the fervent prayer and intercession with faith. Jesus had not physically seen demon possessed daughter to touch her or to command the casting out of demons. He accepted prayer and intercession of the mother women.

How we are obliged to pray for the sick and sinners to the Gracious Lord to fulfill His mission of salvation on earth as a chosen generation.

V. Jesus’ attitude to the gentiles:  It was not always the treatment of Jesus to the gentiles that He had shown to the Canaanite woman. The earlier two miracles in Matt. 8: 5- 13; Luke 7: 1-10 and John 4: 46-51 give a different picture. With no hesitation He gave instant healing command. No doubt, it was the faith of the centurion and the noble man moved Jesus to Action.

VI. Message of the time: Church is the New Israel that to spread the gospel of universal salvation of Jesus Christ. Bible reminds us to   remember our summons and selection. What is our summons?

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:\” (1 Pet. 2: 9)

 If we refuse this position like the Old Israel, no Christ will come again to rescue the lost sheep. Our assignment and duty is not only to wait for the life in heaven, but also to partake the Gods work, to spread the gospel of salvation to the universe.

Let us bargain for the Bread of Life like the Canaanite woman with our fervent and persistent prayer. Then we can also hear, GREAT IS YOUR FAITH

Yesudasan Nedumoncave,

Philadelphia.

HG Dr. Mar Makarios (Metropolitan of UK-Canada Diocese) has entered into eternal
rest..
Pl. Visit
http://www.malankaraorthodox.tv/

Joice Thottackad

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!

Fr. K. M. Zacharia has been attacked by the Kepha people at
Kallungathara pally Tomb yesterday (Feb. 17) while conducting prayers.
Pl. Visit
http://www.malankaraorthodox.tv/


Joice Thottackad

 Thomasjacob

Photo: S. Gopakumar

Pondering over past: Historian Istvan Perczel from Central European University, Hungary, delivering a lecture on ‘History of Kerala Christianity: Documents, monuments and methodological challenges’ in the city on Monday. P.J. Cherian, Gabriel Mar Gregorios, K.N. Panikkar and Ninan Koshy are also seen.

 Thomasjacob

Lord, if You are willing.

 Seven of Jesus’ 37 miracles have been appointed for reading and meditation during the great Lent. These miracles reveal the various visible aspects of Jesus’ redemption and salvation work. Each one of these has a specific purpose and aim to be conveyed.

The first miracle, or the sign as termed by John, was changing the water to wine in which Jesus honors the request of His mother and saves the predicament of the wedding house. This is the visible effect of this miracle that gives us the lesson of faith of intercession of the Holy Mother. Further the evangelist states: “This manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him” (Jon.2:11)

The second Sunday of the lent is Garbo Sunday, the miracle of Jesus cleansing the leper. This is described in all the three synoptic gospels, without much of variations. This being one of the shortest Gospel readings of 5 verses contains three main thoughts in it.

(1)   “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean” (Matt. 8: 2; Mark 1: 40; Luke 5: 12)

There are five persons found in the Gospels addressed Jesus is as “Lord” while imploring healing, and this leper is the first among them. The other four are the centurion of Capernaum (Matt.8:5); the gentile woman of Canaan (Matt. 15: 22); Martha and her sister (John 11: 3) and the two blind men of Jericho (Matt. 20:30). This salutation and submission apparently is to accept that Jesus is the God. It is more relevant and convincing when it applies to healing because the Law of Moses says:

“I AM THE LORD WHO HEALS YOU” – “JAHWAH ROPHY” (Ex.15: 26).

{Njan ninne saukyamakkunna Yahova aakunnu)

The meaning of the name Jesus - Yasue is “Jehweh Salvation”. So the leper fell on his face in front of the God who saves and heals. Our kneeling prayer during the lent (Kumpideel) is not for physical exercise and power of healing; rather it is the submission to the Almighty God for our spiritual healing and salvation. Without the acceptance of Divinity of Jesus Christ, one cannot declare a faith in Him, as being done by some sects now. “No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor 12:3)

(2)   Then He put out His hand and touched him , saying “I am willing be cleansed” (v 13)

In the Bible there is very little said of diseases, medicines and treatments.

It is apparently for the belief that all the diseases come from God on those who disobey His commandments, and the healing of them also by God. (Ex. 15: 26; 23: 25) But, there are plenty of descriptions of divine healing and two chapters of Leviticus, 13 and 14, deal in length with leprosy. How a leper is treated in the society is depicted in the following verses.

            “Now the leper on whom the sore is, clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, unclean! Unclean! He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone, his habitation shall be outside the camp.” (Lev 13”45, 46)

            An outcast and untouchable of this type took courage and fell before Jesus and begged to be cleansed. Jesus could have cleansed him by his words as He did with ten lepers in Luke 17: 14. Instead, He touched him and said “I am willing, be cleansed” and immediately his leprosy left him

            This leper represents the whole world of sinners who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior for whom His free gift of salvation is instantly bestowed upon with one condition that:

(3)   “But go and show yourself  to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded”

This is the ceremonial part of the salvation, the Mystery of salvation, the Sacramental of salvation in His church on earth to be continued until He comes.

            Dear brethren in Christ let us fell on our face before the Savior in this Lenten period to hear from him, “I am willing, you be cleansed” and sing aloud:

            Reksha danamo athetra aanandam,

            Enne veende-dutha-thetra aascharyam,

            Karthan swantha-mayittenne cherthathal

            Keerthikkum njan modamai.

            Yesudasan Nedumoncave

Church of Greece elects a moderate new Archbishop

February 8, 2008

Soft-spoken reformist Ieronymos, Bishop of Thebes, chosen in 2nd vote

Senior Orthodox clerics yesterday elected a moderate and popular
churchman, Bishop Ieronymos of Thebes, to succeed Archbishop
Christodoulos, who died last month.

Ieronymos, who had been a runner-up to Christodoulos in the last
Archbishopric elections in 1998, was appointed following two rounds of
voting at Athens Cathedral.

The 70-year-old cleric, from Viotia in central Greece, garnered 45 out
of 74 votes in the first round, compared to 27 votes for his key
challenger Bishop Efstathios of Sparta. Ieronymos got 33 in the first
round, missing the minimum 38-vote mark.

When a lamp lit up outside the cathedral, indicating that a new
Archbishop had been chosen, hundreds of supporters and clerics clapped
and cheered. Ieronymos greeted supporters briefly upon emerging from
the cathedral before walking on foot to the Archbishop's residence in
Plaka. He then led a service in memory of Christodoulos at the First
Cemetery.

Senior Church figures and politicians welcomed the election of the new
Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, considered a reformer but less
outspoken and media-savvy than Christodoulos.

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios, the Istanbul-based spiritual
leader of the world's Orthodox faithful who had clashed frequently
with Christodoulos, welcomed the development. «My esteem for
(Ieronymos) is great and longstanding and my hopes for cooperation
with him in solving the problems of the Orthodox Church are even
greater,» Vartholomaios said. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis also
sang the Bishop's praises. «His faith, devotion to the Church…
worthiness and experience will serve him well in his historic
mission,» Karamanlis said.

Ieronymos, who holds several degrees from Greek and foreign
universities, had criticized as «extreme» the mass rallies organized
by Christodoulos in 2000 to protest the state's decision to delete the
reference to religion on citizens' ID cards.

Church sources said they thought Ieronymos would continue in
Christodoulos's footsteps, boosting ties between the Church and
society, particularly with young people. But they also expected him to
distinguish clearly the role of the Church from that of the state.

Yesterday's election of a new Archbishop of Athens in a rapid, clear
and procedurally impeccable manner, showed us that the Hierarchy of
the Church of Greece is paying attention to the signs of the times and
learning a lesson from the mistakes of the recent past. Archbishop
Ieronymos is now called upon to lead the Church with modesty, unity
and a spirit of reconciliation – this is the mandate handed to him by
the Church Hierarchy. He is also expected to respond to the rising
expectations of the people, to put his ear to the ground and listen to
a changing society, to stand beside the people of Greece and heed
their fears and concerns, to cooperate and coexist in a constructive
manner with the state.

The speedy and unequivocal election heralds an era of maturation and
reorganization for the Church of Greece – and it needs it. The country
also needs a mature and stable Orthodox Church that will spread the
message of love and solidarity and ensure social consensus. We send
our wishes to the new Archbishop that he may follow this path.

http://grhomeboy.wordpress.com/2008/02/08/church-of-greece-elects-a-moderate-new\
\
-%ce%91rchbishop/


Ieronymos of Thebes elected Archbishop:
http://www.ana.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=6125902&maindocimg=6125682&servi\
\
ce=6

GREECE ARCHBISHOP IERONYMOS:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/directionstoorthodoxy/2249127442/

Thomas

Shri Baba Amthe departed in Maharashtra at the Anandavan monastery.  He
did a great job for the rehabilitations of the Lepers and won the "Sasa
Award".  My Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church recognized his great work
by awarding the Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios award which in memorial of
our Late H.G. Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios of Delhi diocese.

He was a great person, a great social worker and he completed his
mission in this world and left to enter his eternal life.  I would
express the heartfelt condolences in his departure and remembering him
in prayers.

Charly V. Padanilam, Houston, TX

Dear Charly V. Padanilam,

This sure was an eye opener! Hope and pray that someone is
listening!!

regards
Mathew George ( Roy )

Why did we loose the strength?

My Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church was the one of the strongest
community in Kerala as well as in India.  We were having the
importance, dignity and respect from all sorts of other organizations
as well as from the political leaders, irrespective of political
parties.

When our physical Head of the Church needs to speak to anyone, they
came to H.H's station with respect and did the meetings.  We lost it
now and that has been proved in many incidents.  When the church
declared a march to TVM in last year, our respected Bishops were
walking from gates to gate to meet one of the ministers in the Kerala
Govt. and our Priests were beaten by the reserve police of Kerala in
the street.  Did it happen any time in the history of my Malankara
Orthodox Syrian Church?

The Kerala Govt. made our Bishops, Priests and the faithful believers
as hostages in Thrikunnathu seminary and brought the rebel fraction
leaders with police escort to enter the place where the court order
banned them to enter and this is happening in second time.  Why it
happens? How did we loose our strength?

These are happening because of the 1) Incapability of our capable
leaders, 2) Autocracy, 3) World lines and 4) Part time faith.

1) Incapability of our capable leaders.

Our Church is the one and only one that never recognize the laymen
leaders.  We never support any of our members when they are
struggling in any political parties but we claim when they reach a
position with their own capability.  This made the laymen of our
Church is away from the Church matters when they are capable to do
many things.  Because they know that they will not get any support
from the Church when they required, but only try to tap their
utility.  There are many examples for this.  1) When a chance came to
our Mr. Joseph M. Puthussery as was the only MLA in his party to
represent in the ministry, our leaders did not take enough initiative
to request his party leader to do so.  If we request on that time it
is 100% sure that the leader of his party may do that, because his
party leader respected our Church and our H.H. Bava Thirumeny very
much and still it is continuing. 2) When B.J.P. proposed Mr. P.C.
Alexander for the post of the President of India, the Congress party
opposed it and our Church did not take any initiative to press our
recommendation. 3) Late Mr. E. John Jacob was a prominent leader to
our Church and he saved us in many crisis.  When we faced opposition
to elevate 4 clergies as Bishops, his brave actions made it possible
and many other incidents.  But our Church never did anything in his
memorial and it is ungrateful. If our leaders are not changing the
present attitude no capable laymen political leaders will involve in
Church matters. We will be ashamed in public like what is happening
now.

We are informed that we have the court order to not to allow to any
rebel fraction leader to the premises of the Thrikunnathu seminary.
If so we should have to approach the respective Court to provide
protection prior to this incident by noticing the previous incident
happened in last year.  I am not sure that whether our Church
approached to the court to get a stay order against the forceful
entry of the rebel leaders to our premises.  If we have a court order
then we should go to court against the police department as they
violated the court order.

2. Autocracy.

The superiority mentality of many clergies and few bishops divided
them away from the laymen.  Many Churches are facing problems because
of the muzzle fight between the laymen and the clergy.  Clergies are
approaching the laymen as a Master.  That mentality is good because
they are Masters.  But our Lord Jesus Christ taught that the Master
should serve and Jesus Christ came to this earth to serve.  But the
followers of those teachings are serving by words only with
humbleness in "Shubakono Sushroosha" and at the time of the "Feet
washing" on Mondey Thursday.

Mending the relationship between both can solve the laymen also
teasing and ignoring the clergies in many places and it and the
respective diocesan Bishops can do it easily with the association of
the Parish members. Laymen should not make stories about the Bishops,
clergies and leaders of the Church without knowing the reality.
Everyone needs a stage to express their feelings and a strong public
relation department should be formed and they should perform
effectively.

Formation and nomination of committee should be on the basis of merit
and capabilities and should not be on the basis of caucus and
favorers.

  The present negative attitude of the clergies and laymen should be
changed and relationship among the laymen and the clergy should be re-
instated and it needs a lot of effort to do so.  That can be done if
the Bishops of the respective diocese stay within the diocese and
look after the matters of the Parishes instead of running after money
matters.  Majority of the people are suspicious about the properties
and bank accounts of the Bishops and that should be cleared to the
public, otherwise the faithful church members are always doubtful
about the leadership.  It breaks the relationship but none will
manifest it.
E.g. Once I was the Secretary of Church in Dubai and I heard that a
few people always spoke bad about one of our Bishops as they are
saying that bishop misuse the donation that they contributed.  I
forced to take the decision in the Committee (all the members except
me were against the proposal) to invite that Bishop for the Passion
Week and I requested to Thirumany to clarify the position after the
Easter about this matter and solve that gimmick news.  After the
Easter service Thirumeny explained everything and the people
convinced that their donations were not mishandled and they met
Thirumeny and thanked for the information and they felt sorry for
their misunderstanding.

3) Worldliness and 4) Part time faith.
Many of our Members of the Church are having many heartfelt
experiences when they approach the Church leaders in different
occasions.  Instead of showing the serving mentality in words we need
to implement it in our daily practical life.  All most all the
members are looking the Bishops and clergies with an eye that they
are only in moneymaking business.  The political type election of the
Bishops, talking styles of some of the clergies with egos etc. making
the laymen to feel bad.  Our Bishops should be away from the
moneymaking business and all their income should be accounted and it
should be under the church property instead of private property. In
olden days when anyone visits the Bishop house to see the bishop it
was usual to hear that he cannot see the Bishop now as the bishop is
in prayer, but nowadays also we can experience the same wording that
you cannot see the bishop now as the Bishop is talking with the
lawyers, Blade company manager or political party leaders. This
situation should be changed and our Church should have a spiritual re-
birth and that will solve all the problems of the Church and that
will be a blessed movement.

The Church should plan to accommodate the retired Bishops /un-married
clergies as there is no adequate arrangement at present except those
came from the monasteries.

We should construct a very good complex for the Bishops as well as
the un-married Priests (Married priests also if they have none to
take car.) to live in their retired life.
Greediness, selfishness, autocratic mentality, non-recognition to
laymen, pride of the leaders, tug of war for power, worldliness and
lack of prayer from the heart are the main reasons that downed us.
When we change, the laymen will firmly stand behind the leadership
and the leaders can lead with confidence and with power of strong
followers. Then no political leader will try to play with our
Church.  The mistake is ours and the solution is also in our hand,
but wee need to open our eyes to find it.

May God bless us with a power of re-thinking and re-instate our
community as in the past and May the intercessory prayer of all our
Saints help us.  Pray for our Church.

With regards,
Charly V. Padanilam.

Dear Biju,

Very good thoughts!!  However things will change ONLY when people start truly praying for our leaders who are currently going through a crisis.  The god of this world has blinded their minds.

best regards

Mathew George ( Roy )

--- In MORM@..., "joicethottackad" <joicethottackad@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Joice,
>
> I am a regular reader of Almayavedhi News Bulletin at least from last
> one year. Really it's a good publicaion to know about the current
> affairs of the Malankara Orthodox Sabha. This gives an update to the
> people leaving outside Kerala.
>
> But, as a regular reader, I doubt that sometimes it creat confusion to
> the readers especially in connection with groupsm among the Sabha
> Management. There are mevarious coucuses like, Bava Coucus, Bava's
> Office coucus, Niyukta Bava's coucus, sabha secy's coucus, association
> secy's coucus, Chuvanna kuppaya mohikals' coucus, Vibhajanvadi coucus,
> Puthencruz favouritees' coucus, Punaraika methran's coucus and so on.
>
> Really what it means? Is this make any strength to the Sabha? Why the
> Orthodox people are like this? Now, while reading the Bulletin it
> feels that Orthodox Sabha Management is worse than Kerala Politics.
>
> Even after passing through such a crucial stage due to anti support of
> Keral goverment (either ldf or udf)and attacking tentency of
> Puthencruz team why the Achans and thirumenies of Malankara orthodox
> sabha behave like this.
>
> It is really a shameful and painful situation to Malankara sabha makal.
>
> I send this mail to you people, just to express the feeling, because
> you people can do something like the journalists doing as you people
> are operating such forum.
>
> If this mail irritate you, please pardon me.
>
> Yours in Christ
>
> Biju
>

Hi

I am fully agreed with Mr.Biju's thinking, as when we read many church
materials, we became confused  that what was our church's stand. If
our Thirumanis went to a political meetings who support the opposite
side it was wrong and we all must have the courage to say no for that.
But here we saw some groups which blindly support and opposes the
issues based on politics not on our church's view.

If it almayavedhi or the Pampady group they are not doing good to the
church,because they only saw things on that political ways. Please
understand 99% of the church members are stand for church not for any
Party. If you people need a political thinking please let our church
go on its own way.

Please excuse me if i hunt anyones feeling, but we love our church and
fed up with this left and right politicization of our church.

SJ Varghese

Dear Joice,

While appreciating your efforts to maintain the Site Malankaraorthodox.tv.
In an effective way I would like to express my feelings here: In most
of the news and bulletins there exist accute figtings among Methrans
(Bishops) What is happening to the Malankara orthodox sabha. Why these
Bishops are behaving like these. Are they the messengers of GOD or the
Messengers of LDF & UDF. Even after favouring the Politician what we
get from them. Antony Sarkar, Ummanchanti sarkar and now the Pinarai &
Achuthanandal led LDF sarkar favouring only the Puthencruz team. Why
it is happening. Only because of lack of unity in Orthodox sabha. All
the methrans and Achans are selfish and they are concentrated only in
making various coucuses. Today I read the interview of Dr. Gabriel Mar
Gregorious. While reading the message it gave me a picuture that he is
alos not less than a Sakhavu. Very Very shameful. Same is the case of
other orthodox methrans also. Let us pray for our Sabha and these
Methrans and Achans and Management Team. Let our Lord Jesus give them
good wisdom to gather under single umbrella (say the Catholicose) and
strengthen the sabha and thereby get the ultimate victory over evil. I
just send this message to you express the feeling of an ordinary
orthodox believer while all these news and bulletins.
Yours in Christ

Biju

Dear Joice,

I am a regular reader of Almayavedhi News Bulletin at least from last
one year.   Really it's a good publicaion to know about the current
affairs of the Malankara Orthodox Sabha. This gives an update to the
people leaving outside Kerala.

But, as a regular reader, I doubt that sometimes it creat confusion to
the readers especially in connection with groupsm among the Sabha
Management. There are mevarious coucuses like, Bava Coucus, Bava's
Office coucus, Niyukta Bava's coucus, sabha secy's coucus, association
secy's coucus, Chuvanna kuppaya mohikals' coucus, Vibhajanvadi coucus,
Puthencruz favouritees' coucus, Punaraika methran's coucus and so on.

Really what it means? Is this make any strength to the Sabha? Why the
Orthodox people are like this? Now, while reading the Bulletin it
feels that Orthodox Sabha Management is worse than Kerala Politics.

Even after passing through such a crucial stage due to anti support of
Keral goverment (either ldf or udf)and attacking tentency of
Puthencruz team why the Achans and thirumenies of Malankara orthodox
sabha behave like this.

It is really a shameful and painful situation to Malankara sabha makal.

I send this mail to you people, just to express the feeling, because
you people can do something like the journalists doing as you people
are operating such forum.

If this mail irritate you, please pardon me.

Yours in Christ

Biju

Dear All

      An emergency managing committee meeting held at
old  seminary Kottayam  . The meeting was really
conducted to discuss Trikkunnath incident and
expressed church’s feelings against the stand of
Kerala Govt.It is very much interested to see how
Malayala Manorama and Indian Orthodox herald reported
it. pls note that these are the scoop appeared only in
Manorama and IOH.

1. Malayala Manorama ( Baharin - Kottayam edition
Date: 31/01/2008)

     The actual output of the meeting included as the
last one column, two paragraphs report in the fourth
page . It says the MC criticized the LDF govt and also
decided to boycott the ministers.With an equal
  importance Manorama reported the JOC meeting also.

But in the 3rd page  Manorama gave a four column
twelve paragraph report with a title says 'Bishops and
members of clergy should not do road shows for the
political parties'.  We can summarise the report as

I. Managing Committee Members criticized HG Gabriel
Mor Gregoriuse for the speech he did it in the
cultural meeting conducted by CPI (M).

II. Also MC criticized HG Gabriel Mor Gregoriuse
thirumeni for giving donation to CPI(M).

III. MC pointed that Bishops should not conduct road
show for political party.

IV. The metropolitan clarified his presence in the
meeting. He told it was a cultural meeting rather than
political meeting . But MC was not satisfied in his
explanation.

V. Finally Bawa Thirumeni gave a ruling that Bishops
should not participate in such meeting

VI. MC will discuss the ordination of German Bishop in
the next section.

VII. MC members criticised HG Yuhanon Mor Militius and
HG Dr. Thomas Mor Athanasius( Kndanad) for their
absence in the MC. Both the bishop should give
explanation.

VIII. Members of Orthodox Samrakshana Samithi made a
protest against the activity of these bishops.


My Comments

    1. This report came only in Manorama. Why Manorma
gives more importance to this news other than the main
one?

    II. MC meeting was conducted to discuss the
Trikkunnath incidents. How the other matters got more
importance?

    III. Actually the above are the cry of a group of
MC members leads by Most. Rev PC Yohannan Ramban. Not
all the Members.

    IV. Ours is a plural community and it is necessary
to have dialogues with other community. Late HG
Paulose Mor Gregorius and HG Osthathiuse thirumeni
taught us the same. Is it wrong to share the view
points?
     The other communities, political parties etc.
respected our church because of its nature . Now some
are forcing that the church should go as the base of a
single political party.

    V. Manoramas MC members said HG Gregoriuse
thirumeni did a road show. Remember that the meeting
was conducted by CPI(M)s cultural wing. They invited
thirumeni and he did a wonderful speech.
      The speech is available in MP3 format in
http://malankaraorthodox.tv. Download the speech and
hear it . Also check where he cross the boundaries?

    VI. Ordination of German Bishop is a closed
chapter. Holy Synod discussed it and approved. Why
Rambachan and group wanted to keep it as a live
episode? Both the bishops ordained a bishop for
another church?
      Actually it is an action against Damascus . Read
DR. Babu Paul IAS(Retd)s comments
http://malankaraorthodox.tv/Pradakshinam/Jan%2026.pdf.

     The latest edition of Indian Orthodox herald says
this ordination was a subject in the Catholic-eastern
orthodox church meeting and Armenian Patriarchese is
coming to Malankara to have discussion with both the
groups.
    Still  the Manorama-Rambachan group want to use the
Managing committee to expel both the bishops from the
church.


    VII. See the news that MC express their anger
against the absence of HG Yuhanon Mor Militius and HG
Dr. Thomas Mor Athanasius( Kandanad). But many
Metropolitans were  absent in MC l . Why Ramban group
points only to these two bishops ?


   VIII. Can Manorama say what is this  Orthodox
Samrakshana Samithi ? Who is the leader of this group
?Where is their HQ ? What is their agenda ? etc..

      It is very easy to create a group in our church
like publishing some yellow papers by our priests.


I would like to ask

     Is there any norms for Dayara Superiors?  Can they
play groupism like what PC Yohannan Ramban is doing
now ? Can they disturb the metropolitans like this?
Can they show their inclination to political parties
and leaders in public ?


2. Indian Orthodox Herald

    VOLUME IV ISSUE 14 MALAYALAM EDITION reports the MC
meeting in the same way as Manorama. It did not
publish the name of HG Gabriel Mor Gregoriuse. But
focussed on HG Yuhanon Mor Militius and HG Dr. Thomas
Mor Athanasius( Kandanad).

It says an additional comment as  some MC members
expressed their doubt in the 'suspicious activities'
of these two bishops

   Fr. Shebaly could you pls tell

  1. The 'suspicious activities' of these two bishops.
  2. Who has reported this main news from old seminary
for you ? Is it your staff?

I would like ask

   Is there any norms for members of clergy for
publishing church related publicashions and using it
against metropolitans ?


Thanking you

Shaju Joseph
Doha


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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