Dear honorable members

Greetings in HIS name

To keep the forum debate's authenticity, we the moderators of this forum, have
decided to implement a new guideline.

As per the new guideline from 26th of October 2004, we will not publish any
messages without proper signature. Your signature should contain full name,
family name, home parish, present parish attending along with proper references
like that of the parish priest's; name, e mail address and telephone number,
where we can verify the genuineness of the e mails.

After the verification of your identity, we will provide a member ID Number
which can be used as your signature for future postings and by member ID numbers
we can verify your mails. However, If you want your name to be withheld from the
messages published, we will comply to your request and then only the ID number
will be published.

These personal contact details will be stored in our database and will not be
published in the forum.

However, if you are hesitant to reveal the name and identity, you can still be a
member of the forum and get the daily digests in your e-mail id supplied, if you
wish so.

This new guideline is applicable to all members, regardless of their Christian
denomination.

We hope our members will appreciate it and cooperate with us.

Be with us and be part of us.

In Our Lords Love
For & on behalf of
SOCM-FORUM Moderators

Chev. Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St.George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India.
http://www.stgeorgecheppaud.org
http://www.socmnet.org

There are two aspects of our faith that is always called to question by some of
the newer Christian groups who call themselves Reformed, Born Again, Pentecostal
etc.

1) Why do you pray for the departed?
2) Why do you ask St. Mary and the saints to intercede for you?

I have made a humble attempt to create a web page that answers these questions.

http://syrianorthodox.googlepages.com/intercession

Hope you find this useful.

If there are anyways of improving the article, please let me know of your
feedback.

In Christ,
Mathew G M
# 0929

Documentaries produced by the Al-Jazeera Documentary Channel on religious
communities (Arabic):

Syriac Christians of the Middle East:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp5iq-fG0j0&feature=channel

Dear Manoj,

Do you think a true photograph of Mar Ycob Sleeha is available? The only parish
in Jacobite church in the name of Mar Yakoob Sleeha is at Allapra,perumbaavoor.
Another one is at Ramamangalam under Knanaya Church. I belong to the former
parish. We had a photo of Mor Ycaob but recently we have removed it from the
church, because that was not a reliable one. If you would like to take a copy,
it will be available either from Ramamangalam Knanaya church or from St. Jacob
Church Allapra. We the parish members decided not to keep any pic of Holy
fathers inside the church if it is not an original one. We are believing Our
"Lord " without seeing any pic, then ----------------?

You can assume what am i trying to say.

Thank you,
Dn. Aby
#4086

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Manoj P.T wrote:
>
> Dear All,
>
> Can I have a colour photo of St. Yacob Sleeha who written Thakzaa.
>
> Manoj P.T.
> ID #2319

On the occation of Pentecost Sunday, H.G Dr. Mathews Mor Evanious celebrated
Holy Qurbono at Piravom St. Mary's Jacobite Valiya Pally.

Photos:
http://www.malankarasyriacvoice.com/HGDrMathewsMorEvaniousofferingHolyMassatPira\
vomValiyaPally/index.html







_________________________________________________________________
Planning the weekend ? Here’s what is happening in your town.
http://msn.asklaila.com/events/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Matrimonial Digest / 0173-2009

Dear Members,

We do not take or assume any responsibility for the particulars
given by the advertiser. Concerned parties are encouraged to
verify the particulars. As per the request of some advertisers we
withheld the contact details and will forward any reply to the
advertiser for further personal contact. Further correspondence to be
done with the E-Mail address / Phone Number given against each
advertisement. Please note, no space needed after or before '@'sign
in the given E-Mail ID.

Please read the successful stories of the matrimonial advertisement
in the SOCM forum at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/6505
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/4384
For the full list of the matrimonial advertisement, please
visit:http://www.socmnet.org/Matrimonial.htm
----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDEGROOM
----------------------------------------------------------

Matrimonial; Code # 159/09
****************************
May 05, 2009

Seeking bridegroom: Jacobite parents from kollam invite proposal for their
daughter,fair 23 yrs 160 cm, B.Tech. We are seeking suitable aliiance from
Jacobite/Orthodox/Marthoma professional qualified prefereably B.Tech with MBA
and well placed.If interested respond
with full details and photograph to: rajannk@... or call 04742524526

Matrimonial; Code # 158/09
****************************
May 05, 2009

Jacobite parents invite marriage proposals for their daughter, 27 Years, M.Com.
5'4", medium, Slim, God fearing, caring and family oriented. Now working as an
Accounts Assistant in Muthoot. Her only sister is working as a nurse. We are
looking for a God-fearing, caring, family oriented, spiritual boy, from a good
Jacobite family. Interested parties may please contact 9656881686 or
princemannathoor@...

Matrimonial; Code # 157/09
****************************
April 24, 2009

Jacobite parents, settled in US, invite proposals for their beautiful daughter,
28yrs, 5'2", 103lbs, US citizen, born & raised in Kerala, holds speech pathology
degree currently doing PharmD. Looking for a God-fearing, professionally
qualified Christian groom, nonsmoker, between 29-32yrs at least 5'10". Prefers
groom employed/studying in US for at least 3-5yrs.Please respond with recent
photo & details to lylamathew@... or call (775) 626-5921

Matrimonial; Code # 154/09
****************************
March 13, 2009

Jacobite parents hailing from Kandanadu diocese and setteled in New York City
invite marriage proposals for their daughter, US Citizen, 25 Years, 5'5", fair,
beautiful, God fearing, caring and family oriented. She will be completing her
Master in Public Administration this May and works as an Executive Assistant in
a prestigious business college in New York City. Her only brother is married.

We are looking for a God-fearing, caring, family oriented, fair, handsome boy,
age between 26-28, from a good Jacobite family with high moral and ethical
values with BSc/MSc Nursing, MSc Physical/Occupational Therapy or MSc Speech
Therapy.  Interested parties may please contact saju.sn@... with a recent
photo of the boy. "

Matrimonial; Code # 151/09
****************************
February 25, 2009

Proposals are invited by parents of an ancient Orthodox family from
Vakathanam, presently settled in Manganam, Kottaym for their
daughter, BTech 24, 168, Techno park TVM seeks qualified Orthodox /
Jacobite God fearing alliance. Those who are interested please
contact us at 9496223661 or by email with information to
sg_chkl@...

Matrimonial; Code # 150/09
****************************
February 24, 2009

Proposals are invited by Jacobite parents for their daughter age
24/5"3 completing her Masters in Engineering.We are looking for boys
with good educational background and who is a US Citizen or Greencard
holder from traditional Jacobite family age between 25-28. If you are
interested please contact her brother-in-law at 706-868-7626 or by
email at kochuanu1206@... or you can contact directly to India
at 91-485-2207433 or 91-944-7609233 or by email with information to
paultkurian29@...

Matrimonial; Code # 149/09
****************************
February 24, 2009

Proposals are invited by Jacobite parents for their daughter a U.S.
Citizen age 25/ 5"1.Completing her Masters in Teaching. We are
looking for boys with a good educational background. Who is a US
Citizen age between 26-28 who is from a traditional Jacobite syrian
family. Those who are interested please contact us at 706-868-7626 or
by email at kochuanu1206@...

Matrimonial; Code # 146/09
***************************
February 16, 2009

Proposal is invited by parents for their daughter aged 25 years
qualified M.SW.,M.Phil. having 5' 0,slim, whitesh working in MNC as
HR Professional, looking for a suitable boy with Good qualification
and employed, belongs to middle class family, invites proposal from
God fearing Jacobite boys. Those who interested please get in touch
with us by phone 9744049333, princemannathoor@...

Matrimonial; Code # 145/09
****************************
February 08, 2009
Jacobite parents from Kottayam settled in Bangalore invite proposals
for daughter 25/168, medium complexion. BTech (Electronics) doing MS
in US. Parents of well educated and professionally settled boys from
godfearing Jacobite / Orthodox families may please contact.
kurianisro@yahoo. co.in 09448842614 or 080 26668644

Matrimonial; Code # 144/08
****************************
December 24, 2008

NRI Parents of a God fearing Jacobite Syrian Christian girl from
Kottayam, born and brought up in Bahrain, 23 years, medium
complexion, completed Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) from Vellore CMC
and now doing her bond period there, invites proposal from God fearing Jacobite
boys with good family background, professionals and decently employed in India
or abroad prefereably in Australia or U.K.  Those who are interested may please
respond with complete details and photograph to: monthiruvanchoor@... OR
Tel: 00973-39461824.

Matrimonial; Code # 141/08
****************************
December 06, 2008

Jacobite Christian girl from pathanamthitta District, 26 yrs,Msc
Dietitian, very spiritual and employed as Dietitian in a reputed
hospital.White complexion,166cm. Looking for qualified, God fearing
boy.(Professional degree holders/MBA/Btech/BE/preferred) from
India/Abroad. Father is in bussiness(chairman Emson Group),mom house
wife ,younger brother pursuing his MA . Please respond if interested
with full details and recent photographs to kmrajuemson@...
/ tijuemson@... contact on 04734-243654/  +91 9946223654

Matrimonial; Code # 138/08
****************************
November 15, 2008

Jacobite Christian girl from pathanamthitta District, 26 yrs,Msc
Dietitian, very spiritual and employed as Dietitian in a reputed
hospital. White complexion,166cm. Looking for qualified, God fearing
boy.(Professional degree holders/MBA/Btech/BE/preferred)from
India/Abroad. Father is in bussiness(chairman Emson Group),mom house
wife, younger brother pursuing his MA . Please respond if interested
with full details and recent photographs to kmrajuemson@... /
tijuemson@... contact on 04734-243654/  +91 9946223654

Matrimonial; Code # 137/08
****************************
November 11, 2008

Jacobite parent from Ernakulam invites proposal for their daughter,
fair, 25yrs, 5", slim,smart,religious. After her MSW course working
as a personal Manager in a Public Limited Company at Ernkulam. We are
seeking suitable alliance from God-fearing, Prayerful Jacobite Syrian
Boy. She is the only one daughter of her parents. If interested,
respond with full details and photograph to: princemannathoor@...

Matrimonial; Code # 136/08
****************************
November 02, 2008

Syrian Catholic parents seeking a groom for our daughter. She is 27
years old. She is 157cm, slim,smart,religious. She is from
Thodupuzha. Now working as a staff nurse at Florance in Italy. If you are
interested in additional information, please feel free to contact us with
details and a photo. Email: jishatjames@...

Matrimonial; Code # 135/08
****************************
October 16, 2008

Jacobite parents hailing from a reputed family in Pathanamthitta
invite proposal for their daughter, MSc Dietitian, 26/166, fair,
beautiful and God fearing. Now working as a dietitian in a reputed
hospital We are seeking suitable alliance from a Jacobite/Orthodox/catholic
(Roman and Syrian)/marthomite, God-fearing professionally qualified and well
placed boy wih good Christian family backgroundand clean habits. If interested,
please respond with full details and photograph to: kmrajuemson@... ph#
04734243654,9946223654

Matrimonial; Code # 134/08
****************************
October 16, 2008

Jacobite parents from Ernakulam invites proposal for their daughter,
fair, 24yrs, 5'2", Engineering Professional working in a Company at
Chennai. We are seeking suitable alliance from a Jacobite, God-
fearing professionally qualified and well placed boy with good Christian family
background. If interested, respond with full details and photograph to:
bimalbabu76@... Or Call 04842765492

Matrimonial; Code # 127/08
***************************
July 28, 2008

Jacobite parents from Kottayam invites proposal for their daughter,
fair, 27yrs, 5'2", Rehabilitation Professional working in a
Hospital on H1B Visa  at Chicago, Illinois. We are seeking suitable
alliance from a Jacobite / Orthodox, God-fearing professionally
qualified and well placed boy in USA with good Christian family
background. If interested, respond with full details and photograph
to: pjohntharakan@... Or Call 347-621-5186 , 04812560139.

Matrimonial; Code # 124/08
***************************
July 07, 2008

Jacobite parents from Canada invite proposals for their daughter,
fair ,31yrs,5' 5",chemical engineer born and brought up in Canada.
Seeking alliance from christian denominations.If interested, respond
with bio-data and the picture of the boy to e-mail
thomekurian@...

Matrimonial; Code # 118/08
***************************
June 24, 2008

Proposals are invited for a Syrian Christian C.S.I girl, 40 years,
162 cm. The girl is legally divorced and is working as paramedical
staff at a reputed private institution. Decently employed / self
employed Syrian Christian men with or without children may please
contact, the following mobile number: 00 91 9447355382

Matrimonial; Code # 117/08
***************************
June 02, 2008

Jacobite parents from Kottayam  invite proposals for their younger
daughter, fair,23 yrs, 161 cm, Software Engineer working in a US
based MNC in Trivandrum, Technopark. Seeking alliance from a God-
fearing, good looking,wellplaced  Engineers, Engineers with MBA,
Management Professionals from a good Jacobite / Orthodox / Marthoma
family with good Christian family background. If interested, respond
with detailed bio-data and thepicture of the boy to
email:thampy_john_2007@..."

----------------------------------------------------------
SEEKING BRIDE
----------------------------------------------------------
Matrimonial; Code # 161/09
****************************
May 247, 2009

Jacobite parents from Kottayam , invites proposal for their son (30 -170),
System-in-charge , handsome, god-fearing, employed in a private firm. Father
pharmacist, Mother house wife,  brother married. Interested parents may send the
details and photograph to philip25@...  or contact Tel: 0481-2371822

Matrimonial; Code # 160/09
****************************
May 247, 2009

Orthodox parents -middle class family punalur -invite proposals for their son
age 28 Graduate ( now doing PGin Economics )- 28 years old, working as a officer
in a reputed firm( NBFC). Religious, clean habits. Active member in OCYM,OSSAE.
We are looking for a God Fearing Orthodox / Jacobit / Marthomate girl. Prefer
-Sunday School Teacher ( PG,BEd or Degree). Please responds with details to
rajoymrajan@... , mob.9447991688,9447555752

Matrimonial; Code # 156/09
****************************
March 07, 2009

Proposals invited for a Deacon,Jacobite Church,middle class family,Kandanad
Diocese, Medium Complexion,30/ 170cm, Seeks suitable alliance from Jacobite God
fearing and family oriented Christian girl. Interested parents may send the
details to princemannathoor@... or contact at 9447873255.

Matrimonial; Code # 153/09
****************************
March 07, 2009

Proposals invited for an Orthodox middle class boy, Medium Complexion,34/162cm,
self employed, Seeks suitable alliance from Orthodox / Jacobite / Marthomite
girls. Interested parents may send the details and photograph by email to
proposals74@...

Matrimonial; Code # 152/09
****************************
March 03, 2009

Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Parents, Retired Govt. Employees, Middle Class family
from Kottayam, invites proposal for their younger son 29years, 172 Cms, Medium
Complexion, Chartered Accountant, with Grad ICWA and PG in Commerce, working in
a reputed company in Kerala, from Parents of Professionally Qualified/ Post
Graduate, God-fearing Syrian Christian Girls, below 27 years. Those interested
may pls forward bio-data and photograph to the mail id apt.2009@...

Matrimonial; Code # 148/09
****************************
February 24, 2009

Jacobite parents from Ernakulam Dt.invite proposals for their son 29-
179. B.Tech Mechanical employed in Oman. Girls with B.Tech-M.Tech-
Civil,Electrical,Instrumentation or B.Arch.preferred.
Phone.0484-2459485/2612251 Mob:9446128807


Matrimonial; Code # 147/09
****************************
February 16, 2009

Suitable proposals are invited from Jacobite/Orthodox parents of well-
educated girls for a financially sound, god-fearing boy 40
years/165cm working at Technopark, Trivandrum (C.A. Part I cleared)
with RR. Donnely, a U. K. based company since 2001.  Parents are
retired teachers.  Only brother is settled in U. K. The younger
sister (B.Tech) is working in the Technopark, Trivandrum. They are
currently settled in Trivandrum; they have ancestral properties
including two houses at their home town.  If interested call 0481-
2591312 (Resi.) or e-mail: frmanirajan@...

Matrimonial; Code # 143/08
****************************
December 20, 2008

Christian Orthodox boy from Kottayam 30 yrs, two brothers, father and
mother expired. Working in Riyadh as a electronic technician,
whitish, medium body,5.8',clen habits, god-fearing financially weak,
seeking girls from Orthodox / Jacobite church, interested parties
may contact with this email kuriakosechundamannil@...
or 00966 5091 73 950

Matrimonial; Code # 142/08
****************************
December 20, 2008

Marthomite parents hailing from Ernakulam district invite proposal
for their son, MTech working as a Lecture in Ras almiyah , UAE. We
are seeking suitable alliance from Marthomite, Jacobite or Orthodox
God fearing girl ( UAE employed girls preferred). If you are
interested please email to christianproposals12@... or call
on Mobile No:00974-5885014

Matrimonial; Code # 140/08
****************************
November 21, 2008

Proposals Invited for Jacobite Boy from calicut Dist, aged 40, height
164 cm legally divorced and presently working Gulf petrolieum company
Egypt. seeking alliance from parents of jacobite girls, aged above
32,
single/divorced. Those who interested please contact with details to
E mail: john.kalappurayil@... or babukalappurayil@...

Matrimonial; Code # 139/08
****************************
November 15, 2008

Jacobite parents from Ernakulam invites proposal for their son,
fair, 29yrs, 5'5",  He has a good running Petrol baunk in Kolenchery.
He is the only son. He is the active worker of Jacobite Youth
association  We are seeking suitable alliance from a Jacobite, God-
fearing girl with good Christian family background. If interested,
respond with full details and photograph to: bimalbabu76@ gmail.com
Or Call 04842765492

Matrimonial; Code # 132/08
***************************
September 13, 2008

Syrian Orthodox parents from well –known ancient families in Central
Travancore   settled in US for the past 37 years, seek proposals for
marriage of their US born son, brought up in good Christian faith and
traditions.  He is 35, 5'11'', athletic, handsome, College graduation
in business administration,  MBA,  working in insurance industry,
and well settled near Chicago.  Looking for a fair, good-looking, and
family oriented Christian girl in US or Canada with good moral
values. If interested please respond with details and a recent
photograph to thiruvella2003@... or cell 630-337-7333

Matrimonial; Code # 131/08
***************************
September 02, 2008

Jacobite parents invite suitable proposals for their son, 28yrs
/177cms, completed his MCM from Pune University and currently working
with an MNC in Mumbai as Sr. Analyst. We belong to an ancient
Jacobite family from Manarcad, Kottayam. We are looking for a well
educated, God fearing and good looking girl who is willing to adjust
with everyone in the family and keep up with family values.
Interested parents may send the details and photograph to
tonyvthomas@.... Contact # 0481-2370106/9446195922; Contact
person: Thomas Kurian; Contact time: 6PM-10PM

Matrimonial; Code # 130/08
***************************
September 02, 2008

US born Mar Thomite boy, 28 years old, 5' 11" tall, graduate in
criminal justice, pursuing his MBA, permanently employed with the
U.S. Government is seeking matrimonial proposals from qualified God
fearing christian girls, preferably U.S. Citizens.  Interested
parents or individuals may please send details and a recent
photograph to Chirayilm@...

Matrimonial; Code # 128/08
***************************
August 06, 2008

Sutable proposals are invited from Parents of a ancient Jacobite
Syrian Orthodox boy presently employed in India in a private company
in sales field (Age: 30, Height: 170 cms) hails from Tripunithrua.
(Midlle Class family), Ernakulam Dist, seeking for a Girl from the
Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church/Orthoodx Syrian. Girl  with god fear,
Preferably employed in Nursing , Para Medical. Girls working in
Sultanate of Oman is also considered. Please contact in the Sultante
of Oman phone number (00968) 99647178 email:vinuppathrose@...

Matrimonial; Code # 126/08
***************************
July 26, 2008

Syrian orthodox parent settled in US since 1982, inviting proposals
for their Son 28 years, 5'11", employed as a academic advisor and
doing his MPA.  Very family oriented and active in the church.
Proposals are invited from (BSc nursing, MPT, MSW or Mpharm etc).
If interested please respond with full details and a full size
photograph to: frpeechan@...

Matrimonial; Code # 123/08
***************************
June 24, 2008

Proposals are invited from Parents of a Syrian Orthodox boy (Age: 30,
Height: 5'8") from Chicago, Illinois, USA seeking for a Girl from the
Syrian Orthodox Church(1st preference) or from the Orthodox
denomination in the United States (girl must have legal status in the
United States). Girl must be fair, have a good family background,
family oriented and must be a professional. Please contact in the
U.S. at phone numbers (847) 699-1185 or (847) 699-7985
email:venkadath@...

Matrimonial; Code # 122/08
***************************
June 24, 2008

US settled orthodox parents seek marriage proposal for their son,
30/169 fair, handsome,God-fearing with exemplary character,BS degree
in Computer Science, Software Engineer, presently working as Senior
Product Manager in one of the reputed Software Companies in USA. Also
pursuing MBA., inviting proposal from parents of fair beautiful,
God-fearinggirls with exemplary character. Please reply with
bio-data, recent photographs to: mat202@...

Matrimonial; Code # 119/08
***************************
June 01, 2008
I am a Jacobite Christian looking for a bride, I am 31, hailing from
a aristocratic family. My father is a retried government employee &
my mother is working in co-operative bank. I am working in Onicra a
Onida group co. I am basically looking for a girl who is graduate,
good family, prayfull. I might migrate to England next September.
Any
person interested may contact my father at 9446334637 or 0484 2792637

Matrimonial; Code # 116/08
***************************
June 01, 2008

Suitable alliances invited from parents of God-fearing, qualified
and employed Orthodox/Jacobite girls for an Orthodox boy from
Kottayam - 30/5.5" tall/AMIE, currently working as Software
Engineer in a reputed software house in Technopark, Trivandrum.
Interested parties may please contact us at 0481-258 1323.
E-mail:sabu.kuriakose@....



===================================================================
Matrimonial Advertisements NOTIFICATION: The SOCM-Forum is keeping a
free matrimonial advertisement section,which will be published on
every Tuesdays.

This service can be availed by any Malankara Christians. However,
recently we have noticed that many esteemed members, after sending
the matrimonial advertisements to us, are not informing us whether
the ad is to be continued for longer periods or not. Some times we
face embarrassing situations when the advertised party got married
and still the marriage ads in the forum are repeated.Hence, as on 17
April 2007, we have decided to keep any matrimonial advertisements
initially for a period of SIX MONTH only. If any advertisers
would like to extent this period after its initial period, they have
to send us a written request to extent the period.In such cases, we
will continue the publication of the advertisement for a further
period of one or two months, as per their request. However, we will
not be continuing the ads thereafter.

We request every advertisers of today's matrimonial section, to
cooperate with us in informing whether the marriage is over or you
want to continue the ad for another period. We will only continue
with the advertisements of such confirmed advertisers.

Hope everybody will understand and cooperate with us.

Be with us and be part of us.
In Our Lord's Love,
SOCM Forum Moderators.
http://SOCMNet.org

"Of a truth our natural passions were in harmony with nature and above nature in
Christ. For they were stirred in Him after a natural manner when He permitted
the flesh to suffer what was proper to it: but they were above nature because
that which was natural did not in the Lord assume command over the will. For no
compulsion is contemplated in Him but all is voluntary. For it was with His will
that He hungered and thirsted and feared and died."

St. John of Damascus.

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

"Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt"  Isaiah 19:1

Dear Mr. Mathew

Thank You for the post, the article is attractive your effort is appreciated.
The piece of writing is good for the people who don’t know about intercession
prayer and prayer for the departed one. Those who already have some knowledge
can refresh their knowledge.When time allows you, please come up with more
information.

Thanks and regards
Cecil
ID #890
Houston - TX

Letter from Syrian Orthodox Bishop of Candennatte, Hindoo "Thoma" to Patriarch
Of Antioch dated 1709.

http://socmnet.org/Letter_Candennatte_Thoma.htm

Digitalized format of the entire book will be made available in short time in
SOCMNet.org, please visit Resource section for updates.

SOCM Moderators

Dear respected Moderator And Readers:

This is regarding the Syrian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem. May be it is
good for learning.

In English
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S91OyQBJqI4&feature=email

In Portugues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oODUpRTSio4&feature=related

Thank you
With Prayers
Yours in Christ
V. Rev. David Cheruthottil Cor Episcopoi
St. George's MSO Church, Carteret, NJ

"All the faithful are truly anointed priests and kings in the spiritual renewal
brought about through baptism, just as priests and kings were anointed
figuratively in former times. For these anointings were prefigurations of the
truth of our anointing: prefigurations in relation not merely to some of us but
to all of us. For our kingship and priesthood is not of the same form or
character as theirs, even though the symbolic actions are the same. Nor does our
anointing recognize any distinction in nature, grace or calling, in such a way
that those anointed essentially differ one from the other: we have but one and
the same calling, faith and ritual. The true significance of this is that he who
is anointed is pure, dispassionate and wholly consecrated to God now and for
ever."

St. Gregory Palamas.

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

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who
loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to
him."  John 14:21

Dear moderators,

Our church web team has put together this temporary church website.
http://www.stmarysbayarea.org/

It will be great if you could post in our SOCM Forum

Thanks
Sabuachen

Thank you for your valued comment on the above subject Mr. Thomas. Regarding
your special comment on the contribution, I would like to mention that people
who are working in the Gulf are not very rich. Most of them have come here after
selling their property or sell their family member's ornaments or other valuable
things to get money for obtaining the visa. They are coming in the Gulf with a
good hope and expecting for a good future. After their arrival here, most of
them are doing different jobs for satisfying their sponsor or for their own
survival. Once they become the member of a Parish, they will have to contribute
for each and every requirement of the Church. If Mr. Thomas had a chance to
serve the church committee in the Gulf Parish, then, I don't have to explain the
way how the church committee is raising the fund either for the daily
maintenance of the Church or for a special reason. They have to go to each and
every member (house visit with the Priest) and insist the members to update the
monthly subscription and also to donate for the special collection. In that
situation, each church member will have to pay his/her share to the Parish.

Since 1994 the Gulf Parish Administration matters has been handed over to
"Malankara Church Hierarchy" due to certain reasons which I do not want to
disclose through this open forum. This allotment is for a short period (3 years)
and some of the Bishops think that it is their right to grab the maximum amount
from the Gulf Parish Members before the completion of their tenure. I am not
blaming or abusing the Bishops but what I believe is that a Bishop should be
like a Shepherd to look after the sheep. They should have a fatherly affection
towards the Parishioners. If there is any dispute or misunderstanding between
the Priest and the Parishioners he should sort out the matter in a loveable
manner. They should not threaten or warn the Parishioners thinking that they
have the special power like a Police Officer that he can ex-communicate the
member from the Church.

What I believe and my suggestion is that, if this Gulf Churches get a permanent
Bishop, and if he can be appointed directly by His Holiness, then he will have
easy access to any Gulf Church at any time and if there is a problem or dispute
in any of these churches then the matter can be solved very easily and also he
will have a very good knowledge or idea about the living condition of the poor
Parishioners in the Gulf.

Mathew Thomas Kannathumuriyil
Membership No.3673

Dear All,

As usual, Bahrain St. Peter's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church is conducting the
annual charity sale on Friday, 12th June 2009.  The proceeds of the auction and
sale of other items will be used for the major charity projects of the church,
like House construction and Marriage assistance.  It will be a full day event
after the Holy Qurbana and the members wholeheartedly participate in the event,
bringing items for auction and participating in the auction.

This year, the Martha Mariam Samajam members have prepared different types of
pickles (Beef, Fish etc.) and will be selling it to the members to contribute to
the Chartity income generation.  The monthly Church bulletin for this month will
be issued as a special edition for Charity, with advertisement space available
for inserting ads from the members.

More details of the event can be had from the Church Vicar Fr. Paul Mathew on
17245432/39840243 or Secretary Mr. Shaj Babu on 39336163.

----
Chev. Thomas Abraham - Bahrain

Holy Spirit Waiting

This sermon discusses the problems of waiting and being ready for the active
Holy Spirit in one's spiritual life, and spirituality, focusing on a reading
from St Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians.

This sermon lesson given on Sunday, May 31, 2009 by Fr John Brian Paprock at
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
www.frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
LISTEN ONLINE HERE:
http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/06/holy-spirit-waiting.html

"...he who has been purified of the passions through inward grief perceives the
hidden mysteries in all the Scriptures and is astonished by them all, especially
by the words and actions recorded in the Holy Gospels. He is amazed to see how
the wisdom of God renders what is difficult easy, so that gradually it deifies
man. He is filled with goodness, so that he loves his enemies; he is merciful,
as his Father is merciful (cf. Luke 6:36); he is dispassionate, as God is
dispassionate; he is endowed with every virtue and is perfect, as the Father is
perfect (cf. Matt. 5:48). In short, the Holy Bible teaches us that what befits
God befits man as well, so that he becomes god by divine adoption."

St. Peter of Damascus.

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

"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." 
Galatians 5:26

Thanks Mr. Mathew for sharing your views.  I fully agree with you that there is
difference in financial status between members in any area whether it is Gulf /
India or any other place.  Contribution is not on compulsion and if this is
happening in your church then it is high time that you all get organized.

I had the opportunity to serve our church as committee member and as
well as in administrative level. In Kuwait we are more organized. As per general
body's decision committee is not allowed to make house visit for monetary
purposes, unless it is authorized by the Supreme Head His Holiness Patriarch.

Church General body, has set a minimum amount for church eligible membership.
This amount also is not taken compulsory, rather members willingly pay. Any
member can opt not to pay, but then he will not be permitted to attend the
general body. He can attend church and take part in all activity except
attending general body and being part of any administrative post.  But still we
encourage all to register as a
member and there is no prejudice between a member and an eligible member except
that a member can not attend the General Body and a committee member. We all
know that Church can not run or be maintained without the members contributing.
Whoever can actively take part should take part and I do not see any flaws in
the way we are functioning.

We do not have any ill treatment from any Bishops and one thing I
can assure you is that, there is no compulsory collection from any one so far.
They may announce their need (if any). Whoever is willing to contribute can
contribute. We all have the freedom to choose. So what is the harm in
announcing?

I belive the probelms you are facing has no relation to the appointment of the
bishops.

Best regards..
Thomas
ID # 4800

Rev. Fr. Dr. K M Rajan, the Vicar of the Kunnamkulam Simhasana Church and author
of many books (of which one book - Saints and Prelates of the Syriac  Orthodox
Church- was published by SOCMNet.org) ordained as Corepsicopa on 24th of May
2009.

The divine ceremony held in the Arthat Kunnamkulam St. Mary's Simhasana Church.
The ceremony led by H.E.Mor Julius Kuriakose (Metropolitan of Simhasana churches
and institutions in India), H.E. Mor Athanasius Geevarghese (Assistant
metropolitan of Simhasana churches) and H.E. Geevarghese Mor Dionysius (the
Simhsana Church Metropolitan of Kottayam & Environs).

News in Malayalam
http://www.socmnet.org/News/VRevManiRajan.pdf

Corepsicopa in Syrian Orthodox Church
http://www.socmnet.org/News/Corepiscopa_in_SOC.pdf

"Metran kakshi said their catholica Mar Didimos has issued a Kalpana against the
"Christian revival fellowship".

http://www.malankarasyriacvoice.com/News/MorDidimos%20300-2007%20Notice.pdf

Even their bishops or priests are not bothered about their "Supreme Patriarch's"
above Kalpana.

http://www.malankarasyriacvoice.com/News/JSOC%20to%20Yohannan%20team%20to%20IOC.\
JPG

"Let us consider, beloved, how the Master continually calls our attention to the
future resurrection, the first fruits of which He has made the Lord Jesus Christ
by raising Him from the dead. Let us consider, beloved, the kind of resurrection
that occurs at regular intervals. Day and night give us examples of
resurrection. The night sleeps, the day rises; the day departs, the night comes
on. Let us take the crops. The sowing - how and in what manner does it take
place? The sower goes out and puts each of the seeds into the soil: when they
fall on the soil, they are dry and bare, and decay. But once they have decayed,
the Master's wondrous Providence makes them rise, and each one increases and
brings forth multiple fruit."

St. Clement of Rome.

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

"Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies' sake. 17 Do
not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You."  Psalms 31:16-17

Dear Rev. Deacon,

I am fully agreeing your last statement with its all aspects. But that will not
satisfy my question's answer or requirement. As you are aware there are  two St.
James in which we are celebrating the Ormať in May 3rd and June 19th . The first
date I mentioned is of St. James, who is the brother of Jesus Christ and the
second for the urshlemintey onnamathey pradhanaachaaryan, sleeha, sahadha etc as
per the Thubdean. In addition to that the same Slieeha who written the Thakzaa
and celebrated the Holy Eucharist too as per my limited knowledge.

I am also belong to a St. James Jocobite Syrian orthodox church, and we had also
the same problem that you mentioned in your reply about the Authenticity of the
said photo recently. We have Thakzaa carrying procession in our perunnal in
which we are clebrating on 19th of June. Therefore, in order to clarify and to
confirm the said problem only I requested for the photo in SOCM Forum.

I am not arguing anything about the same matter and those who are aware about
the matter deeply, may come forward to explain about it, and thereby we can 
have a concrete  knowledge with  the same hereafter.

Also I am attaching some of the photos which I have for your reference.
http://www.socmnet.org/photos/SaintJamesicon/stjames_icon02.jpg
http://www.socmnet.org/photos/SaintJamesicon/stjames_icon03.jpg
http://www.socmnet.org/photos/SaintJamesicon/stjames_icon01.jpg

Manoj
ID # 2319

Fellow Believer,

First of all thanking Mr. Varkey, for putting forward this key issue of our Gulf
parishes. As we all know material objectives and spiritual deeps cannot be
placed in one basket. The only solution to this issue is "To be a Cow without
the Milk" and this should acted from the layman to the Business category, by
which we could save our churches from becoming Limited companies with CEO'S.

Regards,

Alias.C
4108

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Varkey Titus wrote:
>
> Dear members,
>
> Some times I wonder our Church heirarchy's strategies on Gulf parishes. 
Eventhough, on technical terms, still these parishes are directly under the
spiritual administration of the Patriarch of Antioch & All the East, in effect
it was implemented only upto 1993.  The parish administration matters were
directly handled by His Holiness until that time and the parish committees were
able to voice their opinion to His Holiness, on various matters. However, since
1994, due to the request (Or pressure??) from our Malankara Church heirarchy,
the administration of these Gulf parishes were given to metropolitans of
Malankara Synod.  Here on started the 'Step-Mother' attitude of our heirarchy to
the 'Milking Cows' of Gulf. 

Dear Mr. Thomas,

Thank you for your note dated 7 June 2009. I am so sorry, I did not know that
you are located in Kuwait. Kuwait is one of the richest country in the Middle
East and those who are located in Kuwait has always a different view.

In reply to your last paragraph, may I produce the following information…

I am totally agree with Mr. Varkey Titus's comments that……

"If the Gulf Parish Administration matters are directly handled by His Holiness
by appointing a permanent Bishop for the Gulf Region, then the Parish Committee
will be able to voice their matters / opinion directly to His Holiness through
their Bishop and he will be able to contact His Holiness whenever he require".
Also he will not approach the parishioners for frequent collections on various
projects.

If a Bishop is posted from Malankara for three years to the Gulf Parish, what
interest he has towards the Gulf Parish / Parishioners. He will not be
interested in the improvement / development of the Gulf Parish/s or the feelings
of the Church members and his aim will be to collect the maximum from the Gulf
Members within the short period (3 years) ie. `Milking Cows' and also the
Malankara Hierarchy has a Step-Mother's attitude towards the Gulf Members.

If a new Bishop is posted to the Gulf Region for 3 years then, his interest will
be to bring a Priest from his own family or his own Diocese so that this Priest
will be compelled to execute orders of the Bishop. He will act according to his
own way and the interest of the Bishop without thinking the feelings of the
Senior Members or the majority members of the Parish who had to sacrifice a lot
for the formation of the particular Gulf Church.  Members of the Gulf Parish/s
are from the different dioceses from India ie.  Angamaly, Suvishesha Samajam,
Simhasana Churches, Knanaya Arch Diocese etc. If the newly appointed Priest
belonging to the Northern or Southern Area, after his arrival in the Gulf, he
will play some politics and influence the Northern or Southern Area people and
create a split among the Church Members and form a Group. By playing these games
he will get the majority members in the Church General Body and form a Committee
with his own people so that anything can be decided through the Committee as per
the interest of the Bishop or the Priest. If any of the Founder / Senior Members
who are not belonging to this group and if he raise or protest anything in the
General Body then he will be `Hit Listed'. After that the matter will be
informed to the Bishop at Malankara and he will appear like a Special Officer
and give some verbal warning / warning letter or ex-communicate (Mudakku) to the
victim as per the direction of the Priest. In order to avoid these issues most
of the members will have to suppress their feelings and get away from these
issues.

I am in the Gulf for the past 34 years and had lot of bitter experience.

I am a very Senior Member of one of the popular Church in the Gulf and was in
the Church Committee for several years during the initial stage of the Church,
but now-a-days I am trying to get away from the Church Committee and the General
Body Meeting because I am unable to tolerate this type of politics. My opinion
is if the Gulf Churches can be controlled directly by His Holiness by appointing
a Bishop (NOT A MALAYALEE BISHOP) and this Bishop will administer the Gulf
Church Diocese without any partiality and will not have any special
consideration to the members according to the region.

MATHEW THOMAS KANNATHUMURIYIL
ID NO. 3673

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Thomas Mathew wrote:
>
> Thanks Mr. Mathew for sharing your views. I fully agree with you that there is
difference in financial status between members in any area whether it is Gulf /
India or any other place. Contribution is not on compulsion and if this is
happening in your church then it is high time that you all get organized.
>

Hi all,

This CRF related issues are now critical stage in our churches- not only
Jacobite church but Orthodox church also. Before you criticise against one
faction check yourself also. I am from Calicut dist. You know? , who attending 
CRF meetings, 90% peoples are denominating Jacobite church.  In Wyanad dist,
they have regular meeting halls also. I think few clergies are attending also-
from both churches.  Why you are not taking action against them?

In Kothamangalam issue, one family  banned from jacobite church. For what?
Attendimg one prayer meeting?. Is this a criminal case? There are too many
criminals are in our communities. Why you are not banned them? If the church
couldn't  buried  this old man's body in cemetery, at least church can allow
them to `THEMMADIKKUZHI'. But what the church peoples done?  Where is the
humanity in Jacobite church?

Jaison Jacob,
Riyadh
========================================
From the desk of the Moderator:

Please sign your messages with member ID. If not having a member ID, please send
your details including contact number to moderators
(SOCM-FORUM-owner@yahoogroups.com)and obtain a member ID BEFORE POSTING ANY MORE
MESSAGES in SOCM. Thank you for your cooperation.

--- In SOCM-FORUM@yahoogroups.com, Malankara Syriac Voice wrote:
>
> "Metran kakshi said their catholica Mar Didimos has issued a Kalpana against
the "Christian revival fellowship".
>

A TOUCHING TALE OF TENACITY OF PURPOSE

Reported in today's Malayala Manorama online edition is Priya's
inspiring story.  She has arms, but no hands, congenitally.  Her
poor parents run a kiosk and a public telephone booth for their
livelihood.  At the age of four, Priya insists on being admitted to
the local primary school.  There she masters the skill of writing
with her foot.  She cannot travel by bus, and therefore, makes it 
to school and back home on foot daily.  Despite this difficulty,
she perseveres as a day scholar until she passes her Plus Two.
Thereafter, she completes the Bachelor's Degree in History as a
non-collegiate private candidate.  She also completes three
certificate courses in computer skills - MS (Office), D.T.P. and
D.C.A.

Having failed to find employment anywhere, she registers herself
with the Employment Exchange, but in vain.  She follows it up with
appeals, written in her own foot-writing, to the Chief Minister of
Kerala besides the President, the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi
and many others like the local Panchayat President for an employment
opportunity.  The appeals have been a cry in the wilderness thus far.

Priya is now 27 years of age.  With dwindling income from the kiosk
and the telephone booth, Priya desperately needs a job to make both
ends meet.  Her contact address, as reported in the Malayala 
Manorama, is: 
 
Ms. V. Priya,
Priyanivas,  Pulimoodu,
Uzhamalackal Village,
NEDUMANGADU,
TVM Dist., Kerala, INDIA.

The question is whether we can individually or collectively provide, as a token
of our Christian goodwil, some interim financial assistance until she finds a
permanent job.  Her ailing parents - Mr. Sasidharan Nair and Mrs. Vasantha - are
still alive.  Mail-theft being widespread in Kerala, any crossed check or draft
must be sent under registered post.

Prayerfully,
Nakkolackal V. L. Eapen,
Austin, TX. (ID. No. 4160)

"Man, as far as his body is concerned, is like a lighted candle. A candle must
be consumed; thus also the body must die. But the soul is immortal, and so our
care also must be more for the soul than for the body. 'For what shall it profit
a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul' (Mk. 8:36) "

St. Seraphim of Sarov.

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

"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be
ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You
be ashamed."  Psalms 25:1-3

Dear Prayer Warriors,

The 87th Global Chain prayer will be starting on Tuesday, 9th June 2009 at
1800GMT and will end on Wednesday, 10th June 2009 at the same time.

The prayer subjects are attached herewith and are uploaded to the 'Files' area
of the SOCM Prayercell group.

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/socmprayercell/files/87th%20chain%20prayer%20subje\
\
cts%209%20%26%2010%20June.doc

If you have any problem in downloading the same, pls send an email to
socmprayercell@...

The next chain prayer will be on Tuesday, 24th June 2009. If you have any prayer
subjects, please send it to us at the earliest.

Be with us and be part of us
SOCM Prayercell

Dear Brothers,

Myself and family attends Holy Qurabana on all Friday evenings at Sharjah
Jacobite Syriac Church even though I don't belong to Jacobite church. Its
conducted very well by Achen and those in charge. Especially the coir team play
their part with devotion and with all seriousness. May God bless them for their
humility. I mention it deliberately as I have witnessed totally different
scenario at other churches.May God bless them for their humility. A wonderful
divine experience from 6.00pm till 7.45pm. We take less time and effort in
controlling kids as the service is short and sweet. No boredom of announcements
and lengthy sermons.

Its a fantastic decision of the church to have a service of this nature.
Exclusively there is morning time for those take part in lengthy service
followed by announcement, sermons and meetings etc.. .

Its a good decision and much appreciated.

May God bless us all.

Mathew Chacko
Sharjah
2382

Through the centuries, the Syriac Church Fathers have expounded the faith of the
Church in their homilies and writings. Syriac literature is very rich with their
contributions. But very little has been done to translate and interpret their
writings into modern languages for the use of the faithful. The vast majority of
these Syriac texts still exist in the manuscript form, although a few of them
have appeared in print. The late Archbishop of blessed memory H.E. Mor Julius
Çiçek of Holland reprinted some works of the famous Syriac Father Maphryono Mor
Gregorios Bar Ebroyo. But in the Indian branch of the Syrian Church very little
has been ever written or even translated.

The beginning of the 19th Century was a period of resurgence and renaissance in
the Malankara Syrian Church. The litigations and rift prompted by the reformist
group, inspired by the Protestants, challenged the orthodoxy of the Church
through their speeches and pamphlets. A very strong initiative was taken by the
then leaders of our Church to defend the faith, history and doctrines of the
Church. Mr. E.M. Philip Edavazhikal, Kottayam, the secretary of the Church at
the time, was the leader and pioneer in countering the influence of the
reformists. His great contribution to the field of Church History in the form of
the book `The Indian Church of St. Thomas' remains an authoritative work.
Another noteworthy publication of that time is the book titled `Poorvika
Pithakkanmarum Pothusunnahadosukalum' written in Malayalam by Rev. Deacon
Puthussery Joseph Semmasan (Father of the late H.B. Baselius Poulose II,
Catholicos of the East). Another book published during that period is the
contribution of Rev. Deacon P.T. Geevarghese, who later became the first
Archbishop, Mar Ivanios of the Malankara Catholic Church, titled `Were the
Syrian Christians Nestorians?'. Similarly, numerous articles published in the
journals and periodicals of the Church also served to defend and define the
faith of the Church. The most important among the catechetical contributions of
those periods came from none other than the then Malankara Malpan Very Rev.
Geevarghese Vattasseril.

Vattasseril Geevarghese Malpan and Konattu Mathen Malpan were the two luminaries
of the above period. They were teachers at the Old Seminary, Kottayam. Konattu
Malpan concentrated on the publication of Syriac books, magazines and liturgical
texts for the Church at the Mor Julius Press, dedicated in his uncle's name. He
took up the translation of the Syriac New Testament which was published by his
son Abraham Malpan. He also took the initiative to compile and translate the one
volume `Prayer Book' still used by the faithful. This was published with the
blessings of the then Patriarch of Antioch & all the East H.H. Ignatius Abded
Aloho II. Vattasseril Geevarghese Malpan taught seminarians at Parumala and
Kottayam while Konattu Mathen Malpan taught at Kottayam and at Pampakuda. If
these two luminaries were united in mind and action, the fate of the Malankara
Church would have been much different. Vattasseril Malpan wrote the book in
Malayalam, titled `Mathopadesa Sarangal' for the study of the basic articles of
faith of the Church. He covers many major themes related to the faith, doctrine,
sacraments, canon of the Bible, synods, schisms, etc. He prepared these themes
in a refined and condensed form so that the learners can memorize and have them
engraved in their mind. Biblical illustrations add to the authenticity of the
formulations. He compiled this, based on the works of the scholars of the Church
like Mor Gregorios Bar Ebroyo. So this work is firmly based and rooted in the
patristic heritage of the Church. The first edition of this book was published
in 1900 with the imprimatur of the late lamented Mor Dionysius Joseph
Pulikkottil II of blessed memory. The book was reprinted several times and the
latest unadulterated edition was published in 1964. Since then we have witnessed
editions of this book with alterations prompted by ulterior motives. The changes
are deplorable since the author himself never tried to change any of the
formulations in his original work, even though his attitude to Church
administration and allegiance to the hierarchy had changed in due course of
time.

Malpan Geevarghese Vattasseril and Rabban Poulose Kochuparampil were elected to
the episcopate by the Malankara Church and they were sent to the Patriarch of
Antioch, for their consecration. At that time there was a rift at the
Patriarchate. The Patriarch Abdul Messiah was deposed in 1903 and a new
Patriarch H.H. Ignatius Abded Aloho II (Abdulla) was enthroned in 1906 by the
Holy Synod. The removal and installation were duly accepted and publicized
officially in the Malankara Church. In 1908 the bishop designates from Malankara
were sent to the canonical Patriarch H.H. Ignatius Abded Aloho, who was then at
Jerusalem, for consecration. They were consecrated as Metropolitans and came
back to India. An unhappy conflict erupted in Malankara after the arrival of the
Patriarch H.H. Ignatius Abded Aloho in India in 1910 when Vattasseril Mor
Dionysius took a stand of dissidence against the Patriarch, and his supporters
propagated allegations that His Holiness was trying to capture the wealth of the
Malankara Church. The co-trustees and all other Metropolitans sought to execute
a bond of allegiance to the Patriarch of Antioch by the Metropolitans and the
parishes in Malankara, so as to safeguard against any dissidence in the future.
Unfortunately, Mor Dionysius took a stand against the co-trustees and the
brother Metropolitans and even challenged the Patriarch. His Holiness was forced
to excommunicate this dissident bishop in 1911. This dissidence and the
resulting excommunication was the starting point of the ongoing feud and
factionalism in the Malankara Church.

The strife and struggles continued in the Church; but in 1931Mor Dionysius met
His Holiness Ignatius Elias III during H.H.'s visit to India and H.H lifted the
excommunication through the encyclical No. 161. Mor Dionysius entered into
eternal rest in 1934. The holy Church lost a great soul who had high
intellectual potential and ability to interpret the doctrines and scriptures but
unfortunately squandered much of his later years in strife. The unforgettable
literary contribution of this great soul is the book `Mathopadesa Sarangal'.
Here we have taken on the task of reprinting it so that the coming generations
have access to a translation of the unaltered version of the original
contribution of the then Malankara Malpan of the undivided Church.

The translation into English and the brief commentary added to each theme are
the work of Prof. O.M. Mathew Oruvattithara, the retired Professor of Baselius
College, Kottayam. He is an erudite scholar and studious researcher. He got
enrolled for the Masters in Theology after his retirement from academic life. He
successfully completed the Masters at the `Mar Thoma Vidya Niketan,' affiliated
with the Gregorian University in Rome and is now teaching Orthodox theology, by
writing books, articles and teaching classes. His laudable contributions in the
form of the translation and commentary of this book will always be remembered.
We express our most sincere thanks and gratitude to Prof. O.M. Mathew. The
English speaking members of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara will remain
deeply indebted to him.

We dedicate this book to the glory of God and for the edification of the Church
at large.

We express our sincere thanks to each and everyone who supported us to publish
this book.

Please visit following book stores to get a hard copy of this book.

MOR JULIUS BOOK STALL
ST. JOSEPH 'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
L.B.S. Road,  Kottayam
Kerala - 686 001,  INDIA.
Phone: +91-481-2564499
Mobile:  094472 87693

SYRIAN ORTHODOX SEMINARY BOOK STALL
M.S.O.T. Seminary
Udayagiri,  Mulanthuruthy
Kerala - 682 314,  INDIA.
Phone: +91-484-2748072

SOPHIA BOOKS
Puthencruz
Ernakulam

BOOK STALL
St.Ignatius Dayara
Manjinikkara
Mathoor
Pathanamthitta.

For the future generation of the Church at large, we made available the entire
book in pdf format online. Please click the following link to download the book.
http://www.socmnet.org/books/MadopadesaSarangal_English.pdf

At HIS service
Mor Adai Study Centre & SOCMNet.org

I know it is just a technicality but we need to use the word 'icon' and not
'photo' when referring the images of saints.

We don't have photos of Apostles or the St. Mary the Mother of God or for that
matter even that of our Lord Jesus Christ. But with in the  church we have
'icons' which the early fathers describe as 'windows to heaven', which help us
form a mental image for us when we pray.

I know photo and icon are both words and as long as we can get the message
across, its not a big deal. But being consistent with terminology helps a lot. 
So let us use the word `icon' of St. James or icon of St. Peter etc.

In Christ,
Mathew G M
0929