Posted On April 26  2007

Congratulation

Posted On March 23  2007

CONGRATULATION !!!

Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Johns Abraham Konattu and Sri. M. G. George Muthoot on their election to the most important portfolios of our church to lead us for another five years.

John Abraham
Pakalomattom Kulathumkal House,
Nettiserri P.O., Trichur.
Kerala - 680657 India
E-Mail: maharba39@yahoo.com

Posted On March 22  2007

Congratulation

Congratulation to M.G George Muthoot and Fr.Johns Abraham Konattu for their call to serve the church and their willingness to take that call at this time.

Fr. Cherian Puthiyottil
9815 Portland Ave S
Minneapolis
Minnesota 55420 USA
EMail: cherianp@agoraministry.org

Posted On March 22  2007

CONGRATULATION !!

Congratulate the newly elected dear Johns Abraham achen and Mr. Muthoot .M. G.George as the leaders to lead our Church in the twentyfirst century.

Georgekutty
Floral Park
New York 11004 U. S. A.
Tel: OOI 718 343 2406

Posted On March 22  2007

Congratulations

Dear Johns Abraham Achen and Mr. M. G. George Muthoot, Congratulations-

However remember if anything has been accomplished through your life, it has been solely God's doing , not yours. Pursue not worldly glory. God summons people to live responsibly before him in practical and concrete ways.

God bless you abundantly

E. P. Varghese
Managing Committee Member (2002-2007)
Kuwait

Posted On March 21  2007

Congratulations !!

Congratulations Joychayan (M. G. George Muthoot).

Ninan P Abraham and family
Coit road, Plano
TX 75075, USA
E-mail: plapoikayil@yahoo.com

Posted On March 21  2007

Congratulations to our New Trustees

The Vicar and members of St George Orthodox Church Sacramento congratulate the newly elected priest trustee Rev Fr Johns Abraham Konattu and the Lay Trustee Mr M.G George Muthoot. May God bless them to guide our Church honestly and faithfully

Rev Fr V. T. Thomas
St George Indian Orthodox Church Sacramento
8196 Power Inn Rd # 203 Sacramento CA 95828
Tel: 916-681-1258

Posted On October 24  2006

Congratulations To H B The Catholicos - Elect

We all at Aya Nagar congratulate H.B. Mar Miletheos for the new designation. Its purely by the God's Grace only that Your Beatitude  have been selected to assist our beloved Bava during the difficult stage and lead our church in the coming future.

Our prayers assured to  H.B. for this new post and to fulfill His desire.

We request you to please remember us in your all prayers.

Varghese N V
New Delhi -110 047

Posted On October 15  2006

Congratulations to H. B The CATHOLICOS ELECT

Your Beatitude,

Your Beatitude's  Godly selection was a result of the prayers of most of our Church members. God will guide Your Beatitude,  to fulfill  their aspirations.

Can I suggest Your Beatitude,  a project for the poor members in our Church who cannot afford to have their own house or a proper Church to worship.

Many of our Churches & organizations are busy arranging receptions spending enormous amount of money by way of Gifts etc. to Thirumeni. Thirumeni need to attend these receptions, with a request to reduce the expenditure and donate the same by way of constructing houses/Churches for the needy especially in the dioceses of Idukki, Malabar & Sultan Battery. They can give the amount to Thirumeni for this purpose during the reception or they can guarantee Thirumeni that they will take the responsibility in a time bound manner. Such commitments need to be published in our Church publications for the knowledge of the public and others to follow.

I have heard many Thirumeni’s lamenting the expenses in Churches on Perunals and on re-construction. The irony is that they speak in public about such things at the Church where it is happening. But if Thirumeni can make this appeal in private especially to the people of well to do Churches they will be happy to help. Instead of making a public cry it is better to take a commitment in private and announce in public once it is fulfilled.

In fact the spiritual organizations of each well to do Parish under the auspices of MGOCSM or Youth Movement can coordinate such projects at the Parish level, so that all the members of the Parish is involved and a public awareness is created. Every year such Parishes should have a project.

I am sure many of our Thirumeni’s not only from our Church, but also the ones who try to copy and compete us in whatever silly way they can will hopefully follow suit and do something good to the common man instead of keeping themselves busy with “Prarthana Yajnams” and “Sathyaviswasa Samarashanam”.

Your Spiritual Son
A.C. VARKEY, KOTTAYAM

Posted On October 14  2006

Our Sincere Wishes and Prayers

I am Prasad J C, S/o .Fr .Joseph Cheeran.

We all are happy in your new designation, especially my father since u r from Kunnamkulam. I hope your past experience will enable you to work as good administrator. We all are praying Lord to give strength and health to you to administer our church. We request you to remember our family members in your prayers.

Prasad Joseph Cheeran
Asst. Professor CSE Dept.
FISAT
Angamaly

Posted On October 14  2006

Greetings With Prayers to HB The Catholicos Elect

May God Almighty bless abundently with all innumerable heavenly blessings with long life & good health to our Most Respected newly elected Catholicos Elect HB Paulose Mar Militheos Thirumeni.

Samkutty K Yohannan
Anitha Baby Sam
Vinitha Mary Sam
Vileena Sara Sam
Maldives.

Posted On October 13  2006

Greetings to Catholicos Elect

The Vicar and members of the St George Indian Orthodox Church Sacramento send their respect and greetings the newly elected Catholicos-elect H G Paulos  Mor Miletheos of Kunnamkulam Diocese .May God keep H G in good health to assist H H Basalios Mar Thoma Didymos Ist the Catholicos And Malankara Metropolitan.

Rev Thomas vakkayil
Sacramento, California, U S A

Posted On October 13  2006

Hearty CongratulationTo The Catholicos Elect

The members of St. Dionysius Indian Orthodox Church, New Zealand wishes Hearty Congratulations to our Catholicos Designate H.B Paulose Mar Militheos . We pray God Almighty shower His blessings on Your Grace to lead our Church to newer horizons. We also invite His Beatitude to visit our community in New Zealand.

St. Dionysius Church Members of New Zealand
Mt. Roskill Auckland

Posted On January 28 2006

Remembering H.H. Baselius Marthoma Mathews II

It is with a heart full of loss of a great soul from this side of the death Curtain that I type this.During a decade or more in the 1970-1980's I was in the thick of our Church activities at Kottayam. My principalship of the Kottayam Government College enabled me to spare all my free time for church activities.

I had occasions to be in close contact with both H.H Baselius Marthoma Mathews I and H.H. Baselius Marthoma Mathews II on all the then issues of the Church. I believe even today that they were specially chosen by God for their different abilities to lead our Church through those difficult periods.

H.H.Baselius Marthoma Mathews II had the Holy Spirit of Christ in him. This Holy spirit not only made Him to abdicate his throne and His Crosier to his successor, but also give public expression of His love, affection, concern and all prayers for the success of the new incumbent in his new very onerous duty. So inspite of his failing health and objections from His doctors and advisors, this Godly spirit drove him personally to Parumala to officiate the enthronement of His successor H.H.Baselius Marthoma Didymos I - a very rare opportunity, right, and special blessings of God.

The most ennobling act at which all of us present at parumala wept, was the parting Kiss He gave to His successor with which He must have prayed to God, "I have finished my mission and duty in this world."Let us pray for this very great soul which lived among us to lead us through the very difficult two decades in the history of our Church in Kerala and outside.

Prof. Joseph Alexander Kanianthra
An ICON posting

Posted On January 28 2006

Remembering H. H. Mathews II Bava

HH was a blessed person. God chose him and blessed him to lead our Church through critical times in the history of our Church. It was God’s blessing that strengthened him physically and spiritually to lead the Church until recently, and enabled him to officiate the enthronement of his successor.

-HH was a man of prayers. In spite of his busy schedule, HH devoted time for regular prayer. Four years ago, I got to spend an hour or so with HH at Devalokam. I was moved by his earnest prayers with tears during the noon hour. This frail Father prayed even for his adversaries, and that showed his strength in humility.

-HH was a visionary. In the 70’s and 80’s, HH understood the need for more educational institutions and the benefits it would bring forth. HH will be remembered for generations for his leadership in establishing numerous educational institutions in Kerala.

-HH was a people person. His captivating smile with grace was heartwarming. HH was accessible and approachable to everyone. HH was very conscious of the power of networking, and HH used it wisely. It’s no surprise that this Father was one of the most widely traveled Bishops of our times.

I humbly pray for his soul. I’m sure heaven is rejoicing to receive the soul of this great Father of our Church.

Oommen Kappil , New Jersey
Moderator, ICON
An ICON posting

Posted On January 28 2006

H.H.Moran Mar Baselious Mar Thoma Mathews II Of Blessed Memory

His Holiness' departure to his heavenly abode has been like a very precious soul departing most graciously after doing his bounden duty.He was Orthodox Church in India and Orthodox Church was him' in the good days of his governance.Every member was proud to say that I belong to the Church of HH Mar Thoma Mathews II.Such was his personality and God given charisma.The Indian Orthodox Church owe an immense lot to his personality and spiritual leadership.He was a great gift from God to the Church.He was a shining beacon .He was my pride and I was an ardent admirer of him in Christ. He carved a niche for Indian Orthodox Church in Kerala as well as in India and all over the world.He won lands to build Churches for IOC members to worship from respective rulers in various parts of India and especially the Gulf States.He won the hearts of many to favour our Church.He never came back empty handed after meeting Leaders for various needs.

He was the unquestioned leader and legend of Christendom in India during the good years of his reign.Presidents,Shaikhs,Rulers and Prime Ministers stood with reverence and admiration in front of him. He respected the rich but yearningly cared for the poor.His personal relationships even with the poorest of poor are well known.He used to go to cemetries to conduct 'Doopa Prarthana' for the departed ones' of the poorest very often ,which really have touched them deep and hard.Dr.George Mathews,Director of Medical Services in Al Ain,Abu Dhabi an eminent member of our Church ,once remarked in a reception for Bawa Thirumeni; 'If God gives me the Grace to be in Heaven one day I am very sure of one thing- 'I will find Bawa Thirumeni there'.Such was the testimony of great confidence in this High Priest.

Once Mr.Babu Kurian ,a respected member of Dubai St.Thomas Church in a grand reception ,literally eulogised him as 'Bhoomiyil Ullah Nammude Bawa' who is most symbolic of 'Aakashthilulla Nammude Bawa'.He was indeed a very loving father for all.He is probably the only Catholicose who lives so much in the hearts of every Orthodox member.He had always so sincerely stood for peace in the Church and made many sacrifices to achieve peace.His solving of Nilackal issue should have given him a worldly recognition with a recommendation for at least a 'Padma Vibhushan' from our Government.The Kerala Government should honour him with some recognition at least posthumously.God called him back on our Republic Day making it easy for us to remember and celebrate his Blessed memory every year.It is our duty and responsibility to follow the paths of Love, Echumenism and Peace that our late beloved Bawa Thirumeni had strived for.I can still see him smiling with his charismatic smile from somewhere above .He is indeed there overseeing us! May his holy memory be most Blessed one.

Dr.Vinu Thomas,Dubai
An ICON posting

Posted On January 28 2006

Deep Condolence

The passing away of H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II Bava Thirumeni is a big loss for Malankara Orthodox Church, who was a good shepherd with full of Holy Spirit and and charisma. I express my deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Church at this painful occasion.

Varghese Daniel, Doha
An ICON posting

Posted On January 28 2006

H.H Moran Mar Baselios MarThoma Mathews II Promoted To Glory

With profound grief and sorrow I wish to inform you that our beloved Bawa has entered into eternal rest. Bawa was a good shepherd whom we
all loved.

From sometime he had been unwell and recently abdicated to make way for Catholicose Mar Didymos.

Please hold the departed soul in your prayers. Those with churches closeby may visit them and offer tributes. I will conclude with this prayer.... "Vandya pithave samathanathode pokuva."

Itoop Korah,
On behalf of all Moderators of MOSC
An ICON posting

Posted On January 28 2006

Respecting The Sentiments Of 4 Million Malayalees Belonging To Malankara Orthodox Church

A messege was sent to Asianet management by one of ICON members living in UAE (name withheld per request)in respect of media coverage. On this sad occasion Malankara Sabha Makkal across the world are eagerly looking at their TV screens to have a glimpse of the last journey of their Holy Father. Respecting the sentiments of the 4 million strong faithfuls of the Church, we wish at least one of the popular channels (Asianet, Kairali, Surya, Jeevan..)will rise to the occasion and make arrangements to do the live telecast of at least the last phase of the funeral service of our Holy father at Shastamkotta.In case any of our members can help on this account, our faithfuls living across the globe shall be ever grateful and highly indebted.
With sorrowful Prayers

From ICON Moderators
An ICON posting

Posted On January 28 2006

Valiya Bawa Passes Away

I would like to express my deep sorrow at the passing away of Catholicose H.H Moran Mar Baselious Marthoma Mathews-II and express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved church.

May God grant Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church peace in this hour of painful separation of the Shepherd.

May his soul rest in peace

Thomas Daniel (Reji)
St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Cheppaud
An ICON posting

Posted On November 16, 2005

Congragulations To Bava Thirumeni

It is indeed heartening to see our former Bava Thirumeni to install his own successor in his lifetime and anoint him with foresight and vision. He was indeed a great shepherd, an unwavering faithful of the Malankara nazranis. Especially at a time when even people in church positions are fighting and causing disharmony within church out of power hunger.

The Malankara Orthodox Church, the independent, indigenous church of India, established on the throne of St. Thomas and being the Catholicate of the East is the sole church which has the privilege to use this blessed title ,"Catholica Bava" and "Malankara Metropolitan".

Congratulations to our new Catholicos, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I.

Saint Parumala Thirumeni, please keep praying for us and our ancient Malankara Orthodox Church to our LORD Jesus Christ.

Mathews Thomas
Thiruvananthapuram

Posted On November 11, 2005

More English Articles

I am very happy for the service you do for the Malayalee community. However, I desire that you have more and more articles in English. As a Syro-Malankara Catholic I am very interested in learning about the Malankara Orthodox Church. But It seems that you update this only rarely. One new major article every day would be awesome. While there are some bogus claims made on this website, I also find some very authentic Christian ideas on this website and the wisdom of the Christians are very powerful. But please I can't read Malayalam well so please give us MORE ARTICLES IN ENGLISH!

Michael,
Philadelphia

Posted On November 8, 2005

Future of Malankara Church

I read C. Thomas's post ,"an open letter to synod" and found it to be the common opinion of most people in our church.

Sometimes we cant help but wonder about the way our managing committees, palli committees etc function. Our Malankara church is not a political organization or a young men's club. It is our faith, it is holy for us. Malankara is our identity.

But I doubt the sincerity of most people in the committees that "manage" our church's affairs. There is clearly a lack of professionalism in the manner in which our institutions are run and programs are conducted. Also our managing leadership does not seem to have the emotional attachment, pride, love for the Malankara Orthodox church and the vision. We should probably learn from the Catholics and the jacobites this particular attitude.

I think this is only natural, since we are the independent Indian church, run by Malayalis. all the negative characteristics of Malayalis ,i.e. infighting, jealousy etc are visible in our leadership. For this to change, we need people with broader, cosmopolitan vision. The Nagpur Seminary was a good idea as it provides the church with new leaders who are not limited by narrow regional thinking.

We are the Church of India, "Catholicate of the East" and need to think out of the boundaries of Kottayam. Why cant we start thinking in terms of establishing Malankara Gospel Missions in Africa and far east? This proposal may sound farfetched to our "managing committees", but this is what the Catholicate of the East must do, at least in the future, to live up to its name. We are the Indian Orthodox Church and a great future awaits us.

Mathews Villoth
Kerala

Posted On November 5, 2005

Response to the article by Dr. Reji Mathew

I write down these few lines as a response to the article by Dr. Reji Mathew titled as the “Ecumenical Winter in Kerala: A Report”. I do not know why the Indian Orthodox Church is so much worried about the adoption of the title’ Catholicos” by Moran Mor Cyril Beselios. I think Catholicos Cyril Beselios is neither claiming the so-called throne of St.Thomas in India or the succession of the Indian Orthodox Catholicos. Moran mar Cyril Beselios is the head of a Church sui iuris in the universal Catholic Church, according to the provisions in CCEO. This Church sui iuris is coming under the Eastern Churches and following the great liturgical traditions of the West-Syrian family. It is not logical to insist that no other Churches can follow rites, rituals and traditions of the West-Syrian liturgy since Indian Orthodox Church is following the West-Syrian liturgical traditions. If so, The Antiochean Patriarch (s) can also demand that all other churches in India, other than the Syrian-Jacobite (Patriarchal group), who comes under the West-Syrian family, (For example: Indian Orthodox Church, Malankara Catholic Church, Marthoma Syrian Church, Thozhiyur Independent Church etc.) should avoid all the liturgical practices and titles they inherited from the Antiochean Church. Here we should remember that the West-Syrian liturgy and traditions, which, all these churches are using at present, are not developed in India or by the Indian Orthodox Church.

Coming back to the title ‘Catholicos’ used by Cyril Beselios, before going to commend on this, one should study well the CCEO. In CCEO it is clearly explicated that “What is stated in common law concerning patriarchal Churches or Patriarchs is understood to be applicable to Major Archepiscopal Churches or major Archbishops” (CCEO Canon 152). So this church is to certain extent equal to a patriarchal church. “ The Major Archbishops hold the precedence of honor immediately after patriarchs (CCEO, Canon 154) and that is why Cyril Beselios accepted the title Catholicos. The history and canon laws in the west-Syrian tradition state that a Catholicos holds the precedence of honor immediately after patriarch. By honor Major Archbishop Cyril Beselios directly comes under Holy Father Benedict XVI, the patriarch of Rome and the father of the Universal Church. Thus it is meaningful for the head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church to be known as the Catholicos.

Finally it is the duty and obligation of the Malankara Catholic Church to decide what title they will use for their head according to their tradition. In other words in the Catholic communion Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has the freedom to formulate her particular laws. These particular laws are formulated according to the traditions of the liturgical family to which the particular Church belongs.

Thomas Varghese
Belgium

Posted on Nov 3, 2005

Malankara Nazranis and Coonan Cross Oath(1653)

The article 'Ecumenical Winter in Kerala' was interesting and apt.

There is no doubt the self-assumption of bishop Cyril as "Catholicos of Malankara" was in bad taste and a move which came out of power hunger. Even their own Vatican has refuted this preposterous claim.

Only the Malankara Orthodox Church of India, established on the throne of St. Thomas has the privilege to use this ancient and revered title.
We are the independent, "swadeshi" church of India and our 2000 year old Malankara church is established on the throne of St. Thomas, the Apostle of India. Only our Bava Thirumeni has the right to use the title "Malankara Metropolitan" and "Katholikka Bava".

Four centuries ago, one day in 1653 AD our ancestors, the faithful Malankara Nazranis assembled at the Coonan Cross as a protest against the Catholic persecution of our church and the murder of one of our bishops by them.

On that day they, our ancestors ,took an oath, stating that, "they or their descendants to come in the ages will have nothing to do with the Roma church or its Pope".

How can then, a group of people who left Malankara church under a defecting bishop , forgetting our great past, our heritage, disregarding the Oath of our ancestors, claim that their bishop is the "Catholicos"?

These people don't care about St. Thomas ,Parumala Thirumeni or what Malankara is about.

They deserted Malankara looking for "greener" pastures which the white man could offer.
I suggest they drop the word "Malankara" from their church's name , and thus not insult the memory of our ancestors and St. Thomas .

Kevin
Kerala

Posted on Nov 1, 2005

Thank You Orthodox Herald

Dear Editor,

This is to thank the Herald Team for providing the news concerning the parishes in your on-line edition.

I was on an official visit to Abu Dhabi and after finishing the work for the day, browsed the pages of Indian Orthodox Herald. I found in the Herald pages the news that Abu Dhabi parish was celebrating the perunal of Mar Gregorios and on that occasion there would be evening prayers and sermons during the week.

I found out the telephone number of the church in Abu Dhabi, contacted the Vicar who gave me the direction to reach the church and welcomed me to the evening prayers and the sermon. When I informed him that I found the news about the Convention in the pages of herald, he was really surprised.

I could attend the prayers and a very moving sermon by Fr P.K.Varghese. As I was looking around for a taxi to get back to the hotel, one of the Parish Members, Mr Monachan, stopped his car and gave me lift right up to my hotel. He told me that I was standing next to him during the prayers and he recognized me.

Thank you Herald, your web pages were of great help. It enabled me to spend a blessed evening at the feet of the Lord . Please continue your good work.

Jacob Varghese
Dubai

Posted on Oct 13, 2005

Your Editorial

I did read your intriguing editorial which was directly aimed at the situation of St. Thomas. Perhaps you were not aware of the situation.

The altar is built in such a way that there is a laity area in front of the altar curtain. If we have a wedding indeed the couple will stay up there. I did not allow anyone to enter the ALTAR with shoes on. In the laity area I have allowed wearing shoes for safety reasons. Often people removing shoes are likely to dash against the chairs or other furniture. Many of the parents who are diabetic can get hurt.

I don't believe that wearing shoes in church will affect anyone's spirituality. I am not wanting have an argument on this.

The bishops knew that the guests including ladies were sitting outside the altar area. They were not stupid nor I. Or are you objecting anyone other than Orthodox to enter the sanctified church?

We had the curtain repairing people to come the next day. They won't work without wearing their sneakers and would you ask them to remove their shoes before working there? Are you dreaming?

When we have others to come in for repair or other events we bless the place again, as per direction we got from our fathers? Of we do the repair ourselves?

I don't know where this conservatism is going take you to! I don't see anything other than the Pharisee faith in your editorial. why not care for the people's life than these account of unimportant matters?

Fr.M.K.Kuriakose
Philadelphia

Posted on Sept 17, 2005

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Thank You Pulikottil Achen for the wonderful article on exaltation of Cross explaining the core essential aspect to be understood by an Orthodox Christian. May He illuminate each of us to more perfectly partake in the Liturgical worship as individuals and together as Church

George Varghese, Calgary, Canada

Posted on July 12, 2005

Do we have stand for our Sabha Problem?

I am a regular reader of IOH ..
For the last 2-3 days we were very much ashamed in saying that we are Orthodox Christians ... Because this SABHA problem is becoming too much ugly ..

Here 90 % of the Orthodox Christians don't favor this managing committees decision .. We feel that they are not aware of the actual issues behind it and they don't know what they are fighting for .. So IOH must write an article on this by contacting Devalokam, including the actual Stand of our SABHA..

Now WHO IS THE LEADER OF Malankara Orthodox SABHA ? We are really confused.

Pray for the peace.
a.n.i.s.h
Anish Thomas Cherian

Posted on July 12, 2005

Do you know what the Patriarch did?

Dear readers,
Please visit the following site for some photos:

http://www.americansuryoyo.com/wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww_english.htm

You will see Syrian people in streets against their own Bishop Mar Eugene Kaplan of Burbank, California.

Do you know what the Patriarch did? Though majority of people were against the bishop, the Patriarch Mar Zakka supported the bishop. People were thrown out of the parish. Now these people are under a priest named Fr. Tarzi (a great Syriac scholar) and worshiping in temporary facilities.

This one incident is enough to prove the hypocritical approach of Jacobite leaders in Kerala and people charged by their leaders. In Kerala the approach they take is very similar to that in Kerala politics (i.e. the principle that 'pothujanam kazhutha' and they can be used for any desires of leaders). It is about enjoying power.

If possible try to educate people by giving these real examples of SOC approach towards common people of parish. Jacobite leaders should be given a copy of these photos. A white paper can be prepared about the SOC approach. A copy should be sent to Mr. VV Augustine also.

What right they have to talk about rights of people? In Kerala they are using this technique not out of true love towards right of people, but to capture churches which they consider as victory. Again it is worldly ambition to win against the Orthodox.

If you know Jacobite leaders or those mislead by the honey coated sermons of these leaders, please inform them about these events in SOC, happening with the full knowledge of Patriarch.

You can read the cry of the people at California:
http://www.americansuryoyo.com/Response_to_%20St.%20Ephraim_%20Council_eng.htm

http://bethsuryoyo.com/articles/OpenLetterbyFrTarzi/OpenLetterbyFrTarziEnglish.htm

But the SOC bishop and Patriarch ignored it. People were forced to move out of St. Ephraim Cathedral.

Any truth in the words of Jacobites leaders in Kerala, if so why don't they talk against the SOC act above?

Keep educating people against the unjust acts of Jacobite leaders in Kerala. Only when we liberate the Church from these leaders who are in unity with RC we have peace in Orthodox Church.

Thomas PA

Posted on July 11, 2005

Disturbing the law and order.......

It has been a week since that the tragic and the shameful happenings at Aluva Thrikkunnathu seminary has occurred. Even after one week, i think that the problem has not been settled to any extent. The opinions of the political leaders also favoring the Jacobite group. The politicians talks on these issues as if the property belongs to the patriarchal faction. Is this a good way of interfering in the church matters, when the church is going through a bad patch. The media also speaks the same way favoring the acts of H.B. Thomas Mar Divanyasios (Sreshta Catholicos ).

After the Aluva affair, we have found that he is not only a aggressive minded, but also a good actor. Such was his drama at Aluva. Any way he succeeded in receiving the sympathies of the others who don't know much about the issue. Now he has stated his desire to conduct mass at Aluva St. Mary's church net Sunday, when the situation is the most worsened. I think that he has not learned from his mistakes and lets pray to god to give him the knowledge of what he is doing, what he is supposed to do, and what he has done in the past.

George K Abraham
NOIDA, UP, India

Posted on July 06, 2005

The Filthy drama at Thrikkunnathu Seminary

The whole drama of gimmicks unleashed in the name of possession of the SEMINARY by Baselios Thomas1 Catholicos on June29 and July2,3 is nothing less than an act of irreligiousness. Sadly enough the whole developments at the Thrikkunnathu Seminary speaks foul about the “good shepherding" of the Thomas1 Catholicos. While the Catholicos may tell and impress the society that it is part of his ministry, we, ordinary laymen, are eager to know how the Catholicos answers the following:

a. Doesn’t the Catholicos know that the cite of dispute is only the Thrikkunnathu Seminary and not the Aramana and the Chapel away from it.
b. Doesn’t the Catholicos know that it is unbecoming ,if not shameful to poke his nose into another’s domain of activity.
c. Doesn’t the Catholicos know that breaking the curfew imposed by the Civil authorities and instigating others to do so are punishable offence in the eye of Law.
d. Doesn’t the Catholicos know that true to the office he holds the Society expects a better and refined course of action from him.

The Patriarchal Catholicos may have his own explanations.
Let better wisdom prevail on him.

Prof. John Mathew Koodarathil,
Kottayam.

Posted on July 06, 2005

The Unpleasant Happenings ....

I think that by the time I write this opinion we may all be aware about the unfortunate happenings at Aluva Thrikkunnathu seminary. But as far as I am considered the act of the police, i.e the lathicharge of the police inside St. Mary's Jacobite Church was unforgivable as many of the innocents got the stick and the real culprits hide themselves inside the church. But the decision of the police officials to enter into the church premises was not for good. While watching in the news I really felt hurt on this incident.

While the Jacobite faction do not have any clear evidences on the authority over the seminary, I still cannot understand why they are doing all these dramas. To say, I think the administration and the procedures of the Orthodox Church in India is going in a snail's pace. The time has arrived for the Church to take some quick decisions other wise, i think that there may be other bishops and priests who will be joining the other faction in the near future if the church activities and administration does no gather the pace. Above all we all are indebted to pray for our church especially over the happenings at Aluva and to find and eternal solution for that.

George K Abraham
India

Posted on July 06, 2005

To Sit In the Middle Of the Road

I would like to talk about Shrestta Catholica Bava " Alpan acharam kittiyal ardharathriyil kuda pidikkum" Let this Eminent hold and sit in the middle of the road Near Thrikkunnathu Seminary. (Ref Philippians 2: 3-8)

George Thamaravelil
New York

Posted on July 05, 2005

Disgraceful Aluva Episodes

The recent episodes staged at the gates of Thrikkunnathu Seminary and Aluva during the past 2 days made all Christians bend their heads in disgrace. Shreshta Catholicos Dionysius Thomas I went on hunger strike. He even signed his will. That was seen as a green signal for few Jacobite brothers (many of whom are candid with only a handful having destructive mentality and criminal background) to take to the streets. They showed their vigor by setting ablaze the vehicle of an innocent Muslim family.. Women and children had to flee from the car to save their lives. It has become an indelible black mark ..It is unheard even in politics. only seen in underworlds and mafias. Is this a Christian way? Is it how we follow Jesus who advocated non violence and still influences millions?

Many priests were seen to be leading the mob...How could they have forgotten that they are the anointed ones who take the Savior in their hands during the Holy Eucharist (Body and blood of Jesus in the form of bread and vine) whom the Angels get afraid when looked at. How could they forget that they are the ambassadors of the same Christ who prayed on the cross for those who hurt Him?? Have they not come across the scripture which clearly says "I will punish you for all your iniquities" - Amos 3:2

The whole nation condemned these acts. Of course there were one or two who wanted to fish in the troubled waters. Time alone will prove about their investment.

Thomas Chacko, Eranakulam

Posted on June 30, 2005

A Flawless Article

I read the article on "prayers for the departed" and it was such a wonderful article that it helped in clearing all the clouds. I would also like to request the administration to include article based on the "child baptism" in orthodox churches that would help me in clearing the doubts on some of the protestant factors like "Manasandaram" and then "Snanam".....

George K Abraham
Delhi, India.

Posted on June 30, 2005

Don’t publish this type of stupid articles

I read the article written by Mr. Varghese George, Kaleena Mumbai. I’m a regular reader of orthodox herald. I thought this is the official magazine of our church. Don’t publish this type of stupid articles in this type of magazine. As everyone knows our church is facing serious crises in Aluva seminary and Kolenchery. This type of article Reduce the self confidences of our bishops, priest and members. In this time we should try to protect and help the bishops who came to our church from the jacobite fraction. Please don’t try publishing this type of stupid articles. This will weaken our church. I hope you will take this mail positively

George Mannummood
New York

Posted on June 30, 2005

Let us Fast and Pray for our beloved Sabha

 I am writing this letter in concern with what happened in Thrikkunnathu seminary recently. It was very unfortunate that these things happened to our Sabha. The seminary belonged to us ,as I learned, now it is a vacant place. There is a lot of unfortunate things happening in our Sabha recently. I think we all have to fast and pray for these to pass over. I have the opinion that in all our churches we should dedicate one day for fast and pray for our beloved Sabha. So also in our upcoming family conference.

JT Molethu
New York, USA

Posted on June 20, 2005

On Open Letter To Synod

Yes; Managing Committee seems to be too vocal and uncontrollable. I believe the primary reason for this rowdy behavior is the ineptitude of those holding power. My last trip to Kerala disappointed me immensely seeing the selfishness and egoism of our Bishops. They all act like independent Sheikdoms ,with no regard for the well being of the Church. To top it off Bawa has no administrative interest in Church matters other than accumulating wealth for his favorite project for posterity; Sasthankotta..

Managing Committee members are not rubber stamps for the 'Kottayam Lobby' who traditionally make decision for the Church. It is a joke that the 'legal cell' at Kottayam, guiding the Church Case has sole interest to keep the litigation prolonged for self serving needs. Court victory will never make it possible for us to occupy churches like Manarcadu etc. We still spend millions siphoned out of offering from Parumala Shrine.The activism of the Managing committee and laity in general is due to the self promotion of those in power-be it the Synod or the Working Committee.

Just look at Patriarch Faction and their success during the past few years. Sole reason is their Catholicoses' loyalty, dedication and sincerity to the cause he believes in. He has no difficulty controlling his bishops and elicit political support from others. Strangely we lack that and don't blame the Managing Committee for your lapses.

I really wonder about our future as a church and prays daily for divine intervention and guidance for those in power.

C. Thomas, Edmonton
Canada

Posted on April 14, 2005

Support The Herald Financially

You are doing a great job through the Herald. The effort, energy and the expense for the endeavor must be big and I hope our people will support the Herald financially without your asking for it. We have access to lot of Church news and teachings through the Herald, Dwai varika, Deepam etc. Great job!

We as a parish will do our part. I am going to present this in the Church Committee next Sunday. we will send an amount soon.

Fr .Dr .C. C. Mathews, NJ
CCMathewsachen@aol.com
www.njorthodoxchurch.org

Posted on March 21, 2005

Malayalam Edition Of Indian Orthodox Herald

It is great to have IOH in Malayalam. Thanks for the efforts of BMM Creations Inc and all others involved in the noble work. Peace.

Thomas
Dallas, TX

Posted on March 21, 2005

Malayalam Edition - Exemplary Venture

It is very appreciating that Orthodox Herald started the Malayalam edition. I consider this as a medium to contact and communicate the sons and daughters of Malankara Orthodox Church all over the world. I hope we can use the edition to share the day to day events of our Holy Church. This will help us to think globally and work locally. May God bless everybody who is working for this edition.

JT Molethu
New York, USA

Posted on March 21, 2005

The Updates In The English Edition

The Orthodox Herald is a great source of information for the orthodox youth. I personally enjoy the articles about the history of our church and would like to request the editors of the Herald to update the website more frequently. Thank you God Bless the Malankara Orthodox Church

Robin Mani
PA, USA

Posted on March 13, 2005

Mar Dionysius Of Madras Diocese

I was reading the Malayalam version of the Orthodox Herald dated March 6th 2005 . The article was very interesting and detailed .Thanks for providing all the information regarding the four bishops and their predecessors. I found that a Thirumeni was missed out from the Dionysius name . HG Zachariah Mar Dionysius was the first Metropolitan of Madras Diocese. HG was from Mount Tabor Dayara in Pathnapuram .Thirumeni name was missing from the Dionysius list.

Thomas Abraham
2354 , Cabo Way
Gold River
California 95670

Posted On March 09 2005

Congratulations!!

Congratulations for the Malayalam Edition of Indian Orthodox Herald

Fr. Dr. M. O. John
Chief Editor
Malankara Sabha Deepam,
P.B.611, Kottayam 686001

Posted On March 07 2005

Thanks IOH For The Updates On The Bishop’s Ordination In Malayalam Edition

Please note that in the March 6 edition the report regarding 'Dionysius to Dionysius' I feel after HG Thoma Mar Dionysius it should be HG Zachariah Mar Dionysius, the first Metropolitan of the Madras Diocese. I hope if this is an oversight it would be corrected in the subsequent issue .Also forgot to mention about Chepatt Mar Dionysius. I understand the Mavelikara Padiyola was prepared during his time. I would appreciate if mention a few words about Chepatt Mar Dionysius also. This will help people like to me brush up our memory and teach our young generation
Once again appreciating and thanking IOH team for the wonderful reports.

Philip Ayyamplackal
New Zealand

Posted On February 20 2005

Catholicos Bava for Catholics

I see the elevation of His Grace Cyril Mar Baselios as a positive approach for both the Malankara Catholic community, as well as the Syriac Orthodox and Indian Orthodox communities.

Instead of playing enemies with the Catholics, Orthodox should act for unity in the Love of Christ. We Syrian Christians have a common Tradition, valid Sacraments, valid Orders, and most importantly the Holy Qurbana.

The Catholic Syrians are not the bad guys. They attempted to preserve their Tradition the same way those in the Indian Orthodox did, by separating from the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch. Nowadays, this is no longer a real issue, but politics and personal pain take a long time to heal.

Let us put away petty bickering and look toward Christ this Easter. Let us pray that this century long Lent will soon come to an end and we become one soon.

The good thing about having a Catholicos Bava for the Catholics is that they will no longer have to go to Rome for every commitment. Now they are free to join with Orthodox and Jacobites with one Father.

Hopefully, soon we will unite under one Faith, one Church, one Syriac-Indian Tradition, in One Lord Jesus Christ. May the Saints pray for all of us.

Michael, USA

Posted On February 17 2005

We may take the Coonan Cross Pledge again!

The elevation of Cyril Mar Baselios as Catholicos is to confuse the general public. It is suspected that they are trying to fish out from troubled water. In 1930, Mar Evanios abandoned our Great Malankara Church and joined Pope of Rome. Since then they are trying to get people from our church by many ways.

The Russian Orthodox Church is constantly fighting against the divisive activity of Rome. In 1653 we revolted against the foreign interference. Is it time for us to take the coonan cross pledge again?!!
May God bless our mother church from all trials and tribulations.

JT Molethu, New York, USA

Posted On February 14 2005

Catholicos for Syro Malabar Catholic Church

The move to elevate H.G. Cyril Mar Baselios as CATHOLICOS by H.H Pope will surely a big setback to both the group of Malankara Orthodox Church.

Now also its not too late to understand we brother of the Holy Orthodox Church in India that one day what we have, also will be lost if Catholics play such tactics.

Catholics are now trying to play with the title of CATHOLICOS to confuse general public. When will our Bishops and the poor people will understand these tactics. We fight for a small piece of cake but Catholics are watching us and making the best moves to eat the big cake. Really a very smart move by Catholics.

H.B. Catholicos Baselios Thomas I got had a very good chance 2 yrs back to reunite the Malankara Church but all the efforts was in vain.

Kindly, dear brothers and sisters, time is there now also to sit and think by kindly remembering our church forefathers, let it may a Indian or Syrian who have laid their lives for the betterment of our 2000 Yrs old Church.

Praying for my Church and her Bava Thirumeni and all Metropolitans. May God Bless Malankara Orthodox Church (Jacobite & Orthodox).

Abimon Joy, Kuwait

Posted On February 6 2005

On The Length Of Our Worship Service

Regarding the length of our service, I feel I still belong to the old school of thought.

Qurbana is a responsibility placed in our hands by the mercy of God. The glory that angels would have loved to have, has been placed in the hands of mere humans. Humans are allowed to handle elements at the sight of which trembles the heavenly beings. We seldom realize that in Qurbana we stand before the Creator on behalf of the entire Creation. Representing the entire created order, we worship the Triune God, we plead for mercy for the entire creation, we beg for pardon for the entire creation, we accept the blessings on behalf of the entire creation and we depart in peace on behalf of the entire creation.

When Chackochayan and Aliceammama with their three children runs into the church as the Fourth Thubden is being completed, they fail to see the contempt with which they deal with this responsibility. We often take our existence for granted, unaware of how close we are to annihilation. I use strong words, but we all, including myself, at times are guilty of taking the event for granted.

I am averse to the concept of time during Qurbana. I think the clock in the church is really out of place. (I know that in the world we live in today, it does serve its purpose, yet..). I remember John Thomas Achen of Jackson Hts, NY once speaking of how during time of Qurbana the time gap of the 2000 years between us and Christ's earthly ministry is removed as we relive His life, His death and His resurrection. Truly we transcend time and space during Qurbana. We need to bear that in mind and enter the church leaving time and space outside.

Yes we are tired after a long service. The legs do ache at times, but the bliss of being one with the Creator covers up for the little discomfort. I understand people who are sick and aged -- they can participate as much as they can, their God will understand them -- it is always a matter of connection between you and Him. (Yet, how different it is from the Protestant concept of personal salvation.)

Regarding repetition in our service, I am reminded of the words of HG Mar Barnabas when we asked HG about the repetition in our prayers --"We kiss a baby once, then we kiss it again, then again and again-- why? Kissing the first time is not enough? Why kiss the second time? Each time you pray, even if we repeat -- the experience is different, we cross different levels in our spiritual experience!" Where words, logic and reasoning fail, faith begins; and the love of God engulfs.

Our service is a treasure handed down to us, handle it with care; lest we lose it completely. Instead of complaining about the length of the service standing on the outside, let us get into the inside and study the beauty of the service and marvel it. Let us try to focus on the depth of our theology of the Holy Spirit revealed during the service on Pentecost or the passion of the Lord dealt with in detail during Good Friday or the vitality of the prayers each Sunday during Qurbana.

One thing we could think of changing though is -- the cursing of Jews during the Good Friday service.

Regards,
Mathew Samuel, Albany, NY

Posted On January 26 2005

Dear Editor

I am delighted to read the on line edition of Indian Orthodox Herald of 25th January 2005.

The IOH has not only been improving in content but also in presentation. The page is appealing and captures the attention. The paper fulfills the need of Orthodox believers world over.

I congratulate the team for not only maintaining the standard of this on-line edition for the long 4 years, but also continually improving the IOH.

Please convey my appreciation to your team, especially the developers who must have been toiling to keep it going.

Jacob Varghese
Lead Auditor
Bureau Veritas Quality International
PO Box 9110
Dubai
UAE