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56th dukrono:
Jan 26, 2009
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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF
PATRIARCH MORAN MOR IGNATIUS ZAKKA-I IWAS
(http://www.socmnet.org/Bull_HH/08_255_HHs_Xmas_Message.pdf)
BY THE GRACE OF GOD
IGNATIUS ZAKKA-I IWAS
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church
No.E255/08
12-December-2008
Apostolic Benediction to our beloved Metropolitans and to our beloved
spiritual children: the Reverend Vicars and the Parishioners of all our
Malankara churches and congregations in the Arabian Gulf Region, Europe,
Australia and Singapore.
By the Mercy of God, we have once again come to the Feast of the
nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and we have great joy in
sending you this message on this blessed occasion. At the birth of
Jesus, the wise men came from far off places by suffering all the pains
of the difficult journey to see him and to get blessed by this child who
is born as the Saviour of the world. "They saw the child with Mary his
mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their
treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh"
(Matthew 2:11). At this Christmas time we also have to submit to Him the
most valuable that we have. But He is God and He came to this world in
search of the lost sheep – the human kind. St. Paul says "Do not be
conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
and perfect" (Romans 12:2). So the most valuable and acceptable gift
that we can offer Him is nothing other than ourselves – our soul and our
entirety. When we submit ourselves to Him, we shall follow His path
truly and
sincerely. Thus we will be transformed to the true image of God. As we
celebrate this Christmas, let us rededicate ourselves to Him and turn to
be the true followers of Him. May the baby Jesus grow through our lives
and we be the bearers of Him.
Our dearly beloved, we pray that May the coming New Year also be a year
when through each of you, the qualities of Jesus Christ are being truly
revealed to the world, and testifying Him through your lives. Then,
through each of us the world will see the light of God and receive the
peace of Christmas. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and an evermore
blessed New Year. This celebration may bring peace and spiritual
happiness to your churches, homes, and to all your endeavours.
We extend our Apostolic Blessings to you. May the Grace of God be with
you all through the intercession of St. Mary the Mother of God, St.
Joseph the Righteous and all the other Saints. Amen.
Copy of the Apostolic Encyclical is available at
http://www.socmnet.org/Bull_HH/08_255_HHs_Xmas_Message.pdf
** Reproduced with permission from the Patriarchate by SOCMNet.org. The
encyclical has been addressed to each Archdiocese as appropriate.
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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF
CATHOLICOS ABOON MOR BASELIOS THOMAS-I
CHRISTMAS – THE CELEBRATION
OF LIFE
Let's thank god for giving us an opportunity to commemorate the birth of
Jesus Christ our savior. Christmas is the time of happiness and
celebration all over the world. The celebration has become a business
for the people in the modern world. In the midst of celebrations, the
spiritual meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ has often been forgotten.
In true sense, Christmas is the celebration of Life. The birth of Jesus
Christ reveals the life giving God's involvement in history. Verses John
10.10 gives the great message of birth of Jesus Christ. "I have come
that they might have life, and they might have it more abundantly." In
this verse lord has given us the purpose of His coming. Jesus Christ was
born in this world to give His life for all.
Life is an important subject in the Holy Bible it is used more than 35
times in the gospel of St. John. In the holy bible, life is considered
as the gift of God because the base of nature and life is God himself.
In Old Testament God is represented as a living god. (1st Samuel 17:
26 to 36) The concept of living God clearly assures us the fact that
God provides life. Only God can provide life and sustain it.
The incarnate birth of Jesus testifies that the living God dwelt among
us. The living God of Old Testament is completely seen in Jesus. Jesus
Christ makes the subject more clear in St. John 14:6 "I am the way
the truth and the life"
Jesus Christ provides life by fighting against all the evil forces. The
purpose of god's kingdom is re-construction of life. The ministry of
Jesus Christ displays that all the obstacles were taken away to keep
life in its fullness. St. Like 4:18, 19 clearly gives the
message of the birth of Jesus Christ and that all facts that object life
is revealed and given to men.
The Christmas celebration of this year is an invitation for all of us to
be a part in Gods ministry for providing life .Many lives are being
aborted due to the reformation of world economy and consumerism; it is
the main hindrance for the prosperous growth of man's life in this
modern society. This truth reinforces that abortion is an act against
God himself.
Today not only is man's life but also nature's existence in danger. We
must work hand in hand to put into practice the important purpose of the
birth of Jesus Christ. Let a Christian's duty be celebration of life.
The Christmas celebration of this year challenges us to keep life
prosperous which is given by god. Along with that let us pray for the
people who lost their life in Mumbai terrorist attack and other crisis
in this modern world.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
H.B. MOR BASELIOUS THOMAS-I
Catholicos Of India & Metropolitan Trustee
Jacobite Syrian Christian Church
Source:
http://www.globalvisiononline.net/message.html
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Widespread Protest against
attempts to confiscate the 4th century
Mor Gabriel Monastery of the Syriac Orthodox Church
 Tur'abdin,
Turkey: The
attempts of certain influential Turkish
groups to confiscate the land of the Syriac Orthodox monastery of
St. Gabriel, founded in 397 A.D., has drawn widespread criticism among
the middle-eastern Christian community worldwide.
The Syriacs and other
migrant Christian communities of the region has already submitted
detailed reports to the European Union and various human right
organizations
seeking help and support.
Meanwhile Mor Timotheos Samuel Aktas,
the Metropolitan of Mor Gabriel Monastery, has
come with a comprehensive report titled 'The Imminent Problems Facing the Syriac
monastery of Mor Gabriel in
Midyat,
Turkey'.
The report raises serious concerns over the very future of the
centuries-old monastery.
http://sor.cua.edu/SOCNews/2008/200811MorGabriel.pdf
(detailed
report, Source: SOR)
A
threat to St.
Gabriel monastery, which is regarded as the oldest religious center of the
Turkish Christian community for centuries, endangers the very
existence of the remaining Christian minority in the region.
In this time of unprecedented crisis, the
large migrant population of Turkish Christians of different
denominations living in Europe and elsewhere along with their Church
organizations are showing strong solidarity with the monastery.
The Letter of the Patriarch of Antioch to the Turkish government
concerning the Monastery of Mor Gabriel in Turkey
(http://www.socmnet.org/Bull_HH/Brev_Ignatius_Zakka_1_Iwas.pdf
)
TO
WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Your Excellency,
Greetings! We are writing this letter to bring to your kind
attention the recent developments that is taking place in connection
with our Mor Gabriel Monastery, also called Deyrulumur, in Midyat,
Turkey. As Your Excellency might be aware of, the Mor Gabriel Monastery,
established in 397.AD,
is a very important historic monument and a holy place for the entire
Christendom and particularly for the Syriac Christians all over the
world. This has been a religious place of lofty regards and a centre of
high reverence for the Syriac people all through out its history. It was
owned and cherished by the Syriac church fathers, and the monastery
enjoyed full freedom of ownership of its land and properties from the
time of its inception. Even the people of other religions upheld in high
esteem and respected this institution as a holy place for all. For most
of the non-Turkish origin Syriac Christians, the first thing, that, the
very name: Turkey, immediately bringing to their mind, with reverence to
the esteemed land of Turkey, is about their holy monasteries in Turkey,
like the Mor Gabriel Monastery of Midyat, Deir-ul-Zaafran of Mardin, the
Holy place: Antioch etc
But some
of the disputes and false claims that have recently arisen regarding the
territorial ownership of the monastery deserve serious attention of all.
This very sensitive and touching issue is imparting much sorrow and
anxiety to us and to the entire Syriac communities all over the world.
As has been detailed in the attached report of the bishop of the
Monastery, Metropolitan Mor Timotheos Samuel Aktas, the Cadastral Survey
Department and some misguided people of the surrounding villages, is
coming up with unjustifiable claims about the property rights of the
monastery.
It is a
very sad as well as very serious matter, that, even after producing
enough concrete proofs and solid supporting governmental documental
evidences to prove the historic rights of ownership of the land and
properties of the monastery, the present Cadstral Survey Department and
other government departments are going ahead blindly with their false
claims and proceedings regarding the boundaries of the land of the
monastery. The claims of the department are absolutely against the
prevailing rights of the minority communities, now prevalent in the
esteemed country of Turkey and these are against the International
treaties and agreements reached with Turkey.
Also the
ill motivated and illogical allegations and complaints of some of the
nearby villagers, as detailed in the attached report are also to be
considered very serious infringements, and as an attempt to breach the
religious freedom, and putting at risk, the peace and harmony enjoyed by
the minority communities in Turkey. Now, at a time, when many of the
Syriac Christians of Turkish origin in diaspora, who had to flee their
homeland for fear of their life in the difficult tides of times, want to
return to Turkey – (the settlement at the village ‘Kaphra’ in southern
Turkey is a good example for that), this sort of incursions and
attacking mentality brings serious concern, fear and disappointment in
the minds of them. Moreover this will fade and disfigure the good image
that the nation Turkey is achieving.
So, Your
Excellency, please consider this issue with proper importance and
through your reputed office, we would like to bring to the attention of
the esteemed government of Turkey, to take some urgent, decisive and
fruitful actions in order to safeguard the rights of the Syriac
Christian communities in Turkey, and to provide enough protection to
them from the incursive forces that endanger the life and freedom of the
Syriac minorities in Turkey, that they had enjoyed since the inception
of Christianity in the first century AD.
With
thanks and sincere regards,
Ignatius
Zakka I Iwas
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church
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H.H. Alexy II, Patriarch
of the Russian Orthodox Church passed away
 Moscow,
Friday Dec 5:
Patriarch Alexiy II, a
staunch conservative who revived Russia's Orthodox Church after the
collapse of communism, died on Friday at the age of 79. He died at his
residence in Peredelkino, a former Soviet writers' colony, outside
Moscow.
Patriarch of Moscow
and All Russia since 1990, the Estonian-born Alexiy was a powerful and
influential figure. He oversaw a major religious revival in Russia after
the collapse of the Soviet Union, with hundreds of new churches built
across the country, monasteries reopened and seminaries filling with new
priests. Alexiy was always outspoken in his defense of traditional
Russian values and criticized the West over issues such as gay rights.
Mikhailovich Rediger
was born on February 23, 1929 in the Estonian capital Tallinn, into the
family of a Russian Orthodox priest of German descent. In 1953 he
graduated from the St Petersburg Spiritual Academy as a priest. He
served in Estonia and Russia before becoming a monk in 1961, taking the
vow of chastity necessary for any Orthodox clergyman seeking a top
position in the church. In 1961 he was appointed Bishop of Tallinn and
Estonia and in 1986 was consecrated Metropolitan of Leningrad and
Novgorod.
Details news at:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081205/ts_nm/us_russia_patriarch
Condolence message from
HIS HOLINESS IGNATIUS ZAKKA-I
IWAS
Patriarch of Antioch & all
the East and the Supreme head of the Syrian Orthodox Church
addressed to the Holy Synod
of the Russian Orthodox Church
http://www.syrianchurch.org/pdf/Condolence-HH_Alexy_II.pdf
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Patriarch of Ethiopian
Orthodox Church, H.H. Abba Paulos visits
His Holiness at the St. Aphrem
Monastery, Syria
Nov. 21,
2008: Patriarch of Ethiopia, His
Holiness Abba Paulos and a 9 member delegation from the Ethiopian Church
visited the
 Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate on 20th and 21st November 2008.
His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the
East and the Supreme head of the Syriac Orthodox Church, welcomed H.H.
Abba Paulos and the delegation on their arrival at the Mor Ephrem
Seminary in Maarat Saydanya Damascus on 20th morning. H.H. Abba Paulos
was accompanied by 5 bishops, 1 monk, 1 priest and 2 lay officials. On
21st morning, H.H. Abba Paulose accompanied by our Patriarch, visited
the President of Syria, Dr. Bashar Al Assad, who welcomed them warmly.
The Ethiopian church with 45
million faithful in Ethiopia and 5 million in Diaspora, 5 lakh clergy,
1200 monasteries etc., is a flourishing church. The church is one among
the Oriental Orthodox family having full inter-communion with the Syrian
Orthodox Church of Antioch & all the East.
His Holiness Abba Paulos and His Holiness
Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas
with President of Syria, Dr. Bashar Al
Assad
For more photos visit:
http://www.syrianchurch.org/ethiopianvisit.htm
Welcome
Address by HIS HOLINESS
MORAN MOR IGNATIUS ZAKKA-I IWAS
on the occasion of the
visit of
HIS HOLINESS ABBA PAULOS
Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
on November 20th,
2009
http://www.syrianchurch.org/pdf/HHwelcomingEthiopianPatriarch.pdf
Source of Photographs &
other details :
Rev.
Dn. Joshy C Abraham
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THE HISTORIC 4TH APOSTOLIC
VISIT OF THE PATRIARCH TO INDIA
ENDS; THE HOLY
FATHER LEFT FOR DAMASCUS
KOCHI, Oct. 29: After
an historic 12 day visit to the Malankara Church, Moran Mor Ignatius
Zakka-I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East and the Supreme
head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, left for the Patriarchate
in Damascus today morning at 9.30 am from the Kochi International
Airport in Nedumbasserry. His Beatitude the Catholicos Mor
Baselios Thomas-I, all the 26 Metropolitans of Malankara, several
priests, deacons, Church office bearers,
Kerala Legislative
Assembly Members, Government Officials
and a large gathering of
faithful were present in the airport to bid farewell to the spiritual
supreme. On the way to the airport, H.H. Patriarch visited the 1200
year-old Mor Sabor Aphroth Syrian Church at Akaparambu and
offered prayers at the memorial erected there in remembrance of the
former Malankara Metropolitan St. Athanasius Paulose of Aluva.
The present apostolic visit
of the Holy Father was the 4th since H.H's installation as the
supreme head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in 1980. During this
sojourn, the Holy father has visited and led the Mooron consecration of
many churches in Ernakulam, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts of the
state and also participated in many receptions arranged by the faithful
at many places. Everywhere, enormous number of faithful were present to
have a glimpse of their supreme head and to receive blessings from the
Holy father.
Elevation of three Church
fathers to Sainthood, Maphryono Mor Baselios Shakralla (AD 1764, Kandanad), Mor Coorilos
Yuyakkim, the Patrirachal delegate (AD 1874, Mulanthuruthy) and Mor
Coorilos Paulose Kochuparamabil, the former Malankara Metropolitan and
the regional head of the Church in India (AD 1917, Panampady),
was one of the major events
during this 4th apostolic visit. The concerned Patriarchal declarations
were readout in the presence of H.H. the Patriarch in three
different ceremonies held on 20th, 21st and 24th of October, at the
Mulanthuruthy, Kandanad and Panampady churches respectively where the
mortal remains of the canonised fathers are interred.
On 19th October, the Holy
father inaugurated the concluding programs of the year-long
Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee
celebrations of H.B. Catholicos Baselios Thomas-I, the regional head
of the Church in India, at the Marine Drive ground in Kochi where a
mammoth gathering assembled to greet H.H. the Patriarch and H.B. the
Catholicos. Besides all the Syrian Orthodox Metropolitans from Malankara,
the three visiting Metropolitans, the accompanying Rambans, Priests and
Sisters were present during the occasion. Two senior bishops,
representing the Episcopal churches of Kerala also attended
the meeting. The honorable Chief Minister of Kerala, the Home
Minister of India, several Ministers of State, political leaders, and
other State and regional dignitaries spoke on the occasion.
On 23rd October the Holy
father visited the Manjnikkara Mor Ignatius dayro where the
mortal remains of St. Ignatius Elias III, the 119th Patriarch of the See
of Antioch and all the East, is entombed. The Patriarch spend a few
hours in the dayro and offered prayers at the tomb of his predecessor
and the Metropolitans entombed there. Early in the morning the Patriarch
participated in the Holy Qurbono celebrated at the Cathedral in the
Knanaya Archdiocesan headquarters, after which a special session of the
'Knanaya Association' was summoned to welcome His Holiness and to
felicitate H.B. Catholicos on his sacerdotal golden jubilee year.
Another important event
during this Apostolic visit of H.H was the meeting of the 'Jacobite
Syrian Christian Association', the supreme administrative body
of the Malankara Church which had its origin in 1876. If the first
historic 'association meeting' was convened at the Mulanthuruthy Mar
Thoman Church more than a century ago under the presdient-ship of the
then Patriarch of the See of Antioch, Mor Ignatius Pathros IV; the
present 'Association' was held at one of the major pilgrim centers
of the Malankara Church, the Kothamangalam Mar Thoma Church where the
sacred tomb of Maphryono St. Baselios Yeldho is situated. About 3000
delegates including priests and laymen from more than 600 churches,
representing almost 1.5 million Malayalee faithful, participated in this
meeting held at Kothamangalam on Saturday 25th October. The physical
presence of His Holiness Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, the supreme patron of
the 'Association', increased the significance of this meeting
which is being convened after a gap of more than one year.
The very next day on Sunday
the 26th, the Episcopal Synod of
the Malankara Church met at the
nearby Kothamangalam St.
 Mary's Church (Valiya Pally) under the
presidentship of H.H. Ignatius
Zakka-I Iwas and H.B. Catholicos Baselios Thomas-I. All the 26
Metropolitans from Malankara and three visiting metropolitans; the
Patriarchal Assistant Mor Philoxinus Mattias Nayis, Mor Clemis
Awgen of California diocese
and Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh of Beirut, participated in the Episcopal
Synod. Speaking on the occasion, the Patriarch asked the fellow
Metropolitans to work more for the unity and spiritual nourishment of
the faithful.
The special interactive
session of the Holy father with the Sunday school students on Sunday
26th was a defining moment for the thousands of young boys and girls who
came from different regions of the state. Various cultural programs
depicting the Indian way of life were also shown on that day.
On Monday 27th October, the
Holy father visited the Malecuriz dayro, where the mortal remains
of
late
lamented Catholicos of the East, Mor Baselios Paulose II, is
interred. Incidentally it was Catholicos Mor Baselios Paulose II who led
the patriarchal enthronement ceremony of H.H. Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, way
back in September 1980. Later during the first apostolic visit to
Malankara in 1982, it was the late lamented Catholicos who travelled
together with His Holiness during the entire period of the visit.
Earlier in the day, the Holy father also visited the Malankara Syrian
Orthodox Theological Seminary in Vettikkal near Mulanthuruthy and
honoured its founder principal.
Except for the two days halt
in Kottayam, it was at the recently constructed Church headquarters in Puthencuriz that the
Patriarch stayed during the entire period of visit. Like all the
previous visits this 4th apostolic visit of the holy father has also
become an ever memorable one for the Malankara faithful.
His Holiness conquered
the heart of millions and strengthened the centuries old ties the Church
in Malankara has with the Holy See of St. Peter.
Detailed information on the
Apostolic visit is under preparation and the concerned website will be
updated soon with more photos and news in English.
Web site on the 2008 Apostolic Visit of the Holy father to INDIA:
http://www.SyrianChurch.org/AV2008/index.htm
1.
Photo Gallery
2.
News updates
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Malankara Malpan Very Rev. Curien Corespicopus
Kaniamparambil with
HIS HOLINESS |
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MOR KOORILOSE PAULOSE
KOCHUPARAMBIL, THE FORMER MALANKARA METROPOLITAN CANONISED
 KOTTAYAM, Oct. 24:
In a solemn
function held at the Panampady St. Mary's Church on Friday, Moran Mor
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East and the
Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, canonised Mor Koorilos Paulose
Kochuparambil,
former Malankara Metropolitan, as saint of the Universal Syrian Church.
Earlier, Sakralla Mor Baselios and Yuyakkim Mor Koorilos were
canonised by the Patriarch at Mulanthuruthy and Kanadanad during H.H's 4th
apostolic visit.
Earlier
the day began at the
St Mary’s church, Panampadi, with morning
prayers commencing at 6.30 a.m. This was followed by
celebration of Mass by diocesan Metropolitan Thomas Mor Themotheos and
Metropolitan Mathias Mor Philexinos. The conclusion of the Mass coincided with
the arrival of H.H. Patriarch and H.B. Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas-I accompanied by
metropolitans.
It was the Malankara Syrian
Church Synod secretary Joseph Mor Gregorios
who read out the Apostolic Bula declaring Mor Koorilose Paulose a Saint.
Invigorating devout faithful through the much-awaited declaration at a solemn
function, the only native Metropolitan among the three who were elevated as
saints by the Holy See of Antioch during the ongoing visit of the Patriarch in Malankara, the
Apostolic Bula underscored the missionary zeal and talent of the late
Metropolitan and stated that his saintness stood convinced among the faithful.
The pronouncement noted
that despite great opposition from heretics, the late Paulose Mor Koorilose remained steadfast in his
faith and stood loyal to the Holy See of Antioch. His social and religious
commitment was unquestionable and worthy of emulation, it said.
 Patriarch Ignatius Zakka-I
Iwas noted that the Panampady parish was home to many Church leaders and is a
source of inspiration to all. The allegiance of Mor Koorilose to the Holy See
opf Antioch was unchallenged, he said. The Vadavukode Church, where the holy
relics of the late metropolitan is preserved, has already became a pilgrimage centre, he
said. “God will reward you for your love and loyalty to our spiritual fathers
and to the Holy See of the Antioch”, he blessed.” God bless you. God bless
India”, he said.
The Patriarch also offered
special prayers at the tomb of Paulose Mor Koorilose, situated beside the
church.
St. Koorilos Paulose
Kochuparambil :
http://www.syrianchurch.org/bio/MorKoorilosKochuparambil.htm
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PATRIARCH H.H. IGNATIUS
ZAKKA-I IWAS, OFFERED
PRAYERS AT THE TOMB
OF HIS PREDECESSOR,
ST. ELIAS III AT
MANJINIKKARA
Pathanamthitta, Oct 23, 2008:
Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & All the East
and  the Supreme head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church visited Manjinikkara dayro
today afternoon and offered prayers at the tomb of his predecessor St.
Elias III and other bishops entombed there.
Later addressing the
faithful, the Patriarch recalled the contributions of St. Elias-III and
other Church leaders to ensure peace and harmony in the Church. He also
blessed the thousands of believers who thronged the dayro premises.
Senior Metropolitan of the Patriarchal Churches and institution in
India, H.E. Mor Julius Kuriakose and Assistant Metropolitan Mor
Athanasius Geevarghese presented a memento to the Patriarch. His
Holiness also laid the foundation stone of St. Elias III platinum
jubilee memorial building to be constructed.
Earlier when the Patriarch arrived at Manjinikkara dayro by around 2.00
pm, Moran was accorded a rousing reception led by Metropolitans Their
Eminences Mor Julius Kuriakose (Senior Metropolitan of the Patriarchal
Churches / Institutions in India & Patriarchal Observer of Manjinikara
Dayro), Geevarghese Mor Deevannasios (Abbot of Manjinikara Dayro &
Simhasana Churches of Kottayam & Environs), Mor Geevarghese Athanasius
(Assistant Metropolitan of Simhasana churches at Kunnamkulam & Environs
and the Mor Ignatius Dayro at Manjinikkara) and resident monks and
priests. This is His Holiness' 4th Apostolic visit to the dayro
after becoming the Patriarch in 1980.
Later At 4.30 pm, the Patriarch left for Kavumbhagam near
Thiruvalla where the Mooron Consecration of a newly built Church had to
be done.
Official Website of the
Manjinikkara dayro:
http://www.manjinikkaradayara.org
St. Elias III Platinum jubilee memorial
for which His Holiness laid the foundation
http://www.socmnet.org/Platinum_Jubilee_Memorial_Building.htm
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WARM WELCOME TO PATRIARCH
BY THE KNANAYA ARCHDIOCESE
 KOTTAYAM, Oct 23, 2008:
Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, who arrived here
on apostolic visit was accorded a warm welcome by the leaders of
Malankara Syrian Knanaya Archdiocese at its headquarters at Chingavnom
on Thursday.
The Patriarch who was
accompanied by Catholicos Baselius Thomas I and other bishops were
received by Archbishop Kuriakose Mor Savarios and other bishops of the
Knanaya Archdiocese at the Mar Aprem Seminary. After holding special
prayers at the tomb of Abraham Mar Clemis, the former head of the
Archdiocese, the Pontiff spoke to the flock at the public reception
accorded to him and Catholicos Baselius Thomas I.
Speaking on the occasion, the
Patriarch said the archdiocese with its distinctive cultural moorings
was an integral part of the universal Syrian church and hoped that they
would continue to contribute to the society. He hoped the archdiocese
would scale new heights under the current leadership.
Catholicos Baselius Thomas I, who has been facilitated
on his sacerdotal golden jubilee year by the
Knanaya Archdiocese, also spoke on the occasion. The Patriarch later participated
in the meeting of the Knanaya Association.
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MOR BASELIOS SHAKRALLA AND
MOR KOORILOS YUYAKKIM CANONIZED
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MAPHRYONO
MOR BASELIOS SHAKRALLA
d. AD 1764, Kandanad |
SACRED TOMB OF
MOR COORILOS YUYAKKIM
d. AD 1874, Mulanthuruthy |
The revered Church
fathers, MOR BASELIOS SHAKRALLA (Maphryono of the East, d. 1764),
entombed at Kandanad St. Mary’s Church and MOR KOORILOS YUYAKKIM (Reesh
Episcopo to Malankara, d. 1874), entombed at Mulanthuruthy MarThoman
Church, were Canonized by the Supreme head of the Universal Syrian
Orthodox Church, H.H. Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, at two different
ceremonies held at Kandanad and Mulanthurthy church on 21st October 2008
and 20th October 2008 respectively.
Thousands of faithful were present on both the places when the
Synod Secretary read the concerned Patriarchal bulls in the presence of
the H.H. Patriarch, H.B. Catholicos, the Metropolitans and priests.
As per the Patriarchal
decree the names of these church fathers will henceforth be remembered
in the 5th TUBDEN (Diptych). The canonization of these Church fathers has been hailed
as a defining moment for the Syrian Christian community of Kerala. A
brief biography of the Church fathers canonized are given below.
St.
Baselios Shakralla, Maphryono of the East (d. 1764)
Maphryono
St.
Baselios Shakralla
(Shukr Allah) is one
of those illustrious Syrian fathers who came down to guide the church in
Malankara during an acutely turbulent time and died here. It is more
than 250 years since the Holy Father attained his eternal rest. Yet his
memory is etched in golden letters in the history of Malankara Church.
 The Maphryono (Maphrian)
was born in the city of Aleppo in Syria as the son of Deacon Musa al-Qasabji.
Under the Malfono of the local church, he studied Syriac, becoming
proficient in it and also in Arabic. After completing the studies in
religious sciences, he become a monk and later was ordained a priest. He
was of commendable deeds and character. His knowledge was extensive. A
book on the catechism written by him in Arabic is kept in the Church at
Aleppo. In 1748, he was consecrated a Maphryono (Catholicos) for the
church in Malabar under the name Baselios by the Patriarch of Antioch
and all the East Moran Mor Ignatius Geevarghese III. The book Mor
Baselios wrote about his journey to Malabar and the subsequent events,
in Syriac, gives an insight into the happenings of the time. His primary
mission in Malabar was
to validate the consecration of Mor
Thoma V as the Metropolitan of Malankara Syrian Christian Church
and to overcome the confusion then prevailing here. Like
many of his predecessors and successors who came to India, he too had to
suffer a lot, but his upright and sincere efforts helped a great in
bringing the faithful together once again.
After
serving the
Malankara
Syriac
Christian
Church
for 13 years, His Beatitude died in AD 1764 at Mattancherry in Cochin
and his mortal remains were entombed at the Marth Mariam Jacobite Syrian
Church, Kandanad on
22nd
October.
The feast day of this father is celebrated
by the entire Syriac Christian community with great enthusiasm and
thousands visit the church to pray at the tomb during this time, a
practise that is continuing for many centuries now. In fact the main
festival of the ancient Kandanad Church is the dukrono of this Holy
Father who died 244 years ago.
Biography of St.
Baselios Shakralla:
http://www.syrianchurch.org/bio/MorShakralla.htm
St.
Koorilose Yuyakkim (d. 1874)
Born in
the Hbab village of Turkey in February 1810, Mor Koorilose was
ordained a Deacon on August 6, 1839 and was tonsured a monk soon after.
The then Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Elias II appointed him as the
secretary to His Holiness, a position in which he continued till his
ordination as Metropolitan at the ancient Deyrul-Saffron Monastery (Kurkumo
dayro) on 18 February 1845. The very next year he was deputed to India
by His Holiness to investigate the allegations against a bishop who was
alleged to be got ordained by producing false information. In august
1846, he reached Malabar. When Mor Koorilose initiated stern actions
against divisive forces, the British rulers of India who under influence
from the European missionaries, caused serious hardships for him. In
1848 he was deported from the states of British Travancore and Cochin
under the influence of these protestant missionaries who feared that
even the presence of the Metropolitan would be a great obstacle in
attaining their evil goals. However since he was armed with the power of
God, no forces could ban him for long; after a few years of exile he was
back. His life in India was always of tension and struggles. In 1865 he
got a sincere companion in Mor Dionysius Joseph Pulikottil, who was
ordained by the then Patriarch, in his struggle against the influential
European missionaries. After hard struggles with sincere services for
our Syrian Orthodox Church in India in different ways, spiritual and
cultural, the Metropolitan passed away from this world on Tuesday 20th
of Chingam (September 2), 1874 and was entombed at the specially
erected tomb in the Mulanthuruthy Mar Thoman Church compound.
H.H. Patriarch,
H.B.Catholicos and other Metropolitans at the Madbho of the
Mulanthuruthy
MarThoman church on the occasion of the canonization
of Mor Koorilos
Yuyakkim Bava
Mor Koorilose Yuyakkim
was a highly educated person in Theology and Holy Bible studies, and an
excellent speaker as well as a master in Syriac music and calligraphy.
He left for us many letters and poems in Syriac. In fact he was the
first to help in publishing some of our church’s prayer books in
Malayalam in 1859. St. Gregorios Chathuruthil, popularly known as
Parumala Thirumeni, had his theological and Syriac studies under Mor
Koorilos Yuyakkim. Later it was Mor Koorilos who elevated Chathuruthil
Geevarghese (St. Gregorios of Parumala) to the order of Kassisso and
Corepiscopus.
Having good knowledge
in medicine, many people used to approach the Metropolitan for
treatment. Old people used to say many stories about lots of instances
where people were cured of many deadly diseases. There was a general
belief that abundant Godly gift is bestowed on him due to his prayerful
life. As the time passed this belief got strengthened and after his
death his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. There are many instances
where people who seeked the intercession of Bava has been cured from
major diseases. It is this faith that is bringing many to the tomb of
Mor Koorilose Yuyakkim Bava. |
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MALANKARA CHURCH
GAVE A ROUSING RECEPTION
TO THE SUPREME HEAD OF
THE CHURCH
AND FELICITATED THE
CATHOLICOS
The Holy Father decorating
the Catholicos with icons and a ring
as a mark of recognition
and affection
Kochi, Oct. 19 : The year-long sacerdotal Golden jubilee
celebrations of the Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I, the regional
head of the Syrian Christian Church of India, came to an end today
with a grand reception given to His Holiness the Patriarch and His
Beatitude the Catholicos at the Marine Drive grounds in Kochi. As many
as 1,00,000 faithful attended the function held, to welcome His Holiness
the Patriarch on his 4th Apostolic visit to India and to facilitate the
Catholicos on his sacerdotal Golden jubilee.
The program started with the
prayer song followed by the welcome speech by H.G. Mor Gregorios Joseph,
the Secretary of the Malankara Synod and the Chairman of the celebration
committee. Sr. V S. Achuthanandan, the honourable Chief Minister of
Kerala State delivered the presidential address.
The grand meeting was
inaugurated by the His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of
Antioch & all the East and the Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian
Orthodox Church, by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
The Patriarch, who profusely praised the contributions made by the
present Catholicos to
the growth of the Malankara Syrian Church, decorated him with icons and
a ring as a mark of recognition and affection.
The Holy
Patriarch delivering the inaugural address
Speaking on the occasion the Patriarch said
that the growing materialism and selfishness in the
present world were destroying the bonds of love and tolerance, which
previously existed among different nations and people. His Holiness
added that ''some nations and people were becoming richer and richer and
some poorer and poorer, and this had given rise to conflicts between
nations and within a country.'' The world was changing very fast and the
advancement in the field of science had enabled people to communicate
easily creating more materialism and took people away from the path of
God, he said. "The increased knowledge in science and technology should not take us
away from God, but rather, take us closer to God who blesses us with
such knowledge,'' he noted.
The Patriarch exhorted the political and religious leaders, social
workers to play a positive role by promoting and ensuring better
understanding, better unity and co-operation among all people.
Honorable guests lighting the
ceremonial lamp
Before addressing the
faithful, the Patriarch moved through the middle of the capacity
gathering to give apostolic blessings to the people on a vehicle.
Slogans of "Long live the Malankara-Antioch relation" rend the air as
the Patriarch gave his blessings.
Shri. Shivraj Patil, the
Union Home Minister, Government of India delivered the key note Address.
In his speech he said that the people has recognized the great service
rendered by the Christian Church. It did the work of providing education
and imparting fortitude to people to face the ups and downs of life. He
also added that India is the land of philosophy of pluralism and Indians
saw divinity in everything in the universe. While religions should
unite, in some cases, it tended to divide people. These were occasions
created by people who did not understand the essence of religion.
Union Home
Minister Shivraj Patil greeting His Holiness the Patriarch
Representing the sister
Episcopal churches, H.E. Dr. Daniel Acharuparambil, Archbishop of the
Roman Catholic archdiocese of Varapuzha and H.E. Dr. Thomas Samuel, the
bishop of the Church of South India spoke.
The other speakers were the honourable Ministers
of State, Shri. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Shri. S Sarma, Shri. Mons Joseph,
Shri. M A Baby and Shri. Binoy Viswam, the Opposition leader & the
former Chief Minister of Kerala Shri. Oommen Chandy, KPCC President Shri. Ramesh Chennithala,
BJP leader and former Union Minister Shri. O. Rajagopal and the
honourable City Mayor Mrs. Mercy Williams.
The Lay Trustee &
the Lay Secretary of the Malankara Syrian Church
garlanding His
Beatitude the Catholicos
At the end of the public
function, His Beatitude the Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas Ist,
delivered the reply speech in which he thanked all for their love and
sincerity to the Holy Church. The vote of thanks was made by Shri.
Thambu George Thukalan, the Church secretary.
The function organized inside
a massive 'pandal' and attended by scores of faithful ended by around
8.00 pm.
Holy
Qurbono at the Allapra Church & the conferring of Sainthood:
Early in the morning the
Patriarch blessed the Allapra Church in Angamali diocese with His
Holiness' gracious presence in the Holy Qurbono led by His Beatitude the
Catholicos and Metropolitans. The main program on tomorrow, 20th
October, is the official declaration of conferring sainthood to Yuyakkim
Mor Koorilos (d. 1871) who is entombed at the Mulanthuruthy
Marthoman Church which is known as the 2nd Jerusalem in the Universal
Church. The Patriarch is to arrive at 11.00am in the church for that
important event.
Selected Photos of the Catholicos'
Sacerdotal Jubilee function
held at Marine Drive Ground, Kochi:
http://www.syrianchurch.org/Photos/Recpt180ct08/index.html
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HIS HOLINESS LED
THE HOLY MOORON CONSECRATION
OF THE ST.GEORGE
CHURCH AT MUDAVUR
Muvattupuzha, October 18,
2008: The reconstructed St. George Jacobite Syrian
Church in Mudavur near Muvattupuzha was consecrated today with Holy
Mooron by His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Supreme Head of the
Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, in the presence of the Catholiocos of
India, the Metropolitans, Priests and a large gathering of faithful.
Speaking on the occasion His Holiness said that the ‘church’ is a holy
place where the God and the man converge and hence those who build
churches will definitely reap abundant Godly blessings. During the
speech, the Holy Father also applauded the immense development the
church in India has achieved under His Beatitude.
The consecration services of
the Mudavur church that began a day before has been led by His Beatitude
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