"Do not be over-anxious and strain yourself so as to gain an immediate hearing
for your request. The Lord wishes to confer greater favors than those you ask
for, in reward for your perseverance in praying to Him. For what greater thing
is there than to converse intimately with God and to be preoccupied with His
company? Undistracted prayer is the highest act of the intellect."

Evagrius Ponticus.

--------------------------------------------------------------

"You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance." 
Psalms 65:11

---------------------------------------------------------------

Happy and Blessed New Year

Now you can read a New Year message, recently transcribed from the audio sermon.

http://www.ds-wa.org/new-year-new-dayfrbrian.html

New Year, New Day - Rev. Fr. John-Brian Paprock

Extemporaneous sermon recorded Sunday, January 1,2006 at Holy Transfiguration
Orthodox Mission Chapel (Maruroopa Palli) in Madison, Wisconsin USA. Transcribed
and edited for the Diocesan website and posted 12-31-2009.

"Every Orthodox person knows there's another New Year. So what's the difference?
Or why do we have multiple new years? Well, it is arbitrary in the sense that it
doesn't matter when we begin a year.  For that matter when we begin a month or
when we begin a day.  You see, one of the marvelous things of our faith is that
we can be constantly beginning, which is to say that we are redeemed only by the
day, not by entire life altogether.  Not as accumulation of days, but in this
day we saved.  In this day, we are given the opportunities to express our faith.
In this day everything, our entire eternal life, can be determined."

Click here to read the complete sermon in PDF format
http://www.ds-wa.org/new-year-new-dayfrbrian.html

Click here to listen to the 2006 audio recording on line
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2006/03/new-year-new-day-sermonhomily-january.htm\
l

The Diocesan website is a very good website. Recommend visiting
http://www.ds-wa.org/educational.html and surf around the other pages.


Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
Madison, Wisconsin

The Diocese of South-West America announces the ordination of Dn. Mathew K.
Alexander to the Holy Order of Priesthood, which will be conferred by prayer and
the laying on of hands by His Grace Alexios Mar Eusebius (Diocesan Metropolitan)
in the presence of His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos (Asst. Metropolitan,
Diocese of Northeast America). The ordination will take place on the morning of
Saturday January 2, 2010 at St. Mary's Orthodox Church, St. Louis, Missouri. Dn.
Mathew will be the first ordained priest for the newly formed Diocese.

Dn. Mathew is a member of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, St. Louis. After
completing his Bachelors in Computer Science & Computer Engineering from
Washington University, he went on to complete the Master of Divinity program at
St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (New York). He was ordained as
Sub-Deacon in April of 2006 by His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas and Full-Deacon in
April of 2009 by His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos. He has been a Director for
MGOCSM Missions of America since 2005 and previously served as the General
Secretary of MGOCSM America (2007-2008). He currently is settled in Dallas with
his wife, Manju, and is serving as the Youth Minister for the area.

Please remember Dn. Mathew, his wife, Manju, and his family in your prayers.

Diju Skariah (Chicago)

Dear readers,
Despite alcohol that devastates the family and spiritual quality of our earthly
life, it always doesn't lead to destroy our salvation, whereas spiritual
hypocrisy that hides the inner man can derail our afterlife in a detrimental
way. What is wrong with the sale of alcohol that is an essential ingredient for
our body? We get alcohol from our food; taking in addition is not a sin,
provided our body can sustain the balance of our body and health. Hindus use
milk for public inauguration of institutions and house warming because Lord
Krishna was Gopalan, protector of cattle. Jesus says that he is the vine and we
are the branches, so wine is used in the holy Qurbono because the Holy Spirit
works through wine, water and spirit. Thus Christians use champagne for public
inaugurations and special occasions. Wine is an essential ingredient of the holy
Mystery. Wine is a healthy food menu. Nothing is wrong if we consume grapes and
its juice as a food ingredient,
  but the fermented one in excess is harmful for the body in many ways

Anything excess is explosive. There is no mention of the visiting shepherds
giving wine to the infant Jesus, nor the magi. They gave gold, myrrh and
frankincense, representing the babe as a king, priest and prophet; then how come
we have all these celebrations of drinking, merriment and dancing and Christmas
presents. We are not Jesuses to accept or give Christmas presents. As Christmas
celebrations take place in the northern and western hemispheres during winter
times, there is a parallel winter celebration of drinking and dancing take place
in June in Australia because the Australian winter starts in June. This means
that Christmas is meant for Epicureanism and exulting in body passions. Who is
responsible for this spiritual malady? Nobody but Christians. For such
Christians Santa clause is their christ and the saviour of their profligacy.

The alcoholism that kills our body is not our priority concern. The intrusion of
such cheap industries that invite the methodology of money-making into the
Orthodox faith by insulting Jesus is our biggest worry. Is there any Christmas
carol that is bereft of Santa Claus and giving chocolate presents to the houses
visited under the direct supervision of the parish vicar? There will be a
revolution if Christmas cake is not provided to the believers who attend the wee
hour worship. Such cheap business baits and food providing has become the menu
of Christmas and Resurrection seasons in the Orthodox Church. There are cheap
explanations because the bible has many verses. Loud speaker bashing and
electric decorations have taken the part of the magi, angel and the shepherds.
Christmas or Jesus is on sale because it is the season for cheap sales of all
commodities. How many hundreds and thousands of Christmas cards that superimpose
Santa Claus, Christmas tree
  and other cheap business tricks are flowing globally from monasteries and
Christian institutions during these seasons that commemorate His agony of taking
birth in a cave? So also during the New year and Easter bunny seasons. Wishing
Christmas greetings after over a 4 wee -hour services by the Vicar is a sign of
 total desecration of the birth of Christ that saved mankind from the pang of
Adamic sins. Christmas is not for Christians alone because different clubs of
various types take some drums and go for collections. So also some parishes
lately don't go for carol, but a couple of Parish Managing Committee members of
the parish go to houses and collect Christmas donations without any carol
service. Ecumenical or multi-faith religions or local bodies run mega Christmas
carol celebrations that are inaugurated by our clergy. This is mere barren
spirituality. Half of the global economy is accrued by the market economy of
consumerism, lately by on- line
  trading during the Christmas and Easter season sales. Why do we defile the name
of Jesus who had no money or even a place to hide his head, and our money-making
industries mint money in His name by cheating trades and the magic of
consumerism? We make money in the name of Jesus because we use 'Jesus' as a
"swearing name" to quell our anger in the Christian nations. Soon parish
Christmas carols will be wiped out from Christian Denominations, and the sports
and charity clubs and similar clubs will take over our task.

Hence it is not alcoholism that is a serious crime, but the hypocrisy that rules
our spiritual life is the real danger of our afterlife. No Christmas greetings
or presents or trees are needed for our salvation. The only Christmas greeting
from the angel is this:"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will towards men", Lk.2: 14. This goodwill comes towards men from above, but not
to everybody, but only who seek His redemptive scheme and lead a simple humble
life of dedication that pleases the Lord.

E.S.John, Australia

Glory to God

Most Resp&Dearly beloved Holy Brethren,

After the celebration of Christmas now we are entering to the new year 2010.

According to Bible the First sin was due to "Food" ( fruit )

Every Sunday in the Holy Qurbana we are taking "Food".

A man's story from Mehsana District  reveals that he has not taken any Food or
water since last more than 75 years. The same was again published in Times of 
India, Ahmedabad on 30.12.2009. He is a Brahmin, native of Charada village of
Vijapur taluka of Mehsana District. The enclosure is self-explanatory.

I am forwarding this one is not for the importance of any Religious purpose or
any reason of Mehsana district, but we have to try to learn from something from
him (on how he has attained this power).There are many scientific and social
benefits also for his study.

"He claims of have survived without food or water for 75years (in the year 2007)
at 86 (now he is 88- still healthy), Prahlad Jani has become a case study for
doctors, who wonder how he could have survived and kept fit. Fondly called
'Mataji' because he wears earrings and calls himself a devotee of goddess Amba,
doctors who carried out live tests on him say his body seemed fitter than other
people of his age. A panel of 21 doctors from different faculties  examined
Jani in Ahmedabad four years ago" -TOI dtd. 30.12.2009.

I give this matter to our beloved readers with a request to make it study matter
how best we can utilise this sytem for the welfare of mankind.

Pray for all ever & ever with love

Raju Baby Thaluvachira- Mehsana

In many of George Achen's posts, we find references to the importance granted
Jesus in the verses of the Q'uran. Through some of my Muslim friends I too, have
learned that the qualities attributed to Jesus are almost divine whereas
Mohammed is strictly a human prophet. It is indeed a paradox that despite this,
the latter is regarded as more important in Islam.
Throughout history, you will find that the best way the wily have found to kill
off a new faith is wholehearted acceptance. I call it EMBRACING TO DEATH. The
first practitioner of this technique was Adi Shankaracharya. More than 2000
years ago, Buddhism had become a very prominent faith, owed in no small measure
to the efforts of Emperor Ashoka. Hinduism was in danger. By declaring Buddha to
be an incarnation of Vishnu (or Shiva, I do not clearly remember), Adi
Shankaracharya effectively and cleverly revived Hinduism because the people then
became incapable of distinguishing Buddhism as something different. Buddha had
been craftily hugged to death by a wily Brahmin. Christianity has failed to make
inroads in India unlike the rest of the world because of this 'accept and
assimilate' policy of the Hindus. The Greeks and Romans had their own religions,
of which not a trace survives today. They initially opposed Christianity
strongly but eventually became wholly Christian.
Islam has done the same thing by accepting and assimilating Christ as a tool to
overcome the phenomenal growth of Christianity. The paradox of the less
impressive person becoming more important is part of a clever plan.

Eapen George
Mumbai

Dear Mr.Ronnie,
               Thank you very much for your response. Please don't jump the gun.
Had you made a close reading of my article, I am sure, you would not have
written such a response. It sounded so judgemental and so much prejudiced. What
I write here  in Icon is my humble understanding of the teachings of my
community.I never insist anyone to accept me in everything I write. But I
believe that I have the freedom of writing. I never use any bad language nor
hurt anyone. The article under discusion was actually not meant for ICOn readers
alone but wide spectrum of my friends who belong to hindu and muslim communities
in mind. I am not a fundamentalist like Saul or Bin Laden. I am just a humble
servent of God and my intention is to preach the gospel of love to all who are
around me. You can discern what is right and what is wrong in my writings.  I
have aready shown this article to my gurus- Mar Osthathios thirumeni and Jacob
Kurien achen(Old seminary). And I have the approval of them. They are the two
church fathers which I can claim. I am sorry I am not able fetch any church
fathers of the third century. If you read my article prayerfully and with an
open eyes, you will see ample references from the holy Bible. Please don't be so
cruel and  judgemental when you analyse my article and say that I am not
controlled by the holy spirit. If someone says my brother and I look alike,what
does it mean? We are of the same origin and blood related, aren't we? Same is
the case with the similarities among religions. You must admit at least this
fact. The similarities in different religions speaks of the same truth, the same
God controlling everything. This is what I said. It was not to  minimise the
importance of Bible or Jesus. What I was trying to was highlighting  the
'uniqueness of Christ' simultaneously respecting other religions.  It is not
fair to brand all other fellow humans who do not belong to our community  as
evil,pagan and heathens."A frog in the well does not know of the great ocean
outside". We have to come out of the well where we are entangled in  to have a
thorough understanding of other human beings. Don't try to put God in your
framework and set parameters to His work. When St.John started writing about the
'Word of God', he resorted to Greek philosophy. Thus, we got  the terminology-
Logos. What I say is what St.Paul had already  said  of the 'unknown God', when
he was in Athens.(Acts 17:16ff). Unlike you, I am not only concerned about
salvation of my soul alone but  of all the humanity. I believe this is the
attitude of the Orthodox church. Let me conclude here with the bible verse"Those
who think they are standing firm had better be careful that they do not fall".(I
Corinthians 10:12). Thank you for your understanding,

With all love and due respect,
George Achen,Ireland.

30 Dec. 2009

Dear Mrs. Susan Eapen,

Your recent message clearly states that you have understood that the only
saviour is Jesus Christ and I believe, in addition to your own researches,
some of the messages appeared in this forum also helped you in arriving at
that true conclusion.

However, I still feel that, a little bit here and there is still confusing
you because your recent message says:

1) "So Mission is not transferring your beliefs, but regular participation
in the Church's sacraments-as prescribed, with true repentance and
confession".

You may know that the "Holy Confession and Holy Qurbano" are two out of the
seven Holy Sacraments we have. Please note according to our faith and
tradition, no one can receive them before having Holy Baptism.  Similar is
the case with all other Holy Sacraments as well.  In Holy Baptism, the God
Father/Mother of the baptised child takes an oath on behalf of the child in
front of the Holy Altar, the Priest and the laity present in the function
declaring that "I accept Messiah and deny Satan (03 times)" and you know
that Jesus is Messiah.  It implies that No Sacrament is meaningful and
fruitful unless you believe in and accept Jesus as your Saviour
because Jesus is the Central Figure in all of them.  So, is it not clear
that all other beliefs are being directed into one single channel which
takes you to the ultimate truth - Jesus Christ, where you find your
salvation. And is that not called the True Communion which exists in God
based on the Trinitarian Monotheism? Does it not fulfil the meaning of
Trinitarian Monotheism? The mission is originating   from God and so, if
mission is "sending" of the Eternal Life in God to man for Holy
Communion, is it not fulfilled when we receive the Holy Flesh and Blood of
Jesus through Holy Confession and Holy Qurbano which you concluded to say as
Sacramental life?  In short, does Sacramental life not require you to have a
mission of directing all your beliefs into one True Figure called Jesus
Christ, who only can ultimately take you to the Holy Communion with God?  I
believe it does.

2) "The understanding of God as the Holy Trinity by Christians is the best
understanding we have of God and so this is what is sought by all religions
in their various ways".

Can I assume from your above lines and the lines from your previous mails
that you are still in search of that God because you take part in their
rituals in your office?  If I can, then, being Christians, why do we need to
search for a True God under the banner of other religions, when that God has
revealed Himself to Christianity through Jesus Christ?  From the Holy Bible,
we learn that in the beginning, God used to converse with Adam and Eve in
the Garden of Eden.  Later on, God communicated with Noah, Abraham and then
HE revealed HIMSELF to Moses and showed HIS Might to the Israelites and
Egyptians. Again HE revealed HIMSELF to the Israelites in Fire from Mount
Sinai, following that HE spoke to HIS people through Prophets and
Judges.  God chose Israelites as HIS own peopel to show pagans HIS Power and
Might so that they too worship HIM leaving their other deities. Finally HE
revealed HIMSELF to his People through Jesus Christ (St. John 10:29&30,
14:910).  What I mean is that without his people searching for HIM, HE
revealed HIMSELF to them many times during the course of time so that they
believe in him beyond doubt and worship him as the only God.  It is very
clearly said in the first and second commandments as well.

H.G.Osthathios Thirumeni's words (which you copied and pasted) undoubtedly
enhance the universal fact that every form of virtue we
see around us reflects the Word Incarnate - Jeus Christ, and every other
message appeared in this forum comparing other Deities with
Jesus convincingly pointed the finger at the very fact that Jesus is the
Central Figure and the True Saviour.  I do agree with Mr. Ronnie Daniel that
perhaps other Deities appeared in other books as a copy of what is given in
the Holy Bible and we have witnessed no changes to the Holy Bible so far.
The Holy Bible runs through a single thread from the beginning to the end
eventhough the books in it were written by different personalities at
different times.

Therefore, I believe, there is no point in searching for a God under the
banner of other religions, when that God is Crystal Clear and living in and
among us as Jesus Christ whom we eat and drink during every Holy Communion.
Finally, in St. John 6:40 we read the Will of the Father/God as "For my
Father's Will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him
shall have eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day".  So, if
any one wants to do the Will of God, he/she should look to the Son Jesus
Christ and believe in Him.  Therefore, I believe, evenif other religions are
searching for the true God, they won't be doing God's Will until and unless
they recognize Jesus, look to Him and believe in Him and undoubtedly, based
on the words of Jesus Christ, those who cannot see HIM cannot see the the
True God/Father because Jesus and Father are one (I and the Father are one -
St. John 10:30)

So, if you have found Jesus, you have found the True God Whom other
religions are still searching for.  Let them search until they find Jesus
through the mission stated above, but you do not have to be one among them
because you are already a privileged child of HIM by having received HIM in
you through Holy Baptism and Holy Qurbano.  Therefore, I believe, it is
better to abstain from trying to find Jesus through the rituals of other
religions any more.

Thank you with regards

Jacob Muringayil
London

Dear Achen,

Forgive me for this impudence,

Other than the death of the innocent children, I do not find any similarity
between Jesus Christ and Sri Krishna.  But I cannot compare Krishna with Christ 
because Christ  is the embodiment of what God is- Love. For Krishna, everything
is a Game- Bhagavante Leela. He does not suffer with us. Jesus does. That is why
we can love Him, We love because we were first loved.

Sri Krishna was one among several Avtars of Lord Vishnu. Sri Rama was the
Perfect Man and not Sri Krishna in my humble understanding. Sri Krishna taught
that the end would justify the means. He is the one who advised Bhima to cheat
in the fight with Duryodhana and hit him below the waist when Duryodhana proved
to be too strong an enemy to Bhima.

So also according to Krishna's advice, Yudhishtir, after the Pandavas killed an
elephant called Aswathama, says loudly that Aswathama is dead so as to destroy
the invincible Drona, who is their Guru in martial arts.

Sri Krishna taught Arjuna how to be a King.

I think for the Hindus Krishna was God not Son of Man and Son of God like Jesus
Christ is . and Rama was Man who suffered and not God. Valmiki wrote Ramayana in
answer to the question "Who is the perfect man".

Perhaps all these characters represents traits and tendencies in ourselves. Sri
Krishna slays the proud and the arrogant and the wicked and grants them moksha.
I understood from one swami's discourse on TV that this only means that these
tendencies are  destroyed on contact with the divine and are transformed into 
Good. This is acceptable as a revelation of God.

So I assume all these stories to mean the truism that when God acts in the world
He redeems the evil and transforms it into Good. But very few Hindus look at
these stories in this way.

Because you priests taught me that our faith is the basis of our thoughts and
actions and so ' Right Faith" is very important, I try to understand what
exactly is it that I believe. I said in a post that people say that Salvation
comes to those who believe Jesus is the Son of God. Now I understand that there
were those who believed in a Son by adoption, or a son who was a lower God than
the Father  etc. So my faith would be right only if I learn the creed in detail
and understand how it evolved and trust the rightness of the Creed.I must also
understand the implications of a God who is Trinity. So far my recitation of the
Creed was just routine, I am afraid.

So I am aware of my vast ignorance. That is why I ask. But some think it is
impudence. I cannot help it. This is the only way in which I can learn and move
forward. Perhaps others also walk with me.

Susan Eapen
Bangalore

I dont know how many people are going to agree with what I am going to tell.
Everytime there is a news about staggering sales of alcohol in Kerala during
festivals. The revenue generated by this sales add to the government
treasury and they are supposed to use it for the development of the state.
What we should see is also the sales of alcohol in normal days  throughout
the year. This can be made into a graph and statistically evaluvated. I feel
if the sales throughout the year is same or does not show statistical
difference with the festival days, it is definitely a cause for worry. Since
it shows, people are using alcohol not only to celebrate festivals, but also
for any silly reason made everyday. But, if on the other hand, if there is
gross difference with the daily  sales and the sales on festival days, we
should not raise an alarm. It is festival time, and probably people have
alcohol to add that little spice to the day. I know, people who are against
alcoholism, will be aiming brickbats at me. I will agree to be against
alcoholism, but having some alcohol, in moderation, during festival time
should be accepted.

Dr. K.Varghese Zachariah, MD.
KUWAIT.

MELBOURNE: Fr. K Y Chacko (Vicar) St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church informed IOH that with the help of Bishop of Dervis, Rev. Anthony Krinis and the Greek Orthodox Community, “St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church” is now starting its first Holy Service in the South Eastern Suburb on January 3, 2010, with Evening Prayer at 6.30PM and Holy Qurbana at 7.00PM at Greek Orthodox Parish & Community of “St. Panteleimon”, 19 Herbert St, Dandenong, VIC 3175.

“The Church has grown immensely though all these years. Now as a reach out program of the church to its faraway resident members, a new service is planned to start in their area to lessen their travel problems. Hope this service will enable our faithful to participate in the service more regularly” added the Vicar.

Few migrants from India who called AUSTRALIA, the country which is unique & diverse with multiculturalism their home, with God’s help started the first Indian Orthodox Church on 30th August 1980; “St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church” located at 118-122, Nicholson St, East Coburg, VIC 3058.

“We are indebted to the Australian Government, Mooreland Council for their support” said Fr. K Y Chacko .

2009 is on its way out. Our Church had a good year in 2009. We could ordain 7
new metropolitans and thay all took charge of their offices in their dioceses.
We increased the number of dioceses in the church. Our church had the highest
collection for the Catholicate day. Our Sabha Secretary presented a budjet
showing genuine growth of our financial stability. Our fight against the out
flow of young people from our church is gathering its momentum. Our Mission
board is taking care of more people than at any other time in the past. Our
theological seminaries are trying their best to train the priests to meet the
global needs of priests. ICON actively debated many subjects and Metrpolitans,
Cor-Episcopas, rev Fathers, noble deacons and lay men and women participated in
the discussions.

Let us welcome 2010 with optimism. Hopefully we will have 7 more new
Metropolitans in a short time. We need lay men and women to come forward to
carry the yoke of the church. We should pay more attention to our
Sunday Schools, Prarthanayogams, Martha Mariam Samajams, Youth League, Sleeba
Dasa Samoohamn, Mission Board. Churches in out side Kerala, Angamali, Cochin,
Idukki, and Sulthan Batheri dioceses need special attention. Our task for 2010
is immense. Let us face it with absolute trust in our God. We shall over come
all the obstacles lying ahead of us under the eminent leadership of our
Catholicoase H.H. Moran Mar Baseliose Didimos 1st.

Dr. M.S. Alexander, Leeds, England

Respected All,

We are getting ready to travel through the New Year 2010 !

This is the time to evaluate our past years,
About the happy and sad moments gone through our life,
About the wonderful blessings and care our Loving God has bestowed on us,
About the countless opportunities we got to take care of our fellow men,
And to think whether we utilised them or not...

  We can enter the New Year with a resolution. The Resolution that we take should
come from our heart. “I will Pray for my fellow men and happily Share my gifts
and time, Given by my GOD, for those who are in need. I will take Care of my
fellow men around me and thus I will show others the great love and care of my
God."

Let us take Parumala Thirumeni's saintly life as a model, to transform our own
life into a true Christian life.

Let us pray, “O God, Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit
within me
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”
May God keep us all in HIS safe hands and in Peace, by the intercessions of
Mother Mary, St. Thomas, St. Gregorios and St. Divannasios.

Wishing you all a Blessed and Prosperous New Year.

Thanking one and all for your valuable support extended to St. Gregorios
Orthodox Society (SGOS) and requesting all of you to continue your support and
keep SGOS in your daily prayers.
With Love and Prayers,
Moni Kallemparampil, SGOS.

Dear Friends,

May the New Year usher in for all of you a long period of joy, peace, happiness,
good health and prosperity.

George Vergese
---------------------

As the New Year dawns...
It brings in …

New Hope...

New Aspirations...

New Resolution...

A Whole New Beginning...

May you achieve what you aspire
& may your dreams come true

Wishing you a wonderful and fruitful new year
God Bless You.

Biju Varghese & Family
Bahrain
----------------
Season Greetings and Best Wishes to you and your family

Happy New Year 2010

Thomas Pulimootil
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my
presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling" Philipians 2:12

St. Paul writes the above to the Church in Philipi.

The Father asks the Church to "work out your own salvation". Salvation is not
something already achieved, as some would like to claim. It has to be
continuously "worked out", strived for, struggled for, fought for. Even when we
understand the truth that salvation is a free gift by grace, we realize, it has
to be worked for, and here St. Paul underlines this crucial truth.

In the light of this verse, let us examine another theme also which we often
hear about:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19

Is it not strange that there is a call to "make disciples" of all nations, even
while we need to "work out our own salvation"? Isn't it a paradox? How do we
deal with both at the same time?
If we are unsure of ourselves, how do we help save another? Will it not be like
the blind leading the blind? We are not yet owners of the salvation we seek, yet
we are called to invite others to it - how do we do it???

Do we "make disciples" on one day and "work out our salvation" on the next? Can
these two tasks be compartmentalized? Are they mutually exclusive? Does not one
require the other? Does not one flow from the other? I believe, it does. So how
do we deal with this apparent contradiction?

Turn to the Orthodox Church for the answer.

The Orthodox Church is also called a Eucharistic society. The Holy Eucharist
forms the central focus of all our acts. It is the Queen of all Holy Sacraments.
It is the Ultimate "Act of Love" as aptly called by Paulose Mar Gregorios of
blessed memory.
(http://paulosmargregorios.info/English%20Articles/act_of_love.html)

It is primarily through the Holy Eucharist that we "work out our salvation", as
we participate in the life of the Church.

Through the Holy Eucharist, we are given the Holy Body and Blood of the very
Creator. Just like Mary carried Christ within her, we carry Christ within
ourselves, and with this powerful and real communion with God, we are empowered
to live a life sanctified in Christ. With this power we go back to the world,
with Christ in us. As we live this life in Christ and with Christ, healed by
Christ, we are (able) to deal with the others without ill-will, with genuine
respect, yet with true love and concern, and by so doing, we radiate the
brilliance of Christ into the surroundings, into the world, into the society -
by our words, by our actions, by our deeds. Thus we (need to) affect the
surroundings, influence the others, challenge the society, change the world, and
finally result in "making disciples"  of the nations.

Thus the focus is always on "working out our own salvation" but in so doing, we
end up "making disciples" too. Both (should) happen together and seamlessly. If
today we are worried that we are unable to "make disciples", it is really
because we are not properly "working out our own salvation" (which then should
really be what should concern us!). Really we should only be worried about how
we approach our own salvation. This may sound selfish, but when this part is set
right, the Holy Spirit in us will be able to work through us naturally on the
"make disciples" part. The only question to ask for us is - 'Am I living my life
worthy of the Christ in me?'

This, I believe, is the approach to mission of the Indian Orthodox Church, and
this I believe, is the only way in which mankind can truly "work out his own
salvation" and "make disciples" of all nations simultaneously, continuously and
in perfect obedience of the Holy Scriptures.

Here's wishing, hoping and praying that these two verses from the Holy
Scriptures challenge our lives this new Year so that our light shines before
men, that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven. A Happy
New Year to everyone.

Regards
Mathew Samuel
Albany, NY

This refers to the subject message from Mr. Jose George, Nadiad where he
referred to the date of the next Managing Commitee Meeting as 22nd Jan 2009. We
have been informed by Fr. Yohannan Shankarathil Corepiscopa (MC Member from
America)that the Sabha Managing Commitee Meeting  is scheduled for 21st January
2009.
Members are kindly requested to verify the facts before posting such information
to ICON.

~Moderators

Attendees at the Jesus Seminar, though learned theologians, reject
the Lord's resurrection, His virgin birth, all of His miracles found in the
Gospel accounts, and more than 80% of His teachings as legendary
accretions without historical foundation. 
 
'RESEARCH' is redundant in one's spiritual quest for God.  For He
reveals Himself to ALL those who genuinely thirst and hunger for
Him.  David, a true devotee, writes:  "For God ALONE my soul waits
in silence."  His God-centeredness enables him to persevere, and
await longingly in silence and in patience.  The risk of being side-
tracked, and thus, fascinated by other gods and goddesses does
not, therefore, arise AT ALL.  Consequently, David is able to affirm
that, "He ONLY is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress."  On
the other hand, present-day devotees have NO qualms about their
thoughtlessly embracing SARASWATHI as "THE EMBODIMENT
OF WISDOM," when there is a standing invitation from our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ to find the ever-elusive rest in Him. (Mt. 11:
28-30)
 
"Knowledge puffs up." (1 Cor.8:1)  Those who flaunt knowledge,
gained through their prowess at so-called 'research', will fall by that
knowledge, as has been exemplified by the Jesus Seminar findings.           
They, the so-called scholars, should realize that the One and Only
True God is far above and beyond the reach of human research.
Knowledge is NO substitute for an intensely intimate personal 
relationship with the Lord, painstakingly cultivated through steadfast
penance, prayers, and supplications, as are consistent with the Holy
Sacramental Way of Living.  "They who wait for the Lord shall renew
their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall 
run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Is. 40:31)                
 
Prayerfully,

Nakkolackal V. L. Eapen,
St. Gregorios Church, Austin, TX.

"Be a herald of God's goodness, for God rules over you, unworthy though you are.
Although your debts to Him is so very great, He is not seen extracting payment
from you; and from the small works you do, He bestows great rewards upon you."

St. Isaac the Syrian.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of
trouble."  Psalms 40:1

Mrs. Sosamma Abraham, wife of late Mr. Koshy Abraham, Ottathengil, Melpadom, and
daughter of late Mrs & Mr. Eapen Chacko, Mammoottil, Puthencavu, went to her
heavenly abode on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 in Voorhees, NJ.  She was 91. She
is survived by her children: Koshy Abraham (wife Daisy), Jacob Abraham (wife
Susan), Joseph Abraham (wife Saramma), grandchildren Jasmine Koshy, Ashanth
Jacob (wife Asha), Nidhin Jacob, Megha Jacob, Nisha Mathew (husband Jacob
Mathew), Naja Joseph, Neena Joseph, and great grandchild Zachary Joseph Mathew.

Viewing:  4-7 PM on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at St. Gregorios Orthodox Church,
4136 Hulmeville Rd, Bensalem, PA.

Funeral Service:  9 AM on Monday, January 4, 2010 at St. Gregorios Orthodox
Church, 4136 Hulmeville Rd, Bensalem, PA.

Interment: Lamb Funeral Home/Forest Hill Cemetery, 101 Byberry Rd, Huntington
Valley, PA 19006

Contact: Joseph Abraham (Tel.: 609-782-0747/609-332-8388)

-Oommen Kappil, Philadelphia

In early days I used to see/witness that in our church the ceberation of
veneration of cross usually done with wooden cross. However now a days I have
seen various places in our church using metalic cross for veneration. Which is
the right cross to be used on veneration of cross?

Thomas Samuel
Kenya

Dear  Ronnie Daniel,

I request you to kindly read the 43rd chapter of the  3rd  book  of "IMITATION
OFCHRIST".

Regards

Dr.Abu  Cheriyan

Moderators' Note:
Please remember to include your place of residence along with your full name.

In line with Johnachen's post,  an article from the Joint Council of Churches of
Rockland 10th Anniversary souvenir is attached.
 
JCC of Rockland is celebrating Xmas and 10th anniversay on Jan 3, 2010 at
Knanaya Catholic Center, 270 Willow Grove Rd, Thiells, NY 10984. Everyone in the
nearby area is codially invited.  
 
"Ecumenism must start with a fidelity to one's own community, not because it is
the best, but because it is one's own, with a vibrant sense of its particular
gifts and also a concern to help it overcome its defects and become more healthy
and whole". Unless we are in a productive and mature relationship with our own
immediate family, we will find it difficult to master the problems of our
extended family.. (read on in the attachment)..
 
B Kuriakose,
New York
 

The MGOCSM of the Northeast American Diocese will be holding its Annual Winter
Show 2010 on Saturday, January 9 from 12PM to 5PM. Festivities will take place
at Saunder High School in Yonkers, New York.

The MGOCSM General Secretary, Rev. Dn. Gheevarghese John along with MGOCSM
Council members of the Diocese request you prayerful presence at this fun filled
and eventful event.

For more information on this event, please contact Miss Linju George,
Bronx/Westchester/Boston MGOCSM Council Member at: kunju248@...

http://indianorthodoxchurch.org/2009/12/29/mgocsm-winter-show-2009-2010/

- Webteam of the Northeast American Diocese

Below given are the readings for the coming Sunday and the narrations that
follow highlight the spiritual side.

Old Testament Reading
I Samuel 2: 18-21
Genesis : 37:1-11
Isaiah 26:1-12

Readings from Acts and Epistles
Hebrews : 11:23-31

The Holy Gospel

1 John 3:21-24
St. Luke 2: 40 -52

Luke 2:40
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the
grace of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the
feast of the Passover."

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Before proceeding to the insights of the above verses, let us have a flash on
the position where we are now. We have already gone through the spiritual
celebration of the Great Day of Nativity in truth and spirit. The spiritual
celebration may take us to certain positions to organize ourselves with certain
strategiesťto move ahead to witness the Savior and dedicate ourselves at His
feet. The strategies must be formed in accordance with the Will of God as the
three wise men who returned from Bethlehem after seeing their King and Savior
organized their strategy of diverting the route without seeing King Herod by
obeying the command of the Angel.
The wise men became wise when they decided to form spiritual strategies as they
were filled with wisdom from The Cause which is the source of all wisdom.
Therefore, when we are moving ahead, we ought to organize ourselves with
strategies to divert our paths from prancing into the traps of 'Herods' (evil
forces) by attaining commands with counter strategies from the Holy Spirit .
Formation of Counter Strategies
2 Corinthians 2:11
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his
devices"ť
Just pay attention to the verse “for we are not ignorant of his devices from
the scripture in question. 'Not ignorant'ť means 'to be wise'. "To be in wisdom"
means "to be in Him" since He is the Cause and the Source of all wisdoms. Once
the access to the Cause is gained, immediate strategic plans are developed for
further moves ahead.
 
Just think of a military camp. A spectator may not tolerate himself watching the
rigorous disciplines and trainings they undergo.  They are being trained to
endeavour everything in time. Every moment of the day is fully and properly
utilised in accordance with the specific timings without having any lenity or
consideration. These rigorous trainings are done aiming at the warfare or
battlefield ahead. But the paradox is that these specific timely trainings and
actions have little application in the battlefield although they may potentially
help them. They have to make their moves in accordance with the moves of the
enemy.

In the same way, spiritual discipline is a necessary factor since it is
imperative in moulding ourselves for the warfare with the dark forces. But the
strategic moves are formed according to the nature of the spiritual warfare
where we are in.

Ephesians 6:11
"Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles
of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"ť
The three wise men who went to see Jesus paid attention to what was heard from
above. The Word of God or the command from heaven was given to them by the Angel
to organize themselves to form strategies for the moves ahead.

Similarly,
Listening to the Word of God and meditation on it will make us to stand against
the wiles of the evil forces which may trigger against us without any hints. We
are aware that Lord used the Word of God as the powerful weapon when He had to
go through a similar occasion. (  St. Mathew 4:1-11 , St. Luke 4:1-13).
Let us now turn our attention to the theme of the passage in which three
insights are to be noticed.

Luke 2:40
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the
grace of God was upon him."
1. Fill with Wisdom
2. Grow in Spirit
3. The Grace 

1. Fill with wisdom

Let us traverse through some of the verses in Proverbs which provide us with
deeper insights about wisdom

Proverbs 8:27 through 30
"When He (The Creator) prepared the heavens, I (Wisdom) was there: when He set a
compass upon the face of the depth: When He established the clouds above: when
He strengthened the fountains of the deep: When He gave to the sea his decree,
that the waters should not pass His commandment: when He appointed the
foundations of the earth: Then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I
was daily his delight, rejoicing always before Him".
ť
It is obvious that the whole chapter is a proclamation by the Wisdom. Wherever
"I" is used, it denotes to herself and 'He' to the Creator of the whole
creation. The Wisdom claims that she was along with the Creator on the process
of creation.
Therefore the Wisdom was along with the Father who is the Creator of heaven and
earth because the Wisdom was begotten of the Father. It is vividly prescribed in
the verse 22.
Verses: 22
"The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I
was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was."

Here the Wisdom says that she was begotten of the Father, the Maker of heaven
and earth. She also claims that she was along with the Father on the process of
creation.
Prov. 8:27-29

When He (The Creator) prepared the heavens, I (Wisdom) was there: when He set a
compass upon the face of the depth..................I was by Him.ť

Therefore,
1.  Wisdom was begotten of the Father
2. Wisdom was a companion to the Father on the process of creation

Now, let us turn to the faith of the church. The church fathers were so deep in
their spiritual insights to connect this Wisdom with the Logos (Word of God).
This theology is substantiated by the following biblical verses and
interpretations based on it.

1. St. John 1:1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was
made.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.


2. All of us know that the second paragraph of the Creed highlights the
integrity of Jesus Christ. It is written, "The only begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds....."ť


Therefore the Holy Scripture specifies the followings.

1. The Wisdom was begotten of the Creator ( Father)
2. The Wisdom was along with the Creator on the process of Creation
3. In the beginning there was Word and the Word was with God and the Word was
God
4.  All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was
made.
5. The Word became flesh

Therefore, the Wisdom is the one begotten of the Father, who was along with the
Father on the process of creation (since without her was not anything made that
was made )and the Wisdom is none other than the Word of God, which in turn took
flesh.

So the Wisdom directly denotes to Jesus Christ, the Son of God or The Tree of
Life.

And now, it is His wisdom that must be transferred to our souls. Bringing up in
wisdom means to grow up the body, mind and spirit in His grace and wisdom and to
fill our hearts with His grace and knowledge.


2.Waxed in Strong Spirit:

The Wisdom/ the Logos/ The Word of God/Son of God is having more access to the
soul of the creation. When the soul of the creation is brought into a micro
concept, it can be limited to the soul of an individual. The essence of each and
every human being is constituted of body, soul and spirit. This is the trinity
in human being, each of which having separate entities and at the same time
possesses its oneness in its essence.

The Wisdom/Logos acts upon the soul which is the mind, heart and thoughts (of
course in its limited meaning). The soul on the other hand is characterised by
the "nature of freedom" which is acquired from the image and likeness of God.
(God is free in His nature and essence). As long as the Logos/ Wisdom from above
acts upon the soul, she will be enriched with divine aspirations which will be
transmitted to the body and thereby enlightening the spirit in him/her. When the
Tree of Life, with its true knowledge grows in the muddy souls of human beings,
she will get purified with pure thoughts and pure emotions. Therefore the soul
(the mind, heart and thoughts) is ought to have direct link with the The Wisdom/
The Logos/ The Tree of Life/ The Son of God.

In the Holy Eucharist, we chant,

The prayer exhorts that we must be alert to keep our mind, thoughts and heart
(which are tend to astray) in Jesus who is the True Wisdom.

On the other hand, when the soul is diverted from the true wisdom to follow the
Tree of Knowledge, perversions may occur unless the Tree of Life is deep routed
in the soul. The Tree of knowledge, without the Tree of life can seldom lead the
soul to the real spiritual destinations.

Jesus Christ was filled with knowledge and waxed strong in spirit
 
Proverbs 4:7

"Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get,
get insights."

Therefore, gain Lord Jesus in everything.
Prayers,
Fr. John Samuel
*************************************

Moderators' Note:
Respected John Samuel Achen is the Vicar of St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox
church, London.

The screening committee for Bishop candidates has submitted a list of 14
candidates to His Holiness the Catholicos. Please click on the link below to
read further:
 
http://www.malankaraorthodoxchurch.in/images/stories/File/Scan.pdf
 
Source:
 http://www.malankaraorthodoxchurch.in

-Moderators, ICON

"The source and ground of our distractive thoughts is the fragmented state of
our memory. The memory was originally simple and one-pointed, but as a result of
the fall its natural powers have been perverted: it has lost its recollectedness
in God and has become compound instead of simple, diversified instead of
one-pointed."

St. Gregory of Sinai.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be
kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another."  Romans 12:9-10

Rev.Fr.Paulose .T and Rev. Dr.Mathew c chacko and all others,
"For example, though the Bible does not specifically prescribe that infants
should be baptized, it is abundantly clear from the practices held by the early
worshipping community that infants indeed were baptized."
ť
There are evidences in the bible that children were baptized in the beginning
because they are also the heirs of the kingdom of God. "Repent, and be baptized
everyone of you for the promise is given to you to you and your children,
acts.2.38-41.
"One in three" and "three in one" have been a formula indicative of fullness in
the scriptures. In Isaiah's vision of God, God's holiness is mentioned three
times to symbolize that God is perfect. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord. It appears
that 'three' is a divine number of perfection and fullness.
ť
3 is a symbolic number of a trinity. Offering 3 or more worships simultaneously
ends in a show of anarchy because the two priests don't see what the main
celebrant is doing. Observations notes that three altars dedicated in the name
of 3 saints are the significance of the Lord of Hosts who come in the company of
His saints and angels. God is always adored among the legions of Heavenly hosts.
The tongue is the main organ that adores and utters the praise about the Lord of
Hosts. If we expect every cell of the body to get the effect of the Holy Body,
the tongue and the lips also join in the real celestial worship.

The 3 alters in the names of the saints of every parish represent at least 3
saints from our midst are also present when the Lord visits the altar during the
celebration of the Mystery. For where two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of them, Mt.18: 20.

E.S.John, Australia

The time for retrospection is NOW.  Objectivity has to be the key if
we are to draw correct conclusions therefrom.  Every parish, in the
two American Dioceses, is richer by a few thousand U.S. Dollars
consequent on the carol singers' braving the chilling cold, and going 
their annual rounds, in the inspiring company of the Christmas Father
who announces the glad tidings.  The associated fun and frolic is
indeed memorable.  The exuberance engendered in the participants
is long-lasting.
 
All the same, the inescapable question arises whether each parish,
as a community of believers, has drawn NEARER the Lord by at least
one millimeter.  How many of the parishioners observed the Lent?
In diligent pious preparation to receive the 'Infant Jesus' into their
hearts, how many of them devoted MORE time to silent meditation
and prayer DAILY?  Has there been greater spiritual awareness or
fellowship among the parishioners as a result of the Christmas
worship and celebration?  
 
Christmas celebration is meaningless without the strict and faithful
observance of the 25-Day Lent.  Financial gain by parishes without
corresponding spiritual advancement/enrichment means nothing in
terms of TASTING THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD AND IMBIBING
HIS INDESCRIBABLE JOY. 
 
Prayerfully,

Nakkolackal V. L. Eapen,
St. Gregorios Church, Austin, TX.

--- In IndianOrthodox@yahoogroups.com, Rev. Fr. T George,
Ireland<indianorthodox@...> wrote:
> Krishna, the central character of the great epic- Mahabharata- written by the
great sage and philosopher-Vyasa- was the prophetic Indian version about Christ.
The similarities in the life stories of both Krishna and Christ point to this
fact.


Hello Respected George Achen,

Achen, it looks like you just stopped short of saying that Christ is the
incarnation of Lord Krishna. My belief is that Christ has only one version and
HE has no Indian version, Persian version or American version.  You presented an
Indian version of Christ with an opinion of yours. And tomorrow someone else
will present a Greek version with their own opinion and then a Japanese version
and a Chinese Version and so on and so forth. Ultimately we end up in different
versions, different opinions and different Gods. I wonder whether our core
belief or faith is something we can change according to the climate and culture
and situations around us.

There are many other Gods in the world with similarities. Well, if  Christ's
life, death and resurrection is an epic story similar to Ramayana or
Mahabharata, I do not know what to say. It would appear to me that people are
trying to find meaning to Christianity through the philosophical writings of
other religions.  Hindus themselves acknowledges that their scripture is
mythology. And it surprises me when our people equate it to the Word of God the
living Holy Bible.  As a laity of the Church where you are a Priest, what I am
looking forward from you is not "your opinion", but what the Holy Bible and the
Holy Church's Tradition taught you about it.  And what the Holy Spirit tells you
about it.  I did not see any activity of the Holy Spirit in any of the two or
three articles you wrote about it.  I agree that we need to have good relations
with other religions. But, that need not be by sacrificing our core faith and
belief. There are other ways to do it and Bible tells us what is the way to do
it.

I read in your first message you are justifying the correctness of  other
scriptures quoting Saint Paul, "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful
for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving
instruction  for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully
qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed".( 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

I think you forgot to read the couple of verses just above that in the same
Chapter.  Verses 14 and 15  which reads  "14. But as for you (Timothy), continue
in what you have learned and have become convinced of, "BECASUE YOU KNOW THOSE
FROM WHOM YOU LEARNED IT", 15.and how from infancy you have known the holy
Scriptures,  which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in
Christ Jesus."

Those "All Scriptures" St. Paul mentions is all the scriptures  Timothy learned
from his mother who was a Jew, and his grandmother  who was a Jew too.  There is
no mention about his father who apparently was a Greek. He was raised by his
mother and grandmother teaching him the Jewish scriptures.

If Christ was the incarnation of Krishna there was no need for the  resurrected
Christ to appear to the Merchant to send St. Thomas to India to preach the
Gospel.  Or may be Jesus would have said "Go and preach the good word to all the
world except India where the God is Lord Krishna, which was my previous birth."
I wonder why we are trying to find Christ through the Scriptures of other
religions than through the Holy Bible.  My understanding about  the Bible is
that there is no salvation to the world outside Jesus Christ and the
Judeo-Christian religion.

Bible is not an epic, not a fantasy, nor a fiction nor any philosophy. It is the
real life story of the many lived before us  with historical events connected to
it and many of the historical sites have been recovered including Noah's Arc and
the pathway Moses lead the Israelites from Egypt to their promised land. It was
not written by fiction writers or a philosopher like Vyasa. It was handed down
by God to his chosen prophets.  Moses was not a great philosopher. 10
Commandments were not written by Moses. The attempts by the secular society
today seems to be to break the pillar of the First Four Commandments God gave to
Moses outlining the relation between God and Man.

"You shall have no other God's before me".   That means there were other God's
too at the time God gave this commandment to Moses.    None of those other Gods
worked like the one True God  "Yahweh or Yehovah."  We have evidences spread
everywhere in the Old Testament about it.  This is the same commandment Jesus
gave in the New Testament too. Jesus condensed the whole 10 commandments in to
two.  First 4 condensed in to one "Love your God".  From 5 to 10 condensed in to
the second "Love your neighbor as yourself"

"Matthew 22:34. Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,  the Pharisees
got together. 35. One of them, an expert in the law,  tested him with this
question: 36. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37. Jesus
replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.'  38.This is the first and greatest commandment.39.And
the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  40.All the Law and the
Prophets hang on these two commandments."

I am not saying that people outside Christianity have no salvation.  That is for
God to decide and let the Omnipotent omnipresent God in his infinite wisdom
handle this issue.  Instead of worrying about them I should worry about me who
in spite of having his Holy Spirit living in me is going elsewhere to understand
Jesus Christ.

May be the following from St. Paul to Timothy might be of help to understand
there is one God and one mediator between God and men.

" 1 Timothy 2  1.I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers,
intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--2.for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness.3.This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  4.who wants all men  to be
saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5.For there is one God and one
mediator  between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6.who gave himself as a
ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time."

That means we should pray, intercede and thanksgiving be made for everyone
including Hindus, Muslims and all around us. Because it  pleases God our Savior
who wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. This is what
exactly Jesus said in the 2nd commandment "Love your neighbor". God want all men
to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth and the only truth.  If we
ourselves don't believe in that truth what right we got to talk to others about
that truth. It is like a man with a ruined family life preaching to another man
how to lead a peaceful family life.

If someone wants to make others believe there is yet another truth, then I am
ready to read and listen.  But, it should be proved based on the Bible and our
Traditions. Not based on Ramayana or Mahabharata, or not be nitpicking few
verses from here and there in the Bible and twisting it to favor their opinion.

Achen, it is nothing against you personally. If what you wrote in your few
articles are right I too wanted to understand it.  But, put it in terms of the
Holy Bible and our Traditions and allow me to contest it based on what I have
learned.

Rgds
Ronnie Daniel
Toronto, Canada

Dear Mr John
Thank you sir. I have been thinking on this subject since before Christmas and I
too arrived at the conviction, "How does that concern you?"(John 21:21-24). It
concerned me in two ways: First, my own feeling of inadequacy and guilt when
called by my colleagues to participate in their Puja- Here I did some research
on the subject as to who is this lady and found that Saraswati is the embodiment
of wisdom, and rejection of pride, avarice, fickleness, jealousy, temper etc.
similar to the Wisdom Woman of the Old Testament. There is nothing evil about
this deity and as all good comes from God, I found that I can pray to the God I
always pray to, even in the midst of a Hindu Puja. This does not mean that I
actively seek this mode of prayer. As I am a stranger to their rites I can only
pray to God to bless our work. Nothing more. It does not diminish my faith in
Christ in any manner because it only proves to me that whatever others see God
as, it all leads to the One God, the Holy Trinity is the true (but limited)
understanding man can have of God. (Trinitarian monotheism). I did pray for
better understanding and did a lot of research. Once I had thought that I need
not understand the Church's doctrine of Trinitarian Monotheism. But now I
realize that I was foolish.I know but little, but the little I have learned has
helped clear some of my conflicts.

I do not know if I make myself clear.

The Second and more important reason why I am concerned about other religions
and the salvation of people of other faith is this.

People near to me, who have always been orthodox find that the Orthodox Church
is lacking in a true sense of mission when viewed from the literal
interpretation of the last commission of Christ in the Gospel of St Mathew.

Therefore many people are trying to learn how to evangelize. As I love these
people, and I do not know enough to give the reason why the Church considers the
Holy Eucharistic Celebration its ultimate service, I was silent when confronted
with the question. That is why I have tried to find out whether other religions
also point to God.
They do. But they are far behind because they lack the revelation of Jesus
Christ of a Father God who is Love and this knowledge of the Christians has lead
to the development of the understanding of God as Trinity- Three persons in one.

Am I or any evangelist sufficiently wise to explain this to other religions?

I am trying to understand this better.

But one thing I do understand, and with humility. It is not the mode of worship,
or the knowledge of concepts and theology that matter. It is your heart. Though
Mr Eapen says that heart does not matter and that we should worship in Spirit
and in Truth, I would like to ask him whether he is able to do that. If he can,
he must be a Holy Man like Simeon who waited for the birth of the Messiah.
Actually, I do not even understand how one can pray in 'Truth'. I am familiar
with St Paul speaking about the Holy Spirit praying in us. Perhaps this is
unknown to us.

Jesus said "Blessed are the pure in heart".

Many orthodox people talk about the "Name of Jesus" and the "Blood of Jesus".
They think that these possess magic powers. Every where, even on traffic
signals, people have pasted "Jesus". I would like to know the  Orthodox Attitude
about this belief.

As I understand it, name for the Hebrews, is the person himself and his
attributes. When I ask in His Holy name, I ask with Him/in His presence and
according to His will.
If I say "In the name of Jesus" is it enough?

What about taking refuge in the 'blood of Jesus"? Should we not take refuge in
Him instead?

Another thing that confuses me is this. Many orthodox people say that salvation
is only for those who believe that Jesus is God with their hearts and declare
that with their mouths.

Did not the demons call Jesus the Son of God and speak out when they were cast
out? Did it save them?

To me, therefore this verse means that when we understand that Jesus is the Lord
of our hearts and act accordingly (Obedient to His guidance) we are saved.

His call I understand is a radical call.

Sree Krishna and Bagavat Geetha and the Kurukshetra War teach us many truths,
but many of them are not in conformity with the Sermon on the Mount. At best, we
can justify the attitudes portrayed in the Bhagavad Geetha saying that it is a
mythical story about inner battle of each man to conquer the negative tendencies
in himself, similar to the Unseen Warfare, but relying only on oneself. I lack
the knowledge to understand it further. It does not concern me, except when I am
forced to have interaction with people of other religions. Then a better
understanding and tolerance would only spread the Light of Christ.

This is no fashionable discourse. It is the questions that I face, day to day,
in my encounter with other religions and groups of Christians.

These are some of the questions that drive people from the Orthodox to other
groups. There is some ambiguity and they do not understand the gap between the
literal interpretation of the Bible verses and the Orthodox perspective.
Therefore it is easy for the foxes and vultures to prey on the little wandering
lambs.

Susan Eapen
Bangalore